tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50278173601880545442024-03-17T20:04:42.370-07:00Today in AustinProvided by ATXPress: TodayinAustin is a bulletin board for City of Austin communications to the public.dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comBlogger1572125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-32690657101880906942024-03-11T19:32:00.000-07:002024-03-11T19:32:03.541-07:00Women swimmers are unhappy w/ the proposed 2024 rehab of Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse. Learn more.<p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1suwypcP74I?si=d2S0U5jb9tmUGA-q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-41161371112038448322024-03-11T18:02:00.000-07:002024-03-11T18:02:19.058-07:00$105.2 million Capital Construction Grant, I35 Cap and Stitch project, visit OurFuture35.com.<p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">AUSTIN, Texas – The City of Austin has been awarded a $105.2 million Capital Construction Grant as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program (NAE), funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The City will use this grant funding to construct a 5.3-acre freeway cap over I-35 between Cesar Chavez and Fourth Street as part of Our Future 35: Austin’s Cap and Stitch Program.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The City’s ‘Our Future 35’ initiative aims to construct caps and stitches, otherwise known as platforms or lids, over portions of I-35 in Central Austin being reconstructed as part of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Capital Express Central Project.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The City's cap and stitch project provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the landscape of Central Austin by building public space and amenities that celebrate and connect all Austinites.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“A primary goal of pushing and pushing to get I-35 lowered was so that we could have the potential for not only reducing the divide it created and continues to perpetuate, but so that we might have caps and stitches that allow for far better connections,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. “This federal award will better enable Austin to realize that vision, and I’m really excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to work together to create a more complete city. And thank you to our Congressional delegation who worked to bring home this critical funding.”</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The City applied for the grant in September and identified the freeway cap between Cesar Chavez Street and Fourth Street as a strong candidate project due to the enhanced connections it will provide residents of the East Cesar Chavez Neighborhood to downtown previously cut off by the original construction of I-35, including a potentially uninterrupted walking and biking corridor across I-35 at Third Street that requires no frontage road crossings.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“These are the first three blocks of what could eventually be additional benefits through additional capping along I-35 with help from UT, the City and other interested parties,” U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) said in a media release.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“Crossing I-35 on foot doesn’t have to feel like an uncomfortable game of Frogger,” Rep. Greg Casar (D-Austin) said. “We’re bringing federal dollars home to Austin, reconnecting East and West Austin, and creating dynamic spaces for all of our residents.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The City will contribute a $45 million local match to the project and will coordinate with TxDOT on the design and engineering of the cap structure and anticipates a robust public process to determine the design of amenities on top that will be constructed after the structure is built.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The City continues to explore funding and phasing strategies for other caps and stitches, including additional grants, philanthropy, and other sources.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To learn more about the Cap and Stitch project, visit OurFuture35.com.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">About Austin Transportation and Public Works Department</p><p class="p1" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Austin Transportation and Public Works is a highly reliable organization that builds and maintains mobility infrastructure for our community. Visit AustinTexas.gov/TPW.</p><p class="p2" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-26255076384659999202024-03-11T15:29:00.000-07:002024-03-11T15:29:48.485-07:00The City of Austin and Austin Police Association Meet and Confer Negotiations Scheduled<p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Formal negotiations on a new long-term contract between the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association (APA) are set to begin on March 13, 2024. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">All parties agree that a long-term contract is in the best interest of the community and are committed to finding a resolution. The goal is for any agreement reached between the APA and the City’s bargaining team to address community concerns, navigate current legal challenges, and garner Council approval. </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">The APA and the City will meet to negotiate the terms of the Austin Police Department Meet and Confer Agreement on the following dates which can also be found on the City’s website at: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Da588448b2a%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1710275335287000&usg=AOvVaw19M7GORhE-jbWD-vN5-XE7" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=a588448b2a&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.austintexas.gov/<wbr></wbr>department/labor-relations-<wbr></wbr>office</a> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><strong>City of Austin and Austin Police Association - Meet and Confer:</strong> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><u><strong>March 13, 2024 10 a.m.</strong></u> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Human Resources Department (LRC) </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Austin, Tx. 78741 </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Room 204 (Auditorium), Suite 500 </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><br /><u><strong>March 20, 2024 10 a.m.</strong></u> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Location TBD </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">The meetings will be live streamed and can be accessed here: </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dd167dace71%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1710275335287000&usg=AOvVaw2qb-jRpx8hkJ5mEhTD8FXH" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=d167dace71&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@<wbr></wbr>cityofaustinlaborrelations1584<wbr></wbr>/streams</a> </p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">The meetings are open to the public, but attendees will not be able to speak or engage in the negotiations. The meetings will also follow state law <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dfb6a713048%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1710275335287000&usg=AOvVaw1qROwK30EpnvaleqWRcu2H" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=fb6a713048&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Texas Local Government Code Section 143.305</a> which states that the agreement and any documents prepared and used in connection with the agreement are available to the public only after the agreement is ratified by the City Council.</p><p><br /></p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-88604848441295231412024-03-08T14:07:00.000-08:002024-03-08T14:07:09.224-08:00Deep Eddy Pool Reopens in Time for Spring Break; Lifeguard Training and Hiring Can Be the Start of a New Career<p><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" height="323" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NYsQdowjM6X_lhXSVf4zBytZynVL6hEGAUQ9U9dGoEC3dMbowu3w9k44vTi6PP3Z0graJZH6LCSXAmfz_S0_mLQ35YL-doidZh_EMnedjTKvjG8bKmcaqIxYFkqtuHeuR3ftakkh4qZdTtTSwb3mYLjdbNnVfsxiFZrmng9yBA=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c/_compresseds/6715dc61-8220-e051-53e3-e33a6c6cfb8f.jpg" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #202020; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; height: 323px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 560px; outline: none; width: 575px;" tabindex="0" width="575" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Photo Courtesy of Progressive Commercial Aquatics</em></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Ave., will reopen just in time for spring break. The Deep Eddy lap pool will be open for normal operating hours on Monday, March 11, with the shallow side opening for recreational swim the next day, Tuesday, March 12. Find hours of operation at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D9bd1bf6737%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1710021846010000&usg=AOvVaw1IKwAhmm-1grXSMVMLBIRy" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=9bd1bf6737&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">AustinTexas.gov/Pools</a>.<br /><br />Deep Eddy Pool was closed temporarily since Monday, January 8 for maintenance improvements including replacement of a damaged bulkhead and upgraded deck lighting. This maintenance project was made possible in part by funding from the Austin Parks Foundation.<br /><br /><strong>Lifeguard Training and Hiring</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">The City of Austin offers lifeguard certification year round. The StarGuard lifeguard program is an internationally-recognized certification with a curriculum that teaches trainees how to act in the event of an emergency.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Anyone interested in applying to be a lifeguard can stop by the Aquatic Office, 2818 San Gabriel St., for free pizza during</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Lifeguard Hiring Open Hours</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 and Friday, April 5.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Everyone must complete the job application and hiring paperwork before registering for training. Applicants should bring ID and social security card to get their paperwork completed.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Lifeguards earn $20.80 per hour with no experience. Ages 15 and up can apply. Free bus pass if hired. Learn more about lifeguarding at</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Da5194ca09d%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1710021846010000&usg=AOvVaw3B77IUvmiGPDEWAeo3cots" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=a5194ca09d&e=cbe02c6db1" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">LifeguardAustin.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">About Austin Parks Foundation</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Austin Parks Foundation (APF) is dedicated to partnering with the community to enhance people’s lives by making public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support. APF has invested over $80 million in Austin parks since its inception in 1992, and its annual flagship volunteer event, It’s My Park Day, results in an average of $650,000 in volunteer labor each year. APF also fosters unique partnerships, is a presenting partner and beneficiary of the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Metropolitan Park, and empowers neighbors all over the city to create a park system that serves their needs. For more information, please visit </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D481b0d2eca%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1710021846010000&usg=AOvVaw1YLut9LjyFFuE9KxBqCfRP" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=481b0d2eca&e=cbe02c6db1" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="Original URL:
http://www.austinparks.org/
Click to follow link.">www.austinparks.org</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">.</span></p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-57521153231001001752024-03-08T11:05:00.000-08:002024-03-08T11:05:21.951-08:00 City of Austin 2024 Spring Festival Event Operations Center, media hotline active<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">The City of Austin has activated the Event Operations Center (EvOC) to coordinate public safety and transportation operations for the 2024 Spring Festival Season, including the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference & Festivals.</p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana;">Media requests regarding City operations related to Spring Festival Season can be directed to the EvOC media line at (512) 974-9280 or <a href="mailto:ACEPIO@austintexas.gov" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">ACEPIO@austintexas.gov</a>. The line will be operational from approximately 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. through March 12, and from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. March 13-16. The EvOC closes at 3 a.m. on March 16.<br /><br />For the most up-to-date information about City operations and traffic conditions, monitor the City of Austin's social media <strong>(</strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D16ed88b335%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1710010188510000&usg=AOvVaw1OL9_cbJ4roPu49Bel-gWd" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=16ed88b335&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@austintexasgov</a><strong>)</strong> and <strong>#<wbr></wbr>SpringFestATX</strong>. The City of Austin also posts mobility, safety and useful Spring Festival information at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D70b0fba0b1%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1710010188511000&usg=AOvVaw3k5TgjooVKGo64ct9E0xly" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=70b0fba0b1&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">austintexas.gov/<wbr></wbr>SpringFestivalATX</a>.</p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-61317293815073046742024-03-07T19:23:00.000-08:002024-03-07T19:23:38.074-08:00Local Leaders Celebrate International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month, and Texas’ First Female Dean of the Senate<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_2151349141681522428templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="m_2151349141681522428bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><p style="text-align: center;"><br /><strong><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" height="400" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NaDr_RHQvcBncFAI5jbeCZQ058NwGzPWUrZNLb3-CFOdPihnwfP2B9av68Yhcm056NYxQF_RL13-ALy76HilQzXtDosWS_oTnDAYTI2nZtQKY0v-IEhYNsKgaqE3WZx57Tf3auSXPPi-H-mrHsVCTdMdCIAAxPKb2Q=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c/images/71bb8d2f-64b8-92b7-002f-86fc8b3fa6b2.png" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; display: inline; height: 400px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 560px; outline: none; width: 600px;" tabindex="0" width="600" /></strong></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>AUSTIN, TX –</strong>On Thursday, March 7th, Council Member Alison Alter, Assistant City Manager Veronica Briseño, and the women of the Austin City Council marked International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month at City Hall. Over 100 attendees, including representatives from Austin’s state legislative delegation, the Travis County Commissioners Court, Austin ISD, Austin Community College, and the judiciary, joined the female Council majority and ACM Briseño for a ceremony in Council chambers, followed by a reception.