Economic Recovery Updates​

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds 2021 Report

Read the City of Austin's State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds 2021 Report for an overview of the City's intended use of the American Rescue Plan Act - Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund and Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund including the project inventory. 

Current Control Orders and Emergency Rules 

Information is provided at the City of Austin's COVID-19 website regarding state and local orders and rules that have been issued during COVID-19.

The State of Texas has a webpage dedicated to the reopening of businesses and services. Statewide health orders, issued by Governor Abbott, provide guidance for employers, employees, and customers of reopened businesses. For more information on the Governor's orders and regulations, visit the Texas Coronavirus Resources and Response Page.

COVID-19 Guidance for School Operations

Austin Public Health has outlined guidelines and recommendations that promote COVID-19 health and safety among schools in Austin-Travis County. 

Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Prohibiting Vaccine Mandates By Any Entity, Adds Issue To Special Session Agenda 

Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-40 stating that no entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination by any individual, including an employee or consumer, who objects to such vaccination for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19. Governor Abbott also sent a message to the Chief Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate adding this issue as an item to the Third Special Session agenda. The executive order will be rescinded upon the passage of such legislation. 

Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order 39 Prohibiting Vaccine Mandates in Texas 

Governor Greg Abbott announced Executive Order 39 prohibiting COVID-19 vaccine mandates regardless of a vaccine’s approval status with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  

Governor Abbott Issues Executive Order Providing Clarity And Uniformity In The State’s COVID-19 Response 

On July 29, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order GA-38 combining several existing COVID-19 executive orders to promote statewide uniformity and certainty in the state's COVID-19 response. 

Governor Abbott Signs Executive Order 36, Prohibiting Government Entities From Mandating Masks 

On May 18, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-36 prohibiting governmental entities and officials from mandating face coverings or restricting activities in response to the COVID-19 disaster. 

Effective immediately, GA-36 prohibits all governmental entities and officials on a statewide basis, including counties, cities, and public health authorities, from requiring any person to wear a face covering. The imposition of any face covering requirement by a local governmental entity or official is subject to a fine up to $1,000 beginning at 11:59 p.m. on May 21, 2021. Included in GA-36 is a suspension of the portions of the Texas Government Code and Texas Health and Safety Code that local officials have previously invoked to support face-covering requirements within their jurisdictions. 

Governor Abbott Lifts Mask Mandate, Opens Texas 100 Percent 

On March 2, 2021, Gov. Abbott issued Executive Order GA-34, relating to opening Texas 100% and the removal of the statewide mask mandate. 

Federal Funding Programs: U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several disaster assistance programs for small businesses and non-profit organizations. For additional information about these federal funding programs, please visit the SBA disaster assistance website.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidance for Businesses and Employers

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidance on a variety of topics to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Visit the CDC Guidance for COVID-19 for additional direction for employers, business owners, and community leaders.