Mayor Steve Adler, Council Member Kathie Tovo to Present Proclamation of World AIDS Day to APH

What: Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Council Member Kathie Tovo will present a proclamation of World AIDS Day to Austin Public Health (APH) as part of continued efforts in the fight against HIV.  

Recent data from 2020 shows an estimated 8,200 people are living with HIV/AIDS in the Austin area. 83.9% know their diagnosis, and 81.5% are receiving HIV care. 222 people were diagnosed with HIV in 2020. 

APH offers free HIV testing as well as case management services. APH has also compiled a list of local HIV care and service providers. 

Who:   

• Austin Mayor and Austin Area HIV Planning Council CEO Steve Adler  

• District 9 Council Member Kathie Tovo  

• Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup 

• Health Equity and Community Engagement Division Assistant Director Laura G. La Fuente 

• Austin Area HIV Planning Council 

When: Thursday, Dec. 1, 5:30 p.m.  

Where: City Hall Chambers, 301 West 2nd Street

Council Member Paige Ellis Leads Effort on Missing Middle Housing

Austin City Council this week will consider launching a process to streamline the approval process of "missing middle" housing geared toward moderate-income families and individuals at risk of being priced out of the local housing market. The effort is being led by District 8 Council Member Paige Ellis, who believes the city must act to increase housing options and address affordability pressures. Ellis' resolution, to be considered at Council's Dec. 1 meeting, aims to right-size the level of site plan review required for more compact and affordable housing options, including triplex, fourplex, and 5-16 unit missing middle developments.   
 
"Addressing the city's housing crisis begins by looking within to remove barriers and build efficiency," said Ellis. "Streamlining the review process for these smaller residential developments promises to shorten the amount of time and cost it will take to get these desperately needed affordable housing options on the market without changing zoning." 
 
Missing middle housing is defined as compact residential developments of 3-16 homes. Under current code, these developments are subject to the complex, expensive, and time-consuming site plan process required of large, multi-family, and commercial projects. The resolution calls for developing a “Site Plan Lite” for residential developments of five to 16 units. Residential projects of three to four units would be reviewed in the manner currently used for single-family homes and duplexes. 
 
“Increasing the diversity of housing choices available in our neighborhoods is essential to making Austin more affordable and equitable,” said Nora Linares-Moeller, Executive Director of HousingWorks. “Making it easier to build more small multi-unit housing, just like the fourplexes and small apartment buildings that have existed for generations in our cherished historic neighborhoods, is a great step forward. HousingWorks applauds Council Member Ellis and the resolution's cosponsors for their leadership on this issue." 
 
Council Member Ellis thanks her colleagues Council Members Natasha Harper-Madison, José “Chito” Vela, and Leslie Pool, and Mayor Steve Adler for cosponsoring this resolution that will support affordable and diverse housing options and moves the city closer to its housing goals adopted in the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint. 
  
“Our city’s outdated rules add costs to homebuilding that get passed on to future buyers and renters,” said District 1 Council Member Harper-Madison. “By cutting the red tape and streamlining our processes to allow smaller, more affordable units like fourplexes and townhomes, we can unlock more housing opportunities for working Austinites and create a more walkable, transit-friendly compact and connected city for both existing and new residents.” 
  
“As Austin’s affordability crisis deepens, we need to allow people to build smaller, more affordable homes. Simplifying the permitting process also helps affordability,” said District 4 Council Member Vela. “I appreciate CM Ellis’s leadership on this issue. Missing middle housing is only one facet of the transformative housing changes we need in Austin, but it is an important step.” 
  
“Easing the burden on this type of home is something I’ve been focused on for a good while, and I share Council Member Ellis’ desire to find specific remedies to accommodate more missing middle housing,” said District 7 Council Member Leslie Pool. “As we continue to recover from several challenging years, we are in a good position to focus on these types of reforms and make progress with widespread community support.” 

Public Comment Period for Housing and Planning Department Performance Report

City of Austin Housing and Planning Department: Notice of 15-Day Public Comment Period

The City of Austin Housing & Planning (HPD) Department announces a 15-day public comment period to receive public comments on its Draft FY 2021-22 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). HPD receives the following grant entitlement funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for affordable housing, community development, economic development and public services: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program, Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).

