Latest News
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.
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.