HOUSTON, Texas - The City of Houston has experienced a sizable budget shortfall due to the implementation of Proposition B. Without an agreement to phase-in the cost of $80 to $100 million per year, the city has stated there is no option to balance the budget without a reduction in fire department personnel.
Due to the notification requirement, beginning today firefighters who would be affected by the reduction in force will receive a 60-day layoff notice to be effective June 30, 2019.
This is the most difficult thing I have had to do in my career. No Fire Chief ever wants to be faced with the possibility of firefighter layoffs. I am very concerned with the impact on our employees and my heart aches for the firefighters receiving notices and their families during these uncertain times. I hope that we can reach an agreement with the Fire Union to phase-in the full implementation of Proposition B and avoid the layoffs.
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Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Mayor awards annual scholarships to young artists
The annual Mayor's Arts Scholarship competition is open to juniors and seniors in public school districts and public charter schools in the Houston region. Twenty eight students from 11 schools competed this year.
The funding comes from donations to the Greater Houston Community Fund.
“Quality arts education can provide young artists/students with the skills for a viable and successful career path forward,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The Greater Houston area alone supports over 25,000 full-time jobs in the arts and culture sector and these are jobs that students who participate in this program are more competitive for now because they have learned graphic design, sculpting, photography or any other just as valuable skill through their art classes.”
A display with all the submissions to the Mayor’s Art Scholarship can be seen on the skybridge between the George R. Brown Convention Center and Hilton Americas downtown until May 13th, with the winning works showcased at Houston City Hall.
The winners are:
12th Grade
First Place
Sonali Puri
Hidden Jewels of Houston
Second Place
Tien Dinh
City of Color
Third Place
Tam-Hien Vuong
Common Time
11th Grade
First Place
Thu Ha
A Walk Down Home
Second Place
Alexis Martinez
She Holds Her Faith in Her Hands
Third Place
Jazmine Bell
The Struggle of a Strong Woman
An expert panel of volunteer jurors scored all submissions and reviewed accompanying essays.
Jurors included Rebecca Hopp (Theatre Under the Stars), Jeffrey McGee (San Jacinto College), Jan Rattia (Houston Center for Photography), Deanna Santiago (MECA - Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts), Irene Shum (The Menil Museum), and Christine West (Houston First Corporation).
The Mayor's Art Scholarship competition fosters collaboration among Houston area high school fine arts departments and recognizes excellence in student art, which expresses cultural identities and features life in Houston area neighborhoods.
The program is a partnership of the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs and Houston Arts Partners and supported by the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Young Audiences is the managing partner and fiscal agent for the Houston Arts Partners, which includes arts organizations, public school districts and institutions of higher education that reach thousands of students annually through opportunities to participate in the arts.
To become a Mayor’s Art Scholarship sponsor, contact Cultural Affairs at 832-393-1099 or Cultural.Affairs@Houstontx.gov.
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs develops policies and initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in the community, attract visitors and leverage private investment. Learn more at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs and follow us on Facebook & Instagram @HoustonMOCA. Find fun stuff on Houston’s Cultural Events Calendar.
Don't risk your life when you come upon a flooded roadway
Fort Worth, Texas - This week’s weather forecast brings potential for heavy rains and flooding, and Fort Worth’s Stormwater Management Division is working to help residents protect themselves from this hazard.
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard because people underestimate the force and power of water. It is hard to tell the depth of water or the condition of a road when submerged, but it is easy for automobiles to be swept downstream by fast-moving flood waters.
Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, Turn Around Don’t Drown.
Report: DFW ranks 17th among cities with ozone-polluted air
“State of the Air” is produced annually by the American Lung Association and measures high ozone days and short- and long-term particle pollution. The report found that air quality worsened in many cities and that more than 43 percent of people in the U.S. live with unhealthy air.
In Dallas-Fort Worth, air quality got slightly better. The area dropped to 17th on the list of most-polluted cities, one spot better than in 2018.
At No. 9, Houston was the only Texas city to rank higher on the most-polluted list. The top three cities on the list are in California: Los Angeles-Long Beach (No. 1), followed by Visalia (No. 2) and Bakersfield (No. 3).
