BG Reads | News You Need to Know (June 30, 2021)
CC BY-SA 4.0 via : Wikimedia Common
[MEETING/HEARINGS]
The Austin Council next meets for regular business on July 22.
[AUSTIN METRO NEWS]
The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4 concert & fireworks returns (City of Austin)
Join the City of Austin and the Austin Symphony Orchestra this July 4 for an event complete with a fireworks display over the city skyline backed by symphonic patriotic classics. The Austin Symphony Orchestra presents the H-E-B Austin Symphony Annual July 4th Concert and Fireworks - planned, produced, and performed entirely by the Austin Symphony, with the help of its generous sponsors.
The performance will begin at 8:00 p.m., followed by “mile-high” fireworks. The event is free and open to the public. Logistical information about the event can be found on the City of Austin webpage.Date/Time: Sunday, July 4, 2021 at 8:00 p.m.
Location: Auditorium Shores and the Long Center
Tickets: Free and Open to Public
Planning Commission recommends updates to land use plans for E. 11th and 12th streets (Austin Monitor)
In the late 1990s, City Council decided to revitalize so-called blighted areas east of downtown through urban renewal plans. Now, over 20 years later, the city is updating these plans along East 11th and 12th streets.
The primary goal is to simplify the East 11th and East 12th street urban renewal plans and their associated neighborhood conservation combining districts (NCCDs), which meticulously outline development standards for individual tracts, to better align with community priorities and facilitate predictable development.
Several planning commissioners, based on their work with neighbors and recommendations by city staffers and the Urban Renewal Board, proposed updates to the height and density (i.e., floor area ratio) entitlements in certain parts of the NCCDs, in addition to other land use updates. The most significant recommendation is the increase in allowable floor area ratios (a common way to regulate density) for nearly all tracts in both districts; commissioners, however, stopped short of allowing unlimited FAR, as proposed by the Urban Renewal Board and city staffers. Commissioners also recommended decreased height limits below what is currently allowed for certain areas.
The two NCCDs, which aim to preserve a neighborhood’s built environment and make new development match the height and density of existing buildings, promote separate visions. The East 11th Street NCCD allows relatively dense residential and commercial uses. The East 12th Street NCCD, on the other hand, constrains sites to smaller-scale commercial and residential development. Much of the East 11th Street NCCD has already been redeveloped, while the stretch along East 12th Street has seen less development… (LINK TO STORY)
Naming process for Waterloo Park features raises questions about equity (Austin Monitor)
What’s in a name? That question quickly moved to the fore of a Parks and Recreation Board discussion last week about proposed names for new features at Waterloo Park, which is set to reopen to the public Aug. 14 after years of renovation work and a rebranding process.
For starters, the names proposed for key features in the park, such as an amphitheater, a plaza and a children’s play area, are all donors to the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, which oversees the development of a parks system along Waller Creek in downtown Austin. Five of the 12 names belong to current or former board members of the conservancy, who have the means to donate large sums of money to community endeavors.
No one on the parks board had any quibble with the list of names members were asked to recommend to the director of the parks department. Rather, it was a lack of equity and diversity of those whose contributions to Austin also hold significant value.
Noting the park’s proximity to East Austin, Rich DePalma asked, “What’s the plan to make this park feel inclusive? Will families from Southeast Austin feel welcome, or families from East Austin, or basically anybody who doesn’t have a Caucasian-sounding name?”
Interim CEO Kathy Miller, who took on the position in March while the conservancy board launched a search to hire a new leader, assured the board there are other naming opportunities in the park.
“On the one hand, we have to face the reality that the philanthropic gifts make it possible for our park to be more welcoming for everyone and will allow us to do programming and engage in activities that make this park welcoming to all of Austin,” Miller said.
