Special Event Permitting for COVID-19 Updated to Coordinate with Latest Health Authority Recommendations

City Now Easing Regulations for COVID Safety for Special Events Permit Applicants The April 2021 version of Bringing Events Back: Austin Travis County COVID-19 Safety Guide for Venues and Special Events has been updated to match May 2021 health conditions. The guidance, which outlines COVID-19 health and safety considerations, are recommendations only. The COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan is still a required form to complete as part of the special events permit application. Now, the content of the form is shorter, and the details requested in the plan are recommendations only. Once you submit the form, Austin Public Health will review the safety plan and will provide input to help organizers have a COVID-safe event. "As events begin to come back, we are still wanting to work with event organizers to help their events be as COVID-safe as possible. We still recommend including safety features in event plans like putting up signage to prevent disease, reporting cases to APH, and worker safety," said Don Hastings, Austin Public Health Assistant Director. "We also want event organizers to be able to offer COVID vaccination and testing opportunities at their events if they can." Austin Center for Events (ACE) is committed to updating the event safety guidance as often as there are changes in the health conditions, or at least every 30 days, so that event organizers always have the most relevant guidance. "The plan has always been for event safety guidance to update as health conditions change. The City is committed to working with Austin Public Health and the event community to update our permitting requirements to match current health recommendations," said Development Services Director Denise Lucas. "These updates get us one step closer to getting back to 100% normal, and as long as conditions continue to improve, we look forward to the day when they can sunset completely." Updated recommendations for COVID-safe events, FAQs, and the updated COVID-19 Health and Safety form can all be found at www.austintexas.gov/eventreopeningguide. About Austin Public Health Austin Public Health is the health department for the City of Austin and Travis County. Austin Public Health works to prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all by monitoring and preventing infectious diseases and environmental threats, and educating about the benefits of preventative behaviors to avoid chronic diseases and improve health outcomes.   About Austin Center for Events The Austin Center for Events is a collaborative assembly of City of Austin departments and agencies designed to streamline special event permitting on public and private property. ACE is anchored by teams from Austin Public Health, Transportation, Parks, Music, Police, Fire, EMS, Code, Austin Resource Recovery, Development Services, and partner agencies, and works closely with event organizers to guide them through the special event permitting process. More information at www.austintexas.gov/ace

Barton Springs Pool OPEN on Memorial Day 5-31-21

Free Entry, No Reservations, and Capacity Limits Due to Staff Shortage Barton Springs Pool, 2131 William Barton Dr., will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. Entry to the pool will be free on this day only. No reservations will be required; however capacities will be enforced due to low staff levels. Season Pass members will have access to the facility at all times; pass holders must show proof of purchase or passes at entry. Lifeguard Shortage There is a lifeguard shortage caused by a year-long hiring freeze and disruption to training. Lifeguard positions start at $15 per hour for qualified individuals ages 15 and up. Open Water lifeguard positions are also available. For more information on qualifications or to apply to become a lifeguard, visit LifeguardAustin.com.  For more information about Barton Springs Pool, please call 512-974-6300 or visit AustinTexas.gov/Pools.

City of Austin Memorial Closures 2021

Some City administrative offices and public facilities will close for the Memorial Day holiday, Monday, May 31, 2021. Trash and Recycling Schedules All Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) trash, recycling and compost collections will be unaffected for the Memorial Day holiday. For the most up-to-date information on all your ARR collections, download the Austin Recycles App for your Apple or Android device or visit austintexas.gov/myschedule to sign up for collection reminders and alerts.   The Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center is open by appointment only, for drop off hard-to-recycle items such as Styrofoam and plastic film, as well as household hazardous waste. Austin/Travis County residents can schedule a drop-off time through the Austin Recycles mobile app or online. Face coverings are required and social distancing must be maintained by all visitors.  Austin Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Site Schedule Walk-Up (No Appointment) Clinics are open regular hours Delco Activity Center Tuesdays-Fridays, 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southeast Library Tuesdays-Fridays, 2 to 8 p.m. Little Walnut Creek Library Fridays, 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parks and Recreation Facilities Schedules Parks and Recreation Facilities Schedules City of Austin parks, playgrounds, tennis centers, and golf courses will be open for their regularly scheduled hours on Memorial Day. Bartholomew, Barton Springs, Big Stacy, and Deep Eddy Pools will also be open on Monday. Find all Austin Parks and Recreation facility closure information at AustinTexas.gov/ParkClosures. Austin Public Library Schedule Austin Public Library locations will be closed on Monday. Library resources that are available remotely can be accessed at the Austin Public Library website: library.austintexas.gov.  Austin Animal Center Schedule The Austin Animal Center will close for Memorial Day, reopening on Tuesday. The City of Austin is encouraging Austinites and visitors to know how they are going to get home before they leave the house for the holiday and graduation celebrations, so they can get home safe. Visit austintexas.gov/gethomesafe to see a list of options. For questions about city services or information call 3-1-1. You can also submit service requests from the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app.

