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.

Austin City Council is preparing to take its first formal step toward establishing a new regulatory framework for data centers, as the rapid growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure pushes the issue higher on the policy agenda across Central Texas.

Council is scheduled to receive a staff briefing during its Tuesday, Aug. 25 work session before considering Item 61 at its regular meeting Thursday, Aug. 27.

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.

August 13, 2026 (Austin, Texas) // Delta Air Lines announced today it will launch Austin's first nonstop service to Paris next spring, delivering a route the city had formally targeted through a published incentive program that offers airlines waived landing fees and marketing support.