COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: 20250428-005: Budget Proposal for Improving the Accuracy and Effectiveness of the Austin Point-In-Time (PIT) Count Motioned by: Vice Chair Zeidan Seconded by: Commissioner Clemmons WHEREAS, The annual PIT Count is a critical tool for assessing the scale of homelessness in Austin and securing federal funding, yet it has long been criticized for undercounting due to methodological challenges, volunteer limitations, and the transitory nature of homelessness. WHEREAS, Unhoused individuals in non-sheltered locations—such as encampments, wooded areas, and vehicles—are often missed, leading to inaccurate data that impacts funding and resource distribution. WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic, housing crisis, and economic instability have increased the number of people experiencing homelessness, making accurate data collection more essential than ever. WHEREAS, Community organizations, advocacy groups, and policy leaders have called for more precise, real-time data collection efforts to better understand the causes, demographics, and needs of Austin’s unhoused population. WHEREAS, a more accurate PIT count can lead to additional federal funding due to a better understanding of where the city sits regarding homelessness. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends the City Council allocate $450,000 in funding to improve the methodology, accuracy, and impact of the PIT Count through the following initiatives: 1. Enhanced Technology and Real-Time Data Collection a. Develop and deploy a mobile app for PIT Count volunteers to capture real-time data, geotag encampment locations, and ensure accuracy. b. Expand the use of AI and machine learning in collaboration with local universities and tech partners to predict trends in homelessness and improve counting methods. c. Fund heatmaps and GIS tools to better identify high-density areas and track displacement patterns throughout the year. 2. Expanded Volunteer Training and Outreach a. Provide stipends to train outreach teams and ensure PIT Count volunteers are well-prepared to engage with unhoused individuals. b. Expand collaboration with lived experience consultants (unhoused/formerly unhoused individuals) to refine data collection approaches and improve survey effectiveness. Increase partnerships with community-based organizations, such as Mobile Loaves & Fishes and ECHO Austin, to ensure better outreach and participation. c. 3. Incentives for Participation and Data Accuracy a. Implement a small compensation program (e.g., gift cards, meals, or basic supplies) for unhoused individuals who participate in the survey to encourage honest responses. b. Provide funding for follow-up surveys throughout the year, ensuring a more continuous and accurate count rather than a one-time …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (20250428-006): Recommendation to Allocate Municipal Funding for Grants that Benefit Inclusive Arts Programs Supporting Autistic and Neurodivergent Communities Motioned by: Commissioner Bryant Seconded by: Vice Chair Zeidan WHEREAS, the City of Austin upholds a commitment to equity, inclusivity, and cultural enrichment for all residents, including neurodivergent individuals and youth on the autism spectrum; and WHEREAS, inclusive arts programs provide essential spaces for personal growth, social development, and creative expression for neurodivergent individuals, particularly youth who often face barriers to participation in traditional educational and extracurricular settings; and WHEREAS, organizations currently doing this work include past City of Austin cultural funding recipient American Artists Project, whose Variations program offers choir-based musical engagement specifically for youth on the autism spectrum, creating a safe, supportive space for developing social and artistic skills; and WHEREAS, nonprofits providing inclusive programming for neurodivergent individuals are increasingly underfunded, and many are experiencing significant cuts in federal and state support due to shifting political priorities and reduced allocations to the arts, education, and disability services sectors; and WHEREAS, the national political climate has become increasingly hostile toward neurodivergent individuals, with public rhetoric from influential figures reinforcing damaging stereotypes and promoting exclusion, undermining the rights and dignity of autistic people; and WHEREAS, local governments—including the City of Austin—have a responsibility to counter these trends by affirmatively investing in inclusive, community-building programs that celebrate diversity, encourage belonging, and promote the well-being of all residents; and WHEREAS, while the City of Austin currently funds cultural arts through programs like Thrive, Elevate, and Nexus, there is a need for targeted and accessible opportunities specifically supporting arts programs that center neurodivergent and autistic individuals; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends that the City Council allocate new or expanded funding up to $120,000 to support inclusive arts and cultural programming that serves neurodivergent and autistic individuals; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council establish open calls for grants and contracts to support nonprofits and community-based organizations that provide accessible, identity-affirming, and culturally relevant arts programming for neurodivergent