Austin Remembers the 1981 Memorial Day Flood

During the Memorial Day weekend of 1981, Austin experienced a devastating flood. The banks of Shoal Creek quickly overflowed as 10 inches of rain fell within 24 hours on already saturated soil. Thirteen people lost their lives, nineteen families lost their homes, and countless businesses were destroyed. The flood caused an estimated $36 million in damage. This Memorial Day marks the 40th anniversary of this tragic event.  Despite the devastation and loss that occurred, the Austin community came together to help neighbors in need. From doing laundry, preparing meals, repairing damaged homes and businesses, to returning possessions that in some cases had been washed far downstream, Austinites exhibited strength and resiliency.  Austin is located in Flash Flood Alley and is vulnerable to extraordinary amounts of rain in a short amount of time. Our creeks will always be subject to flash flooding. While we cannot change our weather, topography or geography, since the Memorial Day Flood of 1981, we have made significant progress to reduce flood risks citywide.   Austin Responds In response to the devastating Memorial Day flood of 1981, we have developed strategies that help predict, warn and protect Austinites when heavy rain is expected.  We have added much needed technology; installed flood gauges and barriers for low water crossings; and strengthened our partnerships with the National Weather Service, U.S. Geological Survey, local news media, and community organizations. We have continued to build upon these strategies through the years to also include taller bridges, detention ponds, flood walls, home buyouts, and more stringent regulations to prevent construction in floodplains. While our projects and efforts have lowered the risk of flooding, we cannot eliminate it completely. Austin is experiencing heavier, more frequent rainfall. We only have to look to the deadly, devastating Halloween Floods of 2013 and 2015, and the Memorial Day Flood of 2015, among others, to see that we still have much more work to do. Our mission to protect lives, property and the environment is just as important as ever, and we will continue to do more.  Austin has more than 400 roads and 10,000 buildings at risk of flooding from a 100-year flood. It is important for everyone in Central Texas to be aware of the dangers of flooding. For more information about what to do before, during and after a flood occurs, visit ATXFloodSafety.com.

Sign up for emergency alerts in your neighborhood

Severe weather conditions have been active this spring in much of Central Texas and with additional storms in this week’s forecast, you need to be emergency prepared and weather-aware by knowing what to do and when. Here are three easy tips to help keep you safe:

1. Stay on top of severe weather and sign up for emergency alerts in your neighborhood at http://WarnCentralTexas.org.
2. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles, so never drive around barricades or through flooded roads – Turn Around Don't Drown!
3. Get weather ready! Learn flood safety tips like how to plan before, during and after a flood at http://weather.gov/safety/flood.

Remember to be aware and monitor ATXFloods for real-time road closures in addition to your local radio and television outlets for up-to-date information if you must travel during severe weather.

City Wants to Hear Austinites’ Priorities for Next Year’s FY 2021-22 Budget

Through the end of May, the City of Austin is asking residents to help City leaders in setting spending priorities for the City's FY 2021-22 Budget.   The Budget Office has set up a 2021-2022 Budget Engagement website so Austinites can learn about the fiscal needs and opportunities facing the City, and have their voices heard.  The website includes a brief explanatory video in English and Spanish about the budgeting process, and links to a short online survey so residents can have their say in setting spending priorities.   Public input from residents and families on budget priorities is invaluable to ensuring equity in the budgeting process and to funding projects and services that impact our lives at work, play, and learning.    "Community engagement is especially important after our community confronted unprecedented fiscal challenges in the past year. Involving our residents in the budgeting process helps to ensure an inclusive and effective budget," said a City spokesperson.   Dates for Public Comment Events and Public Hearings before Mayor and City Council July 9              City Manager's Proposed Budget Presentation to Mayor and City Council July 22            First Community Budget Input Meeting July 29            Second Community Budget Input Meeting August 3          Mayor and City Council Budget Work Session August 11-13   Budget and Tax Rate Adoption by Mayor and City Council For more information visit austintexas.gov/budget, email BudgetQA@austintexas.gov, or call 512-974-1380.

