Travis County passes budget with a focus on justice reform

Last week, the Travis County Commissioners Court passed the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, totaling almost $2 billion – investments in the county’s mental health care services and legal defense apparatus mean the average homeowner will see an increase of about…

Preservation of Palm Park's history and culture still a priority for residents

The Parks and Recreation Board last week heard the results of the second community engagement process on the Sir Swante Palm Neighborhood Park as part of the third phase of the Waterloo Greenway Project. PARD staff restarted the community engagement…

City Council adopts new rules around allowing residents to speak at meetings

City Council made several changes to its meeting rules that the city hopes will improve public engagement and transparency. The changes adopted Thursday follow a Travis County judge’s ruling in May that found the city had violated the Texas Open…

Council tells staff to find funds for continued use of Marshalling Yard

On Thursday, City Council approved a resolution directing City Manager T.C. Broadnax to find funding to continue use of the Marshalling Yard emergency shelter for homeless people in Austin. The resolution specifically directs staff not to use money already allocated…

In an unusual hearing, Ethics Commission advances complaints against Greco and Watson to next phase

Ethics complaints filed against mayoral candidate Doug Greco and incumbent Mayor Kirk Watson will move to a final hearing next month, but an anticipated court ruling could circumvent the proceedings. In a preliminary hearing Wednesday, the Ethics Review Commission determined…

Delayed CapMetro Rapid routes to launch next year with slower service and diesel buses

Capital Metro’s newest high-frequency bus routes have been delayed, and now the transit agency says the Expo Center and Pleasant Valley routes will launch next year with reduced frequency and diesel-powered buses instead of the promised electric ones. The delays are pushing back…

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City taps Rally Austin for funds to buy historic cultural spaces

The city plans to give Rally Austin control over an estimated $11 million designated to purchase historic properties that could enhance tourism and cultural uses. Thursday’s City Council meeting saw passage on consent of a resolution that directs staff to…

UT looks to promote music throughout campus with Longhorn Live initiative

The University of Texas has announced a number of new projects focused on increasing the profile and impact of music on the school’s campus and further into Austin. The Longhorn Live music initiative looks to highlight existing musicians and programs…

Council work sessions slated to resume, with some changes

It looks like City Council work sessions may be resuming soon. After three consecutive cancellations, there was some speculation that work sessions might be eliminated, or only utilized for necessary Council briefings. However, today, Council will vote on a proposal…

Travis County approves 6.5% tax rate increase for Central Health budget amid financial controversy

Travis County commissioners unanimously approved a 6.5 percent tax rate increase and a $888 million Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the county’s health care district, Central Health, on Tuesday – amid uncertainty about a potential conflict between Central Health’s mission…

All five mayoral candidates take the stage at forum

All five mayoral candidates participated in Wednesday’s mayoral forum, hosted by Austin PBS and the LBJ School of Public Affairs’ Urban Lab, to discuss major issues facing the city, including policing, housing, economic development and affordability.  Policing was the first…

TipSheet: Austin City Council, 9.26.24

Today, City Council will convene for its regular meeting, and we’ve taken a look at the agenda to piece together some educated guesses about what the most interesting things on said agenda are.  As evidenced by today’s edition of the…