📰 CivicIn7 Austin — December 5, 2024
TL;DR (5 Things Austinites Need to Know This Week)
Austin Energy’s 2035 Plan is adopted unanimously — Council passed the plan 11–0, adding 14 amendments; households are already seeing lower bills after the latest PSA reduction.
District 7 runoff decided — Mike Siegel wins by 206 votes; the new City Council is sworn in on January 6.
CapMetro app ends March 1 — Riders must switch to Umo (payments) and Transit (trip planning) before the deadline.
AISD approves new calendars through 2027 — Families now have firm dates for 2025–26 and 2026–27; Fernando Lucas de Urioste joins the Board.
Regional updates — Manor elects a new mayor, and Austin’s New Year’s Eve event returns to Auditorium Shores with major artists and fireworks.
TODAY’S FOCUS
Austin Council Adopts Landmark Energy Plan Through 2035, Balancing Climate Goals With Reliability
On December 12, Austin City Council unanimously approved Austin Energy’s Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035, the roadmap for how Austin will generate and procure electricity over the next decade. The plan maintains the city’s commitment to carbon-free power by 2035 while giving Austin Energy the flexibility to ensure grid reliability during extreme weather and continued growth.
Council adopted the plan with 14 amendments, including stronger emissions reporting, comparisons of natural gas and cleaner alternatives, expanded battery storage targets, and added labor protections for future projects. The most contentious element allows for potential natural gas “peaker” plants, designed to run only during periods of high demand. Supporters argue the utility needs fast-start local generation after paying $135M in 2022 and $150M in 2023 to import power from ERCOT; critics say any new fossil generation conflicts with Austin’s climate goals.
Residents are also seeing lower bills. Austin Energy implemented a 15% Power Supply Adjustment reduction on Dec. 1, saving a typical household about $6.53 per month, following early repayment of a $110M deficit.
What this means for you
Austin still targets carbon-free energy by 2035.
The city may consider new gas peaker capacity, though each project requires a separate Council vote.
Bills are lower this month, with further rate impacts dependent on future projects.
Annual progress reports will offer more transparency on emissions and implementation.
How to engage
Watch upcoming Council agendas for Austin Energy project proposals.
Speak at Electric Utility Commission meetings, which advise Council.
Share feedback with your Council district representative.
THE RUNDOWN
1. Mike Siegel Wins District 7 Runoff by 206 Votes; New Council Takes Office January 6
Civil rights attorney Mike Siegel narrowly won the District 7 City Council seat on December 14, defeating Gary Bledsoe 4,402 to 4,196, a margin of just 206 votes. Runoff turnout fell sharply from over 34,000 ballots in November to about 8,600.
Siegel campaigned on climate action, affordability, increased housing supply, and improving transit and pedestrian safety. He replaces longtime District 7 representative Leslie Pool. Siegel, along with Krista Laine (District 6) and Marc Duchen (District 10), will be sworn in during the January 6 Inauguration & Reorganization Meeting.
Impact: Residents in Crestview, Allandale, and nearby neighborhoods should expect a progressive policy focus on housing, climate resilience, and mobility. The narrow result also highlights how small electorates shape Austin’s runoffs.
Engage: Monitor District 7’s incoming office page in January and register for Council public comment through SpeakUp Austin.
2. CapMetro Will Retire Its App on March 1, 2025; Riders Must Switch to Umo and Transit
CapMetro will retire its current mobile app on March 1, 2025, replacing it with two tools:
Umo for fare payments
Transit for trip planning
Digital passes stored in the CapMetro app must be used or transferred before March 1.
CapMetro is hosting three events to help riders prepare:
January 7 — Virtual session at 5:30 PM
January 14 — In-person session, 2910 E 5th St, 5:30–6:30 PM
January 15 — Public hearing at noon (with remote participation available)
Impact: All riders must switch apps. While tap-to-pay upgrades will eventually streamline the system, short-term friction is expected for riders with older devices or limited smartphone access.
Engage: Download Umo and Transit early. Call 512-369-6040 for transfer support or hearing registration.
3. AISD Approves 2025–26 and 2026–27 Calendars; De Urioste Joins Board
The AISD Board approved academic calendars for two years:
2025–26: Aug. 19, 2025 – May 28, 2026
2026–27: Aug. 18, 2026 – May 27, 2027
Both calendars align spring break with UT Austin and include multiple religious and cultural observances based on community input.
In the December 14 runoff, Fernando Lucas de Urioste won the at-large Board Position 8 with about 70% of the vote. A former AISD teacher and disability rights advocate, he brings expertise that will shape the district’s response to special education reforms and ongoing budget pressures.
Impact: Families now have two years of certainty. De Urioste’s policy influence will be especially relevant as AISD navigates TEA oversight and enrollment challenges.
Engage: View the calendars at austinisd.org/calendar and participate in Board meetings or special education advisory sessions.
BRIEF MENTIONS
Manor Elects a New Mayor
Christopher Harvey won Manor’s mayoral runoff and intends to focus on infrastructure upgrades along US 290 and FM 973, a new civic center/town square concept, and youth development initiatives.
New Year’s Eve at Auditorium Shores
Dec. 31, 7 PM–midnight — A free celebration featuring The Head and the Heart, Chaparelle, Taméca Jones, The Point, a drone show, and fireworks. Expect heavy traffic around downtown.
BY THE NUMBERS
$6.53 — Monthly savings for a typical Austin Energy residential customer after the December PSA reduction.
206 — Vote margin deciding the District 7 runoff.
14 — Amendments Council added before approving Austin Energy’s 2035 Plan.
11–0 — Council’s unanimous vote adopting the plan.
CIVIC CALENDAR
Monday, January 6, 2025
Austin City Council — Inauguration & Reorganization Meeting
Time TBD — check the City Council calendar for final posting.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 — 5:30 PM (Virtual)
CapMetro Fare Transition Info Session
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 — 5:30–6:30 PM
CapMetro In-Person Transition Session
2910 E 5th Street, Rosa Parks Boardroom
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 — 12 PM
CapMetro Public Hearing
Remote participation available with early registration.
