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- Austin’s airport is getting a new concourse and 20 more gates but not until the 2030s
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- Democrats vs. Republicans: First election coming for Travis Central Appraisal District board
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Meet your new city manager
With the search now narrowed to two, Austinites will have the chance to meet the final candidates being considered for the position of city manager. T.C. Broadnax and Sara Hensley will attend a “meet the candidate” event 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 25 at the Planning and Development Center. The event will feature a moderated discussion, with questions solicited in advance through SpeakUp Austin or by calling 311 through March 20. After the discussion, audience members will have the opportunity to talk with candidates during a meet-and-greet reception. Following that, the candidates will talk to city staff and, the next day, City Council will conduct official interviews in a closed session. The goal, according to a message board post from Mayor Kirk Watson, is to take action in early April. “Depending on the interviews, and as indicated previously, we may invite one or both prospects back for activity/interviews on April 1st and/or 2nd. We will have posted Council action for the April 4th meeting. The posted action will be to direct our search firm to negotiate a contract with the specific person. I previously wrote that we might do this on April 2nd. But that would make it difficult to allow the required public comment on a council action item if, in fact, we bring someone back for more interviews. And waiting two days for a regular meeting is less rushed and just makes sense. We don’t have to take action on April 4th, but we will be posted and in a position to do so, if we want,” Watson wrote.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 by Beth Bond
Formal negotiations on long-term police contracts start this week
On Wednesday, the city of Austin and the Austin Police Association (APA) will start formal negotiations on a new long-term contract. A news release from the city reads, “All parties agree that a long-term contract is in the best interest of the community and are committed to finding a resolution. The goal is for any agreement reached between the APA and the City’s bargaining team to address community concerns, navigate current legal challenges, and garner Council approval.” The meetings are open to the public, but attendees will not be able to speak or engage in the negotiations. They are set for 10 a.m. March 13 at the Human Resources Department (LRC), 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Room 204 (Auditorium), Suite 500, and also at 10 a.m. March 20 at a location to be determined. The meetings will be livestreamed here.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 by Jo Clifton
Protesters shout down Atlanta mayor at SXSW
At South by Southwest on Monday, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was forced to leave a panel discussion at the Hilton hotel as a group of protesters shouted at him and unfurled a banner decrying the building of “Cop City,” a huge police training facility. Protesters accuse Dickens of being aligned with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who supports building the facility. The facility is planned for a large forest in South Atlanta, which protesters point out hosts a great deal of biodiversity and serves to prevent flooding. If built, the facility will provide a space for police to practice urban warfare tactics. Protesters have been trying to stop construction of the training center for more than two years. Dickens tried to explain his position during the panel discussion but was shouted down by protesters. Eventually, Dickens, along with the other panelists – Christian Menefee, county attorney for Harris County, Texas; Tishaura Jones, mayor of St. Louis; and Aftab Pureval, mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio, stepped off the stage. The protesters were escorted from the room and Dickens left. The three remaining panelists returned to take questions from the audience about the difficulties faced by local elected officials when dealing with governors and legislators on the other side of the political aisle. Menefee responded to a question about how to get people to vote. He noted that because of gerrymandering, many elections are decided in the primary, discouraging people from voting in the November elections. He said it was very important to appeal to people on the issues that they care about, so they may go to vote for a sheriff candidate, for example, or for the county attorney. Menefee concluded, “We need nonpartisan redistricting commissions all across the country.”
Monday, March 11, 2024 by Elizabeth Pagano
Deep Eddy reopens today
After being closed for more than three months for repairs and upkeep, Deep Eddy Pool reopens today. Replacement of a damaged bulkhead and new deck lighting is now complete, with some financial help from the Austin Parks Foundation. The reopening coincides with a push to hire summer lifeguards. On Thursday, March 21, and Friday, April 5, that push will be accompanied by free pizza during lifeguard hiring open hours. The open hours will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Aquatic Division Office (2818 San Gabriel St.) where interested folks age 15 and up can apply and register for training. Applicants should have identification and a Social Security card in order to complete the requisite paperwork.
Help MetroBike expand
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority is continuing to expand its MetroBike program and would like the public’s help in deciding what that expansion will look like. An online survey, which closes on March 22, asks the community to weigh in on where new stations should go. Capital Metro has stated that the expansion will focus on connections to other transit options, equity and sustainable options for the community while enlarging the current, small area serviced by the bikes. Participants will be entered in a drawing for a $75 gift card.
Friday, March 8, 2024 by Elizabeth Pagano
City to resume police contract negotiations
After a long break, the city and the Austin Police Association (APA) are poised to resume formal negotiations on a new contract on March 12. According to a post about the negotiations, details are being finalized and information about the time and location is still to come. “I have been saying for some time now that it was critical for the City to get back to the bargaining table with the Austin Police Association,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said in a statement to the press. “I’m pleased we’ve agreed to a date to begin those negotiations. Our police officers need to know that they’re supported, we need to fill vacancies, and the best way to show support and fill positions is by getting a long-term contract.” Last February, Council rejected a four-year contract that was championed by the since-fired City Manager Spencer Cronk and negotiations stalled. Since then, the police have operated under a stopgap plan that was recently extended with incentives to resume negotiations.
City works to make emergency alerts accessible
As part of the city’s emergency warning system, the Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) has an Accessible Hazard Alert System designed to reach community members that have limited literacy or are deaf, hard of hearing or blind. Emergency messages are issued as a video with voice, text and American Sign Language to video-capable devices and Braille readers. Anyone who might be served by this technology is encouraged to register at the AHAS website or by texting AHAS to (737) 241-3710. “HSEM is committed to providing equitable access of emergency information. When we engage with disability advocacy groups, we learn how to better serve members of our community who are sometimes left out of the conversation,” Ken Snipes, director of HSEM, said in a statement to the press. “Our goal is to make sure organizations in the disability advocacy space have access to us and can see themselves represented in emergency plans.”
MoHA opens call for residency exchange for queer Austin artists
Queer artists focused on live performance are invited to apply for a residency offering the time, space, freedom and financial support to concentrate on the development of their own work for one month at the multidisciplinary arts org Warehouse9 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Museum of Human Achievement (MoHA) and the Unlisted Projects residency program have partnered with Warehouse9 for an international residency exchange – with one artist from Texas going to Denmark and one artist from Denmark coming to Austin. This residency is designed to support artistic development and facilitate cultural exchange, and forge long-term connections between artists, organizations and the greater communities of Texas and Denmark, with a special commitment to the intersection of LGBTQIA+ issues and environmental sustainability practices. Artists will have the opportunity to present at Roskilde Festival, a nonprofit music, art, and activism festival in Denmark that supports humanitarian, cultural and nonprofit youth projects around the world. This opportunity is open to artists living in the Greater Austin area, 21+ years old, showing a strong professional working history. A variety of disciplines are accepted, including (but not limited to) visual arts, media/new genre, performance, architecture, film/video, interdisciplinary arts, sound art and music composition, and choreography. For more details on the open call, the timeline and the residency itself, visit MoHA’s website.
Thursday, March 7, 2024 by Beth Bond
It’s a busy month at ABIA
Nearly the entire month of March – today through Sunday, March 31 – is expected to be a busy time at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as visitors come to town for South by Southwest, spring break and other spring events. Passenger volume will hit 30,000+ on multiple days this month, with the busiest days for departing travelers expected to be today, Friday, Sunday and Monday. People going through general Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening should arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights. If you’re checking luggage or returning a rental car, arrive even earlier. TSA PreCheck and Clear users can expect a quicker security procedure. Leave prohibited items, like firearms and liquids exceeding 3.4 oz., at home because those will cause delays. While you’re waiting, there’s time to catch the airport’s music lineup, featuring 50 different live music performances March 11-18. For the schedule of ABIA’s eight music stages, see the Live Music in the Air at AUS program web page. “Our staff has been working hard to prepare the airport for an increase of travelers and will continue to work hard throughout this busy travel period,” said Ghizlane Badawi, the airport’s interim CEO. “We do ask that passengers plan to arrive early, refer to our travel tips, and show kindness to others along their journey.” Extra Department of Aviation staff will be throughout the terminal on busy days to assist travelers. Passengers needing assistance at any point in their journey at AUS are encouraged to call the Airport Operations Center at (512) 530-2242 or to ask any Department of Aviation staff member for assistance.
Prepare for the eclipse with a special Full-Moon Swim at Barton Springs
A special Full-Moon Swim at Barton Springs is planned ahead of the upcoming eclipse. Bring your binoculars and telescopes to gaze at the moon from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 25, to learn about the eclipse with expert and educator Dawn Davies, a night sky program manager with the Hill Country Alliance. Other astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts will be on hand to help you explore the night sky with a telescope and participate in fun hands-on learning activities. Free eclipse glasses will be distributed at the event. The Austin Nature and Science Center has planned the following schedule at the south entrance of Barton Springs:
- 6:30-7:30 p.m. – hands-on, family-friendly activities
- 7:30-8 p.m. – eclipse presentation and Q&A
- 8-9 p.m. – night sky viewing with a telescope
Austin will experience a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse in the path of totality on April 8 – and won’t be in the path of totality again for another 319 years. Learn more about Total Eclipse 2024 and how to view it safely.
Austin Parks Foundation announces In the Park programming
Austin Parks Foundation has plans for this year’s In the Park series, which kicks off today with a storytime at Springwood Park. Next week, Movies in the Park returns on March 14 with Elemental at Circle C Ranch Metro Park. The programming, which runs through December, is free and open to all. APF has teamed up with Creative Action for Playdates in the Park, offering family-friendly arts and entertainment, and with Rocket Cinema for free, outdoor movies that feature vendors and BYO picnic vibes. The Playdates in the Park schedule can be found here. The Movies in the Park schedule and information can also be found online. “For over 31 years, APF has been connecting people and parks by improving Austin’s public parks, trails and green spaces through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support,” Colin Wallis, CEO of Austin Parks Foundation, said in a statement to the press. “An important piece of our programming is to get people out in their neighborhood parks having fun, whether that is through movie screenings, story times or dance parties.” The full schedule of this year’s events can be found at austinparks.org.
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 by Beth Bond
Austin’s historic Brush Square was named a 2024 Lone Star Legacy Park
Brush Square was one of four designated public squares in the 1839 original plat of Austin, was developed into a park in 1913 and is home today to three relocated historic buildings: the O. Henry Museum, Central Fire Station #1 and the Susanna Dickinson Museum. And as of Feb. 29, the location at 409 E. Fifth St. is one of six Texas parks honored as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society at the association’s annual conference in Galveston. A Lone Star Legacy Park is a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. To be considered, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on its grounds. Nominated parks must be a minimum of 50 years old and meet criteria related to historic, architectural and natural significance. “Brush Square is one of the oldest green spaces in the city, and its location in the heart of downtown Austin next to the convention center makes it a special place for both residents and visitors,” said Kimberly McNeeley, Austin Parks and Recreation Department director. Other Texas parks recognized in 2024 include Carver Park in Cleburne, Huntsville State Park, Martin Luther King (MLK) Park in San Antonio, Menard Park in Galveston and White Rock Lake in Dallas. Other Austin parks to previously receive the Lone Star Legacy designation include Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park, Pease District Park, Zilker Metropolitan Park, Rosewood Neighborhood Park, Eastwoods Neighborhood Park, Givens District Park and Pan Am Neighborhood Park.