A 10-county region in North Texas is in nonattainment for ozone levels. Ozone can reach unhealthy levels on hot sunny days in urban environments. Motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, emissions from industrial facilities and electric utilities, and chemical solvents contribute to ozone pollution. Even relatively low levels of ozone can have negative health effects.
Eastchase Parkway concrete repairs scheduled
Fort Worth, Texas - The city’s Transportation and Public Works Department is hosting a public meeting to discuss concrete restoration on Eastchase Parkway from John T. White Road to Meadowbrook Drive.
The meeting is planned for 6 p.m., Thursday, May 16 at the East Regional Library, 6301 Bridge St.
Make plans to attend the meeting to find out about the construction schedule and impacts to residents.
To learn more, contact Project Manager Maged Zaki at 817-392-5448.
The meeting is planned for 6 p.m., Thursday, May 16 at the East Regional Library, 6301 Bridge St.
Make plans to attend the meeting to find out about the construction schedule and impacts to residents.
To learn more, contact Project Manager Maged Zaki at 817-392-5448.
Street maintenance scheduled for parts of Blue Mound and Willow Springs roads
Fort Worth, Texas - The city is hosting a community meeting to inform residents about street maintenance on segments of Blue Mound and Willow Springs roads. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 9, at Carl E. Schluter Elementary School, 1220 Mesa Crest Drive.
Blue Mound Road West from Hicks Avondale School Road to Hulson Trail and Willow Springs Road from State Highway 287 service road to Avondale-Haslet Road is scheduled for rehabilitation. Crews will pulverize the existing asphalt pavement, stabilize the roadway and then apply an asphaltic pavement surface.
Make plans to attend the meeting to hear the schedule and impacts to residents.
To learn more, contact Project Manager George Snowden at 817-392-6696.
Blue Mound Road West from Hicks Avondale School Road to Hulson Trail and Willow Springs Road from State Highway 287 service road to Avondale-Haslet Road is scheduled for rehabilitation. Crews will pulverize the existing asphalt pavement, stabilize the roadway and then apply an asphaltic pavement surface.
Make plans to attend the meeting to hear the schedule and impacts to residents.
To learn more, contact Project Manager George Snowden at 817-392-6696.
Mayor and Public Library director announce Houston's 4th poet laureate
Her two-year term begins now, as National Poetry Month comes to an end. Schwartz was selected through a competitive application and interview process by a panel of literary experts.
Mayor Turner made the final selection. The poet laureate receives a $20,000 honorarium for the two-year term, funded by the City of Houston Hotel Occupancy Tax dedicated to the arts.
Contreras Schwartz will work closely with the Houston Public Library and the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs to carry out her community outreach project focusing on outreach to people with mental illness and mental health workers. She will also conduct eight workshops in partnership with Houston Public Library and mentor the Houston Youth Poet Laureate.
“The appointment speaks to the great work that this poet has done and will do as an ambassador of the City though poetry,” Mayor Turner said. “Houston will be well represented by Leslie through workshops and outreach work in non-traditional communities.”
The Poet Laureate program celebrates Houston’s rich culture and diversity through the work of a poet who creates excitement about the written and spoken word as well as outreach activities, special programs, teaching and their individual works. The role of the Poet Laureate is to stimulate poetic impulse, foster appreciation of poetry in all its forms, and serve Houston residents and visitors with expressions of culture through words.
“The Houston Public Library congratulates Leslie Contreras Schwartz on becoming Houston’s fourth Poet Laureate and joins the mayor in recognizing her invaluable talent. Contreras Schwartz will bring her passion and extensive knowledge of poetry and writing to Houston’s communities,” said Lawson. “We are excited about working with her on a diverse spectrum of literacy programs that will instill the love of poetry and writing for children, teens and adults alike around the city.”
“As a native Houstonian whose family has deep roots in the city since the early 1900s, I am deeply honored to be named an ambassador for poetry in the city I love and call home,” said Leslie Contreras Schwartz. “I have dedicated my adult life to studying, reading, and writing poetry, and am excited to share this passion. My outreach plan will focus on using writing to improve mental health, particularly among non-traditional and underserved communities.”
She is a poetry editor at Four Way Review and works as a lecturer at the University of Houston. She is a graduate of The Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College and earned a bachelor's degree at Rice University.
