Austin budgets $12M for Central Texas higher education partnerships
Austin officials sign off on new collaborative agreements with six Central Texas colleges and universities meant to result in a range of new projects and public research.
City partnerships with area higher education institutions isn't a new concept, and a formal agreement with The University of Texas at Austin has been in place for years. However, city leadership recently decided that official partnerships could improve that work—and further collaboration between colleges and universities.
Following City Council authorization in September, Austin departments could spend up to $12 million on various projects, research, trainings and other initiatives under the agreements now set to go into place.
Oscar-winning composer Justin Hurwitz brings La La Land to life in Austin
Mark your calendars—theater lovers and romantics alike can look forward to a special screening and live performance of the 2016 Academy Award-winning film La La Land, starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.
The details: The movie follows the story of a promising pianist and aspiring actress who cross paths and fall in love.
The performance will bring the film’s soundtrack to life with a full orchestra and jazz band, conducted by Oscar-winning composer Justin Hurwitz. Audiences can experience the movie on the big screen while hearing its iconic musical moments—including dynamic piano solos—performed live.
Hurwitz, both composer and screenwriter, is recognized for his longtime collaboration with director Damien Chazelle. He has composed the scores for many of Chazelle’s films, including Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench, Whiplash, La La Land, First Man and Babylon.
Tickets are currently on sale for a Valentine’s Day showing, Feb. 14, 2026, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Bass Concert Hall.
2 Austin homeless shelters to change operator after alleged 'misrepresented' records found
Nonprofit Urban Alchemy's contract with the Austin Homeless Strategy Office, or HSO, to operate the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, or ARCH, and the Eighth Street Women’s Shelter will not renew. The decision comes after some staff, identified by Urban Alchemy, "misrepresented Homeless Management Information System exit dates and records," according to a city memo.
What happened: An Urban Alchemy spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Community Impact that the nonprofit notified Austin officials after discovering the issue and terminated the employees responsible.
What's next: HSO officials plan to enter into an emergency contract with Endeavors, which City Council will need to approve Oct. 9. The agreement would authorize Endeavors to operate the shelters through Sept. 30, 2026. HSO officials will begin the process of seeking a new operator for the shelters Oct. 1, 2026, according to the memo.
"We are grateful for our years of partnership with the city of Austin and to the community and guests we served and impacted," an Urban Alchemy spokesperson said.
ICYMI: Check out 4 major Austin ISD news updates from August, September
Sweeping changes are underway in Austin ISD as the district responds to failing A-F accountability ratings and continues its school consolidation process.
Here are four of the biggest stories from Austin ISD in August and September that you may have missed.
