Good morning, Austin.
Federal civil-rights scrutiny lands in Austin, Council eyes a $4M housing navigation center, the city readies its first regional emergency-alert test, and MLK/I-35 work continues to snarl the UT corridor. Meanwhile, the Barton Springs–Edwards Aquifer District has declared Exceptional Drought effective Oct. 1.
⚡ TL;DR
DOJ investigating city hiring practices for potential discrimination
$4M homeless services hub needs your input by Oct. 9
Emergency alert test Sept. 29 — don’t panic when your phone buzzes
Stage 3 drought = serious water restrictions coming
📰 Today’s Focus
DOJ Opens Civil Rights Investigation into Austin's Employment Practices
The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an inquiry into whether Austin's employment policies unlawfully discriminate under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The city maintains its policies are designed to address historical inequities and create a workforce that reflects the community's diversity. However, the federal probe will examine if those practices cross a legal line.
Key areas under review include:
Racial-equity expectations for hiring managers
Stronger criteria in executive-level searches
Use of demographic data to identify representation gaps
Application of “racial-equity tools” in city budgets
City leadership pledges full cooperation with the investigation.
Why it matters: At its core, this investigation will scrutinize the legal boundary between promoting equity and violating federal anti-discrimination law. The outcome could reshape HR policy, expose the city to litigation risk, and impact how public servants are hired.
📊 The Rundown
Housing Navigation Center — Austin plans to acquire 2401 S. I-35 Frontage (at East Oltorf) for $4M to create a central hub connecting unhoused individuals with services and housing options; Council vote Oct. 9; target opening Spring 2026.
Emergency Alerts Go Citywide — Wireless & broadcast alerts tested Sept. 29, 3 p.m. CT, covering Travis, Hays, and Williamson counties.
I-35/MLK Closures — Bridge work reduces lanes through Spring/Summer 2026. Expect detours near UT/downtown.
Brief Mentions:
Austin Energy proposes a Customer Charge increase of $1.20/month ($14.40/year), from $15 to $16.20 (low-income CAP customers exempt).
Huston-Tillotson University receives $150M Moody Foundation gift.
🔢 By the Numbers
Stage 3 — The new Exceptional Drought stage declared by the Barton Springs–Edwards Aquifer District, triggering pumping cuts of up to 100% for some permit holders.
📅 Civic Calendar
Fri, Sept. 19 — Economic Opportunity Committee, 9 a.m.
Mon, Sept. 22 — CapMetro Board Meeting, 12 p.m.
Tue, Sept. 23 — Travis County Commissioners Court, 9 a.m.
Thu, Sept. 25 — Council Regular Meeting, 10 a.m.; AISD Board, 6 p.m.
Mon, Sept. 29 — Emergency Alert System Test, 3 p.m. CT.
Thu, Oct. 9 — Council vote on housing navigation center.
