Good morning, Austin. Today, we're tracking a major step in the city's long-term water strategy and key meetings at City Hall and Austin ISD this week.
Today’s Focus: Austin Breaks Ground on $250M Northeast Waste Services Facility
Austin has officially begun construction on the Northeast Service Center (NESC) at 8301 Johnny Morris Road. The ~$250 million facility was approved by City Council in December 2025 and will house Austin Resource Recovery’s waste collection fleet and is a key investment in the city's 2040 zero-waste goal. Completion is expected in fall 2027.
Key Data Points:
Total cost: ~$253.5 million (project budget)
Completion target: Fall 2027
Purpose: Housing for Austin Resource Recovery & Fleet services.
Why it matters: For residents in north and northeast Austin, this means improved waste collection reliability. During construction, expect increased traffic and noise near Johnny Morris Road.
How to Engage:
Track project updates on SpeakUp Austin.
Contact your City Council Member about waste services priorities.
The Rundown
1. Austin Water Advances $1.5B Plan to Store Water in Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer
What’s Happening: Austin Water is moving forward with a proposal to store treated drinking water in the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer in Bastrop County. A multi-year feasibility study will now examine water quality, aquifer interactions, and environmental safeguards.
Key Points:
Proposed cost: $1.5 billion.
Study period: The next 3 years.
Operations could begin in the early 2040s.
Why it matters: This project could secure Austin’s long-term water supply amid worsening droughts, but it also raises concerns from residents in Bastrop County about aquifer protection and impacts on local wells.
How to Engage: A public stakeholder engagement process begins in October. Follow updates via Austin Water public notices.
2. Project Connect Seeks Community Advisors, Deadline Nears
What’s Happening: The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) is accepting applications for its Community Advisory Committee (CAC) through October 15. The committee advises on community engagement and anti-displacement strategies.
Key Points:
Deadline: Oct. 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM CDT.
Eligibility: Must live in the Austin/CapMetro service area.
Why it matters: This is a direct chance for residents to influence how Austin’s multi-billion dollar transit project addresses neighborhood displacement risks.
How to Engage: Apply Here by the October 15 deadline.
3. City Council Meets Thursday, Speaker Registration Open
What’s Happening: Council will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 25, which also serves as the Austin Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) board meeting.
Key Points:
Speaker registration: Opened yesterday at 10:00 AM.
The 72-hour advance agenda is now available online.
Why it matters: This is the next opportunity to address council on issues affecting your neighborhood.
How to Engage: Register to speak or watch live.
4. AISD Board to Discuss Enrollment and Accountability Thursday
What’s Happening: The Austin ISD Board meets on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 6:00 PM to discuss final enrollment numbers and state accountability requirements.
Key Points:
2023-24 Enrollment: 73,707 students.
2024-25 Projection: ~73,495 students (a slight decline).
Why it matters: Enrollment directly affects state funding, school programs, and potential campus changes.
How to Engage: Find meeting info at AISD Board Meetings. Call 512-414-0130 for 60-second recorded comments.
📌 Brief Mentions
Emergency Alert Test: On Monday, Sept. 29, at approximately 3:00 PM, the City of Austin will test the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). (Source: City of Austin)
📅 Civic Calendar
Today, Sept. 23:
Travis County Commissioners Court | 9:00 AM | View Agenda
Thursday, Sept. 25:
Austin City Council Regular Meeting | 10:00 AM | View Agenda
Austin ISD Board of Trustees Meeting | 6:00 PM | View Agenda
Upcoming:
Oct. 6: Voter registration deadline for the Nov. 4 election.
Oct. 15: Project Connect CAC application deadline.
