Dear Neighbors,

I know we are all experiencing an overwhelming sense of uncertainty as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our community. Please know that as your representative on City Council, I’m committed to doing everything I can to protect your health and safety, to connect you to resources, and to ensure our community returns to a place of stability as quickly as possible.

My staff and I remain available as we work remotely and adapt to new ways to connect and communicate. During this period, the best way to communicate with us is via email . Many of you have reached out directly with questions, ideas, and concerns, and we're reading your emails and responding as we are able and as information becomes available. We are also holding phone meetings for matters that would ordinarily be discussed in face-to-face meetings at City Hall.

Our office has compiled a list of resources to guide you, and we will continue sharing that information through our newsletter and on our Facebook page . Information continues to evolve and resources expand and change, so I encourage you to visit the City of Austin’s COVID-19 website regularly for medical, financial, social, and mental health services and other information.

While this is an extremely challenging time, Austinites are adapting creatively to our new reality through virtual "parties," sharing supplies, and innovatively supporting businesses and vulnerable neighbors. I’m proud of our community.

I hope that you find ways to enjoy activities and stay connected to one another. Austin has a strong spirit and sense of community, and together we will get through this.

Wishing you and your loved ones safety and good health,

Kathie Tovo
Council Member District 9
Yesterday, Austin-Travis County issued a revised Stay At Home Order through May 8 requiring the community to remain home unless conducting essential work or certain activities. If you are participating in essential work or an allowed activity, the Order requires you to stay at least 6 feet away from anyone else and now requires you to wear a cloth mask or covering to protect yourself and others; visit this page for more information on wearing masks and tips on how to make your own.

The City's COVID-19 website answers key questions about current Orders, including what businesses are affected.

The City website also provides ways to get help if your home is not a safe place.

Isolation is definitely challenging and quite a leap from many of our typical routines. I know all of us have seen photos on social media or perhaps scenes from our neighborhoods of others holding “socially distant” gatherings in their yards or in our pocket parks. Please – I urge you to follow the Order’s prohibitions against *any* gatherings outside one’s household as well as the other restrictions.

All of the research on the coronavirus thus far stresses the importance of dramatically reducing social interactions to save lives in our community. This study by UT professor Lauren Ancel Meyers in partnership with Dell Medical School shows us why distancing is so important – reducing daily contacts between people by 90% can flatten the curve enough to ensure that life-saving healthcare equipment and resources are available to Austin-area residents during these next few critical months.

So if you are not an essential employee, please stay home, stay safe, and stay connected virtually for now. And if you are an essential employee, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK!
Council Response to COVID-19
The City Council has now had two virtual Council meetings. Some important highlights related to assisting our community during the COVID-19 crisis include the following:

  • Council passed an action I sponsored to reduce utility bills for customers during the time we are asking our community to work from or stay at home to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. (Co-sponsors Mayor Adler and Council Members Alter, Casar, and Pool.) On April 9, Council passed the resulting ordinance, which implements lower rates and expands eligibility for customer assistance programs to include individuals who have lost their jobs or significant income.

  • Council protected tenants whose wages have been impacted by the coronavirus by requiring landlords to give 60 days for tenants to make payment arrangements before notice to vacate can be given. I was happy to co-sponsor this action and appreciate Council Member Casar's leadership.


  • Council passed a measure to develop programs and options to support the small and local businesses and workers economically impacted by the coronavirus.

  • Council created the Relief in the State of Emergency (RISE) fund, which will provide $15 million to nonprofits to distribute immediately to individuals impacted by the coronavirus. I co-sponsored this measure and appreciate Mayor Pro Tem Garza’s leadership.

  • Council passed a resolution I sponsored directing the City Manager to explore providing financial assistance to musicians through the Live Music Assistance Fund (which is generated through Hotel Occupancy Taxes and can only be used in ways allowed under state law) or other available funds. (Co-sponsors Mayor Pro Tem Garza and Council Members Alter, Kitchen, and Pool.)

  • Council approved an initiative condemning violence, hate speech, racism, and misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressing solidarity with our Chinese and Asian American neighbors. I was glad to co-sponsor this item and appreciate Council Member Alter's leadership.

These critical measures – and others – demonstrate the City Council's commitment to supporting Austin's residents and businesses through this crisis. I will continue to work with my colleagues to identify ways to strengthen Austin's resiliency; I welcome your ideas and invite you to email those to me at kathie.tovo@austintexas.gov . 
Food Assistance
If you or someone you know requires meal assistance during this time, the following resources can help:

  • Central Texas Food Bank and its partners are providing supplies to the increasing number of Austin-area families facing food insecurity. Residents can visit the Central Texas Food Bank’s website and click “Find Food Now” to see food distribution locations or can call 2-1-1 to be connected with services. The website also has links for volunteers and much-needed donations.

  • Austin ISD Food Services is providing breakfast and lunch for children under the age of 19 while school is closed. Visit the AISD website for locations and schedules.

  • Mobile Loaves & Fishes continues to deliver meals to individuals experiencing homelessness. Check here for delivery schedules and locations or call 512-328-7299.

  • Meals on Wheels is providing a supply of emergency meals for seniors. Individuals can apply for services here or call 512-476-MEAL (6325)

  • Drive a Senior West is operating an emergency food bank for seniors in Downtown Austin, Central Austin, Old West Austin, Hyde Park, Rosedale, Tarrytown, Allandale, Northwest Hills and North Shoal Creek. Call 512-472-6339 to register for temporary services.


*With so much new and increased demand for food support, many of the organizations listed above are asking the community for donations help them continue to serve the community. Please consider a contribution if you are able. 
Community Support
Managing stress can be difficult, especially when we feel isolated. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, or just need someone to listen, please reach out:




  • Vida Clinic Mental health teletherapy services for the AISD community: 512-518-2209 or email

If you or someone you know does not feel safe at home, these resources can help:

  • SAFEline 24-hour hotline: 512-267-SAFE (7233) | Text: 737-888-SAFE (7233) | Chat safeaustin.org/chat




Access to personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical need for healthcare workers.

The Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) is partnering with the City of Austin to collect and distribute PPE. Requests for PPE can be made   here . If you would like to donate PPE and supplies, visit the website for a list of needed items and where to deliver your donations. Thanks to community members who are helping to secure this equipment.
District 9 Business Shout-Out!
It's been inspiring to see the creative ways in which businesses have maintained operations while helping the community. This week we're recognizing Easy Tiger , a District 9 restaurant that launched the 10,000 Loaves Community Challenge.
 
Easy Tiger aims to bake 10,000 loaves of bread and, in partnership with Drive A Senior, The Central Texas Food Bank, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, and Keep Austin Fed, distribute these to community members who need them. For every loaf of bread sold up to 2,000 loaves, Easy Tiger will donate one, and customers can also chip in $3 to help pay for the flour and other materials in a “community loaf.” Visit this page for more information.

Do you know a District 9 business or entity doing great work in the community? Email our District 9 Communications and Outreach Coordinator at nicole.golden@austintexas.gov to share!
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