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How does Texas' 'sanctuary cities' bill stack up against Arizona's 'show me your papers' law?
City Council Member Greg Casar sat on the floor, his back blocking one of the two main entrances to a state building on the Capitol grounds. He’d taken a seat as part of a sit-in Monday to protest Senate Bill…
Texas State Legislature • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 5, 2017
Music venues may face new rules as city adjusts 'agent of change' proposal
Austin officials have made significant changes to a pair of proposed policies affecting the city’s live music economy, and will spend much of May presenting them to local boards and community groups ahead of an expected early June vote by City…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • May 5, 2017
Downtown change: new rail station, more two-way traffic
In two votes Thursday, City Council approved funding to help the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority build a new downtown rail station and public plaza to serve the Red Line and gave the OK to turn East Fifth Street into a…
Transit • By Jack Craver • May 5, 2017
City employee pay raises an open question
Studies, both nationwide and in Texas, project a 3 percent increase in salaries this year, including wages for public employees, according to data presented to City Council during Wednesday’s budget work session. Last year, all city employees got a wage…
Budget • By Jo Clifton • May 4, 2017
All ears on Red River as noise curfew pilot program kicks off
Today marks the official start of a six-month program that will bring later hours for live music to one of the city’s most well-regarded cultural centers. Known in city channels as the Red River pilot program, the change in city…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • May 4, 2017
Council gears up for mobility bond investments
City Council is on the verge of approving tens of millions of dollars to help jump-start the ambitious mobility bond program voters approved last November. The agenda holds a full six items that would cumulatively earmark $39 million for transportation…
Transportation • By Caleb Pritchard • May 4, 2017
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12th & Chicon bus stop will showcase East Austin's African-American history
The bus stop at the southeast corner of 12th Street and Chicon once featured vibrant plaques commemorating the history of East Austin. But the plaques have fallen into disrepair since being installed in 2003. Now, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority…
Transit • By Kate Groetzinger • May 4, 2017
Bills threaten Austin's land use plans
Brie Franco, the city of Austin’s chief legislative strategist, gave City Council a brief update at Tuesday’s work session before rushing off to do some last minute lobbying. The city is facing a number of legislative attempts to curb its…
Texas State Legislature • By Jo Clifton • May 3, 2017
Music Commission gives support to East Austin arts hub
The Music Commission gave its approval Monday to a request for support from Mosaic Sound Collective, an East Austin project that has been proposed as a future hub of music and jobs for Austin musicians. Mosaic organizers are currently preparing…
Development • By Chad Swiatecki • May 3, 2017
Council to reconsider curfew for kids
Members of City Council are exploring changes to a 27-year-old ordinance aimed at keeping kids off the streets at night and during school hours. Currently, those under age 17 who are caught wandering about unaccompanied during school days from 9…
Public Safety • By Jack Craver • May 3, 2017
Public Safety Commission calls for refined counting measures of city's homeless population
Andy Hofmeister, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services division chief, addressed the Public Safety Commission at its May 1 meeting. Hofmeister answered questions of concern regarding the city’s growing homeless population. According to Hofmeister, there were roughly 2,200 homeless individuals in…
Austin • By Sommer Brugal • May 3, 2017
Demonstrators arrested after staging sit-in at state office to protest 'sanctuary' bill
State troopers began arresting demonstrators who had staged an all-day sit-in at a state office building to protest legislation banning so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions Monday. City Council Member Greg Casar was arrested and cited with a Class B misdemeanor for Criminal…
