The City of Austin’s proposed budget is out. I’ve gone through it, and there are some serious concerns every taxpayer should know about. 🧵1/ #atxcouncil First, the basics: Austin’s budget has grown far faster than our population and inflation. More spending does not automatically mean better services. It can mean more waste. 2/

This is a hard thread to write, but it needs to be said. While I was elected—and even now—I’ve been dealing with a stalker. A dangerous one. Someone who didn’t just stalk me, but a State House Rep before me. And guess what? DA José Garza’s office LET HIM GO. 1/ This man was arrested in February 2024. Before that, he was let out late last year with ZERO consequences. No accountability, no justice. Just another example of Garza’s failed policies that put victims at risk while dangerous individuals walk free. 2/

Tweet thread. Buckle up:

First off, I doubt he wrote this himself.

But let’s talk about the bigger issue: he’s promising things the City of Austin can’t even do. This isn’t leadership; it’s misleading—and wasting taxpayer dollars. Let me explain. 1/

https://twitter.com/statesman/status/1883854987941281887

Zo brags about funding for a “Reproductive Justice Fund.” Here’s the truth: the City of Austin has no authority to change abortion laws. State laws govern this entirely. Spending taxpayer money on symbolic measures we can’t enforce is wasteful and disingenuous. 2/

I was curious if Trump could really rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." Turns out, he can domestically, but it wouldn’t affect the international name. Here's what I learned: 🧵 Countries can choose different names for places within their borders, but international bodies like the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) oversee standardized names for global waters. 🌍 (see below for source)

📷 Celebrating Mark K.'s career at HEB in District 6! 📷

A 🧵:

Today I had the honor of presenting Mark K. with a Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to our community. Mark's unwavering dedication and positive impact have left an incredible mark on District 6 and beyond. 1/5 For over 16 years, Mark has been an integral part of the HEB family, spreading joy and warmth to every customer he served. His friendly smile and genuine care have touched the lives of countless individuals, making our local grocery store not just a place to shop, but a hub of community connection. 2/5

Weather update thread:

A Flood Watch has been issued for the county from tomorrow, Friday, May 12, 2023, at 7:00 PM, to Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 8:00 PM. Expect rounds of rain starting predawn on Saturday morning through Monday.

1/8 The following graphic depicts the forecasted rainfall amounts for Friday, May 12, 2023, through Saturday, May 13, 2023: 2/8

Impending weather thread:

🌧️⚠️ There is an increasing threat of heavy rainfall for this afternoon through tonight. Rain is expected the next couple of days with increased confidence of widespread heavy rain and potential flooding this Friday through the weekend. 1/6 🌧️There is an increased chance for heavy rainfall for the area this afternoon and evening and there is increasing confidence for widespread heavy rain and higher impact flooding sometime Friday through this weekend. 2/6

#atx Weather information thread:

🌬️Another cold front moves through the area tonight ⛈️expected timing being after 9:00 PM with storms developing in the west. 🌪️The main threat is large hail and damaging winds. 1/6 The next cold front arrives Friday night bringing another round of showers and storms overnight 🌧️and this forecast will be further refined as we reach Friday. The main threat for Friday night into Saturday morning will be large hail and damaging winds again. 2/6

🚨 Attention Austin residents 🚨 HSEM is tracking severe weather conditions with a Red Flag warning in effect from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday. Please monitor local media and official forecasts from the National Weather Service at weather.gov for updates. 🔍 1/ 🌩️ The NWS has placed the City of Austin & Travis County at Slight Risk (Level 2/5) for severe weather. Temperatures will drop Tues evening as a cold front moves through the area, w/potential hail and wind speeds of 15-25 mph and gusts up to 40 mph. 2/

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️💼 Today, I took my staff on a tour of the ARCH to check out the latest improvements! With Urban Alchemy managing the contract, we had several questions and wanted to learn about the changes. Here are some observations: 1/ 🏢👷‍♀️👷‍♂️ The ARCH has been undergoing transformation under the new management. We learned about the latest improvements to the building and the services provided to those in need. Sarah and Kevin were very helpful in showing us how they were doing things differently. 2/