<br /><br />“Annually, we gather with local elected women and our executive and departmental leaders at City Hall to celebrate our achievements and progress. We also reflect on the barriers to gender parity that we’re still fighting and commit to helping one another,” said Council Member Alison Alter. “I am proud that we have a female majority on the Austin City Council, the Travis County Commissioners Court, our local state legislative delegation, the ACC and AISD boards of trustees, and other bodies.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">“At the City, about 6,383 of our employees, including 81 City executives, are women,” said Assistant City Manager Veronica Briseño. “In particular, I'm a proud co-founder of the City's Woman to Woman affinity group…We now have over 400 active members, many of whom attribute the relationships and connections they’ve made to Woman to Woman. When we include, empower, and invest in women, we accomplish so much more as an organization and community.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">Additionally, Council Member Vanessa Fuentes and Mayor Kirk Watson sponsored a proclamation honoring Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini, who was named the first female Dean of the Texas Senate on December 31, 2023. “Dean Zaffirini’s trailblazing accomplishments, work ethic, and relentless tenacity are worth celebrating,” said Council Member Fuentes. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to honor her legacy, which continues to inspire and empower women across our state and country.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">“Succeeding 24 men who have served as Dean of the Texas Senate since 1909 is an important milestone. We rejoice in shattering that ceiling, but are saddened and disappointed it took almost 180 years to do so. Equally important, how long will it take for a second woman to assume the title?” said Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini. “Our progress has been slow, but our pace clearly is quickening. I look forward to the day we no longer have to celebrate women’s ‘firsts,’ thereby giving us more time to celebrate our impact and accomplishments.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">“Gathering with these women has become one of my favorite traditions at City Hall, and it’s especially fitting for us to honor Senator Zaffirini’s historic achievement as part of Women’s History Month,” Council Member Alter added. “The theme of International Women’s Day this year is ‘Invest in women, accelerate progress.’ We know that when more women enter leadership roles, our entire community thrives.”</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-64296572242752649912024-03-07T08:21:00.000-08:002024-03-07T08:21:24.294-08:00 Emergency Messaging in American Sign Language Aims to Keep Deaf Community Informed<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_4043416032010049892templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_4043416032010049892bodyTitleContent" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><p aria-level="1" role="heading"><em>HSEM ensures accessible language access resources are available</em></p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="m_4043416032010049892bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><p>In an emergency, having accessible information from a reliable source can save lives. The City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) established the Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS) to serve members of the community who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or deaf-blind or have limited literacy.<br /> <br />“HSEM is committed to providing equitable access of emergency information. When we engage with disability advocacy groups, we learn how to better serve members of our community who are sometimes left out of the conversation,” said Ken Snipes, Director of HSEM. “Our goal is to make sure organizations in the disability advocacy space have access to us and can see themselves represented in emergency plans.”<br /> <br />As part of the City’s emergency warnings process, HSEM sends emergency messages to registered users in American Sign Language (ASL) through the Accessible Hazard Alert System. AHAS issues a message with the information in video form and English voice and text. The video is of a person signing the emergency information in American Sign Language. Users receive these messages on internet and video capable devices such as computers, cell phones, smart phones, tablet computers, and wireless Braille readers. This information is also linked to the Emergency Alerts webpage, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D55ca230307%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709909971849000&usg=AOvVaw1EhgdKpZPTpQj6F3JTJh5w" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=55ca230307&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">austintexas.gov/alerts</a>, where emergency information can be found in 14 languages.<br /> <br />Anyone who finds this service helpful is encouraged to register for emergency alerts in American Sign Language on the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D2626567ce5%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709909971849000&usg=AOvVaw3F7lhtH7d2DcX5ZI0OZCbS" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=2626567ce5&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">AHAS website</a> or by texting AHAS to (737) 241-3710.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-68068012225706319932024-03-06T18:25:00.000-08:002024-03-06T18:25:07.310-08:00ATXN Launches New Music Show "Sound ON!" Featuring Austin's Hottest Musicians, March 8 at 7PM<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_9020444720022250724templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_9020444720022250724bodyTitleContent" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: left;"><p align="center"><em>Kicking off the series premier is Chief Cleopatra, Brother Thunder, Moving Parnoramas, and Tomar & the FCs.</em></p></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="m_9020444720022250724bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><p>AUSTIN, TX – March 6, 2024 – <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Da48418569a%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709846802135000&usg=AOvVaw2Is5rBeGhRBT98RJBYOPVO" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=a48418569a&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">ATXN, the City of Austin government access channel</a>, is thrilled to announce the premiere of its newest music series, "Sound ON!". This groundbreaking show follows in the footsteps of ATXN’s<strong> </strong>Emmy-award winning<strong> </strong>series "Notes in Time" and promises to be a captivating experience for music enthusiasts. </p><p> "Sound ON!" brings Austin’s vibrant music scene to the forefront, showcasing the city's hottest musicians with live performances and in-depth interviews. The series spotlights both established and up-and-coming artists across genres and generations, celebrating the diverse musical landscape that makes Austin a renowned cultural hub. </p><p> A collaboration between ATXN, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D52f6caacf7%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709846802135000&usg=AOvVaw3X9acM_PGVUHtl61oeQaHh" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=52f6caacf7&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Ice Cream Factory Studio</a>, and the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dc6a04202cb%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709846802135000&usg=AOvVaw0NIucnD5IWNRojjgOyp-kn" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=c6a04202cb&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">City’s Music & Entertainment Division</a>, "Sound ON!" reflects the city's commitment to nurturing and promoting its vibrant music culture. This body of work promises to be a must-watch series, capturing the essence of Austin's musical spirit and contributing to the city's legacy as a cultural powerhouse. </p><p>“We are excited to introduce 'Sound ON!' to our viewers, offering a front-row seat to the extraordinary talent that defines Austin's music scene,” said Burton Fitzsimmons, station manager at ATXN. “It’s a real treat to capture these electrifying performances and share with the world.” </p><p>On March 8 at 7PM, tune into <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D1ec6c42f9f%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709846802135000&usg=AOvVaw36-wS0y5PGCKxEC5yPw82v" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=1ec6c42f9f&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">ATXN.TV</a> and <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dec0934a66a%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709846802135000&usg=AOvVaw0YV5XcgLaX6jPoDcnAkcm_" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=ec0934a66a&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">ATXN’s YouTube channel</a> for the “Sound ON!” premiere <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D00581d8baf%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709846802135000&usg=AOvVaw1f-vGLaLWkmS1wF3Sq3-4S" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=00581d8baf&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">featuring Chief Cleopatra.</a> </p><p> </p><p>New episodes will drop at 7PM every Friday throughout March, showcasing Brother Thunder, Moving Panoramas and Tomar & the FCs. </p></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-42849887441544211392024-03-06T12:17:00.000-08:002024-03-06T12:17:47.541-08:00The City of Austin and Austin Police Association Announce Formal Negotiations on Long-Term Contract Set to Resume<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Both the City of Austin and Austin Police Association (APA) are excited to announce that formal negotiations on a new long-term contract are set to resume on March 13, 2024. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">“I have been saying for some time now that it was critical for the City to get back to the bargaining table with the Austin Police Association,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “I’m pleased we’ve agreed to a date to begin those negotiations. Our police officers need to know that they’re supported, we need to fill vacancies, and the best way to show support and fill positions is by getting a long-term contract.”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">All parties agree that a long-term contract is in the best interest of our City and the officers who protect it. Over the years, the stability of the Meet & Confer process and resulting agreements have faced numerous challenges. The time has come to face these challenges and find a way to move forward for the betterment of Austin. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">“I’m grateful to Mayor Watson, city management, and those on the City Council I’ve had the opportunity to speak with for their efforts and commitments to finding a path forward so we can resume formal contract negotiations. The only way we are able to move forward is by working together as this is one community,” said APA President Michael Bullock. “I’m encouraged by the progress we’re making and hope that we will be able to move through this process in a way that benefits all involved, most of all the community we serve.”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">As we enter these negotiations, both sides recognize the significance of resuming this process. Negotiations are never perfect, but all agree there is a path forward to help us begin to turn around the public safety crisis we’re currently in. Similarly, we recognize one of the benefits of the Meet & Confer process is it is voluntary and for the mutual benefit of all involved. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Much work is still to be done – but both the APA and City are committed to finding a mutually acceptable and beneficial resolution. We are confident any agreement reached between the APA and the city’s bargaining team will address community concerns, navigate current legal challenges, and be approved by Council. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Details about the negotiations are still being finalized. Once location and time of that discussion is available, a follow-up news release will provide those details and the information will be posted on the City’s main website at</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://austintexas.gov&source=gmail&ust=1709840582016000&usg=AOvVaw0p1Cu5zMwzSsJDJfS4MOPS" href="http://austintexas.gov/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">austintexas.gov</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">as well as shared via social media.</span></p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-76592645342369592912024-03-05T15:26:00.000-08:002024-03-05T15:26:20.395-08:00Partnership Provides Nutritional Options for Emergency Shelter<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_3953233216284630096templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"></td></tr><tr><td class="m_3953233216284630096bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><div><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">The City of Austin’s Homeless Strategy Office, Endeavors, and the Central Texas Food Bank are announcing a new partnership to provide healthier and nutritious meals at the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter. Under the agreement, the Central Texas Food Bank will deliver three meals each day to the shelter five days a week. The daily meals and snacks will meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s dietary guidelines while providing a variety of offerings that will accommodate dietary restrictions.<br /> <br />"This partnership represents a pivotal moment in our collective dedication to holistic and compassionate care for our clients," said David Gray, City of Austin Homeless Strategy Officer. "By combining the expertise of the Homeless Strategy Office, the commitment of our shelter operator Endeavors, and the expansive resources of the Central Texas Food Bank, we are poised to transform the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter into a beacon of hope and support, providing not just sustenance but nourishment that fosters long-term well-being."<br /><br />The partnership is designed to create meal offerings with nutrition in mind, reflecting best practices in dietary health and nutritional education by incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into the daily menus. The aim is not only to meet the immediate needs of the shelter clients, but also to foster long-term health benefits and education on the importance of balanced eating habits.