Official Public Notice Roundup: Mobility Updates and Regional Safety Alerts

Official Public Notice: Active Burn Ban for Travis County

Due to persistently dry conditions and an increased risk of wildfires, the Travis County Fire Marshal has issued a formal burn ban for all unincorporated areas of the county. The ban was enacted on February 10, 2026, and is slated to remain in effect for at least 30 days. During this period, all outdoor burning is strictly prohibited. Exceptions are limited to authorized prescribed burns and specific hot work operations that have received prior approval from the Fire Marshal’s office. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution with any potential ignition sources.

City Governance: Mobility Committee Meeting

The Austin City Council Mobility Committee is holding its regular meeting today, Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The session is being conducted at Austin City Hall. The committee’s agenda focuses on regional transportation infrastructure, including progress reports on the I-35 Capital Express Project and initiatives to improve public transit connectivity. Community members who wish to participate in public testimony were required to register through the Council Meeting Information Center prior to the start of the session.

Infrastructure and Pedestrian Safety Updates

Several city-led infrastructure projects are impacting local traffic and pedestrian routes this week:

• I-35 at Riverside Drive: While major frontage road closures have been rescheduled for later this month, construction crews have closed the east pedestrian path and the north sidewalk on Riverside Drive to facilitate work on the new bridge crossing Lady Bird Lake. Pedestrians and cyclists are directed to use the west sidewalk along the southbound I-35 frontage road.
• North Lamar Boulevard: The City of Austin is breaking ground this week on a new pedestrian safety project at 11900 N. Lamar. This project includes the installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon designed to provide a signalized crossing for residents near the North Austin Muslim Community Center.

Public Safety Community Event

The Austin Police Department is hosting a "Coffee with a Cop" event this morning for the George Sector. Officers from the Downtown Austin division are available for informal discussions at the Starbucks located at 301 West 3rd Street from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This initiative is part of the department's ongoing efforts to build stronger relationships with residents and address neighborhood-specific safety concerns.

Public Review: Floodplain and Wetland Evaluations

The City of Austin Housing Department has released a notice concerning proposed activities within federal floodplains and wetlands. This evaluation is part of the environmental review process for community development grants. The city is currently accepting written comments from the public regarding these activities; all feedback must be submitted to the Housing Department no later than February 17, 2026.

Official City Recognition

The City of Austin has been officially designated as a “Best Place for Working Parents” for 2026. This annual recognition honors the city’s implementation of research-backed workplace policies, including child care assistance, flexible work schedules, and robust family leave benefits aimed at supporting the local workforce.