Downtown Austin Community Court to Relocate Services to One Texas Center

Court to close Aug. 23 and reopen at new location Aug. 30 Effective Monday, August 30, 2021, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) operations will be temporarily relocated to One Texas Center (OTC), 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704. To accommodate the transition, DACC services will be closed Monday, August 23 through Friday, August 27. During the temporary closure, the same process that is used outside of regular business hours, and during holidays and unanticipated closures will be used when an arrest is made for an offense that falls within DACC's purview. Individuals will be taken to Travis County Central Booking and given a release to appear at DACC at a later date. When they do appear at DACC, they will be magistrated and have access to triage case management and DACC's array or social services.  DACC's mission is to administer justice equitably and compassionately to foster trust and accountability, and to utilize a client-centered and housing-focused intensive case management model to help individuals experiencing homelessness achieve long-term stability. DACC also provides voluntary walk-in services connecting individuals to basic needs such as referrals to social services, enrolling in public benefits, obtaining identification documents, and accessing more community-based resources. Virtual judicial services and case management have been delivered from the Terrazas Branch Library on a temporary basis during the pandemic, while administrative staff members and walk-in magistration services have operated from a leased space at 719 East 6th Street.  DACC must vacate both locations, as the Terrazas Branch Library prepares to reopen to the public. The owner of 719 East 6th St. requested that DACC vacate by the end of September due to new plans for the building.  OTC is a City-owned building located in the downtown area along multiple bus routes.  It houses six City departments and as many as 1,000 employees. After reviewing the limited available City-owned spaces, staff determined that OTC is best suited to accommodate DACC's operational needs with minimal renovations and cost.   OTC will serve as an interim location for approximately two years while DACC's long-term location is identified and prepared. The long-term location for DACC is expected to be announced this fall. "We are grateful for the opportunity to join our fellow City employees at One Texas Center and to continue providing essential services while we work to identify a long-term location for Downtown Austin Community Court," said Peter Valdez, Director of Downtown Austin Community Court.  DACC will begin offering its full range of case management and court services once it reopens from the first floor at One Texas Center at 8 a.m., Monday, August 30. DACC will also continue administering all COVID-19 healthy and safety protocols. For more information, visit https://www.austintexas.gov/department/community-court

REMINDER: Community Meetings with top three finalists for Austin’s next Chief of Police

Community Meetings will be held today and tomorrow with the top three finalists for Austin's next Chief of Police: August 18, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm August 19, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm These meetings will have in-person availability at Palmer Events Center, Exhibit Hall 2, where attendees can submit questions at the beginning of the meeting. Masking and social distancing will be required for these meetings. The room capacity is limited to 100. Once we reach that limit, for the health and safety of all participants, we will not be able to allow additional people into the room. Residents can also tune in live through ATXN.TV (ATXN1-English and ATXN3-Spanish), Cable TV Channel 6, U-Verse Channel 99, and KAZI FM 88.7.We strongly encourage residents to tune in through one of the broadcasting channels set up for you to hear from the finalists. Media who did not RSVP by Monday August 16 are not guaranteed entry and will need to show up on a first come first served basis. As an alternative to attending in person, TV outlets will be able to take a clean feed (without ATXN graphics) from ATXN2. On Friday, August 13, Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk announced the top three finalists for the Chief of Police position out of a field of 46 applicants: Joseph Chacon, Interim Chief of Police, Austin Police Department Avery L. Moore, Assistant Chief, Dallas Police Department Emada E. Tingirides, Deputy Chief, Los Angeles Police Department   After meeting and listening to the candidates, the City will ask residents to provide their feedback online. More information about that process will be provided on speakupaustin.org/yournextpolicechief. The City Manager hopes to announce a new Chief of Police before the end of September. Candidate Bios (in alphabetical order) Joseph Chacon - Joseph Chacon is the Interim Chief of Police with the Austin Police Department, a role he has served in for four months. Prior to his appointment, Chief Chacon served as an Assistant Chief for almost five years, overseeing Patrol, Special Operations, Specialized Patrol, Investigations, Intelligence, Professional Standards and Training/Recruiting.  Chacon has a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.  He is a graduate of PERF's Senior Management Institute for Police, Texas State University's Certified Public Manager Program, and MCCA's Police Executive Leadership Institute Avery L. Moore - Assistant Chief Avery L. Moore is a 30-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department and began his career as a patrol officer in 1990, serving in various assignments, including an instructor at the Dallas Police Academy. As a Lieutenant, Assistant Chief Moore served in the Crime Scene Response Unit, Traffic, and SWAT. Later he promoted to the rank of Major, overseeing a patrol division where he implemented programs that reduced the crime rate for twelve consecutive months. In 2017, Assistant Chief Moore received his first star and was named the Deputy Chief of the newly reorganized East Patrol Bureau. In 2019, Deputy Chief Moore earned his second star, becoming Assistant Chief of Police and assuming command of Investigations and Tactical. Currently, Assistant Chief Moore commands the Investigations Bureau. He holds a Master's Degree in Management from the University of Phoenix – Dallas, a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Cameron University, and an Associate Degree in Psychology from Cameron University. Emada E. Tingirides - Emada E. Tingirides is a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Deputy Chief. In 1995, she joined the LAPD to serve the city her family called home for generations. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Chief of Police Michel Moore promoted Emada to Deputy Chief and she was named the Commanding Officer of the newly formed Community Safety Partnership Bureau (CSPB). The relationship-based public health approach policing model that defines CSPB was born to find new and innovative ways to build trust, relationships, and address quality of life issues in some of Los Angeles' most underserved and challenging communities. Tingirides holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.A. in Criminology, Law, and Society.

