Dear Neighbors,
I am writing to share an important update on my work to grow and improve our parks and greenspaces. I have long been a parks advocate, and before running for office I was affectionately known as the “Parks Lady”. As a council member, I am committed to providing a great park within walking distance of every Austinite. To do so, I have funded park improvements in each city budget, championed the acquisition of new parkland citywide, and identified critical funding streams for enhancing and expanding our parks system.
Access to parks is key to our community’s health and resilience to climate change. That’s why I authored and led the effort to require commercial developers to pay their fair share by including parkland in their plans or paying parkland fees. I am proud to share that last month, the Council unanimously voted to add commercial requirements to the Parkland Dedication Ordinance and approved an updated fee schedule that reduces the pressure on residential development. Our parks attract new businesses and industries, and residential taxpayers should not be the only ones providing parkland to match Austin’s rapid growth.
The previous residential parkland dedication ordinance provides parks near homes and hotels, and now the commercial requirements will create parkland in the areas where we work, shop, and socialize, securing critical trail connections and enhancing the quality of life for long-time Austinities and newcomers alike. To learn more about the dedication requirements and fee calculations, I invite you to view this presentation from Parks and Recreation Staff, and the answers to questions raised by stakeholders. It’s clear that as our population grows, we must expand access to greenspaces to meet community needs, and parkland dedication is a well-established tool to do so. By stewarding investments in our parks, we are investing in the long-term health of our community. I look forward to enjoying more parks around Austin!
In the remainder of this newsletter, you will find updates from Council, opportunities to make your voice heard on City projects, and more. I want to call your attention in particular to upcoming council decisions related to Austin Energy detailed below.
Regards,
| | Mayor Pro Tem Council Member, District 10 | | P.S. Please join me in welcoming Policy Director Ashley Richardson to the District 10 team! Ashley has served the City for 7 years, and has most recently worked for Council Member Tovo. She has a background in Community and Regional Planning. Ashley will staff some of my most important policy areas, including wildfire, climate resilience, Austin Energy, mobility, and public health. | | Council Recap
Announcements YMCA Coming to Four Points Safe Routes to School Project at Grandview Hills Elementary Voter Registration Deadlines Prescribed Burns at Commons Ford Get Your Updated COVID Booster and Flu Shots Austin Animal Center Restricting Intake Homeowner Savings Workshops Attend a Roots and Wings Festival Event in District 10 Murals at Mexic-Arte Museum
Mayor Pro Tem Alter in the Community National Night Out in District 10 Domestic Violence Awareness Month Celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Speaking on a Panel at the National League of Cities Large Council Presidents Convention Austin Youth Works Tour Austin Public Health Community Health Worker Graduation Speaking at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Harvest Moon Festival Honoring Constituent and Former Commissioner Lourdes Zuniga
Service and Public Input Opportunities | | | | Update on Austin Energy Rate Change Proposals
This fall Council is discussing two potential changes to our Austin Energy rates and I want to provide you with some information and resources to help you understand the choices before us. Technically, the AE rate case and the annual Pass-Through Adjustment changes are unrelated, but in practice both will impact your monthly bills. As we consider these changes, my colleagues and I are working to balance affordability, the financial stability of Austin Energy, and our environmental goals.
Base Rate Review Process In my April newsletter I provided a detailed overview of the Austin Energy base rate review process, which occurs every 5 years. To recap, a recent cost-of-service study found a growing gap between revenues and costs that necessitates adjustments to AE’s base rates. In response, Austin Energy is proposing rate changes that according to AE will adjust for higher maintenance costs, update the outdated base rate structure, fairly credit solar customers, and better recover fixed costs.
The base rate review is not related to Winter Storm Uri. With the proposed base rate changes, a typical residential customer using 860 kWh would see a monthly increase of $14.03 (updated as of October 7). I want to emphasize that no change has been made so far, and as part of the process, an Independent Consumer Advocate is representing customer interests.
I intend to work closely with my colleagues to identify possible solutions to mitigate to the greatest extent possible increased costs to ratepayers, while also preserving the fiscal health of our utility and encouraging further conservation. I anticipate Council action on the Austin Energy base rate case close to the end of the year, after additional discussion at Council and the Electric Utility Commission. I invite you to review the proposal documents and the FAQ page, to learn more, and to email rates2022@austinenergy.com for questions about the rate review process.
Annual Pass-Through Charges Adjustment Separately, Council is discussing proposed adjustments to the pass-through charges that you see on your monthly utility bill. Pass-through charges include the Power Supply Adjustment (PSA), the Regulatory Charge, and the Community Benefit Charge, and these charges are set to collect only what the utility pays for certain expenses.
