ATX-SWA: Impact 1/15/2026

Good Morning, Southwest Austin & Dripping Springs!

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Austin City Council readies to launch citywide audit to address spending concerns

Austin's elected officials are preparing a new policy to govern spending in their offices, and readying to start a multiyear audit of all city operations and services.

The details: The proposed reforms came into focus after last fall's Proposition Q election, when voters rejected a tax hike and city officials begin considering new transparency and financial measures. The new council spending policy is now on the table and likely up for official adoption this month, while an ordinance requiring recurring, comprehensive citywide audits remains could be passed as soon as early February.

That ordinance would set up a system for "independent, systemic, and continuous evaluation" of Austin's operations, spending and service delivery. The program would be handled internally by the city auditor's office with support from an outside consultant and likely cover multiple years.

The plan has earned support across the council dais so far, although some officials said they'd like to see estimates for the cost of full efficiency audits before a final vote.

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Kura Revolving Sushi Bar coming to Sunset Valley in South Austin

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar has confirmed its plans to open a new location in Southwest Austin.

What to know: A representative with the company confirmed in an email exchange with Community Impact that a new location would be launching in fall.

Diners can find sushi, noodles, side dishes and desserts. The company operates 15 locations in Texas and additional locations across the U.S.

5601 Brodie Lane, Ste. 1400, Sunset Valley

In Your Neighborhood

Phoebe’s Diner brings breakfast fare with “inventive” flair to Brodie

Southwest Austin residents will soon gain another brunch spot as Phoebe’s Diner plans a fourth location.

What’s on the menu: Phoebe’s Diner blends “classic diner nostalgia with inventive technique,” an official said in an email to Community Impact. The menu features an assortment of smoked meats, sandwiches, breakfast fares, sides, coffee, cocktails and rotating specials.

What’s in a name: Executive chef Camden Stuerzenberger named the diner after his daughter, Phoebe, who was born a few weeks before the opening of the original restaurant.

How we got here: The first location opened in 2017 on West Oltorf Street. Since then, the business has expanded to downtown Austin, Gracy Farms and, soon, to Shady Hollow Village.