Hutto officials invited residents to apply for an interim City Council seat that will be filled this week and serve through May 2026, until voters elect a permanent replacement. Council is expected to appoint a replacement for the empty seat at its Dec. 8 meeting.

Explained: According to the city’s job posting, the interim council member will represent residents, participate in policy decisions, approve budgets, and attend public meetings and community engagements during the temporary appointment period.

The seat became vacant following the departure of former Place 1 City Council member Brian Thompson.

City officials said 11 eligible applications have been received so far. Under the city charter, City Council is required to appoint an interim member at its next regular meeting.

The Pflugerville Community Development Corporation has renewed a national accreditation that recognizes how the organization manages economic development work, including oversight, funding practices and internal operations.

The overview: The designation is issued by the International Economic Development Council and is awarded to economic development organizations that meet industry standards through an independent review process. The PCDC was first accredited in 2019 and recently completed another review to maintain the status.

The reaccreditation process included a review of documentation and an in-person site visit, during which evaluators examined how the organization is structured, how it uses public funds and how it carries out its programs. Accredited organizations must undergo periodic reviews to keep the designation.

A recent burn ban for the unincorporated areas of Travis County—areas outside of any specific city—was recently extended to remain in effect until Feb. 10, according to a news release from the county.

The burn ban had been put into effect on Dec. 29 and originally was slated to end on Jan. 6, as previously reported by Community Impact.

The details: The burn ban was extended due to continuing dry conditions. The ban applies to outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of Travis County, but does not include prescribed burns, outdoor welding, cutting, grinding, or other hot work operations when conducted in accordance with the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office guidelines.

Travis County officials urge residents to:

• Use caution when grilling or barbecuing outdoors. Residents should keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby when doing so.
• Avoid the use of leftover fireworks from the recent holiday. Even small fireworks can ignite dry vegetation and pose a wildfire risk.
• Call 911 if they notice a fire that may be out of control.

Here are six events to explore in the Austin area Jan. 9-11.

Locals can gather downtown for the Red River Culture District Free Week, attend the Dripping Springs Gun Show, or visit the AARC Makers Market to shop from over 20 local Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and vendors.

Red River Cultural District Free Week
The annual Red River Cultural District live music series will return at downtown venues such as Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, Mohawk and Flamingo Cantina.

• Jan. 9-10, performance times vary
• Free
• Multiple venues across downtown Austin

• Jan. 10, 1-4 p.m.
• Free
• 8401 Cameron Road, Austin