1. CodeNEXT draft maps
Austin residents will get their first look Tuesday at how CodeNEXT, the city's land development rewrite, is shaping up when the city releases preliminary zoning maps. City staff will also launch an online tool to allow residents to see the draft rezoned areas. Additionally, open house meetings will be scheduled in each City Council district starting in late April. Austin Mayor Steve Adler has declared Tuesday as "Austin Everybody Chill Out Day" to coincide with the maps' release.
2. Austin Oaks approved
Last week, Austin City Council approved the controversial Austin Oaks planned unit development zoning case by an 8-2-1 vote. The development will bring 1 million square feet of commercial and residential space to North Austin at the corner of Spicewood Springs and MoPace. Read more about the vote here.
3. New Pflugerville ISD superintendent
Hutto ISD Superintendent Doug Killian will be the new superintendent at Pflugerville ISD, according to an April 10 announcement from PfISD. The district is expected to offer Killian a contract following a state-mandated 21-day waiting period. PfISD's previous superintendent, Alex Torres, announced in December he would resign, and later the district's board of trustees placed Torres on paid administrative leave. On Feb. 10, PfISD announced a separation agreement was reached with Torrez. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
4. Austin Community College to offer 4-year degree
ACC and Concordia University Texas are partnering to offer ACC students a four-year Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree. The program gives ACC students who pursue a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree the opportunity to continue on a four-year path with a focus on business. Read more here.
5. Barks for Beers
In May, Austin-area brewery fans can get up to 30 of their favorite pints for $20 as part of an annual fundraiser to support Divine Canines, a local nonprofit that trains therapy dogs and provides free therapy dog services. Participating breweries will serve one free pint of beer to anyone with a Barks for Beers pint glass.
