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Austin COVID-19 Relief Grants for Childcare Providers and Live Music Venues
As 2020 comes to an end, economic recovery continues in Austin. This week our staff announced two new COVID-19 relief grant programs. The Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund opened on December 11, 2020 and provides relief to eligible live music venues that have significantly reduced operations since March 2020. The Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant opens today and provides relief to eligible center-based and home-based childcare providers. Continue reading this newsletter or visit www.atxrecovers.com to learn more about these grant opportunities. 


- Veronica Briseño, City of Austin Chief Economic Recovery Officer

Small Business Division
Give yourself the gift that keeps on giving! Sharpen your small business skills by taking classes taught by the UT Center for Professional Education.

The Small Business Division partners with the Center for Professional Education (CPE) to offer expert, cost-effective training to Austin-area small business owners. Learn more about the program and hear from some of our most recent program graduates.
Small Business Community Events & Information

Dec. 16 - Texas Veterans Commission

National Write a Business Plan Month

Learn from the experts with SCORE’s small business training workshops.
Economic Development Department Highlights 
Local live music venue hosting a band playing instruments
Austin SAVES Fund to Distribute COVID-19 Relief Dollars to Local Live Music Venues
Application Open: December 11, 2020 – January 11, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
The Austin City Council established the Save Austin’s Vital Economic Sectors (SAVES) Fund through Ordinance No. 20201001-052 to support local industries. Through the SAVES Fund, the Austin City Council adopted the final guidelines for the $5 million Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund on December 3, 2020, via Resolution No. 20200103-013.

As part of a partnership with the City of Austin, the Long Center for the Performing Arts will provide application assistance, process applications, and administer funds. Eligible live music venues must be located in a City of Austin City Council District; must meet the City’s definition of a live music venue; must have significantly reduced operations since March 2020; and must meet or exceed the City’s COVID-19 safety guidelines. Learn more and apply for the Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund.
Child care teacher reading to children
Austin SAVES Fund to Distribute COVID-19 Relief Grants for Childcare Providers
Application Open: December 15, 2020 – January 15, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.
The Austin City Council established the Save Austin’s Vital Economic Sectors (SAVES) Fund through Ordinance No. 20201001-052 to support local industries. Through the SAVES Fund, the Austin City Council designated $5 million for the Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant through Resolution No. 20201015-73.

The Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant provides immediate and equitably-focused one-time financial assistance to eligible center-based and home-based childcare providers. Providers may apply for grants up to $60,000 per site toward payroll, rent relief, operational costs, and other eligible COVID-19 related expenses. Learn more and apply for the Austin Childcare Provider Relief Grant.
 

COVID-19 Health & Wellness Support Line: 1-888-855-7483
The COVID-19 Health & Wellness Support Line provides confidential 24-hour short-term counseling and support to Austin workers and families whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Health and Wellness Support Line with Alliance Work Partners is funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and will close on December 30, 2020, due to CARES Act requirements. Low and moderate-income employees working in customer-facing industries like food and beverage service, retail, hospitality, and personal services (i.e., barbershops, salons, residential cleaning, etc.) are highly encouraged to access this free resource. Learn more about the COVID-19 Health & Wellness Support Line.
 
 
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
Visit the AustinEconDev YouTube Channel and watch the latest on City programs for artists, musicians, and small business owners.
 
 
City issues Request for Proposals for the 5.5-acre Ryan Drive Site
On October 8, 2020, the City of Austin issued a Request for Proposals for the approximately 5.5-acre, city-owned property at 6909 Ryan Drive. Building on previous community outreach, the City worked throughout the past year with the community and stakeholders to refine development options for this future mixed-income housing development. The City, community, and stakeholders also established minimum development criteria for the site related to affordable housing, parks and open space, and community/commercial space, as well as pedestrian and bicycle access improvements to the Crestview MetroRail Station. Learn more about the solicitation for Ryan Drive.
 
 
Austin Art in Public Places 2021-2023 Pre-Qualified Artist Pool Open Call 
Artists and artist teams are invited to apply for the Austin Art in Public Places 2021-2023 Pre-Qualified Artist Pool now through January 7, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Selected artists may be contracted to create artwork for eligible projects throughout Austin. The artists budget ranges between $30,000 and more than $500,000.
 
 
TEMPO 2021
The TEMPO 2021 temporary public art exhibition offers paid opportunities for practicing visual artists or artist teams to design, fabricate, install, and de-install short-term or time-based exterior artworks, including murals. Austin area artists are encouraged to submit a Request for Proposals by Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 5:00 p.m.


Businesses invited to Apply: City of Austin’s [Re]Verse Pitch Competition
Austin businesses that have surplus material or by-product waste are invited to apply to become a material supplier at the sixth annual [Re]Verse Pitch Competition, a social innovation program hosted by the City of Austin’s Circular Economy Program and Austin Young Chamber. As material suppliers, local businesses will pitch their surplus material to innovators and entrepreneurs who will develop a new product or business idea using the material. Businesses that are selected to become material suppliers could see a reduction in their waste output, a decrease in their disposal costs, and have a positive social and economic impact in Austin. Apply for the [Re]Verse Pitch Competition.


Strategic Planning Conducting a SWOT Analysis for Creatives and Creative Non-Profits
The creative sector needs a good strategic plan to be successful, and a good strategic plan begins with a robust SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, which are the internal and external factors that influence your organization’s potential for success. In this webinar, you will learn how to conduct a comprehensive SWOT analysis, and how to use it to establish your organization’s goals and a strategy for achieving success. This webinar is hosted in partnership with the Economic Development Department and BiGAustin. Register for Strategic Planning Conducting a SWOT Analysis
How Long to Quarantine Flow Chart
Austin Public Health Gives Additional Clarity to National COVID-19 Quarantine Guidance
Austin Public Health (APH) released updated guidance on COVID-19 quarantining to reflect changes recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last week. View Austin Public Health’s flowchart to better understand the quarantine period required in Austin and Travis County after an exposure.
 
If you develop symptoms during your quarantine period and test positive for COVID-19, you need to self-isolate for at least 10 days since symptoms onset and for at least 1 day following the resolution of fever and improvement of other symptoms.


Austin-Travis County Enters Stage 4 of COVID-19 Risk-based Guidelines
As of November 19, 2020, Austin-Travis County is in Stage 4 based on the key indicators for Austin Public Health’s (APH) Risk-Based Guidelines. The risk-based guidelines are not changes to local Orders and Rules or regulations for businesses; they are guidelines for individual actions and behaviors based on various risk levels. Higher-risk individuals (those over the age of 65 and those who have chronic medical conditions) should stay home, except for essential trips such as buying groceries or seeking medical care. Lower-risk individuals should avoid social gatherings, any gatherings greater than 10 people, and non-essential travel.


COVID-19 Community Resources
Visit the City of Austin COVID-19 Resources website for a range of resources provided by City, County, and community partners. These resources are available to help City of Austin and area residents and businesses who may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Categories include Basic Needs, Schools/Education, Mental Health, Childcare, and more.


Protect Yourself and Protect Your Family
Austin-Travis County leaders remind the public to continue to be vigilant and practice good hygiene, physical and social distancing, and wear face coverings to prevent the disease from spreading and help keep each other safe. Avoiding gatherings outside of your household is especially important this holiday season. COVID-19 holiday safety recommendations can be found at www.austintexas.gov/HolidaySafety.


Report COVID-19 Racial Harassment
Racial harassment and hate crimes related to COVID-19 are on the rise across the U.S. Help us track local incidents and prevent future ones by reporting COVID-19 racism.

City of Austin Announcements

City of Austin offices will be closed December 24 - 25, 2020, and January 1, 2021.