<br /> <br />"Our dietary approach is rooted in research that underscores the critical role nutrition plays in overall health, including physical and mental," said Sari Vatske, President and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. "The nutritious and diverse menus are intended to foster a sense of dignity and contribute to the holistic well-being of those we’re serving, supporting them in leading healthier lives."<br /> <br />The collaboration between the Homeless Strategy Office, Endeavors, and the Central Texas Food Bank provides the ability to procure food and supplies in an incredibly cost-effective way, guaranteeing that resources are utilized in the most efficient manner possible. The allocation of financial resources to a leading local non-profit service agency strengthens the local service community and reinvests funds in Austin’s local economy.<br /> <br />The Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter is a temporary homeless shelter serving up to 300 clients daily. In addition to providing meals, clients can access hygiene facilities, laundry service, medical care, case management, coordinated entry, transportation, pet accommodations and social enrichment. The shelter serves guests 24 hours a day, seven days a week.</span><br /><br /> </div><div><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;">To learn more about homelessness in Austin, please visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D5cd533f563%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709760973938000&usg=AOvVaw3tu3G9348gvcBvFC_YPTbZ" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=5cd533f563&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">www.austintexas.gov/<wbr></wbr>homelessness</a></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-23180475654585200812024-03-05T13:42:00.000-08:002024-03-05T13:42:33.240-08:00 Hill Country Alliance’s Night Sky Program Manager Dawn Davies Gives Eclipse Talk at Barton Springs Full Moon Swim<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_-5649645624256870388templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="m_-5649645624256870388bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><div><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" height="246" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NYMTvzFCJHZaUHh7vM5TMAhVTKyUTRpg3yizuWowy4DoLnQHPy1icawUgDE9wXHRV9h5cOJy_qvE2A8nPCEWHQETchMP4FFUdqt4ourDfi2ANGJsdQnilA5jRC6cFaMq-35MCF8S-EkIFpRV9_E3_LqRYzSchlmsE4=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c/images/a21091fe-28e8-1f56-2455-3c1e9e64eb32.png" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; display: inline; height: 246px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 560px; outline: none; width: 575px;" tabindex="0" width="575" /><br /><br />The Austin Nature and Science Center invites you to learn about the upcoming eclipse with expert and educator Dawn Davies during Full-Moon Swim on Monday, March 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the south entrance of Barton Springs.<br /><br />A Hill Country Alliance’s Night Sky Program Manager Dawn Davies has over a decade of astronomy outreach and dark sky preservation experience. She has served on the board of the Austin Astronomical Society and as a volunteer advocate for the Internationals Dark-Sky Association.<br /><br />Bring your binoculars and telescopes to gaze at the moon. Other astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts will be on hand to help you explore the night sky with a telescope and participate in fun hands-on learning activities. Free eclipse glasses will be distributed at the event.<br /><br />The schedule will be as follows:</div><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px; text-align: left;">6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hands-on, family-friendly activities</li><li style="margin-left: 15px; text-align: left;">7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eclipse presentation and Q&A </li><li style="margin-left: 15px; text-align: left;">8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Night sky viewing with a telescope</li></ul><div><p><strong>About the Total Eclipse</strong><br />On April 8, 2024, Austin will experience a once in a lifetime total solar eclipse in the path of totality. Austin won’t be in the path of totality again for another 319 years. Learn more about the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Da5e831094f%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709760975095000&usg=AOvVaw06LWtGiXeGTUVC6F9PszQw" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=a5e831094f&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Total Eclipse 2024</a>.<br /><br />Free eclipse glasses and bookmarks (limit four per person) are available while supplies last beginning March 11 at the following Austin Parks and Recreation locations: </p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D857982c58d%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709760975095000&usg=AOvVaw0TuO1kBuXxBW2o_EVWBwvO" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=857982c58d&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Austin Nature and Science Center</a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D2bcd19b3da%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709760975095000&usg=AOvVaw1GNh4sf5aRIHUkG88wSgbL" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=2bcd19b3da&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Community Recreation Centers</a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3De4d1284b9e%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709760975095000&usg=AOvVaw3mqCPsHshx2oT5HNjN8Ni9" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=e4d1284b9e&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Senior Centers</a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dab1d7109ab%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709760975095000&usg=AOvVaw2z35zn38GQiglWD7vn-MBG" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=ab1d7109ab&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cultural Centers</a></li></ul><p>Learn more about <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D3513c6312e%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709760975095000&usg=AOvVaw3hdFm6-M-jdYE0GoNfH7Xf" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=3513c6312e&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">How To View the Total Eclipse Safely</a>.</p></div></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-75099022162088852232024-03-04T14:58:00.000-08:002024-03-04T14:58:22.480-08:00Spring Festival Season Begins this Week<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">The City of Austin formally welcomes Austinites and visitors to Spring Festival Season 2024. Events kick off with the SXSW Conference and Festival beginning Friday, March 8. Before excited attendees from around the globe make their way to Austin, City leaders gathered Monday at Butler Park to discuss ongoing preparations and how community members and guests can safely enjoy Spring Festival Season.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">“SXSW – the festival that made Austin famous across the globe – is right around the corner and will again draw thousands to our city from the fields of education, technology, film, television and – of course – music,” Mayor Pro Tem Leslie Pool said. “I want you to know that Austin is prepared, and we ask for patience and partnership from our residents as we navigate the by-products festivals and events bring with them.”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Spring Festival Season continues to be successful because of the positive relationship between event organizers and the Austin community. City leaders emphasized a neighborly approach of respectfully monitoring the physical impact and noise level events have on nearby residents and businesses.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Watch a replay of Monday’s press conference on</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D3844136b69%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw0NHG1Ylg2V_TQTwT_ap0DH" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=3844136b69&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">ATXN</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Transportation and Public Works Department </strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Spring Festival Season will be a busy time in and around downtown. Road closures and detours will add congestion in the area and could cause delays for those choosing to drive. Anyone who is able to walk, bike, or take transit during this time is strongly encouraged to do so. For those who can telework, this is a great time to take advantage of that option.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">An interactive</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D5f5cd8b2a5%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw2AD7TB1jcEayRM1H8fYxX2" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=5f5cd8b2a5&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Spring Festival Season Mobility Guide</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">map is available to see street closures, rideshare staging areas and loading zones, public transit stations and routes, bicycle routes, and more. Festival attendees are advised to take advantage of the City’s downtown mobility options, including the MetroBike bikeshare system, walking, and public transit. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Attendees choosing to drink at Spring Festival Season events can use the City’s parking ticket waiver program when making the responsible choice to leave their car overnight. Remember to save the receipt from your safe ride home and fill out the waiver form at</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D94b080facf%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw1HB4fJyI5-sy9efsk4IGJN" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=94b080facf&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">AustinTexas.gov/GetHomeSafe</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Austin Police Department</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Please drink responsibly and have a plan to get home safely. A no-refusal initiative will begin on March 7 and run evenings and nights through March 17. The Austin Police Department (APD) will be visible downtown to assist with everyone’s safety to ensure all attendees are having a great time and enjoying the vibrant events our City welcomes every year.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">With an increase in pedestrians, everyone should double check they are following traffic signals, signage, and officer instructions. Additional officers will be assisting at some intersections to manage pedestrian traffic.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">There will be limited parking in certain parts of downtown and many residential areas near downtown require permits. Please do not park in a “No parking / Tow-away” zone as these will be enforced.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowds. If you see something, say something.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Austin-Travis County EMS</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) will have multiple dedicated response units and personnel assigned to the downtown area to respond to calls for service and transport patients who require additional care.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">The ATCEMS Patient Collection Point will be in operation from Tuesday, March 12 through Saturday, March 16 from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. each day.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Austin Fire Department</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">The Austin Fire Department’s (AFD) Special Events division works to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all attendees by:</span><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Performing both public assembly (PA) permit and night inspections. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Deploying teams of night inspectors to ensure venues operate safely. The focus will be on inspections for overcrowding as well as general fire- and life-safety issues, including locked, blocked, or obstructed exits, and complaint calls.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Performing fire watch where necessary due to the complexity or size of particular events and/or variances allowed.</li></ul><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">AFD will work with its partners to respond to and investigate complaints, such as overcrowding in bars and other public assemblies, and reports of unpermitted events. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Austin Public Health</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Spring Festival Season attendees are encouraged to be vaccinated, use hand sanitizer, wash hands often and stay home if they feel sick. </span><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Find vaccines near you at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D6c9f9f670a%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw3tWtw1OvPO-d2ZwNKZezXW" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=6c9f9f670a&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a> (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D4c34f7eefe%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw2fQKi-wJv6V9ebxmNfHkpT" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=4c34f7eefe&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">vacunas.gov</a> en Español). </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Free mail-order rapid antigen test kits are available once again through <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dd77071d006%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw3YafKu7uNn_1qrPuDkj-Dl" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=d77071d006&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">covid.gov/tests</a>. Households are eligible for another round of four tests for a limited time.</li></ul><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><strong>Austin Parks and Recreation</strong> <br />It’s important to Leave No Trace so our parks, trails, and green spaces can be enjoyed for Spring Festival Seasons to come. When visiting:</p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Be considerate of other visitors. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Take trash and leftover food with you when you leave Austin’s green spaces. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Plan ahead for appropriate weather. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Stay on established trails when walking to events. </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Bring bags for pet waste and dispose of them in designated areas.</li></ul><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">For more information, visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Deb5926531e%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw3_qC-RHCRciuvHRipXZuz9" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=eb5926531e&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">AustinTexas.gov/LeaveNoTrace</a>.