| Dear Neighbors,
Over the last eight years I have worked to deliver mobility improvements across District 10 to help you and your family get where you want to go safely. In this newsletter, I would like to highlight the many projects we have completed or begun in your neighborhoods since 2017!
I invite you to browse this interactive map to see how we have invested in your community. Use the sidebar to navigate the map and sort by type of mobility improvement, and zoom in for a closer look at individual updates. | | | | Safe Routes To School Creating safe routes to schools has been a key focus for my office. We have completed upgrades at Anderson High School, O’Henry and Murchison Middle Schools, as well as at Bryker Woods, Casis, Doss, Grandview, Highland Park, Hill, and Kathy Caraway Elementary Schools. Future projects are planned for Bridge Point, River Place, and Four Points Schools.
These projects are multi-fold and focus on improving school crossing and route safety. They include shared use paths for safe walking and biking, curb and bike ramps, pedestrian islands, new sidewalks, median installations, crosswalk signs, traffic signal adjustments and new bus stops. Where possible, we have worked with the respective school districts to leverage our funding to deliver better pedestrian improvements than each entity could achieve on their own.
Pedestrian and Bike Improvements To make our neighborhoods more walkable and bikeable, we have added and updated sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and bike lanes across District 10. We have also installed pedestrian hybrid beacons to make crossings safer for drivers and pedestrians.
Driving Safety and Vision Zero Vision Zero is the Austin community's goal to reduce people hurt or killed by crashes to zero with street improvements, policy changes, enforcement and education. The City’s Transportation and Public Works Department has already started delivering on this goal in District 10 by improving intersection safety at Balcones Woods, Floral Park and Jollyville with access and sidewalk upgrades. Future intersection improvements are planned for Mesa Drive at Spicewood Springs, Woodhollow Drive (Far West to Spicewood Springs) and Windsor Road (Mopac to Exposition).
Throughout the district, traffic lights have been improved at countless intersections, and speed management has been tackled on major thoroughfares and neighborhood roads alike.
Regional Mobility & Bridge Replacement Through a partnership with TxDOT, large-scale highway improvements were completed at RM 620 at RM 2222 in 2022. Construction is underway for the Spicewood Springs Road Regional Mobility Project and the Loop 360 Mobility Improvement project.
The Red Bud Trail Bridge Replacement Project is in its final design stage, and construction is expected to begin next year. The original bridge was built in 1948 and is nearing the end of its life. The new bridge will be better able to handle current traffic and provide bicycle and pedestrian access – which will increase safety for Austinities visiting the beautiful Red Bud Isle.
Please see my newsletter from Spring 2023 for additional details and visuals on these major capital projects funded through the 2018 bond and with other government partners.
I am thankful for the interdepartmental and intergovernmental coordination, dedicated City employees, and involvement and patience from residents and neighborhoods that help make these projects succeed.
Thank you for all your important feedback and ideas over the years. Together, we’ve made Austin a safer place to live, bike, walk and drive! In the rest of this newsletter, you’ll find a few ways to give feedback on upcoming mobility improvements, a reminder to vote in the runoff election happening this week, a council recap, information on upcoming holiday events and more.
Regards,
| | Alison Alter Council Member, District 10 | | Table of Contents
Voting Reminder - Runoff Election
Council Recap
Council Member Alter in the Community Austin Sister Cities Sign Global Citizen Award Distinguished Service Award: Linda Bailey Distinguished Service Award: Justice Jones National League of Cities Conference UT City CoLab Remembrance Space Unveiling ADL Recognition Boards and Commissions Happy Hour
Announcements 58th Annual Zilker Holiday Tree Trail of Lights Downtown Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll The People’s Gallery at City Hall
City Service Updates | | | | The early voting period for our local runoff election began December 2 and runs until December 10. December 3 was the last day to apply for a ballot by mail and December 14 is the runoff Election Day.
The Austin ISD Board of Trustees at-large Position 8 is up for election again, in a runoff between the top two candidates. Our friends in District 7 are also voting for their new Council Member. Find your sample ballot and more information including polling places on the Travis County Clerk website and get more information about the candidates from the League of Women Voters Voting Guide. | | | Good news for the Parks Department!
New Parks Director: Jesús Aguirre has been appointed Director of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Aguirre brings more than 25 years of experience in parks departments and organizations, including leading Waterloo Greenway in Austin. He currently serves as chair of the board for the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) and as the chair of the board of the Children and Nature Network (C&NN). Aguirre will take charge of department operations, programs, facilities and staff starting on January 13.
I would like to highlight the following items from the November 21 Council Meeting.
Parks Funding: Council approved a resolution to explore additional funding sources for parks management, land acquisition, and park maintenance. We know that our current funding for parks is not sufficient and in the coming years, the city will need to look at options for how to best sustain and expand the funding for our parks. This resolution asks the City Manager to explore and report back on options.
Vegetation Management: Council authorized contracts to provide vegetation management services on energized distribution lines for Austin Energy. These services will help ensure uninterrupted service and reduce the risk of wildfires.
Water Forward: I was proud to support the update to the 100-year Water Forward Plan, made possible by the diligence of the Austin Water Department, with important guidance from the Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force. I’m particularly excited about the extensive Colorado River analysis, which has helped to evaluate and prioritize land protection opportunities – an essential addition to our land conversation strategies. I look forward to seeing Austin Water’s continued progress with the conservation, reuse and supply strategies outlined in this plan.
D10 Austin Water Improvements: In November, Council authorized a construction contract for repairing and replacing water and wastewater mains east of Mopac between Enfield and Windsor in District 10 (see map). This replacement is part of the Renewing Austin Program, which is an ongoing effort to replace, and upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains that have a history of breaks or are in poor condition. More details can be found here. | | | | | Austin Sister Cities Sign
We’re proud to have a new Austin Sister Cities sign in front of City Hall! From the beginning, I envisioned this sign as a tangible representation of Austin’s global connections – a way for all who see it to understand that our city’s reach extends far beyond our borders. I worked with city staff and Austin Sister Cities International to install this new landmark to help us continue to build bridges of friendship, foster empathy, and celebrate the unique connections that make Austin a global city. | | | Global Citizen Award
In November, I was honored to receive the Global Citizen Award from my dear friends at Austin Sister Cities International (ASCI). For as long as I can remember, I have believed in the power of cross-cultural exchange to promote understanding, economic opportunity, and shared growth.
As a council member, I had the privilege of leading our delegations to Pune, India; Koblenz, Germany; and Florence, Italy; and have worked to "make the global local" right here in Austin. I have played in the Pune Diversity Band, learned all kinds of dances, eaten great food and served as the Confluentia Festival Princess as part of Karneval. And most importantly, I've made some lifelong friends in Austin and across the world. | | | Linda Bailey Distinguished Service Award
I was pleased to present a Distinguished Service Award to Linda Bailey in recognition of her work these past 10 years as a fierce advocate for the neighborhoods of Northwest Austin.
In addition to her collaboration with neighborhoods, the City and developers, Linda has helped to advance wildfire prevention efforts together with my office, the Austin Fire Department, and with Chief Bailey and the Travis County Emergency Services District 4. She and her husband have mentored young people all over Austin, and made countless quiet contributions to the betterment of our community. Linda is known for her tireless dedication to solving problems and working across the aisle. | | | Justice Jones Distinguished Service Award
This morning I was honored to present Justice Jones with a Distinguished Service Award for his 11 years of service to the City of Austin. I have had the privilege of collaborating with Justice to advance our wildfire preparedness and prevention efforts with the City and across our community. As he transitions to a new role as the Fire and Disaster Program Manager for the International Code Council, it was fitting that we celebrated his service at an Austin Travis County Wildfire Coalition meeting.
Justice Jones led the establishment of the Austin Fire Department Wildfire Division after the 2011 Bastrop fires. He acted as our first Austin Fire Department Fire Adapted Communities coordinator. Justice built a regional partnership to better meet the wildfire threat and formed relationships across the City to ensure that wildfire prevention is taken seriously by all departments. He has been integral in a wide range of essential projects that will protect our community for years to come, and I wish him all the best as he brings his expertise and talent to a new stage. | | | National League of Cities Conference
In November, together with some of my council colleagues, I represented Austin at the National League of Cities Conference in Florida where we celebrated the NLC’s 100th Anniversary. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with municipal officials from all over the country! | | | Remembrance Space Unveiling
On Tuesday evening I attended the unveiling of a beautiful art piece at the Travis County District Attorney’s Office honoring the fourteen plaintiffs who advocated for sexual assault survivors to be respected and believed here in Travis County. “Rise Above :: Stand Strong” is a powerful piece created by local artist Dianne Sonnenberg in collaboration with 80 survivors, their families, attorneys and community leaders. The art was installed just inside the entrance to the Ronald Earle Building on West 11th Street and is viewable by visitors to the DA’s office. | | | ADL Recognition
This week I was the guest speaker at an ADL Austin Board Meeting, where they recognized my work combating hate in Austin while on City Council. Everyone deserves a safe and inclusive Austin now and in the future. By working together we can make Austin a welcoming city for all. | | | Boards and Commissions Happy Hour
Last night, my office hosted our annual – and final! – appreciation event for our Boards and Commissions appointees. Boards and commissions appointments allow Austinites to take part in governance by offering their perspective and expertise to City Council. Commissioners are essential for our city governance system, and I have worked with many of the commissioners since my first term in office. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone and I was pleased to present certificates of recognition in an offering of thanks for their talents, time and hard work supporting the betterment of Austin. | | | | | 58th Annual Zilker Holiday Tree
The Zilker Holiday Tree is lit! The tree lighting ceremony was on December 1 and featured a performance from the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble. You and your family will be able to enjoy the free Zilker Tree until January 1, 2025. Find the full schedule and parking information on the website. | | | Trail of Lights
Austin Trail of Lights is celebrating 60 years! Zilker Park will be decked out in holiday lights from December 10 to December 23. Learn more and get tickets on the website. | | | Downtown Holiday Sing-Along and Stroll
Join the Downtown Austin Alliance, KUT News and KUTX 98.9 for the 30th Annual Tree Lighting, Sing-Along and Stroll on Saturday, December 7 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will take place on Congress Avenue between 8th and 11th streets and features artisan vendors, food trucks, a dog costume contest, a children’s holiday market, photos with Santa and more. Get all the details on the website. | | | | | | | | MoPac South Environmental Study
The MoPac corridor between Cesar Chavez Street and Slaughter Lane is a critical link to downtown Austin and the major highways that keep our community connected. CTRMA and TxDOT invite you to learn more and submit feedback on their proposed changes to the MoPac Expressway through a virtual open house. Comments are accepted until December 29. Learn more and leave comments on the website. | | | Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative
Austin residents can share their feedback on the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative (CAUDI) until November 24. This project includes a series of improvements proposed for Congress Avenue between Cesar Chavez Street and 11th Street, including a proposed public plaza north of Seventh Street up to 11th Street. CAUDI envisions Congress Avenue as a more human-centered, multimodal complete street with a clear and attractive identity. Learn more and give feedback on the website. | | | |
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