So, we have an alliance 🤝

What is the Downtown Austin Alliance?

City Editor Figi here 👋 I’ve never met an unfriendly Downtown Austin Alliance ambassador, so if you have a question, just ask. | Photo courtesy of the Downtown Austin Alliance

It’s hard to believe that anyone would describe downtown as “good, not great,” let alone Mayor Kirk Watson 30 years ago.

Downtown Austin wasn’t always the same retail, housing, and community hub that it is today. Some would commute for work or classes at the University of Texas, but in 1993, abandoned buildings and lack of entertainment space meant people weren’t staying past 5 p.m.

A map of the Downtown Austin Alliance's PID boundary — The PID boundary is slated to change in May.

Cue the Downtown Austin Alliance

With the goal of creating a city center Austinites wanted to flock to, Austin City Council partnered with the Downtown Austin Alliance to create and manage a Public Improvement District that encompasses much of downtown in late 1993.

Focusing on advocating for downtown’s beautification and safety, the Downtown Austin Alliance partners with stakeholders to fund updated spaces for locals to take pride in, like the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative Vision Plan.

ATX_congress vision plan — The Congress Avenue plan is in the design phase.

Now, the alliance hosts community events, and serves 700 businesses, 16,000 residents, and 96,000 workers. The program has been reauthorized five times since its inception and is up for review again in 2032.

Ambassadors Program

Clad in red polo shirts, the ambassadors are the friendly folks that patrol the streets picking up litter, tending to flowerbeds, and offering directions to visitors between 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Around 50 are walking downtown at any given time — 365 days per year — including during a pandemic.

Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation

The nonprofit arm of the Downtown Austin Alliance was established in 2019 with a mission to foster Austin’s public art scene by funding new pieces, implementing projects, hosting events like Writing on the Walls, and leading guided tours of local murals.

But this barely scratches the surface of the Downtown Austin Alliance. Any questions about the group? Let us know.

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Friday, Feb. 10

The Printmaker’s Ball | Friday, Feb. 10 | 6-10 p.m. | Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport Blvd., Austin | $20-$100 | This masquerade ball serves as a fundraiser for PrintAustin.
Dance Theatre of Harlem | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $25 | This internationally touring dance group incorporates modern and classic choreography.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Galentine’s Brunch | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | Trace Austin, 200 Lavaca St., Austin | $18 | Enjoy a bottomless waffle bar.
Austin Humane Society’s Puppy Bowl | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Austin Humane Society, 124 W. Anderson Ln., Austin | Free-$35 | It’s like the Super Bowl, but cuter — stop by this kid-friendly event for bites, puppy races, and adoptions.

Sunday, Feb. 12

Love is Love with The Beckies | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Trace Austin, 200 Lavaca St., Austin | $10 | Strap in for a love-themed drag brunch with the Beckies.
Super Bowl LVII Viewing Party | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 12 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co., 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin | Free | Grab a beer and enjoy Meanwhile’s Super Bowl house party.

Tuesday, Feb. 14

Pluckers Wing Bar Anti-Valentine’s Day | Tuesday, Feb. 14 | 11-12 a.m. | Pluckers Wing Bar, 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Austin | Free | Treat yourself to $1 wings and $2 beer.
Love is a Funny Thing | Tuesday, Feb. 14 | 8 p.m. | Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Ave., Austin | $30-$42 | Set your sights on love during this special improv comedy show for Valentine’s Day.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

7 common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor

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Choosing the right financial advisor is one of the most impactful decisions families make. | Photo by SmartAsset

Life should be a balance of adventure and relaxation — not finances. Enter: Working with a financial advisor. But choosing the wrong one could potentially wreak havoc on your retirement and investments.

Avoid these seven common mistakes when hiring a financial advisor so you can get back to the balance that matters most.

Pro tip: For simplicity, try this free tool to get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area.*

GET YOUR FREE MATCHES

Weather

54º | Mostly sunny | 2% chance of rain

Watch

Get ready to see some familiar faces in this weekend’s Super Bowl commercials. We’re keeping an eye out for Austin musician Gary Clark Jr., who will appear in a commercial for software company Workday. (KXAN)

Development

Construction on Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s new jet fuel facility is expected to be complete in October 2024, addressing the increasing demand for fuel. Building will begin in April. ⛽️ (Community Impact Austin)

Announced

The lineup for the No. 41 annual Austin Music Awards is here, and includes Jackie Venson, Como Las Movies, Brigitte Bandit, The Deer, and more. This year the event will benefit the SIMS Foundation — secure your ticket. (KXAN)
Moontower Just for Laughs added more stars to its studded lineup. The April comedy fest announced performances from Leslie Jones, Jenny Slate, Jay Pharoah, Samantha Bee, Ziwe, Randy Feltface, and more. Get tickets. 🎟

Opening

The Museum of Illusions, a 6,200-sqft space filled with holograms and optical tricks, is opening on Saturday, March 11. Pack your camera and get ready to have your mind blown. 🤯 (Austin American-Statesman)

DYK

Did you know Austin’s sidewalk system is missing about 1,600 miles of concrete? If you’ve ever been walking on a sidewalk that suddenly ends, city officials say it’s because sidewalk development slowed as car ownership grew in the 1950s, and finishing them would cost nearly $1 billion. (KUT)

Seasonal

Here’s your reminder that Valentine’s Day is next Tuesday. Don’t forget to order that special someone a bouquet of flowers that will leave a lasting impression. Psst — check out Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally. Shop Floom’s selection of special edition Valentine’s Day arrangements. 💐 *

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59% of our readers recently told us they plan on traveling to Europe in 2023. Babbel’s user-friendly app gets readers speaking one of 14 different languages in as little as three weeks. Want to try it out? Snag 55% off your subscription today. 🌏 *

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Here crumb the Girl Scouts 🍪

Where to find Girl Scout cookies locally

Three girl scouts stand behind a decorated table.

You have a week left to get your cookie fix. | Photo courtesy of Girl Scouts of Central Texas

Craving some Thin Mints? Or maybe your go-to Girl Scouts cookie is the Samoa. Regardless of your cookie choice, Girl Scouts cookie season lasts until Sunday, Feb. 26, and we’re here to tell you where to snag a box (or 10).

Psst — don’t forget to meet the flavors before heading out on your cookie run.

Barrett’s Coffee, 713 W. St. Johns Ave. | Saturday, Feb.11-Sunday, Feb. 12 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Domain, 11506 Century Oaks Terrace | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 12-6 p.m.
Chuy’s North Lamar, 10520 N. Lamar Blvd. | Saturday, Feb.11-Sunday, Feb. 12 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Kerbey Lane, 2200 Aldrich St. | Saturday, Feb.11-Sunday, Feb. 12 | Times vary

Are none of these locations close to you? Well, that’s the way the cookie crumbles. Just kidding — use this cookie finder to see where Troops are selling near you.

What’s your go-to Girl Scout cookie?

A. Caramel deLites/Samoas
B. Do-si-dos/Peanut Butter Sandwich
C. Thin Mints
D. Trefoils

WHAT'S IN YOUR COOKIE JAR?

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Figi.

Editor’s pick: Have you ever seen a movie that was so good that you couldn’t stop thinking about it? That’s how I feel about the food at KG BBQ, 3108 Manor Rd. So I want to know, where was the last place you got emotional over a meal?

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Behind the scenes of preserving Austin’s historic buildings with architect Paul Clayton.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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