Austin Energy provided a press release, a memo, and a powerpoint to Council that detail Austin Energy’s arguments for these proposed adjustments. The largest change involves the Power Supply Adjustment (PSA), which is anticipated to increase by 71%. The PSA reflects the cost of fuel for our power plants, the cost of electricity purchased from the grid, and any net changes as Austin Energy produces and sells power. Austin Energy seeks to adjust the PSA to recover an existing deficit and meet rising costs. The following factors are contributing to the increased costs: Extremely high natural gas prices Substantially higher costs for moving power through the ERCOT system as ERCOT emphasizes reliability over affordability more than in the past Realignment required following a period of under recovery of power supply costs as Austin Energy a) sought to rebate to customers financial gains experienced during Uri and then b) faced higher than anticipated fuel costs.
If Council were to adopt AE’s initial proposal, the PSA portion of a typical residential customer bill of 860 kWh per month would increase by $17.55 per month, or 21%. The same residential customer would see an increase of $2.45 monthly in their Regulatory Charge. No change to the Community Benefit Charge is proposed for FY23. At our September 29th meeting, we voted to postpone this decision pending more information and more options. This item is on our agenda again for the October 13th meeting and I anticipate robust discussion during the Tuesday, October 11th work session as we prepare for the meeting on the 13th.
I understand that many of you are concerned about utility rate increases, and I am aware of the financial impact these rate changes will have on Austin Energy customers if implemented. I am sharing this update so that you will know what is being considered. Our utility service rates are heavily regulated and impacted by changes at a state level as well as the rising cost of fuel. I am working to balance the fiscal sustainability of our utility with our affordability and conservation goals. I will continue to share updates with you as the situation evolves.
| | Update on Vehicle Electrification and Climate Goals
Transportation is the City’s largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, and in 2019 I authored a resolution directing the City Manager to include transportation electrification analysis and planning in the Community Climate Plan. During the September 27th Council work session, my colleagues and I got some positive updates on our carbon neutrality and electric vehicle adoption goals:
The City will purchase an additional 69 electric (BEV/PHEV) vehicles in FY23, which will lower fuel and maintenance costs. The City has installed 137 vehicle charging ports in municipal parking areas, with plans for 52 more. Austin has over 1,300 public charging ports. Austin Energy is offering unlimited charging at community stations for $4.17 a month, and providing electric vehicle and ebike info at 140 local schools.
We have some of the strongest vehicle electrification goals in the country, but we’re also focusing on equity. By leveraging community partnerships, and supporting rebates and tax credits, we can make electric vehicles and e-bikes more accessible for all Austinites. If you are interested in purchasing an electric vehicle and exploring available incentives, I encourage you to review AE’s EV Buyer’s Guide.
Learn more and check out the briefing slides here.
| | | | | | YMCA Coming to Four Points
The Four Points area is getting a new recreation center! The YMCA of Austin has partnered with Concordia University and purchased a property on RM 620 between Anderson Mill and RM 2222. Join the Y team on Saturday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to offer your perspective on how to design the new Four Points Y to meet needs in your community. They’ll have free family fun and games plus food, drinks and more. Find more details at www.FourPointsYMCA.org. | | | Safe Routes to School Project at Grandview Hills Elementary
Austin Public Works’ Safe Routes to School program began work on improvements around Grandview Hills Elementary school last month. The improvements will include:
New curb ramps at the southwest and southeast corners of Wilson Parke Avenue and Vista Park Drive, as well as a sidewalk through the median on Wilson Parke Avenue on the west side A pedestrian island at Vista Park Drive, and a concrete bike lane separation near the southeast corner of Wilson Parke Avenue and Vista Park Drive A new bike ramp at Vista Park Drive near the sidewalk that leads to the school driveway
I look forward to seeing the completed work! | | | Voter Registration Deadlines
The deadline to register to vote or update your registration for the November 8th election is October 11th. Learn more and check your registration status at VoteTexas.gov. | | | Prescribed Burns at Commons Ford
Austin Parks and Recreation land management staff are planning prescribed burns at Commons Ford Park. Prescribed burns are a critical tool for restoring ecosystem health and mitigating wildfire risk. All burn plans are reviewed by the Austin Fire Department. Exact dates will depend on weather conditions. | | | Get Your Updated COVID Booster and Flu Shots
You can schedule your updated COVID booster and your flu shot at the same time this fall. Visit vaccines.gov to find a nearby provider. | | | Austin Animal Center Restricting Intake
To address capacity issues, Austin Animal Center is temporarily restricting shelter intake. If you find an animal, visit bit.ly/lostfoundaac or call 311. The center has expanded its hours, and is now also open for adoption and reclaim on Sundays. All adoption fees are currently waived. | | | Homeowner Savings Workshops
The City of Austin and Travis County are hosting a series of homeowner savings workshops for seniors. If you need a ride, call Senior Transportation Services at (512) 974-1461.
