Despite the welcome relief of cooler temperatures, there appears to be no end in sight for Austin Energy’s woes, as the utility tackles yet another unpopular rate change. As the base rate review case approaches City Hall, Austin Energy has announced that its annual revision of pass-through rates could mean another hike in energy rates […]
2022
Posted inPlanning
Nonprofit groups getting $20M in Project Connect funds to prevent displacement
The city has named the 14 nonprofit organizations that will use $20 million in funds from Project Connect to enact community-level programs to prevent displacement as the massive transit system moves forward. Last week, the city’s Affordable Housing Finance Corporation approved the awards, which will be drawn from the $300 million in anti-displacement, affordable housing […]
Posted inDevelopment
Parks board recommends Brodie Oaks development
Last week, the Parks and Recreation Board voted to recommend the Brodie Oaks planned unit development as superior to City Council, contingent on the applicant complying with a list of board recommendations concerning public access to the on-site park and related facilities. The proposed PUD, located at Loop 360 and Highway 290, would reimagine the […]
Posted inWhispers
Even with soaring overtime costs, APD spends below budget
As of September 2022, the Austin Police Department had 280 vacancies in its sworn staff. Of those, 99 were the result of retirements, according to Jason Matson, the department’s research and planning division manager. He said the department had budgeted for 1,809 positions, but only 1,529 of those were filled by late September. Matson reported to […]
Posted inElections
Submit your questions and join us for forums with the candidates running for Austin City Council
Ahead of early voting for this November’s elections, KUT and the Austin Monitor will host forums with the candidates running for five seats on City Council. If you’re not sure, you can find out if you live in a Council district that’s up for grabs this year here. Tune in to find out what the candidates […]
Posted inWhispers
Meet Texas’ most misunderstood critter
Pop quiz: 1) What’s the only marsupial native to North America (and common in Texas)? 2) What mammal is rarely a vector for rabies because its low body temperature inhibits the virus? And 3) What critter is the subject of this month’s installment of the Wild Neighbors Speaker Series? If you answered opossum for all three […]
Posted inLand Development Code
As affordability concerns linger, Planning Commission postpones enviro code changes
The Planning Commission postponed a vote Tuesday on a complex package of environmental and water quality code amendments. Commissioners say much work remains to understand the full impact of the changes, especially as they relate to housing affordability. While many code changes are proposed, the biggest include requiring enhanced “functional green” landscaping in most new […]
Posted inWhispers
Help for homeowners
Keeping up with repair and homeownership costs can be challenging for seniors or disabled people. The city of Austin and Travis County are offering some hands-on help with their Homeowner Savings Workshop. Participants will learn about the city’s home repair programs for lower-income, older and disabled Austinites; homestead exemptions that can lower your property tax […]
Posted inCity Hall
Ethics commission shelves lobbying complaint against Austin Pets Alive! employee
The Ethics Review Commission has opted not to move forward with a lobbying complaint against a member of the city’s Animal Advisory Commission who also works in a governmental affairs job for Austin Pets Alive. Last week the ethics commission voted 4-4 on a motion that would have forwarded to the city attorney the complaint […]
Posted inAISD
Austin ISD school board approves protections for construction workers ahead of bond election
The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees has signed off on a resolution to improve labor standards for any construction projects on district property. The board approved the measure at a meeting Thursday. The trustees passed the measure ahead of the 2022 school bond election in November. If voters approve AISD’s $2.44 billion bond package, the district […]
Posted inWhispers
Best deal in town for artists
Today’s the day, artists: The city has begun accepting applications for the 2024 season of its Artist Access Program. What exactly is the Artist Access Program? According to the city’s announcement, it “provides free or low-cost rehearsal and production spaces to both emerging and established performance artists from the Austin area. Created to address the needs […]
Posted inWhispers
One and done
Austin Public Health is recommending that all eligible adults get the updated Covid-19 booster and the annual flu shot in one visit. It’s easy, it’s convenient, and you’ll be protected from two unpleasant – and potentially dangerous – viruses in one fell swoop. In addition, October is the ideal time to get the flu shot. […]