April Newsletter: EVs, E-Bikes, and Earth Month

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Subject: April Newsletter: EVs, E-Bikes, and Earth Month

Dear Neighbors,

I am committed to advancing our city’s net-zero emission goals and fostering climate resilience in our community. As we celebrate Earth Day, I hope you will join me in considering how each of us can contribute to these efforts.

Transportation is the City’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. The electrification of our mobility networks is key to meeting our net-zero goals. I have worked with my colleagues and Austin Energy to make it easier to choose electric, and I am proud that electric vehicles (EVs) now comprise over 11% of new vehicle registrations in Austin.

In this newsletter, I would like to share some of the resources and incentives we provide for those purchasing an electric vehicle or E-bike:

Austin Energy (AE) is offering significant rebates for home or business installation of vehicle charging stations. The maximum rebate amount for installation of a home charging system is $1,200. Customers can also access a local network of over 1,500 public charging stations through Austin Energy’s Plug In EVerywhere program for $4.17/month, and expedited charging for $0.21/minute through AE’s Plug in Fast program. Learn more about AE’s public charging program and find the closest charging station at PluginAustin.com.

I also invite you to review Austin Energy’s EV Buyers Guide at EV.AustinEnergy.com, including their useful EV-FAQ. EV owners may qualify for several federal tax incentives, including credits of up to $7,500 for purchased or leased vehicles, and up to $1,000 for the purchase of residential fueling equipment. You can access the full EV incentive schedule and search for personalized federal and local incentives at ev.austinenergy.com/incentives.

Likewise electric bikes (E-bikes) are an excellent transportation alternative, and the City is taking steps to make the use of E-bikes easier through our award-winning E-bikes are for EVeryone initiative. AE offers significant incentives for customers who purchase electric bicycles, and their rebate schedule was recently doubled. Those who qualify for the utility’s Customer Assistance Programs can apply for even larger rebates. E-Ride rebates are available for E-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles. The City also partners with CapMetro to offer MetroBike, a bike share program which includes E-bikes in its fleet.

As we work together to meet our climate goals, I encourage you to review these resources and consider whether purchasing an E-bike or an electric vehicle is right for you. The EV market and infrastructure are evolving, and you may find it easier to make the switch than you think. I myself have been driving an electric vehicle for over nine years. I can say without hesitation that driving an EV is clean, convenient, and fun.

The City also is doing our part to support electrification, and to achieve fleet conversion targets. In 2019 I authored a resolution directing the City Manager to include transportation electrification in the Austin Climate Equity Plan and to outline how we can achieve net-zero by 2040. The City currently operates 275 electric vehicles, with savings tracking 50% ahead of projection. Cap Metro is also on track to meet its long-term target of operating 100% electric vehicles and AISD is also moving to electrify its fleet. To learn more, you can view the slides and video from the April 11th Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee briefing.

In closing, I invite you to join me today for Earth Day ATX at Huston-Tillotson University, where I will read a proclamation alongside Council Member Harper-Madison. The event will include live music, food, and resources to help make our homes more sustainable.

In the remainder of this newsletter, you will find sustainability tips, Earth Day events around Austin, green volunteer opportunities, and more. Happy Earth Month!

Regards,

Council Member, District 10

Table of Contents

Earth Day/Month Announcements

Austin is Now a Bird City!
Recycling and Single-Use Plastic FAQs from Austin Resource Recovery
Reminder: Household Hazardous Waste Pickup Pilot
Update on Civilian Conservation Corps
Earth Month Challenge (with prizes)
Community Climate Ambassadors Spring Showcase Event

Council Recap

Election on May 6th

Council Member Alter in the Community

Congrats to Austin-Travis County EMS Cadet Class 0123!
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Constituent Eagle Scout Project: COVID Memorial at Central Library
Kicking off the LBJ Symposium on Liveability and Longevity
Lunchtime Lecture at Capital City Village
Metropolitan Breakfast Club

Announcements

Summer Lifeguard Hiring Incentives
Austin Light Rail: Virtual Open House

Safety Tips and Updates

Anonymously Return Unwanted Medications: National Take Back Day
Austin Energy’s Medically Vulnerable Registry
Mothers Against Drunk Driving: Power Talk 21 Day

Austin is Now a Bird City!

I celebrated Austin’s official status as a Bird City with Travis County Audubon via a proclamation this week. I authored the resolution supporting pursuit of this certification and I invite you to learn more from Travis County Audubon. Please join our local World Migratory Bird Day activities on Saturday, May 13 at Hornsby Bend.

Recycling and Single-Use Plastic FAQs from Austin Resource Recovery

Check out Austin Resource Recovery’s latest newsletter to learn more about how to reduce our dependence on single-use plastics and about what happens to the items in our recycling carts.

Reminder: Household Hazardous Waste Pickup Pilot

If you live in the Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) service zone in District 10, you can safely dispose of paint cans, oils, lightbulbs, batteries, and more by scheduling a home pickup through ARR’s household hazardous waste pickup pilot. See the full list of items and schedule your pickup here. To learn more about the pilot and my work to help us meet our zero waste goals, check out this recent newsletter. Help spread the word–the more neighbors participate in this program, the more likely it is to become permanent!

Update on Civilian Conservation Corps

I started the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps (ACCC) in 2020 to help our community meet sustainability goals while creating jobs for those most impacted by the pandemic. The ACCC is helping to create and fill green jobs in Austin. Check out this recent program update in the Austin Monitor.

Earth Month Challenge (with prizes)

Complete 8 activities recommended by the Office of Sustainability this month to earn an annual Texas State Parks pass or a membership to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Learn more and start the challenge here.

