SH45 Southwest gaining steam with federal funding removal

The construction of State Highway 45 Southwest could come sooner rather than later, bypassing lengthy, stringent federal reviews, now that CAMPO, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, has stripped the $100 million project of federal funding. Without federal dollars, the…

Development • By Andy Sevilla • Feb 11, 2014

Renewable energy pioneer retires from Austin Energy

Michael Osborne, long-time entrepreneur, author, and renewable-energy pioneer in Texas, is turning another page in his storied career.   Over the past four decades, Osborne has built energy-friendly homes; developed the first wind farm in Texas; helped form the Texas…

Resources • By Bill McCann • Feb 11, 2014

Challenger adds some interest to usually quiet County Treasurer’s race

The race in the Democratic primary for Travis County Treasurer hasn’t drawn much attention so far in this election season but that could change as the campaigns near the March 4 Election Day.   Incumbent Dolores Ortega Carter, 63, who…

Elections • By Mark Richardson • Feb 10, 2014

Council rezones downtown lot to make way for chilling station

Despite concerns about downtown noise, City Council members laid the groundwork for a chilling station for Austin Energy at their last meeting.   Austin Energy asked for a change from the current Downtown Mixed Use zoning to Public zoning on…

Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 10, 2014

Project Connect seeks public input on transit options

On the heels of completing its first study into the Central Corridor, Project Connect has begun exploring and receiving input on viable transit options that it hopes will one day ease traffic congestion in the Austin area. Phase 2 of…

Transportation • By Chris Thomas • Feb 7, 2014

Audit finds Parks Department lax in managing safety hazards

City Auditor Ken Mory reported to Council members Wednesday that the city’s Parks and Recreation Department “is not effectively managing hazards related to patron safety” and, further noted that “there is limited assurance that hazards identified are corrected promptly.”  …

Local Politics • By Michael Kanin • Feb 7, 2014

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Two more tech companies seek incentives from state, city

Both the City of Austin and the Office of Governor Rick Perry announced two separate economic development incentive proposals Thursday that they say would bring 640 new full-time jobs and a capital investment of more than $15 million to Austin.…

Development • By Jo Clifton • Feb 7, 2014

Cascades MUD project finally headed for City Council action

The 10th time proved the charm for the Cascades Municipal Utility District No. 1. The project won the support of the Planning Commission at its last meeting, and has moved on to the City Council.   The Planning Commission voted…

Development • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 7, 2014

Task Force meets to determine future of boards and commissions

With just one meeting under its belt, the city’s commission on commissions is diving into the work ahead of them.   First on the agenda? Maybe fewer commissions.   The Boards and Commissions Transitions Task Force met Wednesday evening, and…

Local Politics • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 6, 2014

Austin Water says conservation measures cutting into bottom line

Austin Water Utility officials reported to the Council’s Audit and Finance Committee Wednesday that the utility had overestimated its FY2013 revenue figure by nearly $10 million. The culprit, according to utility Chief Financial Officer David Anders, was a drop in…

Resources • By Michael Kanin • Feb 6, 2014

City’s General Fund ends fiscal year 2013 with $14 million surplus

The City of Austin’s General Fund ended fiscal year 2013 with a $14.2 million surplus. That figure amounts to a roughly 1 percent variance from projections made by city staff.   Despite the positive figure, Austin’s Chief Financial Officer Elaine…

Local Politics • By Michael Kanin • Feb 6, 2014

Gun show a no go with background checks in contract

Travis County Commissioners voted Tuesday to offer the promoters of the Saxet Gun Show a new contract containing language requiring background checks on all gun sales, even private transactions. However, show promoter Todd Beiter said late Tuesday that he will…

Local Government • By Jimmy Maas • Feb 5, 2014

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