Participating cities are required to develop a CAPER annually. The CAPER assesses the city’s progress and the effectiveness of its performance related to its federally funded activities during FY 2021-22, and the achievement of its overall strategies, objectives, and priorities outlined in the FY 2019-24 Consolidated Plan. The Draft FY 2021-22 CAPER will be available for review during the public comment period. The city will submit this report to HUD prior to December 29, 2022.

Public Comment Period

The public is invited to review the Draft FY 2021-22 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) during the public comment period, December 13 through December 27, 2022. The document will be available on HPD’s web site and at the following community locations:

• Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 (Central)

• Austin Central Public Library, 710 West Cesar Chavez Street (Central)

• Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, 500 East 7th Street (Central)

• St. John's Library Branch, 7500 Blessing Avenue (North East)

• Housing Authority of the City of Austin, 1124 S IH 35 (South)

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted until 5 PM on December 27, 2022. Please include a name, address, and phone number.
Mail to: Housing & Planning Department Attn: FY 2021-22 CAPER P.O. Box 1088 Austin, Texas 78767
Email: HPD@austintexas.gov
For additional information, call the HPD Office at 512-974-3100 (voice)

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance please call 512-974-3100; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.

City of Austin Utilities Help Customers Prepare for Winter Weather

Austin Water, Austin Energy and the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are helping customers take steps now to prepare for the upcoming winter season. Meter keys, hose bib covers, hand-crank flashlights, emergency preparedness kit materials and winter preparedness tip sheets will be provided by the City. Customers can pick up these supplies, while they last, at City of Austin Utilities Customer Service Centers (UCSC) this week and again in January:
 
North UCSC:     
8716 Research Blvd., Suite 115
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022 and Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. – or while supplies last
 
East UCSC:     
Rosewood-Zaragosa Center
2800 Webberville Road
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022 and Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. – or while supplies last
 
South UCSC:     
1901 W. William Cannon Drive, Suite 100
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 and Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. – or while supplies last
 
Customers are also urged to tune in for emergency alerts by:

• Downloading the Ready Central Texas mobile app
• Signing up for Emergency Alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org
• Register for Austin Energy’s Outage Alerts by texting REG to 287846
• Bookmarking COAUtilities.com, austinwater.org, austinenergy.com and outagemap.austinenergy.com
• Sign up for Austin Water’s My ATX Water customer portal
• Make note: Austin Water’s 24-Hour Emergency Hotline can be reached at 512-972-1000, Option 1
• Follow Austin Water on social media:
  • Facebook.com/austinwater
  • Instagram.com/austin_water
  • Twitter.com/AustinWater
• Follow Austin Energy on social media:
  • Facebook.com/austinenergy
  • Twitter.com/austinenergy
  • YouTube.com/austinenergy

Tips to prepare your pipes for freezing weather:
Austin Water encourages customers to take steps now to prepare for winter. Following a few, easy steps now will help customers protect their property and prevent damage when freezing weather does arrive in Austin.

1. Locate your water shutoff.
Locate the water main shutoff valve and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. For most homes, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box in an emergency. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, which can be purchased at most hardware stores.
Watch a video about how to locate your water shutoff.

2. Weatherize to keep out cold air.
Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and be prepared to close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Gather supplies to cover vents on your home’s foundation.

3. Weatherize exposed pipes and water heaters.
Prepare to insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Get all supplies now so you are ready to wrap pipes and water heaters when a winter storm is approaching.

4. Learn how to drip faucets properly.
After the measures above are taken, drip one cold water faucet slowly if you feel your pipes may still freeze. The faucet you choose should be the one that is the greatest distance from your main shutoff valve. It does not need to be a running trickle. If you do drip your faucet, capture the water for future use. 
Watch a video about how to drip faucets properly.

5. Outside faucets.
Austin Water encourages all customers to turn off irrigation systems during the winter months to help conserve water. Prepare supplies to wrap outside faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator.

