Petition-backed measure to mandate police staffing will go to Austin voters

A ballot measure that would set a mandatory minimum for police staffing in Austin is on its way to voters. The city clerk on Tuesday certified petition signatures from the group Save Austin Now, paving the way for a November…

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Wednesday, August 4, 2021 by Jo Clifton

EMS

Alter finds funding for more EMS, fire services

When City Council Member Alison Alter heard that the Loop 360/Davenport Fire and EMS Station would not be opening in Fiscal Year 2022 as planned, she thought of how savings from that station could be used to help the Austin…

Wednesday, August 4, 2021 by Jonathan Lee

Public Safety

Public Safety Commission recommends ceasing Prop B citations

The Public Safety Commission Monday recommended that City Council halt citations and arrests related to Proposition B, arguing that public camping should not be criminalized when people don’t have anywhere else to go. “There are myriad reasons listed for why…

Wednesday, August 4, 2021 by Seth Smalley

Housing

County mobilizes to reach residents who qualify for emergency rental assistance

On Aug. 3, the Travis County Commissioners Court fielded updates on the national Emergency Rental Assistance Program from Sherri Fleming with County Health and Human Services. The program concerns rental and utility assistance programs and initiatives made available from federal…

Tuesday, August 3, 2021 by Jonathan Lee

City Council

A Council resolution floats safety-minded changes on Sixth Street. Some are more controversial than others.

In response to a recent spate of violence on Sixth Street, City Council unanimously passed a resolution Thursday that sets out to tackle long-neglected safety problems in the area. If the proposed changes in the resolution come to fruition after…

Tuesday, August 3, 2021 by Jo Clifton

Zoning

Springdale and 12th Street upzoning OK’d

At the urging of Mayor Pro Tem Natasha Harper-Madison, City Council approved a zoning request for 1200, 1202 and 1208 Springdale Road Thursday night, with all members voting in favor except Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, who was off the dais.…