Ben Thompson
Community Impact
Austin, TX, United States
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Past articles by Ben:
Initiative aimed at ending homelessness in Austin reports housing, fundraising gains
Participants hope FindingHomeATX will house 3,000 people and build more than 1,000 new housing units through 2024. → Read More
Colony Park project moving closer to becoming 'transformational investment' in Northeast Austin
The 200-acre mixed-used redevelopment has been a goal of community members and city leaders for years. → Read More
With Austin's 911 call center in 'crisis,' city and police leaders seek to boost staffing
The average wait time for a 911 call to be answered in Austin is 2 and a half minutes. → Read More
Downtown Austin's HealthSouth site moving closer to redevelopment with affordable housing, community space
The project could bring more than 200 units of affordable housing across a pair of high-rises in downtown's Innovation District. → Read More
As Austin Energy customers face multiple rate hikes, council considers options for adjustments
A new rate proposal would add about $20 to the average resident's monthly bill. → Read More
Austin developers to see smaller parkland dedication fee increase this year; commercial projects added to process
A review of Austin's parkland dedication fees and the types of developments included ended Sept. 15. → Read More
Austin's unlicensed Airbnb, Vrbo spaces in focus as council reviews short-term rental enforcement
Austin City Council discussed the management of short-term rentals in Austin on Sept. 6. → Read More
City fee decisions to shift how new development funds green space in Austin
City Council is looking over several changes to the fees charged to developers to support new parkland. → Read More
Adler shares views on past progress, future goals in final State of the City address as Austin mayor
Mayor Steve Adler delivered remarks on City Council's work with housing, climate, equity, safety and mobility Aug. 25. → Read More
Multiple improvements recommended for Austin Police Department's sexual assault investigations
The proposals were released ahead of an in-depth report covering years of Austin police work with sexual assault cases. → Read More
Austin officials consider rebooting police license plate reader program
The Austin Police Department’s license plate reader program could be poised to return to city streets two years after it was removed. → Read More
Council weighs 'calculated risk' with new management of downtown Austin homeless shelter
The California-based Urban Alchemy has been tapped to manage the ARCH as its longtime operator is stepping away. → Read More
Investigation backs up Austin civil rights office staff allegations of 'hostile' workplace; director placed on leave
Office employees first filed a complaint against Johnson and her management practices late last year. → Read More
Report: Austin remains area hub, but Williamson County sees significant growth
The northern edge of the region is seeing its population and workforce expand, in part thanks to Austin's growth and the arrival of new semiconductor facilities. → Read More
Austin's development fees continue to outpace other Texas cities
The cost of homebuilding in Austin can be several times higher than in other municipalities both regionally and statewide. → Read More
Health care guide: Central Health pushes to increase access to care ahead of review
Health care guide: Central Health pushes to increase access to care ahead of review → Read More
Health care guide: More than two years in, Austin's COVID-19 spending and services continue
Austin has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on COVID-19 support since February 2020, and officials are still spending millions more to address lingering public health needs and general community services. → Read More
State agency weighs penalty for Samsung wastewater spill; Austin officials call for improved monitoring
The city has worked with Samsung Austin Semiconductor on facility and environmental fixes in the wake of several wastewater spills. → Read More
City pushes ahead on takeover of Austin airport's South Terminal
Officials voted to begin eminent domain proceedings for the South Terminal property needed for the airport's expansion. → Read More
Austin looks to renew gun violence-prevention efforts, including ban on semiauto rifle sales below age 21
Council could approve a measure seeking to block AR-15-style firearm sales in the city for anyone under 21 years old. → Read More