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Recommendation 20230524-6 - City Support for the FFNP Treaty and Improved Climate Action — original pdf
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Recommendation No 20230524-6 City of Austin Support for Energy Innovation and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Whereas, the scientific consensus is clear that human activities are primarily responsible for accelerating global climate change, and that the climate crisis now represents one of the preeminent threats to global civilization; and Whereas, changes in our climate are already being felt in Austin and throughout our state, with prolonged drought punctuated by unpredictable torrential downpours and flooding, more frequent extreme heat events, wildfires, stronger winds, and warmer water temperatures that can result in increasing severe storms and rising costs that are taking an unsustainable economic toll on the State and working people; and Whereas, our entire community is being impacted by the health and safety risks of fossil fuel expansion, particularly those who also face socioeconomic and health inequities, including low-income families, those experiencing homelessness, people of color and indigenous peoples, youth, seniors, those experiencing mental and physical disabilities, and people with pre-existing health conditions; and Whereas, our youth and future generations have the most to lose from a lack of immediate action to stop fossil fuel expansion as they face major and lifelong health, ecological, social, and economic impacts from prolonged and cumulative effects of climate change, including food and water shortages, infectious diseases, and natural disasters; and Whereas, the City of Austin recognizes that it is the urgent responsibility and moral obligation of wealthy fossil fuel producers, governments, NGOs, and the business community as a whole, to lead in putting an end to fossil fuel development and to manage the decline of existing production; and Whereas, on August 8, 2019 the City Council unanimously approved a resolution declaring a climate emergency and called for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate; and Whereas, the City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes the bold goal of equitably reaching net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and achieving 100% of electricity power supply through clean, renewable, and zero carbon emission energy sources by 2040; and Whereas, the Paris Climate Agreement is silent on coal, oil, and gas, an omission with respect to the supply and production of fossil fuels (the largest source of GHGs) that needs to be collectively addressed by other means; and Whereas, global governments and the fossil fuel industry are currently planning to cumulatively produce about 120% more emissions by 2030 than what …
Recommendation 20230524-7 - Cooperation between the Airport Advisory Commission and Environmental Commission — original pdf
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Recommendation No 20230524-7 Cooperation between the Airport Advisory Commission and Environmental Commission WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee recognizes the City of Austin requires a First Class International Airport to serve its Residents and travelers to and through the City of Austin to support a vibrant economy; and the long-term viability of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport requires strong management, long-term planning and close cooperation with vendors, contractors, airlines, and the City; and the Environment surrounding ABIA needs to be protected for the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for the Residents of Austin and airport users. WHEREAS, the City of Austin Department of Aviation is responsible for oversight of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; its operation, projects, capital improvement programs, aviation contracts, annual operating budget, long term planning, and quality of service to for the Customers of ABIA and the Residents of Austin. WHEREAS, the Airport Advisory Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the Council on aviation projects that the Department of Aviation proposes for the capital improvements program; and review and make recommendations to the council on aviation contracts that are presented by the Department of Aviation for council for action; and review and make policy recommendations to the council on quality of services at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Residents of Austin and customers of the airport and long term planning of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; in addition to other responsibilities. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission shall assist the city council, the city manager, and the Watershed Protection Department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all residents within the City’s incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and advise the city council, city manager and Watershed Protection Department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment as specified in Austin, Texas Code 2-1-144 Sections H-L. WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee shall promote close cooperation between the Council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and agencies concerned with procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and Austin Climate Equity Plan in order to secure the greatest public benefit; the joint committee may advise City boards, commission, and committees on policy matters that impact the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of the Residents of Austin. BE …
1. Draft minutes from April JSC meeting for approval — original pdf
