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Turns out, celebrities enjoy Stubb's BBQ just as much as the rest of Austin. Recent Texas transplants Joe Rogan and Elon Musk were spotted along with Dave Chappelle and other celebrities at the popular Texas venue for a night on the town.
<p>To prove it, Rogan posted a photo of himself surrounded by a VIP entourage: comedians Michelle Wolf, Donnell Rawlings, Mohammed Amer and Ron White; musician and Musk's partner Grimes, Austin restaurateur CK Chin and photographer Mathieu Bitton.</p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f0f48772ef0041e3a0a8c8ca976956c0" id="9fad4"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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</div></blockquote></div><p>It is unclear when the pictures were taken since most of the group posted the photo yesterday, though Rawlings made his post three days ago. However, Rogan and Chappelle's last show at the venue was on Friday. The photos were taken at Stubb's backstage, according to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CKIJ581HlOY/" target="_blank">White's post</a>.<br/></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d64b93e47d0145c6387f7921d75aa975" id="7c50c"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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</div></blockquote></div><p>This is not the first time Rogan, Chappelle and Musk have been seen together. Rogan and Chappelle have teamed up for several joint comedy shows, first at Big Laugh Comedy in November, then at a series of shows for Stubb's.<br/></p><p>Musk has famously appeared on Rogan's podcast on more than one occasion. The Tesla CEO can be expected around Austin more as his newest Gigafactory in Southeast Travis County comes to life.</p><p>Safe to say, this probably won't be the last time we see the group together. </p>
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Celebrities who've moved to Austin this year and who can be expected to move in 2021
31 December 2020
Despite the pandemic, 2020 really put Austin on the map, popularizing it as an up-and-coming hub for young professionals, startups and celebrities from big cities across the U.S.
<p>In fact, Austin's A-list is steadily growing. Well-known Austinites like Willie Nelson, Matthew McConaughey and Kendra Scott have been singing the praises of the weirdest city in Texas for years now, but 2020 brought some new arrivals and 2021 is ready for more.</p><p>So who moved to Austin in 2020?</p>
<p>Here's to a famously fabulous 2021 in ATX! <br/></p>
Joe Rogan
<div id="055ce" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="706a1f4c8305e245c7c32f123497060b"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEe5iVmAd0a/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>In a $100 million deal with Spotify, podcast host, devil's advocate and iconoclast Joe Rogan uprooted his Los Angeles setup and moved it to Austin in July. Since then, Rogan has been making waves around Austin in every which way. From setting up his <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-businesses-behind-the-joe-rogan-studio-2647571718/particle-4" target="_self">spaceship-like studio</a> to having <a href="https://austonia.com/joe-rogan-visits-the-governors-mansion?q=joe%2Brogan" target="_self">drinks with Greg Abbott</a> in the Governor's Mansion, Rogan has made himself at home in the Lone Star State.</p>James Van Der Beek
<div id="5fc23" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7ad29b68950bd597a96dfb484dcc9b6f"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CI_Nul5ja3p/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>After a difficult year in 2019, "Dawson's Creek" actor James Van Der Beek traded in his "concrete jungle" in Beverly Hills for the luscious hill country. Van Der Beek, his wife and all five kids loaded up and moved to a 36-acre compound just outside of Austin in October… after a 10-day road trip to see the sights along the route from California to Texas.</p>Elon Musk (Probably)
<div id="7d649" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="96ad07a69c453bfc19bfcfb66d30d418"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1285438910357622789" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Das baby kann noch keinen löffel benutzen https://t.co/UETqVIA4BP</div> — Elon Musk (@Elon Musk)<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/statuses/1285438910357622789">1595307493.0</a></blockquote></div><p>Though Musk confirmed he now lives in Texas, the tech mogul still has yet to confirm his move to Austin and is notorious for his need for privacy. With Tesla's Gigafactory and the Elon Musk Foundation putting down roots in Austin, it just makes sense to see him here. Multiple sources confirmed to Austonia earlier this month, <a href="https://austonia.com/elon-musk-moving-to-austin" target="_blank">Musk was looking at Austin homes</a> to live in.</p><p>Even though few celebrities have confirmed a 2021 Austin emigration, there are a few leads. Here's who is or could be coming to the capital city in 2021:</p>Chris Harrison
