Ben Thompson

1 week ago | communityimpact.com | Ben Thompson

Landlords of smaller residential properties will soon be able to participate in Austin's home repair programs, a change intended to maintain lower housing costs and prevent displacement from aging residences. "This resolution will identify gaps to our current programs and explore new partnerships to protect stability, preserve affordability and ensure that people can stay in the communities that they have helped build," council member José Velásquez, who sponsored the proposal, said in June.

2 weeks ago | communityimpact.com | Ben Thompson

Local leaders are looking to maintain and expand on local violence interruption strategies serving those in communities and the legal system around the Austin area. What happenedOn June 5, City Council signed off on a measure from council member José Velásquez meant to build on continuing violence prevention efforts between Austin and Travis County.

2 weeks ago | communityimpact.com | Ben Thompson

State legislation that could've threatened Austin's multibillion dollar Project Connect system once again failed to pass this year, while the transit initiative still faces legal hurdles in the months ahead. The setupThe Project Connect light rail and bus system is funded through an ongoing civic tax increase authorized by Austin voters' approval of Proposition A in November 2020.

2 weeks ago | communityimpact.com | Ben Thompson

The recruitment process for the next general manager of Austin Energy is getting underway ahead of the formal retirement of current GM Bob Kahn later this month. What's happeningKahn, a longtime power industry member and previous AE executive, notified city officials of his intent to step down as head of the city-owned utility in late March. His retirement will be effective June 30, just over two years after he was appointed to the role. He was earning a $494,000 salary this fiscal year.

2 weeks ago | communityimpact.com | Ben Thompson

What happenedCity Council voted June 5 to establish the Govalle Cultural District along Springdale Road in the Govalle neighborhood. The designation now covers five properties home to institutions like the Museum of Human Achievement, the Canopy Austin creative community, the Springdale Station venue, a Bouldering Project gym, Austin ISD's Govalle Elementary School campus, and other local arts and business fixtures.