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Extension of downtown Austin skyline to continue south of Lady Bird Lake
City Council approved plans for a 2-million-square-foot mixed-use project off South Congress Avenue, one of several prominent redevelopments moving ahead in the South Central Waterfront near downtown.
The details: The 500 South Congress PUD, including Ego's bar and office and apartment buildings, will bring hundreds of new residences, a hotel and commercial space to the 6.5-acre site. The project from Related Cos. is expected to feature a restaurant, grocery store and affordable retail space that could bring Ego's back. It'll also add a new public trail along Bouldin Creek on the property's south side.
That project and other high-rises planned around the South Central Waterfront are advancing without long-anticipated city regulations that were meant to solidify more community benefits like affordable housing and parkland in the area. Officials suspended that update a year ago and construction is now being approved on a case-by-case basis, although new regulations could soon be in the works through a revision to the city's Downtown Austin Plan.
City, Austin ISD police to revise protocols after 'conflicting messages' sent during Barton Hills shooting response
Austin and Austin ISD law enforcement officials say their departments will be updating their protocols for public messaging amid critical incidents, after a "communication error" spread conflicting information during a search for a shooting suspect near Barton Hills Elementary School this week.
The details: Soon after an officer and another victim were shot in Zilker Park Sept. 10, a regional emergency messaging system notified subscribers to shelter in place. However, follow-up alerts advised only to "avoid the area" while the shelter order should've remained in place with a suspect on the loose. Student arrivals at Barton Hills also weren't halted, although the campus saw an increased police presence.
Chiefs with the Austin and Austin ISD police departments said Sept. 12 that they're now collaborating on improved processes to make sure the messaging mistake doesn't occur again. AISD police will also update their protocols to focus on incidents during arrival, dismissal and lunch periods in addition to general on-campus response.
26 energizing updates to the coffee scene in Austin and surrounding areas
The Greater Austin area and beyond has seen a large growth in coffee-related businesses sprouting since May. Community members can check out a range of locally-owned, specialty shops and await the arrival of more options to come. This list is not comprehensive.
Lau Lau The family-run business is named after a Chinese family and is owned by long-time service industry workers including Hannah Foy. In addition to classic coffee drinks, customers can order specialty items including Fish Sauce Caramel Latte, Chinese Five Spice Cortado and Foy’s Old Fashioned Latte.
Opened Aug. 18
3701 Guadalupe St., Ste. 106, Austin
Arwa Yemeni Coffee The business serves Yemeni coffee, teas and pastries. Menu items include classic espresso-based beverages, including lattes, as well as traditional drinks like Sana'ani coffee and Adeni tea. Ice refreshers and smoothies are also available.
Opened June 2
12301 W. Parmer Lane, Bldg. 2, Unit 206, Cedar Park
Travis County officials sign off on judicial pay raises amid ‘exceptionally tight budget’
Travis County commissioners on Sept. 9 approved a series of salary adjustments for judges and elected officials that will shape how taxpayer dollars are allocated in the upcoming budget.
The overview: District Judges will see their county supplement rise to the state-allowed maximum of $25,000, bringing their total salary to $200,000, with corresponding increases for County Court at Law Judges and the 3rd Court of Appeals. Associate judges will receive phased raises reaching $180,000 by 2027, a move judicial advocates said could improve retention, boost efficiency and reduce court backlogs.
What else? Nonjudicial elected officials, including commissioners and the county judge, will see a modest 1% raise, while broader compensation decisions for county staff remain pending. A market study, criticized by some Commissioners for flawed methodology, is under review, and the Human Resources Management Department has 60 days to conduct further analysis.
The outlook: Officials said limited funding and rising health insurance costs are constraining compensation options. The FY 2025-26 budget is scheduled for final approval Sept. 30.
LCRA to lower Inks Lake starting Oct. 1; Lake Travis to rise by 3 inches
The Lower Colorado River Authority, which manages the Highland Lakes system in Central Texas, announced it would begin lowering Inks Lake for a period of eight weeks starting Oct. 1.
In a nutshell: The LCRA announced Sept. 9 that the lake would be lowered to provide property owners an opportunity to work on docks and boat slips, as well as to remove debris from the lake and shoreline.
What residents should know: The lowering will cause Lake Travis, located downstream from Inks Lake, to rise by about 3.5 inches, according to a news release from the authority.
