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Jude Galligan

Downtown Austin Neighborhood Watch Training Session 10/29

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Sixth Street Austin Community Forum

TRAINING SESSION: 6TH STREET NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

We have scheduled a training session with officer Carlisle and officer Ehrler who help coordinate the Austin neighborhood watch programs. The meeting will be held at the Alamo Drafthouse at the Rizt (320 E 6th Street) at 3:00 PM on Thursday, October 29. Complimentary drinks and light snacks will be available.Officers Carlisle and Ehrler will train residents and business owners on how to safely patrol the district, what to look for and how to report and give us guidance on setting up a system appropriate for our neighborhood.Following the training, we will then meet as a group to discuss a system that is appropriate for our neighborhood.

If you are interested in attending this meeting, please RSVP to info@6thstreetaustin.com

Mayor Leffingwell's State Of Downtown Austin Address

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downtown-austin-lifestyle

At the DAA’s Annual Luncheon & Mayor’s State of Downtown Address yesterday, Mayor Leffingwell gave a bullish speech about downtown Austin growth.

I sat at the DANA table and observed Mayor Leffingwell as I’ve never seen nor heard him before.  A Mayor who recognizes that growing Austin’s downtown is not at odds with preserving Austin’s character, and that growing downtown is in fact complementary and necessary to smart growth for the entire city.  This is what we heard yesterday.

PRO downtown Austin growth
PRO urban rail system
PRO getting the bums out and dealing with crime*
PRO hotel and convention center growth

*I’m paraphrasing, he was much more diplomatic.

You don’t have to take my word for it.  There was a quorum of City Council members in attendance, including City Manager Marc Ott, who can provide their own testimony.  The Mayor provided some genuinely funny jokes, too.  The best one [kindheartedly] jibbed former Mayor Will Wynn, a downtown resident, about how much he enjoys greeting construction workers in the morning.  🙂

downtown-austin-alliance-2009-report (pdf)

-Jude

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City Hires Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Director

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According the City’s press release, Kevin Johns, was recently appointed to be “responsible for implementing economic programs that foster jobs and nurture Austin’s creative industries.”

Judging by that title, Kevin’s role in the future of Austin could have big impact.   What’s interesting to me is how much media coverage is given to how tall downtown buildings are allowed to be, all the while hugely important positions like this receive minimal dialogue in the blogosphere.  Maybe it’s just where I’m looking.

I’m interested in learning more about this position.  Godspeed Kevin.  Maybe you can rekindle Villa Muse.