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Historic gambit could derail east side condo plan

A bid to stave off an East Austin condominium development gained traction last week when a neighborhood push to save the houses on land slated for development found unanimous support at the Historic Landmark Commission. Swede Hill neighbors came forward…

Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 2, 2015

Council hears appeal of affordable housing case

As its first land use case, City Council heard an appeal of a conditional use permit for an affordable housing project Thursday. One thing Council members learned immediately is how difficult fulfilling all of their campaign promises might be, especially…

Development • By Jo Clifton • Feb 2, 2015

Explainer: The Hays County Water Deal

Each week, the Explainer offers a closer look at stories we have been following. This week we look at the Electro Purification water deals coming out of Hays County. As Andy Sevilla has reported over the past 10 days or…

Development • By Michael Kanin • Feb 2, 2015

Council adopts sweeping procedural changes

After a full week of debate about transparency, efficiency and public input, City Council has adopted a new set of meeting procedures and a committee structure that will overhaul the legislative process. Council members voted unanimously at their first regular…

Austin • By Tyler Whitson • Jan 30, 2015

Council tentatively approves salary shift

City Council took the first step toward allowing some Council members to divert all or portions of their own salaries Thursday. Council members voted unanimously to allow the resolution to move forward. However, the issue will have to return to…

Austin • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 30, 2015

Many on alert over water drilling plan in Hays

Hays County officials and residents concerned over the proposed pumping of 1.8 billion gallons of water per year from the Trinity Aquifer are calling for the Texas Legislature’s help. “Immediate action needs to be taken to fill in that white…

Hays County • By Andy Sevilla • Jan 30, 2015

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Zimmerman establishes pole position

As one of their first acts as a body, City Council members examined, then approved, a routine contract for up to $10 million of steel poles for Austin Energy. Council Member Don Zimmerman pulled the proposed contract with TransAmerican Power…

City Council • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 30, 2015

Ethics panel considers campaign finance reform

Now that the dust has settled after Austin’s busiest local election season to date, the city’s Ethics Review Commission is taking a hard look at Austin’s current campaign finance laws. On Tuesday night, the Ethics Review Commission took input on…

Austin • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 29, 2015

Travis Commissioners hear TCAD, legislative issues

Property tax relief is high on the agenda for the Texas Legislature this session, and Travis County is getting its ducks in a row to follow the issue over the next few months. Along that line, it heard updates from…

Development • By Mark Richardson • Jan 29, 2015

Austin Energy to clarify gas plant study request

Austin Energy will update its call for consultants to conduct an independent study of a proposed gas plant and renewable alternatives, following a Monday request from the Electric Utility Commission. Gage Loots, supervising senior buyer for the utility’s purchasing office,…

Energy • By Tyler Whitson • Jan 29, 2015

Planners approve extended hours for Odd Duck

After postponing 12 other public hearings Tuesday, the Planning Commission approved a request for a late-night permit to serve alcohol from Odd Duck, a restaurant on South Lamar Boulevard. The conditional-use permit, which allows the eatery to stay open until…

Development • By Kara Nuzback • Jan 29, 2015

Austin Monitor Radio: Pct. 2 Commissioner Brigid Shea

Travis County Pct. 2 Commissioner Brigid Shea joins Monitor publisher Mike Kanin to talk about SH45, property tax appraisals, the potential new Travis County Civil and Family Courthouse and more. This podcast version includes a bonus discussion about water policy.…

Local Government • By Michael Kanin • Jan 28, 2015

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