This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱 Affordable Housing Waitlist Open + New Trail On The East Side

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

Jessica Collins's profile picture
Jessica Collins, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Hi, friends and neighbors! Happy Friday – we survived another week! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know that's happening in town.

Settle in while we cover:

  • Get your walking shoes ready — a new trail is open in East Austin!
  • The affordable housing waitlist is officially open.
  • The library is offering a free Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration this afternoon.
  • Dance the night away at the Robyn Party at Empire Garage tonight.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny. High: 63 Low: 39.

Business owners and marketers in Austin: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories in Austin today:

1) In 2023, Austin set a new record for the number of traffic fatalities in a single year. KVUE reports that a total 122 tragic deaths took place on our roads in 2022 — "beating out the previous year's 120." The common causes behind these crashes include speeding, intoxication, dangerous crosswalks and distracted driving. The Austin Police Department's Lt. William White told KVUE that a shortage of officers caused the APD to disband units dedicated to drunken driving and speeding enforcement. KVUE has more on this story here.

2) The much-anticipated Austin Housing Authority waitlist for affordable housing is officially open. With the continually rising rent prices, many people are in need of extra assistance. KUT reports that in order to qualify, applicants "need to earn no more than 80% of the median income of families in the area (for a household of two, this is $70,600 a year)." The application will remain open until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17. For more information on this program and how to apply, head over to KUT.

3) Today is Friday the 13th — when many of our local tattoo shops offer you an opportunity to get a cheap, spooky tattoo! KVUE has a list of tattoo shops offering Friday the 13th specials – check it out.

4) Now that they know Texas has a $32.7 billion surplus, advocates and lawmakers are divided on how to allocate the funds. CBS Austin reports that property tax reform is a priority of the top three leaders in the Texas government: Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker of the House Dade Phelan. Meanwhile, other advocates and policymakers, including some Democrats, want to put funding from the surplus toward long-term institutional changes such as physical and social infrastructure. CBS Austin has more on what to expect from the current budgeting session.

Today in Austin:

  • Zumba hosted by Stronger Austin at virtual. (8 a.m.)
  • Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration at Austin Public Library, Central Branch. (12 p.m.)
  • Recycled Art: Paint at Austin Public Library, Pleasant Hill Branch. (3 p.m.)
  • Vinyl Night with KOOP Radio at the Carpenter Hotel. (6 p.m.)
  • RuPaul's Drag Race Season 15 Viewing Party at Cheer Up Charlies. (7 p.m.)
  • Shwayze at Empire Control Room. (7:30 p.m.)
  • The Schizophonics at Hotel Vegas. (8 p.m.)
  • The Robyn Party at Empire Garage. (9 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🏎️ Vroom, vroom! "The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix returns to Austin for its third go-round on March 24-26." Here's how to get tickets –> (Austin-American Statesman)
  • 🍃 Business is booming for Texas' largest medical marijuana producer: "As it fights for expanded coverage in the state, Texas Original is looking to move into a 90,000-square-foot Bastrop facility in 2023." (Austin Monthly)
  • 🚴 New trail alert: "The MoKan Trail extends from Springdale Rd. to Govalle Park. Stonelake Capital Partners LLC constructed this quarter-mile of trail in partnership with our Urban Trails Program – creating a safe pedestrian and bicycle crossing beneath Airport Blvd." (Austin Parks & Rec via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Events:

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Austin