Dear Neighbors,
As we reflect on another eventful and challenging year, I want to share some of my accomplishments. As your council member, I have focused on building a more resilient and sustainable community. I have worked to improve access to medical care, to strengthen our preparedness, prevention, and response capabilities, and to plan for climate change. I also have advanced our economic recovery as we continue to deal with the global pandemic.
Improving Access to Medical Care COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of accessible, quality medical care to keep Austin residents healthy and safe. To that end, I continued my work to improve how EMS responds to low-acuity calls by treating patients where they are, allowing folks to avoid costly and unnecessary visits to the emergency room, and revising our billing processes to make sure we can pay for the staffing levels we need. These adjustments are part of a larger project to strategically deliver competent care to Austinites, which includes the Office of the Chief Medical Officer.
Preparedness & Public Safety This year we made key advancements in wildfire preparedness, including implementing the initial Wildland Urban Interface Code (WUI), training every firefighter in “Responding to the Interface”, and starting up a specialized Wildfire Battalion within the Austin Fire Department. Combined with improved land management, fuels mitigation crews, and additional fire stations under construction in high risk areas, Austin is better positioned to prevent, mitigate, and respond to wildfire events.
I supported authorizing two police cadet academies with a potential third accelerated class in Spring 2022, and the curriculum reforms I championed will provide improved training for police officers when they respond to calls. The Office of Violence Prevention (which I helped create in 2020) is fully staffed and has launched safe gun storage campaigns, created new partnerships with the District and County Attorneys to improve firearm surrender protocols for domestic abusers, and will strategically focus on hot-spots with patterns of violence.
This year I also was proud to support the acquisition of a new shelter for victims of domestic violence, funding for additional Victim Services counselors, and emergency financial assistance for survivors of violence.
Resilience and Sustainability A healthy, safe, and resilient Austin requires a sustainable environment. In September, we passed the updated Climate Equity Plan (see my implementation resolution), which accelerates our net-zero target by a decade to 2040 and outlines methods to get us there. We also advanced pilot resilience hubs, which will provide shelter and resources for Austinites in the event of disaster such as February’s Winter Storm Uri. For a full summary of the city’s Winter Storm after action, please review my most recent newsletter, which includes my work with Austin Energy to improve energy reliability.
I’m proud to continue growing our parks system and am particularly excited about park purchases along Bull Creek near Spicewood Springs road and Yaupon which will help make critical trail connections. I also defeated corporate developer efforts to gut the fees they must pay towards new parkland purchases which would have decimated park funding. In 2022 I look forward to continuing to fight for increased and sustainable funding for our parks, pools, and trails.
Housing and Affordability This summer I helped reduce the tax burden for Austinites by increasing the homestead and senior exemptions. I also led efforts to improve housing affordability. Together with my colleagues I worked to recalibrate the affordable housing fees we charge downtown high-rises, took action to help homeowners construct accessory dwelling units, and initiated code changes to allow residential development in certain commercial areas where developers construct affordable housing onsite.
Economic Recovery The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continued through 2021, as did the city’s relief programs. As part of Austin's spending framework for our American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation, I worked with colleagues to invest in workforce development, early childhood, addressing homelessness, and more. I am particularly proud of securing $6 million in additional funding to expand the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps (ACCC), and I’m happy to share that the Arts and Culture Nonprofit Relief Grant I launched has been able to provide grants to every qualified applicant. Learn more here.
As I reflect on 2021, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you and the City of Austin and thankful for my fabulous District 10 team and the thousands of City of Austin staff who work so hard to make Austin thrive. Like you, I am looking forward to some time with my family and it is my hope that each of you has a restful and restorative holiday season.
In the remainder of this newsletter, you will find updates on the city’s sustainability initiatives, more tips on how to prepare for cold weather, and ways to help during the holiday season.
Best wishes for a Happy Holidays!
