The Austin Chamber of Commerce has announced its support for a new five-year police contract between the City of Austin and the Austin Police Association. This agreement aims to address the shortage of over 300 sworn officers, enhance public safety, and ensure accountability measures, according to a statement released by the Chamber. The Chamber urges the Austin City Council to approve the contract, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Austin as a thriving place for business and community.
Community Events and Initiatives
In support of survivors of abuse, the SAFE Alliance is hosting the Fore the Children Golf Tournament on August 17, 2026, at Spanish Oaks Golf Club. The event aims to raise funds for SAFE's emergency shelter and counseling services, according to Bird Holmquist, Director of Corporate Giving & Events. Participants will compete in a four-person shamble format, with proceeds directly benefiting survivors on their journey to safety and healing.
Austin Pride Week kicks off with Movies in the Park: Pride Edition at Waterloo Park on August 15, 2026. The event, hosted by Waterloo Greenway Conservancy in partnership with Austin Pride, will feature a live DJ, family-friendly activities, and a screening of the classic film Death Becomes Her. The event is free, with food and beverages available for purchase from local vendors, according to Phoenix Nehls.
Also on August 15, 2026, Waterloo Greenway will host Morning Glories: Back-to-School Edition, a community event for kindergartners through middle schoolers. The event will include a resource fair, storybook readings, and art activities, with a special appearance by H·E·Buddy. This event is also free to the community, as noted by Phoenix Nehls.
Business Engagements and Opportunities
OneData Software Solutions invites attendees to connect with their team at the AWS Summit in Mexico City on August 12, 2026. As an AWS Advanced Tier Partner, OneData will showcase its AI agents and cloud solutions aimed at helping businesses optimize and innovate, according to the Austin Chamber Events.
For small business owners looking to enhance their online presence, BiGAUSTIN is hosting a workshop titled "Building & Improving Your Website" on August 11, 2026. The session will cover essential website features and common pitfalls, aiming to improve customer engagement and conversion, as reported by Trellanie Bostic.
Local Business Highlights
Twin Liquors is gearing up for its Annual Dollar Sale from August 27 to 29, 2026, offering significant discounts on wines and spirits. This sale, priced at one dollar above cost, is a prime opportunity for stocking up ahead of the holidays, according to a blog post by Twin Liquors.
In a unique business venture, Gabriel Holder has transitioned from a corporate engineer to opening The Gilded Whisker, a cat lounge, wine bar, and apothecary. Holder's journey from the tech industry to creating a space for adoptable cats highlights a commitment to animal welfare and community engagement, as detailed in a feature article.
Lastly, Office Depot hosted a Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on August 8, 2026, offering discounts and gratitude to educators as they prepare for the new school year, according to the Austin Chamber Events.