Upcoming Workshop Dates: Saturday, October 8th 9:30-11:30 am
Dove Springs Recreation Center Thursday, October 13th 9:30-11:30 am
Gus Garcia Recreation Center
For more information on City home repair programs, discounted Internet service, and homestead exemptions for seniors, visit austintexas.gov/department/austin-my-home. | | | Attend a Roots and Wings Festival Event in District 10
Austin’s 5th annual Roots and Wings festival begins Saturday, October 22nd. This two-week festival celebrates Arbor Day and Monarch Appreciation Day, and involves over 50 events around Austin, including several in District 10. I will read a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day and Monarch Appreciation Day during the October 13th Council meeting. Learn more and check out the festival schedule here. | | | Murals at Mexic-Arte Museum
Austin’s Mexic-Arte Museum is thrilled to receive the Origins of Medicine Murals by Rafael Navarro Barajas, which were previously housed in District 10. Thanks to the daughters, Jennifer, Patti, Charlotte, and Robin of the Nettie and M.K. Hage Family, Mexic-Arte Museum will display this masterpiece that has been part of the Austin community for over 55 years! Visit mexic-artemuseum.org to plan a visit. | | | | | | National Night Out in District 10
The District 10 team visited 12 neighborhood block parties this week! National Night Out is an annual event for neighbors to get to know each other and learn about local emergency service agencies. We’re already looking forward to next year. | | | Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Last Thursday, I joined Council Member Pool and other colleagues to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October. The Office of Violence Prevention, which I created in 2020, accepted the proclamation alongside Austin Police Department Chief Chacon, community advocates, and survivors. Reports of intimate household violence reached record levels during the pandemic. If you have experienced intimate partner violence, please know that you are not alone. Our community can provide resources and support. Visit safeaustin.org/get-help/. | | | Celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Over the past few weeks, the Jewish community observed Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. My own congregation held services off-site due to damage our temple sustained during last October’s arson attack. Thank you to St. Matthew’s Church for opening their doors to the Congregation Beth Israel family. Check out this Fox 7 News story to learn more about how our community has come together after the fire. | | | National League of Cities Large Council Presidents Convention
In September I spoke on a panel about leadership and resilience at the National League of Cities Large City Council Presidents Conference in the Bay Area. On the trip, I met with Council leaders from around the US to discuss public safety, equity, and other shared challenges. I left the convention with new ideas and energy to bring back to Austin. | | | | | | Austin Public Health Community Health Worker Graduation
It was an honor to speak at the graduation of Austin Public Health’s inaugural class of Community Health Workers. Austin gained 32 committed public health professionals who will serve communities around Austin, providing education, health screenings, first aid, referrals, translation, and much more! | | | Speaking at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church
I had a great conversation with the Women’s Fellowship at St. Theresa Catholic Church on the issues impacting our city. | | | Harvest Moon Festival
I enjoyed the food, music, and dance at the Harvest Moon Festival at the Asian American Cultural Center in my district last month! | | | Honoring Constituent and Former Commissioner Lourdes Zuniga
Congratulations to my constituent and former Hispanic/ Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commissioner, Lourdes Zuniga! She received a Distinguished Service Award this week for her leadership during the pandemic and her service to Austin’s Hispanic community. | | | | | | | ATX Walk Bike Roll Choosing Our Path Virtual Open House and Public Survey
Through ATX Walk Bike Roll, Austin Public Works and Austin Transportation are updating the City's sidewalk, urban trails, and bicycle plans. These plans guide how we build pedestrian and bicycle routes and identify where they are most needed. Check out their virtual open house and share your feedback in their online survey through October 23rd. | | | Aquifer Storage and Recovery Workshops
Austin Water is offering virtual and in-person workshops this month to provide background on the Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project and collect community input on technical, equity, and affordability information that will be used in the ASR evaluation process. Register for a workshop and learn more about the project here. | | | | | | October Project Connect Anti-Displacement Meetings
Join a virtual community conversation at 5:30 on Monday, October 10th to learn about ways the City could help prevent displacement along Project Connect corridors. Visit SpeakUpAustin.org/anti-displacement to register.
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