Austin Cultural Recovery Fund A robust investment now can save many of the businesses that are the bedrock of our local culture and make Austin such an appealing place to live and visit. Such investment could come from CAREs Act funding, convention center reserves or other sources yet to be identified. A successful comeback for Austin’s creative community will require a comprehensive plan that supports music, arts, and cultural assets like iconic restaurants. Austin has the opportunity to be a success story that inspires other communities to rally around their creative community and establishes Austin as a destination for post- pandemic travelers. Iconic establishments like Threadgill's, Blue Dahlia and Shady Grove have already closed their doors. Cultural assets like music venues, arts spaces and restaurants are on the front lines of this crisis. They were the first to close for public safety and continue to bear the brunt as they work to find a safe path forward. Even with the hard work of organizations like Good Work Austin to create safety protocols for reopening, a huge number of our culturally significant restaurants will be operating at a loss if at all. The cost of operating under new safety protocols means much tighter margins in a business that already has tiny margins. If no assistance is given to these businesses many will open too soon and/or without the proper safety protocols thus further endangering the public and slowing down any recovery. As COVID-19 diagnoses continue to jump by 1,000 per day in Texas in the shadow of governor’s attempts to restart the economy, the risk of sustained closures and another round of stay-at-home orders looms large. The time to tap available resources is now if we want to have independent businesses as part of a restarted economy. Hyperlocal businesses and nonprofits need operational funding just to survive. Besides CARE funds and other emergency reserves, two paths to accessing convention center reserves deserve serious consideration: 1. Council could determine that the sustainable existence of local music, arts, restaurants, retail businesses, and the creative Texans they employ, de facto promote tourism and the hotel and convention industry. While the governing body’s determination is subject to judicial review, broad deference is given to their determination according to multiple Attorney General opinions. 2. Council could determine that the reserves are composed of rental and users fees earned by the convention center over the past decade. …
Dear Council Member, Good Work Austin was originally formed in 2018 by local independent business owners to help other similar businesses implement benefits like paid sick leave and equitable wages that would make their establishment, employees and our community healthier. Since the first wave of Covid-19 hit and restaurants were the first businesses asked to close for the safety of the public and our employees, GWA has focused on helping the independent hospitality industry survive. We have worked with State and Local government to answer questions regarding Sales Tax payments, TABC rules, unemployment benefits and the PPP. We’ve served as advisors to numerous State and Local elected officials on the industry’s immediate needs and subsequent policy proposals. Our membership swelled to over 120 businesses, mostly bars & restaurants, all local and independent, inarguably cornerstones of Austin’s unique cultural fabric and a significant tourism draw. Most recently, GWA has compiled a clear and comprehensive Re-Opening Agreement for restaurants to follow when opening their dining rooms that we are now adopting for other non food & beverage businesses. Our guidelines are considerably more stringent than those offered up by State government. We understand that no protocols will eliminate the chance of an employee testing positive. We also understand that nothing is going to fundamentally change until there is a widely distributed vaccine. Opening and staying open is about a partnership between business and gov’t. We adopt strict guidelines and open in a slow, cautious, consistent manner and gov’t provides incentives and add’l revenue streams, in the form of jobs that increase food access to communities in need like several of our restaurants have been performing for AISD and will soon be for quarantined homeless and homebound seniors. Independent restaurants are a cultural asset to our city. Our employees are, individually, cultural assets as well. They do not currently have jobs to return to and will not if a plan is not put in place to help independent restaurants get through the next 12-18 months of reduced capacity. It is with this in mind that we ask you to support the attached draft cultural funding resolution. Restaurants face a unique challenge as business models in these conditions and they are not being helped by going back and forth through the phases. If the independents go away, they will be replaced by large chains and corporate restaurants with the capital to weather this crisis. …
