News from June 2024


Austin-Bergstrom International Airport embarks on major expansion through Journey With AUS program

Austin continues to grow, and so does the region's demand for air travel to destinations across the country and around the globe. Through the Journey With AUS program, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is expanding to meet this demand, aiming to improve travel experiences while maintaining Austin's unique character.


Language strategies enhance workplace diversity and productivity

The importance of having a language strategy in the workplace is increasingly evident, as organizations seek to improve communication, empathy, and productivity. A multilingual workforce can connect with a broader network, enhancing sales and innovation. The economic benefits are clear; non-English speakers in the U.S. earn significantly less than their English-proficient counterparts. As Fast Company notes, "English upskilling improves workers’ ability to communicate, connect, and collaborate," leading to career advancement and improved quality of life.


City of Austin City Council met May 2

City of Austin City Council met Thursday, May 2


Ken Paxton leads coalition against federal green energy regulations

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is leading a coalition of 19 states to challenge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) decision to adopt rules that would enforce the Biden Administration’s “green energy” transition onto states.


Austin's HSEM hosts emergency preparedness pop-up ahead of Juneteenth

The Austin Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM) will host an Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up event at the Spicewood Springs Branch Library on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. This initiative aims to help the Central Texas community prepare for summer hazards such as wildfires and extreme heat.


City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee met May 10

City of Austin Audit and Finance Committee met Friday, May 10


City of Austin City Council met May 28

City of Austin City Council met Tuesday, May 28


New resale shop promotes sustainable shopping in South Austin

Hello Austin! Meet your new go-to spot for sustainable shopping and savvy savings – IREP Resale Austin. As a proud extension of IREP Junk Removal, IREP Resale Austin embodies our commitment to recycling and reusing with style and flair. IREP stands for "I Recycle Everything Possible," and we are thrilled to bring this eco-friendly mission to life in the heart of South Austin. Not just another thrift store, IREP Resale Austin is a local, woman-owned business dedicated to making a positive impact on our community and environment.


APD seeks public help in identifying burglary suspect

The Austin Police Department (APD) Burglary Unit is seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect linked to a series of burglaries. The incidents began on Friday, June 7, 2024, at approximately 5 p.m., at a residence located in the 1600 block of Chatham Avenue.


Austin launches effort to update comprehensive plan

The City of Austin is initiating a community-centric effort to update its comprehensive plan, Imagine Austin. First adopted by the Council in 2012, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan envisioning the city as a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity. The plan celebrates diversity and creativity, recognizes community needs and values, promotes citizen leadership, and aims to make life's necessities affordable and accessible.


Austin ISD Board nears approval of budget with potential $60M deficit

The Board of Trustees is meeting weekly this month as they refine two major items that will determine how Austin ISD operates for years to come.


City of Austin announces over $13 million in grants for local artists

The City of Austin Economic Development Department has announced the opening of the Thrive and Elevate Grant programs, which will provide over $13 million in support for local arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and arts groups. The Elevate Grant offers between $15,000 to $80,000 for arts organizations, individual artists, and creative businesses. The Thrive Grant provides between $85,000 to $150,000 to sustain and grow local arts organizations. Applications open on June 25 and must be submitted by July 23.


Austin breaks ground on The Lancaster supportive housing project

The City of Austin Housing Department has announced the groundbreaking of The Lancaster, a new $20 million, five-story wood-frame building designed to provide 60 permanent supportive housing units for survivors of violence and abuse. Located at 5115 Lancaster Court in District 4, East of I-35 near 51st Street, this development is the first of its kind in Austin.


FlexPoint Consulting celebrates third anniversary with focus on client empowerment

On July 1, Austin-based FlexPoint Consulting will celebrate its third anniversary. "We’re grateful to have another year of equipping and enabling clients behind us – and looking forward to many more years!"


Austin ISD launches inaugural summer internship program

Dozens of students began their first day of the inaugural Austin ISD Summer Internship program, in partnership with the Austin Ed Fund and the Austin Chamber. The new program collaborates with the Travis County Summer Youth Employment Program, which has historically placed students in paid summer internships throughout the city.


Austin encourages local businesses to reduce plastic packaging waste

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a part of the U.S. Plastics Pact, which has entered an ambitious phase with its enhanced strategic plan, Roadmap 2.0. This initiative aims to accelerate the creation of a circular economy where plastic packaging is reused, recycled, composted, and kept within the economy instead of becoming waste.


Austin Police seek public help to locate missing endangered adult

The Austin Police Department (APD) is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 58-year-old Jon Stamm. Mr. Stamm was reported missing on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 5 p.m. He was last seen earlier that day at approximately 9:30 a.m., at his home located in the 10400 block of Wolftrap Drive.


Concordia University Texas equips future leaders for Austin’s booming tech industry

In the heart of Austin's thriving tech scene, Concordia University Texas offers a blend of academic excellence and practical preparation for aspiring computer scientists. With a curriculum emphasizing communication skills alongside technical expertise, Concordia Texas students gain a competitive advantage in securing careers in the growing field of computer science.


Austin ISD announces summer in-person enrollment sessions across campuses

Austin ISD invites families to enroll in-person this summer at the AISD Central Office and various campuses. These events provide an opportunity for one-on-one support with the new registration process and information about school choice options. Staff will be available on-site to assist with enrollment.


Austin police seek help identifying suspect in attempted sexual assault

The Austin Police Department (APD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect connected to an attempted sexual assault. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at approximately 9 p.m. on Osmarea Drive.