Subject: April Update: Accelerating our Zero Waste and Climate Goals

Dear Neighbors,


Over my two terms, I have worked to bolster our community’s climate resilience and meet our zero-waste goals. April is Earth Month and in this newsletter I want to share some of the earth-friendly initiatives I’ve championed as your representative at City Hall. 


Climate Emergency Resolution & Austin’s Climate Equity Plan

In 2019, Council unanimously passed my resolution declaring a climate emergency. The resolution called for an immediate and coordinated mobilization to restore a safe climate, including:


  • Accountability and reporting to clarify climate leadership responsibilities

  • Amplified community engagement on climate policy

  • Aggressive targets to reach net-zero goals

  • Policy ideas to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, like the establishment of  resilience hubs

  • Alignment of emergency management plans to prepare for and respond to natural hazards


This resolution played a key role in shaping Austin’s Climate Equity Plan (2021), which accelerated our net-zero emissions goal to 2040 and outlined strategies to achieve a just transition.  The plan sets aggressive interim targets and addresses the disproportionate impacts of the climate emergency on historically underrepresented people. It also emphasizes the important role that the electrification of transportation and green jobs can play as we transition. I led an implementation resolution to ensure the success of the plan.


Austin Civilian Conservation Corps

Inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, I launched the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps (ACCC) in 2020 to help our community achieve our conservation and climate goals while creating jobs and training for those most impacted by the pandemic. Through partnerships with City departments and external partners, this workforce development program is creating pathways to desirable careers that support our outdoor spaces and our green infrastructure. ACCC’s vision and work were recognized by The Corps Network with the Project of the Year Award in 2022. Learn more about the ACCC here.


Zero Waste Efforts and Household Hazardous Waste Pickup Service

During my first term, I piloted recycling in District 10 parks and then collaborated to expand recycling in parks across the City. Building on these efforts, in 2022, I worked with Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) to pilot home pickup of hazardous waste in District 10 and District 4. I am proud to say this program is continuing! District 10 residents in the ARR service zone can schedule a home pickup for paint cans, lightbulbs, batteries, and more here.


Austin Energy’s Generation Plan

In 2022, I initiated a review and revision of our 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan in light of recent energy market changes. The plan update is underway – learn more and find engagement opportunities at publicinput.com/generation.


UT-City Climate Co-Lab

Last summer, I worked with UT faculty and city staff to establish a UT-City Co-Lab that will drive Austin-specific innovation, research, and policy related to issues like urban heat trends and the impact of climate change on our water supply. This partnership was formalized through the FY24 budget process, and we are already seeing new opportunities to utilize the Co-Lab at the City.


PARD Land Management Plan

Austin has over 10,000 plus acres of natural area in our parks system, which are both beloved and under stress from climate change. We also have an ever-present risk of wildfire, which means we need strong systems for managing brush, debris and fire fuels. That is why I led the creation and the adoption of an Austin Parks and Recreation Land Management Plan to improve the climate resilience of our parks and preserve areas and mitigate our wildfire risks. During the fiscal year 2024 budget cycle, I secured funding and staffing to accelerate the implementation of this important plan. Read more in my October newsletter.

 

Prohibited Dangerous Chemicals on City Owned Land

In 2018, I authored a resolution which prohibited the use of chlorpyrifos and neonicotinoid pesticides and limited the use of glyphosate on city-owned land. These chemicals are often found in commercial pesticides and can be harmful to human health and animals, including pollinators. Prohibiting them helps keep our greenspaces and watersheds safer.


Over the years I have been proud to work with Council colleagues, City staff, and community members towards our shared goals of urgent climate action and investments in our resilience.  Together we have advanced many additional initiatives and our community is better prepared and more engaged on our emissions and waste reduction efforts. 


In the remainder of this letter, I will share some City resources to help you go green, zero-waste leadership opportunities, budget and land development code updates and engagement events, and more.