E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T D E PA R T M E N T Overview FY20 Hotel Occupancy Tax Funded Programs August 10, 2020 Economic Development Department The Economic Development Department’s mission is to develop and lead innovative programs that increase the prosperity of Austinites, businesses, and diverse neighborhoods, creating a cultural and economic environment that enhances the vitality of the community. C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 2 Hotel Occupancy Tax – Supported Divisions • Cultural Arts • Heritage Tourism • Music & Entertainment C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 3 Historic Preservation Fund & Heritage Grant Overview Melissa Alvarado Manager, Heritage Tourism Division C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 4 Historic Preservation Fund C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 5 Heritage Grant Timeline/Background March 2020 Heritage Grant Launch May – July 2020 Virtual Outreach & Engagement Aug 2020 Review Panels Sept 2020 Council Review Oct 2020 Awards Announced Outreach & Engagement August 24, 2020 Heritage Grant recommendations will be provided to the Tourism Commission Virtual Information Sessions Virtual Open Office House One-On-One Technical Assistance Newsletters Email Campaigns Social Media Campaigns Radio Promotions C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 6 Heritage Grant Program Updates Initial Applicant Stats 24 Total applications submitted • • • $2.6M requested 29% ALANA Peer Review Panels Ongoing 18 Nonprofit applicants 6 Commercial applicants 9 Heritage Capital Projects 15 Site-specific Heritage Tourism Projects C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 7 Heritage …
Tourism Commission Via Video Conferencing June 8, 2020 10:00 am MINUTES In Attendance: Rachel Magee Edward Bailey Scott Joslove Bill Bunch John Riedie Lois Rodriguez Mike Cannatti Catlin Whitington Absent: Alta Alexander Vanessa Fuentes Brian Rodgers Staff and Other In Attendance: Felicia Ojeda, Austin Convention Center Department, Staff liaison Katy Zamesnik, Austin, Convention Center Department, Acting Chief Administrative Officer Tom Noonan, Visit Austin, President and CEO Mary Kay Hackley, Visit Austin Christine Cramer, Visit Austin Steve Genovesi, Visit Austin Julie Chase, Visit Austin AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER a. Meeting called to order at 10:00 am by Chair, Catlin Whitington 2. CITIZEN COMMUNICATIONS: a. No Citizen Communications 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. February 10, 2020 – postponed to July Meeting 4. NEW BUSINESS The Commission discussed the following agenda item: a. Reviewed Hotel Occupancy Tax Funded Programs update. b. Visit Austin, Tom Noonan, presented the Visit Austin, Travel and Tourism Updates a. Visit Austin, Tom Noonan and Julie Chase, presented the Visit Austin Marketing Recap b. Chair, Catlin Whitington, shared a Historic Hotel Occupancy Taxable Revenue chart (1995- 2017, annual and monthly) 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Commission may discuss and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentations a. Table to Approve February Minutes with amended comments i. Commissioner Cannatti, addressed the Working Groups, to read – Motioned to Approve members for the Environmental Working Groups ii. Commissioner Riedie, addressed he requested to be added to the Short-Term Rental Working groups iii. Commissioner Riedie, addressed the request to add a TPID Working Group 6. ADJOURNMENT a. Chair, Catlin Whitington motioned to adjourned the meeting at 11:23 am. Commissioner Rodriguez seconded the motion. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call or email Felicia Ojeda 512.404.4022, felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov. for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Tourism Commission, please contact Felicia Ojeda at 512.404.4022, felicia.ojeda@austintexas.gov. Department, Convention Austin Center the at at
Visit Austin Marketing Recap M A R K E T I N G , P R , T O U R I S M , M U S I C A N D F I L M | M A R C H - J U L Y 2 0 2 0 While all paid advertising efforts are paused, we’ve ensured that our website and social media accounts remain active engaging our audience with timely, relevant and inspiring content. Meanwhile, efforts are also underway to develop a recovery campaign that will deploy when the market is ready. As part of our ongoing commitment to our local hospitality community, we are bringing additional attention to the products and services Austinites and visitors can take advantage of from home. These efforts are engaging with thousands of locals and non-locals every day. W E B S I T E In March, we launched our new (temporary) homepage “Visit Austin, From Home” which highlights Austin content users can take advantage of from home. www.austintexas.org Later this summer, we are launching a new homepage (and other web & social content) designed to support travelers in