Contreras Schwartz says her work examines the individual versus public bodies and documents experiences and narratives of those usually silenced, such as people with mental illness, sex workers, women who are trafficked, or children in custody.
Her work has recently appeared or is forthcoming in The Missouri Review, The Collagist, [PANK], Verse Daily, The Texas Review, Catapult, and Tinderbox Poetry Journal, among others. Her new collection of poems, Nightbloom & Cenote (St. Julian Press, May 2018), was a semi-finalist for the 2017 Tupelo Press Dorset Prize, judged by Ilya Kaminsky. In 2018, she was a featured poet for the Houston Poetry Fest. Her fiction will be included in Houston Noir, edited by Gwendolyn Zepeda (Akashic Press, May 2019).
Before '‘passing the pen’' to Contreras Schwartz, the outgoing laureate, Deborah “D.E.E.P.” Mouton, is launching her community outreach project, a multi-video series of performance poetry celebrating neighborhoods of the City. These videos can be found on the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs Facebook & YouTube Pages and will be throughout the coming weeks. The first can be found: https://youtu.be/B-o76Pxz1gs
About the Houston Public Library
The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 35 neighborhood libraries, four HPL Express Libraries, a Central Library, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, The African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Parent Resource Library located in the Children’s Museum of Houston. With more than eight million visits per year in person and online, HPL is committed to excellent customer service and equitable access to information and programs by providing library customers with free use of a diverse collection of printed materials and electronic resources, Internet, laptop and computer use, and a variety of database and reference resources with live assistance online 24/7.
About the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs develops policies and initiatives that expand access to arts and cultural programs in the community, attract visitors and leverage private investment. Learn more at www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs and follow us on Facebook & Instagram. Find fun stuff on Houston’s Cultural Events Calendar.
JOHN P. MCGOVERN SUMMER READING PROGRAM AT THE HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
HOUSTON, Texas -Don’t miss all the sizzling summer fun and excitement as the Houston Public Library (HPL) presents the John P. McGovern Summer Reading Program. Beginning June 1, 2019 through August 1, 2019, kids ages 5-12 and teens 13-18 are invited to Explore the Unknown by participating in this year’s Summer Reading Program (SRP) where they will earn reading and activity badges and unlock awesome prizes! Free summer meals are available too for youth ages 1 -18 at participating libraries.
Check our online calendar for locations and times!
EXPLORE THE UNKNOWN - Registration Begins May 1, 2019. SRP is free and open to the public. Visit: houstonlibrary.org/summer or call 832-393-1313 for details.
Kids and teens will receive a FREE book and lanyard just for registering! They can earn even more books and cool pins to decorate their lanyard when they reach their reading goals. Kids and teens will even get pins for Exploring the Unknown by attending library activities. The Library offers a wide variety of programs so there's something for everyone. There will be animals, music, storytimes, performances, balloon shows, workshops and more! Check HPL’s online calendar for library locations, dates and times.
Register, Login and Win!
Signing up is easy! Head over to houstonlibrary.org/summer and click on the registration button, and then just follow the prompts. If kids signed up for SRP or the Winter Reading Program last year, they can use the same user name or email and password to log in. If they’ve forgotten their password, they can use the “I forgot my password” link.
Register, Login and Win!
Signing up is easy! Head over to houstonlibrary.org/summer and click on the registration button, and then just follow the prompts. If kids signed up for SRP or the Winter Reading Program last year, they can use the same user name or email and password to log in. If they’ve forgotten their password, they can use the “I forgot my password” link.
Kids can Log in anytime to track the days and titles they've read. If they read at least 20 minutes, they can count that day! They can also unlock badges by logging minutes and attending programs. Some activities require registration; check HPL’s online calendar. Visit any local Houston Public Library location to pick up prizes!
Pizes!
Kids and teens will have the chance to win prizes from:
Pizes!
Kids and teens will have the chance to win prizes from:
- Houston area Museums
- inSPIRE Rock Climbing
- Houston Astros
- Benihana
Family Fun!
