Latest News
Austin launches new phase in open government partnership
By Austin Journal | Sep 24, 2024
The City of Austin has initiated its latest efforts under the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in collaboration with Austin Community College’s Center for Government and Civic Service, community-based organizations, and colleagues at the U.S. Open Government Secretariat on September 17th. In the upcoming weeks and months, the Office of Innovation will integrate a strategic foresight framework to ensure that OGP commitments are executed considering multiple plausible futures. This framework is adapted from the Houston Foresight Program's work and collaborations with Alliance...
Austin police investigate officer-involved shooting resulting in one fatality
By Austin Journal | Sep 24, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place on September 10, 2024. APD has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability by releasing information about the incident within ten business days, in line with its policy.
NAHB offers free webinars ahead of 2025 International Builders' Show
By Austin Journal | Sep 24, 2024
NAHB is offering its IBS Education webinar series ahead of the 2025 International Builders’ Show (IBS), scheduled for February 25-27 in Las Vegas. These free monthly webinars will cover current industry trends and topics affecting businesses.
Austin plans controlled burn on 97 acres of water protection lands
By Austin Journal | Sep 24, 2024
Austin Water’s Wildland Conservation Division plans to conduct a prescribed burn on approximately 97 acres of the Water Quality Protection Lands on Wednesday, September 25.
NAHB opens applications for 2025 sustainability scholarship
By Austin Journal | Sep 24, 2024
The NAHB IBS Sustainability and Green Building Scholarship is now open for applications. This scholarship aims to give emerging green builders exposure to high-performance homes and help them start their professional journey by attending the International Builders’ Show (IBS).
Austin prepares for upcoming 2024 City Limits Music Festival
By Austin Journal | Sep 23, 2024
The 23rd Austin City Limits Music Festival is set to take place at Zilker Park on October 4–6 and October 11–13. The City of Austin anticipates welcoming music fans from across the country for these two weekends.
Austin police investigate double homicide on Brookhill Drive
By Austin Journal | Sep 23, 2024
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, at approximately 12:08 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a welfare check call in the 2300 block of Brookhill Drive. Multiple callers expressed concern for a couple living in the house and reported that a subject named Kyler Monaghan was refusing to let them see the couple.
NAHB promotes doing business among its members
By Austin Journal | Sep 23, 2024
NAHB's membership of over 140,000 Builders and Associates supports the home building industry through advocacy on Capitol Hill, education for the next generation, and collaboration to address community issues.
City of Austin reaches tentative five-year deal with police association
By Austin Journal | Sep 23, 2024
Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced today that the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association (APA) have reached a tentative agreement for a five-year contract. The agreement includes significant increases to officer pay and benefits, as well as measures to enhance police oversight and build trust with the community.
Builders compete in fall recruitment contest for New York City trip
By Austin Journal | Sep 23, 2024
The 2024 Fall Recruitment Competition has begun for Builder and Associate members, offering a trip to New York City awarded by LG and Signature Kitchen Suite. The annual competition aims to recruit as many new NAHB members as possible. It started on September 1 and will run until November 30.
How to incorporate renewable energy sources into home building
By Austin Journal | Sep 20, 2024
Energy efficiency remains a highly desired component among new and prospective home buyers. In 2020, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveyed over 3,000 home buyers on their preferred features, including eco-friendly components and designs. This preference continues today with high demand for ENERGY STAR-rated windows and appliances, efficient lighting, and whole-house ENERGY STAR ratings.
Shoal Creek Trail blocked since landslides in 2018 still awaits restoration
By Austin Journal | Sep 20, 2024
The Shoal Creek Trail through Pease Park has been obstructed by debris from two significant landslides that occurred in 2018 and 2019. Despite years of advocacy with the City of Austin by Shoal Creek Conservancy (SCC) and Pease Park Conservancy (PPC), the debris remains, and the trail closure persists. PPC, SCC, and Pemberton Heights Neighborhood Association (PHNA) emphasize the importance of collaborating with the City to ensure a safe and accessible restoration of this park area and its trail.
Community partners donate new bikes for Austin's youth cycling programs
By Austin Journal | Sep 20, 2024
New bicycles and equipment donated to the Lorraine "Grandma" Camacho Activity Center will strengthen the City of Austin’s youth cycling programs into the next decade. Thanks to the generosity of local, regional, and national foundations, businesses, non-profits, and cyclists, replacement equipment will soon arrive at the Center. The donations will replace bicycles and equipment lost in a recent theft.
Austin police arrest suspect in series of deadly conduct incidents
By Austin Journal | Sep 20, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) Aggravated Assault and Gang Units have been investigating a series of deadly conduct incidents that began on July 14, 2024, targeting a residence in the 2900 block of Lyons Road.
Rhode Island receives $1.6 million DOE grant for energy code training
By Austin Journal | Sep 20, 2024
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources and the Rhode Island Builders Association (RIBA) have secured a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This funding will support energy code training and educational resources for building inspectors, designers, home builders, and construction trades professionals in Rhode Island.
City of Austin hosts job fair for community members aged 50+ on September 25
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
The City of Austin will host the 50+ Community Job Fair on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Texas Workforce Solutions Capital Area North located at 9001 North IH 35, Ste 110, Austin, TX 78753.
HBAs support next generation builders through mentorship and job search assistance
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
As the home building industry’s labor shortage persists, it is increasingly crucial to educate the younger generation on the career opportunities available in construction.
Youth fitness classes featured at Fall Fitness Festival
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
Austin Youth Fitness is set to host a series of youth fitness classes at the upcoming Fall Fitness Festival on September 19, 2024. The event will feature various activities aimed at promoting physical and mental well-being among children.
Austin police release video in ongoing homicide investigation
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
The Austin Police Department (APD) has released video footage related to the homicide investigation of Cristian Rangel. Detectives are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything relevant in the Walmart parking lot.
NAHB leaders discuss Fed rate cut impact on housing sector
By Austin Journal | Sep 19, 2024
On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez discussed recent economic developments, including the Federal Reserve’s rate cut announcement this week and its implications for housing.