Austin Housing is moving to roll out increased protections for tenants in lower-income housing, including citywide eviction prevention measures.

The details: Many local affordable housing complexes are supported by city development assistance. At the request of City Council last year, Austin Housing is now moving to improve how those programs function and has launched projects to meet officials' goals related to improved oversight, avoiding eviction proceedings and implementing other renter supports.

Council's direction kicked off reviews of the city's RHDA oversight and "lease addendum" that sets several renter protection requirements for participating developments. Generally, those cover leasing and living conditions, as well as processes to prevent evictions and ensure fair proceedings if they take place. It also led to an evaluation of eviction prevention strategies presented to a council committee in April that could shape the Austin Housing projects, and future policy shifts.

The Red River Cultural District, coined as Austin’s music mile, announced its five-year strategic plan for preservation and evolution on April 14, according to a news release. 

Dig deeper: “Soundtrack to the Future” details exterior upgrades to existing venues, new signage, solar-powered lighting, public murals and more. The district unveiled its plans, along with renderings of the updates, at an April 14 press conference with presentations by Executive Director Nicole Klepadlo, council member Zo Qadri and Matt Patton, vice president of AngelouEconomics. 

The context: Red River is home to over 40 local businesses, including hotels and retail stores, all located between Fifth and 15th streets. The district is home to Austin staples, including Stubb’s, Chess Club, and 13th Floor. 

The update: The strategic plan was developed with insights from key stakeholders, including local businesses, musicians, property owners and more, to develop a vision for the future, according to the district.

Second generation restaurateurs Haru and Gohei Kishi bring together French and Japanese influence, with a little Texas flare, at Kappo Kappo in Austin Proper Hotel. 

A family affair: Twins Haru and Gohei fell in love with food family-style, over extravagant holiday hams and turkeys shared with loved ones as they grew up in Paris. The pair later started working at their mother’s Japanese restaurant, TAGAWA, as teenagers, manning the kitchen and front-of-house. 

What’s special about it? Haru and Gohei then collaborated as a team to create an intimate eatery with 25 total seats. The meal is fit to flow like a “conversation—unexpected, personal and rooted in place,” according to the restaurant. 

On the menu: One of the chef’s favorite dishes is the parmesan-crusted gougère topped with a mix of A5 wagyu and o-toro and Osetra caviar.

600 W. 2nd St., Austin

Check out some of the most read stories in the Austin area April 13-16.

1. Significant traffic shifts at New Hope, 183A intersection in Cedar Park

2. The Lodge Card Club closes in Round Rock, lays off 114 employees

3. Check out 17 events happening in the Pflugerville, Hutto area

4. Lake Georgetown under drought watch

5. New housing development coming to Leander near Bar W Ranch and Larkspur

6. Wendy's opening soon off Hwy. 46 in New Braunfels