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Mobility Committee briefing outlines progress and funding gaps in sidewalks and urban trails program

Since issuing a major facelift to Austin’s urban trail and sidewalk plans late last year, Transportation and Public Works Department staffers are following up with City Council, stopping by last month’s Mobility Committee meeting for a progress update. The plan…

Transportation • By Kali Bramble • Jun 3, 2024

Austin approves additional property tax breaks for seniors and people with disabilities

City Council voted Thursday to raise the property tax exemption for homeowners who are 65 years and older and those with a disability. The move is an attempt to further curtail the amount of money residents pay taxes on. Homeowners…

City Council • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jun 3, 2024

Council adopts new two-minute rule for speakers

Though City Council moved forward with new two-minute time limits, several speakers at Thursday’s Council meeting urged them to adopt a rule giving each speaker three minutes per item, the amount prescribed by Judge Madeleine Connor in April and Judge…

City Council • By Jo Clifton • May 31, 2024

Austin police knew 'less-lethal' rounds could seriously injure people. They used them anyway.

Austin police officers shot scores of racial justice protesters in May 2020 with lead-pellet bags used to control crowds. Dozens of people were seriously injured by the so-called “less lethal” ammunition. The city has paid out more than $20 million…

Police • By Andrew Weber, KUT • May 31, 2024

Following HOME approvals, Council calls for affordability programs to aid longtime residents

Lower- and middle-income homeowners are the target population for a resolution approved by City Council on Thursday intended to create the financing needed to build more homes on existing lots. The resolution, which was led by Council Member José Velásquez,…

Land Development Code • By Chad Swiatecki • May 31, 2024

Council supports relocating and expanding Barton Creek sewage pipe

The prospect of an expanded and relocated Barton Creek wastewater line has Southwest Austin property owners hopeful of getting redevelopment projects off the ground. On the other hand, environmental advocates worry that an expanded sewage pipe will encourage more growth…

City Council • By Amy Smith • May 31, 2024

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Watson focuses on how to finance city’s environmental goals

City Council on Tuesday received its first briefing on what is expected to be a painstaking journey toward developing and implementing an investment strategy for funding Austin’s Climate Equity Plan. A public hearing is set for today on the creation…

Environment • By Amy Smith • May 30, 2024

Affordability panel looks to city, schools, churches to deliver needed housing

Austin-area housing advocates see major institutions such as the city, local schools and religious organizations as having the most potential for adding affordable housing units throughout the city in the coming years. During a recent panel discussion on the city’s…

Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • May 30, 2024

Smog got you down? Here's why air quality in Austin has been so bad this spring.

This spring has been a challenging one in Central Texas weather-wise. There was punishing heat, destructive hail and a thick yellow-gray haze that blanketed the region. But, of these three apocalyptic-feeling weather phenomena, the smog stands out as particularly unique. It’s been worse…

Environment • By Mose Buchele, KUT • May 30, 2024

Council to honor former member by naming a bend in Shoal Creek trail

At 1 p.m. today, City Council will consider and most likely approve an ordinance honoring former Council Member Chris Riley, who has spent years advocating for Austin’s trails and greenbelts, as well as for the safety of those who use…

City Council • By Jo Clifton • May 30, 2024

TipSheet: Austin City Council, 5.30.24

City Council will meet today for the last time before its summer break. Because the next meeting isn’t until July 18, one might expect the agenda to be overstuffed, but it’s really not that bad. As usual, we’ve done our…

TipSheets • By Elizabeth Pagano • May 30, 2024

As federal funds decrease, Council to consider future funding for homelessness

With the city nearly exhausted of the federal money dedicated to providing housing for people who are homeless, City Council will likely direct staff to adjust and improve processes, in coordination with Travis County, for short-term assistance and long-term housing…

City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • May 29, 2024

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