• Following concerns from several fathers in our district, I passed my first resolution to require new buildings to include more equitable access to diaper changing stations. It is important that the city support all caregivers, no matter their gender.
• The work I’ve done with my colleagues to find short- and long-term solutions to help those experiencing homelessness has been both challenging and rewarding. We do not know everyone’s story, and we need to remember that many of those experiencing homelessness want help. We have a lot more work to do, but I am proud to be part of the solution. (Please consider joining me as a volunteer with ECHO on January 25 for their Point in Time Count of Austin’s homeless population.)
• Currently, curbside compost collection is available only to single-family homes, but Austin Resource Recovery has a pilot program that would test expanding services to multi-family homes. I passed a resolution directing the City Manager to create a stakeholder group to study the results of the pilot program and to provide recommendations to successfully make this expansion permanent.
• I co-sponsored a resolution establishing the Task Force on Gun Violence, which is tasked with advising Council on potential actions the City can take to reduce gun violence at the local level.
• I co-sponsored a resolution directing the City Manager to include an analysis of transportation electrification and action planning in the next update to the City of Austin Community Climate Plan.
• I sponsored fee waivers for the Hunter 5k Race, which honors the life of Hunter Henderson and benefited Austin Cops for Charities.

I am especially thankful for the support I’ve received from the District 8 community. I am fortunate to have engaged, passionate constituents who care about our city. Your activism and feedback inspire me, and I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf.
 
Sincerely,
Council Member Paige Ellis

Recycling Guidelines

• Remove decorations, lights and stands. 
• No trees with artificial snow.
• Trees over six feet should be cut in half.
• Don’t put your tree in a bag.
• Put yard trimmings in lawn-and-leaf kraft paper bags or a reusable container that is no larger than 34 gallons and no heavier than 50 pounds. Small branches should be piled into manageable bundles no heavier than 50 pounds.

Austin residents that are not curbside customers can drop off Christmas trees for recycling at the Zilker Metropolitan Park Polo Fields from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• Saturday and Sunday, December 28-29, 2019
• Saturday and Sunday, January 4-5, 2020