ZAP recommends less density than staff does for South Austin site

At its Feb. 18 meeting, the Zoning and Platting Commission debated how much density is too much for the lot at 6917 Colton Bluff Springs Road. Although the land is intended for a single project, the 23-acre site is divided…

Reporter's Notebook: Unmusical chairs

Who’s not running for Watson’s seat..? Possible candidates for the Austin/Bastrop-area Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Kirk Watson are dropping like flies. Three state representatives – Donna Howard, Gina Hinojosa and Celia Israel – have all announced that they…

Austin Monitor Radio: Austin's Equity Office

Brion Oaks and Kellee Coleman head up the city’s Equity Office. Today they join Austin Monitor reporter Jessi Devenyns and editor Elizabeth Pagano to talk about the creation and mission of their office and how they are working with city…

As Superintendent Paul Cruz prepares to leave Austin ISD, his school closure plan remains unresolved

Even though Superintendent Paul Cruz said he’s leaving the Austin Independent School District, the process of school closures that started under his watch likely will not end. But where the plan goes from here is unknown. At a press conference Thursday, Cruz…

Eckhardt talks revenue caps, Palm School negotiation in State of the County address

At several turns during her State of the County address Thursday, Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt reminded listeners that in many respects, the county operates as an extension of Texas’ state government. The pluses and minuses of that framework, she…

City asks UT for proposals on Muny, Brackenridge tract

City Council sent a friendly message to the University of Texas on Thursday, asking UT to give the city proposals for how to deal with the historic Lions Municipal Golf Course and the Brackenridge Development Agreement as well as other…

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More energy-efficient homes are straining Austin Energy's revenues

Austin Energy began its year with higher-than-expected revenues thanks to warmer temperatures this fall. “We’re about 5 percent over the forecast for the quarter in consumption,” said Stephanie Koudelka, the utility’s principal accounting manager, at the Feb. 10 meeting of…

Activists push to protect Palm School, eyeing property's role in proposed cultural district

With Travis County moving ahead with action that could lead to development of the historic Palm School site downtown, local activists are hoping the city can find a way to preserve the property and make it a major part of…

As contract negotiations drag, Cap Metro bus drivers symbolically protest

Some Capital Metro bus drivers wore black makeup or a black sticker under their eyes Wednesday in a symbolic “Black Eye” protest of drawn-out labor negotiations between their union and a Capital Metro contractor. Capital Metro awarded a $1.4 billion…

Eight school districts issue warning to TCAD

Eight school districts that depend on the Travis Central Appraisal District to provide them with accurate property values are facing a serious loss of revenue as a result of a decision by TCAD’s chief appraiser not to reappraise residential properties…

Waste management emergency contract heads to Council with split recommendations

Austin’s dumpster wars continue. The city’s contract with Waste Management of Texas expires Feb. 28. To avoid a public health crisis, City Council will vote tonight on whether to execute an emergency multi-term contract with the waste collector for up…

State Sen. Kirk Watson stepping down in April to lead Hobby School of Public Affairs

State Sen. Kirk Watson, who has represented Austin in the Texas Senate since 2007, announced he’s resigning this spring to become the founding dean of the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University of Houston. In a letter to Gov.…