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES April 26, 2023 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at PDC. Chair Diana Wheeler called the Board Meeting to order at 6:08 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White (chair), Haris Qureshi, Heather Houser, Rodrigo Leal, Chris Campbell Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Anna Scott, Kelsey Hitchingham, Frances Deviney Board Members Absent: City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time. N/A 1. Approval of minutes from the March 29, 2023 special called meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Qureshi motions to approve, Campbell seconds, all in favor, none opposed. 2. Project Connect LRT Options Presentation and Q&A (Discussion and/or Possible Action) – Lisa Storer, Alvin Livingstone, Courtney Chavez, Austin Transit Partnership; Sravya Garledenne – Project Connect Office. • Presentation on light rail component of LRT – one component only • Cost estimates came up high, so initial system needs to be scaled back to fit funding envelope • Not seeking feedback on downtown crossings at the moment for surface alignments o White: What are pros and cons of crossings? o Livingstone: S1st pros-straight line crossing; cons-traffic at Cesar Chavez; Trinity street pros-connection to conv ctr, east downtown; cons-impacts boathouse, still traffic at Cesar Chavez • Houser: why does 38th/Oltorf/Yellow Jacket offer more flexibility vs North Lamar to Pleasant Valley o NL-PV requires protective buys (to preserve extension southward), and/or require a spur put in. 3-legged option has a transfer station • Intention is to build out full system once funding is available • Qureshi – elevated option avoids traffic from 8th to S Congress • Over 12,000-13,000 comments – does not include meetings (70+) • Qureshi – for partial underground – why not go down South rather than East? o Livingstone – money+technical feasibility; highest ridership segments were prioritized (UT, Republic Square, Pleasant Valley); each option also has to extend to a maintenance facility. o White: lots of student housing off Riverside • Qureshi – what’s the status of the capitol view corridor on South Congress? o Livingstone: LRV is no different than a bus; wires no different than existing infrastructure, crossing ramp descends to grade before South Congress • Qureshi – could an airport option …
4. IRA presentation — original pdf
The Inflation Reduction Act City of Austin Opportunities Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Sustainability Sep 2022 About ● Largest investment in climate in US history ○ $391 billion ● Projected 40% reduction in GHGs by 2030 (from 2005 levels) ○ Further federal action + local/state action is needed to meet US goals (50-52% GHG reduction) as part of Paris Agreement ● Funding opportunities for City of Austin departments as well as community partners to work on climate action Breakdown of Funding in IRA Source: RMI GHG Reductions / Environmental Justice $5 b $2.8 b Climate Pollution Reduction Grants for local and state plans and implementation projects to reduce GHGs Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grants for community- led climate, resilience, pollution mitigation, capacity building projects Direct funding opportunity for City Projects Opportunity for City to support community-based organizations, help find resources and build capacity Direct Pay Tax Credits Tax-exempt entities like cities or municipally-owned utilities can claim a tax credit despite having no tax liability. ● Renewable Electricity Production ● Renewable Energy Investment ● Carbon Oxide Sequestration ● Zero-Emission Nuclear Power Production (new in Opportunities for AE to directly invest in renewable assets, EDD advanced manufacturing incentives, fleet savings, clean ARR trucks, PARD/WPD/AW/DSD carbon sequestration projects, etc. ● Clean Hydrogen Production Credit (new in IRA) ● Advanced Manufacturing Production (new in IRA) IRA/CHIPS) ● Clean Electricity Production (new in IRA) ● Clean Fuel Production (new in IRA) ● Clean Energy Investment (new in IRA) ● Qualifying Advanced Energy Project (new in IRA) ● Clean Electricity Investment (new in IRA) ● Alternative Fuel Refueling Property ● Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicles (new in IRA) Direct Pay Tax Credits Many tax credits have ‘adders’ or bonus credits awarded for many different purposes, which can be stacked to maximize benefits: ● If prevailing wage/apprenticeship requirements are met ● If projects are located in disadvantaged communities (additional bonus if benefits primarily flow to residents) ● For meeting domestic content requirements ● For projects in an ‘energy community’ Transportation $290 m Alternative Fuel and Low-Emission Aviation Technology Program $3.2 b Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program for highway removal, remediation, capping + complete streets, active transportation + access to essential destinations $600 m Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grants and Rebates, to cover incremental costs of vehicles, fueling/charging infrastructure, workforce development, technical assistance Potential funding for clean ARR trucks, CapMetro buses, AISD buses Aviation department opportunity - cleaner jet …
5. Climate Ambassadors Presentation — original pdf
