Luz Moreno-Lozano
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city hall reporter @KUT 90.5 | previously @statesman | @TAMU former student 👍🏽 | breakfast taco 🌮 snob from the 210
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Articles by Luz Moreno-Lozano
Austin City Council District 8: Where candidates stand on homelessness, housing and parks Original
Two new, but likely familiar faces, are vying for the District 8 Austin City Council seat this November. Paige Ellis, who currently holds the position, petitioned to seek a third term, but fell short of the signature threshold in August. That leaves Selena Xie, who led the Austin EMS Association, and Jeffery Bowen, who previously ran for mayor, on the ballot. You can find who represents you on the city’s website.
Austin voters to weigh in on $295 million bond package for parks, libraries
Just one year after Austinites rejected a property tax hike known as Proposition Q, voters will decide on a $295 million bond package to improve parks and libraries across the city. The measure is broken up into two separate bonds – Proposition A, a $260 million parks bond, and Proposition B, which would set aside $35 million for libraries.
Austin’s City Council District 5: Where candidates stand on affordability and public safety
Austin City Council Member Ryan Alter is running for his second term to represent District 5. He faces challengers David Weinberg, Liz Brink and Farrah Abraham. District 5, which includes areas of South and Southwest Austin, is home to more than 95,000 people, and the median home sale price is around $475,000, according to city data. Alter ran four years ago vowing to put a focus on affordability. “Four years later, we’ve achieved some amazing results,” Alter said.
Austin's District 5: Where candidates stand on affordability, public safety and homelessness
Austin City Council Member Ryan Alter is running for his second term to represent District 5. He faces challengers David Weinberg, Liz Brink and Farrah Abraham. District 5, which includes areas of South and Southwest Austin, is home to more than 95,000 people, and the median home sale price is around $475,000, according to city data. Alter ran four years ago vowing to put a focus on affordability. “Four years later, we’ve achieved some amazing results,” Alter said.
Austin officials say Zilker Park was not damaged by last weekend's ACL 'mudfest'
Photos and videos of people traipsing through the Austin City Limits Music Festival wearing rain boots, ponchos, or no shoes at all circulated online last week. The Austin area received several inches of rain leading up to and during the first weekend of the event, leaving piles of mud and rain puddles in Zilker Park. The grounds were so saturated that the festival delayed opening Saturday so teams could prepare the grounds for visitors.
City of Austin suddenly takes over management of Zilker Botanical Garden
The Zilker Botanical Garden is under full city of Austin management starting Thursday. Up until now, the city has only been in charge of maintenance of grounds. Several garden clubs also help supplement care of the gardens, shrubs, trees and ponds. A statement released Thursday from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department said the conservancy voted last month to not renew its contract with the city. That meant that starting Oct.
City of Austin suddenly takes over management of Zilker Botanical Garden
The Zilker Botanical Garden is under full city of Austin management starting Thursday. Up until now, the city has only been in charge of maintenance of grounds.
Months after Texas’ most famous owl abandoned her nest, surviving owlet is released into the wild
After being saved from an abandoned nest at the entrance of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, an owl who beat the odds was released back to the wild following a monthslong recovery process. A small, quiet crowd was invited to witness the moment on Wednesday evening. The owl was tentative when handlers opened its cage, but eventually, its long wings spread as it swooped around the crowd and toward the nesting site where it hatched.
Months after rescue, a now-famous Texas owlet was released at Wildflower Center
Following rehabilitation by Austin Wildlife Rescue, Athena’s owlet flies over the Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas on September 23, 2026. (Lorianne Willett | KUT News) After being saved from an abandoned nest at the entrance of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, an owl who beat the odds was released back to the wild following a monthslong recovery process. A small, quiet crowd was invited to witness the moment on Wednesday evening.
Months after rescue, Athena's surviving owlet released at Wildflower Center
After being saved from an abandoned nest at the entrance of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, an owl who beat the odds was released back to the wild following a monthslong recovery process. A small, quiet crowd was invited to witness the moment on Wednesday evening. The owl was tentative when handlers opened its cage, but eventually, its long wings spread as it swooped around the crowd and toward the nesting site where it hatched.
