AISD postpones potential bond

On Monday, the Austin Independent School District board of trustees decided to pump the brakes on future bonding efforts for district schools for another year. At the board’s workshop meeting, trustees met with the Facilities and Bond Planning Advisory Committee…

City on course to add 330 electric vehicles by 2020

The city of Austin’s vehicle fleet appears likely to see a large infusion of electric vehicles in the coming years, as part of the city’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2050. The target of Austin Energy and the fleet…

Council to consider funds for fashion incubator

Austin is known for its live music, its barbecue and Mexican food, its innovative technology companies, and even for hosting the Formula One races. Now, there’s a possibility that Austin will become known as a hub for the fashion industry.…

Council appears divided over Grove PUD

City Council on Thursday will finally begin its deliberations on the Grove at Shoal Creek, a controversial planned unit development proposed for a vacant 75-acre lot at the corner of Bull Creek Road and 45th Street. In anticipation of hours…

Amid transparency anxieties, Travis County approves Central Health's budget

After nearly four hours of start-and-stop discussion on Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court gave its blessing to Central Health’s proposed tax rate and budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017. The 4-0-1 vote capped off one of the longest discussions before…

Candidates come out swinging in District 6 forum

In a repeat match of their neck-and-neck 2014 race, City Council Member Don Zimmerman and challenger Jimmy Flannigan met Tuesday night beneath a giant screen at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Lakeline. There was no feature on the bill, but that…

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State report outlines potential new locations for Austin State Hospital

Austin is home to one of the first mental health care facilities in Texas, but state lawmakers are considering selling the property and relocating the facility. The Austin State Hospital admits about 4,000 patients a year, serving 39 counties. But…

Chamber says land reform is top transportation priority

The Austin Chamber of Commerce has a new primary pill in its prescription for treating the city’s notorious traffic congestion, but it’s one that’s been known to cause many a case of political hives: density. The group will unveil that…

Travis County bush

Court faces more pressure over Central Health transparency concerns

Activists have turned up the heat on the Travis County Commissioners Court to take a closer look at millions of dollars paid out by the county’s health district in the last two years. Attorney Fred Lewis sent out on Monday…

Austin Energy gears up for smarter smart meters

Nearly a decade after rolling out smart meters for all of its electric customers, Austin Energy is planning another citywide meter upgrade. At a Monday meeting of the Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee, AE General Manager Jackie Sargent told City…

Austin's 'big three' parks to see fewer events

The number of festivals and large events at Austin’s highest-profile public parks could decrease in the coming years if City Council follows through on recommendations expected from the Parklands Events Task Force. Shifting usage away from the city’s “big three”…

Candidates square off in District 4 debate

Two of the three candidates vying for the District 4 City Council seat faced off Monday in a packed North Austin coffeehouse and answered questions from those they hope to represent. Incumbent Council Member Greg Casar has represented District 4…