Regards, Alison Alter
| | | No Place for Hate COVID Vaccination Update District 10 Job Opening Update on Sexual Assault Response System Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Now Taking Applications Bright Green Future Grants Awarded to 41 Austin-area Schools Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Achieves Carbon Neutrality Update on Land Protections and Conservation Easements Cold Weather Emergency Preparedness and Free Supplies Water Forward Community Ambassadors Group Preservation Austin Award for Laguna Gloria Honoring the Volunteers of the Austin Chinese American Network Mopac South Community Meeting Supporting Refugees Moving to Austin Healthcare Open Enrollment Reminder
| | | Update on Antisemitic Propaganda Austin is a caring community, and no one should wake up to hate on their driveway. Unfortunately, this weekend antisemitic propaganda was distributed in several District 10 neighborhoods by an antisemitic group that seeks attention to spread their hateful beliefs. We will not give this hate public oxygen. As a community, instead we must do all we can to make sure all residents know that they are welcome and safe in Austin. I have been in communication with leadership from the Austin Police Department, the Anti-Defamation League, and Shalom Austin. If you received any of these pieces of propaganda, please take the following actions:
File a report with Austin Police by calling 311 or online. File a report with the Anti-Defamation League at adl.org/reportincident. Dispose of the offensive materials (The ADL and APD have the samples they need).
If you or someone you know has video surveillance footage related to this incident, please email securitydirector@shalomaustin.org.
There is No Place for Hate in Austin.
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As we mark one year since the first availability of COVID-19 vaccines, I want to thank everyone who received their vaccinations. With new variants on the rise, it is especially important to get your booster shot this holiday season. The FDA has authorized Pfizer booster shots for sixteen and seventeen year olds. Additionally, children ages 5-11 are eligible for the Pfizer pediatric vaccines.
Visit the CDC website for more information on boosters for teens. You also can find local vaccine information, including Austin Public Health clinics, at Get a COVID-19 vaccine | AustinTexas.gov. Vaccines, booster shots and flu shots are widely available at HEB, CVS, and Walgreens. | | |
I am looking to hire a key position in my City Council office, my Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator. I am looking for someone who thrives in a fast paced environment, juggles multiple tasks with ease, learns quickly, writes well, and who excels at helping people solve problems.
Communications responsibilities include media relations and management of our website, newsletter, and social media. Community outreach activities include event planning, addressing constituent concerns, and organizing volunteers. We have a small office and candidates must collaborate well with others and be willing to learn new things. Submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to Council Member Alison Alter via email to kurt.cadena-mitchell@austintexas.gov.
A full job description is available at the following link:
https://district10commscoordinator.getresponsepages.com/ | | | Update on Sexual Assault Response System One of my top priorities is reforming Austin’s sexual assault response system. Last week, Austin Police Department shared an update on increased staffing and training for their Sex Crimes Unit and improved coordination with counselors and victims. While Chief Chacon’s report signaled that we are taking real steps to make sure we have sufficient resources, procedures, and training in place, we still have much work to do to ensure that every survivor of sexual assault experiences healing and justice. I will continue to demand accountability and transparency throughout this process. I invite you to read my comments here. | | | Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Now Taking Applications In the spring of 2020, I led on a resolution to create the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps (ACCC). The ACCC provides paid, skillbuilding environmental work opportunities for Austinities who have been economically impacted by COVID-19.
Austin Youthworks is seeking crew leaders and crew members to join their ACCC team! Both positions will run from January through September of 2022. Pay includes $17 an hour for crew leaders, and $15 an hour for crew members. Training and health insurance will be provided. More info on the application process can be found here. To learn about other ACCC opportunities, please visit the ACCC webpage.
| | | Bright Green Future Grants Awarded to 41 Austin-area Schools
This week Austin’s Office of Sustainability announced that 41 Austin-area schools will receive grants to implement sustainability projects that will offer hands-on learning opportunities. The schools selected span all 10 City Council Districts. An anticipated 15,000 students, as well as residents in the neighborhoods surrounding the schools, will benefit from these projects. Each project will receive up to $3,000 for implementation, and will incorporate sustainability into the school’s campus.