City of Austin Launches 2021 Small Business Needs Assessment

The City of Austin's Economic Development Department has launched the 2021 Small Business Needs Assessment and is encouraging local business owners across the city to participate at HelpAustinThrive.com. Beginning in August, the City partnered with Austin-based Distance Learning Media, LLC (DLM) to manage the 2021 study with a public survey link and a citywide outreach campaign designed to reach as many local small business owners as possible. The goal is to engage businesses of all sizes, representing every industry, across all city districts. "The City of Austin wants to help local businesses recover from the pandemic downturn and prepare for any future economic disruptions," explains Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Acting Director for the Economic Development Department. "As with past studies, we are asking business owners to tell us what types of business education services and resources they need. And, for this study, we are especially interested in the services and resources they need to recover from the pandemic and adjust to the new 'normal' of doing business". "Austin is home to tens of thousands of small businesses and we're working to reach as many of them as possible for this study," says Distance Learning Media Co-founder and COO, CJ Niehoff. "We want input from all kinds of businesses because the more we can learn about how they have managed through these last two years, the better our City leaders will be able to plan for supporting those efforts as we move past the pandemic." There are several ways local business owners and organizations in Austin can participate: Take the Survey The City wants to hear from all kinds of small business owners, from Mom & Pop shops, Freelancers, Musicians, Makers, Artists, Gig Workers – all the voices of Austin small businesses and entrepreneurs. Go to HelpAustinThrive.com to take the survey. It only takes a few minutes. Attend a Virtual Event There are 5 virtual events currently scheduled to gather input from local business owners to help the City determine what types of classes, events, and resources are most valuable to the local business community. Small business owners from any industry are invited to participate. Virtual event dates and times are listed below. Registration is required to participate. Event information and sign-up instructions are available at HelpAustinThrive.com. Tuesday, August 24 from 2 - 3 p.m. Small Business Focus Group + Topics for Restaurant & Food Service Friday, August 27 from 2 - 3 p.m. Small Business Focus Group + Topics for The Arts & Creatives Wednesday, September 1 from 1 - 2 p.m. Small Business Focus Group + Topics for Travel & Tourism Thursday, September 9 from 2 - 3 p.m. Small Business Focus Group + Topics for "Green" Eco-friendly Businesses Tuesday, September 14 from 2 - 3 p.m. Small Business Focus Group + Topics for Musicians & Music-related Businesses Share a Success Story Some local businesses found success while making the "COVID-19 Pivot". This program will seek out those stories in hope that sharing them will help other businesses adapt to the changes brought about by a global pandemic. Encourage Others to Participate Local organizations and influencers with reach into the local business community are encouraged to share the needs assessment survey and event information far and wide. Any local business owner can attend any virtual event. Each session includes special industry-specific topics for key groups that have been highly impacted by the pandemic, including restaurants, music, the arts, and tourism. Results of the 2021 Small Business Needs Assessment will  help shape the City's roadmap for providing business education to local businesses over the next several years. More information about the needs assessment study, the online survey, and upcoming virtual events are available at HelpAustinThrive.com.                                                                                                             # # # About the City of Austin Economic Development Department The City of Austin Economic Development Department supports business growth, creative industries, and local communities. These programs build an equitable, sustainable economy to improve the lives of all Austin residents. To learn more about helpful resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/edd or like us on Facebook @AustinEconDev and follow @AustinEconDev on Twitter. About Distance Learning Media, LLC DLM is an education, marketing, and media firm based in Austin, Texas. We are focused on workforce development, virtual & on-demand curriculum as well as managing research and surveys for public and private organizations. Specialized divisions focus on veterans, small business, hospitality, and K12. Learn more at DistanceLearningMedia.com or visit our LinkedIn Page.

