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City Hall

Auditors seek change in reporting of minor violations

The City Council Audit & Finance Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend a change in city regulations that will allow the Office of the City Auditor to refer “de minimis” or small-scale violations of city code related to misuse of…

Audit cites lax city oversight of Mexic-Arte Museum

The city has not done the work needed to develop and oversee its agreements with the Mexic-Arte Museum, according to a report from the Office of the City Auditor. Auditors reported finding a number of contract monitoring weaknesses, raising questions about…

Demolition permitting process redesign delayed again

City Council was scheduled to vote on two separate items Thursday as part of a multi-year effort to update the city’s demolition permitting process, but a number of potential flaws surfaced during Council’s discussions over the resolution and ordinance last…

City finds fault with potential Downtown Community Court locations, sticks with east side alternative

In the continued search for a new home for the Downtown Austin Community Court, the Office of Real Estate Services has encountered serious constraints against moving the court into the first floor of the John H. Faulk Library or the…

Animal Advisory Commission tables HASS discussion for now

With the Animal Advisory Commission still in disagreement over the recommendation that Austin join a decentralized shelter pilot program, commissioners decided to push the decision to October. While commissioners were entirely in agreement over one item, voting unanimously to ask…

Animal Advisory Commission to vote for new animal shelter pilot program

The Animal Advisory Commission is voting on a recommendation Monday for Austin to adopt a decentralized, foster home-based approach to animal services. Although the Austin Animal Center is considered an essential service by city ordinance, the shelter has had difficulties…

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Council approves SAVES resolution to rescue vital businesses

City Council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday night directing the city manager to bring back viable funding options by Oct. 1 to help sustain the city’s service sector through the ongoing economic pressures of Covid-19. All the Council members, Mayor…

Convention center expansion moves forward

After a long day considering various different topics, City Council voted 10-0-1, with Council Member Leslie Pool abstaining, to authorize staff to move forward with negotiations to purchase two expensive blocks to the west of the Austin Convention Center for…

Council members consider funding to save local service economy

Without significant intervention, economists are predicting a “K-shaped” Covid-19 recovery trajectory, a scenario where “high-skill” professionals thrive while the service sector continues in a rapid decline. City Council hopes to prevent the further demise of our local music and arts…

Negotiations in the works on convention center expansion

Although the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to have serious economic impacts on the Austin Convention Center for several years, people will still want to gather for face-to-face meetings, according to an expert hired to advise City Council on the planned…

Animal Advisory Commission asks Council to unfreeze hiring for animal protection officers

The Animal Advisory Commission unanimously approved a recommendation for City Council to unfreeze hiring for certain Animal Services staff Monday. Currently, 12 full-time positions that had been budgeted for in the 2020 budget remain vacant in the Animal Services Department.…

Economic Development Department outlines plans for $12M creative space bond, creation of Austin EDC

The Economic Development Department outlined its plan for a $12 million creative space bond and a city-owned economic development corporation that could help it along at a joint meeting of the arts and music commissions Friday. The city launched a request…

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