Austin Metric

Some weeks ago I was approached by some of the members of the 2012 Charter Revision Committee who read some of my previous posts on single-member and at-large districts.  They asked me to write a more comprehensive document detailing the empirical evidence for the hybrid position I hinted at in …

In this column, Wendler & Aleshire (W&A) throw several arguments at the Apple subsidy deal.  Some are worthwhile but not all are crisp. In general, there seems to be a brewing community desire for a 'better way' on corporate subsidies, but those articulating the desire for an alternative fail to …

This Statesman piece on local candidates sparring over economic development incentives is quite frustrating.

First, it leaves somewhat unclear what the candidates actually believe.  Certainly we know that Mayor Leffingwell supports their use (downtown hotel, Apple, LegalZoom, etc.) but the article doesn't convey whether Brigid Shea is in blanket opposition …

From the Austin City Code:

The councilmember elected to and occupying the place designated “mayor” shall be the mayor of the City of Austin. At its first meeting following each regular election of councilmembers, the council shall, by election, designate one of its number as mayor pro tem, who shall …

Chris Bradford over at Austin Contrarian - the inspiration for this humble blog - argues that SMDs will institutionalize planning and zoning parochialism:

Council members whose districts will not be affected  directly will have an incentive to defer to the affected Council member; they will want and expect that deference to be …