May 24, 2023 - JSC Presentation 2 0 2 3 C L I M A T E A M B A S S A D O R S R E P O R T Sydnee Landry Climate Equity Engagement Associate Background Information THE CLIMATE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM WAS CREATED AS A PAID OPPORTUNITY FOR PASSIONATE AUSTINITES TO ENGAGE THEIR COMMUNITIES AND GET INPUT FOR THE AUSTIN CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN IN 2020 Background Information OVER 6 MONTHS, THE 2020 AMBASSADORS COMPLETED 50+ INTERVIEW REPORTS FROM CONVERSATIONS THEY HAD WITH PEOPLE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE, AND THEIR VISIONS FOR AUSTIN MAJOR THEMES FROM THESE CONVERSATIONS WERE DISTILLED AND INCORPORATED INTO THE CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN AS EQUITY ICONS Example of equity icon use throughout the plan Equity icons IN 2021 THE PLAN WAS FORMALLY ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL, WHICH MEANT THE WORK OF IMPLEMENTATION COULD BEGIN... ... AND THE FOCUS OF THE CLIMATE AMBASSADOR GROUP WOULD NEED TO CHANGE A BIT WHICH IS WHERE I CAME IN! AND SET OUT TO GET STAKEHOLDER INPUT AS I REIMAGINED THE PROGRAM... The JSC, The JSC, Former Ambassadors, Former Ambassadors, ACEP Advisory Groups, ACEP Advisory Groups, Community orgs, Community orgs, and many more... and many more... Me 2 Me 2 months in months in to this job to this job community-led community-led strategies from strategies from the climate plan the climate plan opportunity to opportunity to reimagine reimagine engagement engagement for for implementation implementation opportunities opportunities to implement to implement climate plan climate plan 2022-2023 2022-2023 CLIMATE CLIMATE AMBASSADORS AMBASSADORS desire to desire to build build community community capacity capacity desire to avoid desire to avoid extractive extractive engagement engagement TRAINING & EDUCATION ONGOING PARTICIPATION WITH OOS STAFF INTERVIEW REPORTS TRAINING & EDUCATION WITH AN ADDITIONAL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP RELATIONSHIP BUILDING MORE EMPHASIS ON THE CITY + AMBASSADOR RELATIONSHIP COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECTS THAT ARE AMBASSADOR DESIGNED AND LED WITH COMMUNITY BENEFIT IN MIND +1 civic +1 civic workshop workshop +1 relationship +1 relationship building building +1 community +1 community benefit benefit SINCE THIS NEW COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECT ELEMENT WAS BEING ADDED, WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE SELECTED AMBASSADORS THAT MET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA... SHOWS A NUANCED UNDERSTANDING OF INEQUITIES REPRESENTS A MARGINALIZED COMMUNITY HAS EXPERIENCE WORKING, VOLUNTEERING, OR ORGANIZING WITH MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES IN AUSTIN HAS A CONNECTION TO OR ESTABLISHED METHOD OF OUTREACH TO MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES The 2022 Ambassadors K E C I A D Y L …
6. FFNPT Draft Resolution — original pdf
Joint Sustainability Committee City of Austin Support for Energy Innovation and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Whereas, the scientific consensus is clear that human activities are primarily responsible for accelerating global climate change, and that the climate crisis now represents one of the preeminent threats to global civilization; and Whereas, changes in our climate are already being felt in Austin and throughout our state, with prolonged drought punctuated by unpredictable torrential downpours and flooding, more frequent extreme heat events, wildfires, stronger winds, and warmer water temperatures that can result in increasing severe storms and rising costs that are taking an unsustainable economic toll on the State and working people; and Whereas, our entire community is being impacted by the health and safety risks of fossil fuel expansion, particularly those who also face socioeconomic and health inequities, including low-income families, those experiencing homelessness, people of color and indigenous peoples, youth, seniors, those experiencing mental and physical disabilities, and people with pre-existing health conditions; and Whereas, our youth and future generations have the most to lose from a lack of immediate action to stop fossil fuel expansion as they face major and lifelong health, ecological, social, and economic impacts from prolonged and cumulative effects of climate change, including food and water shortages, infectious diseases, and natural disasters; and D R A F T Whereas, on August 8, 2019 the City Council unanimously approved a resolution declaring a climate emergency and called for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate; and Whereas, the City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which includes the bold goal of equitably reaching net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and achieving 100% of electricity power supply through clean, renewable, and zero carbon emission energy sources by 2040; and Whereas, the City of Austin recognizes that it is the urgent responsibility and moral obligation of wealthy fossil fuel producers, governments, NGOs, and the business community as a whole, to lead in putting an end to fossil fuel development and to manage the decline of existing production; and Whereas, the Paris Climate Agreement is silent on coal, oil, and gas, an omission with respect to the supply and production of fossil fuels (the largest source of GHGs) that needs to be collectively addressed by other means; and DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES Whereas, global governments and the fossil fuel industry are currently planning to cumulatively produce about 120% more …
7. Draft Airport recommendation — original pdf