Months after rescue, Athena's surviving owlet released at Wildflower Center
After being saved from an abandoned nest at the entrance of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, an owl who beat the odds was released back to the wild following a months-long recovery process. A small, quiet crowd was invited to witness the moment on Wednesday evening. The owl was tentative when handlers opened its cage, but eventually, its long wings spread as it swooped around the crowd and toward the nesting site where it hatched.
Environmental groups, neighbors sue Austin over Dog's Head development agreement
A new lawsuit aims to void the development and financing agreements for a 2,600-acre development where Amazon is expected to be the biggest tenant. The agreements were approved by the Austin City Council earlier this year. Environmental groups including the Save Our Springs Alliance and People Organized in Defense of Earth and Her Resources, or PODER, filed the suit along with a handful of Dog’s Head neighbors in hopes of turning back the clock on the massive development.
Austin is drafting new rules to address mold in rental housing
For the first time, Austin is updating its city code with rules around testing for and addressing mold. The Austin City Council passed a resolution in August that kickstarts the months-long process. Council Member Vanessa Fuentes authored the measure. “When we talk about healthy homes, mold often comes up as an issue of concern,” Fuentes said.
Austin to receive $6.4 million from Airbnb for affordable housing
Austin is the first city in the country to get a funding boost through a new accelerator program from the short-term rental company Airbnb. Council Member José "Chito" Vela said the $6.4 million will support the St. Johns redevelopment project in North Austin where the city is building a 19-acre mixed-use property. The project will include more than 500 housing units, some of which will be considered affordable. Vela said Airbnb’s investment will help fill a multimillion-dollar funding gap.
They run, but they can’t hide: Marathon training in Austin’s oppressive summer heat
Even in the unbearable heat, getting together for a Saturday morning long run is a ritual for many runners in Austin. This special group of people set their alarms for 4:45 a.m. when most people are still sleeping because it's the weekend. They often force feed themselves a banana and a protein bar because pre-run fuel is essential for energy and strength and downing water before its go time.
Austin is ramping up enforcement of e-motorcycles on roads, sidewalks, trails
Austin is stepping up enforcement of e-motorcycles, or e-motos, as the devices become more popular, especially among teens and young adults. E-motos are high-powered, self-propelled bikes that can reach speeds over 28 miles per hour. They can operate on public streets with the proper documentation, including a driver’s license and insurance, and safety gear, like a helmet. Assistant Austin Police Chief Mike Chancellor said there are already state laws that regulate these devices.
After backlash, Austin will outsource — not cancel — adult sports leagues. Players are still worried
Austin's Parks and Recreation Department plans to stop running some adult sports leagues, and find an outside company to run them. But that won't happen as quickly as they thought. After the adoption of the city's $6.6 billion budget last month, the parks department announced it would cancel city-led adult indoor basketball and volleyball leagues, saving about $400,000 per year.
Austin begins writing new rules to manage, potentially ban large-scale data centers
Austin has taken its first steps toward regulating certain data centers within city limits. The Austin City Council on Thursday initiated a months-long process that tasks staff with creating new rules and requirements for large-scale facilities, including location, size and environmental considerations. Joi Harden, Austin’s zoning officer, said the city’s existing rules allow for traditional data centers, those that use up to 20 megawatts of electricity.
Austin has 14 sister cities across the globe. Here's what that means
From a hotel room back in June, Kristie Bryant joined me on a Zoom call. She was overseas, in between sessions at some kind of sister cities-related conference. But she was also there because Austin was welcoming another sister to the family — Greater Manchester in the U.K. “As of one hour ago we now have 14 sister cities," Bryant said. That makes Austin part of a tetradecapolis, or a fourteensome of sister cities.
Paige Ellis’ petition to seek third Austin City Council term falls short 62 signatures
Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis will not seek another term in office after her petition to run again was rejected, according to the city of Austin. Ellis represents District 8, which includes parts of South and Southwest Austin. Last week, Ellis submitted a petition with more than 3,400 signatures to the City Clerk. Austin’s city charter states that candidates who have reached their term limit can seek an additional term if they get support from 5% of qualified voters in their district.
Paige Ellis' petition to seek third Austin City Council term falls short 62 signatures
Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis will not seek another term in office after her petition to run again was rejected, according to the city of Austin. Ellis represents District 8, which includes parts of South and Southwest Austin. Last week, Ellis submitted a petition with more than 3,400 signatures to the City Clerk. Austin's city charter states that candidates who have reached their term limit can seek an additional term if they get support from 5% of qualified voters in their district.
