The Austin Monitor thanks its sponsors. Become one.
Public Safety
Firefighters form new PAC to support candidates
The Austin Firefighters Local 975 has formed a special political action committee to support eight candidates running for City Council on the November ballot. Firefighters president Bob Nicks told the Monitor that the group had raised $200,000 through membership dues…
Elections • By Jo Clifton • Sep 18, 2014
Austin Interfaith grills mayoral candidates on affordability
Only three of the eight candidates in the running for mayor participated in a question-and-answer session hosted by Austin Interfaith on Tuesday. And rather than give candidates a forum to lay out their individual platforms, Austin Interfaith directed four specific…
Elections • By Kara Nuzback • Sep 17, 2014
Commission studies hidden costs of SXSW
One day after the news that the 2014 South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival generated $315 million for the city, Public Safety Commissioners heard about the financial and staffing impacts that special events place on City of Austin…
Public Safety • By Gene Davis • Sep 15, 2014
SXSW reports $315M economic impact on Austin
It probably comes as no surprise to anyone who has lived in Austin for any length of time, but the South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival is bigger than ever. That goes for the festival’s economic impact as…
Local Government • By Elizabeth Pagano • Sep 12, 2014
SXSW after-action report promises changes
Big changes could be coming to the city’s South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festival, according to a report released by the city Thursday. The report, compiled at the behest of City Council members in the wake of the…
Public Safety • By Michael Kanin • Sep 5, 2014
APD faces tough questions at community forum
During an emotionally charged public forum on police accountability, Austin Police Department Chief Art Acevedo defended the department against accusations that officers unfairly target minorities. The Travis County Democratic Party hosted Tuesday’s forum at the North Door after it passed…
Public Safety • By Gene Davis • Sep 3, 2014
Subscribe to our newsletter
Police claim no disparities in marijuana arrests
Austin police say African-Americans are not unfairly targeted by police for marijuana offenses, despite community claims to the contrary. The Austin Human Rights Commission met last week to hear a presentation from Assistant Police Chief Brian Manley about statistics related…
Public Safety • By Kara Nuzback • Sep 2, 2014
Acevedo predicts changes to deportation program
Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo told the Monitor on Thursday that he believes the focus of the federal Secure Communities Program could change by the end of 2014. Speaking after he briefed the Council on a proposed new city booking facility, Acevedo…
Local Politics • By Michael Kanin • Aug 29, 2014
County OKs new criminal defense program
The Travis County Commissioners Court has appointed a nonprofit corporation to manage a new program created to provide criminal defense for indigent Travis County residents, starting Jan. 1 of next year. The program will replace the current system of court-appointed…
Public Safety • By Tyler Whitson • Aug 27, 2014
Council gets update on Rundberg Project
The work of restoring the Rundberg neighborhood is well underway. A briefing on the Restore Rundberg Project’s progress at City Council’s Tuesday work session prompted at least one Council member to ask: Could it be better? The Restore Rundberg Project…
Local Politics • By Elizabeth Pagano • Aug 27, 2014
Increasing child abuse/neglect cases strain courts
Representatives of Travis County children and parents involved in legal abuse and neglect cases have only 10-minute judicial hearings to present evidence of their safety and living situations, according to county civil court judges. County attorneys for indigent children and parents…
Public Safety • By Beth Cortez-Neavel • Aug 25, 2014
SXSW reps, CoA staff working with consultant
Representatives from the South by Southwest festival and the City of Austin participated in a two-day workshop this week with a major architectural design and event firm brought in to discuss the SXSW event. Officials from both organizations confirmed they had…
