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- How Trump’s federal funding freeze is beginning to affect Austin
- Austin is increasing security at city parks and greenbelts following string of car break-ins
- Save Austin Now to get rehearing on enforcement of Prop B
- Environmental Commission weighs Project Connect’s environmental impact and federal funding
- After shutting off mental health care for Austin musicians, SIMS Foundation restarts services
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- YMCA to operate new Dove Springs early education center opening in March
- Austin among strongest markets in affordable housing production
- Texas Metro Blueprint highlights Austin’s needs, priorities for state legislators
- Housing survey focuses on those with autism, intellectual disabilities
- Volunteer spots are now open for It’s My Park Day
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Latest Headlines for Sunday, February 16
Planning Commission hears complaints, offers amendments on new STR ordinance in marathon hearing
Over the course of more than three hours, the Planning Commission heard often rancorous public comments on a new ordinance that would regulate short-term rentals, then voted to recommend 11 of their own amendments to the ordinance at its regular…
Housing • By Miles Wall • Feb 14, 2025
How Trump’s federal funding freeze is beginning to affect Austin
On Jan. 31, a U.S. district judge granted a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Trump administration from implementing a slew of executive orders that would freeze federal funding programs that allow access to health care, housing, education and other basic…
Austin • By Lina Fisher • Feb 14, 2025
Austin just made it illegal to park in bike lanes
Austin City Council has approved a rule making it illegal to park in a bike lane. Thursday’s unanimous vote means violators will be ticketed and fined. Fines could range from $50 to $300. Council Member Paige Ellis said several people…
Transportation • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Feb 14, 2025
Evaluation will resume this month on proposal to consolidate and eliminate some boards and commissions
Discussions about a proposal from Council Member Ryan Alter to revamp the city’s citizen advisory boards are set to continue. In a City Council Message Board post on Wednesday, Alter provided an update on his December resolution (which Council unanimously…
City Hall • By Mina Shekarchi • Feb 14, 2025
Featured Collection: November 2024 elections
Siegel, Bledsoe headed for a runoff in District 7
In a crowded race to represent North Central District 7, none of the six contenders managed to snag 50 percent of the vote. As a result, Mike Siegel and Gary Bledsoe will face off in a runoff next month. Siegel,…
More Headlines for November 2024 elections
- Austin’s Ethics Review Commission dismisses complaints against Siegel and Faddis without prejudice
- Laine, Ganguly to see no penalties for ethics violations over election filings
- After a close race, Bledsoe and Siegel share perspectives on runoff results
- Ethics commission dismisses Watson and Greco cases and sets hearing on two other complaints
After shutting off mental health care for Austin musicians, SIMS Foundation restarts services
The SIMS Foundation, which has provided low-cost and free mental health care to Austin musicians for decades, is connecting clients to services again after a three-month pause. SIMS Foundation CEO Derrick Lesnau said the organization reached its fundraising goal of a…
Public Health • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Feb 13, 2025
Panelists explore AI's growing role in Austin's economy and policy space
With artificial intelligence quickly penetrating more facets of public and private life every day, policymakers and technology observers in Austin want the city to take advantage of the opportunities presented by AI while also safeguarding against the potential threats from…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 13, 2025
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Council-initiated Dessau Road rezoning for nonprofit office to be returned with dueling recommendations
A rezoning initiated by City Council on two properties that local nonprofit Foster Village plans to use for office space will come back with dueling recommendations from the Planning Department and the Zoning and Platting Commission after the latter voted…
Zoning • By Miles Wall • Feb 13, 2025
TipSheet: Austin City Council 2.13.25
Today, the Austin City Council will convene for a regular meeting with a manageable agenda that has some issues worth diving into. As usual, we’ve taken a minute to highlight those issues and, as usual, the whole agenda and backup…
TipSheets • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 13, 2025
A streamlined approach to infill housing is set for Council action
City Council members received a preview Tuesday of a proposed infill ordinance, or “site plan lite,” aimed at streamlining the approval process for small-scale residential projects. The proposed ordinance on Thursday’s agenda would apply to developments of five to 16…
Land Development Code • By Amy Smith • Feb 12, 2025
Council vote could help secure tax credits for seven projects with affordable units
On Thursday, City Council will consider resolutions of support for seven affordable housing developments seeking funding through the state’s 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. If approved, items 16-22 on the agenda will be included in developers’ applications…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 12, 2025
Austin's Ethics Review Commission dismisses complaints against Siegel and Faddis without prejudice
Two complaints about alleged campaign finance violations were dropped at a special called meeting of the city’s Ethics Review Commission, but they could be filed again in the future. Adam Haynes, a member of the Planning Commission, filed the complaints,…
Elections • By Hunter Simmons • Feb 12, 2025
City releases short list for 2025 Heritage Preservation Grant
Bids for the city’s Heritage Preservation Grant are in, and staffers are circling in on the lucky landmarks deemed worthy to snag a slice of the pie. Heritage Tourism Division Manager Melissa Alvarado stopped by last week’s meeting of the…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Feb 11, 2025
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Nonprofit spotlight: Four questions for American Gateways
American Gateways ensures access to the justice system for low-income immigrants. We serve 23 counties in Central Texas and provide high-quality legal representation and accurate information about what is happening in our immigration system. What is the mission of American…