Austin is centralizing authority over its development review process, giving Austin Development Services greater control over decisions that can determine how quickly — and predictably — projects move through City Hall.

In a Sept. 25 memo, City Manager T.C. Broadnax designated Development Services as the central point of coordination and primary decision-making authority for the city’s development process. The department also gains final authority over interpretations of development-related rules when departments cannot reach consensus and over how development-related services are delivered across participating departments.

Development Services Director Keith Mars will serve as the final citywide department-level authority for those decisions.

The proposed resolution would initiate amendments to Austin's Land Development Code and other city regulations to create specific land uses, development standards, approval processes and operating requirements for data centers.