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,