Austin Energy rolls out updates to renewable energy and storage program

As Austin Energy continues to refine its renewable energy and storage network, customers using solar panels or electric vehicles can look forward to some system upgrades. Richard Genece, vice president of customer energy solutions, and Tim Harvey, renewable solutions manager,…

Energy • By Kali Bramble • Jun 23, 2023

What Austin and Travis County learned about rental assistance during the pandemic

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Austin and Travis County had no overarching infrastructure in place for distributing rental assistance or otherwise supporting low-income families at risk of eviction. Then, millions of people across industries lost their sources of…

Housing • By Nina Hernandez • Jun 22, 2023

‘Stay hydrated, stay cool and stay safe’: Austin, Travis County officials warn of heat risks

Austin has been under an excessive heat warning since late last week, putting residents – especially those most vulnerable – at risk for heat-related illnesses. Temperatures have been at or near 100 degrees, and with no end in sight, Austin…

Environment • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Jun 22, 2023

East Austin demolition forces landmark commission to grapple with higher powers

Though their comments held no official weight, Historic Landmark Commission members had things to say about a state law that prohibits the city from intervening in the demolition or relocation of buildings owned by religious organizations. Kalan Contreras of the…

Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 22, 2023

State laws will have broad-spectrum effects on Travis County

The 88th Texas Legislature’s regular session recently ended, with both favorable and unfavorable fiscal effects on Travis County. On Tuesday, county Intergovernmental Relations Officer Julie Wheeler updated the Travis County Commissioners Court on the outcomes of the session and the…

Texas State Legislature • By Seth Smalley • Jun 22, 2023

Should Austin limit public contact with wild animals at for-profit zoos, aquariums?

The Animal Advisory Commission continues to grapple with language on a proposed ordinance that would limit public contact with wild animals at for-profit zoos and aquariums. At its June 12 meeting, the commission voted to convene a second working group…

Public Health • By Nina Hernandez • Jun 21, 2023

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Landmark commission pushes for ‘partnership’ on Sixth Street redevelopment

Despite trepidation from developers, the Historic Landmark Commission has recommended a heftier review process for Sixth Street properties slated to be redeveloped under proposed regulations. The code amendments, which were initiated by City Council in June 2022, could raise height…

Land Development Code • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 21, 2023

Triple-digit temps expected through Friday – and summer hasn't even officially started yet

It’s another day of excessive heat in Central Texas. Temperatures are expected to go into the triple digits – again. And the heat index, which is a combination of the heat and humidity levels, is expected to hit 120. The National Weather…

Environment • By Haya Panjwani, KUT • Jun 21, 2023

Austin starts search for next city manager

The search for Austin’s next city manager is underway. In a post to the City Council Message Board on Thursday, Mayor Kirk Watson outlined a process for the search. Watson has appointed a sub-quorum of Council to act as a…

City Hall • By Nina Hernandez • Jun 20, 2023

City code amendments moving slowly, including change to parking requirements

Remember all those amendments to Austin’s land use regulations that City Council directed city staff to write – ideas that seem particularly important in light of the housing shortage? They’re moving slowly. Those amendments include eliminating parking requirements from the…

City Council • By Jo Clifton • Jun 20, 2023

Travis County bush

County acknowledges success of mentorship and leadership program

During the Travis County Commissioners Court’s June 13 session, commissioners recognized the success of the county’s technology mentorship program. “The Travis County technology mentorship program was established to prepare and equip the next generation of leaders within the information technology…

Travis County • By Seth Smalley • Jun 20, 2023

Housing and Planning Department maps out next steps following compatibility reform vote

Following City Council’s move last week to recalibrate compatibility requirements, city staff joined the Housing and Planning Committee on Tuesday for an update on what’s next. Currently, Austin’s compatibility standards affect development up to 540 feet from lots zoned as…

Planning • By Kali Bramble • Jun 16, 2023

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