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New libraries, parks, health centers among facilities eyed for 2026 bond proposal

Up to four new libraries, more neighborhood health centers, and a host of new park properties and recreation centers are among the facilities being considered for the city’s next bond election that will likely take place in 2026. Representatives from…

City and county officials kick off Wildfire Awareness Month

As Austin/Travis County heads into another scorching hot wildfire season, city and county leaders are sharing updates on community-wide preparedness efforts and emphasizing how individual Austinites can do their part. Local officials held a press conference on Tuesday to kick…

Developer appeals denial of right-of-way vacation

The Urban Transportation Commission has rejected a request by the owner of one Old West Austin property to vacate right-of-way after hearing objections from the owners of a neighboring property that would be harmed by the street vacation. Commissioners voted…

Austin Independent School district buys more time for plan to address Dobie Middle School, but prepares for seismic shifts

After years of deferrals and litigation, new state mandates for public school performance are finally catching up to Austin Independent School District, leaving hundreds of its children, teachers, and administrators unsure if they will have a school to return to…

Geology takes center stage in Judge’s Hill zoning case

Some Judges’ Hill neighbors are spooked about a proposed redevelopment near 15th and Lamar and very near a geologic feature implicated in several landslides along Shoal Creek in recent years. But so far, the city seems to think they’re just…

Austin Energy’s annual report highlights growing demand, help for ratepayers

Austin Energy set new peak demand records for both summer and winter, according to a new report from the utility’s departing General Manager, Bob Kahn. Kahn released the utility’s FY2024 annual report last week. In addition to setting new records,…

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Future land use plans for CapMetro sites pick up a recommendation from Planning Commission

A bundle of subtle planning changes around two Capital Metro park-and-rides in North and South Austin may lay the groundwork for a major redevelopment on the sites, and some residents still aren’t happy about it. The Planning Commission voted unanimously…

Homelessness strategy plan calls for $101M in spending from city, partner groups

Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office is proposing a funding package totaling just under $101 million for homelessness response efforts in the city’s next budget, with about one-third allocated toward maintaining existing programs, one-third for new city investments, and one-third for initiatives…

City leaders have renewed hope for federal funds for local projects in the 2026 congressional budget

An array of local projects that lost millions of dollars in federal funding in March may secure a second chance in the next congressional budget cycle. That’s the word from the city’s intergovernmental relations office, which notified the mayor and…

Police oversight report shows progress in 2023 data

The Office of Police Oversight received more than 1,500 public contacts in 2023, forwarding 578 complaints to the Austin Police Department and recommending 215 for investigation, according to the agency’s newly released annual report. Of those, APD investigated 138 cases…

Second measles case reported locally, Austin Public Health says

A Travis County adult is isolating after testing positive for measles, Austin Public Health officials announced Friday. It is the second confirmed local case of the virus this year. APH representatives said the sick individual may have been exposed to the virus…

Council approves grant award to replace Barton Springs Road Bridge

A long-running debate over replacing the iconic Barton Springs Road Bridge appears to be settled, with City Council’s unanimous vote Thursday to formally accept $32 million in grant funds for the project. Although the Council voted in 2023 to move…