Parents and caregivers can read this summer, too. Families (1 adult + 1 youth) who complete SRP will win a Family Prize! *while supplies last. In order to qualify, the child must complete the 30 day level and the adult must write 2 reviews (1 for an item read for the adult’s enjoyment and 1 for a youth item read with their child).
About the Houston Public Library
The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 35 neighborhood libraries, four HPL Express Libraries, a Central Library, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, The African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Parent Resource Library located in the Children’s Museum of Houston. With more than eight million visits per year in person and online, HPL is committed to excellent customer service and equitable access to information and programs by providing library customers with free use of a diverse collection of printed materials and electronic resources, Internet, laptop and computer use, and a variety of database and reference resources with live assistance online 24/7.
For further information, visit the Houston Public Library at www.houstonlibrary.org, on Twitter @houstonlibrary, on Facebook – houstonlibrary or call 832-393-1313.
Parents and caregivers can read this summer, too. Families (1 adult + 1 youth) who complete SRP will win a Family Prize! *while supplies last. In order to qualify, the child must complete the 30 day level and the adult must write 2 reviews (1 for an item read for the adult’s enjoyment and 1 for a youth item read with their child).
About the Houston Public Library
The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 35 neighborhood libraries, four HPL Express Libraries, a Central Library, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, The African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Parent Resource Library located in the Children’s Museum of Houston. With more than eight million visits per year in person and online, HPL is committed to excellent customer service and equitable access to information and programs by providing library customers with free use of a diverse collection of printed materials and electronic resources, Internet, laptop and computer use, and a variety of database and reference resources with live assistance online 24/7.
For further information, visit the Houston Public Library at www.houstonlibrary.org, on Twitter @houstonlibrary, on Facebook – houstonlibrary or call 832-393-1313.
Monday, April 29, 2019
City of Austin to Launch Digital Tipping Grant Program for Local Musicians
Austin, Texas - The City of Austin’s Music and Entertainment Division, within the Economic Development Department, will be accepting applications during the month of May for ‘Tip the Band,’ a new digital tipping grant program. The initiative supports the division’s mission to grow revenue for local musicians. All local, regularly performing Austin musicians are encouraged to apply.
The ‘Tip the Band’ program aims to address affordability concerns for Austin’s music community by creating a new and convenient revenue stream for musicians. Through the use of new technology—a digital tipping vessel—artists can collect digital tips from fans using a debit and/or credit card within seconds.
The Music & Entertainment Division will grant 10 local musicians or bands with one tipping vessel through a competitive application and panel review process. Grantees will utilize the vessels to collect digital tips at live performances for a six-month period, for all local and traveling shows. Selected musicians will be required to market and promote their use of the ‘Tip the Band’ program alongside a promotional campaign by the Music & Entertainment Division. Following a six-month evaluation period, and upon submitting a final report, the band may continue utilizing the vessel to collect tips.
Electric-assist bikes roll into town
Fort Worth, Texas - Experience the ease and convenience of riding electric as Fort Worth Bike Sharing adds 50 electric-assist bikes to the fleet.
With e-assist bikes, riders don’t have to sweat the commute – they can go farther faster and climb hills in an eco-friendly way.
Riders can check out an e-assist bike beginning April 29. Download the BCycle App, then select a station to see what kind of bikes are docked at the station. The fee to ride an e-assist bike is the same as regular bikes.
View a video about e-assist bikes.
Third Thursday Jazz series celebrates its 10th anniversary
Fort Worth, Texas - This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Third Thursday Jazz series hosted by the Fort Worth Public Library. In addition to a stellar lineup of local and national talent for the five monthly concerts May through September, the Library has unique programs planned for adults and children throughout the city.
Beyond the five main monthly concerts, music lovers can also perk up their spirits with coffee and jazz. Jazz coffee hours include swinging tunes, coffee and snacks. This is a free event and all are welcome to sway in the festivities. Or guests can grab a brush and add some pizazz and color to a canvas, creating a jazz-influenced painting to take home at Jazzy Painting. Painting events are open to anyone 18 years or older and do require registration.
There are also plenty of fun jazz-themed story times for families. Visit the Library’s Third Thursday Jazz page to find fun events near you.
Celebrate mom at your local community center
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and several Fort Worth community centers are offering a variety of luncheons, teas and other ways for kids of all ages to celebrate their moms.
