Plus, where to go ice skating around Austin.
 
12.08.2023 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

77º | Partly cloudy | 11% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:15 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.
 

Reduction junction, what’s your function?

Carbon Reduction Program: Encouraging fewer cars (and carbon emissions)
An aerial shot of people walking on a crosswalk next to a bike lane
Funding will go toward projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions. | Photo by Omar Elsharawy via Pexels
Did you know that as of 2021, 28% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US come from transportation?

That stat makes the transportation sector the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, thanks to the burning of fossil fuel for vehicles like cars, trucks, ships, trains, and planes.

Yeah, we know… kind of a bummer, and maybe not the news you want to start your morning with. So let’s get to the good stuff: the Carbon Reduction Program, an effort to reduce transportation emissions through local and statewide projects that are federally funded.

An airport on a runway near solar panels at the Austin airport.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport generates ~1.8 megawatts of solar energy on the airport campus to power both the airport and local homes.

|

Photo courtesy Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

What is the Carbon Reduction Program?

In an effort to reduce transportation emissions across the US, the Carbon Reduction Program was created in 2021 to distribute $6.4 billion in formula funding over a five-year period.

The funding goes toward states developing carbon reduction strategies and projects that reduce transportation emissions. Some examples include:
  • Creation of new road diets for traffic management
  • Electrification of freight vehicles or personal cars
  • Construction of rapid public transit corridors
Last month, states and designated metropolitan planning organizations were tasked with submitting their strategies to reduce emissions through the program.

What’s driving the news?

They also had to disclose which projects will be funded by the program — whether that be installing protected bike lanes in one city or creating a new bus rapid transit system in another.

Funding

While the FY2024 funding that will be allocated to urbanized areas hasn’t been released yet, you can view last fiscal year’s funding sheet, which shows that a total of 224 urbanized areas with a 200,000+ population received funding. Austin received $4,426,569.

Our question for you while we await more funding news: How would you like to see this grant used in Austin? Let us know, and we may share your answer in a future newsletter.
Asked

What kind(s) of projects in our city would you like to see funded by the Carbon Reduction Program?
A. Public transportation
B. Pedestrian-friendly roads and facilities
C. Fuel alternatives
D. Other
Let us know
 
Events
Friday, Dec. 8
  • Luminations | Now-Saturday, Jan. 6 | 5:45-9 p.m. | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin | $13-$28 | This glowing exhibition is inspired by the four elements.
Saturday, Dec. 9
  • Una Noche Buena | Saturday, Dec. 9 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Topfer at ZACH, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $16-$31 | Follow the story of a 10-year-old boy on the night of Las Posadas at this family-friendly sing-a-long show.
  • Thomas Kinkade Winter Wonderland | Saturday, Dec. 9-Saturday, Jan. 6 | 12-6 p.m. | McLennon Pen Co., 2502 E. 12th St., Austin | Free | See three original paintings from the acclaimed artist inside a holiday-themed installation.
Sunday, Dec. 10
  • Kids Workshop: Holiday Gift Making | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Austin Creative Reuse Center, 2005 Wheless Lane, Austin | $20 | This workshop for kids aged 4-15 will provide each attendee with three ready-to-wrap gifts.
  • Princess Holiday Tea | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Driskill, 604 Brazos St., Austin | $85-$145 | All little princes and princesses are invited to dress up, sip holiday tea, sing, dance, take photos, and listen to a storytime — adult attendees will receive champagne.
  • Holiday Baking Class at Easy Tiger | Sunday, Dec. 10 | 3-6 p.m. | Easy Tiger, 3508 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $120 | Easy Tiger head doughpuncher David Norman will lead instruction on baking pain d’épices, gingerbread cookies, and pepparkakor — tickets include a tote bag, cookie tin, recipes, and beverages.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Biz
  • Broadcom Inc. plans to lay off 577 VMWare workers in Austin starting in late January. The cloud computing company was recently acquired by Broadcom, a semiconductor and infrastructure supplier, for $61 billion. (Austin Business Journal)
Weather
  • Brace yourselves, winter is coming. Although these next few days will be unseasonably warm, a cold front is expected to sweep through Austin this weekend, bringing high temperatures down to the 50s by Sunday. (KXAN)
Development
  • Austin City Council approved zoning changes and development terms for the Colony Park Sustainable Community, moving the 208-acre project closer to reality. On completion, the northeast Austin development could have 3,000 homes and 42 acres of parks, trails, and open space.
Open
  • Murray’s Tavern — a cozy New York City-inspired bar from the team behind Nickel City — opens today at 2316 Webberville Rd. The team also plans to open a patio bar called Half Moon in March. (Eater Austin)
Coming Soon
  • The Eastside Cinema at the Millenium, a reopening of the defunct movie theater at the Millennium Entertainment Complex will begin showing films again on Sunday, Dec. 17, starting with Beyoncé’s “Renaissance.” The theater’s grand opening is scheduled for January. (CultureMap Austin)
Legacy
  • Austin mystery novelist Mary Willis died last month at age 81. The author was a widespread traveler, and was known for her award-winning books “Zero at the Bone” and “The Red Scream.” (Austin American-Statesman)
Wellness
  • As we age, our hormone levels decline, affecting bone density, sleep, libido, and more. Test + optimize your hormones with Wellcore’s At-Home Assessment Kit — only $79 with code NEWYOU.*
 