trip-planning mode, as well as provide Austin content for those that remain at home. S O C I A L M E D I A P E R F O R M A N C E The current goal of Visit Austin’s social media platforms, including leisure, meetings, film, sports and music, is to be a source of entertainment for its followers during the COVID-19 crisis, while continuing to promote local businesses and attractions. Despite paid efforts on pause, between May 1- July 31, Visit Austin’s leisure channels still earned: ● ● ● 971 new followers 126,913 engagements 3,745,758 impressions @visitaustintx @musicaustin @meetaustin @filmatx @sportsaustin All of this signals that while fans can’t travel now, people are still dreaming of visiting Austin. Follow us today at: @visitaustintx @musicaustin Music Austin Visit Austin, Texas VisitAustinTX R E C E N T M A R K E T I N G A C T I V I T I E S Hire an Austin Musician We deployed an eblast to more than 22,000 customers promoting Austin musicians for virtual and hybrid events. Since the email deployed on July 28th, we’ve already received more than 900 page visits and booking inquiries. This is a very promising tactic to help keep musicians working …
August 5, 2020 Claudia Sanchez 3005 Westlake Dr Austin TX, 78746 Re: C15-2020-0036 Property Description: TRT B RESUB LOT 66-68 & E PT OF LOT 66-67 LAKE SHORE ADDN Dear Claudia, Austin Energy (AE) has reviewed your application for the above referenced property, requesting that the Board of Adjustment consider a variance(s) from the following section of the Land Development Code: Section 25-2-551 (Lake Austin (LA) District Regulations) to reduce the Shoreline Setback requirement from 75 feet (required) to 25 feet (requested) for a main body, canal and man-made cove; In order to construct a Single-Family Residential use in an “LA” zoning district– Austin Energy does not oppose the above variance request provided any proposed and existing improvements follow Austin Energy’s clearance criteria requirements, the National Electric Safety Code and OSHA. Any removal or relocation of existing electric facilities will be at owners /applicants’ expense. Please use this link to be advised of our clearance and safety requirements which are additional conditions of the above review action: https://austinenergy.com/wcm/connect/8bb4699c-7691-4a74- 98e7-56059e9be364/Design+Criteria+Manual+Oct+2015.pdf?MOD=AJPERES If you require further information or have any questions regarding the above comments, please contact our office. Thank you for contacting Austin Energy. Eben Kellogg, Property Agent Austin Energy Public Involvement | Real Estate Services 2500 Montopolis Drive Austin, TX 78741 (512) 322-6050
August 5, 2020 James Schissler 43 N Ih 35 Svrd Nb Austin TX, 78702 Re: C15-2020-0037 Property Description: NE TRI OF LOT 4 LOT 5-6 LESS SW TRI BLK B OLT 54,55&71 DIV O LAMBIES R C RESUB OF VOSS Dear James, Austin Energy (AE) has reviewed your application for the above referenced property, requesting that the Board of Adjustment consider a variance(s) from the following section of the Land Development Code; Section 25-6-472 (Parking Facility Standards) Appendix A (Tables of Off-Street parking and Loading Requirements), to reduce the number of required parking spaces from 15 spaces (required) to 11 spaces (requested); In order to erect a 5,820 sq. ft. Administrative Office Building in a “GR-MU-V-CO-NP”, Community Commercial – Mixed Use - Vertical Mixed Use building – Conditional Overlay – Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (East Cesar Chavez Neighborhood Plan) Austin Energy does not oppose the above variance request, provided any proposed and existing improvements follow Austin Energy’s clearance criteria requirements, the National Electric Safety Code and OSHA. Any removal or relocation of existing electric facilities will be at owners /applicants’ expense. Please use this link to be advised of our clearance and safety requirements which are additional conditions of the above review action: https://austinenergy.com/wcm/connect/8bb4699c-7691-4a74- 98e7-56059e9be364/Design+Criteria+Manual+Oct+2015.pdf?MOD=AJPERES If you require further information or have any questions regarding the above comments, please contact our office. Thank you for contacting Austin Energy. Eben Kellogg, Property Agent Austin Energy Public Involvement | Real Estate Services 2500 Montopolis Drive Austin, TX 78741 (512) 322-6050
