St. David’s Foundation has announced more than $43 million in grant funding that will benefit local and grassroots organizations in Central Texas. A total of 108 grants were awarded from September to December 2022, reflecting “the foundation’s commitment to advancing health equity in Central Texas through investment and action,” says the news release. “The most significant portion of these new investments will ensure that more people have access to medical and behavioral care through safety net clinics; provide support to low-income older adults to remain in their homes and stay connected to their communities; and support systems to address housing and homelessness.” Here’s more info and a list of the 93 grantees.

The Black Fund at Austin Community Foundation has announced that it “will be awarding $355,000 in grant funding to 21 Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits in Central Texas later this month.” The grants focus on four areas, which are education; health and wellness; power building, organizing and advocacy; and wealth building. The grantees and specific funding levels will be announced at the Black Fund Awards Show later this month. The show will include performances by Roland Martin, Alesia Lani, Ballet Afrique, Cha’keeta Banita, Tje Austin and Taméca Jones. Monday, Feb. 27, 6-9 p.m., Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave. See a full list of grantees and get tickets here.

Austin Energy delivered the dispiriting news Monday that, while the vast majority of Austinites had power restored, the utility was aiming to have everyone back online by Sunday, Feb. 12. Complicating already complicated repair matters is a forecast that threatens high winds and rain that may slow down repairs further. In the meantime, the city continues to compile and distribute resources for those who might still be without power or are coping with damage sustained during the ice storm. Information about shelters, food distribution, disaster response, utilities, repairs and permitting, storm debris management and other safety information can be found on the city’s website, here.

On the heels of a destructive ice storm, the Development Services Department wants to get the word out to Austinites that permits are not required to start work on emergency repairs to homes and businesses. Storm repairs “can begin immediately, and DSD will work with you to ensure repairs were completed safely.” Need an emergency inspection for electrical or plumbing repair? Call 512-974-2030 for electrical work or 512-974-1520 for plumbing work. Inspections are available 24/7. Find more information about emergency repairs, permitting and inspections at austintexas.gov/emergency-permits. DSD can also be reached via the chat feature on its home page at DevelopmentATX.com. Any questions? Call 311, Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

Former Austin Chamber of Commerce President Laura Huffman, in partnership with Steven Pedigo, has a new venture called CivicSol, a consulting firm to help communities “develop their economies to benefit all.” Huffman, who resigned as president and CEO of the chamber late last year, previously served as an assistant city manager with the city of Austin and then as executive director for the Texas branch of the Nature Conservancy before joining the chamber. She is the founding executive director of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs Urban Lab at the University of Texas. Sharing her news on LinkedIn, she wrote, “Steven and I have teamed up to bring our deep cross-sector expertise to the table with an approach that is grounded in the belief that value-driven, public-private partnerships are necessary for building successful economies and addressing the challenges inherent to the urban environment.”

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority sent out an announcement letting the community know that all of its bus routes are back up and are operating at their regular service times. MetroRail has also resumed service, as of today at 5:40 a.m. from Leander Station. Crews from the transit agency have been working “throughout the week to ensure the safety and reliability of our service, and we are now able to return to full operational capacity,” according to the announcement.

Workers from the Development Services Department are out in the field working on repairing damage caused by this week’s winter storm. The DSD has released an announcement informing Austinites that “If your home or business is in need of emergency repairs, work can begin immediately. DSD will work with you to retroactively permit and inspect all emergency repairs to ensure work was completed safely.” Those who have fallen limbs or trees should take photos and document the estimated diameter and size of the tree. If a tree or structure has fallen on a power line, residents are advised to contact Austin Energy immediately. Find more information on emergency repair permits at austintexas.gov/page/emergency-permits or call 311.

Austin Pets Alive! has issued a desperate plea to the community seeking people who are able to serve as temporary fosters for a shelter pet, even for a few days. APA’s shelter lost power during part of the storm, and while power has since been restored and the shelter is “easing back into normal operations,” help is still needed and appreciated. Find more info on fostering, the latest updates on the shelter and cold weather tips for pets – including how to DIY a quickie shelter for outdoor cats – here.

The city of Austin has suspended regular operations through the end of Thursday, Feb. 2, due to the ongoing severe winter weather. According to an announcement from the city, “all essential public safety services and essential employees will continue responding to the winter weather event.” The Winter Storm Warning is expected to be lifted by the National Weather Service by Thursday morning, though the hazardous ice conditions continue to affect the roads and “a significant portion of our community, including employees, have been and will continue to be impacted by the loss of power, downed trees, and the expected continued closure of area schools.” For up-to-date alerts, visit the emergency information hub.

The next entry in the city’s Imagine Austin speaker series is sponsored by the Watershed Protection Department, which is working on its new strategic plan, called Rain to River. Community engagement is a crucial part of the plan, as the announcement for the event spells out: “To ensure they amplify the voices of communities historically left out of city planning processes, WPD is collaborating with and investing in community organizations and through two pilot programs, a community ambassador program and a mini-grant program for organizations.” The webinar, Partnering with Community Leaders: Equity-Focused Approaches to Community Engagement for the Rain to River Strategic Plan Update, features a panel discussion with program participants and WPD staff members “who will share about successes, challenges, and lessons learned through this engagement approach.” Wednesday, Feb. 8, 5-6:30 p.m. Register here.

With a winter storm warning in effect through noon on Feb. 1, local officials are urging caution and activating resources. Cold weather shelters for the unhoused will be open the nights of Jan. 30 and 31, with parks facilities and libraries serving as warming shelters during the day. (Find more information about these facilities and how to access them here.) The city has also compiled a collection of cold weather tips that include helpful hints on dressing (don layers), home heating (no indoor grills), insulating pipes, and keeping plants and pets safe (bring pets indoors). Austinites can keep abreast of the latest weather news by downloading the Ready Central Texas app and signing up at Warn Central Texas for local alerts. Emergency information can also be found on the city’s website. A list of information about winter weather by city department, with tips from Austin Water, Austin Energy, the parks department and the like can be found here.

On Monday, Capital Metro said it would be monitoring the weather, and to expect delays. “Please use the CapMetro Trip Planner for the latest information on your route. We apologize for the inconvenience. We are operating with everyone’s safety in mind,” read a press release from the transit authority.

Stay safe and warm, readers!