6. Gather supplies to be prepared.
Having one gallon of water per person and pet per day for seven days on hand to help avoid the rush at stores when the first winter storm of the season approaches.
 

Learn more about how to stay warm and stay safe this winter here.

Bright Green Future Grants Awarded to 34 Austin-area Schools

 

The City of Austin will fund 43 student-led sustainability projects in the 2022-23 school year

The City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability announced today that 34 Austin-area K-12 schools will receive funding to implement 43 sustainability projects that are expected to benefit approximately 14,000 students. Over half of the schools receiving a grant qualify for Title 1 funding, which includes a larger percentage of students from low-income families. These projects will offer hands-on learning opportunities, make school campuses greener, and provide tangible benefits to surrounding neighborhoods. “The Bright Green Future Grants program helps guide our campus’s focus on environmental awareness and engagement,” said Brittany Platt, a parent at Patton Elementary School. “The funding we receive has allowed us to be creative and intentional with projects and incorporate ways for our community to be more environmentally engaged.” Patton Elementary will use its Bright Green Future Grant to create a community-powered gardening program. The school hopes to provide educational opportunities for students and bolster the campus as a public environmental anchor in the community. The Office of Sustainability received 55 applications from 41 schools. Projects were selected from every Austin City Council District, representing schools in Austin ISD, Round Rock ISD, and several private schools. Each project will receive up to $3,000 to implement their project. The following projects were awarded funding through a competitive process: Children who spend time outdoors are happier, healthier, and perform better academically. Students will connect with nature and breathe fresh air in outdoor classrooms at Govalle, Cunningham, Boone, Rodriquez, Linder, Langford, Overton, and Houston Elementary Schools.  Bicycle clubs improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve health by getting students out of cars and on bikes. This year’s clubs will teach students about bike safety and maintenance at Allison, Harris, Hart, Houston, Langford, Oak Springs, Ortega, Overton, Palm, Perez, Reilly, Ridgetop, Rodriquez, Sanchez, and St. Elmo Elementary Schools. Rain gardens at Zilker and Pond Springs Elementary Schools, O’Henry Middle School, and the Harmony School of Excellence will help conserve water, provide native plant education, and minimize soil erosion. Growing vegetables in school gardens at Clayton, Patton, and UT Elementary Schools, Winn Montessori, Wholesome Generation, and Austin ISD Food Services will help students learn about healthy food options while reducing the carbon impact of transporting vegetables from farm to grocery store to table. Ridgetop and Boone Elementary Schools, Tigerlily Preschool, and McNeil High School will plant and maintain wildlife gardens that provide a habitat for various native pollinators and birds. An apiary at Austin Achieve will help students learn about how critical bees are to our ecosystem.  Students at St. Elmo Elementary will create a recycling and composting program for students and their families. Planting and caring for trees at Garza High School and T.A. Brown and Pond Springs Elementary Schools will help students appreciate and understand the vital role of trees in our environment. Upgrading a solar array and designing educational signage will educate students and community members about the benefits of renewable energy at Zilker Elementary School. “To address climate change, we need everyone in our community on board,” said Lucia Athens, Austin’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “These inspirational projects demonstrate the dedication of Austin area students and teachers to creating positive change.” Funding for the Bright Green Future Grants program is provided through a collaborative effort among six different City of Austin departments, including: Office of Sustainability Austin Resource Recovery Austin Transportation Department Austin Water Development Services Department – Urban Forestry Program Watershed Protection Department   ###   About the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability Austin’s Office of Sustainability works to ensure a thriving, equitable, and ecologically resilient community by providing leadership, influencing positive action through engagement, and creating measurable benefits for Austin. The office works to achieve net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, a healthy and just local food system, resource-efficient strategies for municipal operations, tangible projects that demonstrate sustainability, and a resilient and adaptive city. Find out more at www.austintexas.gov/sustainability.

