A perfect storm: Covid-19, the census and redistricting

City demographer Ryan Robinson is worried about the outcome of the 2020 U.S. Census. “This is going to be a horrible census,” he told the Austin Monitor. Because of the need for social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19,…

Austin • By Jo Clifton • Apr 16, 2020

Travis County judge says he will open up mail-in voting during Covid-19 pandemic

A Travis County district court judge said Wednesday he will clarify that voters fearful of contracting Covid-19 will be allowed to use mail-in ballots during elections in July and November. The Texas Democratic Party sued state and local election officials…

Elections • By Ashley Lopez, KUT • Apr 16, 2020

City, chamber, downtown alliance working to assist small businesses amid Covid-19 restrictions

With many businesses either closed or operating with restrictions caused by the Covid-19 health crisis, the Downtown Austin Alliance and Austin Chamber are gathering data from local business owners about the types of assistance they’ll need to stay open for…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 16, 2020

AISD officials discuss Covid-19 response

Austin Independent School District officials spoke at an Austin Justice Coalition panel Wednesday night, discussing how the district and its students are coping during the Covid-19 pandemic and the stay-at-home order that has shuttered schools. Speakers included AISD Board of…

AISD • By Nina Hernandez • Apr 16, 2020

Travis County jail treads carefully amid coronavirus

In big city jails across Texas, both inmates and corrections officers are testing positive for the coronavirus. The Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday that Covid-19 infections continue to rise in the Harris County jail, with 65 employees and 49 inmates testing…

Public Safety • By Jo Clifton • Apr 15, 2020

County freezes hiring for remainder of the fiscal year

In search of steadier financial footing amid the economic turmoil triggered by Covid-19, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to authorize staff to pursue an immediate hiring freeze for nonessential personnel. Commissioners will permit county staff to return on…

Budget • By Jessi Devenyns • Apr 15, 2020

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Amid historic oil bust, Texas regulators consider the once unthinkable: Keeping it in the ground

In a move that would have been unimaginable just a couple of months ago, Texas is considering limiting oil production in the state. Capping the amount of crude that can be pumped is a power the state has not used…

Resources • By Mose Buchele, KUT • Apr 15, 2020

Austin, Travis County extend stay-at-home orders, which now require face coverings

Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt have extended stay-at-home orders until May 8 and have expanded those orders to mandate that residents wear fabric face coverings during essential work and activities. According to a press release sent out…

Austin • By Elizabeth Pagano • Apr 14, 2020

County commissioners to write 'harsh' letter reprimanding CAMPO planning process

After considering asking for a delay, the Travis County Commissioners Court agreed not to obstruct the scheduled adoption of the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan. Instead, the commissioners intend to communicate their displeasure with the planning process through a letter they…

Transportation • By Jessi Devenyns • Apr 14, 2020

City aims to fast-track displacement prevention program as Covid-19 destabilizes residents

The Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department is attempting to accelerate progress on the first effort of its Displacement Prevention programs as more households find themselves unable to pay monthly rent or home mortgages due to Covid-19. Erica Leak, policy…

Housing • By Ryan Thornton • Apr 14, 2020

Salvation Army's downtown homeless shelter closes after positive tests; ARCH confirms first case

Salvation Army Austin’s downtown shelter was closed this weekend after 12 people tested positive for Covid-19. All 187 people staying at the shelter have been moved to a city-leased hotel. KUT has also confirmed the first case of Covid-19 at…

Public Health • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Apr 14, 2020

Austin has a new Wildland-Urban Interface fire code

After years of planning and preparation, City Council unanimously adopted the Wildland-Urban Interface Code last Thursday. In addition to adopting the code, which focuses on regulating building codes to protect structures against wildfires, Council Member Alison Alter made a motion…

Fire • By Jessi Devenyns • Apr 13, 2020

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