Local NewsAustin Homeless Camping Ban Reinstatement Makes the May Ballot
Brad JohnsonFebruary 4, 2021
The group behind the effort submitted over 26,000 valid signatures in only 50 days.
HomeTagMatt Mackowiak | The Texan
Elections 2020Statewide NewsTexas GOP Rift Emerges Over Discontent With Gov. Abbott’s Executive Orders
Brad JohnsonOctober 12, 2020
The divide between Texas' top Republican and the party's chairman continues after Allen West joined a protest against Abbott's executive orders closing Texas' economy.
Civil SocietyCriminal JusticeLocal NewsHomeless Camping Ban Petition Rejected by Austin City Clerk
Brad JohnsonAugust 7, 2020
Pending further challenge, voters will not be able to cast a ballot on a potential reinstatement of the homeless camping and lying ban on the November ballot.
IssuesLocal NewsTravis County GOP Chair Criticizes Exemption of Homeless from Public Facial Coverings Requirement
Brad JohnsonApril 17, 2020
The new facial covering requirement, from which the homeless are currently exempted, extends through May 8.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsVideoVoices of TexasVIDEO: Austin Homelessness Podcast with Matt Mackowiak and Brad Johnson
Ben BillupsMarch 9, 2020
Members of The Texan's reporting team discuss the homelessness crisis in Austin with Matt Mackowiak, the President of Potomac Strategy Group, Chairman of the Travis County Republican Party, and, most recently, the founder of Save Austin Now.
Civil SocietyLocal NewsPetition to Restrict Austin’s Homeless from Public Camping May Be on the November Ballot
Brad JohnsonFebruary 25, 2020
The ballot initiative effort would circumvent the city council's actions on homeless camping/lying restrictions.
Local NewsAustin City Council Bans Camping on Sidewalks and Near Businesses
Brad JohnsonOctober 18, 2019
The city has been in disarray since camping and lying were permitted in public places on July 1 resulting in near-daily examples of health and safety concerns.
Local NewsAustin Divide Over Controversial Homelessness Ordinance Continues to Grow
Brad JohnsonOctober 4, 2019
The Austin City Council will consider a resolution clarifying the camping ordinance on October 17, but residents are as divided as ever on the growing homelessness crisis.
Austinites showed up in droves to hear community leaders discuss the city's approach to homelessness after the July 1 rule change.
Battleground 2020Elections 2020State SenateTexas Battleground: Sen. Pete Flores’ Race Will Be One of the Most-Watched
Brad JohnsonJune 14, 2019
Sen. Pete Flores will find himself under heavy fire in 2020 as Democrats try and reclaim the seat they lost during a special election.