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Seconded By: Date: May 24, 2023 Subject: Cooperation between the Airport Advisory Commission and Environmental Commission Motioned By: Richard Brimer WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee recognizes the City of Austin requires a First Class International Airport to serve its Residents and travelers to and through the City of Austin to support a vibrant economy; and the long-term viability of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport requires strong management, long-term planning and close cooperation with vendors, contractors, airlines, and the City; and the Environment surrounding ABIA needs to be protected for the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life for the Residents of Austin and airport users. WHEREAS, the City of Austin Department of Aviation is responsible for oversight of Austin-Bergstrom Internation Airport; its operation, projects, capital improvement programs, aviation contracts, annual operating budget, long term planning, and quality of service to for the Customers of ABIA and the Residents of Austin. WHEREAS, the Airport Advisory Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the Council on aviation projects that the Department of Aviation proposes for the capital improvements program; and review and make recommendations to the council on aviation contracts that are presented by the Department of Aviation for council for action; and review and make policy recommendations to the council on quality of services at Austin-Bergstrom Internation Airport to Residents of Austin and customers of the airport and long term planning of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport; in addition to other responsibilities. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission shall assist the city council, the city manager, and the Watershed Protection Department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all residents within the City’s incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and advise the city council, city manager and Watershed Protection Department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment as specified in Austin, Texas Code 2-1-144 Sections H-L. WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee shall promote close cooperation between the Council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and agencies concerned with procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and Austin Climate Equity Plan in order to secure the greatest public benefit; the joint committee may advise City boards, commission, and committees on policy matters that impact the health, safety, welfare, and quality …
December 14, 2023 JSC Agenda — original pdf
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING - HYBRID MEETING FORMAT December 14th at 6pm Austin Energy HQ – Mueller Assembly Room 1111 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Zach Baumer at (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov or 415-694-3111). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Haris Qureshi (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Diana Wheeler (Urban Transportation Commission) Fisayo Fadelu (Community Development Commission) Frances Deviney (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Vacant - (Water & Wastewater Commission) Kirsha Haverlah - (Economic Prosperity Commission) Vacant - (Parks & Recreation Board) David Carroll (Design Commission) Alberta Phillips (City Council) Karen Hadden (Electric Utility Commission) Robert Schneider (Planning Commission) Rodrigo Leal (Mayor’s Representative) Anna Scott (Mayor’s Representative) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee on October 26th, 2022. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Housing and Planning Department Implementation of the Climate Equity Plan – Rachel Tepper, Housing and Planning Department (Discussion and/or possible action). 3. Austin Public Health Implementation of the Climate Equity Plan – Stephanie Helfman, Austin Public Health (Discussion and/or possible action). 4. 2023 JSC Strategic Planning Process –Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability (Discussion and/or possible action). 5. Commission members report back on any relevant discussions from their respective boards and commissions – (Discussion and/or possible action). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Zach Baumer at the Office of Sustainability at 415-694-3111, for …
1. October 26 JSC Meeting Minutes for approval — original pdf
Item 1 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES October 26, 2022 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting on October 26, 2022 via videoconferencing and at City Hall, Council Chambers, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:10 pm. Board Members in Attendance: Kaiba White, Richard DePalma, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Haris Qureshi, Alberta Phillips, David Carroll, Frances Deviney, Kelsey Hitchingham, Karen Hadden Board Members Absent: Fisayo Fadelu, Robert Schneider City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time. N/A 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 22, 2022, meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee • Motion to approve (Rothrock), second (Wheeler). Record of the vote: 10 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 24, 2022 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee • Motion to approve (Rothrock), second (Wheeler). Record of the vote: 10 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. 4. AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN – COLE KITTEN, AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT (DISCUSSION AND/OR POSSIBLE ACTION) • Many transportation elements in Austin Strategic Mobility Plan are aligned with the Austin Climate Equity Plan. • Common goals around mode shift (shift of 70% to target 50% of people driving alone to work) and equity (success should be centered on equity) • Strategies in both plans are circularly referenced and supportive of each other’s goals • Presentation provided insights on ATD’s implementation of strategies in the Climate Equity Plan, including work as part of Project Connect, Mobility Bond Funding, Walk Bike Roll, • Rothrock: Kyle has a Boring Company tunnel proposal, has Austin considered this? State employees work downtown but don’t have CapMetro passes and free parking • DePalma: when do we see implementation of WalkBikeRoll initiatives • Kitten: Since 2016 bond, local mobility programs have annual implementation plans, presented to public for feedback. In 2020 bond, equity was centered. WalkBikeRoll = updates to plans, and updates to implementation. 2016 bond closing out in 2024, 2020 bond spending to last until 2027. 5. AUSTIN ENERGY RESIDENTIAL RATES AND VALUE OF SOLAR TARIFF (DISCUSSION AND/OR POSSIBLE ACTION) • Base rate review – Mark Dombroski, CFO, Austin Energy • Everything relevant to base rate case available on AE website • Presentation covered history of …
