📰 CivicIn7 Austin | Monday, October 13, 2025
Be the most informed neighbor in Austin —in 7 minutes or less.
⚡ TL;DR — What You Need to Know Today
TONIGHT (6–8 PM): Congress Avenue redesign open house — your chance to shape $13M in downtown changes.
~21,000 signatures filed to force a vote on the Convention Center expansion.
Early voting begins in 6 days (Oct 20–31).
🧭 Lead Story
Congress Avenue Redesign — Public Open House Tonight (6–8 PM)
The City of Austin hosts an open house today (Tue, Oct 14, 6–8 PM) at 506 Congress Ave to gather feedback on a proposed $13 million redesign of Congress Avenue from Cesar Chavez to 7th Street (sidewalk widening, trees, bike facilities, potential lane reconfigurations).
Why it matters: Downtown mobility, storefront access, and overall street character will change depending on design choices. Your input can shape the final plan.
How to engage: Attend tonight’s session or submit comments through the Transportation Department project page.
🗳️ Voting & Election Reminders
Early Voting: Oct 20–31
Election Day: Tue, Nov 4 (7 AM–7 PM)
Registration Deadline: Passed (Oct 6)
Ballot-by-Mail Deadline: Fri, Oct 24 (received)
This is Travis County’s Joint General & Special Election, which includes state constitutional amendments and local ballot items.
🔍 The Rundown
Petition Filed to Force Vote on $1.6B Convention Center Expansion
Austin United PAC submitted ~21,000 signatures (≈ 1,000 over threshold) to the City Clerk calling for a referendum to pause the downtown expansion, budgeted at $1.6 billion. The Clerk has ≈30 days to verify signatures before certification; if approved, a vote could be scheduled for May 2026.
Impact for residents: If paused after demolition, the city faces potential contractual penalties and tourism losses. Downtown businesses should track the verification timeline.
Stay engaged: Follow City Clerk updates and Council agendas for hearings once validation is complete.
I-35 Closures — Central and North Austin
Central (Riverside ↔ Oltorf): Nightly closures Oct 13–14 as part of the Capital Express Central project.
North (Rundberg ↔ US 183): Starting Oct 20 for ≈2 weeks (per TxDOT press release 10/13/25); check My35CapEx.org for confirmed nightly schedules.
Plan alternate routes (MoPac or SH 130) and expect overnight noise and detours.
Austin Water Rate Update — Reclaimed Service
City Council backup shows the reclaimed (non-potable) water rate will rise from $3.22 → $3.35 per 1,000 gallons effective Nov 1, 2025. Potable water rates remain unchanged.
Editor’s Note: An earlier draft cited different figures. Rates above are verified from Austin City Council budget backup documents (Oct 2025).
Travis County Mental Health Pilot Vote
The Commissioners Court voted today (Oct 14) on allocating $1.2 million in federal grant funds for a 24-month mental-health crisis-response pilot in unincorporated areas. The program co-locates mental-health professionals with Sheriff’s Office deputies to divert crisis calls toward treatment instead of jail. Await official vote record for confirmation.
⚡ Brief Mentions
Airport Ground Stop (overnight): FAA staffing shortage caused a short halt (01:01–02:15 GMT); travelers should check airline alerts.
Roadway Messaging Directive: Governor Abbott ordered removal of political/ideological markings; Austin will comply to protect funding.
🎭 Happening Around Austin
Austin Film Festival (Oct 20–22): Downtown street closures on Congress Ave & Lavaca St between 7th–9th Streets. CapMetro detours for routes 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 20, 801, 803 — plan accordingly.
Emergency Preparedness Workshop — Wed, Oct 15: 3–6 PM, Menchaca Road Branch Library (5500 Menchaca Rd). Free emergency kits for the first 25 attendees; learn disaster readiness with Austin–Travis County HSEM.
50+ Job Fair — TODAY: 10 AM–2 PM, City of Austin Permitting & Development Center (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr). Walk-in; no registration required.
📅 Civic Calendar
Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
Oct 14, 6–8 PM | Congress Ave Open House | Public input (506 Congress Ave) |
Oct 14, 9 AM | Travis Co. Commissioners Court | Vote on $1.2M mental-health pilot |
Oct 15, 3–6 PM | Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up | Menchaca Rd Branch Library |
Oct 20–22 | Austin Film Festival | Downtown street closures, bus detours |
Oct 20–31 | Early Voting | All Travis County polling sites open |
Oct 20 | I-35 North Closures Begin | Nightly 9 PM–5 AM, ≈2 weeks |
Oct 23, 10 AM | City Council Meeting | Public hearing — reclaimed water rates |
Oct 24 | Ballot-by-Mail Deadline | Must be received by Clerk |
Nov 4 | Election Day | 7 AM–7 PM |
📊 By the Numbers
$1.6B — Convention Center expansion budget
~21,000 — Petition signatures submitted
$13M — Congress Avenue revamp investment
$3.22 → $3.35 — Reclaimed water rate increase (per 1,000 gal)
$1.2M — Travis County mental-health pilot grant
Oct 20–31 — Early Voting period
