The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
Adler, Renteria in Mexico on trade, climate mission
Mayor Steve Adler and City Council Member Pio Renteria are on a two-pronged mission to Mexico this week – strengthening Austin’s economic ties with Mexico and championing efforts to combat climate change. In a prepared statement, Adler said, “Economic growth…
City Council • By Jo Clifton • Nov 30, 2016
Historic zoning debate reaches new heights at BoA
Are brand-new houses just as eligible for historic zoning as older homes? The answer may not surprise you: No, they are not. The fact that this question was the subject of a half-hour discussion at the Board of Adjustment, however,…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Nov 29, 2016
Politics, money at play even in polling places
The Dec. 13 runoff between incumbent City Council Member Sheri Gallo and challenger Alison Alter will cost the city about $470,000, according to City Clerk Jannette Goodall. That amount accounts for about 50 percent of the cost of the joint…
Elections • By Jo Clifton • Nov 29, 2016
City works to create more aggressive response to major floods
As Austin adjusts to the reality of major flooding on a regular basis, City Council is working to create a more comprehensive set of policies to respond to the damage caused by heavy rainstorms. Last year, Council created a Flood…
Environment • By Cate Malek • Nov 29, 2016
Commissioners Court could choose critic for Central Health board
The Travis County Commissioners Court is officially thinking about putting an outspoken critic of Central Health on the hospital district’s board of managers. On Tuesday, the court will interview attorney Fred Lewis for the open position along with three other…
Local Government • By Caleb Pritchard • Nov 29, 2016
Virtual reality expected to help city attract billions in foreign investment
Through the use of virtual reality, the city of Austin is turning to the thriving local video game industry to help attract overseas investors and billions of dollars in new economic development money. The hope is that local developers can…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Nov 28, 2016
Subscribe to our newsletter
BoA postpones interpretation case, disappoints developer
During a special called meeting on Nov. 21, the Board of Adjustment voted to postpone an interpretation case to its next meeting on Dec. 12. Leah Bojo, a senior manager at Drenner Group representing PSW Real Estate, cried “No!” from…
The Code • By Joseph Caterine • Nov 28, 2016
Survey finds a wealth of history in East Austin
At long last, the East Austin Historic Resources Survey is complete and ready for review. The survey covered the area of Austin east of Interstate 35, north of Lady Bird Lake, south of Manor Road and east of Pleasant Valley…
Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Nov 28, 2016
County official: Political gridlock and local preemption loom at the Capitol
The Texas Legislature is returning to Austin in just 47 days, and Travis County is bracing for impact. On Tuesday, the Commissioners Court’s field team at the Capitol gave a grim forecast of political headwinds to come once the 85th…
Texas State Legislature • By Caleb Pritchard • Nov 23, 2016
Little known on when public safety contract negotiations will start
Two of the city’s three public safety unions are willing to consider a one-year extension of their contracts with the city – but it might not be as simple as giving the go-ahead. Although negotiations for new contracts are set…
Public Safety • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Nov 23, 2016
Austin Water in process of cost-of-service study
Austin Water, the city-owned water and wastewater utility, is currently in the midst of a lengthy cost-of-service study that will shape the rates it will charge Austin residents and businesses for water over the next decade. Unlike Austin Energy, the…
Water • By Jack Craver • Nov 23, 2016
Audit finds misuse of city resources
Two employees of Austin Water are facing possible disciplinary actions after an investigation by the Office of the City Auditor found that they used city computers for work on their secondary employment. Reports from both investigations demonstrate how difficult it…