<wbr></wbr> <br /><br /><strong>Communication During Spring Festival Season </strong><br />The City of Austin (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D32d1d35846%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw3kuPXeS-EGoX5EvoXiYxIN" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=32d1d35846&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@austintexasgov</a>) and Austin Emergency Management (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D6bf65f5093%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw3Gm6xM4_xSdBUg1-l4N5Se" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=6bf65f5093&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@AustinHSEM</a>) will utilize X to share relevant information using #SpringFestATX. <br /><br />The Austin Police Department (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dd8bd7ddfcb%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw398iNWoCWib-vQVKLrQ5g_" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=d8bd7ddfcb&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@Austin_Police</a>), Austin-Travis County EMS (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3De8793a7c5a%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw2S7-aZxi1mDzAaVsP5hdkI" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=e8793a7c5a&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@ATCEMS</a>), and the Austin Fire Department (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3De35d2ccb3b%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw3CRiSuBjRBktHy82voAL6E" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=e35d2ccb3b&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@austinfiredept</a>; <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Daa401b2776%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw1hQWOS8GWyW2EDM4jKZKrj" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=aa401b2776&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@AustinFireInfo</a>) will also employ their X feeds for time-sensitive public safety notifications. <br /><br />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 <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Df472389f4f%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw2ezfIql6MPtYQO2RDCmJDE" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=f472389f4f&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Austin 3-1-1 (512-974-2000)</a> to report a non-emergency situation. <br /><br />Details and updates for Spring Festival Season will be posted on <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D997dd1599f%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw2XKWHmtumv4VOQGYd4-q31" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=997dd1599f&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">AustinTexas.gov/<wbr></wbr>SpringFestivalATX</a>.</p><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">About Austin Center for Events</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">The</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D48d900de6a%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709679184139000&usg=AOvVaw0XHxhNsQviXxP-J9n5tmFp" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=48d900de6a&e=cbe02c6db1" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Austin Center for Events</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> (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.</span><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_-5467011567126117549templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="m_-5467011567126117549bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-33825743098153474752024-03-04T14:53:00.000-08:002024-03-04T14:53:40.626-08:00Brush Square Named a 2024 Lone Star Legacy Park<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Austin’s Brush Square, 409 E. 5th St., was one of six Texas parks honored with designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society at the association’s annual conference in Galveston on February 29, 2024.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">A Lone Star Legacy Park is a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas. To qualify for consideration, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played, and rested on its grounds. Nominated parks must be a minimum of 50 years old and meet criteria related to historic, architectural, and natural significance.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Brush Square was designated as one of four public squares in the 1839 original plat of Austin. Three of the historic squares – Wooldridge, Republic, and Brush Squares – thrive to this day, each reflecting a unique character. Before Brush Square was developed into a park in 1913, it was used as a public market and cotton yard. Three historic buildings are located on the square: The O. Henry Museum, relocated in 1934; Central Fire Station #1, constructed in 1938; and the Susanna Dickinson Museum, relocated in 2001.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">“The recognition of Brush Square as a Lone Star Legacy Park came at the perfect time. PARD rehabilitated the O. Henry Museum and completed Phase I of the Brush Square Vision Plan in September,” said Kimberly McNeeley, Austin Parks and Recreation Department Director. “Brush Square is one of the oldest green spaces in the city, and its location in the heart of downtown Austin next to the convention center makes it a special place for both residents and visitors.”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Other Texas Parks recognized in 2024 include Carver Park in Cleburne, Huntsville State Park, Martin Luther King (MLK) Park in San Antonio, Menard Park in Galveston, and White Rock Lake in Dallas. Other Austin parks to previously receive the Lone Star Legacy designation include Parque Zaragoza Neighborhood Park, Pease District Park, Zilker Metropolitan Park, Rosewood Neighborhood Park, Eastwoods Neighborhood Park, Givens District Park, and Pan Am Neighborhood Park.</span></p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-49056866622734939182024-03-01T20:34:00.000-08:002024-03-01T20:34:39.375-08:00City Hall Prepares to Host Second Charter Review Town Hall, Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 5:30 p.m.<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_3041423539234550481templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_3041423539234550481bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><p>The City of Austin’s <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D68c469e8db%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709415835363000&usg=AOvVaw0mRH73qXpMN71PfeQQf7Yc" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=68c469e8db&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Charter Review Commission</a> will hold <strong>a community conversation on Thursday, March 7</strong> to discuss the ongoing review of the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D8f578635d0%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709415835363000&usg=AOvVaw306FJKDn1NWejFZkxBy1QQ" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=8f578635d0&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Austin City Charter</a>. <strong>The meeting will be hybrid, with opportunities to give input in-person or online.</strong><br /> <br />This town hall is one of the last opportunities for the community to give feedback before the Charter Review Commission 2024 presents their proposed amendments to the City Council.<br /> <br />Charter Review Commission Town Hall<br /><strong>Where</strong>: 301 W 2<sup>nd</sup> St., Austin, TX 78701, Boards and Commissions Room<br /><strong>When</strong>: Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 5:30 p.m.<br /> <br /><strong>Registration is not required for in-person participants. To register to participate virtually or to request interpretation services, visit: </strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D31effc60a6%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709415835364000&usg=AOvVaw2UjqZrbCj8sRAlMc9mS5lj" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=31effc60a6&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><strong> 2024 CRC Town Hall Registration</strong></a>.<strong> <br /><em>*</em></strong><em>Please note, this registration will open on Monday, March 4 at 10AM.</em><br /> <br />The Charter Review Commission is eager to hear from community members across Austin on potential revisions to the Austin City Charter, which is the City’s governing document.<br /> <br />Earlier this winter, the Commission conducted an online community survey in <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D73286c4199%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709415835364000&usg=AOvVaw1O25_I-eh61fn6Jah_8SAJ" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=73286c4199&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">English</a> and <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Ddca228b338%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709415835364000&usg=AOvVaw333tSDareW_5gDikVMaG43" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=dca228b338&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Spanish</a>. They also hosted a hybrid town hall in early February, where residents learned more about the potential changes to the Charter and provided initial feedback to the commissioners.<br /> <br />With the commission set to provide recommendations to Council by the end of March 2024, they invite the community to please join them for this important opportunity to have their voices heard on changes to the Austin City Charter.<br /> <br /><strong>For more information on the Austin City Charter, the 2024 Charter Review Commission, and community feedback opportunities, please visit </strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D8ec2713f8b%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709415835364000&usg=AOvVaw0Ly-OAe7d1GQ6TwZiYH6Mz" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=8ec2713f8b&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><strong>SpeakUpAustin.org/<wbr></wbr>CharterReview</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-61242816619757945652024-03-01T06:32:00.000-08:002024-03-01T06:32:12.158-08:00March Aquatic Updates: Extra Morning Swim Hours at Two Pools; Lifeguard Hiring Open Hours and Training Certifications<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Due to the Deep Eddy Pool and Barton Springs Pool maintenance closures, Stacy Pool will open early for lap swim on Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 a.m. March 2 through March 10. Bartholomew Pool will open at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 6. For the complete hours of operation of other year-round pools during these closures, visit </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D74f50f65b7%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709388702037000&usg=AOvVaw1sBtnRPJYFBU3fNWTCY2Sf" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=74f50f65b7&e=cbe02c6db1" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">AustinTexas.gov/Pools</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Barton Springs Pool Closure</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Barton Springs Pool remains closed through March 8 for routine maintenance.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dc27846dc71%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709388702037000&usg=AOvVaw1fX69whmBXKP-f3cfYryka" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=c27846dc71&e=cbe02c6db1" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Details of the closure were announced in a press release in February 2024</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Deep Eddy Pool</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Deep Eddy Pool remains temporarily closed for repairs. The reopening date will be announced when repairs are complete.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D8b1b3b8d64%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709388702037000&usg=AOvVaw12DFIicEcchYYmlr8oGtfo" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=8b1b3b8d64&e=cbe02c6db1" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">This work was announced in a press release in December 2023.</a></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><strong>Lifeguard Hiring Open Hours</strong><br />Stop by the Aquatic Office, 2818 San Gabriel St., to fill out your application and get free pizza at three upcoming hiring open hours. Bring your ID and social security card to expedite the process. Lifeguard hiring open hours are an easy way to get the paperwork out of the way.</p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"><li style="margin-left: 15px;">March 7, 4–8 p.m.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">March 21, 4–8 p.m.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">April 5, 4–8 p.m.</li></ul><p><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Spring Break Lifeguard Training</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Lifeguard training takes place all year, but most seasonal lifeguards in Austin get trained during spring break. Lifeguard training and hiring starts at age 15 and there is no age limit. Everyone must complete the job application and their hiring paperwork before they can register for training. Certification training is free. More information at </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D35fc19326f%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709388702037000&usg=AOvVaw0GQPGLc56ZwWrJTDb0KMgU" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=35fc19326f&e=cbe02c6db1" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">LifeguardAustin.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><br /><br /></p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-81138811389330150182024-02-29T15:33:00.000-08:002024-02-29T15:33:29.440-08:00 $50M in New Affordable Housing Developments Approved by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation Board<p> </p><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_-7344036771810851231templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-7344036771810851231bodyTitleContent" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: left;">Over one thousand new affordable housing units at or below 80% MFI across six Council Districts</div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="m_-7344036771810851231bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><p><img class="CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" height="278" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NYqbrHBwJIaeSDTkk2Yy9QZzgEI5Wh5CmbXjQPy_gdN_IAIvXErkpkB6qlG5KNFZoPaDj8B6X3fMUV2bsl0QWRhfpckhr1-MMErIYlBAorwhvmklVxRg6RXP_P8BV4Sm18PpviVNaC4s2-m9VW1TdOSYnYM4vmmk-Y=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c/images/402bafb2-75ef-be68-d71c-7e88d76e9f1a.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; display: inline; height: 278px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px; max-width: 560px; outline: none; width: 500px;" tabindex="0" width="500" /><br /><br />AUSTIN, TX – The City of Austin Housing Department announces approval of $50 million in funding for nine affordable housing developments in Districts 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D030d833218%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw07CXq-Na_XnMfAzSAg_0Zv" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=030d833218&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">as approved by the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) Board today.