Austin-area demand for industrial space is soaring "In a recent report, commercial real estate services firm CBRE said it expects Central Texas' growing population, increased manufacturing — led by technology giants like Tesla and Samsung — and other factors to continue to drive strong demand for industrial space for the foreseeable future." (Shonda Novak, Austin American-Statesman)
Texas electricity demand hits record high as heat wave continues "Summer is barely two weeks old, but demand for electricity on the Texas power grid has already surpassed the projected peak for the season — which wasn't expected to occur for another month." (Bob Sechler, Austin American-Statesman)
San Marcos film studio project continuing; Meeting sheds more light on ambitious plan "A major Central Texas film studio project that has attracted controversy is continuing as planned, despite pushback from some neighbors concerned about adverse effects to the environment and the community as a whole." (Justin Sayers, Austin Business Journal)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to receive $15M under infrastructure law "The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport will receive $15 million to further its expansion efforts through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, announced July 7." (Chloe Young, Community Impact)
Black Austinites are six times more likely to experience homelessness than white Austinites "A report out this week from the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition, or ECHO, found Black folks in Austin are six times more likely to experience homelessness than white Austinites. But the report also showed that the Austin area's system to connect people with housing has become more equitable." (Andrew Weber, KUT-FM)
Z’Tejas prepares to shutter original downtown Austin location as it faces the wrecking ball "The original Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, a fixture on West Sixth Street for 33 years, is on track to close by next March to make way for a new real estate development." (John Egan, CultureMap Austin)
City considers changes to floodplain redevelopment "Owners of businesses in the city’s floodplain will soon be able to make changes to their buildings or rebuild entirely so flash floods pose less of a threat – to structures as well as employees and customers. The tweak to city code, currently working its way through boards and commissions, will allow commercial buildings within the floodplain to redevelop without special permission from City Council." (Jonathan Lee, Austin Monitor)