Austin's Population Continues Another Decade of Growth According to U.S. Census Bureau

The City of Austin's population grew by 21 percent to 961,855 persons over the last decade, according to official 2020 census numbers released by the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday. 

The Census found that roughly 171,465 people have been added to the Austin community since 2010.  That population growth extended across demographic sectors, with the largest growth among non-Hispanic White residents, expanding by 67,723 to 452,994 persons, followed by Asian American residents growing by 36,694 to 85,853 persons, Hispanic residents growing by 34,741 to 312,448 persons, and African American residents growing by 5,242 to 66,002 persons. 

Throughout the country and the state, population growth was driven by populations of color. In Austin, we see a unique pattern of diversity. Non-Hispanic Whites are driving growth in Austin, contributing nearly 40 percent of all growth throughout the decade. The Asian population is now the third largest race/ethnicity group in the City, making up nearly 10 percent of the total population. One of every 5 people added to the Austin population in the last decade was of Asian descent. Hispanics also made up about 20 percent of growth in the city in the last decade. The African American population also grew this decade but at a slower rate and now make up 7 percent of the total population.  

Another fast-growing race/ethnicity group was the multi-racial or two or more races population. However, some of the growth in this group may also be attributed to recent changes in coding made by the U.S. Census Bureau. 

Austin remains the 11th largest city in the country, and trailed only New York City, Houston, and Fort Worth in the rate of population increase since 2010.  Austin was the second-fastest-growing major city in Texas behind Fort Worth, which grew nearly 24 percent. 

“These population estimates show a continued trend of strong and rapid population growth for the Austin Metro Area and the city,” said City of Austin Demographer Lila Valencia.  

Valencia encouraged Austinites to delve deeper into the Census numbers by accessing the raw numbers on the City of Austin’s Open Data Portal.  A new demographics dashboard that depicts the City’s and Metro Area’s 2020 U.S. Census Bureau population totals for Austin, as well as the race/ethnicity make up and voting age population, will be made available in the coming days.   

The Decennial Census is conducted every ten years to provide a full count of the population and gather basic information on households, demography, and income distribution.  The data is crucial in determining how the federal government proportionately distributes billions of dollars in grants and program funding for social services, community development, and the construction of schools, roads, and hospitals. 

Data from the Census also play a central role in redrawing boundaries for representative districts for the U.S. Congress, Texas Legislature, and Austin City Council districts. 

Valencia noted the official totals released Thursday fell below earlier initial estimates that suggested Austin’s population could exceed a million residents for the first time. The discrepancies may reflect limits in the estimate methodologies but may also have been influenced by the count occurring during a global pandemic and other factors, even as strong efforts by the City, County, and countless community groups worked to ensure communities were effectively counted.   

While there are some opportunities to revise and correct counts for some programs and funding, Valencia said that these are the official Census numbers that governments will rely upon. 

"In the end, the Census is the official count and that is what we have to go with; especially when it comes to redistricting," Valencia said. 

For more information visit AustinTexas.gov/Demographics. 

  ----

About Housing and Planning Department 

The Housing and Planning Department provides resources related to planning, zoning, housing, and community development to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. Equitable, efficient, and comprehensive planning with displacement prevention as a prioritized focus is the Department’s core charge in delivering housing services to the community. 

Austin Public Health and Travis County Partner with Community Organizations for COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics (8/13-8/15)