2. HPD update re: Climate Equity Plan — original pdf
Joint Sustainability Committee: Departments Activities Related to the Austin Climate Equity Plan Rachel Tepper, AICP Housing and Planning Department December 14, 2022 Content • Related Climate Equity Goals • Short Term Goals and Activities • Success Measures • Equity Tools and Initiatives Climate Equity Policy Goals related to HPD TLU, Goal 1 (TLU.G1): 80% of new non-residential development is located within the city’s activity centers and corridors. – TLU.G1-S1: Plan for complete communities TLU, Goal 2 (TLU.G2): By 2027, preserve and produce 135,000 housing units, including 60,000 affordable housing units, with 75% of new housing located within ½ mile of activity centers and corridors. – TLU.G2-S1: Offer immediate affordable housing assistance – TLU.G2-S2: Fund affordable housing – TLU.G2-S3: Enhance community engagement for affordable housing and anti-displacement programs 3 Short Term Goals and Activities TLU.G1-S1: Plan for complete communities – Northeast Austin District Plan Resolution No. 20201112-043 – Staff conducted a solicitation for consultants in the summer of 2022 that did not have any compliant responses; staff is considering other approaches and will send an update to Council in fall of 2022. – Equitable Transit Oriented Development Planning Resolution No. 20201112-043 – Public Review of ETOD Policy Plan: November 2022 – City Council initiated Station Area Planning in North Lamar Transit Center and South Congress Transit Center December 8, 2022 – ETOD Policy Plan and initiation of related code amendments will be considered February 2023 – District Level Planning Process Resolution No. 20220609-069 – Staff anticipates sending a response to Council in early 2023. – Palm District Planning Initiative Resolution No. 20190523-029 – Public Review of Draft Plan: October 2022 – City Council 1st Reading: February 2023 4 Short Term Goals and Activities TLU.G2-S1: Offer immediate affordable housing assistance – From August 2020 to January 2022, the housing and planning department distributed nearly $76 million in direct rental assistance 5 Short Term Goals and Activities TLU.G2-S2: Fund affordable housing: All Subsidized Units Constructed/Pending 6 Short Term Goals and Activities TLU.G2-S2: Fund affordable housing: Subsidized Units Constructed/Pending 7 Short Term Goals and Activities TLU.G2-S2: Fund affordable housing: Incentivized Units Constructed/Pending 1,400 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 0 Downtown + Rainey East Riverside Corridor 138 0 North Burnet Gateway 190 31 TODs 233 362 University Neighborhood Overlay 195 1,092 Vertical Mixed-Use (VMU) 549 657 Planned Unit Development s (PUD) 5 317 Under Construction Completed 40 …
3. APH update re: Climate Equity Plan — original pdf
UPDATE ON AUSTIN CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN EFFORTS PRESENTATION TO JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE DECEMBER 14, 2022 STEPHANIE HELFMAN & MICHELLE FRIEDMAN APH Mission and Vision Vision: Everyone will have an optimal quality of life, health and well-being free from racism, poverty and oppression Mission: To prevent disease, promote health and protect the well-being of all Accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board Austin Climate Equity Plan (ACEP) Food and Product Consumption: Strategy 2: Promote and fund community-driven food retail programs Retail: ▪ Mobile Markets and Curbside Delivery (Farmshare Austin) ▪ Nutrition education and recipe sampling at Markets (SFC) ▪ Healthy Corner Store Program (APH + EDD) Non-Retail outlets: ▪ Healthy Food Pantries and Pop-ups (Foundation Communities) ▪ APH Neighborhood Centers Food Programs ▪ Equidad ATX ACEP Food and Product Consumption: Strategy 3: Incentivize pro-climate, pro-health food choices ▪ Double Up Food Bucks (SFC) ▪ Farmers Markets, Mobile Markets ▪ Grocery Expansion of Double Up Food Bucks (SFC) ▪ Wheatsville Food Co-op Additional Strategy: Educate on pro-heath food choices Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Diabetes Empowerment Education Program PreventT2 Diabetes Prevention Program Mayors Health and Fitness Council Worksite Partner Certification Program Additional Strategy: Building community resiliency ▪Social Determinants of Health Screening and Referral through ConnectATX ▪Public Health Emergency Preparedness ▪Cold Weather Sheltering Operations ▪Competition for Social Services Food Access and Distribution programming coming out in February 2022 Thank You! FO R A D DI T IO NAL I N FO R M ATIO N CO N TAC T: ST E PHA NIE.HELF M AN@AU STINTEXAS.GOV M I CHE L LE. FR IEDMAN@ AU STI NTEXAS.GOV
4. JSC Strategic Planning Session proposal — original pdf
