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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Stories by Chad Swiatecki
ACME previews grant updates, community plans at Music Commission meeting
The city’s newly formed Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) is moving forward with a restructuring of cultural funding programs, with plans to complete new grant guidelines by mid-summer, launch applications in August, and distribute funding by early…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • May 7, 2025
Austin arts groups facing budget cuts after cancellation of NEA grants
An assortment of arts organizations in Austin were among the hundreds across the nation that learned late Friday that their most recent round of funding from the National Endowment for the Arts was being withdrawn. The Austin Monitor has confirmed…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • May 6, 2025
City reports fewer crimes, stable crowds in Sixth Street pilot
Data from the city’s efforts to revitalize the Sixth Street Entertainment District show reductions in violent crime and public safety incidents, according to a new memo summarizing the results of a pilot program launched late last year. A recent memo…
Public Safety • By Chad Swiatecki • May 5, 2025
Density bonus programs under review to address affordability needs, market conditions
The city is moving forward with reforms to several of its density bonus programs, following the recommendations from an analysis completed earlier this year. A recent presentation to City Council’s Housing and Planning Committee outlined several modifications underway or in…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • May 2, 2025
New libraries, parks, health centers among facilities eyed for 2026 bond proposal
Up to four new libraries, more neighborhood health centers, and a host of new park properties and recreation centers are among the facilities being considered for the city’s next bond election that will likely take place in 2026. Representatives from…
Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • May 1, 2025
Homelessness strategy plan calls for $101M in spending from city, partner groups
Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office is proposing a funding package totaling just under $101 million for homelessness response efforts in the city’s next budget, with about one-third allocated toward maintaining existing programs, one-third for new city investments, and one-third for initiatives…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 29, 2025
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Police oversight report shows progress in 2023 data
The Office of Police Oversight received more than 1,500 public contacts in 2023, forwarding 578 complaints to the Austin Police Department and recommending 215 for investigation, according to the agency’s newly released annual report. Of those, APD investigated 138 cases…
Police • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 28, 2025
Panelists look at the airport's future of 'perpetual' construction
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is expected to remain in a near-perpetual state of construction for the next several decades, as city officials and regional leaders prepare for sustained, long-term growth in air travel demand and economic activity across the Central Texas…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 24, 2025
Council looks to expand AI policies, examine energy and water needs for data centers
Later this week, City Council will consider a substantial expansion of the city’s artificial intelligence oversight, incorporating detailed guidance on workforce protections, public transparency, and the environmental impacts of growing AI infrastructure. The resolution on Thursday’s agenda builds on a…
City Council • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 23, 2025
Animal Center gets interim leaders to help with five-year improvement plan
The city is moving forward with new leadership at Austin Animal Center, following a memo from city manager T.C. Broadnax announcing the appointment of an interim leadership team. As of last week, Rolando Fernandez took over as interim chief animal…
City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 23, 2025
Planning staff spells out steps for preservation and coordination in 78702 and beyond
The city is preparing to move forward with a long-term planning effort that would coordinate public and cultural investments in a portion of East Austin seen as under threat of gentrification and other growth pressures. A new memo from the…
Planning • By Chad Swiatecki • Apr 21, 2025
Downtown Commission looks at partnerships, philanthropy to address homelessness
The city is establishing new partnerships with homelessness relief organizations and could announce new philanthropic partners later this month, while continuing to improve programs already in place to address the needs of the area’s growing homeless population. The most recent…
