EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: On June 16, 1996, the City Council approved an ordinance directing the City Manager to appoint an Environmental Officer to ensure that environmental protection is given the highest priority, and to produce an annual report regarding the state of Austin’s environment. This ninth annual report addresses the state of our environment using the following environmental indicators: watershed protection, air quality, solid waste and hazardous waste disposal, water supply and conservation and wastewater service, open spaces and parkland, and energy consumption and conservation.