January 13, 2026
Hello Anderson Mill Residents,
The holidays are behind us, and a brand-new year is underway. While the recent warm weather has been a welcome treat, don’t be fooled, the cold is on its way! One important cold-weather garden chore is trimming and pruning overgrown shrubs and trees before spring brings new growth.
Would you like a little guidance on how to prune properly? Join us for a Pruning Workshop on Sunday, February 22, led by a Master Gardener who will share practical tips and tricks for pruning shrubs and trees with confidence.
📅When: Sunday, February 22, from 2–4 p.m.
📍Where: AMLD Community Center, 11500 El Salido Dr.
Click here to register!! 🌱✂️
Free Trees!
The TreeFolks Neighborwoods program provides 5 gallon native trees to city of Austin residents. Adoption events are being held on January 17th & 31st, and February 14th & 28th.
Free trees may even be ordered online and delivered right to your driveway. How easy is that‽
For more information on adoption locations and delivery options see:
https://www.treefolks.org/neighborwoods/
🙏🏽Your Community Needs Your Help in 2026
As we begin planning for 2026, the Anderson Mill Neighborhood Association (AMNA) is looking for community members who are interested in helping strengthen our neighborhood by volunteering in key roles next year. These positions are flexible, fun, and a great way to meet neighbors while making a positive impact.
We are seeking volunteers for the following roles:
- 🏷️Community Yard Sale Organizer (or Co-Organizer) – Coordinate dates, promotion, and logistics for the 2026 annual neighborhood yard sale. Key tasks: Pick the date, order signs to post around the neighborhood, monitor the registration form. Time commitment: 6 hours this spring.
- 🧺Family Picnic & Music in the Park Organizer (or Co-Organizer) – Help us plan and host a family-friendly gathering in a nearby park in spring 2026. Key tasks: Pick a date, reserve the pavilion, order and post signs, and line up 3 musical guests (we have leads on who to ask). Time commitment: 12 hours in spring 2026
- ⭐National Night Out Leader (or Co-Leader) – Organize our annual safety-focused block party in coordination with local first responders in October 2026. Key tasks: Place yard signs in the neighborhood, monitor the registration form, ask for sponsors to donate gift cards for party hosts. Time commitment: 10 hours in fall 2026.
- ⁉️Choose Your Own Adventure – Gail wanted open play pickleball in our community, so she created the Pickleball Committee. Mandy wanted more trees in our community, so she created a Greenspaces Committee. What do YOU want in our community? AMNA can help you achieve your vision. Key tasks: You decide. Time commitment: You decide.
If you’re interested in any of these roles—or would like to learn more—please reply to greenspaces@andersonmillna.org.
AM Limited District Board of Directors Elections
Two seats on the AM Limited District Board of Directors (Place 4 and Place 5) are up for election this year.
Currently serving are Mike Chaney, Vice President (Place 4), and Trevor Mazer, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer (Place 5).
If you are an Anderson Mill resident interested in serving your community, candidate eligibility requirements and election details are available on the AMLD website at https://amld.org/elections. Please scroll down to “May 2026 Elections Information.”
The deadline to file a Candidate Application is Friday, February 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
APD Crime-Free Multi-Housing Initiative
When it was first learned that Pecan Gardens (formerly Candlewood Suites) would become a permanent supportive housing community for seniors age 55+ exiting homelessness, many AM residents had questions and concerns.
Located in District 6 at 10813 Pecan Park Boulevard, renovations began in May 2023 to convert the former hotel into 78 furnished studio apartments. Pecan Gardens began welcoming residents in August 2024. The community provides on-site housing stability services such as case management, health assessments, life-skills coordination, and community-building activities. Residents also have access to an on-site food pantry, pay no more than 30% of their income toward rent, have all utilities covered, and may keep pets.
At the AM Limited District Board meeting in December 2025, APD Officer John Gabrielson shared that Pecan Gardens is one of three Austin properties that are participating in the APD Crime-Free Multi-Housing Initiative Pilot Program and Crime-Free Rental Program.
The Crime-Free Rental Program aims to establish a partnership between the police and the owners or managers of rental properties to prevent drugs and other illegal activities on their premises. The Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program focuses on reducing criminal activity in apartment communities, while the Crime-Free Rental Property Program targets any rental property with five or more dwelling units.
Program Goals:
- Reduce Criminal Activity and the Fear of Crime
- Safeguard Residents & Employees
- Increase Profitability
- Make Police jobs Easier (Reduce police calls for service)
- Reduce premise liability
- Build trust = Partnership
Program Impact (January–July 2025):
The programs are working! From January to July 2025 only 6 calls for police service were made from the Pecan Gardens property during this seven-month period—demonstrating a significant reduction in criminal activity and improved community safety. For more information go to: https://www.austintexas.gov/page/austin-crime-free-multi-housing-pilot-program
Does someone in your household rely on life-support or other critical medical equipment? If you’re a City of Austin Utilities customer, you may qualify for the Medically Vulnerable Registry.
This program helps customers with serious health needs prepare for power or water outages, offering personalized backup plans and possible help with utility bills.
Learn more and apply here: https://coautilities.com/wps/wcm/connect/occ/coa/util/support/customer-assistance/services-medically-vulnerable
The Pedernales Electric Company (PEC) - Medical Necessity Program is a similar registry of residential service locations where people rely on life-sustaining electrical equipment. When planned outages or service interruptions for nonpayment are scheduled, they will attempt advance notice so preparations can be made.
More information here: https://mypec.com/residential-rates/medical-necessity-program/
District 6 Newsletter
Council Member Krista Laine has been busy! Read her current newsletter here.
Free activities for all ages at the Spicewood Springs Library
Storytimes, language classes, cultural performances, yoga, gaming, music, crafting... our library at Spicewood Springs has a variety of no-cost, fun activities and events all year round. Below are just some of the upcoming offerings:
- STEM Builder Lab (ages 6–12)
- Baby, Toddler, and Preschool storytimes
- Rubber Stamp Carving (adults)
- Fraud and Scam Prevention for Older Adults
- APL Film Festival (ages 6–adult)
- Open Mic (ages 6–adult)
Free smoke alarms!
Working smoke alarms are key to preventing fire tragedies. The Austin Fire Department has a Free Smoke Alarm Hotline where you can schedule a free installation.
Call 512-974-0299 and leave your name, address, and phone number to take advantage of this program.
Want to connect with your neighbors and get up-to-date information about Anderson Mill?
If you just want to see the pretty pictures, we'll be putting them on Instagram!
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