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Austin Mayor Kirk Watson declares his plans to run for reelection
To the surprise of practically no one in Austin, Mayor Kirk Watson announced on Wednesday that he will run for reelection this November. In an email to supporters, he outlined victories so far in his current two-year term. “For example,…
Elections • By Jo Clifton • Apr 11, 2024
PARD updates plans for new Dougherty and for cultural center expansions
The city is moving forward with plans to replace the Dougherty Arts Center with a new multiphased facility located in the Butler Shores Park area. The Parks and Recreation Department plans to begin the permitting process for the new arts…
Parks • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 11, 2024
Travis County officials credit moderate eclipse traffic to planning and clouds
Monday’s total solar eclipse did not bring the massive crowds and traffic that some thought the Austin area might see. The cloudy weather might have been the reason, but it also could have been the monthslong preparation for the event.…
Travis County • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Apr 11, 2024
Democrats vs. Republicans: First election coming for Travis Central Appraisal District board
Even though their party affiliations will not be on the ballot, three Democrats, three Republicans and a Libertarian are running for three seats on the Travis Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. That election on May 4 will be the…
Elections • By Jo Clifton • Apr 10, 2024
HOME returns to Council and Planning Commission for public hearing
The second phase of the HOME initiative reemerges in the public spotlight this week, accompanied by a series of other proposed revisions to the Land Development Code. On Thursday, City Council and the Planning Commission will hold a joint hearing…
Land Development Code • By Amy Smith • Apr 10, 2024
Study raises questions about senior/child care center proposed for Nash Hernandez Building
A new study calls into question the feasibility of proposals to use the Nash Hernandez Building in East Austin as an activity center for older people and young children. The report on the legal and financial realities of the intergenerational…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 10, 2024
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New federal cash paves way for East Austin’s ‘wishbone’ bridge over Lady Bird Lake
Facing a steep climb in costs for a long-planned pedestrian bridge on the eastern edge of Austin’s most popular trail, the city has finally found a path forward with a $4 million cash infusion from the federal government. The new money will…
Transportation • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Apr 10, 2024
City looks to land banks as additional option to curb displacement
The city will explore using the takeover of tax-delinquent properties as one additional strategy for creating more affordable housing and remedying the displacement of longtime residents who are being priced out of Austin. As part of the consent agenda at…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 9, 2024
Landmark commission embraces green initiatives
The Historic Landmark Commission is embracing the environmentalist zeal gripping City Hall, launching a set of policy recommendations last week aimed at tackling preservation goals from a sustainability angle. The recommendation, authored by Commissioner JuanRaymon Rubio, outlines a number of…
Preservation • By Kali Bramble • Apr 9, 2024
County backs $7.2M SAFE Alliance housing in East Austin
On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court dedicated $7.2 million toward a supportive housing development called the Lancaster, a 60-unit complex that will provide respite for people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The development is a…
Housing • By Nick Erichson • Apr 9, 2024
Austin hires T.C. Broadnax as city manager with $470K salary
T.C. Broadnax will be making $82,000 more than his predecessor when he starts his job as Austin’s city manager next month. City Council on Thursday approved an employment agreement with a base salary of $470,000. Broadnax will also receive an array…
City Hall • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • Apr 5, 2024
Council approves renaming bathhouse in honor of Joan Means Khabele
City Council on Thursday approved the renaming of the bathhouse at Barton Springs Pool in honor of the woman who, as a teenager, led the first “swim-in” at the segregated pool in an act of civil disobedience. With the unanimous…
