ACME previews grant updates, community plans at Music Commission meeting

The city’s newly formed Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) is moving forward with a restructuring of cultural funding programs, with plans to complete new grant guidelines by mid-summer, launch applications in August, and distribute funding by early…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • May 7, 2025

SMART housing to see changes in “phase two” of City Council-initiated review

A city incentive program intended to produce “Safe, Mixed-use, Accessible, Reasonably-priced and Transit-oriented” housing may be getting a little smarter with changes working their way towards City Council. The Housing Department is proposing four amendments to improve the “operation and…

Housing • By Miles Wall • May 6, 2025

Austin arts groups facing budget cuts after cancellation of NEA grants

An assortment of arts organizations in Austin were among the hundreds across the nation that learned late Friday that their most recent round of funding from the National Endowment for the Arts was being withdrawn. The Austin Monitor has confirmed…

Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • May 6, 2025

Texas attorney general investigates Austin ISD for allegedly teaching 'critical race theory'

Attorney General Ken Paxton on Monday accused Austin ISD of using materials to teach critical race theory. His office plans to depose the superintendent and school board as part of an investigation. The AG’s office alleges the district is using…

AISD • By Becky Fogel, KUT • May 6, 2025

New Austin program helps connect residents with jobs as city begins major construction projects

Before Jennifer Cobb became an electrician, she worked as a receptionist in a doctor’s office in the Austin area. She was making about $16 an hour and raising two boys, which meant money was tight. She had to rely on…

Austin • By Luz Moreno-Lozano, KUT • May 5, 2025

City reports fewer crimes, stable crowds in Sixth Street pilot

Data from the city’s efforts to revitalize the Sixth Street Entertainment District show reductions in violent crime and public safety incidents, according to a new memo summarizing the results of a pilot program launched late last year. A recent memo…

Public Safety • By Chad Swiatecki • May 5, 2025

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Roughly 3,200 people experience homelessness in Austin on any given night

Just over 3,200 people in Austin and Travis County slept in tents, shelters or cars on one night in January. That’s about 800 more people, or a 36% increase, compared to 2023, the last time a homeless count was done.…

Housing • By Audrey McGlinchy, KUT • May 2, 2025

Density bonus programs under review to address affordability needs, market conditions

The city is moving forward with reforms to several of its density bonus programs, following the recommendations from an analysis completed earlier this year. A recent presentation to City Council’s Housing and Planning Committee outlined several modifications underway or in…

Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • May 2, 2025

New libraries, parks, health centers among facilities eyed for 2026 bond proposal

Up to four new libraries, more neighborhood health centers, and a host of new park properties and recreation centers are among the facilities being considered for the city’s next bond election that will likely take place in 2026. Representatives from…

Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • May 1, 2025

City and county officials kick off Wildfire Awareness Month

As Austin/Travis County heads into another scorching hot wildfire season, city and county leaders are sharing updates on community-wide preparedness efforts and emphasizing how individual Austinites can do their part. Local officials held a press conference on Tuesday to kick…

Fire • By Mina Shekarchi • May 1, 2025

Developer appeals denial of right-of-way vacation

The Urban Transportation Commission has rejected a request by the owner of one Old West Austin property to vacate right-of-way after hearing objections from the owners of a neighboring property that would be harmed by the street vacation. Commissioners voted…

Planning • By Jo Clifton • May 1, 2025

Austin Independent School district buys more time for plan to address Dobie Middle School, but prepares for seismic shifts

After years of deferrals and litigation, new state mandates for public school performance are finally catching up to Austin Independent School District, leaving hundreds of its children, teachers, and administrators unsure if they will have a school to return to…

AISD • By Kali Bramble • Apr 30, 2025

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