Amid criticism, Music Commission looks to revise eligibility for $1.5M grant program

Members of the Music Commission will begin pushing for the city to relax the application process for those applying for a $1.5 million grant program created to assist musicians facing hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On Wednesday the commission…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 4, 2020

Committee takes on task of fixing two retirement systems

After hearing about impending problems with two of the city’s retirement systems, the employees retirement system (COAERS) and the Austin police retirement system (APRS), the City Council Audit & Finance Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to designate itself as a legislative…

City Hall • By Jo Clifton • Jun 4, 2020

Parks board recommends moving forward with COTA development

The motor racing track Circuit of the Americas has long been known for big-name concerts and Formula 1 races. In the future, however, the development may become better known for its water park, parkland and residential uses. With 1,037 acres…

Development • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 4, 2020

Austin Public Health to address health inequity in response to Covid-19

Austin Public Health Director Stephanie Hayden told City Council Tuesday that the city needs to address the vast inequities and social determinants of health – things like jobs, housing and health services – that have concentrated Covid-19’s impact upon poor…

Public Health • By Ryan Thornton • Jun 3, 2020

Texas governor warns of out-of-state agitators, but protesters arrested in Austin were from here

Gov. Greg Abbott warned during a press conference Tuesday that people are coming to Texas from outside of the state to protest violently. “Some of the violence that we’re seeing is not being done by people who reside in Dallas…

Public Safety • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jun 3, 2020

Public safety departments run modified cadet classes during pandemic

At the Public Safety Commission’s Monday meeting, Austin Police Department, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services and Austin Fire Department representatives discussed how cadet classes that were delayed due to Covid-19 (and other issues) will move forward. ATCEMS Chief of Staff…

Public Safety • By Nina Hernandez • Jun 3, 2020

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Travis County approves its first climate action plan

On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a comprehensive climate action plan that outlines how to reduce the county’s environmental footprint through 82 recommendations. Commissioner Brigid Shea, who called the plan a “big deal,” told the Austin Monitor…

Environment • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 3, 2020

Public Safety Commission addresses George Floyd killing

The Public Safety Commission convened Monday afternoon with a lengthy statement by Chair Meghan Hollis, who said she would be “remiss” if she didn’t address the national furor over the police killing of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis.…

Public Safety • By Nina Hernandez • Jun 2, 2020

Cities, Texas Gas Service agree to settlement

Attorneys for Central Texas cities including Austin and Gulf Coast cities including Beaumont and Port Arthur, along with attorneys representing the staff of the Texas Railroad Commission, have reached a settlement agreement with Texas Gas Service for a rate increase…

Energy • By Jo Clifton • Jun 2, 2020

Environmental Commission says Public Works project 'flies in the face' of environmental regulations

In order to create easy access and support increased traffic headed to a new Habitat for Humanity development in Southeast Austin, the Public Works Department is working on constructing a road that crosses a “classified waterway.” Under city code, a…

The Code • By Jessi Devenyns • Jun 2, 2020

'Smart cities' advocates see Covid-19 policies as opportunity for change in Austin

As city leaders work to make progress with a number of programs quickly created to alleviate the effects of the pandemic, members of local urbanism and “smart cities” groups say the wave of public policy moves could help to advance…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jun 2, 2020

City leaders respond to protests

Over the weekend, protesters across the country left their homes in a call for justice for George Floyd and other black victims of police brutality. In Austin, people turned out in an expression of solidarity and to demand accountability for…

City Hall • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jun 1, 2020

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