</a> Totaling 1,018 in new and preserved rental units plus 51 ownership units, all units will be affordable for households earning at or below 80% median family income (MFI). Properties expect to welcome residents beginning in 2024 through 2027. The City of Austin created the Austin Housing Finance Corporation as a public, non-profit corporation to generate and implement strategic housing solutions for the benefit of low- and moderate-income residents. </p><p>“Each development and each new unit of affordable housing creates opportunity for Austinites,” explains Mandy DeMayo, Interim Director for the Housing Department and AHFC Treasurer “We know that by opening the doors for housing stability, local communities will experience improved health and well-being, greater economic success, and encourage a more connected and diverse neighborhood of support.” </p><h4 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><strong>Balcones Terrace</strong> </h4><p><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D052d61f9a6%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw0zT8XFrOA5OTEQYrEicVpA" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=052d61f9a6&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Balcones Terrace</a>, located in District 7 at 10024 North Capital of Texas Highway, was approved for $1,553,529 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Funding will go towards hotel rehabilitation and conversion into a permanent supportive housing development with 123 units for individuals exiting homelessness. The property is owned by AHFC and operated by Foundation Communities, with a 40-year affordability period. Rehabilitation completion is on track for 2024, with an anticipated move-in later this summer. </p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">31 units will be available for rent at or below 30% MFI, </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">31 units will be available for rent at or below 40% MFI, and </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">61 units will be available for rent at or below 50% MFI </li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><strong>Cairn Point at Montopolis</strong> </h4><p><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D6dba83b0d3%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw34PE0bP3n7lF7gvhYs2G5s" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=6dba83b0d3&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cairn Point</a>, located in District 3 at 1013 Montopolis Drive, was approved for $6M in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. Funding will go towards development costs for the 150-unit supportive housing development for seniors. The property will be owned and operated by Vecino Group, with a 45-year affordability period. Construction completion is anticipated for September 2025, with an anticipated move-in for February 2026. </p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">23 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI, </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">50 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 50% MFI, </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">52 units will be available for rent at 60% MFI, and </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">25 units will be available for rent at 80% MFI </li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><strong>Escuela Nueva</strong> </h4><p><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D5a3f8cc8d6%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw16Un-djZO2jSK78Nll5v6n" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=5a3f8cc8d6&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Escuela Nueva</a>, located in District 3 at 2013 Montopolis Drive, was approved for $9,690,000 in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. Funding will go towards development costs for the 114-unit multi-family development. The property is owned and operated by Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC), with a 40-year affordability period. </p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">20 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI, </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">66 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 50% MFI, and </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">28 units will be available for rent at 60% MFI </li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><strong>Mary Lee Square</strong> </h4><p><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Da6dcad7c67%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw3SkjOzxcsgOcPkftD-LOwS" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=a6dcad7c67&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Mary Lee Square</a>, located in District 9 at or near 1316, 1318, 1322-1324, 1330-1332, and 1340-1342 Lamar Square Drive, was approved for $5,446,471 in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. The properties will be primarily owned and operated by Foundation Communities, with a 40-year affordability period. Two buildings will be preserved within a partnership between AHFC and Foundation Communities. Funding will go towards the acquisition of the ten existing buildings and redevelopment of the site, including the preservation of 216 existing households. Construction completion is anticipated for October 2025. </p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">88 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI, </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">64 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 50% MFI, and </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">64 units will be available for rent at 60% MFI </li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><strong>Real Gardens</strong> </h4><p><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D7ad81ed78e%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw1EwSnpob1BkfYKWis7UQnO" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=7ad81ed78e&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Real Gardens</a>, is a new construction development located in District 1 at 2824 and 2826 Real Street and was approved for $1,122,639 in Homestead Preservation District Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone funding. The 60-unit, supportive housing property will be developed by Capital A Housing and owned and operated by Family Eldercare, with a 45-year affordability period. Due to deeper affordability, the unit mix above has changed from what was <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D425c78ac70%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw00EcPup9IUZIE234y6yHas" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=425c78ac70&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">previously approved by the AHFC Board in 2022</a>. Construction completion is anticipated for January 2026, with an anticipated move-in for March 2026. </p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">35 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI, </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">two units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 40% MFI, and </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">23 units will be available for rent at 50% MFI </li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><strong>Seabrook Square II</strong> </h4><p><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D5f88de2f8c%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw0_ub9AlSv0nTZoek5wwmc_" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=5f88de2f8c&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Seabrook Square ll</a>, located in District 1 at 2210 Pershing Drive, was approved for $7,900,000 in funding from the following sources: $1,697,099 2022 General Obligation (GO) Bonds, $21,740 2013 GO Bonds, $5,181,161 Downton Density Bonus, and $1,000,000 HOME ARPA. The property is new construction of 60 supportive housing units to be developed by Capital A Housing and owned and operated by Integral Care, with a 40-year affordability period and a ground lease with AHFC. Construction completion is anticipated for June 2026, with an anticipated move-in for August 2026. </p><ul role="list"><li aria-setsize="-1" role="listitem" style="margin-left: 15px;"><p>All 60 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI. </p></li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><strong>Sunset Ridge</strong> </h4><p><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D7377d4b0d2%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw0l0WUGhMyuEBr6Mk7gma_c" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=7377d4b0d2&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Sunset Ridge</a>, located in District 8 at 8413 Southwest Parkway, was approved for $8,885,000 in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. Funding will go towards development costs for the 221 multi-family residential property. The property is owned and operated by Manifold Development, with a 40-year affordability period. Construction completion is anticipated for December 2026, with an anticipated move-in for February 2027. </p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">100 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 50% MFI, </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">76 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 60% MFI, and </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">45 units will be available for rent at 80% MFI </li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><strong>5900 South Pleasant Valley</strong> </h4><p><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D0d7f329ce8%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw07JReD2n24gg4HBTxXutad" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=0d7f329ce8&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">5900 South Pleasant Valley</a>, located in District 2 at 5900 South Pleasant Valley, was approved for $8,950,000 in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. Funding will go towards development costs for the 74-unit multi-family residential development. The property is owned by AHFC and operated by Structure Development and JCM Ventures, with a 40-year affordability period. Construction completion is anticipated for April 2025, with an anticipated move-in for September 2025. </p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">19 units will be available for rent to households earning at or below 30% MFI, and </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">55 units will be available for rent at 50% MFI </li></ul><h4 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><strong>GSNZ 7 Acres West</strong> </h4><p><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D702eec926d%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw3reaHRO1sZMl0HemFIMU_P" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=702eec926d&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">GSNZ 7 Acres West</a>, located in District 3 at 2721 Goodwin Avenue, was approved for $1,435,200 in 2022 General Obligation Bonds. Funding will go towards development costs of nine ownership units within a 51-unit ownership housing project being developed in phases. The property is owned and operated by Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC), with a 99-year affordability period. Phase one construction completion is anticipated for December 2025. </p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">14 units will be available for sale to households earning at or below 60% MFI, and </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">37 units will be available for sale to households earning at or below 80% MFI </li></ul><p>“We remain focused on our mission to create and preserve affordable housing for equitable and lasting support for our communities who need it most,” explains James May Housing and Community Development Officer for the Housing Department. “These developments employ innovative funding strategies while expanding our regional coordination and partnerships.” </p><h4 lang="EN-US" style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /><strong>A Holistic Approach to Affordable Housing</strong> </h4><p lang="EN-US">In 2017, Austin City Council adopted the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D8706f5fc7c%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945918000&usg=AOvVaw32zj_RKkRf1-dvO4eQpRVG" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=8706f5fc7c&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint</a> detailing goals to reach 135,000 housing units over the next ten years (2018-2028). The Blueprint includes goals for affordable housing in every City Council District to ensure that resources are aligned equitably. This ambitious 10-year plan aimed to facilitate community partnerships around a single, strategic vision to create 60,000 affordable housing units for those making less than 80% of the median family income and fill the need for affordable housing throughout the city. The Strategic Housing Blueprint proposed a wide array of new policy tools to allow for a multi-faceted and collaborative approach for producing and preserving affordable housing over the next ten years. </p><p lang="EN-US">According to <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D714a1a2273%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945919000&usg=AOvVaw1HvlzvIDS8Pj7g0C7Vrl-P" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=714a1a2273&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">a recent City memo</a>, the Austin housing market has radically changed since the Blueprint was adopted in 2017. The Blueprint acknowledged the need for innovative strategies to address challenges associated with limited resources, expanding regional coordination and partnerships, and legislative constraints. With this lens, the City is well past achieving the goals identified as within the City’s control including federally funded, existing density bonus programs, Housing Trust Fund, 2013 General Obligation Bonds, 2018 General Obligation Bonds, 2022 General Obligation Bonds. </p><p>Resources for affordable housing are available online at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Db48e99d7bb%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945919000&usg=AOvVaw2cKaDkEp8RUlnJftAhSJrj" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=b48e99d7bb&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">www.austintexas.gov/housing</a>. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br />### </p><p> </p><p><strong>About the City of Austin Housing Department </strong><br />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 <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D562878b727%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945919000&usg=AOvVaw0BzzyhK29j6YfwwFfpkXZ2" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=562878b727&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">www.austintexas.gov/housing</a>. </p><p><strong>About the Austin Housing Finance Corporation</strong><br />The <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Df40b548c6a%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709330945919000&usg=AOvVaw2ZcvYfSAimVG2b8uaTOc8S" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=f40b548c6a&e=cbe02c6db1" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)</a> 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. </p></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-80795493582518286632024-02-28T15:15:00.000-08:002024-02-28T15:15:00.272-08:00We Ride for Her Events at the Carver Museum: March 9, March 10<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Join the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center in partnership with Red Sand Project on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 at 1165 Angelina St. for events related to</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">We Ride for Her</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> a documentary about The Medicine Wheel Riders, a group of Indigenous women motorcyclists who ride to raise awareness for the nationwide crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIW/R). </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">On</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Saturday, March 9 at 4:30 p.m.