Big, Contentious Austin Energy Rate Hike Finally Arrives at Council

Power for the people?

"...year" for determining the revenue requirement, saying that AE "better explain Win­ter Storm Uri's impact." Council Member Kathie Tovo..."

Nov. 25, 2022 News Feature by Lina Fisher

Tesla Gigafactory to be Investigated for Labor Standards Violations

Workers Defense Project calls out wage theft, unsafe conditions

"...On Tuesday, the Workers Defense Project filed two labor standards violation referrals to the Department of Labor’s Wage and..."

Nov. 16, 2022 News Post by Lina Fisher

Public Notice: Public Land for Public Good, v.2

Has Austin lost its groove? A surprising answer.

"...that construction projects on city-owned lands comply with the Better Builder Certification Program, OSHA-10 training, and workers' compensation. In..."

Nov. 4, 2022 News Column by Nick Barbaro

The Mayor’s Race Offers Clear Choices on How Austin Should Grow

Election marks a critical juncture on the way to Austin's future

"...Many voters will be attracted to a deal­making, bridge-building consensus­-builder with a proven track record. "As a general rule,"..."

Oct. 14, 2022 News Feature by Austin Sanders

Travis County Allows Mystery (Samsung?) Project to Seek Tax Incentives

Say yes to the ... Silicon Silver?

"...or enforcement measures in that deal's safety and wage standards. "The Tesla deal was made public on a Friday..."

Feb. 5, 2021 News Feature by Beth Sullivan

Austin's Land Use Debate Returns to the Spotlight

A new draft code has risen out of CodeNEXT's ashes

"...in flames, amid squabbles over parking requirements and compatibility standards but also amid the conflict at the heart of..."

Oct. 11, 2019 News Feature by Austin Sanders

To Expand the Convention Center or Not?

Despite unanimous support from City Council, voters will decide the answer

"...an environmentally sound way and with high worker pay-and-protection standards (under the city's existing Green Build­ing/LEED and Better Builder..."

July 19, 2019 News Feature by Michael King

Plaza Saltillo Ground-breaking Set for Wednesday

After a long wait, the Eastside redevelopment finally kicks off

"...refusing overtime pay at a Domain construction site. WDP Better Builder program director Bo Delp told the Chronicle at..."

June 23, 2017 News Feature by Sarah Marloff

Ready for Solar and Recycling Too

Council approves solar roofs and textile recycling pilot

"...environmental protection and cost – and opposition from the Homebuilders Association (who say the local plumbing code, not solar,..."

Feb. 6, 2017 News Post by Michael King

Council Wrap: State of the City

Austin maintains its relative sanity

"...the Land Development Code enabling "expedited permitting" (codifying the "Better Builder Program" establishing workers' right standards approved last year);..."

Feb. 3, 2017 News Feature by Michael King

Council: No Zombies Before Midnight

City Council hears budget pleas, aids workers, tenants … & zombies

"...the proposed FY 2017 budget, a resolution to require better working conditions for “expedited” project permits and another to..."

Sept. 5, 2016 News Post by Michael King

Council Preview: Wildhorses, Salamanders, Elephants

Only 51 items on today's agenda – but plenty of potential land mines

"...sponsoring a resolution (Item 29) that would also require "Better Builder Standards" – basic worker protections (living wages, safety..."

Sept. 2, 2016 News Feature by Michael King

A Level Playing Field

Due to a city loophole, a charter school can build a campus in less than half the time AISD can

"...many of the standard processes with which any other builder – including the local school districts – has to..."

June 3, 2016 News Feature by Richard Whittaker

Council Recap: A Dissent Into Satanism

Things get devilish with Zimmerman’s satanic amendment

"...high-unemployment areas, and construction contractors and subcontractors that are Better Builder certified. It also favors businesses that opt for..."

April 19, 2016 News Post by Mary Tuma

Time for a Change

A look back at Cristina Tzintzún's time fighting for immigrant rights

"...incentives for development to be tied to higher labor standards, incubated a future City Council member (Greg Casar), and..."

Dec. 4, 2015 News Feature by Amy Kamp

Building Austin

As the city grows, is it being cavalier about the well-being of the laborers who are assembling Austin's new face?

"...given here in Texas. The other half isn't much better off: It's not often clear to a worker what..."

Aug. 28, 2015 News Feature by Amy Kamp

Beside the Point: Your Job or Your Life

It's time for workers to have better choices

"...you can answer any of these questions, you're a better person than I...."

July 17, 2015 News Feature by Amy Kamp

Eastside Developer Promises $15/Hour Wage Floor, and More

Developer joins with Workers Defense to offer labor guarantees, but the neighborhood still has qualms about a new hotel

"...Eastside hotel have signed on to Workers Defense Proj­ect's Better Builder Program, ensuring a wide range of worker benefits..."

June 5, 2015 News Feature by Tony Cantú

Still All About the Money?

WDP hopes Endeavor will agree to stronger worker safety terms

"...endorsement of labor rights activists Workers Defense Project, whose Better Builder Program the Collaborative had pledged to join...."

March 27, 2015 News Feature by Amy Kamp

Who's Afraid of Accountability?

Gables Residential not ready to "Build It Better" just yet

"...can, in fact, be prevented by project developers. WDP's Better Builder Program requires participating companies and their contractors and..."

Dec. 5, 2014 News Feature by Amy Kamp

The Mayor's Story

Three contenders try to write a personal tale that will convince the voters

"...economic incentive policies, on focusing on labor and safety standards both for incentive programs and in city contracts, and..."

Oct. 10, 2014 News Feature by Michael King

Then There's This: Working Man of Green Gables

Condo developer targeted for claims of unpaid wages, unsafe conditions

"...incentivize Gables Residential to join the organization's "Build It Better" program in which companies commit to certain standards. The..."

Feb. 21, 2014 News Column by Amy Smith

Hill Country Militia

Grassroots homesteaders tighten ranks to fight urban encroachment

"...Though SAWS officials argued that extending their pipes would better protect area water supplies by limiting the creation of..."

June 27, 2008 News Feature by Greg Harman

'Chronicle' Endorsements

June 14 City Council run-off

"...voters will be to determine which of the two better represents the ideal future of the city...."

June 6, 2008 News Feature by The Chronicle Editorial Board

'Chronicle' Endorsements

June 14 City Council run-off

"...voters will be to determine which of the two better represents the ideal future of the city...."

May 30, 2008 News Feature by The Chronicle Editorial Board

'Chronicle' Endorsements

May 10 municipal elections

"...That leaves the inevitable voter's question: Better the devil you know than the devil you don't..."

May 9, 2008 News Feature by The Chronicle Editorial Board

'Chronicle' Endorsements

May 10 municipal elections

"...That leaves the inevitable voter's question: Better the devil you know than the devil you don't..."

April 25, 2008 News Feature by The Chronicle Editorial Board

So, Who's Your Contractor?

How to find the contractor needle in the Cro-Magnon haystack

"...contractor's credentials. The state of Texas doesn't require all builders to be licensed, but it does mandate that builders..."

Aug. 3, 2007 Features Feature by Richard Whittaker

Developing Stories: Concord – At Last

Up from the muck at Concordia

"...University's 22-acre central campus and neighbors advocating for a better project...."

March 30, 2007 News Feature by Katherine Gregor

Developing Stories: Pioneering at Mueller

Urban trailblazers aren't just settling Downtown

"...its tasteful blessing to all home designs before the builders can proceed. Mueller home facades harken back to pre-World..."

March 23, 2007 News Column by Katherine Gregor

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