City Seeks Community Members to Create New Historic Preservation Plan Focused on Heritage and Equity; Deadline to apply June 14

Deadline to apply to plan's working group is Monday, June 14 La versión en español sigue a continuación -- haga clic aquí para español Austin, TX – The City of Austin invites community members to help create a new Historic Preservation Plan. Austinites interested in local heritage are encouraged to apply to join the project working group by Monday, June 14, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. No formal experience with historic preservation is required to participate. The Historic Landmark Commission created the Preservation Plan Working Group to develop a draft historic preservation plan that is inclusive, equity-focused, and community-oriented. The working group will include community members, historic preservation professionals, and a broad range of other interested stakeholders. It will tackle pressing questions such as: Whose heritage is represented in designated historic properties, and what stories are missing? Who benefits from historic preservation policies, programs, and incentives? How can historic preservation tools be expanded to address essential issues such as sustainability, affordability, and displacement? All Austinites are encouraged to apply to ensure that the working group reflects Austin's diverse community. The working group should include persons from a variety of backgrounds, diverse cultural and racial identities, and all geographic parts of the city.   To apply to join the working group, visit the Preservation Plan website: http://bit.ly/ATXpresplan   The working group will be supported by a professional facilitator and meet 10 to 12 times between July 2021 and June 2022. Funding is available to compensate group members who need financial support and are not paid by their jobs to participate. While some meetings will be held virtually, the City of Austin commits to ensuring that technology access is not a barrier to participation.   Timeline Phase 1 will result in a draft historic preservation plan with recommended policies, tools, and programmatic changes. The working group will present the draft plan to the Historic Landmark Commission in fall 2022. Phase 2 (expected to happen in 2022–23) will include extensive community outreach, additional capacity-building, and finalization of the plan.   Phase 1 June 28, 2021 – Historic Landmark Commission appoints members to Preservation Plan Working Group July 2021—June 2022 – Working group meets to develop draft historic preservation plan Phase 2 September 2022 – Working group presents draft plan to Historic Landmark Commission Fall 2022—Spring 2023 – Community outreach and engagement around draft plan Summer 2023 – Working group reconvenes to consider community feedback and finalize plan Fall 2023 – Historic Landmark Commission reviews plan and recommend adoption by City Council   Ways to Get Involved Interested Austinites can apply to be part of the Preservation Plan Working Group by filling out an online application at bit.ly/ATXpresplan or calling (512) 974-3393 to request a paper application. The application deadline is June 14. The working group may convene focus groups to provide input on specific topics for the draft plan. Stay informed and learn about other opportunities to get involved on the website. Still have questions? Contact staff at preservation@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-3393.   La Ciudad busca miembros de la comunidad para crear un nuevo Plan de Preservación Histórica enfocado en la herencia y equidad  La fecha límite para solicitar su participación en el grupo de trabajo del plan es el lunes 14 de junio    Austin, TX – La Ciudad de Austin invita a todos los miembros de la comunidad a ayudar a crear un nuevo Plan de Preservación Histórica. Aquellos austinianos interesados en el patrimonio local pueden solicitar participar en el grupo de trabajo del proyecto antes del lunes 14 de junio de 2021 a las 11:59 p.m. No se necesita experiencia en preservación histórica para participar.  