<div id="e5ace" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="45d0e2bfa9b0c872eb906d95cb72c207"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJZl4FrAgck/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>Distressing fans of "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette" everywhere, reports that Chris Harrison is moving to Austin have surfaced, revealing the "humble servant and host to Bachelor Nation" is <a href="https://austonia.com/chris-harrison-austin" target="_self">building a house</a> in the Barton Creek area. Fear not, Bachelor fans, Harrison has reportedly said he is not leaving the show.</p>Debby Ryan and Joshua Dun
<div id="91ddc" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7898774913a0ef298920dd59f44a71d5"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJHi7t0AQxK/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>Newlyweds Debby Ryan, actress and former Disney star, and Joshua Dun, drummer for Twenty-One Pilots have made some important decisions in Austin—like holding their impromptu wedding right here in Travis County. Ryan spent several years living in Texas during her childhood and Dun, an Ohio-native, said Austin was "tight" on Facebook in 2016. Seems like a match made in heaven.</p>Parker Posey
<div id="ab2d0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="15f5850493d39ec0416edc906d43ab38"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD2U_PxFk-d/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>When the "Dazed and Confused" alumna hosted the Texas Film Festival at Austin Studios back in March, the pandemic had scarcely begun. The indie movie actress is well-acquainted with Austin, having shot several movies here, she'd fit right in. She said she loves Austin so much, she would even be happy quarantining here. Plus, she was pictured in front of a longhorn in August. Coincidence?</p>The Queer Eye Fab 5
<div id="c5f1f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bf5e91d57affb90df2527cf4c6f090f2"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style=" background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div></div><p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9mupqrAW2O/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top"></a></p> </div></blockquote></div><p>In true Austin fashion, the Fab 5 announced via El Arroyo's famous sign that they would be filming season six of "Queer Eye" here in the capital city. In fact, Jonathan Van Ness, the hair expert on the show, has allegedly been living in Austin since the production of the show was put on pause—he even adopted a dog from Austin Pets Alive!. Though the other fab guys are happily living across the U.S., the gang would all be right at home here.</p>
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(Emma Freer/Austonia)
My first day of work at Austonia was on Monday, March 9. By the end of that week, local officials had canceled SXSW and our small team was headed home to work remotely.
It was from our virtual newsroom—spread out across our respective kitchen counters, living room couches and home offices—that we launched a daily newsletter and, in early April, our website.
<p>Since then our team has covered the pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests, our newest corporate citizen (Tesla) and celebrity resident (Joe Rogan), homelessness, two elections, the mayor's trip to Cabo San Lucas, Project Connect and the administration of the first COVID-19 vaccines. </p><p>To end the year, we've compiled a list of 10 important stories we published this year. Here's to more to come in 2021!</p>
1. 'Somehow life feels richer than ever' for some Austin families finding new at-home routines (April 16)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzA0MDc2Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMjA1NDIwOH0.Bz9ylIIh264kNEttOtPps-mFSFI0OQBXdEuXp8UVa18/img.jpg?width=980" id="95c06" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c0e00d953fb459ea637b1ce4d861f18a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Hoke)
<p>Karen Brooks Harper spoke to local families early on in the pandemic to learn about how they were coping—and discovered that many were bonding during all the time spent at home together. "I don't want this crisis to go on forever, but I desperately want our future as a family to look more like this," one mom said. </p>2. Two days of protest: demonstrators shut down I-35, Austin police respond with tear gas as police killings mobilize residents (June 1)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzM2MjQyNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzY1MzI1Mn0.8yiXhdxWWN0GWs7_QGVfcx_RcwFBWmfbcLrW_qnfhBA/img.jpg?width=980" id="92523" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9f87f7be0f8a844c2ee866f3e8965c9c" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Austonia staff)
