The Week’s Biggest News in Brief: April 9-15

Data Center Hearing With Texas Lawmakers: According to KUT, the House Committee on State Affairs held a hearing with data center developers and other lawmakers in Austin to discuss how the industry should move forward, keeping grid constraints, surging energy costs, and lack of available water in mind. Pablo Vegas of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas explained that 410,000 more megawatts will be pulled from the state’s grid over the next few years, about seven times more than the necessary accommodations that ERCOT had to make in 2024. With data center construction on the rise, ERCOT is working on a new system to prioritize when the companies can access the grid, determine how much energy they can utilize, and require them to help pay for grid upgrades.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Groundbreaking: The city broke ground on the $1.5 billion Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion this week, Austin Water announced on Tuesday, April 14. Constructed in 1977, the plant currently treats up to 75 million gallons of water a day, which will expand to 100 million gallons a day after the expansion, serving over half of the city. City leaders have said that the investment will help better serve Austin – expected to reach a population of 1.5 million by 2040 – as it continues to experience rapid growth. “Today’s groundbreaking marks an important milestone in securing vital City Services, while energizing economic development and creating jobs,” said Mike Rogers, assistant city manager.

Downtown Water Main Break: A water main break occurred Downtown early in the morning on Monday, April 13, flooding streets and closing down a section of the city as crews worked to repair the pipes. At Red River and Sixth streets, an Austin Water crew worked to repair the damage, completing the project on Tuesday morning. Nearby businesses have expressed concerns with loss of typical traffic and if impacts will last. Local advocates are calling for city leaders to make efforts to update aging infrastructure. The city has not announced what caused the break.

Shoplifting Operation Put to Rest: On Monday, April 13, the Austin Police Department announced that its North Metro Tactical Unit put an end to a large Mueller area shoplifting scheme on Wednesday, April 8. A total of 11 individuals between ages 23 and 62 were involved in the operation. “These targeted operations demonstrate APD’s continued commitment to supporting local businesses, reducing theft-related crime, and improving safety in high-traffic shopping corridors,” the press release stated. 

Tesla’s Austin Gigafactory Credit: Getty Images

Concerns With Tesla’s Water Use: According to the Austin Current, Tesla’s Gigafactory increased its annual treated water use by over 200 million gallons in the last two years. According to Austin Water, Tesla’s annual treated water use grew by 60% between 2023 and 2025, reaching 556 million gallons and marking the company as the city’s third-largest customer. This comes as Elon Musk plans for a semiconductor plant that would eat up more water in the area. Those opposed have raised concerns for what the future of water accessibility in the city will look like. “It’s extremely alarming,” said Paul DiFiore, a member of Austin’s Water Forward task force and an environmental attorney. “All of a sudden, they’re using more water than the vast majority of people in the city.”

All Abilities Playground Funding: Last Friday, April 10, U.S. Rep. Greg Casar handed over a check to Mayor Kirk Watson for $3.15 million in federal funding for the Onion Creek All Abilities Playground, which the city began developing in 2023. The all abilities playground is the first of its kind in the city, offering universal accessibility and inclusivity to parkgoers. “Every kid in Austin deserves a safe place to play, make friends, and explore the world – and every parent and grandparent should be able to enjoy that space alongside them,” Casar said.

Deep Eddy Pool Opens: After being closed due to maintenance and annual spring cleaning since March 28, Deep Eddy Pool reopened to the public on Monday, April 13. The city said that the delay was a result of rescheduling repainting operations due to poor weather conditions. Although the pool is now reopened, Austin Parks and Recreation said that it will close each Tuesday for typical cleaning and maintenance beginning April 21.

Attorney General Ken Paxton Credit: Jana Birchum

City Under Attorney General Investigation: In March, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis made policy changes that prohibit APD officers from arresting or detaining individuals solely based on a noncriminal ICE warrant. Now, Attorney General Ken Paxton has placed Austin under investigation, having sent a letter to the city on Friday, April 10, according to Statesman reporting. Critics have said that the new policy potentially conflicts with Senate Bill 4, which prohibits cities from limiting partnerships between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. City leaders, including Council Member Chito Vela, who had a hand in forming the new policy, have defended the changes.

Austin Public Health Seeks Community Assistance: Austin Public Health’s Medical Reserve Corps, part of a nationwide network of volunteers that respond to emergencies and disasters, is searching for new volunteers. These volunteers are local community members who provide public health services before, during, and after disasters. Open to anyone older than 18, the volunteers must complete proper training and undergo ongoing training opportunities, with no medical background required. Those interested can apply through the city’s website.

Texas AFL-CIO Announces Runoff Endorsements: The Texas AFL-CIO announced the Democratic candidates that it is endorsing in the May primary runoffs on Thursday, April 9. Among the statewide races, the state labor federation endorsed Marcos Vélez for lieutenant governor, Nathan Johnson for attorney general, and Allison Bush for State Board of Education, District 5. The organization also made endorsements in U.S. congressional and Texas House races. Early voting for the runoffs opens on May 18, with election day on May 26.

