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City provides updates on financial, anti-displacement efforts related to HOME initiatives

The city has started to make a series of moves intended to make it easier for middle- and low-income residents to build accessory dwelling units and generate new income from properties that are now able to host more housing. Last…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Sep 9, 2024

Former officer proposes settlement that includes changes at APD

City Council last week approved a payment of up to $293,000 to a law firm to defend the city against claims of discrimination and harassment at the Austin Police Department. The total contract amount for Schmoyer Reinhard LLP could be…

Police • By Jo Clifton • Sep 6, 2024

Austin ISD settles lawsuit over delayed special ed evaluations, creates fund for affected students

A federal court signed off on a settlement Wednesday between Disability Rights Texas and Austin ISD over its backlog of special education evaluations. The settlement requires the district to establish a fund to help cover the cost of services for students who…

Courts • By Becky Fogel, KUT • Sep 6, 2024

Homeless Strategy Office turns its focus to prevention and diversion

With a $2.1 million boost from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and City Council’s recent approval of a contract for navigation services, the Homeless Strategy Office is now better equipped to address housing barriers, HSO leader David Gray told…

Public Health • By Amy Smith • Sep 6, 2024

Living Streets Program plans to expand operations

In an effort to build community and address equity across the city, Austin’s Living Streets Program is working to reenvision local streets as spaces where residents can walk, bike, gather and connect. Community members can apply by Oct. 4 for…

Roads • By Hunter Simmons • Sep 6, 2024

Barton Springs closed for weeks due to major leaks

Austinites looking forward to an end-of-summer celebratory Barton Springs dip this Labor Day weekend were disappointed, thanks to a safety hazard caused by two major leaks that has led to a weekslong indefinite closure of the pool. The pool has…

Parks • By Lina Fisher • Sep 5, 2024

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East Cesar Chavez zoning granted despite neighbors’ objections

Although former City Council Member Raul Alvarez and other east side advocates argued strenuously during last week’s meeting against granting DB90 zoning to the property at 3020 E. Cesar Chavez St., Council members approved the change on all three readings.…

Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Sep 5, 2024

Appeal reveals 'urgent need' to review historic standards

A final attempt to stop the construction of a large second home in the Robertson/Stuart & Mair Historic District failed at City Council last week, despite concerns that its approval could set a worrying precedent for local historic districts citywide.…

Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Sep 4, 2024

State court rules Austin must release files on police complaints. Here's what that means.

Austin police must release records of officer complaints previously kept in house to the police oversight office, a state district judge has ruled. The personnel files – known colloquially as “g-files” – were a cornerstone of the Austin Police Oversight Act,…

Courts • By Andrew Weber, KUT • Sep 4, 2024

Ethics Commission complaints allege Mayor Watson and challenger Doug Greco violated campaign finance laws

Incumbent Kirk Watson and challenger Doug Greco may soon hit a snag in their respective bids for mayor, with the Ethics Review Commission investigating claims that both broke the same campaign finance law. The complaints, filed by former Commissioner Betsy…

Local Politics • By Kali Bramble • Sep 4, 2024

Council declines site plan appeal despite claims of ordinance violations

City Council last week declined to even discuss an appeal of the Planning Commission’s decision to approve a site plan, despite area homeowners’ arguments that the plan violates not only the Save Our Springs Ordinance but also the Hill Country…

Housing • By Jo Clifton • Sep 4, 2024

front of City Hall

City Council condemns anti-immigrant Senate Bill 4

Last year, the Texas Legislature passed one of its most extreme anti-immigrant laws yet: Senate Bill 4, which gives law enforcement the ability to arrest and hold people suspected of having entered Texas illegally. As the law’s enforcement still hangs…

City Council • By Lina Fisher • Sep 3, 2024

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