Your trusted source for local Austin, TX news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Several City of Austin offices and facilities will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day, including parks, recreation centers, and libraries. However, city parks and golf courses will remain open, and trash collection services will not be affected. Residents are encouraged to plan their transportation for holiday celebrations safely.
City of Austin teams have begun relocating individuals experiencing homelessness from downtown encampments to the newly converted Northbridge Shelter as part of the Housing-Focused Encampment Assistance Link (HEAL) initiative. This initiative aims to provide temporary shelter and support in the transition to permanent housing.
The City of Austin has issued a Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and a Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds for the Cairn Point project at Montopolis. This document outlines the federal funding implications and environmental assessments related to the development, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Chief of Police Lisa Davis of the Austin Police Department introduces a comprehensive 100-day action plan to enhance community trust, improve agency morale, and boost recruitment and retention. As the second woman to hold this position, Davis brings over three decades of experience from the Cincinnati Police Department. The plan aims to foster innovation and excellence within the department while encouraging public feedback.
The City of Austin is hosting several business events in January 2025, including an information session on proposed amendments for short-term rentals and workshops on funding options and bookkeeping for small businesses. These events aim to provide valuable resources and support for local entrepreneurs and residents. Additionally, the article highlights the opening of applications for the Artist Access Program 2026 season.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center in South Austin, citing concerns over escalating crime and drug use in the area. The lawsuit claims that these issues have created a safety crisis, particularly affecting a nearby neighborhood school.
Tom Homan, the newly appointed border czar under President-elect Donald Trump, visited the Texas-Mexico border alongside Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The visit included meetings with National Guard members and law enforcement officers, highlighting the administration's focus on border security.
Austin Police Department (APD) detectives are actively searching for a vehicle connected to a fatal crash that occurred recently. The investigation is crucial as it could lead to significant developments in a case involving loss of life. Community assistance is sought to gather information that could aid in the search for the vehicle.
Austin has dropped from the top 50 in the "World’s Best Cities" rankings for 2025, reflecting significant housing challenges that are affecting its global appeal. This decline raises concerns about the city's attractiveness and livability, especially in the context of its recent growth.
A federal grant of $1.6 million is being utilized in Travis County to address the overdose crisis, particularly focusing on fentanyl-related deaths. This funding is aimed at enhancing harm reduction initiatives, Narcan outreach programs, and expanding drug treatment for inmates, contributing to a reported 26% decrease in overdose deaths in early 2024.