Paige Ellis seeks a third term on Austin City Council. It's rare, but not unprecedented
Austin City Council Member Paige Ellis has submitted a petition to seek a third term for her District 8 seat. While council members are usually limited to two four-year terms, city rules say she can run again, if she has the support from her constituents. To seek an additional term, the Austin city charter states that a council member must garner support from 5% of qualified voters in their district. Ellis' district covers parts of South and Southwest Austin.
Austin creates new office to oversee 911 calls, despite reservations from public safety officials
The Austin City Council approved a plan last week to move its 911 call-taking system from the Austin Police Department to a standalone office in an effort to improve response times. The plan, laid out as part of the city’s $6.6 billion budget, comes after years of debate over how to improve emergency response times in Austin. Supporters, including Council Member Krista Laine, say the new office will ensure that people who call 911 get the help that they need — and that it arrives more quickly.
Austin creates new office to oversee 911 calls, despite reservations from public safety officials
The Austin City Council approved a plan last week to move its 911 call-taking system from the Austin Police Department to a standalone office in an effort to improve response times. The plan, laid out as part of the city’s $6.6 billion budget, comes after years of debate over how to improve emergency response times in Austin. Supporters, including Council Member Krista Laine, say the new office will ensure that people who call 911 get the help that they need — and that it arrives more quickly.
Austin adopts $6.6 billion budget, creates new emergency communication office
The Austin City Council adopted a budget on Wednesday that makes cuts to several programs and services and sets up the framework for a new office aimed at speeding up emergency response times. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Council Member Marc Duchen voted against the budget, citing concerns about the city's spending as residents struggle with affordability. "At this point in time, we could have done more to meet the needs of people struggling in our community," Watson said.
Austin begins public meetings on César Chávez Street renaming
About two dozen residents gathered at the Austin Central Library in downtown Tuesday night to help city leaders decide whether they should rename Cesar Chavez Street, and if so, what it should be called. Gary Moreno, who teaches Latino history at Austin Community College, spoke in support of the change. “We’re presented with an opportunity here to highlight somebody who can be a role model for our students, and I think that is very important," Moreno said. "History changes. We need new heroes.
The Dog's Head deal was made with little public input. Now neighbors want their voices heard Original
Lee Edwards has lived on Hergotz Lane for nearly two decades. His property backs up to the Colorado River, giving him direct access to the water. It’s the reason he moved to the area. “This is a river neighborhood, a river community,” Edwards said. “We’re very identified with the nature here, the animals, the river, the whole thing.” It’s surprisingly rural, considering how close it is to U.S. 183 and the airport. There are trees and wildflowers. Bobcats and deer roam the land.
Why this new affordable condo community in East Austin only has one parking spot
From the outside, the Ivory, located at the intersection of Chicon and East 14th Streets, looks like an ordinary residential building. Windows and balconies look out onto the street below with unoccupied commercial space making up the bottom floor. But with the exception of one handicap spot, the building does not have onsite parking. When the Ivory opened in June, it became Austin’s first carless condominium complex. It’s the second phase of the Chicon, a mixed-use development in East Austin.
Austin activists call for better response to mental health emergencies after teen's fatal shooting
As the Austin City Council convened inside City Hall Thursday morning to take up the proposed budget, activists gathered in front of the building to demand better funding for mental health support services after the killing of Anthoneil Williams II. Williams was fatally shot by Austin Police at a park last week after allegedly calling 911 to report a young man brandishing a gun. Responding officers shot Williams several times as he lifted his shirt and reached for his waist band.
Why this new affordable condo community in East Austin only has one parking spot
From the outside, the Ivory, located at the intersection of Chicon and East 14th Streets, looks like an ordinary residential building. Windows and balconies look out onto the street below with unoccupied commercial space making up the bottom floor. But with the exception of one handicap spot, the building does not have onsite parking. When the Ivory opened in June, it became Austin’s first carless condominium complex. It’s the second phase of the Chicon, a mixed-use development in East Austin.