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">, the team behind</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">We Ride For Her</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">has organized a Red Dress Exhibition, featuring empty red dresses hanging through the lobby of the Carver Museum as a visual representation of the spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2Spirit individuals, inspired by the work of Métis artist Jaime Black. The Red Dress Exhibition will be on display from March 9 through April 6, 2024 at the Carver Museum, </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">On</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Sunday, March 10 at 3 p.m.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">, following the film’s premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival, Level Forward will present a conversation at the Carver Museum, ignited by the topics and themes of</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">We Ride For Her</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">. This event will excavate and amplify the roots of Black, Brown, and Indigenous solidarity as well as uplift the community ownership model deployed by We Ride For Her, centering equity, transparency, and wealth sharing.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">We Ride For Her</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">was conceived with the aim of inciting hope and catalyzing tangible change. The producers closely attended to communities’ lived experiences, foregrounding the agency and healing of the film’s protagonists in a trauma-informed approach to filmmaking. This included the use of rigorous informed consent processes, consultation with Indigenous trauma counselors on best practices, and an aftercare protocol emphasizing support and resources for survivors.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">In alignment with the film’s aim to seed transformative change, the team behind</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">We Ride For Her</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">has also implemented a community ownership model, ensuring that those affected by the crisis hold a primary role in guiding the film’s direction and impact. The film is collectively owned by 19 community stakeholder partners, including organizations dedicated to advocacy around MMIW/R; supporting survivors of sexual violence; empowering Indigenous youth; and directly serving the needs of Indigenous communities.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">The structure of this ownership model provides that profits are to be equally shared by the filmmakers and the film's Indigenous community stakeholders; neither Red Sand Project nor Level Forward will receive any profits from the film’s distribution, and all individuals involved in the process have been ensured access to the footage for use for their own not-for-profit purposes. The</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">We Ride For Her</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">team has developed legal templates based on this community ownership model, and has made them publicly accessible as free resources for film funders and non-profit organizations interested in applying this framework to support filmmakers and community stakeholders in future projects.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Earlier this year, the We Ride For Her team accompanied the Medicine Wheel Riders on their annual journey, stopping at locations in Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota, where they joined with the film’s community stakeholders to discuss the film, reflect upon this crisis, support local actions, and create space for community-building, healing, and dialogue.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Through and after the film’s world premiere at SXSW, the We Ride For Her team continues to amplify local and national efforts towards addressing the MMIW/R crisis. For more information on how to get involved, visit</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D1a8db7e7e5%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1709247025393000&usg=AOvVaw1V76j_kbmPGz-tWdVjiL3K" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=1a8db7e7e5&e=cbe02c6db1" style="background-color: white; color: #c52e26; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">werideforher.com/reflect-<wbr></wbr>respond</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">About Red Sand Project</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">This film was conceptualized, supported, and produced by Red Sand Project, a participatory artwork raising awareness about human trafficking. Since its inception in 2014, Red Sand Project has been committed to telling the stories of those who have been trafficked, exploited, or made vulnerable. Red Sand Project has developed deep partnerships with organizations working to advocate for survivors, provide relief and support, and foster community.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Red Sand Project is focused on removing the onus and responsibility of awareness-raising away from survivors of human trafficking and towards communities and allies. This commitment to not retraumatizing those who have lived through violence and trauma—in the name of raising awareness—informs everything that Red Sand Project does, including this film. We believe that those who are closest to the issue—who are most impacted—should be those who set the agenda and create solutions. This is why we ensured that our filmmaking team is composed of Native people, families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people, survivors of trafficking, and people of color.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">About Level Forward</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">LEVEL FORWARD is a story-driven / impact-minded, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony nominated film, theater, and television mini-studio comprised of storytellers, entrepreneurs, and social change-makers. On project and systems levels, Level Forward strives to balance artistic vision, public good, and stakeholder return.</span><br /><br /></p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-89654975551133484152024-02-22T19:16:00.000-08:002024-02-22T19:16:29.233-08:00City Announces Request for Qualifications for Central Austin Multifamily Housing Development Opportunity<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px;">The Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) released a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify a preferred development partner to develop, own, and operate a proposed approximately 300-unit multifamily apartment at 6909 Ryan Drive, a 5.5-acre AHFC-owned property located in the Crestview neighborhood of central Austin.</span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4px;"><p>Supporting documentation is available on the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dfe47628c8da1adddfe82b32a4%26id%3D8f55620c2f%26e%3Df9ee38e1f3&source=gmail&ust=1708738797120000&usg=AOvVaw20FCJz6acMq8e_y-KMmH6Q" href="https://austintexas.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe47628c8da1adddfe82b32a4&id=8f55620c2f&e=f9ee38e1f3" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #9f5928; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">RFP web page</a>.</p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4px;"><p>AHFC conducted public engagement between October and December 2023 to identify community priorities and sentiments, building upon the significant community engagement work done for Austin Energy’s prior solicitation. Through this process, it was determined that the community remained committed to prioritizing affordable housing, park space, and connectivity to transit.</p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4px;"><p>Complete responses must be submitted to the AHFC by 11:59 p.m. CST on March 20, 2024, to be considered for award. Submission instructions are included within the RFQ—available on the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dfe47628c8da1adddfe82b32a4%26id%3Dfbc986d8e7%26e%3Df9ee38e1f3&source=gmail&ust=1708738797120000&usg=AOvVaw0gBU5iPwWd1F1ZJyHwKWaw" href="https://austintexas.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe47628c8da1adddfe82b32a4&id=fbc986d8e7&e=f9ee38e1f3" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #9f5928; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">RFP web page</a>.</p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4px;"><p>Questions regarding this Request for Qualifications may be directed to the RFQ’s Authorized Contacts:</p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4px;"><p><strong>Sarah Ramos</strong> <br />Procurement Specialist <br /><a href="mailto:Sarah.Ramos@AustinTexas.gov?subject=3515%20Manor%20Rd.%20RFP" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #9f5928; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Sarah.Ramos@AustinTexas.gov</a></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4px;"><p><strong>Alex Radtke </strong><br />Housing Development Manager <br /><a href="mailto:alex.radtke@austintexas.gov" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #9f5928; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Alex.Radtke@AustinTexas.gov</a> </p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 15.4px;"><p>Persons desiring further information or interpretation of the RFQ requirements must make a written request for such information to AHFC <strong>no later than ten working days before</strong> the RFQ submittal due date (March 6th). Changes to the RFQ documents will be made by addendum only. Questions and Answers that are significant will be provided as a Clarification Document(s). </p><div><br /></div></div><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dfe47628c8da1adddfe82b32a4%26id%3D9512eb1ca8%26e%3Df9ee38e1f3&source=gmail&ust=1708738797120000&usg=AOvVaw0udzHVfe5hzAHadFl7ELaK" href="https://austintexas.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=fe47628c8da1adddfe82b32a4&id=9512eb1ca8&e=f9ee38e1f3" style="background-color: white; color: #9f5928; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"></a>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-22251885374684784012024-02-22T13:31:00.000-08:002024-02-22T13:31:08.100-08:00Office of Police Oversight Hosts Working Group Meeting, February 22, 2024<p><em style="color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Community members' input requested for Police Oversight Implementation Working Group meetings</em></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> </span><div style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px;"><strong>Austin, Texas</strong>- The Office of Police Oversight (OPO) will host the second quarterly Police Oversight Implementation Workgroup meeting on <strong>February 22, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.</strong> <p>OPO invites community members to attend this meeting to offer input on future meetings as well as receive the most recent complaints data from OPO. </p><p>The meeting is open to the public and will be hosted at the Asian American Resource Center (<strong>8401 Cameron Rd</strong>). </p><strong>Registration information: </strong><p>Register to participate <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D214234b42c%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708712833061000&usg=AOvVaw0by96veIJppAjdOan0AdDe" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=214234b42c&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #202020;" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Accessibility and Accommodation Information:</strong> </p><p>The event will be presented in both English and Spanish, as well as American Sign Language (ASL). Additional interpretation services and accessibility accommodations are available upon request. </p><p>If you have any questions or concerns, please email <a href="mailto:OPO.Outreach@AustinTexas.gov" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #202020;" target="_blank">OPO.Outreach@AustinTexas.gov</a> or call (512) 974-9090.<br /><br />------------------------------<wbr></wbr>--------------------</p><p>La Oficina de Fiscalización de la Policía (OPO, por sus siglas en inglés) realizará la segunda reunión trimestral del Grupo de Trabajo de Implementación de Fiscalización de la Policía el <strong>22 de febrero de 2024 de 6:30 p.m. a 7:30 p.m.</strong> </p><p>La OPO invita a los miembros de la comunidad a asistir a esta reunión para ofrecer sus comentarios sobre futuras reuniones, así como para recibir los datos más recientes de quejas de la OPO. </p><p>La reunión está abierta al público y se realizará en el Centro de Recursos Asiáticoamericanos (<strong>8401 Cameron Rd</strong>). </p><p><strong>Información sobre la inscripción:</strong> </p><p>Inscríbase para participar <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3De2555f5d64%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708712833061000&usg=AOvVaw2hEGa6_NpXowHi9fFBxUFf" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=e2555f5d64&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #202020;" target="_blank">aquí</a>.</p><p><strong>Información sobre accesibilidad y adaptaciones:</strong> </p><p>El evento será presentado en inglés y en español, así como en lengua de señas americana (ASL). Se ofrecerán servicios de interpretación y adaptaciones de accesibilidad adicionales a solicitud. </p><p>Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, por favor escríbanos a <a href="mailto:OPO.Outreach@AustinTexas.gov" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="color: #202020;" target="_blank">OPO.Outreach@AustinTexas.gov</a> o llámenos al (512) 974-9090.</p></div>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-46636549929380564132024-02-21T11:42:00.000-08:002024-02-21T11:42:09.110-08:00City of Austin Releases Draft South Central Waterfront Regulations, Seeks Public Comments<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_-6298024970817090650templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-6298024970817090650bodyTitleContent" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: left;"><h1 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-size: 30px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><em style="color: #202020; font-size: 16px;">Density bonus program designed to generate affordable housing, community benefits</em></h1></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="m_-6298024970817090650bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><p>The City of Austin has released draft regulations for <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D9139078054%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708615308134000&usg=AOvVaw0dqHUG9rumF1R6sEmbRyd4" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=9139078054&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">the South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program</a>. The proposal is open for public comment until March 20, and residents can learn more at three upcoming community meetings.