About the Author
Chad Swiatecki is a 20-year journalist who relocated to Austin from his home state of Michigan in 2008. He most enjoys covering the intersection of arts, business and local/state politics. He has written for Rolling Stone, Spin, New York Daily News, Texas Monthly, Austin American-Statesman and many other regional and national outlets.
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Most Popular Stories
- New federal cash paves way for East Austin’s ‘wishbone’ bridge over Lady Bird Lake
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- Save Our Springs Alliance sues City Council over Open Meetings Act
- Democrats vs. Republicans: First election coming for Travis Central Appraisal District board
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Discover News By District
Stories by Chad Swiatecki
Live music proponents express optimism, caution at potential expansion of venues
Boosters in the local music and creative communities are optimistic, if cautious, about the potential for new music venues and art spaces to open throughout Austin, now that the land use code is set to include formal definitions for both…
Development • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 8, 2023
Nash Hernandez Building still among four sites considered to host senior, child programs
The city is continuing work to establish a community center for seniors and young children in East Austin, with sites under consideration including the Nash Hernandez Building. A memo released last week discloses the latest progress related to a December…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 7, 2023
Housing costs analysis endorses changes in lots sizes, compatibility requirements
City staff and researchers at the University of Texas looking to reduce housing costs have published their recommendations on policies for City Council to consider. A memo published last week offers a broad overview of the current state of affordability…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 4, 2023
Real estate leaders see hope in smaller lot sizes as demand for housing remains strong
“In Austin, you don’t have enough housing for the demand in the pipeline. … I can’t say it simpler. We all agree we have increased inventory, but with the demand coming down the pipeline, and then you had two quarters…
Housing • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 3, 2023
Garza says reorganization ‘will in no way diminish’ offices of Civil Rights, Equity
Interim City Manager Jesús Garza has clarified his plans for reorganizing a handful of city offices, including the Equity and Civil Rights offices, which will be located in different buildings despite being part of the newly created Community and Business…
Budget • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 2, 2023
Insurance costs listed among music venues' biggest challenges at city summit
The rising cost of liability insurance has become a substantial pain point for music venues in Austin, with attendees of the city’s recent music venue summit pointing to six-figure yearly premiums as one of their most substantial costs. The general…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Aug 1, 2023
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Urban Land Institute offers a glimpse at plans for UT's many real estate holdings in Austin
From the development of the life sciences Innovation District to land eyed for possible use by federally funded semiconductor research and manufacturing, the land holdings of the University of Texas continue to play a huge role in the development efforts…
Development • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 31, 2023
Planning Commission approves amendment to allow more music venues, creative spaces
The Planning Commission has approved an amendment to the city’s building code that could clear the way for more music venues and creative spaces throughout the city. At its July 25 meeting, the commission unanimously approved the amendment, which was…
Music & Entertainment • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 28, 2023
Disability commission pushes city to pick up pace of sidewalk improvements
Improved access to public transit and bike-share programs – possibly including free service for all residents – is among the policy moves the Transportation and Public Works Department intends to ask City Council to consider later this year. During a…
Transportation • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 26, 2023
Downtown Commission hears plans to address Rainey Street safety
The Downtown Commission last week gave an unofficial thumbs-up to the city’s efforts to improve safety in the Rainey Street nightlife district, in an effort to prevent more drownings in the area. On July 19, representatives from the Parks and…
Parks • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 25, 2023
Council approves taller buildings in part of Sixth Street entertainment district
City Council has approved an increase in building height for a portion of the East Sixth Street entertainment district that has been targeted for redevelopment by a Dallas-based real estate firm. The ordinance amendment approved Thursday after a public hearing…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 24, 2023
Garza explains motivations behind proposed changes to Equity, Civil Rights offices
At Wednesday’s budget work session, interim City Manager Jesús Garza offered some of his rationale behind the proposed reorganization of four city offices, a change that has drawn criticism from community groups involved in equality and racial justice. During the…