Contact a center for specific information and event prices.
Upcoming events:
Mother's Day Luncheon at Hillside Community Center: 11 a.m. May 4, 2019; Hillside Community Center, 1201 E. Maddox Ave.
Mother's Day Celebration at Southside Community Center: 10:30 a.m. May 7, 2019; Southside Community Center, 959 E. Rosedale St.
Mother's Day Celebration at Andrew Doc Session Community Center: 10:30 a.m. May 8, 2019; Andrew Doc Session Community Center, 201 S. Sylvania.
Mothers and Tea at Riverside Community Center: 9:30 a.m. May 9, 2019; Riverside Community Center, 3700 E. Belknap.
Dia de la Madre - Mother's Day Celebration at Victory Forest Community Center: 6 p.m. May 9, 2019; Victory Forest Community Center, 3427 Hemphill St.
Mother's Day Brunch at Diamond Hill Community Center: 10 a.m. May 11, 2019; Diamond Hill Community Center, 1701 NE 36th St.
Mother's Day Celebration at Como Community Center: noon May 11, 2019; Como Community Center, 4900 Horne St.
Mom and Son Night of Fun at Greenbriar Community Center: 6 p.m. May 11, 2019; Greenbriar Community Center, 5200 Hemphill St.
Mayor Turner's Public Schedule
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Celebrate Asian-Pacific Heritage Month at the Bracewell Neighborhood Library
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Fire Chief Samuel Peña's statement about possible Houston Fire Department staffing changes
HOUSTON - Ahead of a special called city council meeting to discuss last Wednesday's 10-6 vote to layoff firefighters to help balance the City of Houston budget, Fire Chief Samuel Peña released the following information.
"In the months before the April 24 City Council vote amending Ordinance 2017-0462, I personally briefed most of council members on the anticipated affect Proposition B would have if the entire financial obligation must be absorbed in one year. In those briefings, I spoke extensively about the reduction of $20 to $25M in the Fire Department budget, a reduction in headcount, restructuring, moving from a 4 platoon to a 3 platoon shift schedule to maximize apparatus staffing with a lower headcount, the reduction in rank positions that would result from eliminating one platoon shift, and the preference for the multi-year phase-in approach to any changes.
"Due to the city's interpretation of the language in Proposition B, approximately 70% of those that
"In the months before the April 24 City Council vote amending Ordinance 2017-0462, I personally briefed most of council members on the anticipated affect Proposition B would have if the entire financial obligation must be absorbed in one year. In those briefings, I spoke extensively about the reduction of $20 to $25M in the Fire Department budget, a reduction in headcount, restructuring, moving from a 4 platoon to a 3 platoon shift schedule to maximize apparatus staffing with a lower headcount, the reduction in rank positions that would result from eliminating one platoon shift, and the preference for the multi-year phase-in approach to any changes.
"Due to the city's interpretation of the language in Proposition B, approximately 70% of those that
Upcoming events from the City of Fort Worth
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Friday, April 26, 2019
Fort Worth Spring into some good, clean fun at Trash Bash
After heavy rainfalls like we’ve seen this spring, tons of trash and debris from urban areas and roadsides wind up in the river. Help clean up our river during the Trinity River Spring Trash Bash, 9-11 a.m. May 18.
Groups, families and individuals can volunteer to clean trash along the Trinity River. Just choose an assignment location and register, then come ready to work on May 18.
When the trash is all bashed, volunteers are treated to an after-party with free food, door prizes and entertainment at Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St. The party will last until 1 p.m.
Fort Worth Honor fallen officers on May 8
The Fort Worth Police Department and the Fort Worth Police Officers Association invite residents to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice at the annual Peace Officers Memorial Service.
The service will be at 6 p.m. May 8 at the Police and Firefighters Memorial, 2201 W. Seventh St.
Honor Flight Takes 60 Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans to Washington DC
On Friday, April 26, 2019, Honor Flight Austin departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, transporting 60 veterans to Washington D.C.
AUSTIN, Texas – On Friday, April 26, 2019, Honor Flight Austin departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Washington D.C., transporting 60 veterans from the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan to the nation’s capital to visit and experience the memorials built in their honor. This is Honor Flight Austin’s 58th overall flight, and the second flight of 2019.