From: To: Subject: Date: Ramirez, Elaine comments C15-2020-0029 Aug 10 Friday, August 07, 2020 2:55:49 PM *** External Email - Exercise Caution *** Notes re variance request C15-2020-0029 coming before BOA this Aug 10, 2020 I would like to point out the following: 1. The "accessible attic" would be a 2nd floor occupiable space that would be accessed by an external staircase that would be situated in the westside setback. Though not shown on site plan it is shown on the elevation drawings. 2. In discussions with the owners they once expressed willingness to add a deed restriction eliminating the addition of a future 2nd story on the property. 3. The mid section of the proposed finished structure would have a gable height of 15 ft 6 inches above ground level***. This West facing facade would be 4 ft 2 inches from the mid lot property line. 4. One can't predict how promises of runoff control would play out in time. And I have no data to know if the promised containment strategies are feasible or accurate. *** This information was given to me, via email, by the owners as being data from the design firm(s) they consult .. "...numbers regarding height, coverage, and cistern. The high point of the roof gable is 15’6” -- that’s measured from the ground, not the foundation. Impervious percentage on the site plan is 57% -- the would only go down because it includes the flagstone walkway and we’d like to do decomposed granite for better drainage. Our cistern will be 1500-2000 gallons. At 1500 it would average out to 18000 gallons over the year. This water would go to our vegetable. We want it even bigger if it can fit, though the 1500 gallon one would already overcompensate for added impervious." Lou Rigler 1103 Toyath Street CAUTION: This email was received at the City of Austin, from an EXTERNAL source. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious and/or phishing email, please forward this email to cybersecurity@austintexas.gov. D-2/1 LATE BACKUP Capitol Tree Care, LLC 12407 N. Mopac Expy Ste. 250-123 Austin, TX 78758 512-913-6833 ArboristAustin.com C A P I T OL TREE CARE August 9, 2020 Subject: Tree Assessment Address: 1711 Waterston Ave Austin, TX 78703 Assessor: James Burtchell ISA Certified Arborist, TX-3593A ISA Texas Oak Wilt Qualified, TXOWQ-134 ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor …
City Council & City Manager, WHEREAS, the members of the Austin Board of Adjustment (“BOA”), fees have increased to a point that many socioeconomically challenged families in the City have been priced out of the ability to have their due process rights met at the Board of Adjustment; and WHEREAS, the BOA would like to give a fair and equitable hearing to all citizens that believe they deserve a special exception to, or a hardship variance from, the land development code; and WHEREAS, the metropolitan area of the City of Austin has approximately 11% of its residents below the federal poverty limit who would be severely challenged or unable to pay the BOA current fee thereby preventing these citizens experiencing issues with Austin’s complex land development code from being able to come to our Board for relief; and WHEREAS, further complicating the situation there is a current public health crisis in the form of SARS-CoV-2 that has resulted in mass unemployment and loss of income; and WHEREAS, a large number of the recent BOA cases have been for issues related primarily to commercial development and large home/real estate developers instead of homes of working or middle class neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, in the past the City of Austin has a history of providing financial assistance programs to assist its citizens and has been at the forefront of implementing policy that provides equity and access to government to all ie. Austin Energy CAP etc.; and WHEREAS, it is the desire that the City Council and City Manager support a fee assistance program for the Board of Adjustments in which the Board fully understands that the current fee structure was intended to reflect the actual cost of services provided by staff within the City, the BOA would like to be clear that any fee assistance program should not result in changes to staffing, rather, that the BOA and the staff provide a public good that should be provided by and supported with tax dollars and fees collected by the city, rather than wholly paid for by socioeconomically challenged applicants; and WHEREAS, the staff that serves the BOA provides exemplary customer service and board support duties, and our city should be proud of the professionalism and knowledge provided by its staff to residents; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: The Board of Adjustment hereby …
City of Austin – Food Access Response to COVID-19 FOOD POLICY MANAGER CITY OF AUSTIN Background •Austin Public Health asked the Office of Sustainability Food Team to take on the food access response to the Pandemic •Emergency Operations Center – Social Services Branch •Utilized existing relationships • Food Access Coordination group Food Access Task Force •Primary functions: • Coordination • Communications • Funding and Policy Food Access and Emergency Food •Existing barriers to food access exacerbated by pandemic response •Identify and meet immediate needs in priority populations plan ahead for ongoing needs keeping ahead of on-going changes to food insecurity •Initiatives: • Food distribution to populations experiencing homelessness (EAT Initiative) • PPE for organizations • Direct distribution to individuals (grocery boxes/prepared meals) • Farmers Market support • Food recovery •Continue tracking emerging food access