Council OKs 13 proposed charter amendments for November ballot

Voters will decide on 13 potential amendments to the city charter in November, with two of the most significant potential changes affecting the number of signatures needed to recall a City Council member, and requiring elections for citizen-led ballot initiatives…

Balancing conflicting public interests, Watershed Protection aims to promote native aquatic vegetation

Austin’s reservoirs do a lot of double duty. They’re known both as top-tier recreation spots for Central Texans and our source of dwindling drinking water. Subject to invasive species, drought and big rainfall events that bring in pollutants, they’re still…

Officials update Animal Advisory Commission on strategic plan process

City officials updated the Animal Advisory Commission last week on the strategic plan for the Animal Services Office as the city works to improve the relationship between the Austin Animal Center and key stakeholders, including the commission. Assistant City Manager…

Council votes to follow traditional process before calling a climate bond election

After one of the most robust deliberations City Council has had in recent history, a resolution on a comprehensive climate bond election moved forward Thursday, but without the immediacy that some Council members would have preferred. Nevertheless, those who favored…

Council seeks information on creating a public bank

City Council on Thursday approved a resolution by Council Member Zo Qadri directing the city manager to research the question of the city of Austin starting a “public bank.” Unlike commercial banks, public banks are required to operate in the…

With fate of Blocks 16 and 18 decided, focus could turn to 11th and 12th Street corridors

City Council has given the OK for the Urban Renewal Agency to move forward in negotiations with the developer selected last month to lead the redevelopment of the 900 and 1100 blocks of East 11th Street. Known in city planning…

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Stressing community trust, county commissioners consider candidates for Housing Authority board

At its meeting July 16, the Travis County Commissioners Court considered six applicants to fill two vacancies on the board of the Housing Authority of Travis County (HATC). Commissioners will make a final decision this coming Tuesday. Candidates focused on…

Mobility councils support extensive lane conversions despite concerns

A proposal to convert a lane on every city-owned main road into a bus or bike lane within five years has received support from mobility advocates, who passed a recommendation calling on City Council to consider the plan. Backed by…

Who’s raising money? Campaign finance reports show some surprises

Earlier this week, the Austin Monitor reported on campaign finance tallies for Mayor Kirk Watson, his opponents and candidates for District 7 and District 4. Now it’s time to look at the other races and the surprising fundraising by City…

Arts group blasts memo blocking city from purchasing historic church space

The nonprofit Austin Creative Alliance has pushed back against a memo from city staff that appears to have derailed an effort by City Council members to preserve a pair of East Austin properties that serve as the group’s headquarters and…

Off-leash dogs are everywhere in Austin. What are the rules?

There are few things that bring dog owners more joy than watching their furry friend run toward them with tongue out and ears flapping. But, for nonlovers of dogs or other pet owners, this might not be as joyful. For…

TipSheet: Austin City Council, 7.18.24

Though City Council members briefly reappeared to help unveil this year’s budget last week, they will have their first regular meeting this week after summer break. As one might expect, the agenda is somewhat overstuffed in an effort to make…