Petitions proposed by residents, the citywide burn ban and Austin Water's 100-year integrated water resource plan all topped the news this week in Northwest Austin.

1. There’s a petition circulating to remove the speed cushions on Jester Boulevard
In late June, the city added speed cushions on Jester Boulevard between two of the three points where Anaqua Drive meets the roadway. So far, 443 residents have signed a petition to have them removed, according to resident Carol Philipson. The Austin Transportation Department said it is looking to improve the speed mitigation process.

2. An executive director was announced for a new Austin innovation nonprofit
Capital City Innovation—a new nonprofit founded by Seton Healthcare Family, Central Health and the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas—announced Chris Laing as its first executive director. Laing will help the nonprofit create partnerships throughout the community for the Innovation Zone.

3. Grab coffee with District 6 Council Member Jimmy Flannigan at the River Place Country Club
The West Austin Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free coffee meet and greet with Austin City Council Member Jimmy Flannigan on July 20, 1-2 p.m, at the River Place Country Club. Flannigan plans to discuss the formation of the new Four Points Task Commission and hear questions regarding efforts concerning the community and District 6.

4. Northwest Austin residents launched a petition against the construction of a lodge hotel on Spicewood Springs Road
Over 800 residents have now signed an online petition to protest the proposed Spicewood Lodge near Bull Creek. The petition lays out resident concerns about water quality, safety, the environment and residents' desire to see the area become a parkland.

5. A burn ban has been issued for Austin parkland areas
Effective immediately, building fires and grilling is banned in all city of Austin parks, greenbelts and preserves until further notice. The ban includes the use of wood or charcoal barbecue pits, grills and smokers. Propane stoves are allowed in designated picnic areas only.

6. Austin Water needs community input on a 100-year plan
Austin Water is hosting a public engagement summer series called Water Forward to develop a 100-year integrated water resource plan. Meetings are held at a public library in each of the 10 City Council districts, and each meeting includes a brief overview and presentation on the progress of the project, a question and answer session and an open house.

7. Fall enrollment numbers at Austin Community College have dropped
Fall enrollment numbers at Austin Community College dropped from 45,100 in 2011 to 41,543 in 2016. Between fall, spring and summer semesters, ACC has lost almost 2,500 students since fiscal year 2013-14. The number of 0ut-of-district students enrolled in the last year dropped by 16 percent. ACC President Richard Rhodes will present ideas to address enrollment decline at the board’s August meeting.