Austin Public Health Reports First West Nile Virus Death for 2023

 

APH urges precautions to protect against mosquitoes

Austin Public Health (APH) is reporting the death of a Travis County resident after developing an illness caused by West Nile virus (WNV). This is the first confirmed West Nile virus case in Travis County for 2023.    “We are sad to report the first death of the year from West Nile virus in Travis County,” said APH Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “This death is a stark reminder that West Nile virus poses a serious risk, especially to older people and those with weakened immune systems.  We’re seeing an uptick in mosquito breeding due to the recent rains and cooler weather in Texas, we should all take precautions to ‘Fight the Bite.’ It’s important for everyone to protect themselves. Let’s follow the four Ds, DEET, avoid going outdoors from Dusk to Dawn, Drain standing water in pots, tires, and other objects around your home and Dress in long sleeves and pants when you are outdoors. These prevention tools will help to keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe.”  To date, the Environmental Health Services Division has identified 26 positive pools of mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus this year in 12 zip codes, including 78702, 78703, 78704, 78721, 78722, 78723, 78727, 78741, 78751, 78754, 78757 and 78759.    APH will continue to monitor and expand testing for mosquito pools. West Nile Virus is Spread by Mosquitoes  West Nile virus is commonly spread through mosquito bites and is not spread through coughing, sneezing or touching infected people or animals. It is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.   Approximately one in five people infected with West Nile virus develop symptoms such as:  Headache  body aches  Joint pains  Vomiting  Diarrhea  Rash  Of those infected, few can develop serious illness affecting the central nervous system. People over 60 years of age, persons with medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease, and immunocompromised individuals, such as organ transplant recipients are at greater risk of developing serious disease.      Fight the Bite to Prevent West Nile Virus  Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year-round, but the population is largest and most active from May through November. During this period, the APH Environmental Vector Control Unit monitors the mosquito population. Although mosquitoes were quiet this summer due to dry conditions, recent rains have brought them back to life, increasing the risk of contracting mosquito-borne infections for people across the state.      Know the dangers and fight the bite with the “four Ds”:       Drain standing water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water and need as little as one teaspoon of water. Emptying water that accumulates in toys, tires, trash cans, buckets, clogged rain gutters and plant pots will eliminate places for mosquitoes to lay eggs and reproduce.     Dusk to dawn: Although different species of mosquitoes are active at different times of day, the Culex mosquito that spreads West Nile virus is most active between dusk and dawn.     Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; mosquito-repellent clothing is also available.     DEET: Apply insect repellant: Use an EPA-registered repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone. Apply on both exposed skin and clothing.      For more information on West Nile virus, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/WestNile. For additional information about APH Environmental Vector Control and mosquito monitoring programs, visit https://austintexas.gov/department/environmental-vector-control.

Lake Walter E. Long Boat Ramp to Close for Public Safety

Public access to the boat ramp at Lake Walter E. Long will be closed effective Sunday, October 1, 2023, as the lake level is too low to safely allow boating. Operational decisions about lake access are made in collaboration with Austin Energy, Austin Water and the Lower Colorado River Authority. 

The lake level is maintained by pumping water from the Colorado River. Flows from the Colorado River have been insufficient to allow pumping into Lake Walter E. Long due to lack of local rainfall and reduced inflows into the Highland Lakes. 

Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Parks and Recreation will continue to monitor available Colorado River flows and will resume pumping operations as conditions allow which will allow the boat ramp to reopen safely. The City appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding.

Parks and Recreation Department Project Receives Preservation Award

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) received a Preservation Texas Honor Award on Thursday, September 21, at the Central Texas Regional Preservation Summit ceremony held at Dunbar Recreation Center in San Marcos for the restoration of the historic grandstands at Downs Field, 2816 E 12th St. The award recognizes a major milestone in a decade-long effort to restore and promote the historically significant field, which has been the home of sports for Black athletes in Austin for nearly 100 years.

The site was first used in the 1920s by Samuel Huston College baseball and the Austin Black Senators, the first Negro Baseball League team in Austin. Baseball greats associated with the field include Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, Smokey Joe Williams and Buck O’Neil. Later, the site hosted the original L.C. Anderson’s Yellowjackets football team, which won the state championship in 1942. In 1954, Downs Field was established at the site and named in honor of Reverend Karl Downs (1912-1948), who was President of Samuel Huston College. Today, Downs Field is the home field of the Huston-Tillotson Rams.

