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 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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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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…

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…

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…

Changes proposed for huge tower project on West Avenue

City Council last week postponed hearing a controversial zoning case for a property on the shores of Shoal Creek, at the request of neighbors. Developer Manifold Real Estate is requesting a zoning change for 506 and 508 West Avenue, from…

Austin Police Department developing five-year strategic plan

The Austin Police Department is hosting community input sessions this month as part of its process of developing a new strategic plan. That plan is intended to serve as the department’s road map for the future and provide direction and…

Fire chief says more firefighters and bigger budget needed

In a memo dated June 12, Austin Fire Chief Joel Baker gave Mayor Kirk Watson and City Council his proposed road map for reducing overtime expenditures in the department, and it involves a bigger budget and more firefighters. Baker was…