On the other hand, she added, the naming opportunities have been solely based on philanthropy. “There are features in the park that remain unnamed and can be named, and I think we should work together with our city of Austin partners to think through the ability to name those for other important figures.”… (LINK TO STORY)
Austin startup Disco files for IPO as CEO seeks to build 'category definer' for legal tech (Austin Business Journal)
Austin legal-technology startup Disco is planning to go public in a move that would punctuate a period of fast growth that was slowed only temporarily by the pandemic.
The company's S-1 filing, made June 25 under the legal name CS Disco Inc., showed it plans to list under the ticker abbreviation "LAW." The filing showed it plans to raise $100 million from the initial public offering, which is likely a placeholder figure that will be adjusted as the company nears its first day of trading. The company hasn't set prices for shares yet — or a date for its public debut.
Disco helps legal teams with an artificial intelligence-powered platform that offers automated e-discovery, legal document review, case management and other data collection. For example, the company says it holds more than 10 billion files and 2.5 petabytes of data.
Disco declined to comment, citing a quiet period before the IPO.
The company was founded by CEO Kiwi Camara in 2013 out of his law firm Camara & Sibley. Camera moved the startup to Austin in 2018 after sending a cold email to Austin venture capital firm LiveOak Venture Partners.
"Technology will transform the law just as it has transformed every other area of life," Camara wrote in a letter to employees that is included in the IPO filing. "This transformation creates a massive opportunity to build an iconic business: the category definer for the new category of legaltech.”… (LINK TO STORY)
Travis County approves $73.87 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding (Community Impact)
The Travis County Commissioners Court unanimously passed $73.87 million in funding that comes from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The first track continues funding for programs established thanks to federal dollars from the Coronavirus Relief Funds. Funding for track one totaled over $38.38 million, with the largest allocation going toward supporting small businesses through $8 million to TCTX Thrive.
For the second track, the court listed nine focus areas, including homelessness, broadband infrastructure, mental health, and water infrastructure.
Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard said that expanding access to water could have a particularly profound impact. “I think there’s just a lot of opportunity to partner and make life-changing, transformational change with these one-time federal dollars.”
The court plans to hold a work session and engage the community to more clearly define how the second track dollars will be spent. In passing the motion, it only approved $250,000 for engagement on broadband infrastructure, as well as $250,000 for engagement on mental health support… (LINK TO STORY)
County deliberates joining city to end homelessness (Austin Monitor)
On Tuesday, the Commissioners Court discussed the cardinal question of how to allocate a considerable amount of money coming to the county from the American Rescue Plan Act. Much of the discussion centered on homelessness, and whether the county would join the city in its commitment to dedicate a meaningful portion of its ARPA funding toward ending homelessness in Austin.
The county will only receive half of the total $247 million in ARPA funding now, with the rest becoming available next May. Planning and Budget staff members recommended the county start spending the money on July 1. According to Travis Gatlin, county budget director, three tracks of funding make up 30 percent of the total ARPA funding. The rest would remain available for commissioners to decide how to distribute.
Staff recommendations for allocating the $38 million in track one include workforce development, food, child care and rental assistance, and “targeted behavioral health support for homelessness.” Staffers recommended (for now) just $325,000 of track one funding to go toward the homelessness issue.
Commissioner Ann Howard proposed putting greater attention on workforce development and child care assistance, while Commissioner Brigid Shea argued the court should listen to the community before deciding particular allocations, though she specified, “that does not in any way preclude us from evaluating these other programs (in the future), and adding them.”
Commissioner Jeff Travillion seemed to agree, calling for more specific project plans before any votes take place.
Track two funding, as recommended by staff, was devoted to water infrastructure, broadband infrastructure, and mental health/homelessness services among others.
On the homelessness issue, Diana Ramirez with the Planning and Budget Office said, “These issue areas reside within Health and Human Services and Justice Planning. They have identified next steps which involve collaborating with long-term partners such as Integral Care.”