La Comisión de Monumentos Históricos creó el Grupo de Trabajo del Plan de Preservación para crear una versión preliminar del plan de preservación histórica que sea inclusivo, enfocado en la equidad y orientado hacia la comunidad. El grupo de trabajo incluirá miembros de la comunidad, profesionales en preservación histórica y una amplia variedad de otras partes interesadas. Este se encargará de abordar preguntas apremiantes como: ¿De quién es el patrimonio representado en las propiedades históricas designadas y qué historias no están incluidas? ¿Quién se beneficia con las políticas, programas e incentivos de preservación histórica? ¿Cómo pueden expandirse las herramientas de preservación histórica para abordar problemas esenciales como la sostenibilidad, capacidad de adquisición y desplazamiento?  Se invita a todos los austinianos a solicitar para garantizar que el grupo de trabajo refleje la comunidad diversa de Austin. El grupo de trabajo debe incluir personas de una variedad de trasfondos, diversidad cultural e identidades raciales, así como de todas las áreas geográficas de la ciudad.    Para solicitar su participación en el grupo de trabajo, visite el sitio web del Plan de Preservación: http://bit.ly/ATXpresplan   El grupo de trabajo estará apoyado por un facilitador profesional y se reunirá de 10 a 12 veces entre julio de 2021 y junio de 2022. Hay fondos disponibles para compensar a los miembros del grupo que necesiten apoyo financiero y que no reciban remuneración de sus empleos para participar. Aunque algunas reuniones se llevarán a cabo virtualmente, la ciudad de Austin se compromete a garantizar que el acceso a la tecnología no sea un obstáculo para la participación.   Cronograma  La fase 1 dará como resultado una versión preliminar del plan de preservación histórica con recomendaciones de cambios en las políticas, herramientas y programas. El grupo de trabajo presentará la versión preliminar del plan a la Comisión de Monumentos Históricos en el otoño de 2022. La fase 2 (que se espera ocurra en el año 2022-2023) incluirá participación extensa de la comunidad, mayor desarrollo de capacidades y la finalización del plan.    Fase 1  28 de junio de 2021: La Comisión de Monumentos Históricos nombra a los miembros del Grupo de Trabajo del Plan de Preservación.  Julio de 2021— junio de 2022: El grupo de trabajo se reúne para crear la versión preliminar del plan de preservación histórica.  Fase 2  Septiembre de 2022: El grupo de trabajo presenta la versión preliminar del plan a la Comisión de Monumentos Históricos.  Otoño de 2022— primavera de 2023: Promoción y participación de la comunidad en la versión preliminar del plan.   Verano de 2023: El grupo de trabajo se reúne nuevamente para considerar los comentarios de la comunidad y finalizar el plan.  Otoño de 2023: La Comisión de Monumentos Históricos revisa el plan y recomienda su adopción al Concejo Municipal.    Opciones para participar  Los residentes de Austin interesados pueden solicitar para formar parte del Grupo de Trabajo del Plan de Preservación llenando una solicitud en línea en bit.ly/ATXpresplan o llamando al (512) 974-3393 para pedir una solicitud impresa. La fecha límite para presentar la solicitud es el 14 de junio.  El grupo de trabajo puede reunir grupos focales para brindar aportes sobre temas específicos para la versión preliminar del plan. Manténgase informado y entérese de otras oportunidades para participar en el sitio web.  ¿Todavía tiene preguntas? Comuníquese con el personal a través de preservation@austintexas.gov o (512) 974-3393.