Joint Sustainability Committee Strategic Planning Discussion 12/14/22 Context The Austin Climate equity Plan was adopted in September 2021 Resolution 110 directed the addition of 5 new members to the JSC Over the last year, we’ve had challenges meeting quorum We’ve had a lot of back and forth about working groups / community task forces, with no resolution The Office of Sustainability is not “in charge” of implementing the climate equity plan and we have no dedicated budget for projects from the plan We’ve been inviting departments to present on their climate equity plan aligned activities for the past year, usually creating lots of Q&A The JSC occasionally passes resolutions adopted by other commissions (in support of their work) Seems like a good opportunity to pause and think strategically about what comes next Who is the JSC? The council creates the Joint Sustainability Committee of the: Community Development Commission; Design Commission; Economic Prosperity Commission; Electric Utility Commission; Environmental Commission; Parks and Recreation Board; Planning Commission; Resource Management Commission; Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board; Urban Transportation Commission; Water and Wastewater Commission; and Zero Waste Advisory Commission. (12 commissions) + + 1 Social Service Committee Nominee 5 Mayoral Nominees 18 total members, quorum = 10 The council intends that the joint committee members represent a broad diversity of community stakeholders including: large companies and employers; small businesses owners and non-profit leaders; renters; central city residents and families; and suburban residents and families. JSC By-laws The joint committee shall advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability; and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring; promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with the politics, procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, with the goal of coordinating all similar activities within the City and the community in order to secure the greatest public benefit; and forward to the city manager all advisory material that the joint committee provides to the council, the Office of Sustainability, City departments and offices, or City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces. The joint committee may: advise the council, the city manager, the Office of Sustainability, City departments and offices, and City boards, commissions, …
October 26th JSC Agenda — original pdf
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING - HYBRID MEETING FORMAT October 26th at 6pm Austin City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Zach Baumer at (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov or 415-694-3111). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Haris Qureshi (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Diana Wheeler (Urban Transportation Commission) Fisayo Fadelu (Community Development Commission) Frances Deviney (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Vacant - (Water & Wastewater Commission) Kelsey Hitchingham - (Economic Prosperity Commission) Richard DePalma - (Parks & Recreation Board) David Carroll (Design Commission) Alberta Phillips (City Council) Karen Hadden (Electric Utility Commission) Robert Schneider (Planning Commission) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee on June 2. Approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee on August 22nd, 2022. 24th, 2022. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 2023 meeting schedule 4. Austin Transportation Department Implementation of the Climate Equity Plan – Austin Transportation Department (Discussion and/or possible action) 5. Austin Energy Residential Rates and Value of Solar Tariff (Discussion and/or possible action) a. Resolution on Residential Rates b. Resolution on Value of Solar Tariff 6. Update on Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation –Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability (Discussion and/or possible action) 7. Resolution on Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs from Resource Management Commission (No. 20220816-005) (Discussion and/or possible action) 8. Commission members report back on any relevant discussions from their respective boards and commissions – (Discussion and/or possible action) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with …
Item #1 - Minutes from June 22 Meeting for Approval — original pdf
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Item 1 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES June 22, 2022 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a regular hybrid meeting on June 22, 2022 via videoconferencing and at City Hall, Council Chambers, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:10 pm. Board Members in Attendance: Diana Wheeler Vice Chair, Richard DePalma, David Carroll Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Kaiba White Chair, Melissa Rothrock, Karen Hadden, Alexis Taylor, Frances Deviney, Fisayo Fadelu, Haris Qureshi Board Members Absent: Alberta Phillips, Christy Williams, Solveij Rosa Praxis City Staff in Attendance: Phoebe Romero PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL • Carlos Soto – Community Advancement Network o Provided overview of the community work at CAN, and opportunities for collaboration 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) May 25th, 2022, meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee • Motion to approve (Commissioner DePalma), second (Commissioner Carroll). Record of the vote: 10 approved, 0 opposed, 0 abstained. JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 2. NEW BUSINESS and/or possible action) a) Rain to River Presentation –Andrea Bates, Watershed Protection Department (Discussion • Rain to River is a strategic plan to protect Austin’s creek and communities • Presentation provided insights on goals and metrics, community engagement phases, and projected timeline impacted groups, etc. • Overview of priority stakeholders, including historically underrepresented groups, • To get involved, community members can take the Community Vision Survey, which includes a mapping component b) Zero Waste and Circular Economy Presentation – Ken Snipes, Austin Resource Recovery (Discussion and/or possible action) • Provided presentation on current work that relates back to Food and Product Consumption goals in the Austin Climate Equity Plan • Will be developing a per capita waste diversion rate goal, and working on Circular Cities initiative to work with departments on transforming operations and procurement to a circular economy model; expanding new program offerings and promoting existing programs; trying out on-call bulk pickup program • Discussed difficulty with electrifying fleet to meet route distances needed due to limited waste transfer facilities c) Austin Regional Food Plan Presentation– Amanda Rohlich, Office of Sustainability (Discussion and/or possible action) • Overview of what constitutes a food system and disparities in food insecurity • Collaborating with HSEM to have an emergency operations plan • Food plan can comprehensively develop goals and strategies to address aspects of food system; created in response to a 2021 Council …