</p><p>Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 20, the City’s Planning Department is asking community members to review the draft document and contribute their thoughts and questions online at<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dae648dcd50%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708615308134000&usg=AOvVaw2jYCQjUJNdfyOzoi4OQjnu" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=ae648dcd50&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"> SpeakUpAustin.org/<wbr></wbr>SouthCentralWaterfront</a>.</p><p>“The South Central Waterfront District represents a unique chance to build a destination in Central Austin that reflects the community at its best,” said Lauren Middleton-Pratt, director of the Planning Department. “It will tie into the city’s culture, with connections to Lady Bird Lake and the Hike-and-Bike Trail, views of Downtown, and proximity to South Congress and Auditorium Shores.”</p><p>A combining district groups together multiple parcels, allowing them to benefit from development regulations different from the base zoning code in the area. A density bonus program incentivizes development outcomes beneficial to the community in exchange for allowing developers added density. The roughly triangle-shaped, 118-acre South Central Waterfront District is generally bounded by Lady Bird Lake on the north, South 1st Street on the west, and East Bouldin Creek and East Riverside Drive on the south. The release of the draft Combining District & Density Bonus Program responds to <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D3538999e8a%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708615308135000&usg=AOvVaw1xuL4CUa_zKGyBr5CDxFLn" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=3538999e8a&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">City Council Resolution 20220915-090</a>, which directed staff to create regulations supporting implementation of the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dcf9794c30e%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708615308135000&usg=AOvVaw0t-0SJnECc0QYek4ccMP-Y" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=cf9794c30e&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan</a>.</p><p>The intent of the Vision Framework Plan, developed between 2012 and 2016 with the participation of stakeholders and hundreds of Austinites, is to leverage coming development through a districtwide approach in order to:</p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Create an attractive and lively pedestrian environment,</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Expand open space and build great new public spaces,</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Enhance connections to and along Lady Bird Lake, and</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Generate affordable housing.</li></ul><p>Further, Council’s 2022 resolution requested regulations that create a connected, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use district where “thousands more Austinites can live, work, and play.”</p><p>City staff members will share the ideas behind the new Combining District & Density Bonus Program at three public meetings. [See below for times and locations.] Community members, whether they live near the District or not, can learn more about the draft regulations, share their opinions, take a survey, and ask questions online at: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D6b0c6bb6f7%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708615308135000&usg=AOvVaw3lK4wMYwx0sHQuC56R9shM" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=6b0c6bb6f7&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">SpeakUpAustin.org/<wbr></wbr>SouthCentralWaterfront</a>.</p><p><strong>Meeting 1 — Online</strong></p><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Wednesday, February 28, 6-7:30 p.m.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dd97d53ec27%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708615308135000&usg=AOvVaw06HBtFIAx3Fkd_1VqX6bzd" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=d97d53ec27&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Register for Zoom</a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Spanish interpretation available</li></ul><strong>Meeting 2 — In-Person</strong><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Monday, March 18, 6-8 p.m.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Austin Public Library, 710 W Cesar Chavez St., 78701</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D90ff35e1d6%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708615308135000&usg=AOvVaw340nTzTijEuBm0qvwiyDlp" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=90ff35e1d6&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Register for meeting</a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Accessible by CapMetro Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 20, 30, 801, and 803</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Parking at Central Library or City Hall will be validated.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Spanish and ASL interpretation available</li></ul><strong>Meeting 3 — Online</strong><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Wednesday, March 20, 10-11:30 a.m.</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Db1a4c1c7b3%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708615308135000&usg=AOvVaw1C6sWnzrfA5ET_bgNFs5qi" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=b1a4c1c7b3&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Register for Zoom</a></li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Spanish interpretation available</li></ul>Once the public comment period ends on March 20, Planning staff will review the feedback and incorporate potential changes into the proposal. Staff will also present the Combining District & Density Bonus Program to City boards and commissions, with anticipated City Council action in late May.<p>For more information contact <a href="mailto:caleb.pritchard@austintexas.gov?subject=South%20Central%20Waterfront" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Caleb Pritchard</a>, Public Information Specialist Senior, City of Austin Planning Department</p><p style="text-align: center;">###</p></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-28051754456802248462024-02-21T11:28:00.000-08:002024-02-21T11:28:56.449-08:0002-22-0224: Barton Springs Bath House Rehabilitation Project<p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_936879610274009521mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_936879610274009521mcnTextContent" style="font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: arial, "helvetica neue", helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><strong>Contact: </strong> <br />Keyheira Keys, Public Information Specialist, City of Austin Public Works, (512) 974-7111</span></span><br /> <h1 style="font-size: 30px; line-height: 37.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ef3e42;">MEDIA ADVISORY</span></h1><h1 style="font-size: 30px; line-height: 37.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">Barton Springs Bath House Rehabilitation Project</span></h1></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_936879610274009521mcnCaptionBottomContent" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 9px 9px;" valign="top"><img alt="Barton Springs Bath House Entrance" class="m_936879610274009521mcnImage CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NZvDSsm0vp9MTHGlkpuBM83FG7gkXJtRr63gCiiic_2oZBj9sDgURXIbbC9HEk6gvioXYp5jt_Q3DsPDmYHHy9-EsUKBrJDZWz-HbcSOeKu2sv02LmawbJm9Mfe1YZmykYnLvgINhhfCrrbQsGVbqt9-cOYAzzAd-4=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/ae8ff56eaa7990725aceb580e/images/bccbe738-4ee0-e21e-9611-7c350b9c7e8c.png" style="border-radius: 0%; border: 0px; cursor: pointer; height: auto; max-width: 1076px; outline: none; vertical-align: bottom;" tabindex="0" width="564" /></td></tr><tr><td class="m_936879610274009521mcnTextContent" style="font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top" width="564"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_936879610274009521mcnDividerBlock" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; table-layout: fixed !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; min-width: 100%; padding: 18px;"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-top: 2px solid rgb(234, 234, 234); min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px;"></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_936879610274009521mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_936879610274009521mcnTextContent" style="font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><strong>Who:</strong> <ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Paige Ellis, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Austin </li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Michael Cannatti, President, Barton Springs Conservancy</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Austin Parks and Recreation Department, City of Austin</li><li style="margin-left: 15px;">Capital Delivery Services, City of Austin</li></ul><strong>When: Thursday</strong>, February 22 at 10:00 AM<br /><strong>Where: </strong>2131 William Barton Drive Austin, Texas 78746</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding-top: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="m_936879610274009521mcnTextContentContainer" style="border-collapse: collapse; max-width: 100%; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_936879610274009521mcnTextContent" style="font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 18px 9px; word-break: break-word;" valign="top"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Join the City of Austin's Capital Delivery Services and Austin Parks and Recreation Department as we celebrate the groundbreaking for our new <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dae8ff56eaa7990725aceb580e%26id%3D652e2429c1%26e%3Dcf65aa1e00&source=gmail&ust=1708626568770000&usg=AOvVaw1tjbFufnGFsj1TjoSKKFmu" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ae8ff56eaa7990725aceb580e&id=652e2429c1&e=cf65aa1e00" style="color: #ef3e42;" target="_blank">Barton Springs Bathhouse Rehabilitation Project</a>! The ceremony will occur on Thursday, February 22 at 10 a.m. at 2131 William Barton Drive. <br /><br />NOTE: There is NO parking near the bathhouse. Guests are asked to park at the Rock Garden picnic area parking lot (near the moontower) as project construction will be underway. Please see map for details.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 9px;" valign="top"><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 100%; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 9px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><img align="center" alt="" class="m_936879610274009521mcnImage CToWUd a6T" data-bit="iit" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/meips/ADKq_NZu9aEVIFKhE8k6NWA5m-IafK5SwhITWCB-ivzWB9WqWq8aaOLOvUV9Xwx3a5pSs78oKukS49czgqpmXQkZWSxoVFYmn7blYjwekHJj2VOFtCRq9woZA3TSot0i-IJDhO7muRJDP352IjcOEGkb-ww0iaVZilm5a8w=s0-d-e1-ft#https://mcusercontent.com/ae8ff56eaa7990725aceb580e/images/99efbfc2-7509-d41e-b221-66528f1577ac.png" style="border: 0px; cursor: pointer; display: inline !important; height: auto; max-width: 1024px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;" tabindex="0" width="564" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-12553561298482581062024-02-17T14:51:00.000-08:002024-02-17T14:51:55.885-08:00City of Austin Activates Cold Weather Shelters on Saturday, Feb. 17 <p> </p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_5007109643633662398templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_5007109643633662398bodyTitleContent" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: left;"><h1 style="color: rgb(197, 46, 38) !important; font-size: 30px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 30px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-size: 14px;">Finding the status of shelters by calling 512-972-5055</span></em></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></em></span></h1></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="m_5007109643633662398bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><p><strong>AUSTIN, Texas -</strong> The City of Austin is opening overnight cold weather shelters on Saturday, Feb. 17. Registration for shelter will occur between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC), 505 Barton Springs Road, which will act as the central embarkation point for individuals seeking an overnight shelter. </p><p>The City shared its plans to community partners who work directly with Austin’s unsheltered population and texted information directly to unsheltered individuals who are registered with the City’s recently launched text alert system. </p><p>The Homeless Strategy Office determines when to activate cold weather shelters no later than 9 a.m. each day using National Weather Service (NWS) projections for the Camp Mabry Location. These projections may be accessed via the NWS website and entering the 78703 zip: <br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D4f86e0172a%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708268693320000&usg=AOvVaw2HV4zTDZIAfuuUvLEx2yPA" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=4f86e0172a&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><strong>7-Day Forecast 30.27N 97.74W (weather.gov)</strong></a>. The Homeless Strategy Office activates cold weather shelters if the forecast is predicted to be 32 degrees or colder overnight, 35 degrees or colder overnight with precipitation, or 35 degrees or colder overnight with wind chill of 32 or colder. <br /> </p><p><strong>How to Access a Cold Weather Shelter </strong> </p><p>Registration for shelter occurs between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC), 505 Barton Springs Road. Bus routes to OTC are lines: 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105, 142, 801. Anyone seeking a cold weather shelter and does not have the means to pay the fare will still be given a ride. CapMetro partners with the City to transport individuals from OTC to a shelter location. </p><p>While Cold Weather Shelters are primarily accessed by people experiencing homelessness, they are available to anyone needing a warm place to spend the night. Individuals can get information about access and activation by calling the Cold Weather Shelter Hotline - 512-972-5055. </p><p>Guidance for Cold Weather Shelter guests is available <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dcc7eb7c9ee%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708268693320000&usg=AOvVaw3PJvqFvZPjMAs0l8O9jr6O" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=cc7eb7c9ee&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a>. </p><p>Since shelters are largely used by individuals experiencing homelessness, the City does not list the locations for a variety of reasons, including managing capacity limits and privacy concerns. However, the City is publicizing the location of the embarkation point, which is the OTC at 505 Barton Springs Road. </p><p>Residents are encouraged to follow <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3De9dc02679c%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708268693320000&usg=AOvVaw3eMo_PhE_TkdAzpyG47npt" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=e9dc02679c&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><strong>austintexas.gov/alerts</strong></a> <wbr></wbr>for emergency information updated in multiple languages.