The veterans arrived in the ticketing area at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) at 9 a.m. The veterans, guardians, and staff assembled for a procession to Gate 21 around 10:30 a.m. The TSA Honor Guard and Austin Police Department Bag Pipes led the procession.
Honor Flight Austin departed Austin-Bergstrom at 11:45 a.m., and are scheduled to return to Austin Saturday, April 27, at 5:30 p.m.
Join Honor Flight Austin for a welcome home greeting at about 5:30 p.m. on April 27 upstairs in west ticketing.
Southwest Airlines operates the flight. The Hilton Austin Airport is a corporate sponsor of Honor Flight Austin. Lunch and refreshments are provided to veterans courtesy of ThunderCloud Subs. Trips on Honor Flight are made possible at no cost to the veterans through donations. The April 26 flight is sponsored by 22KILL, a non-profit organization committed to researching and understanding the issues connected with suicide.
Honor Flight Austin is a non-profit organization created to honor veterans by transporting them to visit and reflect at their war memorials. Honor Flight Austin serves veterans residing within Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Gillespie, Gonzales, Hays, Lee, Llano, Milam, Travis and Williamson Counties. To support Honor Flight Austin or to learn more about the organization go to www.honorflightaustin.org.
The airport of choice for Central Texas is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). New nonstop international flights include Calgary, Canada (YYC) on WestJet www.westjet.com; Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) on Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com; London Gatwick, United Kingdom (LGW) on Norwegian Air, www.norwegian.com/us; and Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) on AeroMexico, www.aeromexico.com. Austin also welcomes new carrier Spirit Airlines, www.spirit.com. Find all nonstop routes with the free interactive flight guide on www.abia.org. Connect with us on Twitter @AUStinAirport, Facebook, www.facebook.com/abia and on Instagram @AUSairport.
The veterans arrived in the ticketing area at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) at 9 a.m. The veterans, guardians, and staff assembled for a procession to Gate 21 around 10:30 a.m. The TSA Honor Guard and Austin Police Department Bag Pipes led the procession.
Honor Flight Austin departed Austin-Bergstrom at 11:45 a.m., and are scheduled to return to Austin Saturday, April 27, at 5:30 p.m.
Join Honor Flight Austin for a welcome home greeting at about 5:30 p.m. on April 27 upstairs in west ticketing.
Southwest Airlines operates the flight. The Hilton Austin Airport is a corporate sponsor of Honor Flight Austin. Lunch and refreshments are provided to veterans courtesy of ThunderCloud Subs. Trips on Honor Flight are made possible at no cost to the veterans through donations. The April 26 flight is sponsored by 22KILL, a non-profit organization committed to researching and understanding the issues connected with suicide.
Honor Flight Austin is a non-profit organization created to honor veterans by transporting them to visit and reflect at their war memorials. Honor Flight Austin serves veterans residing within Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Gillespie, Gonzales, Hays, Lee, Llano, Milam, Travis and Williamson Counties. To support Honor Flight Austin or to learn more about the organization go to www.honorflightaustin.org.
The airport of choice for Central Texas is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). New nonstop international flights include Calgary, Canada (YYC) on WestJet www.westjet.com; Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) on Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com; London Gatwick, United Kingdom (LGW) on Norwegian Air, www.norwegian.com/us; and Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) on AeroMexico, www.aeromexico.com. Austin also welcomes new carrier Spirit Airlines, www.spirit.com. Find all nonstop routes with the free interactive flight guide on www.abia.org. Connect with us on Twitter @AUStinAirport, Facebook, www.facebook.com/abia and on Instagram @AUSairport.
CITY-SUPPORTED ALDRICH 51 DEVELOPMENT RECEIVES A NATIONAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING AWARD
The Aldrich 51 mixed-income apartment community located in Mueller in east-central Austin, has received the 2019 Multifamily Excellence Award from the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies. The award honors innovative housing initiatives that serve as models for community growth and which are financially viable in providing housing for single-parent households, low-wage workers, seniors, and people exiting homelessness.
