RideAustin, one of several small companies that started operations in Austin last year after Uber and Lyft left the city, is now seeing its ridership cut in half since the two returned to town.
Austin
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Blocked Out
Despite “Texas miracle,” affordable housing difficult for many urban dwellers
A new Harvard study found that Americans — especially poorer ones — are having a harder time find a suitable place to call home. Texas lawmakers, experts and development industry leaders say there are plenty of reasons why that’s true here, too.
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Environment
Abbott grappled with local tree regulations targeted in special session
Before he became governor, Greg Abbott was asked to replant trees on his Austin property — a regulation he has set out to axe during the upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature.
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Politics
City leaders, advocates criticize Abbott for special session agenda
Some urban officials say the governor’s list of priorities for a summer session will harm the state’s economy and undercut local Texans’ abilities to influence their communities.
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State Government
Uber, Lyft returning to Austin on Monday
Uber and Lyft are returning to Austin on Monday, the same day Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign ride-hailing legislation passed by Texas lawmakers.
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Demographics
Trump administration doesn’t view Austin as “sanctuary” city, mayor says
Austin Mayor Steve Adler said he was reassured by United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday that neither his city nor Travis County are considered “sanctuary” jurisdictions.
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Economy
Austin group aims to reframe debates around city’s growth, development
Evolve Austin, a nonprofit that advocates for denser development and more affordable housing, is aligning with some high-profile real estate and business groups to push for changes to how Austin regulates land use.
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Economy
Texas cities predict dozens of canceled events if “bathroom bill” passes
Tourism officials in the state’s four biggest cities expect to lose at least $407 million in revenue from upcoming events if the “bathroom bill” becomes law. Scores more event planners are likely to bypass Texas entirely in the future, they say.
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Transportation
Watch a hearing on bills aimed at drawing Uber and Lyft back to Austin
A Senate committee is scheduled to take up three bills Tuesday aimed at overriding local regulation of ride-hailing companies that prompted Uber and Lyft to leave Austin and other Texas cities last year.
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Criminal Justice
Mayors say Texas, U.S. politics increasingly undermine city needs
A major source of division among cities and state officials is differing opinions on what local control means — and to whom it provides the power to govern.
