Looking to catch up on local news? Here are five of the latest stories impacting the Austin metro.
1. Council to advance search process for Austin's next city manager
Officials this month will select the firm tasked with carrying out a national search for Austin's next city manager, a process city leaders hope will wrap up by the end of next summer.
Months after the appointment of Jesús Garza as city manager on an interim basis, City Council members began discussing the approach they'd like to take in finding Garza's permanent replacement.
Read the full story.
2. Austin Energy taps AI system to aid regional wildfire detection efforts
Austin Energy is turning to a new artificial intelligence system to look out for potential wildfires as the city and surrounding areas remain alert for fire risks.
Wildfire management firm Pano AI will soon bring its services to the Austin area following City Council's approval of a contract with the business on Oct. 5.
Read the full story.
3. Austin officials prepare to take over ABIA South Terminal operations in November
After settling to acquire the South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport from its operator for $88 million, Austin officials will transition to operating the terminal in November.
As part of this transition, officials will consider taking over a contract implemented by LoneStar Airport Holdings—the company operating the terminal—to continue daily management of the terminal's operations for two years ahead of its demolition.
Read the full story.
4. Hundreds of affordable rental units coming to East Austin
A $92 million multifamily development called Seabrook Square will bring over 250 affordable units to East Austin by 2026.
Per a news release from the Austin Housing Department, the project will be completed in two phases: Seabrook Square I and Seabrook Square II. Construction on the first phase is set to begin this month, and the second phase will begin in 2024.
Read the full story.
5. Austin officials appropriate $22.87M grant for safety upgrades across town
More than 60 intersections, crosswalks and traffic signals are slated for safety improvements as Austin City Council earmarked a $22.87 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and $1.5 million from its fiscal year 2022-23 budget Sept. 14.
Austin received the federal award in February through the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which targets high-crash sites in cities and counties. The Sept. 14 vote marked the city’s first move to implement the funding for projects around the city.
Read the full story.