Austin City Council could green-light Dog's Head development deal
The Austin City Council is set to sign off on an agreement on Thursday that would allow Amazon to move forward with building on a vacant piece of land along the Colorado River. Earlier this week, the city revealed that Amazon is the Fortune 100 company behind the Dog’s Head development project in Southeast Austin. Plans for the 2,600-acre site include more than 6,000 single-family homes, 6,200 multifamily units, and millions of square feet in office, retail, industrial and hospitality space.
After 20 years, Austin to begin construction on former Home Depot site off St. Johns
Two decades after purchasing a 19-acre property at I-35 and St. Johns Avenue, the city of Austin plans to begin construction on the site this week. The two-year buildout process will be guided by a 2020 vision plan shaped by community input. The mixed-use community will include more than 500 housing units, retail space and an expanded park with a splash pad. In the meantime, the St. John Pocket Park has been closed during construction.
Austin Council Member Vanessa Fuentes announces cancer diagnosis ahead of city hall return
Council Member Vanessa Fuentes announced Tuesday she is battling breast cancer. Fuentes, who has been on parental leave since May 4, said in a statement that she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer at 37 weeks pregnant. Fuentes said she felt a lump in her breast and immediately consulted with her doctor. “By acting quickly, we caught the cancer before it spread,” she said. “It’s so important to trust your body. If something feels off, get it checked.
Austin’s proposed $6.6 billion budget would cut services, raise taxes after Prop Q defeat
Less than a year after Austin voters rejected the Proposition Q property tax increase, city leaders are again confronting difficult spending decisions. City Manager T.C. Broadnax on Friday night proposed a $6.6 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year that calls for cuts to social service contracts, parks and public health programs, eliminates vacant positions across several departments and preserves funding for other priorities as the city continues to balance the budget.
A new homeless navigation center is coming to North Austin
For people experiencing homelessness in North Austin, accessing food, shelter or a shower can mean taking the bus to downtown or South Austin. A new navigation center set to open this summer aims to bring those services to the city's north side. The project is led by local nonprofit We Can Now. Antony Jackson, the organization's CEO, still can't believe this was possible. “It's a true testament to the power of God, if you ask me," Jackson said.
The city of Austin will be audited. Voters will decide how this fall
Months after the city of Austin initiated an auditing program that would regularly assess the city’s spending, the Save Austin Now Political Action Committee wants voters to approve a separate plan to review finances. Austin City Clerk Erika Brady confirmed this week that a citizen-initiated petition to add a new section to the city charter requiring a recurring external audit of all city funds, departments and other assets can be placed on the ballot in November.
Austin leaders divided on bond election to improve roads and parks
Austin leaders could ask voters this fall for money to tackle several projects across the city. Last month, a majority of the Austin City Council directed staff to create a bond package with a focus on parks, transportation and cultural arts. Staff responded with a plan that would spend about $400 million. Council Member Ryan Alter helped lead the effort. “We have a lot of deferred maintenance and just other capital needs," Alter said. "That ranges from our parks to our sidewalks and roadways.
Travis County judge OKs funding plan for Austin Convention Center expansion
After a legal challenge, the city of Austin can move forward with a plan to help fund the expansion of the Austin Convention Center. Travis County District Court Judge Sherine Thomas ruled Thursday that Austin’s financial plan for the project is lawful, according to court documents. Last month, the Austin City Council approved issuing up to $1.35 billion in bonds to move the project forward.
Austin estimates it could cost up to $1.2 million to rename Cesar Chavez Street
The city of Austin estimates it could cost up to $1.2 million to rename Cesar Chavez Street. The cost includes paying for new street and highways signs, and the public engagement process. It does not include helping businesses deal with the name change. Businesses would be responsible for those costs once the change happens. Cesar Chavez Street stretches from MoPac through downtown and to U.S. 183. The road is home to hundreds of businesses and homes that would be affected by the change.
Austin estimates it could cost up to $1.2 million to rename Cesar Chavez Street
The City of Austin estimates it could cost up to $1.2 million to rename Cesar Chavez Street. The cost includes paying for new street and highways signs, and the public engagement process. It does not include helping businesses deal with the name change. Businesses would be responsible for those costs once the change happens. Cesar Chavez Street stretches from MoPac through downtown and to U.S. 183. The road is home to hundreds of businesses and homes that would be affected by the change.