James Talarico Credit: Candidate's campaign

Talarico Breaks Fundraising Record: State Rep. James Talarico announced that his campaign has raised over $27 million in the first quarter of 2026, marking the most money ever raised by a U.S. Senate candidate in the first quarter of an election year, his campaign said. According to his campaign, he has raised over $40 million total, receiving over 970,000 donations from more than 540,000 contributors – none of which has been donated from corporate PACs. The record-breaking amount is a good sign for the Democratic nominee, as he prepares to face off against the Republican runoff winner – incumbent John Cornyn or current Attorney General Ken Paxton – in November’s general election.

City Fires Three IT Executives: As the city continues to discuss how to move forward with consolidating its IT department, three of Austin’s highest-ranking IT executives – chief information security officer Brian Gardner and senior IT enterprise architects Hawre Sulaiman and William Snead – were fired in late March. Now, the Statesman has reported that the city’s reason for terminating them stems from having jobs outside of their roles with the city. Sulaiman and Snead were conducting work for Dallas in similar roles, while Gardner operated an undisclosed business. All three previously worked in Dallas’ IT department at the same time that current Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax served as Dallas’ city manager. The Dallas Office of Inspector General said that Austin officials were notified about the dual employment in November after receiving an anonymous tip. The investigation remains ongoing. 

HUB Program Temporarily Restored: An Austin district judge temporarily restored the Historically Underutilized Business program on Monday, April 13, after Comptroller Kelly Hancock eliminated minority- and women-owned businesses from the program in December 2025. Late last year, Hancock gutted over 15,000 of the 15,762 registered companies in the program and renamed the program the Veteran Heroes United in Business program. The judge’s decision comes after multiple business owners and the greater Houston chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors, a nonprofit trade association, sued the state. Judge Amy Meachum set a new trial date for the lawsuit for Nov. 9. Read more in Rachel N. Madison’s report.

Skewed Social Studies Curriculum: On Friday, April 10, the Texas State Board of Education voted to approve a draft of a new social studies curriculum, which would be implemented in the 2030-2031 school year. The 10 Republican board members voted to approve the plan, known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, while the five Democratic members voted against the plan. The board will vote in June to determine whether or not the planned curriculum will be finalized. Read more in Sammie Seamon’s report.

South Austin Housing Navigation Center: Last week, Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations announced that it is inviting qualified organizations to submit proposals to operate the South Austin Housing Navigation Center, which is owned by the city. With up to $250,000 available to help support operations at the location, the city said that the site can serve as a crucial way to support individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Any entities submitting proposals are required to include a 12-month budget.

Flood Safety Fest: As Central Texas faces ongoing flood risks, the community has been invited by Austin Watershed Protection to join the city department on Saturday, April 18, at this year’s Flood Safety Fest, where information focused on flood awareness and flood safety will be shared. Taking place at Lee Lewis Campbell Elementary, Austinites will be able to gather crucial flood safety tips and preparedness strategies, while also engaging in hands-on activities, connecting with local experts, and participating in giveaways. Sixth through 12th grade student winners of the Flood Safety Video Contest will also be announced.

Jamestown Tributary Erosion and Drainage Improvements: On Monday, April 13, construction for the Jamestown Tributary Erosion and Drainage Improvements project began. With an estimated budget of $8.2 million, the project will take place along Jamestown Drive, west of North Lamar Boulevard and south of Payton Gin Road, and is expected to be completed in fall 2027. The city will be working to stabilize approximately 2,500 feet of streambank, upgrade storm drain pipes, build a bridge over the creek on Fairfield Drive, and plant native vegetation along the streambanks while removing debris. 

Bullying at Hays ISD: Hays ISD’sLehman High School baseball players are currently under investigation for allegedly bullying a disabled student, accused of striking the student with a belt, slapping him, and making sexual gestures, according to Statesman reporting. Authorities have reviewed at least two videos of the incidents, as the potential violations have occurred on multiple occasions for weeks. As the Hays County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, they have been in contact with Hays County prosecutors to determine whether the players committed a crime. On Thursday, April 9, Hays ISD announced that it had suspended 10 students and placed one staff member on leave.

Library Card Art Contest: The Austin Public Library announced that it is inviting the public to participate in the Centennial Library Card Art Contest, where library cardholders of all ages will be able to submit original artwork to potentially be used for future library card designs, celebrating the organization’s 100th anniversary. Children up to 12 years old, those between the ages of 13 and 17, and adults will each compete in three different groups to potentially have their designs displayed on library cards. Submissions will open on June 1, public voting will be held in mid-June, winners will be announced in August, and the cards will become available in September.

Rep. Tony Gonzales Resigns: Republican U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales submitted his resignation from the U.S. House on Tuesday, April 14, after admitting to participating in an extramarital affair with an aide who later took her own life. California Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell also resigned on Tuesday and suspended his campaign for governor, after multiple women came forward with allegations that he sexually abused them. This ends a five-year congressional career for the San Antonio congressman and a 13-year stint for Swalwell.

Mayor Kirk Watson Credit: austintexas.gov QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“This generational investment to expand and modernize the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is about taking care of Austin. We’re making improvements to keep these essential services strong and building a future we can count on.”

Mayor Kirk Watson on the groundbreaking of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant

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