The project included replacement of the corrugated metal roof and structural upgrades to the steel supports and wood framing, while replicating the original architectural characteristics. The grandstands restoration follows a multi-year effort to restore and enhance the field and has engaged nonprofit partners including the Rosewood Neighborhood Association, Six Square, Forklift Danceworks, and Austin Parks Foundation. The site was designated a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission in 2015.

The Downs Field Grandstand restoration project was funded by the Historic Preservation Fund in partnership with the Heritage Tourism Division of the Economic Development Department. The fund, made possible through the Hotel Occupancy Tax, helps preserve and restore Austin’s historic treasures to be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
 

The Elisabet Ney Museum Presents Re-Imagining the Ney: A Community Art Bash, Saturday, October 21 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Friends of Elisabet Ney Museum present Re-Imagining the Ney: A Community Art Bash on Saturday, October 21 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Elisabet Ney Museum, 304 E. 44^th St. It is free and open to the public.

Register via Eventbrite.
 
Reimagine Elisabet Ney's iconoclastic life and brilliant art through the lens of three Austin contemporary visual artists: Yuliya Lanina, Agustina Rodriguez and Lisa B. Woods. Each will be creating site-specific art experiences in the Museum or historic grounds. Attendees will experience artist interventions, theatrical performances, and musical expressions immersed throughout the Museum's expansive grounds, paired with curated food and drinks from local vendors and specialized museum tours crafted by interpretive actors, Yunina C Barbour-Payne, Venese Alcantar, and Savannah Lee. 
 
In the flavor of Ney’s marble cutting process, Eric McMaster’s Digital Fabrication students from the University of Texas will share their current-day translations of Ney’s plaster casts. Come celebrate the museum's evolving programs and exhibits and share your thoughts on the next evolution of the Museum. As the evening approaches, the event will transition into an after-hours event, featuring interactive projects and musical interventions by artist Amanda Vaughn. Featured sponsors include Quiet Events, Fair Weather Cider Company, Fancy Fancy, and Chawar. 
 
The Ney Museum Strives to ensure an inclusive and community-centered approach and will be actively interviewing and surveying visitors throughout the event. Alternatively, you can share your thoughts by emailing ney@austintexas.gov. To learn more about the Re-Imagining the Ney interpretive plan and capital improvement project please click here.

Austin Chosen as Host City for the 2026 Greater & Greener Conference

 

