Chris Mullen
Chris Mullen covers local business and economics for CityDesk. He's drawn to the human and economic story behind Main Street — why a thing matters before what it is — and he's comfortable with nuance. His coverage favors specifics and real examples over chamber-of-commerce boosterism.
CityDesk reporting is produced with AI assistance and reviewed by our editors.
The Best Shaded Trails in Austin for Summer Morning Workouts
A trail-by-trail breakdown of canopy coverage, surface heat, and heat-index thresholds for residents who actually need to run or walk outside in July
How TxTag Billing Disputes Work and What Actually Gets Them Resolved
From filing your first dispute to escalating a rejection, here's what Austin drivers need to know about a billing process the official FAQ doesn't fully explain.
How to Win a City of Austin Contract as a Small or Minority-Owned Business
June sits at the intersection of FY2026 budget closeouts and FY2027 ramp-up. One of the highest-volume solicitation months of the year. Here's exactly what to certify, where to register, and what t…
Is Austin Chamber of Commerce Membership Actually Worth It for a Small Business Owner
We interviewed current members, former members who walked away, and the people running the alternatives — so you can decide before you write the check.
What Austin Startups Need to Know About Venture Capital Funding in 2026
After two years of contraction, Austin's VC market is moving again. But the access points, check sizes, and sector priorities look different than they did at peak.
How Much It Costs to Form an LLC in Austin and Whether You Actually Need a Lawyer
A comparison of DIY Texas SOS filing, online platforms, and hiring a local attorney — with real numbers, real mistakes, and the scenarios where each approach earns its cost.
How Much Do Payroll Services Cost for Austin Small Businesses
A 10-person Austin business shopping for payroll service today will find advertised prices anywhere from $100 to $400 a month. That's a real spread. The instinct to anchor on the low end is underst…
How to Find a Qualified Acupuncturist in Austin and What to Expect the First Visit
Austin's wellness market is crowded enough to make even straightforward decisions complicated. Type "acupuncture Austin" into Google and you'll get hundreds of results, a few dozen ads, and almost …
Which Austin Gyms and Rec Centers Let You Drop In Without a Membership
From $3 at a City of Austin rec center to $30 at a CrossFit affiliate — here's what you'll actually pay, where to go, and what to skip.
What EV Tax Credits and Rebates Are Actually Available in Texas in 2026
A dealership-level guide to the incentives that survived Washington, the ones Texas never offered, and what Austin Energy adds that buyers in Round Rock or Georgetown simply cannot access.
How to Use Austin's Farmers Markets to Actually Eat Better This Summer
A practical, season-specific guide to SFC and Mueller — with SNAP/Double Up Food Bucks explained, a five-day meal plan built from what's on the tables today, and where to find nutrition help connec…
What Small Business Grants and Loans Are Actually Available to Austin Entrepreneurs After Federal Funding Cuts
Federal cuts have redrawn the capital picture for Austin entrepreneurs. Here's an honest accounting of what local programs remain, who qualifies, and where to apply before windows close.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bankruptcy Attorney in Austin
A reported price guide for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings in the Western District of Texas: what Austin attorneys actually charge, what Texas law lets you keep, and how the math works for homeown…
