Stories by Amy Smith
Former PARD Director McNeeley resigns from top post at The Trail Conservancy
In a surprising turn of events, Kimberly McNeeley has resigned from her position as CEO of The Trail Conservancy after less than six months on the job. McNeeley had previously served as director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department…
Parks • By Amy Smith • Dec 5, 2024
Council approves added protections for birds and trees in new construction
Birds and the trees that serve as their habitats gained renewed attention from City Council on Thursday with the approval of two measures calling for enhanced protections for both. For the birds, a resolution sponsored by Mayor Pro Tem Leslie…
City Council • By Amy Smith • Nov 22, 2024
Ethics complaint against Watson campaign still unsettled after hearing
The question of whether Mayor Kirk Watson’s reelection campaign violated the city’s campaign finance rules remained unsettled last week following a hearing before the Ethics Review Commission. The commission recessed shortly after 10 p.m. after deadlocking on one motion to…
Elections • By Amy Smith • Nov 18, 2024
City’s new travel policy aligns with best practices used in other cities
The city’s travel reimbursement process for employees appears to be working well since the policy was updated early this year, according to an audit of the new policy presented Tuesday to City Council’s Audit and Finance Committee. While the audit…
Austin • By Amy Smith • Nov 13, 2024
Special fund could help Council members respond to neighborhood needs
Under a proposal approved Thursday, City Council members may have the ability next year to fund projects in their districts without following the usual planning and budgeting processes. The resolution, sponsored by Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, directs the city manager…
City Council • By Amy Smith • Nov 8, 2024
Council approves initiative that aims to protect renters from hidden fees
Over opposition from the Austin Apartment Association, City Council passed a resolution Thursday designed to protect renters from unexpected fees tied to lease agreements. The agenda item, sponsored by Council Member Ryan Alter, directs the city manager to work with…
Housing • By Amy Smith • Oct 28, 2024
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Transportation and Public Works Department gears up for mobility projects with EPA funding
The city’s Transportation and Public Works Department is teeing up a series of mobility hub projects and educational programs to combat greenhouse gas emissions with funding from a $48 million federal grant. Today, City Council will formally amend the department’s…
Transportation • By Amy Smith • Oct 24, 2024
Residents may get relief from persistent mechanical noises
Life in the big city can be exciting and … noisy. Now that Austin is certifiably hustling and bustling, the city may soon join other big cities in regulating noise pollution caused by mechanical equipment that disrupts neighboring residents’ quality…
City Council • By Amy Smith • Oct 23, 2024
Benefits of urban trees justify projected price tag for city’s tree inventory plan
Funding to conduct an inventory of Austin’s public trees did not make it into this year’s budget as a City Council-approved resolution called for, but city officials say cost recommendations should be ready for the next budget cycle. An Oct.…
Environment • By Amy Smith • Oct 18, 2024
APD touts early successes of license plate reader program
The Public Safety Commission was briefed Monday on some early results of the license plate reader program that rolled out in March with cameras at undisclosed sites across the city. The Austin Police Department credits the cameras for the 40…
Police • By Amy Smith • Oct 11, 2024
Council weighs financial impact of proposed police contract
As City Council weighs approval of a proposed police contract expected to cost $218 million over five years, city budget staff on Tuesday presented a brighter financial outlook compared to the dire projections given earlier this year. At Tuesday’s work…
Police • By Amy Smith • Oct 10, 2024
Bowen pledges to bring transparency to City Hall, starting with independent audit
Not many people wake up on the day of the filing deadline for mayor and decide to throw their hat in the ring. But that’s what Jeffery Bowen did when he became the fifth candidate in the race to become…
