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Fleet Mobility Services working to fix air conditioning in fire trucks

In late July, City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly wrote a memo pointing out that 20 trucks within the Austin Fire Department’s fleet “are currently lacking functioning air conditioning systems.” Not only is that a risk for firefighters, she wrote, but…

Fire • By Jo Clifton • Aug 8, 2023

State Theatre slated for head-to-toe renovation project

The State Theatre, the smaller sibling space of the Paramount Theatre and one of Austin’s oldest operating venues, will soon undergo a 21st-century upgrade. Emily Little of Clayton Korte Architects stopped by last week’s Historic Landmark Commission meeting to share…

Music & Entertainment • By Kali Bramble • Aug 8, 2023

Equity Action slams budget proposal as ‘throwback to the ’90s’

Some community advocates are decrying interim City Manager Jesús Garza’s budget proposal as a “throwback to the ’90s.” Garza released his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24 in July. The $5.5 billion budget represents what Garza calls a “Back to…

Budget • By Nina Hernandez • Aug 7, 2023

Nash Hernandez Building still among four sites considered to host senior, child programs

The city is continuing work to establish a community center for seniors and young children in East Austin, with sites under consideration including the Nash Hernandez Building. A memo released last week discloses the latest progress related to a December…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 7, 2023

Capital Metro quietly rolls out money-saving app and payment card months late

Lee esta historia en español With little fanfare, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority launched a new app and payment card last week – months behind schedule. The card and app can save users money on train or bus rides. The transit…

Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Aug 7, 2023

Environmental Commission can't agree on Polo Fields parking solution

After a lengthy discussion, the Environmental Commission this week tabled an item that would recommend the Parks and Recreation Department end vehicle parking on the Zilker Park Polo Fields. The discussion happened at the commission’s Aug. 2 regular meeting, and…

Parks • By Nina Hernandez • Aug 4, 2023

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Austin Water and Watershed Protection Department seeking small rate hikes

Neither Austin Water nor the Watershed Protection Department have asked for an increase in their rates in many years, but both are doing so in the upcoming budget. Austin Water has not asked for an increase in its rates since…

Budget • By Jo Clifton • Aug 4, 2023

Housing costs analysis endorses changes in lots sizes, compatibility requirements

City staff and researchers at the University of Texas looking to reduce housing costs have published their recommendations on policies for City Council to consider. A memo published last week offers a broad overview of the current state of affordability…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 4, 2023

Austin's I-35 plans revised to include new cap and a $25 million boardwalk

Lee esta historia en español The Interstate 35 expansion through Central Austin is undergoing significant revisions as local officials try to negotiate improvements to the $4.5 billion project, aimed at widening the highway that’s cut through downtown since it opened…

Roads • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Aug 4, 2023

Federal court rules Austin’s short-term rental rules unlawful

Senior U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra on Tuesday issued a ruling that overturns Austin’s short-term rental ordinance adopted in 2016. The plaintiffs, Robert Anding and his wife, Roberta, filed suit against the city after attempting to register one of…

Courts • By Jo Clifton • Aug 3, 2023

Proposed police budget increase sparks community pushback

Interim City Manager Jesús Garza’s Fiscal Year 2023-24 city budget proposal would increase the Austin Police Department’s operating budget by $31.7 million, or slightly more than 7 percent, prompting pushback from police reform advocates. Some of the major cost drivers…

Budget • By Emma Freer • Aug 3, 2023

Travis County to set pay raises for elected officials in line with all county workers

Travis County is in the preliminary stages of raising pay for its elected officials by 5 percent. The news came during the Tuesday session of the Travis County Commissioners Court. Todd Osburn, the assistant director of total rewards with the…

Travis County • By Seth Smalley • Aug 3, 2023

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