Resources for Residents


Austin Civilian Conservation Corps
The Austin Civilian Conservation Corps helps Austinites who have been economically impacted by COVID-19 earn income, serve their community, and gain skills that can lead to strong new careers. There are many different types of work available through the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps including landscape preservation and tree care, wildfire mitigation, green building and solar installation, and public art installation. Community partners and City staff are working to understand resident needs and developing additional work programs to meet them. To get involved, program applicants and potential community partners are encouraged to explore the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps website.

Austin’s New Year Virtual Celebration
Austin’s New Year, the City of Austin’s official New Year’s Eve celebration, will be virtual in 2020. Presented by the Austin Convention Center, the special will feature pre-recorded performances from eight local bands at iconic, local venues across the city including Saxon Pub, Continental Club, Cheer Up Charlies, Antone’s, and Mohawk. Visit austintexas.gov/any and discover all the ways you can watch Austin’s New Year on December 31, 2020.


Shop the Block Program Extended to June 2021
The City of Austin is committed to innovative ways to increase resiliency for small business owners and their employees during COVID-19. The Shop the Block pilot program is extended to June 2021 and provides businesses with quick, affordable permits to expand outdoors. Food, beverage, and retail business can expand operations onto private parking lots, public sidewalks, public parking spaces, or roads and alleyways in front of their establishments. Learn more about Shop the Block eligibility, application support, and permitting fees. Watch the Shop the Block YouTube Video
 

Upcoming Opportunity for Mobile Vendors
City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is seeking applications from highly qualified and experienced vendors to provide food, snacks, beverage, or recreation/leisure services within parks. To learn more and submit an application, visit the Temporary Concessions webpage on PARD’s Office of Special Events website. Applications Accepted Beginning: Monday, January 4, 2021, Temporary Concession Permit Term: March 2021 – August 2021


Circular Meet-Ups with Austin’s Circular Economy Program
Join the City of Austin’s Circular Economy Program for a new, digital networking series, Circular Meet-Ups. Happening the first Tuesday of every other month, Circular Meet-Ups provide an opportunity for local business owners, start-ups, and sustainability professionals across all industries to connect and learn more about Austin’s circular economy. Register for the Circular Meet-Up on February 2, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
People riding bikes exploring downtown Austin
Explore Downtown Austin
The holidays are right around the corner. Although air travel may not be an option, Smart Trips Austin has just created a safe and fun activity for a family get together. Explore Downtown Austin and its iconic sights using the Explore the Downtown Austin Map.
 

Make Your Voice Heard: Reimagining Public Safety
Austin is undertaking a historic effort to reimagine public safety in our city and create a public safety capability that best serves everyone in the community. Visit the Reimaging Public Safety SpeakUp website to make your voice heard!
 
 
Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) Program Guidelines
The Housing and Planning Department (HPD) is soliciting public comment for recommended changes to the Rental Housing Development Assistance (RHDA) Program Guidelines for 2021. The RHDA Program provides financing to both for-profit and non-profit developers of affordable housing projects. Deadline for comment is January 15, 2021.


Businesses: Fill Out Your Recycling (or Organics) Plan Today
All commercial and multifamily property owners are required by the City of Austin to provide their employees and residents with convenient access to recycling and to fill out a recycling plan every year starting October 1. If you have a commercial or multifamily property, go to www.austintexas.gov/URO and choose the business or property type that describes you.

All food-permitted businesses are required by the City of Austin to provide their employees with convenient access to diversion methods to keep organics (like food scraps) out of landfills. If you are a food-permitted business, go to www.austintexas.gov/bizorganics to fill out an organics plan. 
A person re-purposing a piece of pottery to gift to their friend
Giving a Great Story
Consider giving a great story for creative and zero waste gift giving in this unprecedented year. Giving a great story means thinking beyond brand new items and finding gifts that create new memories with your family and friends (even if they must be virtual). Whether it’s the thoughtfulness of having a beloved item repaired, or the excitement of receiving a reused item that has lived a life before getting to you; giving a great story means a personal gift that shows you care about your loved one and the environment.


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