The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Reporter’s Notebook: The bonus no one wanted

Violations that make lawyers giggle… On Jan. 9, the Ethics Review Commission heard the preliminary case of DeShawn Scott, an administrative specialist in the Public Works Department, who used his city computer for purposes related to his own outside businesses: Texas…

Reporters' Notebook • By Austin Monitor • Jan 14, 2019

City proposes new demolition rules

In response to an audit last year that identified a number of problems in the city’s demolition permitting process, the Development Services Department has recommended a number of changes aimed at streamlining the process and ensuring safety. The recommendations were…

The Code • By Jack Craver • Jan 11, 2019

The city-state fight continues in the 2019 legislative session: Here are bills to look out for

When the Texas Legislature reconvened on Jan. 8, lawmakers already had on their desks bills aimed at undoing city of Austin rules. The city-state conflict is nothing new. Last time they met in 2017, state lawmakers passed bills overturning Austin…

Texas State Legislature • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jan 11, 2019

City charter would push possible stadium election to November

Petitions calling for an election that could challenge the city’s deal for a new soccer stadium aren’t expected to be certified until early February, but city staff has already decided November is the soonest a referendum election could take place.…

Uncategorized • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 11, 2019

Austin Energy employee accused of fraud found to be 'not in violation'

After three hours of discussion surrounding the definition of “intent” in application to fraud, the Ethics Review Commission found Curtis Graves, Austin Energy’s former superintendent of system operations, not in violation of city code by virtue of three votes. “You…

City Hall • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 11, 2019

City employee forced out for using city computer for food trucks

A city employee has been fired after city auditors accused him of using his city computer to manage two food trucks that he owns. For his part, the employee claims that he is being treated unfairly and that his mistakes…

City Hall • By Jack Craver • Jan 10, 2019

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe

Old home in new historic district is approved for demolition

All things have their moment in the sun, and for an East Austin home at 4200 Wildwood Road, that moment seems to have come and gone. Today, the home is merely a cracked contribution to the Wilshire Woods National Register…

Preservation • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 10, 2019

Commissioners Court annual retreat expands to include community expertise

On a to-be-determined Friday in February or March, the Travis County Commissioners Court will convene to consider its vision and purpose on a larger scale than is appropriate during its weekly Tuesday morning voting sessions. Near the beginning of each…

Travis County • By Ryan Thornton • Jan 10, 2019

Historic Landmark Commission argues over definition of ‘significant’ for historic zoning

Anyone would agree that the Pease Mansion in the Old Enfield Neighborhood is a historic landmark. But what about all the other surrounding properties that inevitably pale in comparison? For the Tudor Revival-style house at 1602 Pease Road, city staff…

Preservation • By Jessi Devenyns • Jan 9, 2019

Advocates say APD should focus less on how rape cases are coded and more on solving them

When Austin Police Chief Brian Manley announced last week that state auditors had found problems with the way police classify rape cases, some people were not shocked by the news. “It wasn’t a huge surprise to us,” said Kristen Lenau,…

Police • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jan 9, 2019

Court makes move toward public defender’s office

No final decision has been made on the creation of a Travis County public defender’s office, but the Commissioners Court demonstrated firm support for the idea in Tuesday morning’s voting session. Gathering momentum after a rocky start, the court finalized…

Travis County • By Ryan Thornton • Jan 9, 2019

Political accelerator ready for next class of future Council hopefuls

Having been an active presence in Dallas-area Democratic and political organizations prior to relocating to Austin four years ago, Zenette Dorsey noticed some unique traits about local political discourse around big issues. “Austin is going through an identity crisis with…

City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 9, 2019

« Previous Page — Next Page »