While viewing the second draft zoning map, please keep in mind that City Council’s process was to keep the first-reading amendments to be high-level policy changes applied citywide, such as refining the definition of a particular zoning category in a way that encourages more missing middle along transit corridors  and transition areas or, as Council Member Ellis proposed, creating a pathway to preserve more heritage trees on major transit corridors without losing residential units. The suite of amendments from first reading will be reflected in the second draft zoning map but, due to their citywide nature, may not address all parcel-level concerns yet. Likewise, citywide policy-level amendments will also be the focus of the second reading, which is currently slated for mid-February, and will then be incorporated into a third draft of the code text and map. The Mayor has recently detailed the process for second reading in a post on the Council Message Board, which may be of interest.

Council’s third reading will be the primary opportunity for neighborhood-specific or parcel-level amendments. We anticipate third reading will take place in late March or early April. Between now and then, the District 8 office will continue to gather feedback from constituents on the proposed LDC text and map, including requests for parcel-level map amendments. Council Member Ellis is committed to the City’s adopted goals of increasing housing options, improving affordability, developing more connected communities, and pursuing environmental sustainability. As we receive LDC amendment requests, she will continue to consider the requests with these goals in mind.

If you are proposing a parcel-level amendment, please provide the following details:
1.    What is the address of the lot of the requested mapping change?
2.    What is the currently proposed zoning of the lot?
3.    What zoning category would you request instead?
4.    What is the policy justification for this proposed change? (i.e. access to transportation options, localized flooding concerns as shown by Watershed Protection Department mapping, affordability, etc. Please be as specific as possible.)

These are among the questions that we anticipate Council will be considering for each parcel-level amendment. Therefore, this is the information Council Member Ellis needs to best consider your request. Council expects to receive additional details on the process for handling parcel-level amendments from the LDC staff in the coming weeks. If you have a LDC amendment request (or other LDC feedback), please email it to district8@austintexas.gov.

More information from our office, including context about the Land Development Code process, can be found on the District 8 Blog.

The Zilker Zephyr made news this week when the operators announced they would no longer be running the train. Although the operators have chosen to decline to renew their contract with the city, the train will not be permanently closed. The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is working on posting an RFP to find a new operator. Due to the importance of the Zephyr to the community, they are looking for opportunities to expedite this process. The Zephyr is a beloved Austin treasure, and we will do what we can to ensure it is running as soon as safely possible. The District 8 office will continue to post updates as they are available on Twitter. For more information about the Zephyr, please see this January 29, 2020 press release from the City of Austin.

Prevent New Infections

• Cut and dispose of diseased red oaks immediately.
• Avoid wounding oak trees, including pruning, from February through June.
• Sterilize/sanitize all pruning equipment between trees and paint all wounds and fresh stumps regardless of season.
• Handle oak firewood cautiously, burn all firewood before spring, and never store unseasoned oak wood from infected trees near healthy oaks.

Stop Spread through Root Connections

• Install a trench at least 4 ft deep and 100 ft beyond the perimeter of infection centers (last symptomatic tree) to break up root connections.

Inject High-value Oaks with Fungicide

• Identify susceptible, high-value oak trees in proximity to expanding oak wilt infection centers.
• Consult a trained and licensed arborist (with certified applicator’s license) for treatment of susceptible trees with injections of propiconazole (AlamoTM).

Plant Resistant Trees

• Plant trees that are resistant to oak wilt and adapted to central Texas.
• Favor a diversity of tree species.
• Avoid wounding susceptible oaks during planting.

In 2014, the Austin City Council set a target to reach net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Office of Sustainability began work on this project in 2015, and a Community Climate Plan was adopted in 2017. Since the plan's adoption, much has changed in Austin and in technological advancements, and it became clear that updates were needed. A Steering Committee and five advisory groups, comprised of over 20 city staff and 120+ community members, have been meeting since October.

They are hosting workshops for community input to help guide their work. There are five different workshops that coincide with the five advisory groups working on the Climate Plan Update. You may register for multiple workshops if you’d like:

• Transportation Electrification Community Workshop Tuesday, February 4th from 5:30-8pm at Austin Energy Town Lake Center - Assembly Room 130
• Sustainable Buildings Community Workshop Saturday, February 8th from 2-4:30pm at Huston-Tillotson University - Dickey-Lawless Science Building
• Natural Systems Community Workshop Tuesday, February 11th from 5:30-8pm at the Carver Library Auditorium
• Transportation and Land Use Community Workshop Thursday, February 13th from 5:30-8pm at the Carver Library Auditorium
• Climate Change and Consumption Community Workshop Saturday, February 22nd from 10:30-1pm Location TBD *check later for updates

Food and drinks will be provided, and supervised child activities will be available for kids age 3 and up.

Please contact phoebe.romero@austintexas.gov with any questions.