The Latest Breaking News from Austin City Council

A surge of ICE arrests and the shooting of a Venezuelan man strike fear into Austin neighborhoods

People who work near the site where ICE shot Wilber Rafael Garces Perez say the agency’s presence in the area has been constant amid President Trump’s mass deportation push.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 22

ICE Agent Shoots and Wounds Man in Austin After Reportedly Ramming His Car as Lawmaker Demands Bodycam Footage

An ICE agent shot and wounded a man in Austin after a reported vehicle confrontation, prompting calls for an independent investigation and the release of body-camera footage.

International Business Times UK · Sep 20

Texas cities say Abbott’s proposal to disband their electric companies won’t lower costs

On the campaign trail, the governor said dismantling city-owned utilities will save customers money by introducing competition.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 8

The ‘Death Star’ Bill Is About Kneecapping Democracy in Texas

HB 2127, the so-called death star bill, is the culmination of a years-long fight about centralizing power, not protecting small businesses.

Texas Observer · Jul 31, 2023

Austin City Council to vote Wednesday on replacing city manager

Spencer Cronk, city manager since 2018, fell out of favor after the recent ice storm disrupted power for days.

The Texas Tribune · Feb 12, 2023

A new winter storm and old problems raise questions about Austin leaders’ response to crises

As newly elected Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and a City Council with an array of fresh faces review their first major crisis, the city’s top officials once again find themselves trying to figure out why the city botched its response to a significant weather event.

The Texas Tribune · Feb 8, 2023

Austin city manager’s job could be on the line after winter storm response

Austin City Council members will evaluate Spencer Cronk’s employment during their Thursday meeting. Cronk was hired in 2017.

The Texas Tribune · Feb 6, 2023

In Central Texas, an urban tree canopy bends to the ice

The Hill Country loves its trees. But improper pruning and a drought earlier in the year may have contributed to the huge number of downed branches this week that frequently took power lines with them.

The Texas Tribune · Feb 2, 2023