Latest News
Tips for festivalgoers to enjoy safely
By Austin Journal | Sep 27, 2024
Festivalgoers are encouraged to follow several tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Austin City Council approves new business expansion programs
By Austin Journal | Sep 27, 2024
The Austin City Council has approved updates and new initiatives to support local business growth, affordable commercial spaces, and the preservation of cultural districts. These efforts include updates to the Business Expansion Program and the introduction of two new initiatives: the Place-Based Enhancement Program and the Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy. These initiatives aim to modernize the city’s approach to fostering economic growth, preserving cultural identity, and supporting equitable access to commercial spaces and resources.
NAHB announces livestreams for key fall leadership meetings
By Austin Journal | Sep 27, 2024
NAHB leadership, including committee and council members, will gather from October 1 to 3 for the 2024 Fall Leadership Meeting in San Antonio. Members and HBA staff not attending can view livestreams of key meetings throughout the week.
NAHB plans workshop to help new members at fall leadership meeting
By Austin Journal | Sep 27, 2024
Many of the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) long-time members highlight the benefits of attending the association’s leadership meetings. These gatherings help shape NAHB’s policies and initiatives on key industry issues, while also providing opportunities for networking and business development.
Indoor air quality's vital role in home construction highlighted
By Austin Journal | Sep 27, 2024
Indoor air quality is a critical factor in home construction, often overlooked despite its significant impact on health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This pollution contributes to severe health issues, with the World Health Organization reporting 3.8 million premature deaths annually due to household air pollution.
NAHB seeks member input on OSHA's proposed federal heat standard
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
On August 30, OSHA published a proposed rule to establish the first federal standard for preventing heat-related injuries and illnesses for both indoor and outdoor work settings. NAHB has prepared an advocacy video and summary of the proposal with information on employer requirements.
Congress extends government funding and NFIP authorization through Dec. 20
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
Congress has approved legislation to extend current federal government funding levels through December 20. This move also extends the authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until the same date.
Homicide investigation underway after deaths of two individuals on Diehl Trail
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at approximately 12:16 p.m., Austin 9-1-1 received a call from a family member requesting a welfare check on her niece and her niece’s husband. The complainant stated she had not been in contact with either of them in the past 24 hours. At approximately 1:13 p.m., the complainant called back and stated she was on scene and that the couple’s vehicle was parked outside but there was no answer at the door.
Motorcyclist killed in collision with bus on East Koenig Lane
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at approximately 7:40 a.m., officers from the Austin Police Department (APD) responded to a collision involving a Capital Metro bus and a motorcycle in the 100 block of East Koenig Lane. The motorcyclist, identified as Joshua Lee-Michael Babb, was pronounced deceased at the scene. A passenger on the bus sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital.
Austin hosts final emergency preparedness training session of 2024
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) is organizing an emergency preparedness classroom training. This two-hour session is developed in collaboration with Austin Watershed Protection, Austin Fire Department, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Ascension Seton, and Go Austin/Vamos Austin (GAVA).
ECHO announces date for Austin's biannual homeless count
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
The Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO) has announced that Austin/Travis County’s biannual Point in Time (PIT) Count will occur on the night of January 25, 2025. The announcement marks the beginning of a campaign to recruit at least 1,200 volunteers for the one-night survey aimed at understanding homelessness in the area.
Multifamily builders express concerns over new federal energy code mandates
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
Many multifamily housing developers are expressing concern over the Biden administration's plans to mandate that all new homes meet the latest energy codes as a condition for certain federal home loan programs, according to a recent survey.
Fareground opens as Austin's first food hall with ribbon-cutting ceremony
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
A few weeks ago, Fareground, Austin's first food hall and collaborative community space, held a ribbon-cutting event that drew over 150 guests. The occasion marked a significant milestone for the venue, highlighting its modern design and private event-specific offerings. Attendees celebrated the opening with enthusiasm, setting the stage for Fareground to become a popular local hub.
Austin police seek help identifying suspect in CVS pharmacy robbery
By Austin Journal | Sep 26, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) Robbery Unit is seeking public assistance to identify a suspect involved in an aggravated robbery at a CVS Pharmacy on September 14, 2024. The incident occurred between 6:25 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. at the store located at 1701 East Parmer Lane.
New Home Sales Decline Amid Anticipated Rate Cuts
By Austin Journal | Sep 25, 2024
Expectations of the Federal Reserve beginning the first in a series of rate reductions kept potential home buyers in a holding pattern in August.
Austin and police union reach tentative five-year contract
By Austin Journal | Sep 25, 2024
The City of Austin and the Austin Police Association (APA) reached a tentative agreement on Monday, Sept. 23, for a five-year contract. The agreement is scheduled for consideration by the Austin City Council on Oct. 10 and, if approved by the Council, will then go to APA members for ratification.
NAHB urges Congress to reconsider FEMA's focus on new building codes
By Austin Journal | Sep 25, 2024
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) addressed Congress today, expressing concerns over the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) emphasis on adopting the latest building codes to enhance disaster safety. The NAHB argued that this focus is unwarranted and could unnecessarily raise housing costs.
Refugee collective receives $10K grant from Austin's Office of Sustainability
By Austin Journal | Sep 25, 2024
The City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability has awarded a $10,000 Food Waste Innovation grant to The Refugee Collective, a local nonprofit formerly known as the Multicultural Refugee Coalition. This grant, announced ahead of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste on Sept. 29, will support the Collective’s initiative to reduce food waste at its farm. The organization will create a composting and community art initiative designed to reduce waste, promote regenerative agriculture, and foster community engagement through traditional craft workshops.
Rhode Island Builders Association partners with DLT for minority business training program
By Austin Journal | Sep 25, 2024
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) has partnered with the Rhode Island Builders Association to implement the Latino & Female-Based Enterprise Program. This initiative aims to develop, promote, and grow a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) business training program. The primary objective is to support minority contractors in becoming equitably registered and increasing their development capacity to overcome barriers.
Austin mandates composting services for multifamily communities starting October
By Austin Journal | Sep 24, 2024
A new regulation from the City of Austin will take effect next week for multifamily communities. Starting October 1, 2024, all multifamily communities with five or more dwelling units must provide residents and employees with access to commercial composting collection services.