| | | Austin Bergstrom International Airport Achieves Carbon Neutrality
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is now one of four carbon neutral airports in North America! ABIA is the first medium-sized airport to achieve a Level 3+ Accreditation from Airports Council International through carbon dioxide reduction efforts, such as the use of solar energy, sustainable aviation fuel, and electrical ground service equipment. Read more here. | | | Update on Land Protections and Conservation Easements The City of Austin has closed on a conservation easement on The Nature Conservancy’s 4,000+ acre Barton Creek Habitat Preserve. This was made possible via funds from the 2018 Open Space bond. The easement, achieved through a partnership between The Nature Conservancy, Austin Water, the City’s Office of Real Estate Services, Law Department, and Watershed Protection Department, safeguards a portion of the Edwards Aquifer contributing zone, and provides habitat for the endangered Golden Cheeked Warbler.
Austin’s Water Quality Protection Lands are now one of the largest land conservation efforts in Central Texas. The City of Austin manages over 34,000 acres of land, either through conservation easements or outright ownership. These tracts are often used for restoration and stewardship education or simply maintained for projects like groundwater recharge, dark skies for birds, and protected species habitat.
| | | Cold Weather Emergency Preparedness and Free Supplies In February of 2021, we learned that our city must be better prepared for cold weather emergencies. As we move into the winter months, I invite you to review this cold weather guide from Austin Water. You may also review the City’s Winter Weather After Action Report. Austin Water will be distributing free meter keys (for emergency water valve shutoff) and hose bibs (to cover outdoor faucets) to customers. Note that Austin Water is purchasing more of these items, but they will post on Facebook and Twitter as soon as supplies are available. You may pick up these supplies at one of these Utilities Service Centers:
North Branch - 8716 Research Blvd., Suite 115 South Branch - 1901 W. William Cannon Drive, Suite 100
For instructions on how to turn off your water valve during an emergency, I recommend this video. | | | Water Forward Community Ambassadors Group Austin Water is seeking Community Ambassadors to provide input for Water Forward 2024. Leading with equity, this group will assist with developing and incorporating community values for the plan. Participants must be willing to work with diverse members of their community and commit for a full year, beginning in February of 2022. People belonging to communities historically underrepresented are strongly encouraged to apply. Residents can apply here. | | | Preservation Austin Award for Laguna Gloria I am delighted to share that a property within District 10 has received a 2021 Preservation Merit Award from Preservation Austin. Congratulations to The Contemporary on their stewardship award for Laguna Gloria! The Contemporary has undertaken numerous projects to preserve and enhance the historic architecture and native landscaping at Laguna Gloria, including invasive species removal and expert-guided heritage tree care. Thank you, Preservation Austin, for recognizing this hard work and for honoring such a beautiful place in the district. | | | Honoring the Volunteers of the Austin Chinese American Network Earlier this week, I delivered a proclamation recognizing the volunteers of the Austin Chinese-American Network (ACAN). At the onset of the pandemic, ACAN volunteers coordinated the donation of over 100,000 face masks and 16,000 face shields to healthcare workers. Additionally, these volunteers have cooked and delivered over 24,000 hot meals to those in need. ACAN does all of this without paid staff or formal funding! Volunteers, both inside of and alongside ACAN, have shown up for our community with their time, money, and hearts. Thank you, ACAN! | | | MoPac South Community Meeting The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and TxDOT invite the public to participate in the Mopac South Environmental study to evaluate the congested 8-mile stretch of MoPac Expressway south of Cesar Chavez Street. The goal is to identify a solution that improves safety and mobility for drivers, transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrians and promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. The virtual public meeting will be available for viewing until 11:59 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2022. Click here to view the Virtual Open House and comment on materials, exhibits, and information. | | | Supporting Refugees Moving to Austin Many neighbors have reached out to my office asking how they can support Afghan refugees who are new to Austin. This holiday season, I invite you to review this google doc (which will continue to be updated) for opportunities to donate money, time, or skills to help support these new Austinites. | | | Healthcare Open Enrollment Reminder Open enrollment via healthcare.gov closes on January 15th. Mark your calendars, and visit this webpage to review health insurance options. |
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