Regards,


Alison Alter

Council Member, District 10

Table of Contents


Earth Month Feature: Resources and Green Leadership Opportunities


Featured D10 Greenspace: Shoal Creek


Update on Land Development Code Changes: Open House at Anderson High School


Council Recap


Council Member Alter in the Community

  • Congrats to APD Cadet Class 151!

  • Honoring Rabbi Folberg

  • Congrats to the Ignite Award Winners

  • Speaking at HC4A Fundraiser


Announcements

  • Happy Passover

  • Tax Relief Resources for Child Care Providers


City Services Updates

  • Airport Open House

  • Austin Animal Center Needs our Help


Service and Public Input Opportunities

  • Vote in the May TCAD Election

  • Register for the Wildfire Symposium


Safety Tips and Updates

  • Emergency Supplies–Tax Holiday

  • Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month/Sip Safely Program

resources and green leadership

Here are a few City resources, incentives, and programs to help you go green!


  • Grow Green is a sustainable gardening education program. Learn more about gardening rebates, native plants, water conservation, and responsible pest management here.

  • Austin Water has produced a comprehensive Residential Conservation Rebates guide. Learn more about the WaterWise landscaping program and other rebates here. Apply for rebates and request free water conservation tools here.

  • Read about electric vehicle and e-bike incentives in this previous newsletter.

  • Zero Waste Block Leaders are engaged residents who offer their time and knowledge to share information about recycling, composting, repurposing and repairing with their communities. Learn more about the program here.

  • Austin’s Green Business Leaders Program recognizes local businesses committed to environmentally-friendly practices. Shoutout to the D10 businesses already participating! Learn more about the program and check out the directory of participating businesses.

Featured D10 Greenspace: Shoal Creek

The 13-mile Shoal Creek watershed runs from central to north Austin, and many of its beloved trails are in District 10! This urban greenspace is stewarded by Shoal Creek Conservancy (SCC), a nonprofit committed to caring for the watershed and its role in our community. SCC hosts a number of volunteer and nature events– check them out here!

update on land development code changes: open house at anderson high school

In my last newsletter, I shared updates and engagement opportunities related to proposed changes to our Land Development Code. Read about my vote against Phase I of these proposed changes here. City staff have added an additional in-person open house on the proposed changes at Anderson High School on Monday, May 6 from 6-8 p.m. Review the proposed changes and view a full list of engagement opportunities here.

Appointment of New City Manager- On April 4, Council confirmed the appointment of T.C. Broadnax. He brings 30 years of local government management experience and has served as City Manager for Dallas and Tacoma and Assistant City Manager for San Antonio. Mr. Broadnax assumes his new responsibilities in Austin on May 6. I’m looking forward to working with him!


Financial Forecast Report- Last week, as part of our annual budget process, City staff provided a briefing on Austin’s five-year financial forecast and economic outlook. You can view the presentation here. I will share updates on the budget process and engagement opportunities in upcoming newsletters.


Thank you, APD Victim Services- Thank you to Austin Sanders and the Austin Chronicle for shining a light on the critical work of Austin Police Department’s Victim Services Division. I’m proud to have championed funding and positions for this division through multiple budget cycles. Read more about the division in this story.


Here are the highlights from the regular Council meetings on April 4 and 18:


  • Reducing Pool Fees- In the face of climate change and increasing temperatures,  I authored a resolution directing the City Manager to pilot lower pool fees or offer free swim days at certain pools this summer. This pilot will be used to inform future budget decisions to increase access to our pools.

  • Supporting Sexual Assault Survivors- Building on my longstanding work to support survivors of sexual assault and reform our sexual assault response system, I authored a resolution directing the City Manager to prioritize funding for existing unmet needs to continue this important work, as recommended by the City of Austin Commission on Women.

  • Managing Our Urban Canopy- Our urban tree canopy is one of our most precious and fragile city assets. I was proud to co-sponsor a resolution, authored by Council Member Ryan Alter, which directs the City Manager to explore a tree inventory and planting and maintenance plan for trees on city owned land.

  • Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Contracts - Council approved a contract with American YouthWorks to continue the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps’ mission of providing technical skills and workforce development to young Austinites from underserved communities as they assist in the stewardship and maintenance of our public lands. Council also approved an ACCC related contract with Raasin in the Sun for “Art for All”, an Art and the Unhoused Pilot Program which will use the arts as an instrument for community resilience, as well as support and grow the talents of the local creative workforce.

  • Longhorn Dam Improvements - Council authorized construction of the Longhorn Dam Multimodal Improvements bridge project, which will ease traffic flow and enhance pedestrian and bike safety in the area. 


Also on our recent agendas were items funding tutoring and after school programming for AISD, sexually transmitted infection testing, and digital inclusion programming. We also took actions to ban windowless bedrooms and expand the airport to meet growing demand.

in the community

Congrats to APD Cadet Class 151!

Congrats to Austin Police Department Cadet Class 151 on your graduation! Thank you for choosing to serve Austin.

Honoring Rabbi Folberg

I was happy to honor Rabbi Steven Folberg for his leadership of Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) and declare April 13th as “Rabbi Steven Folberg Day” in Austin. Fellow congregants and the community gathered to show our gratitude and share memories as Rabbi Folberg prepares for his next adventure after 33 years at CBI.

Congrats to the Ignite Award Winners

Congratulations to Sandy Dochen on receiving the Joseph Krassner Campaign Leadership Award and to Frances Meltzer as this year’s Hymie & Louise Samuelson Leadership Award recipient. Both of these District 10 residents were recently recognized for their long dedication to community service and leadership development.

Speaking at HC4A Fundraiser

Over the weekend, I spoke at the Hindu Charities for America Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt event. This fundraiser supported school supplies and scholarships for students across our area who are unhoused or living below the poverty line. Learn more here.

anouncements

Happy Passover

Chag Pesach Sameach from my family to yours.

Tax Relief Resources for Child Care Providers

Last November, Council approved my resolution making Austin the first city in Texas to ensure a 100% property tax abatement for eligible child care providers. Our partner, Children at Risk, has published a "How to Apply" webpage for providers. Find eligibility, steps, and resources here.

city services updates

Airport Open House

Join the Austin-Bergstrom Airport for a free open house to learn about how our airport operates, and planned expansions/improvements. Stop by between 10:30 and 1:30 this Saturday, April 27, at the Montopolis Rec Center (1200 Montopolis Drive). Coffee, tacos, live music, and career info will be provided, and Austin Public Health’s mobile vaccine clinic and Parks and Recreation summer camp staff will be on-site. RSVP here.

Austin Animal Center Needs our Help

Austin Animal Center is still facing capacity challenges with medium to large dogs. Here’s how you can help:

Vote in the May TCAD Election

Three positions on the Travis County Appraisal District Board of Directors are up for election on May 4. Learn more about these positions and the candidates using the League of Women Voters’ Austin Area Voters Guide. Find polling locations/hours at votetravis.com.

Register for the Wildfire Symposium

Registration is now open for the 2024 Wildfire Preparedness Symposium. This public forum, hosted by the Austin-Travis County Wildfire Coalition, will be held on Saturday, May 4, from 10-3 at the Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center. Hear how the coalition is preparing communities for wildfire and how you can reduce wildfire risks. Register here.

Emergency Supplies–Tax Holiday

This weekend is a tax holiday on emergency supplies! Save on generators, ladders, smoke detectors, radios, and more by shopping online and in-person from midnight Saturday until midnight Monday. Find a recommended list of supplies to build an emergency kit at ReadyCentralTexas.org.

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month/Sip Safely Program

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. If you are a survivor of sexual violence or abuse, please know that there are people in our community who will believe you and support your access to healing and justice. Learn more at SAFEAustin.org. Fittingly, this month, the City launched its “Sip Safely” awareness program. Find resources to help prevent drink spiking in our community here.

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