Stories by Jessi Devenyns
Tuesday, September 5, 2017 by Jessi Devenyns
Parks
Aquatic Master Plan Task Force moves forward
It’s no secret that Austin city pools are on life support. Last month, City Council put off a vote on the dense and troubling Aquatic Master Plan. Instead, Council members created a task force to take a closer look at…
Thursday, August 31, 2017 by Jessi Devenyns
Parks
Whose job it is to provide recycling in Austin parks?
Austin’s Universal Recycling Ordinance mandates that by Oct. 1, all commercial properties in Austin will be required to provide recycling. However, open spaces, including public parks, are not included in the current ordinance, which leaves the Parks and Recreation Department…
Thursday, August 24, 2017 by Jessi Devenyns
City Hall
Equity Office asks city to look through a new lens
In the fall of 2016, the city of Austin readjusted its rudder and straightened itself on a course toward equity. Ten months ago, Brion Oaks stepped in as the chief equity officer of the newly established Equity Office, which is…
Tuesday, August 22, 2017 by Jessi Devenyns
Environment
Concerned citizens and commissioners display disapproval at SOS amendments
On Wednesday night, it was standing room only at the Environmental Commission meeting as concerned citizens gathered to express their dissent over the Watershed Protection Department’s seven proposed amendments to the current Land Development Code. Six of these stand-alone amendments…
Friday, August 18, 2017 by Jessi Devenyns
Environment
Watershed Protection reports on youth outreach successes
Just as it does every year, the Watershed Protection Department came to present a summary of its Youth Education outreach program to the Environmental Commission. Susan Wall, who is the department’s conservation program coordinator, on Wednesday updated the commissioners on…
Thursday, August 17, 2017 by Jessi Devenyns
Water
Austin Water will not be raining down new rate increases in 2018
For the first time in 15 years, Austin Water Utility will not be increasing its rates. On Aug. 9, Austin Water presented its $614.8 million Fiscal Year 2017-18 budget proposal to the Water and Wastewater Commission for approval. Joseph Gonzales,…
Monday, August 14, 2017 by Jessi Devenyns
Environment
City puts environmental inequity under the lens
Austin’s first chief equity officer has hit the ground running. Last year, Brion Oaks took the position as head of the new Equity Office, and he is now hard at work introducing an “equity lens” intended to focus city departments…
Tuesday, August 8, 2017 by Jessi Devenyns
Environment
City discusses the future of Austin waterways in the face of zebra mussel infestation
The city needs to batten down the hatches and get ready for the zebra mussel invasion, according to Liz Johnston, environmental program coordinator for the Watershed Protection Department. On Wednesday, Johnston brought the Environmental Commission up to speed on the…
