| Dear Neighbors,
Austin’s lack of accessible child care constrains our economic potential, excludes parents from our workforce, and limits children’s educational opportunities. I am writing to share an update on recent and upcoming child care investments, including a ballot item that you will decide on this November.
As your Council member, I have long worked to expand our child care ecosystem. These efforts have included:
Over the years, together with my colleagues we have supported zoning changes for child care centers to promote affordable and high-quality child care in the city, funded the start-up costs to create new pre-kindergarten classrooms with four local school districts to expand access to high quality early childhood education, developed child care centers on city-owned land, like at the Dove Springs Public Health Facility, and expanded eligibility and increased contributions for Austin’s Child Care Assistance Program for City employees (which led to a 30% increase in program participation).
Even with these recent initiatives, our city currently has 11 child care deserts. Without additional investment, many child care providers, the majority of whom are women and women of color, may permanently close their doors. Our community loses money each day we don’t fix this. We know that for every $1 we invest in quality child care, it yields about a $9 return.
For nearly 2 years, my staff and I have worked alongside representatives from the City, Travis County, the Austin Early Childhood Council, and United Way. We set out to understand the state of child care in Austin & Travis County and identify strategies to address quality, accessibility, equity, and sustainability. We participated in the Children's Funding Project cohort with 48 other communities allowing us to draw on best practices from across the country. This work was guided by research from the Success by 6 Coalition and the Urban Institute, as well as our ARPA funded pilot initiatives, and had the following goals:
To expand access to child care for infants and toddlers, and for families working nontraditional hours To improve affordability within our child care ecosystem To train a pipeline of qualified care professionals and home-based providers To expand our workforce to be inclusive to new parents To create lasting, sustainable change via strategic investments
During the course of our community outreach, we determined that the coalition’s proposal needed to include critical investments to expand care to school-aged children and youth during the school year and summer periods, as well.
We crafted strategies to advance these goals through strategic investments that were grounded in data, furthered racial and economic equity, leveraged existing assets, and ensured accountability and transparency.
The coalition estimates that full implementation of these strategies would result in the creation of 6,287 new jobs and would impact an estimated 45,000 families over the next 12 years. We estimate we can generate an additional $308 million dollars in GDP in Travis County annually. You can view a presentation about this proposal while it was in the draft phase here.
On August 13, the Travis County Commissioners Court will take formal steps to determine whether this proposal will be placed on the ballot in November for voter approval.
As your representative, I am deeply committed to stabilizing and expanding our community’s early childhood ecosystem, diversifying our workforce, and reaching our economy’s full potential.
In the remainder of this newsletter you will find opportunities to serve on several advisory bodies, information on an upcoming small business summit, and more.
Regards, | | | | Alison Alter Council Member, District 10
P.S. I hope to see you at the District 10 Town Hall and Resource Fair on August 5! | | Table of Contents
Reminder: District 10 Budget Town Hall and Resource Fair
Happy Parks and Recreation Month!
Council Recap
Council Member Alter in the Community Celebrating a Milestone in our Wildfire Preparedness Press Conference: Protecting Survivors from Gun Violence Launching the Draft Regional Economic Equity Development Plan Expanding the Austin Airport Community Health Fair at the Asian American Resource Center
City Services Updates
Service and Public Input Opportunities Call for Public Safety Related Civil Service Commission Applications Travis County Volunteer Opportunities Austin Animal Center Input Opportunity Pease Park Survey
Announcements | | | Reminder: District 10 Budget Town Hall and Resource Fair
Join me for an in-person town hall and resource fair at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church (8134 Mesa Drive) on Monday, August 5, starting at 6:30 p.m. I will discuss my plans to advance our District 10 priorities, and the City Budget Office will offer a presentation on the City Manager’s proposed budget and adoption process. I’ve invited several City departments and partners to table at the town hall and answer questions you may have about their services, including: Austin Capital Delivery Services Austin Energy Austin Fire Department’s Wildfire Division Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management Austin’s Office of Sustainability Austin Public Information Austin Transportation Department Austin Water Austin’s We All Belong Program Cap Metro Travis Central Appraisal District United Way And others!
I hope to see you there! | | | | Happy Parks and Recreation Month!
July is National Parks and Recreation Month! I’m a proud “Parks Lady,” and I got my start in politics because of my involvement with Ramsey Park in my neighborhood. I hope you and your family will take some time this month to visit one of District 10’s beautiful parks and trails. Thank you to our hardworking Parks and Recreation Department staff! | | | The July 18 Council agenda had nearly 200 items! Below I have highlighted a few initiatives of interest: Public Art at D10 Fire/EMS Stations: The agenda included several investments supporting art in public places, including projects at two Fire/EMS stations in District 10. Both stations were part of my ambitious goal back in 2018 for Austin to build and staff 5 new stations in 6 years in areas of critical need. Be on the lookout for these art projects at both the Canyon Creek and Davenport Fire/EMS stations next summer!
Quality of Life Aging Report: Council approved funding for a contract to conduct a quality-of-life study for Austin’s aging community which will help guide the City’s public policies and services as they pertain to older adults and their caregivers. Having this information will be critical for decision makers, as our aging population continues to be the fastest growing age group in Austin.