City of Austin Thanksgiving Closures 2022

City of Austin Offices, Facilities to Close for Thanksgiving 2022
City of Austin administrative offices and other municipal facilities will be closed today, Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24-25 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Trash, Recycling and Composting Schedules
All trash, recycling and composting collections will "slide" forward one day on Thanksgiving. You will be affected if your regular collection day is Thursday or Friday. Thursday and Friday collections will be picked up on Friday and Saturday. Check your personalized curbside services calendar and set up reminders for all your collections on the Austin Recycles mobile app or online. The Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, but remains open by appointment only on Friday and Saturday.

Austin Public Health
Environmental Health Services at the Rutherford Lane Campus, the Office of Vital Records all WIC and Shots for Tots clinics, Neighborhood Centers and TB, Sexual Health, and Refugee Clinics will be closed Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday.   

COVID-19 testing is available at private and non-profit sites throughout Austin, including pharmacies, hospitals and urgent care centers. Those who have private insurance can contact their doctor’s office or insurer for assessment and testing options. Additional resources:  

• Department of Health and Human Services community-based testing portal  
• COVID.gov testing resources 

Visit Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) to find flu and COVID-19 vaccine providers near you.

Parks and Recreation Facilities Schedules
Austin Parks and Recreation holiday hours vary based on facility so please call ahead or check AustinTexas.gov/Parks before you go. Most facilities including museums and cultural centers, recreation centers, and senior centers will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 and remain closed through Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Tennis Centers will be closed on Thanksgiving Day only. Golf courses will be open on Thanksgiving Day until 1 p.m. All Aquatic Facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving Day except Barton Springs Pool which will operate unguarded. For pool hours over the holiday weekend visit AustinTexas.gov/Pools.

Austin Public Library Schedule
All Austin Public Library locations will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25. Library resources available remotely can be accessed at the Austin Public Library Website: library.austintexas.gov.

Austin Animal Center Schedule
The Austin Animal Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day, and will resume normal hours Friday, Nov. 25.

City of Austin Utilities Schedule
The City of Austin Utilities Customer Care Call Center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 through Saturday, Nov. 26. Additionally, all City of Austin Utility Customer Service Centers will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25. Customers can make utility payments at coautilities.com or by calling 1-833-375-4919 for a Quick Payment. 

In the event of an outage, please contact us at 512-494-9400 and follow the prompts. A customer service representative will be available 24 hours a day over the holiday to assist with any outage concerns.

Additional payment options include: 

• Paying at authorized locations, including most Austin H-E-B, Fiesta Mart, Randall’s and Walmart stores 
• Mailing money order or check to P.O. BOX 2267, Austin, TX 78783-2267 or using a drop box location  
• Payment drop boxes are located at the North and South Utility Customer Service Centers, 625 East 10th Street and 505 Barton Springs Rd. Expect 3-5 business days for drop-off payments to process. The payment drop box at the East Branch inside Rosewood-Zaragosa is NOT available at this time. 

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.

City Hosting Candidate Forums for Council Runoff Elections Nov. 30

 

Early voting starts Dec. 1 with runoff election day Dec. 13

The City of Austin and the Ethics Review Commission are partnering with the League of Women Voters Austin Area to sponsor live candidate forums on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. for candidates in the upcoming runoff elections for Austin City Council District 3, Council District 5, Council District 9 and Mayor. The events will provide Austinites an opportunity to listen to candidates express their views so audience members can understand candidates' positions and make informed voting decisions. Candidates who are elected will serve four-year terms. This forum will be a friendly debate style for the candidates. People interested in suggesting a question to be asked of the Candidates during the forums can email forum@lwvaustin.org or call 512-451-6710 by noon on Wednesday. Topics can be both citywide and Council district-specific. Questions suggested repeatedly will be considered for inclusion. The District 3 forum will start at 6 p.m. with Candidate José Velázquez and Candidate Daniela Silva. The District 5 forum will start at 6:45 p.m. with Candidate Ryan Alter and Candidate Stephanie Bazan. The District 9 forum will start at 7:30 p.m. with Candidate Zohaib “Zo” Qadri and Candidate Linda Guerrero. The Mayoral forum will start at 8:15 p.m. with Candidate Celia Israel and Candidate Kirk Watson. Individuals can watch the recorded forums at ATXN.TV (ENG & SPA), cable TV channel 6, and AT&T U-Verse channel 99. The runoff forums will also be available live on KAZI FM 88.7 and by telephone in English (855)-756-7520 Ext.65825#) and Spanish (855)-756-7520 Ext.65826#). Visit AustinTexas.gov/candidateforums to learn more or call 3-1-1. For more information about the election process, visit AustinTexas.gov/Elections.

