A former staffer for the Austin City Council has revealed that council members and staff would play a game called "constituent bingo" during meetings.

The game involved mocking constituents who spoke during public comment periods by making fun of their appearance, accent, or concerns.

The former staffer has described the game as mean-spirited and harmful to the democratic process, as it discouraged community engagement and made residents feel unwelcome.

The revelation has sparked outrage among community members and advocates for government transparency and accountability.

City Council members have responded by condemning the behavior and pledging to create a more inclusive and respectful environment moving forward.

The incident highlights the importance of promoting respect and empathy in civic discourse and ensuring that all community members feel heard and valued in the political process.

The HOME Initiative in Austin was created to make it easier for homeowners, landlords, and developers to build more units per lot in order to increase the city's supply of affordable housing.

However, the Planning Commission has raised concerns that the initiative may not be delivering as many homes as intended.

The Commission's letter to City Council highlighted issues such as conflicting regulations and flaws in the language of the ordinances that make up the initiative.

Specific problems mentioned include landscaping requirements for third units, Austin Water rules, and Austin Energy regulations that could hinder development. The Commission recommended that the city manager work with relevant departments and stakeholders to address these issues and streamline the city's technical codes and ordinances.

During a meeting, members of the Austin Infill Coalition expressed support for these recommendations, emphasizing the need to reduce regulatory barriers and promote growth in the city.

The importance of aligning policies and processes to support development was also highlighted.

The Feels Like Home Festival offers an alternative to the Austin City Limits Music Festival for Austinites looking to avoid crowds.

Located in Brownwood, about two and a half hours northwest of Austin, this rustic festival on October 4 features regional country music and local barbecue. With a lineup including Pat Green, Josh Abbott Band, and Stoney LaRue, along with 10 participating pitmasters offering a variety of BBQ options, attendees can enjoy music and food from both recognized and up-and-coming artists and chefs. Tickets for the Feels Like Home Festival start at $64 for music only and $91 for music and barbecue, providing a unique experience for those looking to escape the ACL Fest scene.

The festival also provides a visitor's guide for exploring Brownwood, offering suggestions for restaurants, parks, attractions, and more to make the most of the weekend getaway.