New supermajority law for historic districts now in effect

The already tough task of creating historic districts in Austin just got a little harder, thanks to new state laws. In 2019, the Texas Legislature changed the rules governing the designation of historic landmarks by requiring a supermajority of the Historic…

Thursday, September 16, 2021 by Chad Swiatecki

Entertainment & Events

Music Commission’s oversight could further delay emergency funds for musicians

The Music Commission has asked city staff for more input and involvement in how a pair of financial assistance programs for Austin musicians will be carried out, with an emergency aid fund tied to Covid-19 possibly delayed three weeks as…

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 by Seth Smalley

Travis County

County pledges more than $100 million to eradicate homelessness in three years

On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court committed $110 million in federal funding toward housing the homeless. The money, sourced from a $247 million chunk of the American Rescue Plan Act funds designated for county assistance, will likely be administered…

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 by Amy Smith

Uncategorized

Animal commission seeks to illuminate the city’s no-kill policy

The Animal Advisory Commission voted unanimously Monday to form a committee to monitor Austin’s no-kill policy, while maintaining the move was not a reflection on city leadership. But first, City Council’s Audit and Finance Committee will need to approve the…

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 by Jerry Quijano, KUT

Health & Human Services

Austin health officials say boosting Central Texas vaccine rates will ease the stress on local hospitals

The rolling average for new daily Covid-19-related hospital admissions has been on the decline for more than three weeks. Still, with an average of 57 admissions as of Tuesday, Austin-Travis County remains at the highest level of Austin Public Health’s…

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 by Elizabeth Pagano

Preservation

Fire destroys log cabin and preservation hopes

Plans to reconstruct and relocate a 19th-century log cabin at 5613 Patton Ranch Road are now moot after a fire destroyed the property. “We’ve reviewed the fire report and the cabin is a total loss,” Historic Preservation Officer Steve Sadowsky explained…