Stories by Tyler Whitson
Council initiates fingerprint background check requirements, fees for Uber, Lyft
City Council took a step toward requiring drivers for Uber, Lyft and similar companies to undergo fingerprint background checks on Thursday. It also initiated a process that would require such firms, known as transportation network companies, or TNCs, to pay…
Transportation • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 16, 2015
Council expands immediate solar energy purchase
Just two weeks after approving 288 megawatts’ worth of solar energy contracts, City Council upped the total on Thursday to between 400 and 450 MW. In addition to the immediate purchases, the body directed Austin Energy to reach an ultimate…
Energy • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 16, 2015
Council may revamp affordable housing policy
City Council will pick up a proposal today that Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo hopes will lead to more on-site affordable housing in future developments throughout the city. Based on a discussion at a work session on Tuesday, however, it…
Development • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 15, 2015
Council to take stance on Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood funding may be a national issue, but City Council will likely weigh in on it this Thursday when it considers endorsing federal spending for the women’s health organization in the city’s federal legislative agenda. Council will also consider…
City Council • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 14, 2015
Mobility authority to unveil MoPac South options
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority has announced that it will roll out a slew of new MoPac South alternatives online on Oct. 21 in preparation for an open house on Nov. 10 at the Palmer Events Center. Members of…
Roads • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 14, 2015
Special Report: Manor, planning for the future
Today, the Austin Monitor, KUT and KLRU present a collaboration that examines the impact of our region’s growth on Manor, Texas: Austin’s Eastern Frontier. We invite you to explore that series and offer you this piece on transportation planning efforts in…
Transportation • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 12, 2015
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Austin's music industry talks future, fees
This summer’s release of the Austin Music Census, along with recent and potential music venue closures, paints a dire picture of Austin’s celebrated music scene and has prompted a dialogue about the future of local artists and venues. That conversation…
Music & Entertainment • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 12, 2015
PUC resets rates for thousands of Austin Water customers
More than 46,000 Austin Water customers are getting their rates lowered, based on an order that the Public Utility Commission of Texas handed down to the city of Austin on Thursday. In addition, the city will have to request approval…
Water • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 9, 2015
Committee suggests new Uber, Lyft regulations
Transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft may be on the way to stricter safety regulations and higher fees based on recommendations that the City Council Mobility Committee made on Wednesday. The operating fee recommendations would establish a charge…
Transportation • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 8, 2015
New report outlines popular mobility proposals
Everyone is aware that Austin has major traffic problems, but not everyone agrees on how to fix them. A new report, however, may help bridge some of those gaps by presenting the 10 most popular ideas that community members generated…
Transportation • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 8, 2015
Code says STR licenses are a strain on staff
Short-term rentals such as those listed on Airbnb and HomeAway are a hot-button issue in Austin, and the city is at work trying to fix the problems that residents have drawn attention to in the past several months. Austin Code…
Housing • By Tyler Whitson • Oct 7, 2015
Central Texas reacts to new ozone standards
After the Environmental Protection Agency announced on Oct. 1 that it would be tightening its ground-level ozone regulations, some in Central Texas likely felt relieved, some expressed frustration and others looked ahead. The new National Ambient Air Quality Standards reduce…
