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.

After four years, Suds Brothers Express Car Wash opened in Dripping Springs this month.

The big picture: The business offers a variety of services, including washes, polishes, wheel cleaner, bug prep, rim brightener and free mat cleans. Customers can purchase single washes or a monthly package with a range of the aforementioned services.

Meet the owner: Bob Harber is the local owner of Suds Brothers. 

• Opened April 11

• 610 W Hwy. 290, Dripping Springs

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.

Check out the latest transportation updates around the Austin metro.

Upcoming projects

Austin Transit Partnership approves Light Rail maintenance building construction, land acquisition contracts: On April 15, the agency approved a contract in an amount not to exceed $25 million for the construction of an operations and maintenance facility as part of Phase 1 of the project. The facility will serve as the light rail's home base for the trains to be cleaned, serviced and maintained. The agency also approved a resolution not to exceed $230 million to acquire up to 18 parcels of property to use as part of Phase 1.

Ongoing projects

Greenlawn Boulevard widening
Project: The city of Round Rock is reconstructing Greenlawn Boulevard from an existing four-lane divided roadway to a six-lane divided urban roadway with pedestrian and lighting improvements.
Update: Per city officials, the traffic pattern was adjusted in March, reducing a portion of Greenlawn Boulevard to one lane in each direction.

• Timeline: completion is expected by April 2027

• Cost: $13.95 million

• Funding source: type B sales tax revenue