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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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Memo brings questions about affordability, public benefits for Statesman redevelopment

A new memo that forecasts significantly higher costs for affordable housing and other public benefits proposed by the city for the largest development project in the South Central Waterfront has raised a number of questions as the planned unit development…

Trouble finding a parking spot on South Congress Avenue? The city is working on it.

Those of us who have braved the journey to find parking on South Congress Avenue during peak hours know it is not for the faint of heart. You might be circling, searching for an open spot for what feels like…

Mobile home park residents challenge developer after receiving 60-day notice to vacate

Dewain Willmore calls his home in the Congress Mobile Home and RV Park a “sanctuary.” “Once you get off the street in here,” said Willmore, who has lived in the park for 21 years, “everything just slows down.” Over the…

flood plain map

Planning Commission recommends floodplain redevelopment changes

Despite lingering concerns, the Planning Commission on July 12 recommended a tweak to floodplain regulations that would allow existing businesses within the floodplain to rebuild without special permission from City Council.  The rule change would give city staffers the power…

Animal shelter workers demand better conditions in wake of vote of no confidence

The Animal Advisory Commission discussed improvements needed at the Austin Animal Center at its July 11 meeting. The discussion came after the commission’s vote of no confidence in AAC Director Don Bland on June 13. The meeting began with comments…

Travis Club paused, pending a traffic analysis

On July 12, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to deny developers of Travis Club, a subdivision plan at Bee Creek Road and Thurman Bend Drive with a golf course and marina, the ability to move ahead with phase one…