Austin City Council members on April 24 issued a series of ceremonial proclamations recognizing flood safety work, local wellness and community groups, and a longtime Austin Energy executive.

Vanessa Fuentes, Austin’s mayor pro tem, presented a proclamation proclaiming April Flood Safety Awareness Week and highlighted city efforts and events to boost readiness. “Since day 1, flood preparedness has been a top priority of mine,” Fuentes said, and she announced the city’s first Flood Safety Fest scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at noon at L.L. Campbell Elementary School. Fuentes also said the council has worked to bring “an innovative pilot program to help with flood insurance for our families in need,” but did not provide further details on the program’s design or funding during the ceremony.

Jorge Morales, director of the Watershed Protection Department, accepted the proclamation on the department’s behalf and described routine department work that reduces flood risk. “They monitor and close the roads during heavy rains. They review proposed development for complete compliance with regulations,” Morales said, listing inspections, pond maintenance and drainage projects as part of the department’s operations. The proclamation encouraged Austinites to prepare by having family plans, emergency kits and by following the city’s “turn around, don’t drown” guidance and the ATXFloodSafety.com website for more information.

The council also recognized OutWellness and its founder, Dr. Sid Young, with a proclamation that acknowledged OutWellness’ free weekly trans femme and trans-masc workouts and the recent addition of a second trans-masc session. In remarks after accepting the proclamation, Dr. Young framed the recognition as urgent in the context of state policy debates. “The anti trans legislation sweeping through our state isn’t about protecting anyone. It’s about controlling us,” Young said, adding that such measures have led some families to fear seeking medical support for trans youth.

Council member Chito Vela presented a proclamation for Kids Fest ATX and the Unity Walk, events the city says connect families with services and resources. Vela thanked organizers including Austin Voices for Education and Youth, Child Inc., and Austin ISD and described the Unity Walk as “a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared purpose.” He said the Unity Walk traditionally begins at Webb Middle School and proceeds to Reagan High School, with the walk’s 20th anniversary occurring this year.

The council read a proclamation recognizing the Vietnamese American community and the fiftieth anniversary of the fall of Saigon on April 30. The proclamation cited economic and civic contributions and referenced figures presented during the reading, including a city statement that the AAPI Austin workforce generated $8.8 billion in labor income and $14.8 billion in added value in 2022; the proclamation also referenced the presence of more than 10 Vietnamese organizations in Central Texas serving roughly 70,000 Vietnamese Americans.

Council members also honored the University of Texas’ Longhorn Wellness Center and its student staff. Sarah Frey, manager at the center, told the council that “this academic year, we had 127 students closely support our office,” and that 32 of those students were graduating. The proclamation recognized student contributions to health promotion, workshops, peer education and campus-wide wellness programs.

Finally, the council presented a distinguished service award to Bob Kahn for more than 40 years in the public power industry and his work with Austin Energy. Kahn, who has served previously in leadership roles including general counsel and deputy general manager, thanked the council and Austin Energy staff during brief remarks.

All items presented at the April 24 ceremony were ceremonial proclamations or recognitions; no formal votes or policy actions were taken during the presentations. Several events and community programs cited specific dates or times: the Flood Safety Fest on April 26 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Kids Fest/Unity Walk activities beginning at 9 a.m.; and the city’s encouragement to visit ATXFloodSafety.com for preparedness information.

The council’s proclamations highlighted ongoing city and community activity rather than new ordinances or budget decisions. Attendees and organizers were photographed following the presentations, and council members invited the public to attend the announced community events.