ATX-ETA: Impact 5/28/2026

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Austin eyes new charter amendment election after canceled 2024 vote

Austinites could vote on several updates to the city's foundational rulebook this fall, two years after an election for some of those changes was canceled.

The details: Austin's city charter establishes basic rules and procedures from elections and administration to planning and taxing. The charter can only be amended every two years through an election.

At City Council's request, charter edits were proposed throughout 2024 and officials eventually called an election over more than a dozen potential changes. However, errors in how the city ordered that election prompted a resident lawsuit and the vote was halted under a court order.

Some of those past amendments and at least two new concepts could once again be placed on ballots this fall. Council will discuss a possible 2026 charter amendment election further this summer.

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Latest News

Lower Colorado River Authority to invest billions in power, water, broadband to support growth

The Lower Colorado River Authority is set to invest billions in infrastructure across its service area to address the needs of Central Texas' growing population.

What you need to know: The authority announced its investment and business plan for fiscal year 2026-27 on May 21. The plan projects water demand will grow "significantly" through 2031, alongside electrical demand.

The details: Plans show power, water and broadband infrastructure development account for $1.8 billion for just FY 2026-27. The funds will come from the authority's on revenues and debt, with no state appropriations included, a news release states.

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CI Business

Bar Hacienda opens at permanent location on Rainey Street

Bar Hacienda is now open at its new brick and mortar on Rainey Street, serving up specialty cocktails.

The context: The cocktail bar initially opened in 2025 in the basement of Tiger Lilly, an Austin-based event venue that closed its doors in late March, according to an Instagram post.

The concept was founded by Terance Robson, creative director, and Jack Hogan, director of operations and “inspired by the energy, flavors, and rhythms of Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina and across Latin America,” according to a news release.

On the menu: Patrons can find reimagined classic cocktails and unique flavor combinations coming to life behind the bar. Brand new additions to the bar includes the Hacienda Daiquiri, a rum-blend drink with sweet plantain, palm sugar and lime.