A new report reveals Austin’s restaurant permitting process can cost nearly $9,000 and requires up to 105 steps.
Sam Stark
Sam Stark is Austin Current's government reporter. He has been reporting in Austin for several years, most recently as a broadcast reporter at KXAN.
Posted inGovernment
Austin’s short-term rental rules tighten after years of enforcement issues
By July, the city will require all short-term rental listings on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to be licensed or removed.
Posted inGovernment
After deadly West Sixth shooting, downtown Austin businesses brace for SXSW
The Austin Police Department said it understands the elevated anxiety and has promised a larger presence downtown, while other businesses are taking on additional security measures of their own.
Posted inGrowth & Development
City halts project after historic East Austin building almost completely destroyed
The city has stopped construction after a developer exceeded its approved demolition plans for the building erected in the 1880s.
Posted inGovernment
Austin police release new details into the West Sixth shooting
Police detail the West Sixth shooting timeline as court records reveal the gunman had a documented history of family violence.
Posted inGovernment
Court documents reveal domestic violence history of Austin shooting suspect
A court-documented history of family violence didn’t bar the suspected West Sixth Street attack gunman from owning guns under Texas law.
Posted inCommunity
‘It’s fear of the chaos’: As ICE activity rises, immigrants avoid seeking care in Austin
Providers report fewer visits, more telehealth use and growing legal demand as immigrant families avoid clinics, courts and police.
Posted inGovernment
City poised to green-light sweeping efficiency audit program
After Prop Q’s defeat, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson led an effort to implement a comprehensive efficiency audit. City Council is scheduled to vote on it Thursday.
Posted inGovernment
Austin firefighters’ new president on healing ties with City Hall
Austin Firefighters’ Association leader David Girouard discusses the union’s $63M contract, staffing and repairing relations with the city after turbulent year.
Posted inGrowth & Development
Did opening Sixth Street to traffic improve safety? It’s a mixed bag.
The city stands by the pilot that reopened Sixth Street to cars on weekends, even as data show violent crime there has remained largely unchanged year over year.