needs: • Caregiver meals at schools • WIC shopping pilot program Communications •Interagency Task Force communications •EOC reporting structure •United Way/2-1-1 + ConnectATX • Map of food resources •Facilitate connections between organizations Food Access/Food Distribution Models •Keep Austin Together •Neighborhood Pop-Up Grocery Model •Good Apple Policy and Funding •State and federal policy tracking • Federal relief legislation • Changes to SNAP and other nutrition programs • P-EBT outreach •Local funding – OOS, APH, Travis County HHS, All Together ATX •Brief Council members, EOC Social Services Branch, City Management on critical food access needs, funding needs Data Collection Project with UT-SPH and Dell Med Pop Health Anecdotal evidence/understanding of increases in food access needs Purpose: Identify high-need populations (geographic areas, populations, specific barriers, etc.) Planning currently informed by existing data and organizations participating in Food Access Task Force Expanding network, but need to capture full scope of food access barriers and emerging needs Conversations with UT-SPH and with Dell Med Goal: Identify highest-need populations to inform resource allocation and ongoing food access planning What’s next? •Planning for next steps • Extension of emergency feeding programs/funding • How long will the “official” pandemic response last? •Food Policy Board recommendation •Incorporate UT findings into policy and planning work •Regional Food Systems Collaborative •Food systems resilience planning •SNAP Incentive Working Group • Recommendation for HSSC in October
KARTWHEEL STUDIO | 1406 e n f i e l d d r i v e 19 05 E 1 2t h Street, Au stin , TX PROJECT INFORMATION: CONTACTS: LOCATION: 1406 Enfield Road, Austin, TX 78703 PROJEC T DESCRIPTION: This project is the renovation of a single-family residence located in the Cit y of Austin at 1406 Enfield Road, 78703. The existing house is approximately 3,310 square feet with 2 stories and a basement. The design anticipates no addition of square footage. The project will consist of removing and reconfiguring interior walls, replacing interior finishes, adding millwork, and replacing /adding windows on the rear-facing wall. The project is planned to compliment the current design aesthetic and materialit y of the existing house. The house is currently registered as a landmark by the cit y of Austin. APPLICANT: CARY DEVORE Email: cddevo@gmail.com DESIGN: K ART WHEEL STUDIO Contact: David Clark Email: david@kar t wheel.co Phone: 512- 820 -1518 SQUARE FOOTAGES: Lot Size - 13,114 SF Level 1 - 1,543 SF Level 2 - 1,543 SF Basement (Approx.) - 225 SF Building Total - 3,310 SF 22 1406 ENFIELD DRIVEKARTWHEEL STUDIO PHOTOS OF EXISTING BUILDING: FRONT-FACING REAR-FACING 33 1406 ENFIELD DRIVEKARTWHEEL STUDIO S I D E W A L K ALLEY 10' R.O.W 570' 25'-0" PROPERTY LINE EXISTING AUTOMATIC DOUBLE LEAF GATE EXISTING WALL D A O R D L E I F N E K L A W E D I S NEW DRIVEWAY IN LOCATION OF EXISTING " 6 - ' 8 EXISTING FRONT ENTRY EXISTING PLANTING BED RESIDENCE 42'-0" EXISTING SELF CLOSING GATE EXISTING GRAVEL TO REMAIN T1 E N I L G D L B ' 0 3 EXISTING LAWN TO REMAIN " 3 - ' 2 1 AC AC ELECTRICAL PANEL PLANTING BED NEW ELECTRICAL METER SPA NEW CONCRETE POOL DECK NEW POOL 12'-0" FROM O.E. WATERLINE TO FINISH MULCH IN CRZ EXISTING GRAVEL TO REMAIN T2 EXISTING WALL T3 T4 568' T5 T6 EXISTING PERIMETER FENCE TO REMAIN 1 SITE PLAN OVERALL Scale: 1/16" = 1'-0" E O E O E O E O E O E O E O PEA GRAVEL 5' SIDE SETBACK O E O E EXISTING LAWN TO REMAIN O O E E O E O E O E O E O E O E O E O E O E O E O E O E O E O E …
Date Rationale LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200810-2C August 10, 2020 City of Austin Employees’ Use and Display of Gender Pronouns Subject Recommendation to Council Make it the official policy of the City of Austin that employees and prospective employees have the permission and option to use and display of their gender pronouns on: 1. Email signatures; 2. Nametags and nameplates; 3. Internal forms and records (corporate directories, human resources records, applicant tracking systems, etc.); 4. Business cards; 5. Video conferencing participant names; and 6. Human resources and payroll management platforms. 1. The City of Austin currently lacks an official policy regarding employees’ use and display of their gender pronouns on email signatures, nametags and nameplates, internal forms and records (corporate directories, human resources records, applicant tracking systems, etc.), business cards, video conferencing participant names, human resources and payroll management platforms, etc. 2. Due to the lack of an official policy, some City of Austin employees are prohibited from using and displaying their gender pronouns because it violates department-level policies regarding content and style of email signatures, nametags, business cards, etc. 3. Using department-level policies and style guides to justify the prohibition of the use and display of personal gender pronouns is highly suspect. 