Callout: Today’s newsletter is supported by “Austin Parks Foundation’s Party for the Parks”
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Quote of the Day
“While education is not the only tool the City has to increase its diversion rate, we found ARR has opportunities to improve its education efforts that may help the City meet its goals. The department is not prioritizing its efforts based on impact to the City’s Zero Waste Goal. Additionally, we found that there (are) inconsistent recycling and composting messages across the city and its private haulers.”
— Austin Resource Recovery not meeting Zero Waste goals, audit says
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Austin Resource Recovery not meeting Zero Waste goals, audit says
From Jo Clifton:
In 2009, Austin became the first city in Texas to adopt a Zero Waste Strategic Plan. The plan set a goal of diverting 90 percent of waste away from landfills and incinerators by 2040. But Austin is not on track to meet that goal, according to an audit conducted by the Office of the City Auditor. In fact, the diversion rate of 37 percent in 2024 was less than the diversion rate 10 years earlier — 39.81 percent — according to the report.
Members of the City Council Audit & Finance Committee are scheduled to consider the report at their meeting on Wednesday.
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Today’s newsletter is supported by “Austin Parks Foundation’s Party for the Parks”
Join Austin Parks Foundation for the 11th Annual Party for the Parks, featuring Passion Pit! This beloved event is happening under the lights at ACL in Zilker Park on Wednesday, October 8th.
Partygoers will enjoy delicious dining options, libations from Austin’s premiere beverage brands, games, a live auction and an intimate concert—all while helping raise funds for our city’s nearly 400 parks, trails and green spaces. Click here to get your tickets and join the fun!
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BlurbNo magic feather for this DBUNO
Planning staff has requested additional time to hammer out the details of an amendment to the University Neighborhood Overlay Density Bonus (DBUNO) saying in a memo that the planned return on September 25 will now need to be put off until a “future meeting.” The amendment was originally scheduled to be taken up in June, but was postponed in order to consult with the University of Texas at Austin, much to the disappointment of some housing advocates. As for this delay, Planning Director Lauren Middleton-Pratt said, “Staff will use the additional time to continue reviewing and addressing concerns and recommendations shared by the University of Texas and incorporating them into the DBUNO amendment which will be presented for City Council consideration.”
Groundwater district declares ‘exceptional drought’ for the region
Despite heavy rains earlier this summer, for only the second time in history, the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District’s Board of Directors has declared a Stage 3 Exceptional Drought. According to a press release sent out by the district, the decision was prompted by groundwater levels at their Lovelady monitor well, which is located in South Austin near South First Street and Stassney Lane, dropping below the established threshold of 457 feet. The average water level of the well since monitoring began in 1949 is more than 30 feet higher – 490.9 feet mean sea level.
“This decline reflects extremely low water levels in both the Edwards and Trinity aquifers, which the District manages portions of from the Colorado River in Austin to southern San Marcos. Nearly 100,000 residents rely on these aquifer segments for drinking water,” reads the press release. “The Edwards Aquifer also feeds Barton Springs, where flow remains significantly below average. The District has now been in continuous drought for 39 months—more than three years.”
According to the district, the region is experiencing a 31.2 inch rainfall deficit. As a result, groundwater pumping will be reduced by 30 to 100 percent for permit holders and all residents are encouraged to actively conserve water, limiting use to essential, indoor needs.
“Every gallon saved helps preserve our shared water supply, as well as the iconic springs, creeks, and rivers of the area,” said Shay Hlavaty, Communications & Outreach Manager for the District in a statement to the press. “We all have a role to play in protecting this precious resource as we face one of the region’s most intense droughts in recorded history.”
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Elsewhere in the News
GOP Rep. Michael McCaul will not seek reelection for an 11th term in Congress.
The Austin American-Statesman takes a crack at explaining the new short-term rental rules initiated by City Council last week.
KUT has a rundown of new nonstop flights arriving (and departing from) Austin’s ever-expanding airport.
UT’s police department is focusing on traffic safety in a new initiative— and that includes scooters.
The Texas Tribune follows-up on the recent firing of an A&M professor and asks what it means for academic freedom.
And HGTV has declared Bastrop officially charming.
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