Austin, TX

Living on $15/hour in Austin: Here’s how it can be done

Published

3 years ago

April 15, 2022

Living on /hour in Austin: Here’s how it can be done

When College of Texas scholar Ben Patterson graduates this spring, he’ll be a part of the massive, however (hopefully) shrinking group of Austinites who make $15 an hour at their predominant place of business.

As soon as the “livable” wage that 1000’s throughout the nation fought to make the nationwide minimal wage, residing on $15/hour is now a near-insurmountable activity in lots of city metros, together with the booming tech hub of Austin, the place the median dwelling value pushed previous $600,000 in March.

Charles Mitchell, who owns Capital Budgeting Methods, is aware of the perils of current faculty graduates all too properly. He is labored with shoppers with as little as $67 to their identify and says residing by yourself is doable—in case you’re prepared to sacrifice some luxuries or time.

Here is the important thing to budgeting that $15/hour earnings in Austin, in response to Mitchell:

Discover your hidden housing gem

This depresses me a lot. I like this metropolis, I grew up right here. It means every little thing to me. However I’m watching it lose its id an increasing number of on daily basis.
I’m actually beginning to marvel how for much longer I can afford to dwell right here. https://t.co/OSZELTrnPC
— Chris Welhausen (@chriswelhausen) April 14, 2022

Other than paying off money owed early, avoiding high-interest loans like payday loans and sacrificing some luxuries in life, Mitchell advised Austonia the important thing comes all the way down to discovering low-cost housing.

Inexpensive housing might seem to be a component of previous Austin legend, and it might be laborious to discover a place to remain inside Mitchell’s superb vary—housing that prices inside 28% of your month-to-month price range. For a full-time worker making $15 an hour, that earnings quantities to $2,217 per 30 days.

That allots $620 per 30 days for lease. Pickings could also be slim—simply two complexes supply four-bedroom residences for that vary in Austin on ApartmentFinder.com—however with sufficient roommates, sure specials and the assistance of condominium locators, it is nonetheless very narrowly attainable throughout the metropolis.

The extra possible state of affairs, like Patterson’s, could also be discovering different budgeting areas to chop. Mitchell recommends skimping on luxuries, like funds for nicer automobiles, and slicing out on financial savings if wanted.

“I am going to kind of be capable of prioritize paying “X” quantity for lease every month,” Patterson mentioned. “Making an attempt to be conscious of not simply exuberantly spending or being impulsive with shopping for habits… simply figuring out that within the subsequent few months, I would like to start out with the ability to hand out a further $1,000 bucks every month simply to dwell.”

However $15 an hour might not reduce it even for Austin householders. Fae, an Amazon and Complete Meals worker who’s utilizing an alias since she goes in opposition to the corporate media coverage, has owned a home in Pflugerville for 20 years, when it was price half of its present worth.

However like just about each different coworker she is aware of, Fae has picked up a number of supplemental jobs with a purpose to eke out a residing in her metropolis.

Get a aspect hustle

Welcome to Austin, Tx, the place wages are 97% of nat’l avg, lease is 103% of nat’l avg, and schooling stage is 20-25% above nationwide avg. An actual slice of heaven we’ve obtained right here? pic.twitter.com/AqQUUtSFKL
— Tracey Fits (@SuitsTracey) April 28, 2021

Fae just lately had a bittersweet celebration as her hourly wage elevated to $15.25—a 25-cent enhance after three years with the corporate. Wages like hers put Amazon staff’ median wage at simply over $31,000 in Austin—lower than half of the median pay at Google, Meta and Apple.

“Even full-time (workers), it does not matter, they can’t depend on Amazon as a residing job,” Fae advised Austonia. “Everyone I do know has a aspect job.”

Earlier than he even goes out on his personal, Patterson is making ready to work further for a second movement of earnings that works together with his hours at his present job at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium with out operating his power into the bottom.

A aspect hustle could also be important to paying off loans early and starting to save lots of for retirement (Mitchell recommends a high-interest IRA), nevertheless it does not must be too taxing: Mitchell mentioned something from selecting up meals supply shifts to having a storage sale may revitalize your price range.