Austin Public Health (APH) and Travis County will be partnering with local community organizations to provide pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics around the County for weekend events from Aug. 13 to Aug. 15. These clinics are available to all eligible individuals without registration or appointments. Unvaccinated individuals are urged to get the vaccine as Austin-Travis County has seen a rise in cases over the last several weeks prompting APH to move back into Stage 5 for the Risk-Based Guidelines. Please check the details of events below to confirm dates, locations, times, and age eligibility depending on the vaccine being administered. Locations offering Moderna and Pfizer are providing first and second doses. If you are receiving your second dose, please bring your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to be updated. Individuals attending these events should be weather aware as temperatures are expected to be hot over the weekend. Remember to drink plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing as parts of the line are outside and exposed to weather, and wear garments that allow you to easily expose your arm.   *The vaccination sites are closed to press. While vaccinations are occurring, each site is considered to be a hospital with patients and only authorized visits are allowed. Agencies listed in parenthesis for each location (Austin Public Health or Travis County) are the only entities that can authorize admittance.   Friday, August 13 Austin Community College Highland Campus (APH)  Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Address: 6101 Highland Campus Dr., Austin, TX 78752  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years), Johnson & Johnson (18+ only), Moderna (18+ only)  Ana Lark Center (APH)  Time: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Address: 1400 Tillery Street, Austin, TX 78721 Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years)  Southeast Library (APH)  Time: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Address: 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd, Austin, TX 78744  Vaccine: Moderna (18+ years only)  Little Walnut Creek Library (APH)  Time: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Address: 835 W Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78758  Vaccine: Moderna (18+ years only)    Saturday, August 14 Travis County Expo (Travis County)  Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Address: 7311 Decker Lane, Austin, TX 78724  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years), Johnson & Johnson (18+ years only)  Ana Lark Center (APH)  Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Address: 1400 Tillery Street, Austin, TX 78721  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years)  Dailey Middle School (Travis County)  Time:  9 a.m. to 2 p.m.   Address: 14000 Westall St., Austin, TX 78725  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years), Johnson & Johnson (18+ years only)   Del Valle High School Opportunity Center (Travis County/APH)  Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Address: 5301 Ross Road, Del Valle, TX 78617  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years)  La Moreliana Meat Market (Travis County)  Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Address: 5405 S. Pleasant Valley Rd. #E, Austin, TX 78744  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years), Johnson & Johnson (18+ years only)  Martin Middle School (Travis County)  Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Address: 1601 Haskell St., Austin, TX 78702  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years), Johnson & Johnson (18+ years only)   Southeast Library (APH)  Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Address: 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd, Austin, TX 78744  Vaccine: Moderna (18+ years only)  Little Walnut Creek Library (APH)  Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Address: 835 W Rundberg Lane, Austin, TX 78758  Vaccine: Moderna (18+ years only)  Turner Roberts Recreation Center (APH)  Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Address: 7201 Colony Loop, Austin, TX 78724  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years)  Video Super (APH)  Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Address: 5310 S. Pleasant Valley Rd. #B, Austin, TX 78744  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years); Moderna, Johnson & Johnson (18+ years only)    Sunday, August 15 Travis County Expo (Travis County)  Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Address: 7311 Decker Ln. Austin, TX 78724  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years), Johnson & Johnson (18+ years only)  Hong Kong Supermarket (Travis County)  Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Address: 8557 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78758  Vaccine: Pfizer (12+ years), Johnson & Johnson (18+ years only)  COVID-19 Information For more information on COVID-19 and vaccinations, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/COVID19 or call 3-1-1 (512-974-2000).

City of Austin identifies top three finalists for Austin’s next Chief of Police

Community Meetings to be held August 18 and 19 at Palmer Events Center with several virtual options to watch available.  Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk has announced the top three finalists for the Chief of Police position out of a field of 46 applicants. In July, seven candidates were interviewed by three panels which included Community Stakeholders, Law Enforcement Partners, and City of Austin Executives. After consideration and feedback from the panels, City Manager Cronk has identified: Joseph Chacon, Interim Chief of Police, Austin Police Department Avery L. Moore, Assistant Chief, Dallas Police Department Emada E. Tingirides, Deputy Chief, Los Angeles Police Department   "I am confident these finalists will help the City of Austin cultivate relationships with our community, accomplish the City Council's goals, and continue the progress of reimagining public safety in Austin," said Cronk. Opportunities to meet the top finalists and hear from them have been scheduled for: August 18, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm August 19, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm These meetings will have in-person availability at Palmer Events Center, Exhibit Hall 2, or you can tune in live through ATXN.TV (ATXN1-English and ATXN3-Spanish), Cable TV Channel 6, U-Verse Channel 99, and KAZI FM 88.7. Masking and social distancing will be required for these meetings. The room capacity is limited to 100. Once we reach that limit, for the health and safety of all participants, we will not be able to allow additional people into the room. We strongly encourage residents to tune in through one of the broadcasting channels set up for you to hear from the finalists. Any media planning to attend should email Deborah.Jennings@austintexas.gov, specifying which event(s) they are planning to attend, by the end of Monday, August 16. As an alternative to attending in person, TV outlets will be able to take a clean feed (without ATXN graphics) from ATXN2. After meeting and listening to the candidates, the City will ask residents to provide their feedback online. More information about that process will be provided on speakupaustin.org/yournextpolicechief. The City Manager hopes to announce a new Chief of Police before the end of September. Candidate Bios (in alphabetical order) Joseph Chacon - Joseph Chacon is the Interim Chief of Police with the Austin Police Department, a role he has served in for four months. Prior to his appointment, Chief Chacon served as an Assistant Chief for almost five years, overseeing Patrol, Special Operations, Specialized Patrol, Investigations, Intelligence, Professional Standards and Training/Recruiting.  Chacon has a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.  He is a graduate of PERF's Senior Management Institute for Police, Texas State University's Certified Public Manager Program, and MCCA's Police Executive Leadership Institute Avery L. Moore - Assistant Chief Avery L. Moore is a 30-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department and began his career as a patrol officer in 1990, serving in various assignments, including an instructor at the Dallas Police Academy. As a Lieutenant, Assistant Chief Moore served in the Crime Scene Response Unit, Traffic, and SWAT. Later he promoted to the rank of Major, overseeing a patrol division where he implemented programs that reduced the crime rate for twelve consecutive months. In 2017, Assistant Chief Moore received his first star and was named the Deputy Chief of the newly reorganized East Patrol Bureau. In 2019, Deputy Chief Moore earned his second star, becoming Assistant Chief of Police and assuming command of Investigations and Tactical. Currently, Assistant Chief Moore commands the Investigations Bureau. He holds a Master's Degree in Management from the University of Phoenix – Dallas, a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Cameron University, and an Associate Degree in Psychology from Cameron University. Emada E. Tingirides - Emada E. Tingirides is a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Deputy Chief. In 1995, she joined the LAPD to serve the city her family called home for generations. Mayor Eric Garcetti and Chief of Police Michel Moore promoted Emada to Deputy Chief and she was named the Commanding Officer of the newly formed Community Safety Partnership Bureau (CSPB). The relationship-based public health approach policing model that defines CSPB was born to find new and innovative ways to build trust, relationships, and address quality of life issues in some of Los Angeles' most underserved and challenging communities. Tingirides holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.A. in Criminology, Law, and Society.