<p>In late May, Austin residents took to the streets to protest the police killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Mike Ramos in Southeast Austin. Protests continued through the summer and ultimately led to the Austin City Council voting to cut the police department's budget—to the chagrin of many state lawmakers. </p>3. Elon Musk seeks fast-track approval of $1.1 billion Tesla plant (June 23)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzQxMDYwNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MTU2NTg4NX0.Yyo6GrEul9fsU4TOPsTSfMg-k_M-BYs7B4dPzjelRTY/img.jpg?width=980" id="4363a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="db61ae0bdd5ae9d68d3e779154c7f8e3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="tesla freemont calfornia factory" />(Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock)<p>Editorial advisor Rich Oppel and myself teamed up to write about one of the biggest economic development projects seen in Austin this generation: the forthcoming Tesla Gigafactory, which is under construction in Southeast Travis County after a marathon process to secure property tax abatements and environmental permits. </p>4. Meet the two names from Austin behind the transformation of the new Joe Rogan podcast studio (Sept. 10)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzkxMTcwMi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1Nzc0OTU3NX0.lIHFEJjqDmr0u476tRotIOhL-Kd5emDPwZfoKX3J7qc/img.png?width=980" id="0608f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c8fcaf6c9f257b45d46df71a75f9e128" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Joe Rogan/Instagram)
<p>Senior Producer Sonia Garcia profiled two local business owners entrusted by mixed martial arts enthusiast and comedian Joe Rogan to construct his new podcast studio, where he has since interviewed fellow Austinites Matthew McConaughey and Alex Jones. The recent transplant moved to the Texas capital from Los Angeles in July, bringing his $100 million podcast with him. </p>5. The Austonia guide to Proposition A, the ballot issue that could green-light Project Connect (Oct. 14)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDQ2MzYzOC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2OTE2Mzg5M30.9ut3GWV4jDgYv6tnKiP8d7kR_zuOeMlk2UDo1mihHJs/img.jpg?width=980" id="c92cd" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f84b93dc51a6efedb60afc518d42a524" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Emma Freer/Austonia staff)
<p>On Nov. 3, Austin voters overwhelmingly supported Proposition A, which raised the city's property tax rate to help pay for Project Connect. The $7.1 billion transit overhaul plan is already being implemented, but it faced vocal opposition. This guide dives into how much Project Connect will raise property owners' tax bills and how it will address concerns about displacement.</p>6. Austonia named one of four nationwide finalists for Best New Publisher (Oct. 14)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzU2MjY0Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTEzNTEwN30.sZ4jx0S69ISYCWtPdNyB9GI_tbCSWTHmtx8jE29Fyjk/img.jpg?width=980" id="193f7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9f8c12a8a37004ea9211a27e3469d3d8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Bradley Wilson) <p>Publisher Mark Dewey was thrilled to announce that the Local Independent Online News Publishers association had chosen Austonia as a finalist for its national best emerging publisher award. "Recognition like this from our peer group motivates us to work even harder on our mission of connecting you to our ever-changing city," he wrote to readers.</p>7. Photo essay: A look inside Austin's homeless camps amid COVID, cleanups (Nov. 11)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDcwNjU0OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0ODI4MjM5N30.3K4RQ_OvX41EkinAWptBCqBOrQte3fn5GgdU6EIsKcE/img.jpg?width=980" id="adefa" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3bb749a0789de85ac084bd54f493a9e8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />Photo essay: A look inside Austin's homeless camps amid COVID, cleanups(Jordan Vonderhaar)<p>Photojournalist Jordan Vonderhaar visited homeless camps around Austin to document how residents were dealing with the pandemic—and ongoing cleanups orchestrated by local and state agencies. Last year, Austin City Council voted to overturn the city's camping ban. Advocates applauded the move as an important step toward decriminalizing homelessness. But many residents, business owners and state leaders opposed the decision, which they argued would threaten public health and safety.</p>8. Austin health official concerned about bars "masquerading as restaurants" to stay open amid COVID surge (Nov. 20)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDc5ODAyNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NDkyMzg5NX0.8iJOK0XTazt_kbUo6A2IS5K8wi1j_yjK-gWAxVqmyVA/img.jpg?width=980" id="13f6d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b2f87fbb5de4d757b91d01ddcd52c26e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Laura Figi/Austonia)<p>Reporters Laura Figi and Waylon Cunningham wrote about a state loophole that allows bars to reclassify as restaurants in jurisdictions, such as Travis County, that have not allowed bars to reopen. Dr. Mark Escott, the local public health authority, raised concerns about this policy last month, citing the rising number of COVID cases and hospitalizations, and has continued to advise residents not to attend such establishments. But bar owners and employees say they must remain open—or close permanently. </p>9. What Adler's Mexico vacation means for his chances in the Biden administration—and post-COVID political career (Dec. 3)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDg2MjI4Mi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NTY3NjE0MH0.qMkCx8AlksiUGgX_lglTQOw_PqKyvABpHX340w-TBeg/img.png?width=980" id="21bfe" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="05cef10311ae5ac5aa617deb81d97fab" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" /><p>Earlier this month, news broke that Austin Mayor Steve Adler had hosted a small, outdoor wedding for his daughter in early November and then traveled via private jet to a family timeshare in Cabo San Lucas—while publicly asking Austinites to stay home. I spoke with political experts about what this scandal might mean for his career, especially if he runs for higher office.