Designated campsite strategy remains in limbo 

On Thursday, City Council members had their most in-depth discussion about designated encampments for homeless people since voting unanimously to explore the strategy back in May. Still, much remains uncertain. Last week, Mayor Pro Tem Natasha Harper-Madison and Council Member…

Budget • By Jonathan Lee • Aug 6, 2021

Coming soon to Del Valle: More money for dual-language pre-K

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Travis County Commissioners Court, commissioners voted to make a portion of American Rescue Plan Act funding available to increase access to dual-language and full-day pre-K in Del Valle in southeast Travis County. The request initially…

Education • By Seth Smalley • Aug 6, 2021

Austin area moves to Stage 5 risk as Covid-19 hospitalizations continue to soar

Lea esta nota en español Austin and Travis County have moved into Stage 5, the highest level of risk in the local health department’s Covid-19 guidelines. Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority, said during a news conference Thursday that this…

Public Health • By Marisa Charpentier, KUT • Aug 5, 2021

Music Commission pushes Council to recommit to $10M aid plan for venues

The Music Commission has asked the city to hold to a May decision to provide another $10 million in federal assistance to Austin music venues, in response to recent recommendations by staff to reduce the next aid package to $4…

Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 5, 2021

Attempted tree removal creates cul-de-sac conflict

A saga that stretched a year and a half and pitted neighbor against neighbor ended last week when the Planning Commission prevented North Austin resident Patrick Fulker from removing a cottonwood tree in the public right of way.  Neighbor Krenda…

Environment • By Jonathan Lee • Aug 5, 2021

Landmark commission initiates historic zoning against wishes of property owners

At last month’s Historic Landmark Commission meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to initiate the historic zoning process at 2502 Park View Drive against the request of the homeowners, who were seeking to demolish the aging home. The house was under review…

Preservation • By Sean Saldaña • Aug 5, 2021

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County looks to amend development code to increase fire protections

On July 27, Travis County commissioners fielded discussion regarding the Stone Ridge Estates subdivision and the Flint Rock Circle subdivision. Both developments are located in far west Travis County, off of Highway 71 in Precinct 3. While the discussion was…

Development • By Seth Smalley • Aug 5, 2021

Petition-backed measure to mandate police staffing will go to Austin voters

A ballot measure that would set a mandatory minimum for police staffing in Austin is on its way to voters. The city clerk on Tuesday certified petition signatures from the group Save Austin Now, paving the way for a November…

Bonds & Propositions • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Aug 4, 2021

Alter finds funding for more EMS, fire services

When City Council Member Alison Alter heard that the Loop 360/Davenport Fire and EMS Station would not be opening in Fiscal Year 2022 as planned, she thought of how savings from that station could be used to help the Austin…

EMS • By Jo Clifton • Aug 4, 2021

Public Safety Commission recommends ceasing Prop B citations

The Public Safety Commission Monday recommended that City Council halt citations and arrests related to Proposition B, arguing that public camping should not be criminalized when people don’t have anywhere else to go. “There are myriad reasons listed for why…

Public Safety • By Jonathan Lee • Aug 4, 2021

County mobilizes to reach residents who qualify for emergency rental assistance

On Aug. 3, the Travis County Commissioners Court fielded updates on the national Emergency Rental Assistance Program from Sherri Fleming with County Health and Human Services. The program concerns rental and utility assistance programs and initiatives made available from federal…

Housing • By Seth Smalley • Aug 4, 2021

A Council resolution floats safety-minded changes on Sixth Street. Some are more controversial than others.

In response to a recent spate of violence on Sixth Street, City Council unanimously passed a resolution Thursday that sets out to tackle long-neglected safety problems in the area. If the proposed changes in the resolution come to fruition after…

City Council • By Jonathan Lee • Aug 3, 2021

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