Ramirez told the commissioners that the estimated funding needed (regarding behavioral health and homelessness) was $250,000 for Justice Planning and HHS to stitch their efforts together into a “comprehensive and scalable solution.” City of Austin staffers estimate that $515 million is needed over the next two years in order to fully address the problem.
“Track two, as a reminder, relates to the major new programs that the court has previously agreed would be dependent on a robust community engagement process,” Ramirez said.
Referencing City Council’s $84 million conditional commitment to homelessness spending – contingent on the county and philanthropic groups also committing to a substantial amount – Commissioner Ann Howard said, “We know that there’s a huge movement and collaboration underway that needs to have some indication of the county’s commitment … I’m wondering if we’re ready to indicate our willingness and desire to be a part of this community effort?”
County Judge Andy Brown expressed measured support for the idea of investing a large amount toward solving homelessness… (LINK TO STORY)
[TEXAS NEWS]
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott allocates $94.6 million in federal money to help students and colleges recover from pandemic-fueled problems (Texas Tribune)
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday he is allocating $94.6 million in federal COVID-19 relief money for higher education programs to support students as they continue to navigate college during the pandemic.
The one-time funding comes from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief fund as part of the federal CARES Act. It will be distributed by the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Board, in large part to encourage students to enroll in degree and certificate programs in areas with employee shortages, and to launch new programs to academically support new students and those who started college but left before finishing.
“As we transition from pandemic response to economic recovery, a key dilemma our state faces is the significant gap between the skills and credentials many Texans possess and the needs of employers today and into the future,” Commissioner of Higher Education Harrison Keller said in a press release. “This dilemma requires strategic solutions and Texas higher education will play a pivotal role in empowering our state’s talent pipeline.”… (LINK TO STORY)
Richardson man known as ‘Doctor Bitcoin’ pleads guilty to illegal cash-to-cryptocurrency business (Dallas Morning News)
A Richardson man who goes by the nickname “Doctor Bitcoin” has pleaded guilty to illegally running a business that converted cash to cryptocurrency. Mark Alexander Hopkins, 42, was indicted in March on one federal count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business. He pleaded guilty Tuesday and faces up to five years in prison. According to court documents, Hopkins admitted that he ran a business where he would take U.S. currency and convert it to cryptocurrency, usually Bitcoin, for a negotiated fee. If the customers were local, he would meet them in person to pick up the cash.
But Hopkins was not licensed to operate such a business in Texas, nor was his business registered with the Treasury Department, authorities said. He also did not take steps to verify his customers’ personal information or the source of their cash, and he failed to report transactions involving large amounts of cash. In one instance, a customer whose funds were linked to a Nigerian lottery scam asked him to convert his cash to Bitcoin, court documents say. Hopkins knew the customer had a partner in Nigeria but said that he didn’t want to get involved in any business dealings. Authorities said Hopkins advised the customer on how to avoid reporting requirements by keeping deposits below $9,500 and to lie to banks about what the business was doing. “I’m set up as a marketing company, so tell them you’re paying for a marketing campaign,” he said. “If they need more details, say you’re using me to hire bloggers and stuff.”… (LINK TO STORY)
Developer found guilty of bribing two former Dallas City Council members to help housing projects (Dallas Morning News)
Developer Ruel Hamilton was found guilty Tuesday of three bribery counts for making payments to two former Dallas City Council members in exchange for their help with his low-income apartment projects in the city. The jury reached its decision after deliberating for four days. Prosecutors and the defense made their closing arguments on Thursday after jurors heard two weeks of evidence and testimony before Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn. The jury began its deliberations on Thursday afternoon, but Monday was their only full-day meeting to discuss the case. Hamilton, 65, was accused of bribing Dwaine Caraway and Carolyn Davis for their support and approval of his development projects while they served on the council. His company, AmeriSouth Realty Group, has built apartment complexes in southern neighborhoods over the years.
