Great Streets, Bastrop, and a Fair

--President Elect Jana McCann- requested that AIA Austin advocate consistent, connected Great Streets implementation on the primary “walkable” downtown streets identified in the newly adopted downtown plan.  We are drafting a recommendation to AIA Austin executive committee.  This will be a letter to City staff and council urging that the Downtown Plan be codified into an ordinance so that the design and construction industry can better implement the plan.

--Michael Cowan- Advocacy Happy Hour has been scheduled for 5:30PM on March 6th at the Design Center.  This will be an opportunity for those that responded to the Advocacy Survey Online to meet up in person to discuss advocacy issues and opportunities for architects in our community.  Missed the survey?  Please come on out and join us so we can hear from you too.  Ali Khataw got us started by suggesting we promote the value of architecture so as to lessen downward pressure on architectural fee structure.

--Adam Word Gates-- Guest-- requested ways to get involved in South Shore SDAT, and suggested connecting with the local music industry as a way to help get the word out.

--Bastrop / ACDDC update – TSA’s Disaster Action, Inc has received a letter from the county judge, which is the trigger for a release of liability for architect providing pro bono services on behalf of TSA.  The next step will be for ACDDC to clarify what tasks are needed during this feasibility period so that we can put out a call for volunteers.  Likely initial opportunities include site assessments for lower income families that lost their homes.    Matt Ryan-  Suggested investigating ways to streamline this for smaller projects, since this liability release has come up on the agenda frequently.

--Old Bakery Valentine's day fair--  "I (heart) Old Bakery!"

Austin Parks Foundation is presenting a Valentine's day fair in Old Bakery Park.  This event is one of many "imagined" by the community during the Old Bakery Ideathon.  Come enjoy lunch at La Boite, LIVE MUSIC, and a one-stop shop for Valentine's day gifts courtesy of the Old Bakery & Emporium.  We are looking for volunteers to help with the Ideathon Chalkboard in 1-hour slots.  info@oldbakeryideathon.org