The City Parks Alliance, City of Austin, and The Trail Conservancy and are excited to announce that Greater & Greener 2026, the premier international event exploring the transformative potential of urban parks, will be hosted in Austin, Texas. The conference will bring together more than 1,000 urban park leaders, city planners, design professionals, and advocates from around the world to discuss the critical role of parks in building equitable, vibrant, and resilient cities. Greater & Greener 2026 will take place June 13–16, 2026 in Austin, Texas, and will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions, workshops, and tours on the significant impact of urban parks on communities and cities. The event is presented by City Parks Alliance in partnership with the City of Austin and The Trail Conservancy. “Austin is thrilled to host the Greater & Greener conference 2026,” said Heidi Anderson, CEO of The Trail Conservancy in Austin. “Our city is a testament to the power of parks and green spaces to create a dynamic and inclusive urban environment. We are excited to showcase our commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and resilience and welcome attendees from across the country and the world to do the same.” Greater & Greener has a longstanding tradition of addressing pressing urban challenges through the lens of parks. The 2026 event will emphasize themes such as equitable access to green spaces, the economic benefits of parks, environmental resilience, and the role of parks in city-building. “Austin is the perfect place for the Greater & Greener 2026 conference attendees to gather,” said Catherine Nagel, executive director of City Parks Alliance. “With strong public-private partnerships and a diverse community, Austin will provide a dynamic learning lab for Greater & Greener attendees from across the country. We look forward to partnering with the City of Austin and The Trail Conservancy to showcase Austin’s efforts to create an equitable, vibrant, and resilient city.” As a city that values sustainability and inclusivity, Austin’s parks are a testament to its commitment to a healthier, happier community and respect for protecting and fostering the natural and native environment. Hosting Greater & Greener 2026 provides an opportunity for Austin to showcase its innovative approaches to urban greenery and to engage with global partners in a collaborative effort to keep cities green and communities thriving. “As a dynamic, growing city, access to public parks is essential for Austin’s continued success. That is why we remain focused on providing that access for everyone in our community. We’re proud to welcome the Greater & Greener conference and look forward to sharing ideas and learning from industry best practices,” said Jesús Garza, the City of Austin interim city manager. Kimberly McNeeley, Parks and Recreation Director of the City of Austin, added, “The Greater and Greener conference gives Austin Parks and Recreation the chance to share our city-within-a-park approach and to highlight the importance of parks, trails, and green spaces within walking distance for all Austinites.” Visit Austin, the official destination marketing and sales organization for the city, will also play a pivotal role in welcoming conference attendees to Austin and showcasing the city’s unique attractions. Stay tuned for further details on Greater & Greener 2026, including program information, registration details, and sponsorship opportunities. For updates, visit the Greater & Greener 2026 webpage and follow updates on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter using the hashtag #GreaterGreener. About City Parks Alliance City Parks Alliance is the only independent, nationwide membership organization solely dedicated to urban parks. The Alliance’s mission is to educate and elevate a diverse constituency to leverage the power of parks in shaping equitable, resilient, and thriving cities. City Parks Alliance’s 400 member organizations comprise a dynamic network of urban park and recreation leaders, city planning and design professionals, public officials, advocates, funders, and innovators from all sectors in the United States and beyond. Learn more at www.cityparksalliance.org. About Greater & Greener Presented by the City Parks Alliance, Greater & Greener is the only conference dedicated to exploring the full potential of parks as city-building tools. It’s a conference for doers from government, nonprofits, and communities who are using the power of parks to create more sustainable, vibrant, and equitable cities. Each Greater & Greener is a unique experience with new learning opportunities, hosted by a different city every two years. With more than 1,000 attendees, Greater & Greener is an exciting mix of indoor learning sessions and outdoor experiences. The highly curated agenda sets the tables for honest, cross-sector dialogue with others doing hands-on work. Attendees take home strategies and