The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Explainer: AFD, AFA, and the consent decree

Each week, the Explainer offers a closer look at stories we have been following. This week, we look at City Council action from last week that restarts negotiations between the Austin Firefighters Association and city management. It what amounts to…

Fire • By Michael Kanin • Feb 9, 2015

Council OKs restart of firefighter negotiations

As its first major action, the Austin City Council on Thursday approved a resolution directing city management to go back to the bargaining table with the Austin Firefighters Association. But it did not, as initially proposed, direct staff to stop…

City Council • By Jo Clifton • Feb 6, 2015

Aleshire files criminal complaint against Zimmerman

District 6 City Council Member Don Zimmerman may be headed back to court, but this time as a defendant in a criminal prosecution. On Thursday, AleshireLAW PC attorney Bill Aleshire filed a criminal complaint against Zimmerman with the Travis County…

Courts • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 6, 2015

Council discusses future of Imagine Austin

Since its launch, Imagine Austin has inspired debates about affordability, growth, neighborhood autonomy and more. City Council continued this tradition Thursday in a special meeting with city staff and housing stakeholders about the comprehensive plan. The discussion touched on several…

City Council • By Tyler Whitson • Feb 6, 2015

West Austin demo leaves preservationists cold

It may not be the worst-case scenario, but residents of Old West Austin still showed up to protest the demolition of a 100-year-old house that will soon be replaced by an ultra-modern residence. The 1917 house, which is located at…

Preservation • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 6, 2015

Not all firefighters support pulling RFP

The president of the Austin African-American Firefighters Association told the Austin Monitor that the city would be making a mistake if it stops the RFP process for a plan to recruit new firefighters and returns to the negotiating table, as set…

Local Politics • By Jo Clifton • Feb 5, 2015

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe

Tarrytown house will not be zoned historic

After getting more information, the Historic Landmark Commission reversed its decision to save a Tarrytown house through historic designation. Instead, the new owners will be able to move forward with their plans to tear the house down. Commissioners considered the…

Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 5, 2015

ZAP discusses Lake Austin accessibility

An uncontested request to allow a new residential boat dock on Lake Austin prompted the Zoning and Platting Commission to discuss the difficulty property owners face when making lake access ways more accessible. City staffer Liz Johnston said at the…

Development • By Kara Nuzback • Feb 5, 2015

Austin Energy adds new language to gap study

In a move that could influence the city’s future energy portfolio, Austin Energy has added energy efficiency, water quality and emissions analysis to the scope of work for an upcoming gap study. The utility posted a revised request for proposal Wednesday…

Environment • By Tyler Whitson • Feb 5, 2015

Austin Monitor Radio: Early Days of the New Council

Austin Chronicle News Editor Michael King and Monitor Editor Liz Pagano join Monitor Publisher Mike Kanin to talk early days of the new, 10-1 Austin City Council. Brought to you by Kerby Lane Cafe. The show is embedded below.

Local Politics • By Michael Kanin • Feb 5, 2015

Travis County cements $291.6M bond election

In what Travis County Commissioner Ron Davis called the largest brick-and-mortar initiative referendum in the history of Travis County, the court approved setting the bond for construction of the planned Civil and Family Courthouse project at $291.6 million. Voters will…

Development • By Gene Davis • Feb 4, 2015

Travis County talks appraisals, city business

In a discussion on state legislative proposals aimed at increasing fairness in property tax appraisals for homeowners, several Travis County commissioners called out City of Austin leaders for not implementing a 20 percent homestead exemption for property taxes. Commissioner Gerald…

Elections • By Gene Davis • Feb 4, 2015

« Previous Page — Next Page »