Algae & water samples negative for toxins in Bull Creek

Results from lab tests indicate that no toxins were present in either algae or water samples taken on Friday, August 6, from Bull Creek. When staff took the samples, the creek appeared normal with wispy green algae typical of Hill Country streams. The previous day, the City of Austin was informed that a person developed symptoms that could be associated with exposure to harmful algae after playing in Bull Creek on August 1. Although the algae samples were negative, the flow of water in Bull Creek spiked twice between the exposure and the samplings. These spikes may have been enough to change the algae in the creek. Out of an abundance of caution, the City revisited the creek this morning and took additional samples. There has not been any change in the appearance of the algae over the past week. Lab results from today's samples should be available towards the end of next week. Cyanobacteria, or blue green algae, occurs naturally in Central Texas waterways. Some species can produce toxins under certain conditions, which is called a harmful algae bloom or proliferation. However, harmful algae are much less likely to appear in a creek environment when water is cool and flowing. Harmful algae proliferate more readily in stock ponds, stormwater ponds or stagnant pools or shorelines of a natural water body. Since it is impossible to tell by looking at algae if there are toxins, assume all algae may be toxic and avoid direct contact. There can be other risks associated with swimming or wading in creeks and lakes. Natural water bodies contain microscopic organisms such as bacteria and parasites. There can also be physical dangers with uneven depths, debris, slippery surfaces, and strong currents. We advise people and pets to avoid warm, stagnant water. Steer clear of any discolored or foul-smelling water. It is always advisable to rinse off after being in a natural water body. Avoid swimming for a few days after heavy rainfall when bacteria levels tend to be higher. Toxins were first detected in algae in Lady Bird Lake in 2019. The City of Austin ordered specialized lab tests after being told that a dog died after swimming in Lady Bird Lake. We are currently monitoring Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin for harmful algae every other week. We have had isolated positive tests for dihydroanatoxin at Walsh Boat Landing in June and Jessica Hollis Park in March. We have detected decreasing levels of dihydroanatoxin in algae at Red Bud Isle since June. The City of Austin is currently conducting a pilot program to see if lowering nutrients levels around Red Bud Isle reduces the amount or toxicity of harmful algae in that location.   To date, the City of Austin has only detected toxins in mats of algae that can be found growing on the bottom of the lake or floating on the surface. This means exposure would come through touching or swallowing visible algae. The City is aware of five dogs who died after swimming in Lady Bird Lake in 2019 and warning signs have been posted there for this reason. In people of all ages, symptoms of exposure to harmful algae may include: Skin irritation Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Fever Headache Muscle weakness or dizziness Eye irritation In dogs, symptoms may include:   Excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhea Foaming at the mouth Jaundice and hepatomegaly Blood in urine or dark urine Stumbling Loss of appetite Photosensitization in recovering animals Abdominal tenderness Progression of muscle twitches Respiratory paralysis We encourage the public to call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 to report any illnesses in either people or pets from exposure to harmful algae. More information about harmful algae is at AustinTexas.gov/algae.