Sustainability Committee recommends 'Lights Out Texas' proclamation to council

The Sustainability Committee voted March 13 to recommend that the city council issue a Lights Out Texas proclamation encouraging residents to turn off nonessential outdoor lights during peak bird migration.

Staff (Speaker 1) described the initiative as a partnership with Audubon Texas and said past proclamations covered spring migration (April 22–May 12) and fall migration (Sept. 5–Oct. 29). The committee discussed whether the proclamation should be a single-year action or made evergreen; some members favored an annual ceremonial proclamation to raise awareness and produce a public photo opportunity with the mayor.

Members suggested partnering with local institutions for programming — the historical park’s owl walk and a library bird bingo for children were proposed as companion engagement activities. Speaker 5 moved to recommend the proclamation to council, Speaker 3 seconded, and the committee voted in favor.

If the council accepts the committee’s recommendation, staff said the proclamation could appear on the April 16 council agenda and staff will order signs and coordinate any follow-up events.