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-63642625016857213622024-02-15T13:29:00.000-08:002024-02-15T13:29:46.744-08:00Austin City Council Passes Resolution to Support and Sustain Live Music Events<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">Today, the Austin City Council unanimously passed a resolution directing city staff to solidify an equitable co-sponsorship process and investigate opportunities to support and sustain live music community events. Recognizing the integral role of such events in Austin's cultural identity and economic vitality, the resolution underscores the city's commitment to maintaining its memorable music scene.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">The resolution, which builds upon Austin's reputation as the 'Live Music Capital of the World,' emphasizes the importance of diverse, open-to-the-public community events. It acknowledges the challenges faced by event organizers and stakeholders while emphasizing the significance of collaboration across all parties in the live music ecosystem.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">After the resolution passed, one of the sponsors, Council Member Harper-Madison, emphasized, “This is not the finish line by any means, this is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing conversations across our music and arts space. Our vision is that the future generations of Austinites will get to experience live music events and traditions that are the fabric of our 'uniquely Austin' quality of life.”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px;">This resolution reaffirms the City of Austin's commitment to fostering a thriving and inclusive live music ecosystem that benefits residents, visitors, and local businesses alike.</span><br /><br /></p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-2777778232934578562024-02-15T13:26:00.000-08:002024-02-15T13:26:47.124-08:00City of Austin Presidents Day Closures<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_1052570561095684486templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_1052570561095684486bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: center;"><div></div></div></td></tr><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td align="center" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; margin: 0px;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_1052570561095684486bodyTitleContent" style="border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-top: 20px; text-align: center;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: center;"><em>City offices and some facilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 19</em> </p></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr><tr><td class="m_1052570561095684486bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: left;">City of Austin administrative offices and other municipal facilities will be closed Monday, Feb. 19, in observance of Presidents Day. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, Feb. 20.<br /><br /><strong>Parks and Recreation</strong><br />Most Austin Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed for Presidents Day. However, City parks, golf courses, cemeteries, and some pools will be open. Facility hours vary by location so please call ahead or visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D76b7ecfb72%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw1_eic_7v0YZVLwHmk_jWHA" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=76b7ecfb72&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">AustinTexas.gov/Parks</a> <wbr></wbr>for details. Information on closures is available at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D210df0a042%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw3ReT_R9pwZ1Ao2mvSt0k2h" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=210df0a042&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">AustinTexas.gov/<wbr></wbr>ParkClosures</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Austin Resource Recovery</strong><br /><strong>Trash, Recycling, Composting and Facility Schedules </strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">Curbside collections will follow regular schedules and will not be affected by the President's Day holiday. Customers can check their collection schedule any time in the Austin Recycles app or at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D89167ca169%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw0cQQsaH-VcMLMD3XXzm1Lb" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=89167ca169&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="austintexas.gov/myschedule">austintexas.gov/myschedule</a>.<wbr></wbr> The <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Da4115858bf%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw3FG8C0cd3IPYW0axwuwHsX" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=a4115858bf&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="https://www.austintexas.gov/dropoff">Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center</a><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dbc7481e4e5%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw0S8Ek6oBabou5iR5eZ-wa7" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=bc7481e4e5&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="https://www.austintexas.gov/dropoff"></a> and administrative offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19 but <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D7f63a314a0%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw20YX6DBguCBzB0azvfJ1tV" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=7f63a314a0&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="https://www.austintexas.gov/brushdropoff">Austin Water’s Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant</a> will be open regular hours for yard trimmings and large brush drop off. <br /><br /><strong>Austin Public Health</strong><br />Environmental Health Services at the Rutherford Lane Campus, Office of Vital Records, all WIC and Shots for Tots clinics, and Neighbor Centers will be closed Monday, Feb. 19.<br /><br />COVID-19 test 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: <br />• <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D7b367df236%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw2bYIAUF4ebs2UbmLwu8keN" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=7b367df236&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Department of Health and Human Services community-based testing portal </a><br />• <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dc7d8a53c27%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw1jqAkOlDhvFhMyTHFp4WW8" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=c7d8a53c27&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">COVID.gov testing resources </a><br /><br />Visit <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D59def92ccb%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw3i1CvChwpT4Yv9b4T6w5Ps" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=59def92ccb&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Vaccines.gov</a> (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Df80decd04d%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw3fzh5ErGd7yh4WVm71r-uM" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=f80decd04d&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Vacunas.<wbr></wbr>gov</a> in Spanish) to find flu and COVID-19 vaccine providers near you. <br /><br /><strong>Austin Energy</strong><br />The City of Austin Utilities Customer Care Call Center and City of Austin Utility Customer Service Centers will be closed on Presidents Day. Customers can make utility payments at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D2ff09208cd%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw24UnwypedkkuJ1ecgk9aKC" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=2ff09208cd&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">coautilities.com</a> or by calling 1-833-375-4919 for a Quick Payment. <br />Additional payment options include: </p><p style="text-align: left;">• Paying at authorized locations, including most Austin H-E-B, Fiesta Mart, Randalls and Walmart stores </p><p style="text-align: left;">• Mailing money order or check to P.O. BOX 2267, Austin, TX 78783-2267 or using a drop box location </p><p style="text-align: left;">• 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. <br /><br /><strong>Downtown Austin Community Court</strong></p><p style="text-align: left;">• The Downtown Austin Community Court's Violet KeepSafe Storage program (VKS), Homeless Services, Court Services, and Community Services will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19. The following day, all services will reopen at their regular time: VKS at 7 a.m., Community Services at 7:30 a.m., and Homeless Services & Court Services at 8 a.m.<br /><br /><strong>Austin Public Library Schedule</strong><br />Austin Public Library, Recycled Reads Bookstore, and the Austin History Center branches will be closed both Sunday, Feb. 18 and Monday, Feb. 19. Resources that are available remotely can be accessed at the Austin Public Library website: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dc5a210b144%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708112632096000&usg=AOvVaw19_cmY9uukdCjLW1Qph66n" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=c5a210b144&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">library.austintexas.<wbr></wbr>gov</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Austin Animal Center Schedule</strong><br />The Austin Animal Center will close for Presidents Day, reopening on Tuesday.<br /><br />For questions about City services or information call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000. Residents can also submit service requests from the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app.</p><div><br /></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5027817360188054544.post-16118824408328490622024-02-14T08:12:00.000-08:002024-02-14T08:12:28.565-08:00Thomas Dambo to Share Vision and Story of the Pease Park Troll<p></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="m_-7172828977369138093templateBody" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-collapse: collapse !important; border-top: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td class="m_-7172828977369138093bodyContent" style="border-collapse: collapse !important; color: #202020; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 20px 40px;" valign="top"><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Two upcoming events in Pease Park will feature Thomas Dambo, the world-leading recycle artist and creator of the Pease Park troll. </span><br /><br /><strong>Thomas Dambo Troll Media Day</strong><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Friday, March 1, 2024</span><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.</span><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park</span><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D480fc46fc3%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708007387014000&usg=AOvVaw3gsxOjH8zA_RC2B4ipGnU2" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=480fc46fc3&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">1100 Kingsbury Street</a></span><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6"><em>Hear from Thomas Dambo about his vision for his art around the world and in Pease Park as the Pease Park troll build begins.</em></span><br /><strong id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-0c49df14-7fff-5e6f-db24-8ec313d99915">Day-of-event contact: Allison Johnson, 512-914-2451</strong><br /><br /><strong>Pease Park Troll Introduction and Celebration</strong><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Friday, March 15, 2024</span><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.</span><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Kingsbury Commons at Pease Park</span><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3Dd6b99378a9%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708007387014000&usg=AOvVaw1aYYnZ2MfTOgs2GxRnUB_I" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=d6b99378a9&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">1100 Kingsbury Street</a></span><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6"><em>Join Thomas Dambo as he introduces the Pease Park troll to the Austin community. He will share the story of the Austin troll as we celebrate the completion of the build with food, nonalcoholic beverages, and music.</em></span><br /><strong id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-336214cb-7fff-a704-6ec1-dc3151ed0381">Day-of-event contact: Jordan Fuhrer, 703-798-7903</strong><br /><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Parking options include:</span><ul><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 15px;"><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Parking lot at the Austin Recreation Center, 1301 Shoal Creek Blvd.</span></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 15px;"><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Small parking lot in front of the south end of Pease Park at 1100 Kingsbury Street</span></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 15px;"><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Street parking on Parkway, North of 15th Street</span></li></ul><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Upon arrival at the park, follow the eastern trail north through Kingsbury Commons (about ¼ mile) until you see the event set-up. </span><br /><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Find frequently asked questions about Austin’s Thomas Dambo troll at </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3D1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c%26id%3D316b1f3b90%26e%3Dcbe02c6db1&source=gmail&ust=1708007387014000&usg=AOvVaw3ZW_Pt_QLibvBw826SYbSS" href="https://austintexas.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1861810ce1dca1a4c1673747c&id=316b1f3b90&e=cbe02c6db1" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">peasepark.org/news/trollfaq</a><wbr></wbr>. Pease Park Conservancy can be reached at <a href="mailto:info@peasepark.org" style="color: #c52e26; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">info@peasepark.org</a>.<br /><br /><strong>About Pease Park and Pease Park Conservancy</strong><br /><span id="m_-7172828977369138093docs-internal-guid-b664beea-7fff-de1d-7165-1fe63aba84b6">Pease Park Conservancy was formed in 2008 and celebrates the diverse ecology and history that make Austin’s first public park valuable and unique. In partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, the Conservancy works to restore, enhance, and maintain this 84-acre public green space for the sustainable use and enjoyment of all. Unfolding across 84 acres and owned by the City of Austin, Pease Park is a series of connected green spaces running along Lamar Blvd from 15th to 31st Streets.</span></td></tr></tbody></table>dphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11342945846198271781noreply@blogger.com