The rules also prohibit "aggressive panhandling" and food distribution in public parking lots. City Council's unanimous vote Tuesday came despite concerns from advocates.

A group of homeowners used the law in 2019 to stop Austin's attempt to rewrite rules about what can be built and where.

Bills touted as "anti-squatter" reforms were originally written to make it easier to evict renters. But legislators significantly scaled back these provisions in a bill poised to become law.

State lawmakers filed four bills to outlaw guaranteed income programs this legislative session. None of the bills made it to the governor’s desk.

Starbase is figuring out how to become a city. In doing so, city leaders are proposing new land-use rules.

The DB90 program is intended to create different levels of affordable housing in places where it's needed, including along commercial and transit corridors. But affordable housing advocates argue the program doesn't go far enough to protect existing affordable housing.

Guaranteed income programs have become popular across the country. Austin began its own program in 2022.

Insurers in Texas are partnering with aerial imaging and AI companies to assess homes from the sky. Computer models parse these photos to flag moldy roofs, askew tree branches and missing shingles.

To qualify for federal money, Austin and other cities conduct what's called a point-in-time count of people sleeping outside or in emergency shelters.

Proponents of the legislation say it's necessary to ensure landlords can regain possession of their property faster. Tenant advocates warn these bills could strip renters of legal rights in a state where they currently have few.