The company owns and operates thousands of low-income apartments in Texas and Oklahoma. He was found guilty of two counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The jury acquitted him of the fourth count: use of an interstate facility to commit a Travel Act violation. He faces up to 25 years in prison. A sentencing date has been scheduled for November. Hamilton showed no emotion as the verdict was read but hugged family members afterwards. He left quickly with his attorneys without speaking to reporters. The trial was the latest Dallas City Hall corruption case to land in federal court. The case was notable because it also targeted a white businessman who paid bribes. Previous federal corruption trials in Dallas have mainly involved local Black politicians, leading to accusations from community members of racial bias in prosecutorial decision making. “The people of Dallas deserve true public servants, not those bought and paid for by the city’s elite. By using money to bend elected officials to his will, Mr. Hamilton betrayed the communities he purports to hold dear,” Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah said in a statement. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will not allow a kickback culture to fester at City Hall. To anyone considering this sort of unscrupulous behavior: Think twice. Our prosecutors are tenacious, and we are determined to root out corruption wherever we find it.”… (LINK TO STORY)
[NATIONAL NEWS]
The grid’s big looming problem: Getting power to where it’s needed (Washington Post)
In the punishing heat wave that has struck the Pacific Northwest, about 17,000 electricity customers were without power Monday evening. Nearly 20,000 more were in blackouts in Idaho, Oregon, California and Nevada. Those aren’t devastating numbers, but they are a reminder that the electric grid in America is frayed and always operating close to the edge. The high temperatures come just four months after Texas power was poleaxed by the February freeze, and only two weeks after the Texas grid wobbled again in its own heat wave. A year ago, California experienced failures on a wide scale. A compromise reached in the Senate would pump billions of dollars into upgrading the nation’s electricity system, if it becomes law, but the need is immense. And at the same time the Biden administration is pushing for electric cars, trucks and buses, and a widespread conversion to electric heating, all while slashing the emissions of greenhouse gases.
The nation’s already strained power grid is either at a turning point or poised to dash all those clean-power visions as it crumbles under the new stresses being placed on it. “The grid has never been as important as it is now, and in a year it will be more important,” said Dennis Kuhn, senior manager for integrated field construction design for Avangrid, which operates renewable generation plants in 22 states and utilities in New York and New England. Blackouts in Texas and California, with prices skittering dizzily up and down, are evidence that the system needs attention. On June 21, 100,000 customers in Michigan lost power after thunderstorms swept the state. And now the Northwest is trying to fend off the heat.
“We need to jam on the accelerator here,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said at a panel discussion earlier this spring. “We’ve got to make sure the capacity is there on the grid.” The American grid features stressed and often barely adequate equipment on the local level, and a region-by-region governing structure that in pursuit of market savings has become so complex that it obscures the full picture. But perhaps the central issue is chronic congestion on the transmission lines that bring power from where it’s made to where it’s wanted... (LINK TO STORY)
NYC mayoral vote in turmoil after Board of Elections finds 'discrepancy' (The Hill)
The New York City Board of Elections on Tuesday night announced a "discrepancy" in the ranked-choice vote tallies in the Democratic mayoral primary, sowing confusion hours after newly released results showed a tightening race.
The latest tally of votes released Tuesday afternoon had shown Eric Adams leading Kathryn Garcia by a little more than 2 percentage points, or 15,908 votes.
But shortly after the release of those results, the Board of Elections released a statement saying it had become aware of a "discrepancy" in the vote tally report and was looking into it. Then, not long after that, the ranked-choice tabulations appeared to be taken down from the website.
Later on Tuesday night, the board released another statement saying that around 135,000 test-run "votes" had not been taken out of the system and were inadvertently counted as part of the unofficial results. The board said it would go back and re-tabulate the results without those additional records.
The board's initial tweet came not long after Adams, the Brooklyn borough president, released a statement pushing back on the new count, saying he was seeking clarification from the city Board of Elections… (LINK TO TO STORY)