Opening in 2018, Aldrich 51 provides housing to households earning between 30 to 60 percent of the area’s median income in 85 percent of its 240 units. Public transportation is available within two blocks, and more than 50 commercial and retail establishments–many of which employ residents of the complex–are within walking distance.
Aldrich 51 was built through a public-private partnership between the City of Austin, DMA Development Company, and Catellus to create affordable housing for working families that is near jobs, transportation, and public services. Financing for the project combined private mortgage funding, $10 million in state low-income housing tax credits, $4 million in City of Austin affordable housing bonds, and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant dollars.
“The award for Aldrich 51 recognizes what is possible when committed Austinites work together for the public good,” said Rosie Truelove, director of the City of Austin’s Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department. “It also demonstrates the City of Austin’s commitment to providing economic opportunities and resources to help meet Austin’s needs for affordability, accessibility, and diversity in our neighborhoods.”
Opening in 2018, Aldrich 51 provides housing to households earning between 30 to 60 percent of the area’s median income in 85 percent of its 240 units. Public transportation is available within two blocks, and more than 50 commercial and retail establishments–many of which employ residents of the complex–are within walking distance.
Aldrich 51 was built through a public-private partnership between the City of Austin, DMA Development Company, and Catellus to create affordable housing for working families that is near jobs, transportation, and public services. Financing for the project combined private mortgage funding, $10 million in state low-income housing tax credits, $4 million in City of Austin affordable housing bonds, and U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant dollars.
“The award for Aldrich 51 recognizes what is possible when committed Austinites work together for the public good,” said Rosie Truelove, director of the City of Austin’s Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department. “It also demonstrates the City of Austin’s commitment to providing economic opportunities and resources to help meet Austin’s needs for affordability, accessibility, and diversity in our neighborhoods.”
BARC TO HOLD KITTEN CARE 101 CLASSES
“Springtime is definitely kitten time at BARC,” said Jennifer Barrera Wandrey, BARC outreach manager. “People assume kittens found alone have been abandoned so they bring them to the shelter, but most of the time the mother is nearby and will return.”
There will be two opportunities to participate in Kitten Care 101 Classes. The classes will provide information and training on various cat related topics including what to do if you find a kitten. Both classes are open to the public and can sign up by emailing barcfoster@houstontx.gov.
Sunday, April 28 • 1:00-2:00pm
Friends For Life Animal Shelter
107 E 22nd Street
Houston, TX 77008
Sunday, May 19 • 10:00-11:00am
BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions Center
2700 Evella Street
Houston, TX 77026
Each year, well-meaning Houstonians come across seemingly abandoned kittens and rush them to shelters. Unfortunately, these good intentions may significantly decrease the kitten’s chances of survival. Kittens’ immune systems are fragile, and their care is often labor-intensive, making them the most vulnerable inhabitants of a shelter. It is best to leave kittens alone and watch for the mother cat to return within 3 to 4 hours. Residents should only bring kittens to the shelter if the kittens or their mother are sick, injured, or in immediate danger.
The simplest, but most powerful thing, Houstonians can do to help pets throughout the community is to foster, volunteer, donate and adopt. If you are unable to permanently adopt a pet but would like to help animals in need, BARC encourages you to consider becoming a volunteer or a foster pet parent. By getting animals into foster homes, shelters have more space for additional animals as they enter the shelter system across Houston.
About BARC
BARC, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, takes in more than 25,000 animals annually regardless of behavior, breed, or medical condition. BARC works each day to improve the health and safety of Houstonians and their pets by pioneering programs such as low cost and no cost spay/neuter services, mobile adoptions, transfer/rescue partnerships, and community outreach. Through these programs and with support from community partners, BARC’s live release rate has improved from single-digits in 2009 to an 84.7% in 2018.
Visit www.houstonbarc.com or www.houstonbarcfoundation.org for more information.
About Friends For Life
At Friends For Life, every animal matters. Founded in 2002, Friends For Life introduced the no-kill shelter model to Houston – saving animals regardless of their breed, age or condition. Friends For Life helps Houstonians care for their pets – with direct programs like a free pet food bank, spay/neuters and behavior training. Friends For Live works toward a vision of a community where all animals have a safe home, and where pet owners have the resources to care for the animals they love.
