Advocates call for free Cap Metro fares for Austin's unhoused

On Monday, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors unanimously approved the implementation of a new system that caps the amount riders pay for fares. Another part of the system provides reduced fares for people with lower incomes, called Equifare. But before…

Transit • By Samuel Stark • Jul 27, 2022

Budget season begins with arguments over 'riders'

It’s budget time again. Mayor Steve Adler got the ball rolling at Tuesday’s City Council work session by noting that staff had expressed concerns about the number of budget riders Council members might be bringing forward. He also said staff…

Budget • By Jo Clifton • Jul 27, 2022

Workers Defense asks for construction standards on Statesman PUD

In anticipation of one of Austin’s next big construction projects, advocacy group Workers Defense Project demanded Tuesday morning that the redevelopment of the former Austin American-Statesman site at 305 S. Congress Ave. lead to safe and well-compensated construction jobs as…

Planning • By Jonathan Lee • Jul 27, 2022

Austin Energy amends initial proposal at base rate review conference, but critics say it's not enough

As the grid works overtime to absorb record-breaking heat, the battle over energy prices continues. Austin Energy met face-to-face with stakeholders earlier this month with its proposal to raise and restructure rates, citing mounting revenue gaps threatening the utility’s finances. The…

Energy • By Kali Bramble • Jul 26, 2022

Red River Cultural District seeks new director to succeed Cowan

The Red River Cultural District is searching for a new executive director to lead the nonprofit organization that seeks to stabilize and improve the city’s most prominent cluster of live music venues. The search comes on the heels of the…

Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 26, 2022

Austin Water addresses effect of drought on agriculture

Texas’ current drought is affecting both Austin residents as well as the crops grown outside of the city. At Wednesday’s Water and Wastewater Commission meeting, representatives from Austin Water explained the far-reaching effects of the drought and efforts made to…

Water • By Veronica Apodaca • Jul 26, 2022

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What Austinites should know about Covid-19 during this summer’s surge

Austin Public Health officials say they realize many people are tired of talking and hearing about Covid-19. But with “remarkably contagious and infectious” omicron subvariants circulating this summer, they say now is the time to “redouble our efforts” to protect ourselves and…

Public Health • By Jennifer Stayton, KUT • Jul 26, 2022

More public art is headed to the hike-and-bike trail

For the past several years, a moratorium has prevented the installment of any new public artworks in the vicinity of Austin’s hike-and-bike trail and Lady Bird Lake. With the expiration of that moratorium, the Trail Foundation, which has taken over…

Austin • By Willow Higgins • Jul 25, 2022

Police union pushes for increased officers’ rights, standard transfer protocol

The Austin Police Association countered some of the city’s proposals regarding officers’ rights, discipline, assignment changes and dispute resolution during their latest negotiation session Wednesday.   With just over two months until the current labor contract expires, the bargaining teams continue to…

Police • By Emma Freer • Jul 25, 2022

Austin Water set to address staff shortage

Austin Water discussed efforts to address its staff shortage at Wednesday’s Water and Wastewater Commission meeting. The discussion about recruiting and retaining employees was part of the department’s presentation on its 2022-23 budget, which was unanimously approved by the commission.…

Budget • By Veronica Apodaca • Jul 25, 2022

Advocates, Council members rally behind affordable housing bond

Support for a potential $300 million affordable housing bond is growing. On Thursday, housing advocates and politicians launched a campaign to support the bond, which they say is needed to address Austin’s housing crisis. “If we’re going to protect what…

Bonds & Propositions • By Jonathan Lee • Jul 22, 2022

Austin City Council votes to decriminalize abortion

The Austin City Council has approved a resolution that will effectively decriminalize abortion in Austin. The resolution, called the Guarding the Right to Abortion Care for Everyone (GRACE) Act, was proposed by Council Member Chito Vela. It asks law enforcement agencies…

Public Health • By Emma Williams, KUT • Jul 22, 2022

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