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Stories by Jo Clifton

Firefighters to seek firing of Chief Baker

Austin Firefighters Association President Bob Nicks will hold a press conference today to discuss the removal of Fire Chief Joel Baker from his position. Nicks told the Austin Monitor that Baker issued a standing order on June 6 that prevented…

Fire • By Jo Clifton • Jul 7, 2025

Complaint against former manager Garza fails at ethics commission

After a lengthy hearing which ended shortly after midnight last Thursday, the city’s Ethics Review Commission dismissed a complaint against former Interim City Manager Jesús Garza. A motion aimed at dismissing the complaint failed, as did a motion to move…

City Hall • By Jo Clifton • Jun 30, 2025

Despite safety concerns, Council OKs new buildings above Shoal Creek

Austin City Council last week approved adding the Vertical Mixed Use “V” to the property located from 1501 to 1603 Shoal Creek Boulevard, after a hearing that featured considerable discussion about the geologically sensitive area. Council Member Paige Ellis abstained,…

Zoning • By Jo Clifton • Jun 12, 2025

Council OKs water, wastewater extension to environmentally sensitive property

In a vote of 7-4, City Council on Thursday approved granting water and wastewater service for a proposed multi-family project outside the city limits and within the Drinking Water Protection Zone. The property at 10656 North FM 620 is in…

Water • By Jo Clifton • Jun 10, 2025

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Former Council Member and dedicated environmentalist Jackie Goodman has died

Jackie Goodman, 79, who served on the Austin City Council for 12 years starting in 1993, passed away on Tuesday. She had been hospitalized but had come home before her death. She served as Mayor Pro Tem for several years…

Austin • By Jo Clifton • Jun 5, 2025

Audit cites city failures to address discrimination, harassment

The city has made some progress in handling discrimination, harassment and retaliation complaints by city employees, but some investigations still fail to follow basic rules for conducting such inquiries, according to an audit conducted by the City Auditor’s Office. Members…

City Hall • By Jo Clifton • May 20, 2025

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Survey says Austin could benefit from promoting historic structures

The city, interested members of the public and HHM & Associates, Inc. have been working on a survey of historic downtown and near downtown buildings, trails and bridges to identify what landmarks might attract history-minded tourists to Austin. The survey…

Preservation • By Jo Clifton • May 15, 2025

front of City Hall

Tax rate election seems likely this November

During the City Council Audit & Finance Committee meeting Tuesday, Kerri Lang, director of the city’s budget office, laid out the steps the city would take in deciding whether to submit a request to voters for a property tax increase…

Budget • By Jo Clifton • May 7, 2025

Developer appeals denial of right-of-way vacation

The Urban Transportation Commission has rejected a request by the owner of one Old West Austin property to vacate right-of-way after hearing objections from the owners of a neighboring property that would be harmed by the street vacation. Commissioners voted…

Planning • By Jo Clifton • May 1, 2025

Austin Energy’s annual report highlights growing demand, help for ratepayers

Austin Energy set new peak demand records for both summer and winter, according to a new report from the utility’s departing General Manager, Bob Kahn. Kahn released the utility’s FY2024 annual report last week. In addition to setting new records,…

Energy • By Jo Clifton • Apr 30, 2025

Austin Energy General Manager Bob Kahn retiring

Bob Kahn, who has served as general manager of Austin Energy for nearly two years, is officially retiring at the end of June, but he will be leaving his post on April 30. City Manager T.C. Broadnax has announced that…

City Hall • By Jo Clifton • Apr 25, 2025

Firefighters, city reach agreement on retirement fund

Negotiators for the city and Austin firefighters have finally reached agreement on how to deal with the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund so that it complies with state law and can promise retirement benefits to current and future retirees. This has…

Fire • By Jo Clifton • Apr 22, 2025

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