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Effort to save lakefront estate from demolition divides Planning Commission 

The Planning Commission was split Tuesday on whether to help save an eclectic lakefront estate from demolition by zoning it historic amid concerns over tax breaks and the likelihood that a previous owner participated in segregation as a business owner.  The…

Preservation • By Jonathan Lee • Sep 30, 2022

City, police union seek a new contract before May election, when oversight is on the ballot

With Austin voters set to vote on whether to expand civilian oversight of the police department in May, the city of Austin and the Austin Police Association reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing a new labor contract before the spring election,…

Police • By Emma Freer • Sep 30, 2022

City leaders focus on the importance of green space

As the ambitious $5 billion plan to lower the downtown sections of Interstate 35 moves slowly forward, those who have lived through a similar effort in Dallas emphasize the need and opportunity to emphasize green space in any cap-and-stitch plan…

Parks • By Chad Swiatecki • Sep 30, 2022

Gary Spellman looks to disrupt Austin politics

With hair to his shoulders, an aggressive distaste for politics and officially $0 raised, Gary Spellman is hardly what one imagines when envisioning a typical candidate for elected office – something he embraces wholeheartedly. Recounting an interaction, he says, “I…

Elections • By Sean Saldaña • Sep 29, 2022

Planning Commission OKs Vertical Mixed-Use zoning on East Cesar Chavez site 

The Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended approval of Vertical Mixed-Use (VMU) zoning for a property along East Cesar Chavez Street, moving a planned mixed-use residential development one step forward.  The project at 3020 E. Cesar Chavez St. could have around…

Planning • By Jonathan Lee • Sep 29, 2022

Here's a breakdown of Travis County's budget for 2023

The Travis County Commissioners Court approved a $1.52 billion budget for 2023 Tuesday that reduces the average homeowner’s property taxes by about $18 a year, and adds funding for gun violence prevention programs, higher wages for county employees and housing…

Budget • By Haya Panjwani, KUT • Sep 29, 2022

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Feedback fueling progress on redevelopment of blocks 16 and 18 downtown

Residents along the eastern edge of downtown Austin have had many, many opportunities through the years to share their thoughts about how the city should redevelop two blocks on East 11th Street, with not a lot to show for it.…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Sep 29, 2022

TipSheet: Austin City Council, 9.29.22

Unlike the past few meetings, today’s City Council meeting looks almost reasonable. For one thing, Council members aren’t scheduled to disappear into an executive session, which should free up some time. In this TipSheet, we’ve collected the things we’re betting…

TipSheets • By Elizabeth Pagano • Sep 29, 2022

Cap Metro previews impact of Manor and Lago Vista leaving service area

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors learned more this week about the potential fallout of both Lago Vista and Manor ending their partnerships and leaving the Capital Metro service area. In August, both suburbs decided to hold elections…

Transit • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 28, 2022

Council likely to vote on negotiation only for Aspen Heights deal

At Tuesday’s work session, City Council members praised a proposed final agreement with Aspen Heights Partners for a large development at 1215 Red River St. and 606 East 12th St., formerly known as HealthSouth. They were particularly appreciative of the…

Development • By Jo Clifton • Sep 28, 2022

County gets scoop on supportive housing construction plans

Last week, Health and Human Services updated the Commissioners Court on the Travis County Supportive Housing Initiative, a $110 million, American Rescue Plan Act-funded project to bring housing to very low-income residents. Much of the commissioners’ discussion centered on making…

Housing • By Seth Smalley • Sep 28, 2022

Watershed Protection delivers long-awaited report on trash in creeks

The Environmental Commission heard a long-awaited presentation on trash in Austin creeks at its meeting last week. Two years ago, in response to a City Council direction, the Watershed Protection Department launched a comprehensive study on trash, including dockless mobility…

Water • By Nina Hernandez • Sep 27, 2022

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