EMS leader recounts medics' harrowing week during freeze

First responders are still in recovery mode as they plan for the next severe weather event, such as the freeze that gripped Austin in mid-February, and any other unforeseen disaster that may occur. “Our medics’ stories should be heard,” Austin…

EMS • By Amy Smith • Jul 20, 2021

Fire/EMS station construction on pace despite pandemic

In 2017, a service needs analysis of the Austin Fire Department led to the City Council-sanctioned creation of a six-year plan to construct and staff five fire/EMS stations in the areas of most need: Del Valle/Moore’s Crossing, Travis Country, Loop…

EMS • By Seth Smalley • Jul 20, 2021

Proposed live music grants could fund hundreds of concerts

The city is seeking feedback in the initial guidelines for the long-planned Live Music Fund, which would provide hundreds of grants of up to $10,000 for independent musicians and promoters to create new concerts and festivals throughout the city. Total…

Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 19, 2021

Legislators respond to winter storm with new requirements for energy providers

The Electric Utility Commission received an update last week on legislative action related to electric utilities, with Senate Bill 3 serving as the omnibus response bill to Winter Storm Uri in mid-February. SB 3, approved at the close of the…

Energy • By Amy Smith • Jul 19, 2021

Canyon rimrock complicates reconstruction of Lake Austin boat dock

On July 7, the Environmental Commission approved a variance request to deconstruct and rebuild the Norris boat dock located at 1874 Westlake Drive. Scott Hiers, program manager for the Watershed Protection Department, presented pertinent details to the commission, including site…

Planning • By Seth Smalley • Jul 19, 2021

Austin Animal Center contemplates 'notifications for possible euthanasia'

In a memo last month, Chief Animal Services Officer Don Bland updated City Council and Mayor Steve Adler about the ongoing capacity issues at the Austin Animal Center. The memo included a few lines that made animal lovers around the…

Austin • By Sean Saldaña • Jul 16, 2021

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Austin-Travis County raises Covid risk level to stage 3 as hospitalizations increase

Lea esta nota en español Austin-Travis County returned to stage 3 of the Covid-19 risk-based guidelines Thursday. The change was made after the detection of four cases of the more infectious Delta variant and recent increases in new Covid-19 cases…

Public Health • By Sangita Menon, KUT • Jul 16, 2021

Ethics commission dismisses claim of improper fundraising

The Ethics Review Commission has dismissed a complaint alleging that Otto Swingler, a self-described “concerned citizen” who made a GoFundMe page in support of Proposition B, violated campaign finance law.  The commission ruled Wednesday that Swingler, who had intended to…

Local Politics • By Jonathan Lee • Jul 16, 2021

Sale prices soaring for Austin-area homes

In the first six months of 2021, the Austin Board of Realtors reported, the median price of homes in the city of Austin has increased nearly 31 percent to $530,000. Even more eye-popping, for the month of June, ABoR said…

Housing • By Jo Clifton • Jul 16, 2021

Delta variant may be to blame for rise in hospital admissions

On Tuesday, Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes and Austin Public Health interim Director Adrienne Stirrup updated the Travis County Commissioners Court on Covid-19 and vaccination efforts in the county. “So far, we have not received a confirmed case…

Public Health • By Seth Smalley • Jul 15, 2021

City opens $2M grant program to assist creative sector nonprofits

The city has spun up another emergency relief program for arts organizations, with $2 million in federal aid available for nonprofit groups connected to local arts and cultural communities. The Arts & Culture Non-Profit Relief Grant will provide 100 grants…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 15, 2021

Planning Commission struggles with latest Plaza Saltillo rezoning

The Planning Commission, unable to accept a height increase for an office project in the Plaza Saltillo area amidst concerns about the building’s design, sent the case to Council without a recommendation Tuesday.  The office project will replace Fair Market,…

Planning • By Jonathan Lee • Jul 15, 2021

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