Make History This Holiday Season With Gingerbread History Heroes

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department invites the public to decorate a holiday ornament as their favorite figure from Texas history. Brush Square Museums will be distributing salt dough “gingerbread cookie” ornaments and a variety of decorating supplies to participating historic sites all around Austin as part of the 3rd Annual Gingerbread History Heroes program.  

Gingerbread History Heroes ornaments will be available for the public to pick up from participating sites December 2 through December 31. Past ornaments include Elisabet Ney, Lydia Mendoza, and Sam Houston. The program is free of charge for all participants. Keep an eye out for Gingerbread History Heroes at your favorite museums and cultural centers this December!

Participating sites include:

• Brush Square Museums (O. Henry Museum and Susanna Dickinson Museum)
• Asian American Resource Center
• Elisabet Ney Museum
• French Legation State Historic Site
• George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
• Old Bakery & Emporium
• Park Ranger Station at the Zilker Caretaker Cottage

Flu Activity Very High & COVID-19 Still Prevalent Ahead of Holiday Season

There is much to be thankful for this season as we make strides in the fight against COVID-19, but now we face another threat. Austin Public Health (APH) epidemiologists are monitoring alarming upper respiratory virus trends, specifically children in the hospital. As friends and family get together for holiday celebrations, it is important to consider those who are at increased risk for poor outcomes should they get sick. Get up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccines, stay home if you feel sick and take preventive measures to minimize the spread of viruses indoors. Emergency rooms in the area are overwhelmed with patients suffering from upper respiratory illnesses. The flu positivity rate in Travis County for the most recent reporting period is 26.88%. It's usually below 10% at this point in the season. The percentage of visits to health care providers due to flu-like illness is 8%--much higher than at this point the last few years (see graph above). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends seasonal flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. "If you haven’t already, please get your seasonal flu shot," said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority. "If we can limit the prevalence of those viruses in our community, it will help our already short-staffed health care system care for high-risk patients." Everyone 6 months and older is eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. More than 71% of those eligible in Travis County have completed their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Only about 37% have gotten a booster or third dose. The CDC recommends everyone five and older get an updated (bivalent) booster shot. Updated boosters offer broader protection against newer COVID-19 variants including BA.5 which is predominant in Travis County. Stay home if you’re feeling sick. The likelihood of spreading viruses is heightened during indoor group gatherings. If you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, the CDC recommends masking and testing at least five days after exposure. If you have COVID-19, stay home and isolate from others for at least five days. "Family and friends who haven’t seen each other for years because of the pandemic may be getting together for the holidays. While this is a time to celebrate, we can’t let our guard down," said APH Director Adrienne Sturrup. "Continue to follow the lessons we’ve learned to keep yourself and loved ones safe and out of the hospital." If you’re hosting guests this holiday season, consider ways to improve ventilation. Ensure it’s easy for visitors to wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizers. You may also choose to wear a well-fitting mask to protect yourself and loved ones who may be at high risk of serious illness. APH has compiled health and safety messaging for the upcoming holiday season. Access the media toolkit and help us share best practices to mitigate the spread of illnesses.

Shop Small, Support A Local Small Business on November 26

 