Austin estimates it could cost up to $1.2 million to rename Cesar Chavez Street
The city of Austin estimates it could cost up to $1.2 million to rename Cesar Chavez Street. The cost includes paying for new street and highways signs, and the public engagement process. It does not include helping businesses deal with the name change. Businesses would be responsible for those costs once the change happens. Cesar Chavez Street stretches from MoPac through downtown and to U.S. 183. The road is home to hundreds of businesses and homes that would be affected by the change.
Austin changed its rules on ICE interactions. City leaders don't agree on what it means.
It's been about a month since Austin revised its rules on how city police can interact with federal immigration agents — and city leaders are divided on what the change actually means. The rules used to say that Austin police “must” contact a supervisor if they encounter someone who they believe to be undocumented and they plan to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Now, the rules say that police “should, when operationally feasible,” do so. The change came after Gov.
3 in custody following weekend crime spree of 12 shootings, multiple car thefts in Austin
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis gives an update Sunday about a series of shootings that happened over the weekend. (Michael Minasi | KUT News) Three people are in police custody in connection with 12 shootings and multiple car thefts across Austin over the weekend. One shooting victim sustained serious injuries and three others have minor injuries, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said Sunday.
Manor under shelter-in-place notice as 1 suspect remains at large in Austin shootings; 2 in custody
Several areas in Manor are now under a shelter-in-place notice as one suspect remains at large in connection with multiple shootings in Austin this weekend. The areas include Ralph Ritchie and Suncrest Road, North FM 973 Road near Suncrest Road and Tower Road, the Presidential Meadows Subdivision, the Greenbury Subdivision, and Stonewater Subdivision, according to Manor Police. The notice follows a car chase involving Manor police and several other law enforcement agencies.
Shelter-in-place issued in South Austin as police search for active shooter
A shelter-in-place has been issued for a wide swath of South Austin, bordered by south Slaughter Lane, east McKinney Falls Parkway, north Ben White Boulevard and west Escarpment Boulevard. This comes as Austin police are searching for a person who is believed to be responsible for multiple shootings since Saturday. At least two people have been injured. It is not clear what the motive of the shootings are.
Austin's Latino community is divided when it comes to renaming Cesar Chavez Street
As Austin leaders continue working toward renaming Cesar Chavez Street after the labor leader was accused of sexual assault, some residents are trying to preserve the legacy of a man they revered for decades. In a matter of weeks after the allegations were published by the New York Times, Chavez's name and face were erased from public spaces across the country. Parades and celebrations in his name were canceled. Murals were painted over.
SAFE Alliance will no longer provide exams for sexual assault survivors amid funding shortfall
Mayor Kirk Watson said several local hospitals will step in to provide forensic exams for sexual assault survivors after the SAFE Alliance announced it would have to shutter its program because of funding gaps. The Eloise House program previously provided these services, but in April, the SAFE Alliance announced it was among four of its programs facing closure because of a $4 million funding shortfall.
SAFE Alliance will no longer provide exams for sexual assault survivors amid funding shortfall
Mayor Kirk Watson said several local hospitals will step in to provide forensic exams for sexual assault survivors after the SAFE Alliance announced it would have to shutter its program because of funding gaps. The Eloise House program previously provided these services, but in April, the SAFE Alliance announced it was among four of its programs facing closure because of a $4 million funding shortfall.
Protecting Austin's people and environment goes hand in hand with affordability, advocates say
As Austin and Travis County have built homes to serve the thousands of people moving here each year, that has meant putting denser housing on major city corridors like Lamar Boulevard and Cesar Chavez Street. The city’s goal is to build more places to live with access to bus lines and parks, all in an effort to address affordability. But some local environmental leaders said Austin has built so much — and so quickly — that it's lost what makes it beautiful.
Austin first responders highlight concerns with self-driving vehicles during emergencies
A deadly shooting at an Austin bar last month is raising questions about how self-driving vehicles affect emergency response. At a City Council committee meeting on Wednesday, Council Member Zo Qadri shared video taken by a bystander that showed a Waymo vehicle blocking an ambulance that was responding to the incident. Officials with the Austin Police Department said an officer was able to manually drive the Waymo vehicle out of the way, but it took a few minutes.
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