Learn more at www.friends4life.org
City of Austin Small Business Program Celebrates National Small Business Week
Five days of free training and events programmed for local business owners, entrepreneurs and creative industries, May 6 – 10
The City of Austin’s Small Business Program, within the Economic Development Department, will celebrate National Small Business Week with five days filled with free business training events to help Austin’s small businesses, May 6-10. Attendees will receive expert instruction covering industry insights, marketing, legal, and business planning. Designated annually by the U.S. Small Business Administration, National Small Business Week highlights critical contributions made by America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The Austin City Council will recognize the entrepreneur-dedicated week with a City proclamation at
Great Harvest Bread Company Remodels Facility
The City of Austin’s Small Business Program, within the Economic Development Department, recently celebrated its most recent Family Business Loan recipient, the Great Harvest Bread Company, for their small business remodel completion and grand re-opening at 3201 Bee Caves Road.
Upon hearing the original Great Harvest Bread Company owners were retiring after 25 years in business, long-time customers and friends of the establishment, Juan Maldonado and Gisela Hernandez-Mendoza, decided to buy the small business and continue its legacy of serving great food within the community.
Wanting to reestablish the bakery, Juan and Gisela applied for an $82,000 Family Business Program loan to acquire the establishment, remodel the interior, and create a more versatile space.
“The City is proud to play its part in the expansion and overall success of a local business,” said Interim Economic Development Director, Rebecca Giello. “Helping entrepreneurs secure capital allows them to continue to play a vital role in Austin’s economy and overall effort to create more jobs.”
Great Harvest Bread Company is committed to creating 3 full-time jobs to help grow Austin’s employment base over the next 5 years.
The Family Business Loan Program is a public-private loan pool between the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that provides low-interest loans, utilizing no city funds.
The Family Business Loan Program's mission is to enhance the overall quality of life for Austin residents. The program requires borrowers to create one job for every $35,000 borrowed, and 51% of individuals hired must be deemed low to moderate income as defined by federal levels.
For more information on the Family Business Loan Program, call 512-978-2502 to speak with a Loan Program Advisor.
$10-dollar adoption special at Dallas Animal Services
Secretary Whitley Announces Settlement In Litigation On Voter Registration List Maintenance Activity
Plaintiffs agree to dismiss all claims against the Texas Secretary of State
AUSTIN, TX – Today, the parties to LULAC v. Whitley (and consolidated cases) agreed to a settlement in the litigation regarding the Texas Secretary of State's voter registration list maintenance activity announced on January 25, 2019 to identify and remove non-U.S. citizens registered to vote in Texas. All parties agreed to a mutually acceptable process by which the Texas Secretary of State's office can continue to conduct voter registration list maintenance required under both state and federal law while eliminating the impact of any list maintenance on eligible Texas voters. The plaintiffs agreed to dismiss all of their claims and the Texas Secretary of State's office agreed to issue a new advisory notifying Texas counties on the revised process for identifying and removing non-U.S. citizens from the state's voter rolls.
Secretary Whitley issued the following statement regarding the settlement agreement:
"I want to thank the Texas Legislature, county election officials from across the state, and the parties in this litigation for working with our office to develop a sustainable non-citizen list maintenance process. From the beginning, this process was designed to be collaborative, and today's agreement reflects a constructive collaboration among all stakeholders. It is of paramount importance that Texas voters can have confidence in the integrity, accuracy, and efficiency of the electoral system in which they participate. Today's agreement accomplishes our office's goal of maintaining an accurate list of qualified registered voters while eliminating the impact of any list maintenance activity on naturalized U.S. citizens. I will continue to work with all stakeholders in the election community to ensure this process is conducted in a manner that holds my office accountable and protects the voting rights of eligible Texans."
As part of the settlement, the parties agreed to a revised list maintenance process for the Texas Secretary of State's office to utilize in matching Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) data regarding potential non-U.S. citizens with Texas' voter registration database. The parties agreed that, going forward, the Texas Secretary of State's office will send to county voter registrars only the matching records of individuals who registered to vote before identifying themselves as non-U.S. citizens to DPS when applying for a driver license or personal identification card. This will ensure that naturalized U.S. citizens who lawfully registered to vote are not impacted by this voter registration list maintenance process.
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