tools for using parks to build more sustainable, vibrant, and equitable cities. They get to experience the host city’s unique park and recreation system with expert-led tours and mobile workshops and meet the innovators and partners behind their creative approaches. Greater & Greener 2024 is hosted by Seattle. About Austin Parks and Recreation Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) seeks to inspire our community to learn, play, protect, and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. PARD protects and maintains parkland, urban forest, and trails as well as offering sports, recreation, educational enrichment, arts programs, cultural opportunities, and nature and aquatic activities for Austinites. For more information, visit AustinTexas.gov/Parks. The Trail Conservancy The Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake for the benefit of all. The Butler Trail is the 10-mile lush, urban path in the heart of Austin that gets more than 4.9 million visits every year. Since its founding in 2003, The Trail Conservancy has achieved restoration and beautification projects to the Trail’s infrastructure and environment while honoring the original vision of the Trail’s founders and ensuring its vibrancy for generations to come.

City Closes Extreme Heat Resources for the Summer

 

Cooling Centers, Misting Canopy wind down with cooler temperatures

Central Texas experienced its hottest summer on record in 2023. Austin saw a total of 80 days with 100-degree heat, 40 days with temperatures of 105 degrees or higher, and received less than 1.5 inches of rain from June through August. The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for 38 days. Now, with milder temperatures, the City will halt operations related to heat including Cooling Centers and the Misting Canopy Pilot.   “We appreciate all the work that went into keeping our community informed and safe. We are thankful to all our library and parks staff who helped provide Cooling Center services to our community,” said Ken Snipes, Director for the Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “Our emergency responders did an amazing job putting out fires, treating those who experienced heat-related illnesses and responding to those who needed medical attention. As we move into our next season, I ask everyone in our community to use our preparedness resources to learn how to become more resilient before for the next extreme heat event.”   To help Austinites cope with unprecedented heat in 2023 the City continued its practice of opening Austin Public Libraries and Parks and Recreation Department facilities as Cooling Centers. These Cooling Centers provided a temporary respite for Austinites and visitors alike during the hottest times of the day to take a break from the heat, rest in an air-conditioned building and have a drink or snack. On days when the National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning some of the Cooling Centers also extended their hours.   This summer Austin HSEM developed a Cooling Centers Map using Google Maps with the location and hours of operation for facilities being used as Cooling Centers. This map is housed on the Emergency Alerts webpage at austintexas.gov/alerts, where information is translated into 14 languages, allowing users to get directions to a Cooling Center near them in just a few clicks.   Austin HSEM also launched a Misting Canopy Pilot program this summer. On days with an Excessive Heat Warning, the department set up the Misting Canopy at Republic Square Park and handed out cold bottles of water. This service launched in mid-July, operated for 26 days and distributed 19,233 bottles of water. The program was not available on Saturdays due to a regularly scheduled farmers’ market in Republic Square.   Keeping our community members safe in the summer heat is a city-wide initiative. Despite all efforts, some people still experienced heat-related illnesses or needed emergency response. Austin-Travis County EMS responded to 944 heat-related illness calls from May 1 through September 25. Austin Public Health reported 1,518 heat-related hospital visits and 91 emergency room visits related to drowning. It should be noted that over 70% of heat-related visits were male, and serves as a reminder for people working, exercising, or participating in other outdoor activities to educate themselves on signs for heat-related illness and take precautions to stay safe.   Additionally, Austin Fire Department (AFD) responded to 923 grass and brush fires from May 1 through September 1.  While these numbers come from fires inside the City of Austin, AFD and regional partners have responded to hundreds of other grass and brush fires in neighboring communities. Conditions are still high for wildfire threat and the community should remain prepared and diligent to avoid sources of ignition that could start a wildfire.   To learn more about heat and wildfire preparedness visit ReadyCentralTexas.org.

City Helping Renters and Homeowners Stay in Place through Displacement Prevention Community Partnerships

Voters approved $300 million of Project Connect anti-displacement funding in November 2020

La versión en español sigue a continuación.  AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Housing Department and the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) awarded $16.5 million in funding to 12 organizations working to prevent the displacement of renters and homeowners in Austin. The organizations were selected to help strengthen households by focusing on people at risk of displacement due to their proximity to transit lines. Austin residents at risk of displacement along the Project Connect corridors can learn about available help and eligibility criteria.  “This is an important milestone for Project Connect. Our desire is to create positive outcomes for our community as transit access expands in Austin,” explains Rosie Truelove, Director for the Housing Department. “These investments will get us closer to accomplishing that goal by providing resources to mitigate potential displacement pressures. Together with our Community Initiated Solutions partners, we’ll continue to ensure residents are supported in our communities.”  The public is invited to celebrate and connect with City staff and local organizations to learn about the programs and eligibility on October 14 at Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The event will feature conversations with community leaders, and the Community Initiated Solutions partner organizations.   “The work that will be provided through the CIS partners is amazing! Communities have solutions to address their problems. What is often lacking for community groups, is the financial resources to address the challenges that families face,” said Nefertitti Jackmon, Community Displacement Prevention Officer. “CIS is a unique opportunity to provide community organizations with the financial resources that they need to invest and support families and communities in our city. Austin can be proud of itself … and then we have to do it again, and again, until we have different, positive outcomes for all residents.”  Community Initiated Solutions Partners  Economic Mobility  Goodwill Industries of Central Texas The Connections to Work program will support economic mobility within impacted areas through workforce programs providing job training and occupational skills training credentials for living-wage positions; financial capability services; and direct rent/mortgage and utility relief for eligible participants.   Life Anew Restorative Justice Inc. The Anti-Displacement Property Ownership program will educate eligible homeowners on land ownership, estate planning, Zero Energy, Condo Regimes and financial literacy.  Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) The Financial Education and Literacy Program will provide financial education to vulnerable children, grades 6-12, and their families to help prepare them for a financially secure future.  Homeownership Expansion  Austin Cooperative Business Foundation Asociación de Residentes The Asociación de Residentes North Lamar (ARNL) is a Manufactured Housing Community owned by residents as a cooperative. This program will assist with a property tax abatement strategy.  Business & Community Lenders The Austin CLT Accelerator will grow and scale the capacity of a cohort of nonprofits to increase community land trust availability, establishing long-term affordable homeownership opportunities along Project Connect transit lines to help households stabilize their finances and avoid displacement.  Del Valle Community Coalition The Homeowner Resilience Program will support Southeast Austin homeowners at risk of displacement by providing community strategies and investment to preserve and build wealth that is responsive to homeowner needs via counseling, advocacy capacity-building, financial assistance, and educational Homeowner Resilience events.  Tenant Stabilization  Austin Tenants Council (A project of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid) The anti-displacement funding will increase tenant stabilization along the Project Connect corridor by empowering tenants to exercise their rights through mediation, advocacy, and education.    Austin Voices for Education and Youth The North Austin/Rundberg Community Stabilization Project will provide rent assistance for short-term stabilization, social work case-management to increase resource access, and workforce education, community building, advocacy and tenant rights education to increase long-term housing stability.    Communities in School of Central Texas The Student and Family Assistance (SAFA) program provides financial support to address housing insecurity, helping to stabilize students' home lives and prevent displacement. The program will integrate rental assistance into existing financial support processes and connect students and their families to financial wellness resources and events.  El Buen Samaritano The "We Belong Here" program will assist tenants with rent and utilities and provide economic mobility and opportunity through collaborations that provide access to early childhood, youth academic advancement, adult education and workforce development.  Meals on Wheels Central Texas  The Client Assistance Program will provide case management and financial assistance (including rent, utilities, mortgage, financial education, and other housing expenses) to Meals on Wheels Central Texas (MOWCTX) clients who are most at-risk of displacement.  Workers Defense Project & Building And Strengthening Tenant Action Combatting Displacement Through Tenant and Worker Power will build tenant resiliency in Project Connect corridors by engaging renters in building infrastructure to combat displacement events.  Community Initiated Solutions Background   Project Connect is a citywide comprehensive rapid transit system that consists of expanded light rail and bus service, new Park & Ride facilities, and new neighborhood circulators. With the approval of Proposition A in November 2020, voters approved $300 million of anti-displacement funding. In 2022, funds were made available for ideas from the community that focused on addressing the housing needs of vulnerable neighborhoods. The Housing and Planning Department and AHFC invited organizations to apply for funding that would support efforts to focus on communities at risk of displacement.   Applications for Community Initiated Solutions were reviewed by a community evaluation panel composed of practitioners, academics, and stakeholders from communities most impacted by displacement. The panels reviewed and scored proposals using evaluation criteria informed by the Nothing About Us Without Us report and tool. The City received 37 proposals with a request in funding for over $68 million in programming.   The City of Austin continues to work closely with CapMetro and the Austin Transit Partnership to ensure that transit-supportive anti-displacement housing strategies are built and implemented with full transparency for all Project Connect initiatives. These strategies will be guided by the Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint and Federal Transit Administration, and the needs of the communities for housing along the Project Connect System Plan to address key housing challenges for at-risk communities within 1 mile of Project Connect stations (see map).  To learn more about the Community Initiated Solutions partners and their programs, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.    La Ciudad ayuda a inquilinos y propietarios a quedarse en sus viviendas a través de sociedades comunitarias de prevención de desplazamiento  Los votantes aprobaron $300 millones de fondos anti-desplazamiento de Project Connect en noviembre de 2020   AUSTIN, TX – El Departamento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Austin y la Corporación de Financiamiento de Vivienda de Austin (AHFC, por sus siglas en inglés) otorgaron $16.5 millones a 12 organizaciones que trabajan para prevenir el desplazamiento de inquilinos y propietarios en Austin. Las organizaciones fueron seleccionadas para ayudar a fortalecer los hogares enfocándose en las personas en riesgo de desplazamiento debido a su proximidad a las líneas de transporte público. Los residentes de Austin en riesgo de desplazamiento a lo largo de los corredores de Project Connect pueden aprender más sobre la ayuda disponible y los criterios para calificar.    "Este es un logro importante para Project Connect. Nuestro deseo es crear resultados positivos para nuestra comunidad a medida que expandimos el acceso a transporte público en Austin", explicó Rosie Truelove, directora del Departamento de Vivienda. "Estas mejoras nos acercarán más a la meta de proveer recursos para mitigar posibles presiones de desplazamiento. Junto con nuestros socios de Soluciones Iniciadas por la Comunidad, continuaremos garantizando que los residentes reciban apoyo en nuestras comunidades".    Invitamos al público a celebrar y conectar con el personal de la Ciudad y organizaciones locales para conocer más sobre los programas y requisitos el 14 de octubre en el Centro de Actividades para Adultos Mayores Conley-Guerrero de 10 a.m. a 3 p.m. Durante el evento habrá conversaciones con líderes comunitarios y las organizaciones socias de Soluciones Iniciadas por la Comunidad.    "¡El trabajo que se proveerá a través de los socios de Soluciones Iniciadas por la Comunidad es increíble! Las comunidades tienen soluciones para abordar sus problemas. Lo que necesitan generalmente los grupos comunitarios es los recursos financieros para tratar los desafíos a los que se enfrentan las familias", dijo Nefertitti Jackmon, directora de Prevención de Desplazamiento en la Comunidad. "Soluciones Iniciadas por la Comunidad es una oportunidad única para proveer a las organizaciones comunitarias los recursos financieros que necesitan para invertir y apoyar a las familias y comunidades en nuestra ciudad. Austin debe sentirse orgullosa de sí misma... y después lo tenemos que hacer otra vez, y otra vez, hasta que tengamos resultados positivos distintos para todos los residentes".  Socios de Soluciones Iniciadas por la Comunidad Movilidad económica  Goodwill Industries del Centro de Texas El programa Conexiones para Trabajar (Connections to Work) apoyará la movilidad económica dentro de las áreas afectadas mediante programas de fuerza laboral que proveen capacitación laboral y credenciales de capacitación vocacional para posiciones con salario vital mínimo; servicios de capacidad financiera; y alivio directo de alquiler/hipoteca y servicios públicos para los participantes que califiquen.   Life Anew Restorative Justice Inc. El programa Titularidad de Propiedades Anti-desplazamiento (Anti-Displacement Property Ownership) educará a los propietarios que califiquen sobre compra de terrenos, planificación de patrimonio, energía cero, régimen en condominio y educación financiera.  Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) El programa de Educación y Habilidades Financieras (Financial Education and Literacy Program) proveerá educación financiera a niños vulnerables, de 6to a 12vo grado, y sus familias para prepararlos para un futuro económicamente seguro.  Expansión de compra de viviendas  Austin Cooperative Business Foundation Asociación de Residentes La Asociación de Residentes North Lamar (ARNL) es una comunidad de vivienda prefabricadas propiedad de sus residentes como cooperativa. Este programa asistirá con estrategias de alivio de impuestos a la propiedad.  Business & Community Lenders El Acelerador de Fedeicomisos de Terrenos Comunitarios de Austin (Austin CLT Accelerator) crecerá a una escala de capacidad para abarcar un conjunto de organizaciones sin fines de lucro para aumentar la disponibilidad de fideicomisos de terrenos comunitarios, establecer oportunidades de compra de vivienda económica a largo plazo a lo largo de las líneas de transporte público de Project Connect para ayudar a los hogares a estabilizar sus finanzas y evitar el desplazamiento.  Coalición Comunitaria Del Valle El Programa de Resiliencia de Propietarios de Vivienda (Homeowner Resilience Program) apoyará a los propietarios del sureste de Austin en riesgo de desplazamiento proveyendo estrategias e inversiones comunitarias para preservar y crear riqueza que sean sensibles a las necesidades de los propietarios mediante orientación, defensa de construcción de capacidad, asistencia financiera y eventos educativos de Resiliencia de Propietarios de Vivienda.  Estabilización de inquilinos  Consejo de Inquilinos de Austin (un proyecto de Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid) Los fondos anti-desplazamiento aumentarán la estabilización de los inquilinos a lo largo del corredor de Project Connect empoderando a los inquilinos para ejercer sus derechos a través de mediación, defensa y educación.    Austin Voices for Education and Youth El Proyecto de Estabilización Comunitaria del Norte de Austin/Rundberg proveerá asistencia de alquiler para la estabilización a corto plazo, trabajadores sociales para manejo de casos para aumentar el acceso a recursos, y educación laboral, promoción comunitaria, defensa y educación de los derechos de los inquilinos para aumentar la estabilidad de vivienda a largo plazo.    Communities in School of Central Texas El programa de Asistencia para Estudiantes y Familias (Student and Family Assistance) provee apoyo financiero para abordar la inseguridad de vivienda, ayudando a estabilizar las vidas de los hogares de los estudiantes y prevenir el desplazamiento. El programa integrará la asistencia de alquiler a los procesos de apoyo financiero existentes y conectará a los estudiantes y sus familias con recursos y eventos de bienestar financiero.  El Buen Samaritano El programa "We Belong Here" asistirá a los inquilinos con el alquiler y los servicios públicos y proveerá movilidad económica y oportunidad a través de colaboraciones que proveen acceso a educación temprana, avance académico juvenil, educación para adultos y desarrollo de la fuerza laboral.  Meals on Wheels del Centro de Texas El Programa de Asistencia al Cliente provee manejo de casos y asistencia financiera (incluyendo alquiler, servicios públicos, hipoteca, educación financiera y otros gastos de vivienda) a los clientes de Meals on Wheels del Centro de Texas (MOWCTX, por sus siglas en inglés) que están en mayor riesgo de desplazamiento.  Workers Defense Project & Building And Strengthening Tenant Action Combatir el desplazamiento empoderando a los inquilinos y trabajadores creará resiliencia de los inquilinos en los corredores de Project Connect haciendo que los inquilinos participen en la construcción de infraestructura para combatir los eventos de desplazamiento.  Información sobre Soluciones Iniciadas por la Comunidad   Project Connect es un sistema de transporte público rápido e integral para toda la ciudad que consiste de servicio expandido de tren urbano y autobuses, nuevas instalaciones de Park & Ride y nuevos autobuses que circulan en los vecindarios. Con la aprobación de la Proposición A en noviembre de 2020, los votantes aprobaron $300 millones de fondos anti-desplazamiento. En 2022, se dispusieron los fondos para ideas de la comunidad que se enfoquen en abordar las necesidades de vivienda de los vecindarios vulnerables. El Departamento de Vivienda y Planificación y la AHFC invitaron a las organizaciones a solicitar los fondos que apoyarían los esfuerzos para enfocarse en las comunidades en riesgo de desplazamiento.   Un panel de evaluación comunitaria compuesto de profesionales, académicos y partes interesadas de las comunidades más afectadas por el desplazamiento revisaron las solicitudes de Soluciones Iniciadas por la Comunidad. El panel revisó y calificó las propuestas usando un criterio de evaluación basado en el informe y herramienta "Nothing About Us Without Us". La Ciudad recibió 37 propuestas con una solicitud de financiamiento de más de $68 millones en programas.   La Ciudad de Austin continúa trabajando de cerca con CapMetro y la Austin Transit Partnership para garantizar que las estrategias de vivienda anti-desplazamiento que apoyan el transporte público se creen y ejecuten con total transparencia para todas las iniciativas de Project Connect. Estas estrategias se basarán en el Plan Estratégico de Vivienda de Austin y en la Administración Federal de Transporte Público, y en las necesidades de vivienda de las comunidades a lo largo del Plan del Sistema Project Connect para abordar los retos de vivienda clave para las comunidades en riesgo dentro de 1 milla de las estaciones de Project Connect (ver mapa).  Para obtener más información sobre los socios de Soluciones Iniciadas por la Comunidad y sus programas, visite www.austintexas.gov/housing.  ###   About the City of Austin Housing Department  The City of Austin Housing Department provides equitable and comprehensive housing, community development, and displacement prevention to enhance the quality of life of all Austinites. To access affordable housing and community resources, visit www.austintexas.gov/housing.  Acerca del Departamento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Austin  El Departamento de Vivienda de la Ciudad de Austin provee vivienda equitativa e integral, desarrollo comunitario y prevención de desplazamiento para mejorar la calidad de vida de todos los austinianos. Para acceder a recursos comunitarios y de vivienda económica, visite www.austintexas.gov/housing.    About the Austin Housing Finance Corporation The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) was created as a public, non-profit corporation and instrumentality of the City of Austin. The mission of the AHFC is to generate and implement strategic housing solutions for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents of the City of Austin.  Acerca de la Corporación de Financiamiento de Vivienda de Austin  La Corporación de Financiamiento de Vivienda de Austin (AHFC, por sus siglas en inglés) fue creada como una corporación y organismo público sin fines de lucro de la Ciudad de Austin. La misión de la AHFC es generar y poner en práctica soluciones estratégicas de vivienda para el beneficio de los residentes de ingresos bajos a moderados de la Ciudad de Austin.

2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival ‘Know Before You Go’

Austin City Limits Music Festival returns to Zilker Park for its 22^nd year on October 6–8 and October 13–15. The City of Austin is excited to host music fans from across the country to take in the vibrance and local culture for these two weekends. Before the festival begins, attendees are encouraged to read through guidance from the City of Austin to ensure a safe and fun experience. 

Austin Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) 

• Festival setup, which includes safety fencing, is underway. This park access map outlines impacts on the grounds.
• Visit the ACL Fest Website to learn about bags, water bottles, and other allowed/prohibited items. 
• Pack an empty, refillable water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the event.   
• Wear shoes, clothes, and hats that are appropriate for the outdoor environment and weather conditions. 
• Communicate your anticipated whereabouts ahead of time and set a meeting place in case cell phone coverage is intermittent at the festival.   
• Ensure your phone is fully charged when you arrive.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Please follow Leave No Trace principles. Plan ahead and prepare. Dispose of waste properly. Be considerate of other visitors.

 
Park Rules and City Ordinances: 

• Glass and Styrofoam are not allowed on park grounds.
• No outside alcohol is allowed on site. 
• Swimming in Lady Bird Lake is prohibited. 
• Smoking and vaping are prohibited in City of Austin parks. Violators are subject to a Class C Misdemeanor.  
• Vending at the park site without a permit will result in a minimum $200 fine – a Class C Misdemeanor. 

 
Austin Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) 

• A free shuttle service provided by ACL Fest boards at Republic Square Park and drops riders at the entrance to the festival. Attendees can also ride the shuttle back downtown each evening of the festival.  
• CapMetro: Use the CapMetro trip planner to and from the park - MetroRapid 803 is the best route to get directly to ACL Fest.  
• Hike & Bike Trail: Walk or bike directly to the festival. Bring a light and remember motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail. 
• Bicycle: This bike detour map provides routes around the festival.  
• Micromobility: If you are taking a shared scooter or bike to the event, drop off the device in a designated area before entering the grounds.  
• Rideshare: Pickup and drop-off points will be located near MoPac at Veterans Drive, Lee Barton Drive, Jessie Street, and Wallingwood Drive. 
• There is no parking at Zilker Park or in the surrounding neighborhoods. Parking on the grass or on unauthorized park grounds will result in a large fine during special events. 
• This street closure map provides a full preview of the road closure and lane reduction schedule. 
• Barton Springs Pool remains open. This map shows access routes.

 
Austin Police Department (APD) 

• APD will conduct a No Refusal Initiative that will coincide with the upcoming ACL Fest. This initiative will be in effect from October 5 through October 16 and will run daily from 9:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. This initiative is an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe by encouraging drivers to make responsible decisions, and to apply for blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen as required by law. APD and TPW are continuously focused on preventing lives from being lost on the streets, highways, and waterways of Austin.  
• Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowds.  
• Keep your phone and ID/credit cards/cash in separate places on your person.  
• Do not keep your phone in your back pocket - phones sticking out of back pockets or backpacks are not secure.  
• Keep property in a secure location (front pocket, fanny pack) or leave at home. 
• Record serial number information for your device and store it separately.  
• Notify on-site security/APD immediately for assistance.  
• Utilize APD’s online reporting site or Austin 3-1-1 (non-emergency) to report theft. 
• Check the ACL Fest lost and found site to report or attempt to locate a lost cell phone. 
• If you see something, say something. 

 
Austin Fire Department (AFD) 

• Be aware of a large volume of pedestrians sharing the roadway in the area around the festival. 
• If there is an emergency response to the area, please give right-of-way to allow emergency vehicles access.  
• Dispose of smoking materials safely.   
• AFD will be on-site to ensure all fire code requirements are met. 

 
Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) 

• ATCEMS will provide on-site medical resources at the festival. 
• If you or someone you're with experiences a medical emergency and can make it to the medical tent, please do so. If unable, call 9-1-1 and provide as many details about where the medics need to go to reach the patient as quickly as possible. 
• Download and use the What3Words App both during emergencies and personal use at the festival.
• Consume alcohol in moderation and avoid using illicit substances. 
• Do not take pills that have not been prescribed to you and legally dispensed from a licensed pharmacy. 

 
Austin Public Health (APH) 
APH recommends attendees get vaccinated, use hand sanitizer and wash hands often, and stay home if you feel sick.   
 
Communication During the Festival
The City of Austin will utilize X and Facebook to push out relevant information. The Austin Police Department, Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin Fire Department, and Austin Emergency Management will also employ their X feeds for time-sensitive notifications.  
 
ACL Fest will utilize their website, Facebook, X, Instagram, and the ACL Music Fest app to share information with festival goers.  
 
Community members and visitors should call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency – where there is an immediate threat to life or property – and Austin 3-1-1 (512-974-2000) to report a non-emergency situation.
 
A Message from ACL Fest and C3 Presents  
We strive to continually update and evolve our safety and security protocols, which include education and preventative measures to keep people safe. With this in mind, we are partnering with This Must Be the Place, an overdose prevention nonprofit, who will educate music fans about the dangers of Fentanyl and supply them with the life-saving opioid reversal medicine, Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan. We encourage attendees to stop by their booth at the festival and learn more.

About Austin Center for Events
The Austin Center for Events (ACE) 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 and Public Works, Parks, Music, Police, Fire, EMS, Austin Resource Recovery, Development Services, and partner agencies, and works closely with event organizers to guide them through the special event permitting process.