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Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative I’ve championed issues like public health, early childhood services, and access to parks and green spaces since before I took office, but it’s rare to work on all of these issues with one initiative. Check out my blog post on Austin’s Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative. |
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EMS Station Tour with Girl Scouts Earlier this month, I joined Bryker Woods affiliated Cadet Troup #42101, Junior Troup #42116, Brownie Troop #42331, and Daisy Troop #505 as they delivered nearly 300 girl scout cookies to the Austin EMS Association, got an ambulance tour, and earned a badge. As a former Girl Scout myself, I suggested that the troop offer people the option to buy a box of cookies to thank a first responder. Next year the Central Austin troops hope to enlist more Girls Scouts across Austin to thank all of our first responders with cookies.
Speaking of girl scouts, now that Austin is in Stage 2, my office is resuming our City Hall tours for scout groups! Email District10@austintexas.gov to schedule a visit.
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Speaking to Visitors from Charlotte As Mayor Pro Tem, I recently had the honor of welcoming a delegation from the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. The delegation traveled to Austin to learn more about our similarly-sized city and community. We had a great conversation about our shared goals. |
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It’s My Park Day On March 5th, my team and I had a great time volunteering at Perry Park, Bull Creek Park, Great Hills Park, and Stillhouse Hollow Preserve for It’s My Park Day! I first got into politics because I wanted to do something about my neighborhood park, so this day is extra special to me.
Thank you to Austin Parks Foundation and Austin Parks and Recreation Department for organizing this bi-annual volunteer event. Mark your calendars for the next IMPD–the first weekend of November! |
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COVID Update: Stage 2! I am glad to share that–thanks to all of your efforts–Austin is back in Stage 2 for COVID risk! Read the current guidelines from Austin Public Health here. |
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EMS Paramedic Practitioners Program Expansion The City of Austin Paramedic Practitioner Program (PPP) is expanding both their medical and mental health services and is now a two-person emergency services team for vulnerable populations and people experiencing homelessness. Started in the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (which I launched in the FY21 budget cycle and expanded in FY22), and in partnership with Austin/Travis County EMS, this successful program will continue hiring staff and expanding on services this year.
The PPP Team currently treats between 100-200 patients a month, mainly on the streets, while traveling in an emergency response vehicle that is equipped with life-saving medical equipment. By meeting and treating patients where they are, at the site of their emergencies, the team is able to deliver care rapidly and efficiently, while helping save those who do not require hospitalization from having to make unnecessary and costly trips to hospital emergency rooms. Read more.
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New Fire/EMS Station at Davenport and 360 Construction has started for a new joint Fire/EMS station in the Loop 30/Davenport area. This station will improve emergency response times for neighbors and better prepare West Austin for a potential wildfire event. Read more in this press release. |
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All City Meetings Now Include Remote Attendance Option To boost public participation, all City meetings–including all Board and Commission meetings–will include both remote and in-person attendance options. Learn more here. |
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City Hiring and Training Lifeguards–Spread the Word! Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department is hiring and training lifeguards! Additionally, the department is offering $500 summer completion bonuses for all temporary lifeguards and camp counselors who meet the criteria. Find bonus details and apply at LifeguardAustin.com. |
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Summer Camp Registration Summer is around the corner, and the Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of summer programs! Registration for summer camps for kids and teens is now open. Review the programs, financial aid options, and registration deadlines here. |
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Sign Up for Waste Pickup Alerts from Austin Resource Recovery Austin Resource Recovery encourages residents to download the free Austin Recycles app. The app provides alerts about service delays or interruptions, reminders about pickup days, and information about how to most sustainably dispose of different types of waste. Download the app. |
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Utility Scam Alert Utility scammers are active right now. Some scammers spoof City of Austin phone numbers – even 3-1-1 – on CallerID. If you receive a concerning call, hang up and check your utility account status at 512-494-9400 or at coautilities.com. City of Austin Utilities will NEVER:
•Call residential customers with cut-off deadlines •Ask for credit card or wire transfer information over the phone •Demand immediate payment in person with cash, gift card, Zelle or other payment apps, Bitcoin or by QR code
Austin Energy has shared a webpage and a youtube video with more information on recognizing and reporting scams.
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New Burn Ban in Effect Austin is currently in the “very high” risk category for wildfire due to dry air and wind conditions. We are now under a burn ban. Austin Fire Department is asking all of us to postpone grilling and lawn mowing, avoid parking on dry grass, ensure chains on vehicles are not dragging, and properly dispose of cigarette butts. |
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Safe Firearm Storage Tips In 2020, I was proud to help create the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP). This year, the OVP is partnering with Lock Arms for Life to spread awareness about safe gun storage. With firearm ownership comes responsibility. Keeping guns locked and out of the hands of children does more than prevent accidental injury – it can stop a suicide attempt before it starts. To learn more, or to request a free gun lock, visit lockarmsforlife.org. |
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The District 10 office is seeking new representatives to serve on the Animal Advisory Commission, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission and the Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board. Thank you and warm wishes to our outgoing appointees Jon Brandes, Lourdes Zuniga and Claudia Massey as they move on to new opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering for one of these commissions, please send your resume and a short memo with the following information to my office at district10@austintexas.gov:
•What is your assessment of the top three policy questions that this commission will be dealing with over the next four years?
•A statement of the expertise and experience that you bring to these issues.
•A statement of what issues you anticipate emphasizing in your work supporting the commission. Please feel free to share this opportunity with your friends and neighbors. |
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Office of Police Oversight Seeking Feedback The Office of Police Oversight wants your opinion on the Austin Police Department’s rules related to how and when officers use their camera equipment. Complete their survey here. In case you didn’t know, the Office of Police Oversight is separate from the Austin Police Department and provides impartial oversight of APD’s conduct, practices, and rules. |
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Input Wanted for Public Art Project Artist Steve Parker is seeking community input for a public art piece to be placed on 24th Street between Guadalupe and North Lamar Boulevard.The piece will highlight the legacy of Rev. Jacob Fontaine and the Wheatville Freedman community, and it will employ sculpture, sound, and interactivity. Register for the virtual meeting with the artist at 7 pm on Wednesday, March 30th. |
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Small Business Contracting Forum Join us for the virtual Small Business Contracting Forum where you can connect with City and County departments and learn how to succeed in the procurement process. Learn more and register here. |
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Follow us on social for more updates! |
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