A 15-member "live music task force" will begin work to try to encourage the growth of a musical economy in Austin, Texas.
"Council has charged the task force with recommendations in four areas: the possible creation of an entertainment district; building requirements to mitigate sound issues; the use of incentives to redevelop local venues; and current and potential programs to assist musicians. An October deadline has been set for the task force to report back to Council."
"Each of the four areas is going to be an interesting, if complicated, discussion. For instance, what sort of financial support should the city offer to club venues, if any? Is the maintenance of the "Live Music Capital" moniker important enough to provide ongoing city support?"
"Or will Austin residents view that kind of support as equivalent to the loan the city offered to Las Manitas? That's something the task force will discuss."
"Or what about the creation of an entertainment district? Sixth Street once was the home to a thriving club scene, Oveisi said. Is that the best way to support music, or is it more logical to provide some space among major club venues -- the Continental here, Stubb's there? Oveisi said he doesn't have an answer, but he's ready to study the issue."
FULL STORY: Can Austin's Live Music Capital label be sustained?

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs
Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Research Shows More Roads = More Driving
A national study shows, once again, that increasing road supply induces additional vehicle travel, particularly over the long run.

EV Chargers Now Outnumber Gas Pumps by Nearly 50% in California
Fast chargers still lag behind amidst rapid growth.

Affordable Housing Renovations Halt Mid-Air Amidst DOGE Clawbacks
HUD may rescind over a billion dollars earmarked for green building upgrades.

Has Anyone at USDOT Read Donald Shoup?
USDOT employees, who are required to go back to the office, will receive free parking at the agency’s D.C. offices — flying in the face of a growing research body that calls for pricing parking at its real value.
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