Development Review: Despite worries from neighborhood and environmental groups (and existing DR staff), the “faster and friendlier” downsizing at One Texas Center has solid council support.

Fire Department: Squads and quints are dead, dead, dead. At least four council members — and the firefighters’ union — will cut a proposed 2% raise for firefighters instead of implementing the controversial staffing plan.

Social Services: The firefighters’ nonraise will also cover half of the proposed 10% cut to city social service contracts. Expect the council to try to find money to restore full funding to the nearly 60 nonprofits involved.

Facilities Shutdown: The 10 planned facilities (mostly parks and libraries) set for a two-year delay in the proposed budget will likely stay that way. But Mayor Will Wynn’s initiative to permanently close existing General Fund facilities will have to wait until next year.

This article appears in September 5 • 2003.

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