Discover a sustainable employer

BREAKING: David beats Goliath! In a historic victory, Amazon staff in Staten Island win the primary U.S. Amazon union.@AmazonLabor and staff on the JFK8 warehouse overcame excessive union-busting to make historical past.
— Extra Good Union (@MorePerfectUS) April 1, 2022

Patterson did not take his present job for the cash—as a substitute, he is hoping his present gig on the stadium may result in his breakthrough within the sports activities business.

Taking a job with clear upward mobility is vital, Mitchell says, and bonuses like matching 401(okay) plans or different advantages are an enormous plus. In case your job gives neither and nonetheless pays too little, nonetheless, it is likely to be time to think about switching to a extra sustainable job.

Mitchell mentioned many individuals aren’t taught the monetary literacy instruments wanted to afford a residing in Austin, and lots of others are by no means made conscious of the employment choices which might be obtainable. Whereas Austin hasn’t had a lot reward for its affordability in current months, it does boast a swelling job market, with over 58,000 extra jobs created from February 2020 to February 2022.

In case your debt is low and you have got further time, investing in a marketable ability on-line or at a area people faculty is at all times advisable. And whereas it might not be as fascinating, some eating places and entry-level positions, together with McDonald’s, have raised beginning pay for some positions to over $15 per hour.

To remain or to depart?

Even with the following tips in place, each Fae and Patterson agree that their present wage is hardly doable in Austin.

Patterson says he wonders if he made the best determination to remain within the capital metropolis in what’s trying like its most costly period but.

“There’s most likely not per week that goes by the place I do not second guess if I am making the best name,” Patterson mentioned. “However I am additionally fairly assured, simply figuring out me as an individual, that I am going to be capable of… grind it out and discover a method to make issues work.”

Fae plans to remain too, whilst different Austinites she is aware of may get pushed out, as she collects office horror tales—and unlivable wages—at Amazon earlier than her selfmade skincare product line takes off.

“Everyone who’s initially from Austin cannot even afford to dwell in Austin (anymore) they usually’re simply shifting out,” Fae mentioned. “My query is, how do they get away with this?”

As Patterson strikes out on his personal in the costliest period in Austin’s current historical past, he mentioned he continues to marvel if he made the best determination to remain.

“Everyone who’s initially from Austin cannot even afford to dwell in Austin (anymore) they usually’re simply shifting out,” Fae mentioned. “My query is, how do they get away with this?”

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Austin, TX

Austin weather: City prepares for winter weather

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Press Room

Austin weather: City prepares for winter weather

Austin officials prepared for winter weather

The cold weather is here, and the precipitation is on the way. The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center has been activated.

AUSTIN, Texas – The cold weather is here, and the precipitation is on the way. The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center has been activated.

The artic air is plunging towards Texas.

“We’re expecting a hard freeze at least through Wednesday, Jan. 22, and there’s precipitation that is expected later tonight,” Mayor Watson said.

RELATED STORIES:

Is Austin prepared for winter weather?

What they’re saying:

“We are prepared,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said.

City and state officials have been busy.

“What our teams have been doing over the course of the last week is restocking, resupplying our resource staging areas, making sure all of our equipment was ready to go,” Texas Division of Emergency Management Seth Christensen said.

“If you absolutely have to travel, please check official city communications regarding road conditions and any current incidents or road closures. Then, what we do is we suggest that you map out the route that you’re going to take, so that you can avoid areas where there might be black ice that could form like bridges and overpasses,” Mayor Watson said.

Remember the four P’s:

People
Pipes
Plants
Pets

“Please check on seniors and other people that cannot leave their houses, make sure that their heaters are working, make sure that they’re staying warm and that their medical needs, if any, are met,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said.

Why you should care:

The expected precipitation is what could make the roads very dangerous.

“The best thing you can do is stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” Mayor Wayson said.

Austin’s Director of Transportation and Public Works said they’ll be treating about 25 percent of the roads in the city.

“The brine solution that will be pre-treating our high priority roadways and elevate structures is very effective at lowering the freezing point of the precipitation,” City of Austin Director of Transportation and Public Works Richard Mendoza said.

