Austin has fallen behind cities of a similar size when it comes to caring for its elders. It’s no longer in AARP’s top 10 cities to live in for older adults as of 2022. In fact, last year, it didn’t even make the top 25. That might not be top of mind, as the median […]
City Hall
Posted inCity Hall
City auditors see number of ethics complaints increasing
The number of complaints of fraud, misuse of resources and abuse by city employees continues to increase each year, according to Brian Molloy, chief of investigations for the Austin City Auditor’s Office. Molloy told the Council Audit and Finance Committee Wednesday that auditors received 404 complaints during fiscal year 2025, compared to 380 complaints in […]
Posted inCity Council
Council OKs purchase of site for new homeless navigation center
City Council voted 8–3 on Thursday to purchase a commercial property on South Interstate 35 to serve as the city’s first housing navigation center for people experiencing homelessness, following hours of debate and neighborhood opposition. The votes against the purchase came from Council members Marc Duchen, Zo Qadri, and José Velásquez. The 1.39-acre site at […]
Posted inCity Hall
Austin’s housing, transportation projects face ongoing federal funding uncertainty
A recent city memo warns that federal programs the city relies on for housing, infrastructure and mobility face new uncertainty, even as some substantial local projects are designed and ready to move forward. A Sept. 23 memo from Government Relations Officer Carrie Rogers details the city’s recent lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. and emphasizes that […]
Posted inCity Council
City Council adopts changes for Austin Animal Center and Austin Pets Alive!
Austin City Council has adopted changes to the city ordinance related to spaying cats and dogs at the Austin Animal Shelter, including an amendment that proved controversial. Under the changed ordinance, the city will notify Austin Pets Alive! (APA) about animals that are lactating so that APA can pick up lactating animals within three hours […]
Posted inCity Hall
Firefighters, city at loggerheads over contract
Negotiators for the Austin Firefighters Association (AFA) and city management appear to have reached an impasse. AFA President Bob Nicks called the city’s current offer “disrespectful to those who risk their lives daily.” Nicks noted that he told the city manager and City Council in January that firefighters want a work week reduction and the […]
Posted inBudget
Travis County signs off on Central Health’s new budget — with a tax rate increase
Travis County commissioners approved an $875 million annual budget for local public hospital district Central Health, along with an increased tax rate that local officials said was influenced by federal funding changes. Around 5% of a Travis County homeowner’s property tax bill goes to Central Health. Those taxes must support health care for low-income and […]
Posted inCity Hall
Data issues cause city to dismiss downtown shelters operator
The city will not renew its contract with Urban Alchemy to manage two key downtown homeless shelters following the discovery of improper data handling by the nonprofit’s staff. The Homeless Strategy Office confirmed the contract will end on Sept. 30 and that another service provider, Endeavors, will assume operations under an emergency contract. According to […]
Posted inCity Hall
Austin Resource Recovery not meeting Zero Waste goals, audit says
In 2009, Austin became the first city in Texas to adopt a Zero Waste Strategic Plan. The plan set a goal of diverting 90 percent of waste away from landfills and incinerators by 2040. But Austin is not on track to meet that goal, according to an audit conducted by the Office of the City […]
Posted inCity Council
Council OKs new rules for short-term rentals
City Council voted Thursday to approve a series of regulations for short-term rental properties, taking the next step in advancing changes that were kicked off by a February vote. The resolution, which collected several amendments and had others withdrawn or voted down, was approved 10-0, with Council Member Marc Duchen abstaining. The new ordinance updates […]
Posted inCity Council
Council to vote on stricter licensing, platform rules for short-term rentals
City Council on Thursday will consider the next steps in short-term rental regulations, which were initiated by a February vote. The proposed ordinance would impose new licensing and eligibility standards, add enforcement mechanisms and expand regulatory obligations for platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. If approved, the new rules will take effect in two stages, with […]
Posted inCity Council
Council rejects resolution to target youth homelessness funding
A resolution aimed at prioritizing youth homelessness funding failed at City Council on Thursday following extended debate over budget process and policy flexibility. Staff from the Homeless Strategy Office expressed concern that the proposal, even softened from its original form, could restrict their ability to adjust investments based on the needs shown by real-time data […]