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- Former Council Member and dedicated environmentalist Jackie Goodman has died
- Texas lawmakers finalize bill limiting property owners’ right to protest new homes nearby
- A multi-family rezoning at the rugged edge of Northwest Austin
- City to postpone UNO vote to consult with UT
- City delays decision on license plate reader program
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City Hall
Staff lays out public safety budget choices for City Council
Looking ahead to a tough budget year, City Council will have to choose between spending on firefighters, emergency medical services, parks maintenance, homeless outreach and improving animal services, among others. Wednesday’s budget presentation did nothing to alleviate budget concerns, with…
Budget • By Jo Clifton • Jul 25, 2024
Audit cites lack of progress on homelessness strategies issued five-plus years ago
A new report from the Office of the City Auditor has found the city is still working toward accomplishing five recommendations to address homelessness that were suggested at least five years ago. The report, which was issued earlier this month,…
City Hall • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 24, 2024
Parks board recommends beefing up funding for city parks maintenance
With increasing challenges in maintaining grounds within Austin’s busy parks system, the Parks and Recreation Board voted Monday to recommend that City Council allocate an additional $2.62 million to the Parks and Recreation Department budget for the new fiscal year.…
Budget • By Amy Smith • Jul 24, 2024
Chamber group touts $1M small business loan program ahead of regional plan
Ahead of an in-progress comprehensive plan slated for completion later this year, Austin’s Diversity and Ethnic Chamber Alliance (DECA) has secured a commitment from two local banks to loan $1 million to member small businesses. The loans, which will be…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 23, 2024
Council OKs 13 proposed charter amendments for November ballot
Voters will decide on 13 potential amendments to the city charter in November, with two of the most significant potential changes affecting the number of signatures needed to recall a City Council member, and requiring elections for citizen-led ballot initiatives…
City Charter • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 22, 2024
Officials update Animal Advisory Commission on strategic plan process
City officials updated the Animal Advisory Commission last week on the strategic plan for the Animal Services Office as the city works to improve the relationship between the Austin Animal Center and key stakeholders, including the commission. Assistant City Manager…
City Hall • By Dylan Ebs • Jul 22, 2024
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Council votes to follow traditional process before calling a climate bond election
After one of the most robust deliberations City Council has had in recent history, a resolution on a comprehensive climate bond election moved forward Thursday, but without the immediacy that some Council members would have preferred. Nevertheless, those who favored…
City Council • By Amy Smith • Jul 19, 2024
Council seeks information on creating a public bank
City Council on Thursday approved a resolution by Council Member Zo Qadri directing the city manager to research the question of the city of Austin starting a “public bank.” Unlike commercial banks, public banks are required to operate in the…
City Council • By Jo Clifton • Jul 19, 2024
Arts group blasts memo blocking city from purchasing historic church space
The nonprofit Austin Creative Alliance has pushed back against a memo from city staff that appears to have derailed an effort by City Council members to preserve a pair of East Austin properties that serve as the group’s headquarters and…
Austin • By Chad Swiatecki • Jul 18, 2024
Off-leash dogs are everywhere in Austin. What are the rules?
There are few things that bring dog owners more joy than watching their furry friend run toward them with tongue out and ears flapping. But, for nonlovers of dogs or other pet owners, this might not be as joyful. For…
Austin • By Greta Díaz González Vázquez, KUT News • Jul 18, 2024
TipSheet: Austin City Council, 7.18.24
Though City Council members briefly reappeared to help unveil this year’s budget last week, they will have their first regular meeting this week after summer break. As one might expect, the agenda is somewhat overstuffed in an effort to make…
TipSheets • By Elizabeth Pagano • Jul 18, 2024
Arts Commission gives early OK for city aid to expand Umlauf museum
The Arts Commission wants City Council to give an initial endorsement to an ambitious plan to improve and expand the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, which is managed in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. At Monday’s meeting,…
