Zimmerman seeks cut to Chapter 380 funding

City Council Member Don Zimmerman has proposed that Council cut by 50 percent payments to companies that have Chapter 380 agreements with the city, as a way to “reduce the tax burden by over $6.8 million without cutting city services.”…

Code budget talk quickly turns to STRs

City Council managed to tear through budget presentations for seven city departments yesterday. Of those, the Code Department seemed to bear the lion’s share of scrutiny, with the promise of more to come. “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if…

County land deal could lead to new homeless shelter

Travis County is considering a real estate deal with the Salvation Army that could lead to a brand-new shelter for homeless women and children. During its regular voting session last week, the Commissioners Court voted to direct staff to begin…

ZAP delays decision on North Austin subdivision amid neighbor complaints

The Zoning and Platting Commission delayed action on a proposed multiuse development in North Austin after residents from the area showed up to register their disapproval of the anticipated increase in traffic. The commission, which was missing three of its…

Alternative to MoPac "double-deck" being studied

In the wake of public outcry against a proposal to add elevated lanes to MoPac Expressway over Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park, the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is considering an alternative that the Austin Transportation Department first put…

County commissioners approve Cebolla Creek plan

The Travis County Commissioners Court on Tuesday gave its blessing to a preliminary plan for a brand-new 188-home subdivision despite opposition testimony that at one point turned tearful. M/I Homes is seeking to build Cebolla Creek on 71 acres in…

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Austin to soon have one less A.D. Stenger home

When the Historic Landmark Commission meets later this month, it will not consider whether to grant historic zoning on a Barton Hills home designed by A.D. Stenger. That ship sailed last month, when a bare-bones commission did not have the…

Reporter's Notebook: The return

Council changes positions – literally… At their Thursday meeting, City Council members drew from a hat to determine where they will sit on the dais for the next six months. Mayor Steve Adler, who will remain seated in the middle…

Austin Monitor Radio: Council Member Sheri Gallo

Austin City Council Member Sheri Gallo joins Monitor publisher Mike Kanin to talk about her first months in office, the Bull Creek tract, Austin Oaks PUD, and much more. Show is embedded below.

Council reaches Fun Fun Fun Fest compromise

Amid concerns that Fun Fun Fun Fest would not take place this November at Vic Mathias Shores, City Council has intervened in negotiations between festival organizers and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that it goes forward as…

Council prohibits use of bullhooks on elephants

While several bullhooks were brought into City Council chambers as evidence Thursday – one even passed around on the dais – these instruments, used to train circus animals, will be prohibited from use on elephants within city limits starting in…

City to purchase preservation land

Austin will move forward with the purchase of slightly more than 10 acres of land in the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, despite concerns from some City Council members about whether the purchase price could be lower. Council voted 9-2 to move…