In one-time move, county restores funding to social service group

On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court granted a $200,000 funding request for one year from Asian Family Support Services of Austin. While the resolution was passed unanimously, several commissioners and lamented the lack of procedure of the motion, given…

Budget • By Seth Smalley • Oct 8, 2021

In the wake of Uri, solar battery sales soar

Seven months after Winter Storm Uri caused the deaths of more than 200 people around Texas and left millions without power, demand for solar power and home battery systems has skyrocketed. Austin Energy has received more requests for solar panel…

Energy • By Eniola Longe • Oct 8, 2021

Housing and Planning Committee examines barriers to ADU construction

The city’s Housing and Planning Committee met Tuesday to discuss the regulations for accessory dwelling units, secondary housing units located somewhere on a residential lot. As Austin’s housing crisis persists and the median sale price of homes continues to rise, ADUs…

Land Development Code • By Willow Higgins • Oct 7, 2021

In wake of Rosemont snafu, county updates housing bylaws

On Oct. 5, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved changes to the bylaws of the Strategic Housing Finance Corporation. The amendments came in the wake of a massive blunder at the Rosemont apartment complex in South Austin – which is…

Housing • By Seth Smalley • Oct 7, 2021

How much would more remote participation cost the city?

Since March 2020, when Gov. Greg Abbott suspended certain requirements of the Texas Open Meetings Act to allow city officials to hold virtual meetings, the public has been allowed to participate by phone. Austin residents have participated in remote testimony…

City Council • By Jo Clifton • Oct 7, 2021

Covid relief for musicians expected by December, with Live Music Fund taking shape

Local musicians impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic are expected to receive federal relief funds by December, thanks to alterations to a pair of music funding programs recommended by the Music Commission. As of last month, city staffers had been concerned…

Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Oct 7, 2021

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Can the Dry Creek Café be saved?

Austin realtor Sherry LeBlanc was devastated when she found out the Dry Creek Café & Boat Dock was set to close its doors on Oct. 31. The historic watering hole was “more of a community than a bar” for her…

Preservation • By Andrew Logan • Oct 6, 2021

With public comment procedures in flux, two dozen zoning cases postponed

City Council heard many fewer zoning cases than expected last week after city staff decided to postpone the cases because of a surprise reinterpretation of public meeting participation rules.  When staffers originally gave public notice for 24 zoning cases scheduled…

City Hall • By Jonathan Lee • Oct 6, 2021

Park rangers get funding for six additional staff members

For months, the Parks and Recreation Department has been pleading for additional park ranger staffing resources. Finally, the city has answered its prayers with $615,000 in increased funding for the department’s Park Ranger program. In a memo sent to Mayor Steve Adler and City…

Budget • By Sean Saldaña • Oct 6, 2021

UT report says Austin could be more welcoming to immigrants

The city’s Equity Office is supporting the findings of a recent report published by University of Texas researchers who found there is work to be done to increase the economic and civic participation of immigrants locally. The report, titled “Advancing…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Oct 6, 2021

Prop B: City to vote on East Austin parkland swap

Austin voters will have a chance in the Nov. 2 election to authorize the city to trade nine acres of city-owned parkland for at least 48 acres of waterfront property that will complete the existing John Treviño Park. The nine-acre…

Bonds & Propositions • By Jo Clifton • Oct 5, 2021

Fire season may be winding down but officials urge Austinites to stay wary of wildfire

A winter freeze and a wet spring may not conjure concerns of wildfires, but fire officials say the combination of those events and forecasted weather patterns create an environment ripe for more significant blazes, including in residential areas not normally…

Environment • By Samuel Stark • Oct 5, 2021

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