“Don’t assume that because we’re doing what I think is and will be a good job of covering the area, that your specific route is one that got covered,” Mayor Watson said.

What is open and closed in Austin?

What we know:

Schools, city and county officials are making it easier for people to stay home. Austin ISD has announced they are closed Tuesday, Jan. 21. The city and county offices are closed for those not providing essential services.

Three warming centers at public libraries are open; the Terrazas Branch, Little Walnut Creek Branch, and Ruiz Branch.

Cold weather shelters are open until at least Wednesday, Jan. 22. The overnight shelter registration happens from 6 to 8 p.m. at One Texas Center on Barton Springs Road.

Capital Metro will not be running after 9 p.m. Monday.

“We want to be sure that we all have a plan and that we’re ready to hunker down as nightfall falls today on Monday night through probably early Wednesday morning,” Christensen said.

If you haven’t already, sign up for emergency notifications at warncentraltexas.org.

The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin’s Meredith Aldis

AustinWinter Weather

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Austin, TX

Winter weather: Central Texas businesses, services affected by possible snow, ice

Published

10 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Press Room

Winter weather: Central Texas businesses, services affected by possible snow, ice

AUSTIN, Texas – Central Texas businesses, organizations and government entities are adjusting their operations due to the arctic blast that’s impacting the region.

The backstory:

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued from 6 p.m. today, Jan. 20, to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. This means snow and sleet are possible and could lead to some travel issues overnight.

FOX 7 Austin’s Zack Shields says that all the pieces of the snow puzzle will come together tonight from midnight to sunrise tomorrow. The highest snow totals will stay east of Austin with 1 to 2″ possible.

Many school districts, private and charter schools, and colleges and universities have decided to close their campuses for Tuesday, Jan. 21 with decisions pending for Wednesday.

What businesses are impacted?

H-E-B

The Texas grocery store chain says they are temporarily adjusting store hours for the following stores:

Greater San Antonio area

Boerne, Bulverde, Fredericksburg, all Kerrville stores, and all New Braunfels stores will close at 8 p.m. on Jan. 20 and open at 10 a.m. on Jan. 21.
All other San Antonio area stores will close at 10 p.m. on Jan. 20 and open at 10 a.m. on Jan. 21.
Central Market will close at 10 p.m. on Jan. 20 and open at 10 a.m. on Jan. 21.

Central Texas area

Kyle, Lockhart, Luling, and all San Marcos stores will close at 8 p.m. on Jan. 20 and open at 10 a.m. on Jan. 21.
Wimberley will close at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20 and open at 10 a.m. on Jan. 21.
All other Central Texas area stores will close at regular hours on Jan. 20 and open at 10 a.m. on Jan. 21.
Central Market stores will close at 10 p.m. on Jan. 20 and open at 10 a.m. on Jan. 21.
Stores in Belton, Harker Heights, Gatesville, Killeen, Temple, and Waco area will operate normal business hours.

For more information, click here.

What services are affected?

CapMetro

CapMetro services are suspended after 9 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20. Riders are advised to take final trips before 9 p.m. Night Owl buses are canceled.

Due to MLK Day, Rail, UT Shuttles and Express are not in service.

CapMetro says that it expects service will also be impacted on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and will share updates here.

Central Health and CommUnityCare

All Central Health and CommUnityCare clinics and offices will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Central Health and CommUnityCare team members are contacting patients with information about how the weather will impact their appointments. Patients seen by third-party providers will be contacted by those providers.

Central Health Eligibility Services team members are contacting applicants with appointments to reschedule or provide information about how to apply online and over the phone. An announcement on Wednesday closures will be issued Tuesday.

Central TX VA Health Care System

VA outpatient clinics in Austin, Cedar Park, LaGrange and Bryan/College Station will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Local VA staff are reaching out to patrons affected by the closures to reschedule appointments either via VA Video Connect (VVC), Telehealth, or in-person appointments.

All clinics are expected to reopen on Wednesday. All other facilities and services remain open for normal operating hours.