Weather update: 🌧️⛈️🌧️ On and off again rain and thunderstorms are expected in the Austin area through tomorrow morning. 1/7 🌩️ Large hail and damaging winds will be the main concern as the second round of thunderstorms moves through the Austin area. 2/7

🌪️⚠️SEVERE WEATHER ALERT⚠️🌪️
Expect rounds of severe weather as a cold front moves through the City Thursday, followed by gusty winds ranging from 40 to 50 MPH through Friday morning. Before going to bed Thurs night, secure any loose outdoor equipment. #WeatherAlert #StaySafe 1/ 🌬️💨WIND ALERT💨🌬️
Check out the forecasted maximum wind gusts from Thursday, March 16 to Friday, March 17. Gusty winds ranging from 40 to 50 MPH are expected. #WindAlert #StaySafe 2/

After last night, I’ve grown increasingly concerned about our police vacancies & staffing crisis. Last nights events across the city gave me additional pause. 1/ Imagine for a moment that the incidents last night happened with large scale events going on. The possibility of a catastrophic cascading failure due to lack of support from our police department puts the city, it’s residents and visitors at risk of danger. 2/

Thread:

Attention Austin! 📢 This week, the City's Homeless Strategy Division will host virtual meetings to update our community on efforts to address homelessness.

1/ Public Sessions 1 & 2: Feb 15 & 16, 6:30-8 pm. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist… & us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

2/

Spanish language winter weather update thread:

Entiendo y comparto la frustración y las preocupaciones que esta situación ha causado.

1/ Quiero asegurarles que estoy en constante comunicación con Austin Energy y Austin Water para garantizar que tomen todas las medidas necesarias para restaurar los servicios de la manera más rápida y segura posible.

2/

Winter Weather City Services update thread:

There will be modified hours for select city departments.

1/ Code - No in-person inspections 1/31/23. Emergency Field Ops teams will be on standby only for emergency or imminent conditions.

Golf - Golf courses will be closed.

2/

❄️Winter Weather Activation thread:

The City is activating its Cold Weather Shelters tonight (1/30) and tomorrow night (1/31).

1/ City Parks Facilities and Libraries serve as warming shelters during regular businesses hours. Residents can also call 311 to confirm address and operating hours of park facilities or libraries operating as warming centers (NOT overnight sheltering).

2/

🧊 Cold Weather Shelter Activation Thread 🧊

The City is activating its Cold Weather Shelters tonight.

1/ How to access a Cold Weather Shelter
Individuals can get information about access and activation by calling the Cold Weather Shelter Hotline - 512-305-4233.

Shelter registration takes place between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC), 505 Barton Springs Road. 2/

Cold weather update thread:

The City of Austin and partner agencies are ready to open Cold Weather Shelters for at least four nights beginning tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 22, because of the expected cold weather. 1/ Because of the anticipated severity of the cold weather this weekend, the City is confirming today that shelters will be open overnight on Thursday, Dec. 22, Friday Dec. 23, Saturday Dec. 24, and Sunday Dec. 25.
2/

🌨️❄️ Winter Weather Preparedness Thread:

The City, with contracted support from Austin Area Urban League, is prepared to activate cold-weather shelters for people experiencing homelessness.

1/ It remains the goal of the Cold Weather Shelter program to provide shelter to anyone seeking a warm place to sleep when temperatures hit a certain determined threshold and to ensure that anyone requesting shelter is accommodated and not turned away. 2/

🚨IMPORTANT AUSTIN WATER UPDATE: Austin Water is issuing a Boil Water Notice to customers in southwest Austin and Lost Creek today. The boil water notice is required because water pressure dropped below minimum levels in the water distribution system. 1/x Austin Water’s treatment plants are functioning normally. Even so, water use has far exceeded typical water usage and exceeded water production by 250 percent over the past 24 hours. 2/x