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Council clears way for scores of digital ad kiosks across Austin

A plan to install dozens of digital advertising kiosks in public places around Austin advanced this spring. As framed by the city, the new kiosk are meant to help residents and visitors get around and access local businesses, as well as to promote civic messaging and transit information.

The details: While locations aren't yet finalized, most of downtown and parts of South, East and North Austin are now under consideration. Kiosks will be placed through a multiyear phased process with community outreach and notification of nearby stakeholders, according to Austin Economic Development. The scores of new kiosks are also expected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for the city.

The background: The wayfinding kiosk program was first requested in 2024 by Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela, who supported the code change by highlighting his view that the kiosks will provide a benefit to transit users around Austin. Other officials and residents expressed reservations about the plan's impact on public spaces.

 
CI Business
Thrift @ The Warehouse offers curated thrifting experience, night markets in Central Austin

Thrift @ The Warehouse, a sustainability-focused thrift store, opened in Central Austin at the end of last year.

How it works: The thrift store allows people to buy, sell and trade their clothes, shoes, accessories and purses. Clothing racks are curated by styles, such as Y2K, 90s, band tees, boho and alternative, owner Tony Marlowe said.

Shoppers can participate in night markets featuring live music, DJs and vendors every fourth Friday from 6-11 p.m. Every third Saturday, the store hosts a fill-a-bag event from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in which shoppers can purchase a bag of items for $15.

The backstory: Thrift @The Warehouse first opened in San Antonio. The business began as a warehouse in which Marlowe was reselling items on Facebook Marketplace.

Something to note: Through its zero waste initiative, the business recycles any donated clothes at a textile facility and gives the proceeds to local charities, Marlowe said.

Stay tuned: Thrift @ The Warehouse is planning to open another Austin store in May, Marlowe said.

  • 1104 W. 34th St., Austin
 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Flashlight Egg Hunt

Bunny Brunch & Egg Hunt

April 2, 6-10 p.m.
Round Rock

April 4, 9, 9:30 and 10 a.m. (brunch); 11 a.m.-noon (kid’s egg hunt)
Austin

More info

More info

 

Skate with the Easter Bunny

No Bad Eggs Easter celebration

April 4, 2-4 p.m.
Leander

April 5, 11 a..m. (doors open)
Pflugerville

More info

More info

 
To submit your own event, click here.

 
CI Texas
ERCOT, developers detail plans to manage data center growth amid legislative scrutiny

The Texas power grid is undergoing “generational” growth, experts said during the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ annual summit March 31 in Round Rock. Much of that growth is due to data centers—an industry under scrutiny from state lawmakers as some Texas communities push back against proposed developments.

The big picture: Over 2,000 projects totaling 453,000 megawatts are currently looking to connect to the state grid, ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas said April 1. About 357,000 megawatts of those connection requests are potential data centers, ERCOT documents show.

Looking ahead: Communities should take the lead on discussions about individual data center projects, Vegas told reporters. He said that when “communities that are ready to support those investments,” ERCOT is prepared to help data centers connect to the grid.

During a March 31 discussion on data centers, panelists noted that the projects have an “increasingly high” negative reputation in communities across the state. Austin consultant Eric Goff said developers often need to make commitments to local residents to earn their support for data center proposals.

 

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General Manager

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