Item #2 - Minutes from August 24 Meeting for Approval — original pdf
Item 1 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES August 24, 2022 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting on August 24, 2022 via videoconferencing and at City Hall, Council Chambers, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas Vice Chair Diana Wheeler called the Board Meeting to order at 6:32 pm. Board Members in Attendance: Kaiba White, Diana Wheeler, Richard DePalma, David Carroll, Melissa Rothrock, Fisayo Fedulu, Haris Qureshi, Karen Hadden, Alberta Phillips, Solveij Rosa Praxis, Frances Deviney Board Members Absent: none City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer, Phillip Duran CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time. • None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a) Austin 24th, 2022, meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee • Postponed due to rules of order. 2. NEW BUSINESS a) Austin Water Implementation of the Climate Equity Plan – Sherri Kuhl, Kevin Critendon, Heather Dalrymple, Kevin Kluge, Marisa Flores Gonzalez Austin Water • A presentation overview of Austin Water’s services and their role in Austin Climate Equity Plan implementation to meet water demand goal (152,000 acre-feet by 2030) • Near-term goals from Water Forward plan are in implementation phase • Updating Water Forward 2024 Equity Initiatives • Increasing access to Water Conservation Program through added language access and focus on underserved areas. Also increasing equitable access to all programs by reducing barriers of use (e.g. instant savings pilot program) • Commissioners questions to be submitted via email in the interest of time b) Resilient Austin – Laura Patiño, Chief Resilience Officer • An overview presentation on resilience in Austin • Resilience is referenced in existing City plans and efforts • Resilience is systems thinking that looks at elements before, during and after major events • Resilience across multiple scales: people, communities, City, Region • Pilot program of six Resilience Hubs to be established by the end of CY 2022. Physical place of refuge (heating/cooling, food, water), services, programming, and information available • Qureshi: Will there be medical services provided at the Resilience Hubs? • Patiño: Main focus for the 6 pilot sites is disaster preparedness. This work must complement HSEM efforts. What services will be provided is under consideration • DePalma: When will the cross departmental plan alignment assessment with resilience efforts be available? Who will be performing that work? • Patiño: Work is underway, …
Item #3 - Proposed 2023 JSC Meeting Schedule — original pdf
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE 2023 PROPOSED MEETING SCHEDULE 1. January 25 2. February 22 3. March 29 4. April 26 5. May 31 6. June 28 7. July 26 8. August 30 9. September 27 10. October 25 11. November 29 12. December 13
Item #5a - Proposed Resolution on Residential Rates — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution on Austin Energy Residential Rates WHEREAS, it is the purpose of the Joint Sustainability Committee to “advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability”; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 and the Austin Climate Equity plan, both adopted by Council, include goals for increasing energy efficiency in buildings in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution, improve resilience, and keep bills affordable; and WHEREAS, Austin has been a leader in energy efficiency since the 1970s; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy has the lowest average Residential electricity consumption of any large utility in ERCOT, which also allows it to have one of the lowest average Residential bills of any utility in ERCOT; and WHEREAS, proposed changes to Austin Energy’s Residential electric rate structure threaten further progress in energy efficiency by dramatically removing price signals to conserve; and WHEREAS, since low‐income utility customers generally use less energy than average customers, changing Austin’s progressive electric Residential rate structure that discourages consumption will make bills more burdensome to the lower and moderate income residents; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy has made a proposal in its current rate case to completely replace the current progressive rate structure with one that rewards more consumption; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s current $10 per month Customer Charge is on par with other Texas municipal utilities and the proposed $25 per month Customer Charge would be an outlier compared to other Texas municipal utilities; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee of the City of Austin advise City Council to retain Austin Energy’s current progressive rate structure and Customer Charge; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if any rate increases are enacted, they be levied as a proportional increase to the utility’s current monthly base cost and tiers in its current rate structure.
