Austin’s Library Commission wants added protections for intellectual freedom by designating the city a “Book Safe Harbor” amid persistent book ban efforts
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 in
Government
Paxton says Austin’s ‘electric-ready’ building code violates Texas law
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an opinion finding Austin code requiring new buildings to be “electric-ready” discriminates against natural gas.
Posted in
Growth & Development
Austin has successfully built more affordable housing — just not for everyone
Austin’s housing boom has helped lower rents for many residents, but city leaders say affordability gaps remain and are reworking policies to better serve lower-income families.
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Government
Austin rescue group warns screwworm fears, misconceptions may put shelter animals at risk
States closing borders to Texas animals due to screwworm could cause a local backlog and lead to thousands of animal deaths in under-resourced parts of the state.
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Government
Save Austin Now audit proposal advances despite existing legislation, setting up political clash
A charter amendment requiring recurring City Hall audits is headed to voters, despite assertions that similar legislation is already in place.
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Government
Nearly a year after deadly floods, Sandy Creek survivors say Travis County is moving too slowly
Big Sandy Creek residents say lagging road repairs and flood preparedness efforts leave them vulnerable as flood risks return.
Posted in
Community
Preventing erasure: Austin planning historic marker, art following state-ordered street art removal
Austin plans murals, community events and a historic marker to honor Fourth Street and East 11th communities after Texas ordered the removal of street art.
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Government
Struggling Austin nonprofits brace for more cuts as the city’s budget tightens
Austin nonprofits warn service reductions could leave fewer seniors, immigrants and vulnerable residents supported.
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Growth & Development
As Austin contemplates water-hungry industries, task force pushes new guardrails
Austin water planners are pushing for new regulations for data centers and other large users in a push to protect future water supplies
Posted in
Growth & Development
East Austin demolition proposal for former Nate Paul property from 1930s sparks preservation battle
A historic East Austin building once owned by Nate Paul could be demolished, but preservation advocates are pushing to preserve it.
