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After shutting off mental health care for Austin musicians, SIMS Foundation restarts services

The SIMS Foundation, which has provided low-cost and free mental health care to Austin musicians for decades, is connecting clients to services again after a three-month pause. SIMS Foundation CEO Derrick Lesnau said the organization reached its fundraising goal of a…

Public Health • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Feb 13, 2025

Panelists explore AI's growing role in Austin's economy and policy space

With artificial intelligence quickly penetrating more facets of public and private life every day, policymakers and technology observers in Austin want the city to take advantage of the opportunities presented by AI while also safeguarding against the potential threats from…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 13, 2025

Council-initiated Dessau Road rezoning for nonprofit office to be returned with dueling recommendations

A rezoning initiated by City Council on two properties that local nonprofit Foster Village plans to use for office space will come back with dueling recommendations from the Planning Department and the Zoning and Platting Commission after the latter voted…

Zoning • By Miles Wall • Feb 13, 2025

TipSheet: Austin City Council 2.13.25

Today, the Austin City Council will convene for a regular meeting with a manageable agenda that has some issues worth diving into. As usual, we’ve taken a minute to highlight those issues and, as usual, the whole agenda and backup…

TipSheets • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 13, 2025

A streamlined approach to infill housing is set for Council action

City Council members received a preview Tuesday of a proposed infill ordinance, or “site plan lite,” aimed at streamlining the approval process for small-scale residential projects. The proposed ordinance on Thursday’s agenda would apply to developments of five to 16…

Land Development Code • By Amy Smith • Feb 12, 2025

Council vote could help secure tax credits for seven projects with affordable units

On Thursday, City Council will consider resolutions of support for seven affordable housing developments seeking funding through the state’s 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. If approved, items 16-22 on the agenda will be included in developers’ applications…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 12, 2025

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Austin's Ethics Review Commission dismisses complaints against Siegel and Faddis without prejudice

Two complaints about alleged campaign finance violations were dropped at a special called meeting of the city’s Ethics Review Commission, but they could be filed again in the future. Adam Haynes, a former member of the Planning Commission, filed the…

Elections • By Hunter Simmons • Feb 12, 2025

City releases short list for 2025 Heritage Preservation Grant

Bids for the city’s Heritage Preservation Grant are in, and staffers are circling in on the lucky landmarks deemed worthy to snag a slice of the pie. Heritage Tourism Division Manager Melissa Alvarado stopped by last week’s meeting of the…

Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Feb 11, 2025

Disability committee questions scooter safety amid improvements by Lime

Ongoing concerns over the safety of electric scooters and the issues they pose to Austin’s disabled community were front and center at a recent meeting of the Mayor’s Committee for People With Disabilities. The meeting saw a presentation from e-scooter…

Transportation • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 11, 2025

Zoning and Platting Commission recommends against historic zoning for Northwest Austin ranch

The Zoning and Platting Commission voted 7-3 to recommend against adding historic zoning to part of the site of the former Running Rope Ranch during a special called meeting on Feb. 6, with Chair Hank Smith abstaining due to a…

Preservation • By Miles Wall • Feb 11, 2025

City considers new STR rules requiring oversight from platforms

The city’s proposed overhaul of regulations for short-term rental properties could tighten licensing requirements, impose new restrictions on ownership, and shift enforcement responsibilities onto rental platforms. Members of City Council and the Planning Commission got a detailed look at the…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Feb 10, 2025

Resource Management Commission recommends against proposed merge

Members of the Resource Management Commission voted unanimously to recommend against a resurrected proposal to merge the RMC with the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, or ZWAC, at a special called meeting on Feb. 3. In their resolution making the “no”…

City Hall • By Miles Wall • Feb 10, 2025

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