4. City of Austin employees may construe this prohibition as discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based upon their sex, gender, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity. Page 1 of 4 5. The City of Austin prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against an employee or prospective employee based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. City of Austin Personnel Policies § I-A Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti- Discrimination 6. The City of Austin prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee or prospective employee based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. City of Austin Code of Ordinances § 5-3-4 Unlawful Employment Practices 7. The State of Texas prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee or prospective employee based on sex. State of Texas Labor Code § 2-A-21.051 Discrimination by Employer 8. The United States prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee or prospective employee based on sex. The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VII 9. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against an employee or prospective employee based on sexual orientation or transgender status. Bostock v. Clayton County …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council Recommendation Number: 20200810-4bi Five Key Messages for Families during COVID-19 WHEREAS, current challenges our community faces due to the COVID-19 public health pandemic are unprecedented; and WHEREAS, often-changing in messages to the community have created confusion and fear for families with young children; and WHEREAS the first five years of life are vitally important for healthy intellectual, physical, and social emotional development; and WHEREAS, the Success By 6 Coalition recommends five simple messages for parents and caregivers that can unite us in word, spirit, and a sense of community; and WHEREAS, these five messages represent a consensus of leaders in early childhood education; and WHEREAS, repetition and consistency help combat confusion and misinformation at a time when clarity is vital; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council encourages the Austin City Council to share and amplify these five Key Messages for families with young children through all available channels including social media, council office communications, and communications from city staff. 1. Wear a mask every time you leave your home. If you must enter a public building such as a grocery store, try to keep the number of people with you to a minimum. Remember, kids under the age of two should NOT wear masks because of the risk of suffocation. 2. Sign up for Bright By Text for timely resources, simple encouragements, and supports for caregivers: http://www.bit.ly/SMARTATX 3. For the well-being of young children, keep home routines going as much as you can, include daily talking, playing, reading, and singing. 4. Fill out the Census at http://www.mycensus2020.gov/to ensure our community has the resources and representation we need for the next 10 years. 5. Call 2-1-1 or visit http://www.connectatx.org/ to access information about basic needs, including food, childcare, mental health, physical safety, and more. Date of Approval: 8/10/2020 Record of the vote: 7-0-0 Attest:
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council Recommendation Number: 20200810-4biii Support for action on response to Council Resolution 20200729-089 WHEREAS, on July 29, 2020, City Council adopted resolution 20200729-089 directing the City Manager to collaborate with the Austin-Travis County COVID-19 Child Care Task Force to report on the state of child care and supervision and support for children and youth in our community and include actionable recommendations by August 13, 2020 to address the current and imminent challenges; and WHEREAS, the resolution directs the City Manager to collaborate with local school districts to make City facilities such as libraries and recreation centers available to local school districts and working families for the duration of virtual instruction due to COVID-19 should that be helpful; and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health staff and members of the Task Force are finalizing that report which, as directed by Council, will include recommended measures for stabilizing the local child care system and actions that may be taken at the local, state, and federal levels, including an assessment of the viability of establishing a Child Care Stabilization Fund that may award immediate and ongoing stabilization grants and other solutions to increase equitable access to quality child care; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council encourages the Austin City Council to support the recommendations in the forthcoming report to Council in response to Council Resolution 20200739-089 and act in a timely manner to fund and implement them. Date of Approval: 8/10/2020 Record of the vote: 7-0-0 Attest:
