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Latest Headlines for Thursday, March 28

Animal Services working to fix problems revealed by audit

Last September, the city’s Office of the City Auditor released an audit highly critical of the city’s animal shelter operations, saying there was a conflict between its priorities of providing humane care, operating as an open intake shelter and maintaining…

Downtown Commission revisits funding bid for anti-graffiti policy

Downtown Commissioners are once again asking City Council to address Austin’s ongoing battle against vandalism, with the hope of seeing funding for a dedicated anti-graffiti task force on the budget this August. The proposal dates back to March of last…

Report offers city, developers strategies to reduce parking downtown

A new report from public policy and real estate leaders in Austin recommends a variety of approaches the city can take to reduce the presence and impact of multilevel parking decks in new developments in the downtown core and beyond.…

Austin to offer city manager job to T.C. Broadnax, mayor says

City Council is recommending T.C. Broadnax as the next city manager. Mayor Kirk Watson said Tuesday that Council will finalize his hiring April 4. Broadnax resigned as city manager of Dallas last month after calls from a majority of that city’s…

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Featured Collection: 35 expands

Council pushes for pause on I-35 expansion, citing air quality concerns

Citing concerns over possible environmental and air quality impacts, City Council wants to delay the start of the reconstruction of Interstate 35. By a 7-3 vote, Council approved a resolution Thursday that asked the Texas Department of Transportation and Capital…

Report finds mixed progress in APD’s work to implement police academy reforms

In assessing the latest analysis of the Austin Police Department’s Training Academy, members of City Council stressed the importance of a comprehensive audit system to ensure that years and money spent to improve the academy aren’t wasted. Concerns over the…

Some vulnerable residents can’t use Austin Energy’s program

Some Austin Energy customers who are categorized as medically vulnerable and need electricity to operate life-saving equipment have not been able to sign up for the utility’s program to assist them in emergency situations, according to an audit report from…

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City manager candidates talk public safety, homelessness, transparency in town hall Q&A

The two candidates for Austin’s city manager position each made their case to the public Monday for why they should be chosen for the job. Sara Hensley, the current city manager of Denton, Texas, and T.C. Broadnax, current but soon…

Charter Review Commission sends its recommendations to Council

The Charter Review Commission has wrapped up its evaluation of possible charter revisions relating to petition requirements, among other items, and has submitted its final report to City Council with nine recommendations. Council will ultimately decide which items will be…

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Featured Data

Supported by: Austin Community Foundation

Featured Data: Austin Police Department’s 148th cadet class

This data graphic first appeared in the story APD Training Academy audit shows improvement – but not enough to curb attrition on October 19, 2023 by Emma Freer.  Graphic credit: Kroll Audit of APD Training Academy – 148th Cadet Class

New report quantifies the state of Black Austin

On March 11, the community organization Austin Justice Coalition and data activism nonprofit Measure jointly released a report titled “The State of Black Lives in Austin.”  Drawing on Austin Justice Coalition’s deep community ties and Measure’s statistical expertise, the dossier’s…

Study finds city employees distrustful of city's ethics conduct

City employees who responded to a survey on the city’s behavior with regard to ethics gave the city lower marks for trust and accountability as compared to how city management rated the city. Employees surveyed also showed a greater fear…

Environmental commissioners air concerns about waterfront district plan

A proposed framework for how the south shores of Lady Bird Lake will build out in future years received a lukewarm response from the Environmental Commission on Thursday. While only the Planning Commission and City Council are scheduled to vote…

Downtown Commission reviews plan for equitable historic preservation

Members of the Downtown Commission debated and mostly praised the draft version of the city’s Equity-Based Preservation Plan, which is open for public feedback through the end of May. At last week’s meeting, the commission looked beyond the scope of…

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NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Nonprofit spotlight: Four questions for American Gateways

American Gateways ensures access to the justice system for low-income immigrants. We serve 23 counties in Central Texas and provide high-quality legal representation and accurate information about what is happening in our immigration system. What is the mission of American…