</p>10. Good times have faded at the TarryTown Shopping Center, the once-thriving neighborhood hub where animal rights activist Jeanne Daniels has pushed out local favorites (Dec. 22)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk4NTg5My9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3MzU2NjcwM30.XJ6XCP4blQRYqf5ydurmI7uHlWGDBtzexqFMMLAeDUQ/img.png?width=980" id="a372a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="343b0f9ff0d248e375851974857e4824" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" />(Blair Newberry)
<p>Writer Bryan Rolli took a deep dive into the once buzzing TarryTown Shopping Center that now stands desolate. Since inheriting the shopping center in 1999, Jeanne Crusemann Daniels has enforced strict rules that have resulted in the elimination of businesses that used or sold animal products. Long-time Austinites and former business owners remember what the shopping center was once like. </p>From Your Site Articles
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(Stuart Seeger/CC)
The Wall Street Journal singled out Austin in a report that highlighted the growing exodus from big cities like New York and San Francisco in favor of the Texas capital—a trend longtime residents have been well aware of.
<p>Locals and natives alike already know the city is growing and attracting more people and businesses by the minute, but since the onset of COVID-19, Austin's growth has been in hyperdrive.</p><p>Although this year has had a damper put on it with the pandemic, companies like Tesla, French luxury retailer Hermès and venture capital firm 8VC are expanding to Austin and helping to create around 10,000 jobs, the highest single-year figure on record, according to the Austin Chamber of Commerce.<br/></p><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f36281c5adef923fa109802b80df6622" id="e337a"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1334916626890838017"><div style="margin:1em 0">Austin added 17,400 jobs in October, narrowing pandemic-related job losses to 28,300. Austin’s leisure and hospital… https://t.co/VkClDxpnWW</div> — AustinChamber (@AustinChamber)<a href="https://twitter.com/AustinChamber/statuses/1334916626890838017">1607103900.0</a></blockquote></div><p>So what does Austin have that other big cities don't?<br/></p><p><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-remote-work-make-austin-a-magnet-for-new-jobs-11607423401#_=_" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WSJ reported</a> that Austin is becoming popular in the pandemic because of this influx of remote and corporate jobs as well as its lower cost of living (and with more bang for your buck—remember, they don't have backyards in NYC) and mild winter climate. There is also the absence of a state income tax. </p><p>People are also entering the city faster than others are leaving. Between April and October this year, for every one person who left Austin for the Bay Area, almost three people moved in the opposite direction, and for every one person who left Austin for New York City, more than two New Yorkers came to Austin.</p><p>Plus, due to constant construction, Austin has tens of thousands of apartments to rent. According to the National Apartment Association, between 2014 and 2018 more apartments were built in Austin than in any other U.S. city. The massive number of apartments has managed to keep up with demand. </p><p>However, while Austin is the <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-top-tech-town" target="_self">number one tech town</a> in the U.S. and chock full of opportunity, locals know it is not without its fair share of issues.</p><p>Austin is growing progressively more expensive—surpassing other major metropolitan areas like Houston and Dallas. In fact, Austin ranked as one of the <a href="https://austonia.com/austin-least-affortable" target="_self">least affordable cities</a> in the country this year.</p><p>WSJ also noted that, although housing is abundant, it is not necessarily affordable. In Texas, developers are not required to include affordable—or below market-rate—units, which means a majority of them cater to the most affluent Austinites.</p><p>And don't even try to get by without a car, as Austin has a relatively small public transit system compared to major cities. However, with <a href="https://austonia.com/transit-in-austin" target="_self">Project Connect</a> in the works, that is gearing up to change ... over the next 13 years. </p>All things considered—with more celebrities and businesses moving to the city—it is safe to say Austin is just getting started.
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