Newsletter Signup
The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
-
Most Popular Stories
- Despite safety concerns, Council OKs new buildings above Shoal Creek
- Texas lawmakers finalize bill limiting property owners’ right to protest new homes nearby
- A multi-family rezoning at the rugged edge of Northwest Austin
- As Acacia Cliffs rezoning is approved, Critics say Council has sold out on its affordability commitments
- City eyes fund to preserve affordable housing, capitalize on overbuilt apartment market
-
-
Discover News By District
-
Popular Whispers
Sorry. No data so far.
State law forces environmental groups to change strategy
The effects of Senate Bill 709, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott last year, are starting to be felt. The bill changed Texas’ contested hearing process for environmental permits. One of its main effects was to shift the burden…
Hays County • By Cate Malek • Jul 26, 2016
Bastrop hoping to deal with legal fee problem
When they meet Tuesday night, Bastrop City Council members are scheduled to discuss and perhaps take action on the employment of their regular outside counsel, Austin attorney Jo-Christy Brown, as well as the ordinance governing the city’s relationship with its…
Local Government • By Jo Clifton • Jul 26, 2016
Austin’s reputation as an animal haven may be slowing pet rescues
Six years ago, City Council passed a resolution that animal shelters would no longer kill homeless pets for the sake of space or convenience. But now that Austin has a solid reputation as a no-kill city, Animal Services officials are…
Austin • By Cate Malek • Jul 25, 2016
After some haggling, commission approves a few apartments in Allandale
Allandale residents concerned about the arrival of intense commercial activity in a largely residential neighborhood achieved a partial victory at the Zoning and Platting Commission on Tuesday. Robert P. Stern, who is planning to add a 2,424-square-foot restaurant and 994…
Zoning • By Jack Craver • Jul 25, 2016
New plan fails to impress in the wake of unapproved East Austin demolition
Almost two years later, one East Austin homeowner is back at the Board of Adjustment asking for a variance redo, with a promise to reconstruct the demolished home it had promised to preserve. At this point, owner 2100 E. 14…
Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jul 25, 2016
Reporter's Notebook: Kitten tsunami
Ignorance and arrogance… In her bid to stall the creation of the WildHorse Ranch public improvement district, City Council Member Ora Houston found support this weekend from none other than the Austin American-Statesman. The editorial board of the Lady Bird…
Reporters' Notebook • By Austin Monitor • Jul 25, 2016
Subscribe to our newsletter
City wins lawsuit despite appearance of loss
On Wednesday, Federal Judge Lee Yeakel invalidated the city of Austin’s prohibition on collecting campaign funds outside the six months prior to a City Council election. However, the city’s outside counsel on the matter, Renea Hicks, says the city won…
Elections • By Jo Clifton • Jul 22, 2016
Corridors that cure cancer? Preventing it, maybe
Could streets be like doctors? A streetlight that diagnoses ulcerous colon. A sidewalk that administers chemotherapy. That question is what City Council Member Delia Garza levied at the oft-optimistic Mayor Steve Adler during the last Council meeting before members broke…
Transportation • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jul 22, 2016
Commissioners Court sides with defense attorneys in courthouse screening case
The Travis County Commissioners Court has come to the aid of defense attorneys in their battle to ward off tighter security measures at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center. On Tuesday, the court voted to ask the Travis County Sheriff’s Office…
Travis County • By Caleb Pritchard • Jul 22, 2016
Austin homeowners, hotel industry spar over city’s STR ordinance
The city of Austin is facing legal action over its rules governing short-term rentals. But some in the hospitality industry say those rentals should have to play by the same rules as hotels. Short-term rental supporters and critics sparred over…
The Code • By Syeda Hasan • Jul 22, 2016
Judge strikes down two Austin campaign finance rules
A federal district court ruled late Wednesday that two rules governing how candidates for Austin office handle campaign funds violate the First Amendment. The ruling came after Council member Don Zimmerman filed a lawsuit challenging the city’s campaign finance rules…
Courts • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • Jul 21, 2016
Some AE customers propose rate case settlement
Austin Energy’s two largest customers, Samsung and NXP, have teamed up with advocates for residential and low-income consumers, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and the city’s two largest hospital networks to propose a settlement of the utility’s currently pending…
