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City Hall
Charter Review Commission suggests more transparency in petition process
The city’s Charter Review Commission continues to take a close look at the petition process in Austin in anticipation of putting changes on this November’s ballot. At the most recent meeting, commissioners discussed a new “letter of intent” that aims…
City Hall • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 8, 2024
Travis County turns down partnership with Austin to address homelessness
On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court rejected a proposal to form an interlocal agreement with the city of Austin. The agreement would have put $400,000 toward a $2 million strategic analysis of local efforts to address homelessness. Commissioners chiefly…
Austin • By Nick Erichson • Feb 5, 2024
City Council updates code to address animal shelter overcrowding, safety
City Council voted on consent at its meeting on Thursday to amend the city code regarding animal services, heeding recommendations from a recent audit that found the Austin Animal Center in far East Austin was struggling to maintain quality of…
City Council • By Emma Freer • Feb 2, 2024
TipSheet: Austin City Council, 2.1.24
City Council will meet today for its regular meeting. As usual, there are a few agenda items that we are keeping our eye on, which are detailed in this TipSheet. The entire agenda (also as usual) is available online here,…
City Council • By Elizabeth Pagano • Feb 1, 2024
Despite micromanaging concerns, the city's telework policy advances
After a debate on how granular the policy should be, the Planning Commission has given its blessing to a series of amendments that will help shape the city’s telework policy. The amendments were initiated by the Planning Commission last year…
City Hall • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 31, 2024
Funding gaps and future needs eyed in analysis of bond spending
Members of City Council have started to show some of their priorities for the city’s next bond package that would address needs for parkland and cultural centers, among other city departmental resources. Another concern expressed at last week’s Audit and…
Bonds & Propositions • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 29, 2024
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Proposed changes to the city’s ethics commission falter
A proposal to reenvision the city’s ethics commission as an independent entity appears to be on ice at the Charter Review Commission after a motion to form a working group to look into the issue failed without any support. Commissioner…
City Hall • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 26, 2024
Fleet Services moves forward with fuel efficiency, reducing emissions
Although mileage put on city vehicles has continued to grow over the last five years, Austin has been able to reduce the amount of fuel used during that same time period, according to a report Wednesday to the City Council…
City Hall • By Jo Clifton • Jan 25, 2024
Charter Review Commission continues to wrestle with petition process
As the Charter Review Commission works to prepare its recommendations to City Council, a discussion at the most recent meeting showed that its members are still struggling with what changes they will recommend for the city’s petition process. Currently, any…
City Charter • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jan 23, 2024
City increases wealth cap for minority businesses seeking contracts
The city has increased the limit on personal net wealth for individuals looking to take part in the city’s procurement program aimed at hiring businesses owned by women and/or minorities. That adjustment was supported by an analysis of the local…
City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 22, 2024
DAA, Urban Alchemy partner to improve outreach, services for downtown homeless population
Downtown Austin Alliance hopes its new pilot program will help to provide more services and housing opportunities to the homeless people clustered throughout the city’s central business district. On Thursday, the DAA announced its Homeless Engagement Assistance Response Team (HEART),…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jan 19, 2024
City seeks McKinsey's $2M analysis of programs to address homelessness
Consulting giant McKinsey & Company could take up another study of the city, specifically how four local bodies including Central Health are working to address homelessness throughout the Austin area. At its meeting today, City Council will consider two items…
