[Election] In case you haven't heard, Chris Riley has dropped 

"I remain dedicated to the ideals and policies I've championed, and I feel there is a path to victory in the runoff," Riley wrote. "But I also feel that, as we begin this new era with a new council, a contest that creates negativity and division is not how we should set the tone for Austin going forward. I would ratherwork together with Kathie and with the new council members, as an advocate, to solve the challenges we face."

To read the rest of Riley's gracious statementand to hear a quick interview with the newly elected Kathie Tovo, be sure to see this KVUE story>> 
 

[Election/Transportation] After Austin voters struck down plans 

• Members of current city leadership and candidates are willing to look at novel public/private partnerships that speed along reform.
•  There is plenty of money out there to work with, we just have to use it more efficiently. One option could be creating additional bus routes with the same convenience and features as our current MetroRapid lines.
• One can actually live car free in Austin with a personal bicycle and/or car2go, Zipcar and Austin B-Cycle memberships.

For more transportation insights from the RideScoutcrew, check out their new blog, "10 Things We Learned from #WorkTheBus" >>
 

[Transportation] After years of planning, theAustin City Council has adopted the 2014 Bicycle Master Plan. The $150 million plan includes 250 miles of new bike lanes and trails and has the potential to increase bicycle use five-fold, according to a recent TWC news article.

Learn about the Bicycle Master Plan here >> 
 

[Climate Change] The U.S. and China signed a historic pledge this week to curb greenhouse gas emissions. This landmark agreement includes new targets for carbon emissions reductions by the United States and a first-ever commitment by China to stop its emissions from growing by 2030. For the U.S., the agreement means that we must bring our emissions level down 26 to 28 percent below what it was 10 years ago, and we must do that by 2025.
For more information about what the U.S. and China will actually have to do to achieve these goals, be sure to listen to this story from NPR>>
 

[Energy] Despite all of the recent focus on electing a new city 

Be part of the debate and discussion at this upcoming Electric Utility Commission meeting: Monday, Nov. 17th at 6pm at Austin Energy.  More info>>
 

[Energy] Now that wintry weather has fallen on Texas, it's time to think about the condition of your home's furnace. Go Green Squads is offering a furnace tuneup for only $19. Rebatesfor new furnaces are available as well. Call 512-445-7345 or send an email to schedule an appointment today.
 

[Happy Holidays] Help Ortega Elementary hold a healthy fundraiser. At the beginning of every school year, teachers, administration and staff at Ortega, a Title I school in East Austin, look at the yearly budget and decide how to supplement funds to cover field trips and activities they feel are vital to closing the education gap for their kids. This year, rather than raise funds by selling candy or unhealthy junk food, they’ve partnered with SFC to sell bags of organic citrus from G & S Groves—and you’re invited to participate! Come by the school at 1135 Garland Ave to order 20 pound bags of oranges for $15through Nov 17th. Order pick up will be Dec. 2nd –4th from 2pm – 4pm at Ortega. Learn more>>
 

[Recycling/Zero Waste]Keep Austin Beautiful award nominations are being accepted now through Nov. 24th. Each year with this award, Keep Austin Beautiful recognizes the efforts of individuals and groups working to protect and enhance Austin's natural environment. If you know of a project, person, or group that deserves this recognition, nominate them here>>
 

[Recycling/Zero Waste] The City of Austin’s Austin Resource Recovery and Economic Development Departments are organizing a roundtable discussion on Social Entrepreneur Opportunities in Reusefocused on the reuse of furniture on November 18th from 1:00-3:30 pm at the Goodwill Resource Center. The goal of the event is to brainstorm ideas to keep furniture out of the landfill and instead, get it into the hands of non-profits and their clients who need it.

Both those that dispose of furniture and those that need it are invited to this discussion. If you have or need furniture on a regular basis, or work in reuse, your voice is needed at the table! If yourorganization would like to participate, pleaseemail Natalie Betts.