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We are winding down Austin, Monitored as we gear up for the launch of our Austin Current newsroom. The last newsletter will arrive Oct. 28. Don’t worry, we’ll be back in your inboxes on Nov. 10 with the first Austin Current newsletter and updates about what’s next. If you need to reach us, just send an email to community@austincurrent.org. We can’t wait to bring you great journalism for Austin.

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Downtown Commission rejects downtown height limits, supports housing funding shift

From Chad Swiatecki:

The Downtown Commission is asking City Council to reject new height limits for downtown towers and, instead, replace the city’s Downtown Density Bonus Program with a funding system tied to future property-tax revenue. Their recommendation, which was approved last week, contrasts with the Planning Commission’s call a day earlier to set a 700-foot cap in the Central Business District that would double the 350-foot limit proposed by city staff.

Both votes came as city planners push to adapt to Senate Bill 840, a new state law that took effect Sept. 1 and stripped Texas cities of their ability to regulate floor-to-area ratios (FAR) for residential and mixed-use projects. The law greatly reduces Austin’s bargaining power for requiring community benefits like affordable housing and green space in exchange for greater building height or density.

Travis County approves study on passenger rail between Austin and San Antonio

From Lina Fisher:

Between the I-35 expansion, MoPac construction, and the general growing pains of the metroplex beyond its transportation infrastructure’s capacity, Travis County Judge Andy Brown has long advocated for the need for commuter rail between Austin and San Antonio. On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court took its first step towards making that a reality, approving almost $125,000 to go toward a feasibility study on how the line might be built.

Since 2009, Texas Central has been planning a high-speed rail route between Dallas and Houston, bringing on Amtrak to help in 2023. San Antonio, Travis and Bexar counties, and even an elected official from Nuevo Leon, Mexico have expressed unified support for connecting Austin and San Antonio to that line They urged the state legislature to help last year by matching at least some of the $63.9 million in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

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Arts Commission urges Rally to rally

Members of the Arts Commission used their latest meeting to press Rally Austin leaders for updates on some long-delayed cultural facility projects and push affordability considerations as the quasi-public economic development entity seeks funding through the city’s 2026 bond election.

While commissioners voiced general support for Rally’s proposal, discussion focused on ongoing problems with several existing projects, including the still-pending lease agreement that would allow the Rude Mechs theater group to move into the city-owned Permitting and Development Center facility on Fitzhugh Road. Rally officials said the deal remains stalled while the city finalizes its lease with the organization, which must precede a sublease to Rude Mechs.

Commissioners also questioned the prolonged delay in completing upgrades to the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, where delays in the installation of new theater seating has held up the project despite being approved for funding in 2022. Rally representatives said they have asked city staff to prioritize the seating work but were awaiting a response as of last week.

Other concerns included the fate of the former City Hall property on West Eighth Street, which remains unused despite prior Council direction to explore creative reuse of the site. Commissioners urged Rally to keep the Cultural Trust Advisory Committee active and to strengthen definitions of affordability to prevent cultural facilities from becoming too expensive for local groups.

Rally leaders said the nonprofit continues to meet with city staff and Council offices while working to diversify its revenue sources and reduce reliance on city funding. A new website with detailed project updates and bond information is expected to launch later this year.

— Chad Swiatecki

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ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

KVUE reports that the League of Women Voters has issued a rare endorsement for a constitutional amendment that helps fund water infrastructure.

KXAN shoots down rumors that APD Chief Lisa Davis is planning a return to Cincinnati.

The Austin American-Statesman relays that NOAA is predicting more warm and dry weather this winter, unfortunately.

And, in case you missed it, KUT introduces us to the East Austin archivists preserving the city’s memories.