Local Live Music Venues Receive $5 million in Emergency Funding and Complete Equity Training

AUSTIN, TX - The City of Austin Economic Development Department announces the award of an additional $3.5 million to 28 local live music venues as Phase 2 of the Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund continues. Awardees will receive monthly payments of up to $140,000 over the course of six months. This brings the total of distributed dollars in both phases to $5 million by September 2021.     The funding was provided through the Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund, which is a $5 million program of the Save Austin's Vital Economic Sectors (SAVES) Fund established by the Austin City Council on December 3, 2020 via Resolution No. 20200103-013. As part of a partnership with the City of Austin, The Long Center processed applications and distributed grants for the program's Phase 1: Emergency Funding and Phase 2: Enhanced Funding.   "The local venues who received this funding demonstrated a commitment not only to our vibrant music scene, but a focus on equity and inclusion for musicians and audiences alike," explains Veronica Briseño, Austin's Chief Economic Recovery Officer. "Our hope is that these dollars assist Austin's iconic live music venues through a time of great transition and business recovery."   Phase 2 applicants were awarded based on program criteria and eligibility requirements. Applications were awarded against a scoring matrix that included criteria for vulnerability (those businesses most in danger of failing) and impact (those businesses whose failure would have the greatest detrimental impact on the city's civic infrastructure, economic recovery, and preservation of its unique culture, character, and brand.) The City of Austin aggregated metrics for economic impact for each phase through the online dashboard for the Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Grant.   Additionally, all Phase 2 applicants were required to complete equity training. Equity firm, Joyce James Consulting, conducted the three-part training series from February through early May. The trainings consisted of virtual sessions on recognizing and understanding systemic racism. Applicants also received support to develop equity strategic plans that are actionable and can be implemented within one year of the grant award. Applicants will submit detailed "Live Music Venue Equity Strategic Plans" as the final eligibility requirement.    "The Long Center is proud to be a partner to the City of Austin in this critically important recovery effort," said Cory Baker, President and CEO of the Long Center. "28 stages across our community have a little bit more stability with the disbursement of Phase 2 funds. Our community has a long way to go in our recovery efforts, and it is our sincere hope that the Austin Live Music Preservation Fund was the bridge that some venues needed as we return to live performances."   The Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund was distributed in two phases: Phase 1: Emergency Funding Eligible applicants experiencing immediate risk of closure received a $20,000 grant, which the Long Center distributed in December 2020. Additional services available to venues who received emergency funding included: legal and accounting services; real estate advice and guidance on lease negotiations; and other professional services and long-term planning from community experts.    Phase 2: Enhanced Funding Only Phase 1 grant recipients were eligible to apply for additional grant funding in Phase 2. Phase 1 grant recipients were required to complete a technical assistance evaluation and an Equity Strategic Plan in order to receive additional funds. Eligible applicants from Phase 1 could receive additional grant funding up to $140,000 (this does not include funds received from the first phase). The funding will be distributed in monthly payments with a maximum of $40,000 per month. ### 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 the Long Center for Performing Arts For Austinites of every background, the Long Center is the community gathering place that offers the most diverse programming and stunning views of the city, so that together, everyone can experience remarkable live arts and entertainment. The Long Center is dedicated to elevating Austin's creative sector, serving artists across Austin, including creative organizations, musicians and performing artists, with both performance spaces and professional assistance.