Community Climate Ambassadors Spring Showcase Event

Join the Office of Sustainability's Community Climate Ambassadors for their Spring Showcase on April 29 at the Dove Springs Recreation Center from 10-1. This is an opportunity to meet the Climate Ambassadors and learn about what they’ve been working on. The showcase will include refreshments, prizes, and activities for all ages.

Council met twice this month and I would like to highlight the following for District 10:

April 13 Council Agenda

Council approved an annual programming plan for Pease Park, which is now fully in District 10. Pease Park Conservancy offers a range of programming for all ages and is working with a variety of partners to make Pease a community benefit for people from across Austin.
Council took steps to ensure our planning processes consider the threat of wildfire and to fortify requirements for safe access for developments located in the Wildland Urban Interface. These changes to the land development code are an important part of our wildfire prevention strategy and are responsive to a 2022 resolution that I authored.
I co-sponsored a resolution from Council Member Kelly directing the City Manager to review future aerial fire truck, staffing, equipment, and budgetary needs for the Austin Fire Department and report back to Council with recommendations. It is my hope that this analysis and subsequent investments will help us improve our community's ability to respond quickly to fire emergencies, including wildfire.
I co-sponsored a resolution to increase access to Narcan in our community through funding prioritization, distribution, and training.
Council also approved a resolution to allocate the Project Connect anti-displacement funding for Fiscal Years 2023-25.

April 20 Council Agenda

Council authorized the issuance of rebates for multifamily and commercial customer energy efficiency measures by Austin Energy.
I co-sponsored a resolution from Council Member Pool directing the City Manager to create a plan and implementation schedule to transition the City to sustainable low-embodied-carbon concrete.
I also co-sponsored a resolution urging Congress to enact a multiyear reauthorization of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, supporting robust annual funding, and calling on the Texas House delegation to cosponsor federal House of Representatives’ bill HR 1520.

Public Health Week/Austin Public Health’s Epidemiology and Preparedness Division

Last week was National Public Health Week! I’m proud to have added four epidemiologists during the FY23 budget process to help our city prepare for disease outbreak. Learn more about Austin Public Health’s Epidemiology and Public Health Preparedness Division here.

Small/Local Business Program and Survey

I was a small business owner when I first ran for office, and last year I championed an initiative to expand City contract opportunities for local businesses. As a next step, the City’s Financial Services Department is seeking feedback from small business owners in ATX. Fill out this quick survey to help guide the expansion of programs to support our local businesses!

Election on May 6th

On Tuesday, May 6, Austin voters will consider two propositions related to police accountability and oversight. I encourage you to make a voting plan–find polling locations and times at VoteTravis.com. You can review the League of Women Voters- Austin Area Voters Guide for an unbiased explanation of the ballot language.

Congrats to Austin-Travis County EMS Cadet Class 0123!

It was a joy to see the pride and hopes of these medics as they celebrated their graduation at the Texas Capitol. I am grateful that they chose both this noble profession and Austin.

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

I joined with survivors, advocates, and law enforcement to declare April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in Austin. If you have experienced sexual assault, please know that you are not alone. Visit SafeAustin.org to get help.

Constituent Eagle Scout Project: COVID Memorial at Central Library

For his Eagle Scout project, my constituent, Vaishnuv Thiagarajan, created the first artistic monument in Texas to honor the frontline workers that lost their lives during the pandemic. This traveling monument is currently on display in front of the Central Library.

Kicking off the LBJ Symposium on Liveability and Longevity

I enjoyed speaking at the “Livability for Longevity” Symposium at UT this week! This symposium focused on the needs of aging adults in Austin and in Texas and was organized by UT Professor Jacqueline Angel, who serves as the District 10 representative on the City’s Commission on Aging.

Lunchtime Lecture at Capital City Village

Thank you to Capital City Village for hosting me as your lunchtime speaker held at AGE of Central Texas. CCV is a community of seniors committed to aging in place while maintaining healthy and active lifestyles.

Metropolitan Breakfast Club

Thank you to the Metropolitan Breakfast Club for inviting me to speak at their March 29th meeting! Watch my talk and learn more about my work to expand access to healthcare in ATX.

Summer Lifeguard Hiring Incentives

Do you know someone in need of a summer job? Lifeguarding and summer camp jobs now start at $20 per hour and offer up to $750 in bonuses. Apply to be a lifeguard or sign up for lifeguard training at LifeguardAustin.com.

Austin Light Rail: Virtual Open House

Learn about updates on the light rail system from the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), what’s next for Project Connect, and share your feedback via the on-demand virtual open house. Visit projectconnect.com/get-involved through May 2 to learn more.

Saturday, April 22nd is National Take Back Day! Safely dispose of unwanted/unused medications from 10 am-2 pm. Find anonymous drop-off locations at dea.gov/takebackday.

Austin Energy’s Medically Vulnerable Registry

Austin Energy is encouraging medically vulnerable customers to take advantage of their registry program to receive extra help in case of a future power outage. This program provides personal case management for customers who need critical care. Learn more at coautilities.com/go/mvr.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving: Power Talk 21 Day

Yesterday was Power Talk 21 Day–an annual day to encourage parents and caregivers to initiate conversations with their kids about their decisions around drinking alcohol and using other drugs. Earlier this week, I partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to offer a proclamation and help spread awareness of the importance of these conversations–especially during prom and graduation season, when teen traffic fatalities tend to increase. Visit MADD.org for resources to help initiate a conversation about drug and alcohol safety.

CONTACT US!

District10@austintexas.gov

(512) 978-2110

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