Safe Gun Storage: Council extended the current agreement with Locks Arm for Life. This organization provides education about safe firearm storage practices and provides gun locks and safety cases to gun owners at no cost to them.
Improving Response to Domestic Violence: Council approved an agreement with Arizona State University (ASU) funded through a state grant. Through work with APD and community partners, ASU will provide research and recommendations on improving domestic violence responses and outcomes.
Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic: Council authorized a contract between the City, Travis County, and Greater Good Charities to support mobile spay-neuter clinics, increasing accessibility to these services for pet owners. | | | | | Celebrating a Milestone in our Wildfire Preparedness
I am excited to report that as of this summer, every Austin firefighter has completed the “Responding to the Interface” training, an advanced level of wildfire training. This program originated in Austin through a collaboration with the International Association of Firefighters and I secured the funding to support this program in our Fiscal Year 2022 budget cycle. Austin is the largest municipality to put all of its firefighters through the training. THANK YOU to our Austin Fire Department leaders and firefighters for your commitment to keeping Austin safe! | | | Photos: The SAFE Alliance | Press Conference: Protecting Survivors from Gun Violence
I spoke at a press conference with SAFE, Rep. Donna Howard, District Attorney José Garza, Commissioner Ann Howard, and other nonprofit partners to mark the landmark Supreme Court decision on Rahimi. This decision affirms years of work we’ve done locally to keep firearms out of the hands of perpetrators of domestic violence and deliver safety to survivors seeking protective orders. | | | Launching the Draft Regional Economic Equity Development Plan
In 2022, together with Austin’s Asian, Black, Hispanic, and LGBT Chambers, I launched the creation of a Regional Economic Equity Development plan. This first-of-its-kind, community-driven plan will implement new strategies to support minority-owned small businesses. Earlier this month, the Diversity Ethnic Chamber Alliance shared the initial draft of the plan, and announced a $1 million loan fund for qualifying small businesses, in partnership with Business and Community Lenders and Wells Fargo. I look forward to reviewing the draft plan, and to our continued work to expand opportunity in Austin’s business landscape. | | | | Expanding the Austin Airport
Yesterday, we celebrated the placement of the first vertical beam for the West Gate Expansion at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This project will add more space and amenities to the Barbara Jordan Terminal by 2026, including more seating areas, additional dining, retail, and restrooms, a playscape, private spaces for breast feeding moms, and great views.
Check out the project fact sheet here. | | | Community Health Fair at the Asian American Resource Center
Last week, Austin Public Health and the Austin Asian Community Health Initiative (AACHI) hosted their annual health resource fair for the AAPI community. Hundreds of participants were offered vital health services, school supplies, fresh food, ID cards, and more, with translators on hand to assist those with limited English proficiency. I was honored to join AACHI board members, Asian American Quality of Life and Immigrant Affairs Commission members, Dr. Patrick Lee (President and CEO of Central Health), and my colleagues Zo Qadri and Chito Vela to tour the fair and discuss ways to enhance services to the AAPI community. | | | | | Austin Energy’s Electric Vehicle Reward Program
Austin Energy customers with an electric vehicle charger at home can now earn rewards for using less energy during periods of high energy demand. With the utility’s Power Partner EV program, customers earn a $50 bill credit plus $25 for each year of remaining in the program. Power Partners play an important part in enhancing grid stability and helping the City of Austin meet clean energy goals. Learn more and enroll here. | | | | Living Streets Program Now Accepting Applications
Austin's Living Streets Program is accepting applications through October. Selected projects will receive support and resources from the city to create safer, more enjoyable streets through resident engagement. See a map of viable streets for the program and apply here. | | | Call for Public Safety Related Civil Service Commission Applications
The City is seeking applications to serve on the Austin Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission. The opening is to fill a three-year term, with a time commitment of 1 - 3 hours per month. The City prefers applicants with experience with human resources or labor relations/employment law. The position will remain open until filled. Learn more. | | | Travis County Volunteer Opportunities
The Travis County Commissioners Court has openings on the Animal Advisory Commission (deadline August 9) and the Child Protective Services Board (deadline August 16). Visit https://traviscountytx.gov/igr/board-appointments for more information on the minimum qualifications, and to apply. | | | Austin Animal Center Input Opportunity
Austin’s Animal Services Office (ASO) is seeking public feedback! ASO operates the Austin Animal Center, the taxpayer-funded shelter for Austin/Travis County. Share your input about the office's services and priorities through August 14. | | | Pease Park Survey
Pease Park Conservancy is seeking input on Pease Park and our local green spaces. Complete a short survey before September for a chance to win a free reservation at Pease Park’s Tudor Cottage and Terrace! | | | | | Diversity and Ethnic Chamber Alliance Small Business Summit on August 9
D10 business owners: join the City for a Small Business Opportunity Summit on August 9 at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center. The summit will cover business development topics with expert panels, discussions, and Q&A opportunities! RSVP here. | | | City’s Artist Career Training Application Open
Austin’s Economic Development Department invites creative professionals to apply for Artist Career Training. This six-week business training will educate participants on how to successfully manage a profitable business in the creative industries. Participants will learn business planning, marketing, and funding. Apply online by August 13 at 5 p.m. | | | Safe Kids Summer Tips
Safe Kids is sharing the following tip sheets on how to keep our little ones safe this summer:
| |
|
|