News from the COA Office of Economic Development 05-25-21

SoulyATX Insider May 25, 2021   COVID-19 Guidance from City & State   Economic Recovery News The local Health Authority Rules released on May 18, following Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, will be updated to serve as recommendations rather than requirements. This update is due to Governor Greg Abbott's Executive Order GA-36, which prohibits governmental entities and public health authorities from requiring face coverings. View Austin Public Health's COVID-19 Risk Based Guidelines for recommendations to help vaccinated and unvaccinated or partially residents understand the stages of risk and stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who are partially or unvaccinated are recommended to continue masking in most situations. Also, view Austin Public Health's recommendations for businesses to understand the guidance for employers based on rules adopted from the Health Authority. - Veronica Briseño, City of Austin Chief Economic Recovery Officer Economic Development Department Highlights Austin Fashion Industry Survey Closing Soon! Austin is poised to become the next fashion hub, and it is because of local designers, manufacturers, stitchers, operators, and retailers. Complete the Austin Fashion survey to inform the creation of resources necessary to support the fashion industry.   Pitch Your Business at the Circular Austin Showcase The Circular Austin Showcase is a virtual pitch event hosting a diverse group of people from investor and business communities to support and inspire growth in the circular economy. Circular Economy entrepreneurs and business owners will pitch their company to judges for a chance to win $3,000 and participate in one-on-one meetings with select investors to build their funding network. Apply to enter the pitch event by June 4.   Open Calls for Public Art Deadlines approaching! Work with local communities and different City departments to create public artwork that reflects the diverse cultural landscape of Austin! Budgets range from $30,000 - $500,000 per artwork commission. Apply for Austin Art in Public Place's open calls!   Heritage Preservation Grants Virtual Open Office Hours Join the Heritage Tourism Division during Virtual Office Hours, where staff will answer questions about existing or potential Heritage Preservation projects. Attend Heritage Tourism Virtual Open Office Hours every second and fourth Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Art in Public Places Did you know the City of Austin has over 300 pieces in the Art in Public Places collection? The Economic Development Department Cultural Arts Division's Art in Public Places program works with communities throughout Austin to commission many temporary and permanent public artworks each year. Watch a short video on how the Art in Public Places program inspires Austin's creative community.   Austin Legacy Business Relief Grant Updates The Economic Development Department announces the first phase of awards totaling $2.18 million in relief grants to 109 local businesses impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was provided through the Austin Legacy Business Relief Grant, which is a $5 million program of the Save Austin's Vital Economic Sectors (SAVES) Fund established by the Austin City Council via Resolution No. 20200103-012. Health & Safety Learn more information about vaccines, emergency rules and orders, and City of Austin updates about the COVID-19 pandemic.   Health & Safety Resources Get a COVID-19 vaccine Austin COVID-19 Community Resources and Testing National COVID-19 Quarantine Guidance Free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Information for Businesses and Industries Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vaccine Information   Austin-Travis County Enters Stage 2 for the First Time in the Pandemic Austin-Travis County is moving to Stage 2 of the Austin Public Health COVID-19 Risk-Based Guidelines for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Risk-Based Guidelines are not changes to local rules or regulations for businesses; they are guidelines for individual actions and behaviors based on levels of risk of exposure in the community.   Event Reopening Guide and the COVID-19 Health and Safety Form The Austin Center for Events (ACE) created new guidelines to enable events to reopen safely. "Bringing Events Back: Austin-Travis County COVID-19 Safety Guide for Venues & Special Events" outlines COVID-19 health and safety recommendations for indoor venues, and new ACE requirements for outdoor special event permits. Event organizers can reference the event reopening guide to review frequently asked questions and register for virtual office hours.   Austin Public Health and Travis County Reach 400,000 Vaccines Administered Austin Public Health and Travis County have worked tirelessly to administer over 400,000 COVID-19 vaccines to the community. Locate additional vaccine providers near you or text your zip code to 438829 (GETVAX) or 822862 (VACUNA) for Spanish.   COVID-19 Hotel Facility Update As of May 18, the Austin & Travis County COVID-19 Hotel Facility is no longer accepting new patients. If you have COVID-19 and need to distance from your household, we encourage you to follow the Center for Disease Control guidelines. City of Austin Announcements Resources for Residents ConnectATX COVID-19 Resources Food Access Utility Bill Relief Resources for Job Seekers Small Business Resources WarnCentralTexas Increased Risk for Harmful Algae on Lady Bird Lake and Lake Austin City Seeks Residents' Input on 2021-22 City Budget Priorities The City of Austin is encouraging residents to weigh-in on the next budget. It's important for residents and local families to help the City prioritize services that impact how we live, work, play, shop and more. Watch the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget video (video de presupuesto en Español) to learn more about the City's budget, and take a short budget priority survey to help City leaders make future funding decisions.   How to Build a Society for Friends and Wellness (Not Cars and Things) The Imagine Austin Speaker Series continues on May 25 from 5 – 6 p.m. with a conversation on how to redefine wealth, reconsider how our consumption impacts human rights both at home and around the globe, and rethink what it means to build a sustainable future.   Vision Zero Identifies Equity Issues in Traffic Crashes Austin Transportation released a Vision Zero StoryMap highlighting the racial disparities in traffic crashes and injuries in Austin. The Vision Zero program seeks to advance racial equity it transportation safety. City of Austin Seeking Public Input on the Action Plan Each year, the City of Austin prepares an Action Plan detailing the amount of federal funding to be allocated to various housing and public service programs. The Action Plan serves as a grant application submitted to the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) to qualify for the grant dollars. Submit your feedback on the Action Plan.   City Plans Phased Implementation Proposition B Ordinances The City of Austin developed a phased process to implement and enforce the Proposition B ordinances beginning May 11. The plan is focused on a safe and humane approach that helps persons experiencing homelessness comply with the new ordinances. The objectives are to emphasize outreach and education, to prioritize health and safety, and to connect persons to appropriate resources and services.  Community Resources Governor Abbott Ends Federal Pandemic-Related Unemployment Benefits Governor Greg Abbott informed the U.S. Department of Labor that Texas will opt out of further federal unemployment compensation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective June 26. This includes the $300 weekly unemployment supplement from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program.   Emergency Broadband Benefit Program The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit is a federally run program that uses federal COVID-19 stimulus funds to provides broadband service subsidies to low-income households for existing or new broadband service. Apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program and help spread the word.   U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID-19 Relief Options: Supplemental Targeted Advance Program  Restaurant Revitalization Fund Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant Program Economic Injury Disaster Loan Applications   Paycheck Protection Program