Item #5b - Proposed Resolution on Value of Solar Tariff — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution on Value of Solar Tariff October 26, 2022 WHEREAS, it is the purpose of the Joint Sustainability Committee to “advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability”; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 and the Austin Climate Equity plan, both adopted by Council, include goals for increasing the use of local customer‐sited solar energy in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution, improve resilience, and keep bills affordable; and WHEREAS, the Value of Solar tariff is essential for facilitating the continued use of local customer‐site solar energy; and WHEREAS, it is important for the Value of Solar tariff to accurately compensate customers with on‐site solar energy for the energy they produce, and to provide a rate that isn’t too volatile, in order to attract investment in customer‐sited solar; and WHEREAS, if a portion of the Value of Solar fee is paid for by the Energy Efficiency fee instead of the Power Supply Adjustment fee, then some customers will be exempted from their fair share of the costs since they are exempted from the Energy Efficiency fee; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin City Council do the following when adopting the updated Value of Solar tariff as part of Austin Energy’s base rate package: 1. Continue to collect all Value of Solar tariff costs through the Power Supply Adjustment fee; 2. Base the avoided costs of the Value of Solar rate on a rolling five‐year average; and 3. Direct Austin Energy to hire a qualified third party, with experience in calculating the value of local distributed solar energy, to: A) facilitate a collaborative stakeholder process and analysis to identify and incorporate avoided and incurred costs that may not be currently captured in the proposed methodology; and B) develop a standard offer program for community solar.
Item #7 - Resolution from RMC on Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20220816-005 Resolution on Texas Gas Service Conservation Programs Whereas, the City of Austin has mandated that Texas Gas Service (TGS) conduct energy conservation programs since 1985; and Whereas, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan on September 30, 2021, which strengthens the city’s climate goal to “net zero carbon by 2040” and includes a focus area of Sustainable Buildings with goal that by 2030, “All new buildings are net-zero carbon, emissions from existing buildings are reduced by 25%, and all natural gas-related emissions are reduced by 30%; and Whereas, the TGS energy conservation programs are also expected to help achieve the goals of the Climate Equity Plan; and Whereas, the Resource Management Commission is charged with providing feedback and recommendations regarding gas conservation efforts and to support the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and Whereas, the Resource Management Commission passed a resolution on June 20, 2017 that put a focus on reducing actual use of natural gas on site, calling for “at least 4.5% site natural gas savings” over 5 years, starting in 2018; and Whereas, incentives to install natural gas appliances in situations where there isn’t already an existing natural gas appliance, such as for new construction or replacing an electric appliance with a natural gas appliance, increase, instead of decrease, actual use of natural gas on site; and Whereas, Texas Gas has continued using a large portion of its energy conservation budget to provide incentives to install natural gas appliance where none previously existed, thus increasing use of on-site natural gas; Whereas, research by the Rocky Mountain Institute and other organizations shows that gas stoves are a large source of toxic air pollution that can make indoor air more polluted than outdoor air and that low- income households are most likely to suffer from this harmful pollution; and Whereas, incentives that increase the use of natural gas appliances are not compatible with the Austin Climate Equity Plan or public health; and Whereas, on January 24, 2022, the Resource Management Commission passed a resolution that recommended against CenterPoint Energy incentives for natural gas appliances in new construction, as well as incentives for central furnaces and water heaters; and Whereas, the TGS conservation program tariff that governs the program was adopted in December 2021 and is on a 3-year cycle, ending December of 2024. However, Austin City Council …