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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
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
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
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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
Austin Justice Coalition launches economic justice campaign
This week, the Austin Justice Coalition announced the launch of the Justice Now: Economic Justice Campaign. The nonprofit said the initiative aims to address systemic economic inequalities in the Austin area. The Justice Now campaign will leverage public awareness campaigns,…
Austin • By Nina Hernandez • Jun 16, 2023
To celebrate marriage equality, Travis County offers free marriage ceremonies June 26
To celebrate the eight-year anniversary of becoming the first Texas county to issue a same-sex marriage license, Travis County is offering free wedding ceremonies all day Monday, June 26. Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado said she thinks it’s particularly important for…
Austin • By Haya Panjwani, KUT • Jun 16, 2023
Get ready for downtown street closures
Richard Mendoza, interim director of the Transportation and Public Works Department, notified City Council via memo of some major street closures that are likely to affect anyone traveling through downtown for the next month. It’s another reminder in the busy…
Roads • By Jo Clifton • Jun 16, 2023
Austin Energy will give you credits in exchange for a little control over your thermostat
Austin Energy is offering residential customers financial incentives for letting the department tweak the temperature on their smart thermostats on high energy use days – like over the next week, when daily highs are expected to cross 100 degrees. Customers…
Energy • By Sangita Menon, KUT • Jun 15, 2023
City advised not to assist flood victims from April 20 storm
The head of the Watershed Protection Department has advised the city against offering direct assistance to homeowners flooded during an April 20 storm, due to concerns that action could set a precedent for future natural disasters. In a memo dated…