Seasonal

⛸️ Icy come, icy go

Where to go ice skating in Central Texas
A group of people in figure skating outfits on an ice rink.
Bring the family for a day of shopping and skating at the Hill Country Galleria. | Photo via Brian Birzer, provided by Hill Country Galleria
It may be a solid 70º in Austin, but that’s not stopping us from lacing up the skates.

Lean into some classic winter fun at these four ice rinks in the Austin area.

Bee Cave on Ice at Hill Country Galleria, 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave | Closes Monday, Jan. 15
Pair your shopping experience with a spin around the rink. Psst — check the calendar for holiday events before you visit.

Ice Rodeo at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, 98 San Jacinto Blvd. | Closes Sunday, Jan. 7
This rink also offers outdoor dining cabins, art installations, and pop-up lounges.

Chaparral Ice, 2525 W. Anderson Ln., #400 | Open year-round
North Austin’s Chaparral Ice offers public skating, camps, and lessons for skating and hockey.

The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr. | Closes Sunday, Dec. 31
Skate in front of a backdrop of city lights at this rink in full view of the Austin skyline.
The Buy

The Buy 12.08.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The cheeriest French press to bring some sunshine into your kitchen + make you a smooth, well-brewed cup of coffee.
31 Days of Local Shopping

🎁 Gifts, oils, and garb

ATXtoday’s 31 days of local shopping
ATX_NewOriginShop
Pick up some artisan goods at New Origin Shop. | Photo by Jane Yun, provided by New Origin Shop
Holiday shopping is in full swing but don’t stress — we have you covered with three local shops to check out this weekend.

New Origin Shop, 12921 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. D2-110 | This shop began with crochet and fiber wares, but now offers a range of artisan + handcrafted goods, including these colorful bow earrings and checkered silk scrunchies.

Con’ Olio Oils & Vinegars, multiple locations | Con’ Olio opened in 2009 as the first olive oil tasting bar in Central Texas. Today, the shop offers a range of oils, vinegars, and pantry goods, plus a monthly subscription box for all three.

Blue Velvet, 217 W. N. Loop Blvd. | Give your loved ones a blast from the past this year — this shop offers a range of vintage clothing dating back to the 1940s.
7 more shops
Share ATXtoday
 
ReferralGIF1-ATX.gif

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

{{profile.vars.rh_reflink_5}}
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_5}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.
Claim your rewards
 
 
The Wrap
 
London Gibson

Today’s edition by:
London
From the editor
I don’t mean to brag, but I’m basically done with my gift shopping this year. Having a big family has trained me to shop early and shop often when it comes to the holidays.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Become a Member     ›
Advertise     ›
Shop     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY