Amanda Marzullo announced her bid for the Travis County Precinct 2 seat this week in an email inviting supporters to her campaign launch party.

Marzullo is a former executive director of the Texas Defender Service. She currently works as a Senior Staff Attorney at the Austin Community Law Center. “Travis County deserves forward-thinking leadership that puts people before corporations,” she told the Austin Monitor.

Marzullo’s announcement comes early, as the election for County Precinct 2 will take place in November of 2026. Precinct 2 is currently represented by Hon. Brigid Shea, a former Austin City Council member and a co-founder of Save Our Springs. Shea has served the county since 2015. She has yet to issue a formal statement on whether she will be seeking re-election.

The Downtown Austin Alliance will host its annual Future of Downtown celebration on Tuesday, May 27, at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. The event will feature key findings from the annual State of Downtown report and an introduction to Davon Barbour, the organization’s new president and CEO. Attendees will be the first to hear new insights into downtown’s economic, cultural, and social trends, as well as learn about the Downtown Alliance’s strategic priorities for the coming years. The State of Downtown report looks at real estate development, office and employment trends, residential growth, public safety, tourism, homelessness, parks, and mobility in the city’s core. The evening will also feature the presentation of the Downtown Vision Award and the Meredith Powell Award for Community Culture, which recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the vibrancy and vitality of downtown Austin. Tickets for the public event are available for purchase online.

On Tuesday, Council went into executive session to hear legal advice related to a suit filed by Sam Kirsch after an APD officer shot him in the head with a beanbag round during a 2020 racial justice protest. Kirsch suffered serious injuries, recently losing an eye as a result, and is seeking compensation for his injuries, pain and suffering. The suit says Kirsch is also seeking to punish the city for the officer’s actions and conduct, which the suit describes as “egregious, reckless, and endanger(ing) numerous peaceful protesters and bystanders. Sam seeks punitive damages to deter this type of retaliation and excessive force against protesters who demonstrate against police brutality in the future.” APD stopped using the beanbag rounds after this incident. The city has already settled several suits related to the use of those rounds. Kirsch is represented by attorney Rebecca Webber, a former member of the Public Safety Commission.

Austin Public Health has learned that the city has another confirmed measles exposure. The city hosted an infectious El Paso resident April 25 through April 27 with an initial investigation revealing a potential public exposure at Terry Black’s Barbecue on April 26 between 8 and 11 p.m. Anyone visiting the restaurant during that time should monitor for symptoms through May 17. Should symptoms develop, exposed people are advised to quarantine, call a health provider (before visiting) or 512-972-5555 for assistance. Unvaccinated, pregnant or immunocompromised people should contact a doctor immediately as they may be eligible for preventative care.

The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is offering a free emergency preparedness training session, “Ready Together: Basic Emergency Preparedness for You, Your Family & Your Neighborhood,” on Thursday, May 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Carver Branch of the Austin Public Library. Developed in collaboration with the Austin Fire Department, its Wildfire Division, Ascension Seton, and Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA), the two-hour session aims to equip residents with essential strategies to prepare for emergencies, with a particular focus on wildfire safety. Attendees will learn the four key steps of emergency preparedness: creating a plan, building an emergency kit, knowing your neighbors, and staying informed. Given that Central Texas ranks fifth nationally for the number of homes at risk of wildfire, this training is especially pertinent. Participants will also receive an emergency preparedness starter kit and a NOAA weather radio. Complimentary pizza and beverages will be provided, and interpreters will be available in both Spanish and American Sign Language. Registration is required to attend. The training aligns with recent initiatives by the City Council to bolster wildfire preparedness. Last month, Council adopted updates to the Wildland-Urban Interface code, expanding the designated wildfire risk zones to encompass over half of Austin’s habitable land, representing a 38 percent increase from a decade ago. Information and registration are available online.

With current City Auditor Corrie Stokes set to retire at the end of the year, City Council is coming up with a game plan. The city auditor is one of the few positions that Council appoints directly and, to do so, the code stipulates that members of the Audit and Finance Committee serve as a nominating committee that recommends a new auditor within 90 days of the office being vacated with Council acting on that recommendation within 30 days. Working well ahead of that timeline, Mayor Kirk Watson proposed on the City Council Message Board that they start the process mid-May, with an aim to select candidates in September and appoint a new auditor in November.

Though real estate investor Nate Paul will not face prison time for charges of bank and wire fraud, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector Celia Israel is seeking to add more than $2 million money Paul will be paying back in the near future. A press release from Israel explained that the Travis County Attorney filed suit Monday to collect delinquent taxes from eight businesses owned by Paul. The deliquent taxes that total just over $2 million and legal fees of more than $300,000 combine for a hefty 2024 bill from the county. “After each payment deadline, tax office employees spend months sending letters and making phone calls to Mr. Paul, and the delays and partial payments are no longer enough. He has not responded to our call for him to make payment in full or make arrangements to begin a payment plan to address this debt of over $2 million. Our local taxing units depend on property taxes to plan and build infrastructure like roads and bridges, pay our teachers and public employees and do the critical work of government,” reads the press release from Israel. “When I see taxpayers interacting with our office, I see those who are doing their very best to follow the law and play by the rules. I do not take this approach of a lawsuit lightly and hope that Mr. Paul, or one of his business representatives, will respond by paying the delinquent taxes. The Travis County taxpayers deserve a response.”

Austin has again secured a spot among Penske Truck Rental’s Top 10 Moving Destinations for all of 2024, highlighting the city’s enduring appeal despite evolving migration patterns. This marks the fifth consecutive year Austin has featured on Penske’s annual list, which is based on one-way truck rental data. While Austin remains a popular relocation choice, recent data indicates a moderation in its growth trajectory. According to the Austin Chamber of Commerce, net migration to the Austin metro area decreased between 2022 and 2023, with Travis, Williamson and Hays counties all experiencing slower population growth. Despite this slowdown, the city continues to draw newcomers, particularly from other parts of Texas and major out-of-state metropolitan areas. In 2022, top sources of inbound migration included cities like Killeen and Mission, underscoring Austin’s role as a regional hub. The broader Central Texas region, encompassing the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos metropolitan area, has seen significant demographic shifts over the past decade. As of 2020, the metro area’s population exceeded 2.2 million, reflecting its status as one of the fastest-growing large metropolitan areas in the U.S.

Austin residents have the opportunity to weigh in on the city’s financial priorities through a newly launched budget engagement survey. The survey follows the conclusion of a series of community budget conversations hosted throughout April by City Manager T.C. Broadnax. Those conversations were intended to gather public input ahead of the formal budget process. The effort comes as city leaders confront significant long-term financial challenges. According to the city’s recently released Five-Year Financial Forecast, Austin faces substantial annual projected General Fund budget gaps between fiscal years 2026 and 2030, assuming no changes to current revenue or spending policies. Personnel costs, especially public safety salaries, and inflationary pressures are cited as major drivers of the widening deficits. Additionally, limitations imposed by state law on property tax growth continue to constrain revenue options. The forecast also highlights broader pressures on enterprise departments and special funds, raising concerns about the sustainability of critical services if structural imbalances are not addressed. The new survey, available through early May, invites community members to share their views on service priorities, potential cost-saving measures, and ideas for improving city operations. The proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year is scheduled for release in July, with public hearings and City Council adoption expected later this summer.

Central Health will host a community conversation with Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard on May 7, offering updates on efforts to improve health care access and delivery for Travis County residents. The event, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the McBeth Recreation Center, will include an overview of Central Health’s ongoing strategic plan initiatives. Topics will include the development of new clinics, expanded patient-centered care models, bridge services for patients transitioning between care settings, respite care programs, and new approaches aimed at improving overall quality of care. Food and parking will be provided. Residents requiring translation services in languages other than English, Spanish, or ASL are encouraged to contact Central Health’s Community Engagement Manager, Yesenia Ramos. A final event in the community conversation series is scheduled for June 5 in Travis County Precinct 1. Registration and event information is available online.

Austin-area job seekers interested in manufacturing careers will have the opportunity to meet with local employers at the 2025 Manufacturing Job Fair, scheduled for May 7. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Workforce Solutions Capital Area’s North Career Center, located at 9001 N. Interstate Highway 35, Suite 110. Organized by Workforce Solutions Capital Area, the job fair is designed to match candidates with open positions in the region’s growing manufacturing sector, which spans industries from advanced technology to clean energy. Participation is free, and job seekers are encouraged to bring copies of their résumés and dress professionally. Employers will be available on-site to conduct interviews and discuss hiring opportunities. The event comes as demand for skilled manufacturing workers continues to rise across the Austin area, driven in part by major infrastructure projects and expansions in sectors such as transportation and energy. City leaders have made workforce development a key priority, including expanded efforts to train workers for infrastructure-related careers through initiatives like the Austin Infrastructure Academy. Registration is available online.

This whisper has been changed to correct the date of the event, which will take place on May 7.

Artists and creatives in Austin are invited to apply to a new open call for Vibe Downtown, an annual event series launching this fall to celebrate the city’s creative energy. Applications are now open through May 5 for proposals to produce cultural experiences during Vibe Weekend, which is scheduled for September 19–20 on the historic 500 block of Old Sixth Street. Selected applicants will receive a $6,000 budget to create and present their projects at one of two event venues in downtown Austin. Proposals should align with the event’s goals of showcasing local art, music, and makers while activating underutilized public spaces. There is a one-time $25 application fee supporting the nonprofit initiative, with fee waivers available upon request. Organized by the Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation in collaboration with Future Front Texas, Vibe Downtown seeks to strengthen Austin’s creative industries and increase downtown visitorship through community-led cultural programming. The event aims to bridge emerging economic gaps and respond to the need for greater cultural vibrancy downtown. The Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation and Future Front Texas plan to build Vibe Downtown into an annual platform for creative expression, economic opportunity, and community connection. Interested applicants can find more information and apply at futurefronttexas.org or downtownaustin.com.