The City of Austin Economic Development Department encourages everyone to invest in the Austin economy by spending local on Small Business Saturday, November 26. This annual movement helps small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Austin community thrive.     “Small Business Saturday continues to be an important holiday shopping event—part of a larger effort to support small businesses throughout the year,” explains Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director for the Economic Development Department. “We encourage Austinites to make a big impact by spending dollars locally.”   Small businesses are at the core of every community, helping create jobs and bolstering local economies across the U.S. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses generated almost 13 million new jobs over the last 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the economy. In addition, the 2021 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights survey revealed that online shopping, an important source of revenue for small businesses, was up slightly in 2021 (58%), compared to 56% in 2020 and 43% in 2019.   Austin Business Districts Recognizing that small business is vital to the local economy, the Economic Development Department provides resources to help establish business districts that represent Austin’s treasured character. Supported through the Souly Austin program and related district building tools, these vibrant commercial districts offer a range of retail, restaurants, and services.   Discover local restaurants, retail shops, and makers to support citywide. A few of Austin’s culturally rich and diverse neighborhood business districts include: East Cesar Chavez District East 12th Street District North Lamar International District South Congress District Red River Cultural District   Positioned after Black Friday, Small Business Saturday serves as a critical launch into the holiday spending season for many local, small businesses. This national celebration was founded in 2010 by American Express and officially co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) since 2011. Learn more about Small Business Saturday and business promotional materials at ShopSmall.com. Share your favorites on social media using #ShopSmall and #SmallBizSat. ###   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 and subscribe to our newsletter. Connect with us @AustinEconDev on Facebook, @AustinEconDev on Twitter, and @AustinEconDev on YouTube.

City of Austin Thanksgiving Closures 2022

City of Austin Offices, Facilities to Close for Thanksgiving 2022
City of Austin administrative offices and other municipal facilities will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24-25 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Trash, Recycling and Composting Schedules
All trash, recycling and composting collections will "slide" forward one day on Thanksgiving. You will be affected if your regular collection day is Thursday or Friday. Thursday and Friday collections will be picked up on Friday and Saturday. Check your personalized curbside services calendar and set up reminders for all your collections on the Austin Recycles mobile app or online. The Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, but remains open by appointment only on Friday and Saturday.

Austin Public Health
Environmental Health Services at the Rutherford Lane Campus, the Office of Vital Records all WIC and Shots for Tots clinics, Neighborhood Centers and TB, Sexual Health, and Refugee Clinics will be closed Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday.   

COVID-19 testing is available at private and non-profit sites throughout Austin, including pharmacies, hospitals and urgent care centers. Those who have private insurance can contact their doctor’s office or insurer for assessment and testing options. Additional resources:  

• Department of Health and Human Services community-based testing portal  
• COVID.gov testing resources 

Visit Vaccines.gov (Vacunas.gov in Spanish) to find flu and COVID-19 vaccine providers near you.

Parks and Recreation Facilities Schedules
Austin Parks and Recreation holiday hours vary based on facility so please call ahead or check AustinTexas.gov/Parks before you go. Most facilities including museums and cultural centers, recreation centers, and senior centers will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23 and remain closed through Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Tennis Centers will be closed on Thanksgiving Day only. Golf courses will be open on Thanksgiving Day until 1 p.m. All Aquatic Facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving Day except Barton Springs Pool which will operate unguarded. For pool hours over the holiday weekend visit AustinTexas.gov/Pools.

Austin Public Library Schedule
All Austin Public Library locations will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25. Library resources available remotely can be accessed at the Austin Public Library Website: library.austintexas.gov.

Austin Animal Center Schedule
The Austin Animal Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day, and will resume normal hours Friday, Nov. 25.

City of Austin Utilities Schedule
The City of Austin Utilities Customer Care Call Center will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 through Saturday, Nov. 26. Additionally, all City of Austin Utility Customer Service Centers will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25. Customers can make utility payments at coautilities.com or by calling 1-833-375-4919 for a Quick Payment. 

In the event of an outage, please contact us at 512-494-9400 and follow the prompts. A customer service representative will be available 24 hours a day over the holiday to assist with any outage concerns.

Additional payment options include: 

• Paying at authorized locations, including most Austin H-E-B, Fiesta Mart, Randall’s and Walmart stores 
• Mailing money order or check to P.O. BOX 2267, Austin, TX 78783-2267 or using a drop box location  
• Payment drop boxes are located at the North and South Utility Customer Service Centers, 625 East 10th Street and 505 Barton Springs Rd. Expect 3-5 business days for drop-off payments to process. The payment drop box at the East Branch inside Rosewood-Zaragosa is NOT available at this time. 

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.