Public safety commission calls for more accountability in DPS, APD partnership

Austin's Public Safety Commission has approved a resolution calling for more accountability, community engagement and guidelines for the APD/DPS partnership.

Austin-based musicians call on SXSW to pay performers fair wage

Austin-based musicians spoke out at Wednesday night’s Austin Music Commission meeting. They called on commissioners to support a recommendation to push South by Southwest (SXSW) to pay their performers what they call a fair wage.

APD criticized for slow response times to 911 calls amid staffing shortage

Former deputy chief Robert Gross sent an email to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson saying he had to call 911 five times about a dead person before warranting a response.

FOX 7 Focus: New group hopes to kill Zilker Park Vision Plan

In this FOX 7 Focus, FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak takes a look at the Zilker Park Vision Plan, and the newly formed Save Zilker Park PAC that is trying to keep it from moving forward.

Austin City Council approve items to address homelessness

The items include increasing shelter capacity, addressing mental health, and supporting organizations who already help the homeless.

Phase one of Project Connect approved with final light rail design

CapMetro, Austin Transit Partnership, and the City of Austin officially approved phase one of Project Connect. The proposed light rail line will connect several areas throughout central Austin.

What is the process for putting city projects out to bid?

A recent contract up for city council approval has raised questions from the community and city leaders regarding the process for putting projects out to bid.

Project Connect: A look at the final plan

The final plan for the Project Connect light rail system was recently announced. Greg Canally with the Austin Transit Partnership speaks with FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak on the newly-unveiled route.

Austin's newest joint fire, EMS station receives grand opening

City leaders and first responders gathered for the official ribbon-cutting of a new joint AFD/ATCEMS station on Westlake Drive in West Austin.

Austin license plate reader program in its final stages

The Austin Police Department held a discussion on the license plate reader policy. The policy is now in its final stages

Council votes to end city-mandated parking minimums for new developments

If approved, Austin would join a growing list of U.S. cities that have eliminated or reduced municipal parking mandates, says Austin City Council member Zo Qadri.

Austin police, Texas DPS give update on partnership to Austin City Council

Austin City Council was briefed on the Austin Police Department and Texas DPS partnership. It's a partnership that was put in place a month ago to help with the police staffing shortage.

Residents express continued concerns over Rainey Street

While not on the Public Safety Committee meeting agenda, residents voiced concerns for safety in the Rainey Street District during public comment, including loved ones and friends of Jason John.

Activists call on City Council to denounce alleged racial profiling by DPS troopers

Activists from the organization PODER called for the mayor and Austin City Council to denounce alleged racial profiling by DPS troopers. DPS has jointly operated with APD since March.

City Council resolution looks to change parking requirements at bars

The resolution says eliminating parking requirements can help curb drunk driving, increase economic activity and make transportation more efficient.

Austin City Council approves second resolution to increase safety on Rainey Street

The City Council passed another resolution to make the entertainment district safer. The resolution tasks the interim city manager to look into installing HALO cameras around the area and working with bars to prevent over-serving.