Integral Care

Integral Care clinics, administrative offices, and other non-essential programs will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Psychiatric Emergency Services, all other crisis services and all residential services are continuing normal operations.

Anyone in need of urgent help can call 512-472-HELP (4357), then press 1 for English, then 1 for immediate assistance.

YMCA of Greater Austin

All Greater Austin YMCA centers will be closing all facilities on Monday Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. and expects to reopen facilities at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

What government offices are impacted?

City of Austin

All City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department facilities will be closed on Tuesday, January 21, except those being utilized as Warming Centers.

Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced the City will be under modified operations on Tuesday, Jan. 21, requiring critical employees to telework if they are able.

City of Georgetown

City of Georgetown facilities will be closed to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in response to winter weather. Tuesday’s closures include:

Art Center, 816 S. Main St.
Animal Shelter, 110 Walden Drive
City Hall, 808 Martin Luther King, Jr. St.
Council and Courts Buildi,.ng (including Municipal Court), 510 W. Ninth St.
Garey Park, 6450 RM 2243
Georgetown Municipal Complex, 300-1 Industrial Ave.
GoGeo paratransit services
Grace Heritage Center, 817 S. Main St.
Parks and Recreation Administration, 1101 N. College St.
Planning Department, 809 Martin Luther King, Jr. St.
Public Library, 402 W. Eighth St.
Public Safety Operations and Training Center, Police Records and Fire Support Services offices, 3500 D.B. Wood Road
Recreation Center, 1003 N. Austin Ave.
Tennis Center, 400 Serenada Drive
Visitors Center, 103 W. Seventh St.

Board and Commission meetings scheduled for Tuesday have been cancelled. The Georgetown Executive Airport will remain open.

Solid Waste and Recycling Collection

As of 3 p.m. on Monday, Texas Disposal Systems was planning to collect landfill trash or recycling on Tuesday, Jan. 21. If you are on a Tuesday route, please put your carts out by 7 a.m. as per usual. Residents should leave their cart at the curb until it is collected, as TDS may run late or decide to delay routes until the following day. The Transfer Station, 250 W.L. Walden Drive, will remain open on Tuesday.

City of New Braunfels

The City of New Braunfels is making operational changes to city services due to the weather:

Das Rec will close at 6 p.m. Jan. 20
All non-essential City services will delay opening until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21st. This includes City Hall and other administrative offices, Municipal Court, the Public Library, the Westside Community Center, Das Rec, the Civic & Convention Center, and the City Municipal Building.
Garbage and Recycling collection will have a delayed start and will resume normal operations when roads are determined to be safe.
The Landa Park Golf Course will be closed through Wednesday, Jan. 22 and will re-open on Thursday, Jan. 23 at noon.
Restrooms, water fountains, and other similar facilities in all city parks are temporarily closed.
The Downtown Advisory Board meeting scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 21 has been cancelled and will be rescheduled for a later date.

Travis County

Travis County Judge Andy Brown announced Travis County’s non-essential offices, services, and facilities will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Essential emergency personnel will continue to report for duty. Travis County employees who have questions about their department can reach out to their immediate supervisor.

The Travis County Commissioners Court voting session scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 9 a.m. is cancelled.

Williamson County

Williamson County offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The Source: Information comes from various governments, businesses and organizations

Winter WeatherSevere WeatherBusinessConsumerCapital MetroAustinSan AntonioKyleLockhartSan MarcosLulingWimberleyTransportation

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Austin, TX

Texas Cardinal DiNardo retires; Pope Francis names Bishop Vásquez as his successor – OSV News

Published

18 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Press Room

Texas Cardinal DiNardo retires; Pope Francis names Bishop Vásquez as his successor – OSV News

WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and named as his successor Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Texas.

Cardinal DiNardo has headed the Texas archdiocese since 2006, and a year later Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the College of Cardinals. On May 23, 2024, he turned 75, the age at which canon law requires bishops to submit their resignation to the pope. The cardinal is a former president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Archbishop Vásquez, 67, has headed the Diocese of Austin since 2010. Additionally, he served as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas from November 2023 to December 2024.

The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington Jan. 20 by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

This is a developing story. More to come.

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