populations; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council consider adjustments or additions to existing Cultural Arts Funding Programs to include dedicated resources or scoring criteria for programs centering individuals on the autism spectrum and related communities; BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City of Austin reaffirm its leadership …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on April 28, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Diane Kearns- Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Holly Reed, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker, Jennifer Franklin, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Nicole Netherton - Pease Park Conservancy Dayna Williams - Austin Rowing Club Scott Cobb - Lifeguard issues Chris Flores - Thanks to Holly Reed for her service to the Parks and Recreation Board Kayla Reese - Austin Parks Foundation APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 24, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of March 24, 2025 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on an 11-0 vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for PARD Staff working behind the scenes in the Support Services Division to maintain excellent administrative services across a large, diverse department. David Hillers, Financial Services Division Manager and Ben Rustenhaven, Business Process Consultant, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on the evaluation of KPIs. The motion to approve letters of support for PARD Staff working behind the scenes in the Support Services Division to maintain excellent administrative services across a large, diverse 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2025 department was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on an 11-0 vote. 3. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board. The motion to elect Stephanie Bazan to the officer position of Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Becker’s second on a 10-0 vote. Board Member Reed abstaining. The motion to elect Kathryn Flowers to the officer position of Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board was approved on Board Member Becker’s motion, Board Member Franklin’s second on 9-0 vote. Board Member Reed and Taylor abstaining. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on Parks and Recreation Department community engagement …
HIV PLANNING COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, April 28th 2025 The HIV PLANNING COUNCIL convened in a REGULAR meeting on MONDAY, APRIL 28TH 2025 at 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE in Austin, Texas. Kelle Martin called the HIV PLANNING COUNCIL Meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. Planning Council Members in Attendance: None. Planning Council Members in Attendance Remotely: Kelle’ Martin, Ashley Garling, Alicia Alston, Judith Hassan, Kristina McRae-Thompson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the HIV PLANNING COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING on 03/24/2025. The minutes from the meeting of 03/24/2025 were approved as written on Alicia Alston’s motion, Kelle Martin second on a 5-0 vote. For: Kelle’ Martin, Kristina McRae Thompson, Alicia Alston, Judith Hassan, Ashley Garling. Abstain: Kelle Martin. Off dais: None. Non-voting: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Aran Belani, Marquis Goodwin, Liza Bailey, Joe Anderson Jr. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS 1. Members will declare conflicts of interest with relevant agenda items, service categories, and/or service standards. None STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Office of Support Staff Report 1 Update given by Rashana Raggs. Isaac Caballero introduced as prospective member to council. Sol Muhammad introduction as new Admin. Specialist – HIV Planning Council is now fully staffed. Refer to written report for full details. 3. Administrative Agent Report Updates given by Erin Brown. Ryan White and MAI contracts have been fully executed for FY25. Grant Kick-off Meeting on May 6th. Refer to written report for full details. 4. Part B Report Update given by Alicia Alston. Needs Assessment in progress. Reviewed expenditures through March 31, 2025. Refer to written report for full details. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discuss directives and directive funding and potential directives Discussion led by Rashana Raggs. There were no directives during the previous PSRA process in 2024. At this time there are no potential directives. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion and approval of recommendations for Y1 Plan for Needs Assessment 2026-2031 The motion to approve Y1 Plan for Needs Assessment 2026 - 2031 was approved on Kelle’ Martin’s motion and Alicia Alston second on a (5-0) vote. For: Kelle’ Martin, Kristina McRae Thompson, Alicia Alston, Judith Hassan, Ashley Garling. Abstain: Kelle Martin. Off dais: None. Non-voting: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Aran Belani, Marquis Goodwin, Liza Bailey, Joe Anderson Jr. 7. Discussion and approval of Townhall Logistics The motion to approve Townhall Logistics was approved on Kelle Martin’s motion and Alicia Alston second on a …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 28, 2025 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd St., Boards & Commissions Room, in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon (Chair) Gabrielle Zeidan (Vice Chair) Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam Danielle Bryant Jeffrey Clemmons Maryam Khawar Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Morgan Davis Harriett Kirsh Pozen Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Mela Sarajane Dailey – Grant Funding APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on February 24, 2025. The minutes were approved without objection on Chair Duhon’s motion on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Weigel was off the dais. Commissioners Krueger and Oliva Martínez were absent. 2. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on March 24, 2025. The minutes were approved without objection on Chair Duhon’s motion on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Weigel was off the dais. Commissioners Krueger and Oliva Martínez were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 3. Discussion of the 2025 Texas Legislative Session with regards to bills related to human rights. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation on the FY2025-26 Budget for Supporting Supplies to Enhance Immigrant Student Protections and Rights. The recommendation was amended to strike “and” before “materials”, insert “and grants” after “materials”, strike “$500,000” and insert “$250,000” in all instances, insert “not exclusive to ISDs” after Austin ISD, strike $150,000, strike $120,000, strike $100,000, strike $80,000, strike $50,000, insert “Grants and” before “coordination”, insert “Grant funding to total $150,000” after “Organizations”, and insert “grants” after “outreach” on Commissioner Bryant’s motion, Commissioner Aslam’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Oliva Martínez were absent. The recommendation was approved as amended on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Aslam’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Oliva Martínez were absent. 5. Approve a recommendation on the FY2025-26 Budget for Improving the Accuracy and Effectiveness of the Austin Point-In-Time (PIT) Count. The recommendation was amended to insert “WHEREAS, a more accurate PIT count can lead to additional federal funding due to a better understanding of where the city sits regarding homelessness”, strike $750,000 and insert $450,000 in all instances, strike $250,000, strike $200,000, strike $150,000, and strike $150,000 on Commissioner Bryant’s motion, Commissioner Aslam’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair David Carroll Conners Ladner Jenny Murkes Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Nkiru Gelles Marissa McKinney – Commissioner McKinney joined the meeting at 6:16 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on March 24, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 03/24/2025 were approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Commissioner Carroll’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner McKinney was off the dais. Commissioners Howard, Khan, and Luckens were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1 2. 3. 4. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Austin Convention Center Redevelopment, located at 500 East 3rd Street, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards as presented to the Design Commission on March 24, 2025. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Wittstruck. There was a motion to recommend to City Council that the project Austin Convention Center Redevelopment, located at 500 East 3rd Street, as presented to the Design Commission on March 24, 2025, complies with and elevates the City’s Sustainability Standards and substantially complies with the City’s Design Standards; however, with respect to the unique size and civic importance of the project, the Design Commission recommends that the project team continue to strengthen the urban design for the project specifically to more ardently and comprehensively address the following Urban Design Guidelines: PS.1 – Protect the Pedestrian Where the Building Meets the Street, including but not limited to providing more consistent and larger awnings protecting pedestrians around the full building rather than solely at building entrances. PS.12 – Provide General Street-Level Windows, including but not limited to providing more street level fenestration in general and avoiding major grade separations between the building plinth and street. PZ.1 – Treat the Four Squares with Special Consideration, including but not limited to more strongly articulating the plaza space’s relationship to Brush Square, including for future phases; and situating outdoor seating and retail uses facing the square. PZ.2 – Contribute to an Open Space Network, including but not limited to more …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes April 28, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the John Henry Faulk Building in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Sara Gore Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Magen Davis Kezia Frayjo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on March 31, 2025. Library Commission Meeting Minutes April 28, 2025 The minutes of the regular meeting held on March 31, 2025, were approved with amendments at the regular meeting of April 28, 2025, on a motion by Commissioner Herrera Moreno, seconded by Commissioner Selig. The motion passed on a 7–0 vote. Vice Chair Mehta and Commissioners Frayjo and Davis were absent. The approved amendments were as follows: • On page 1, under "Call to Order," the word Commissions was replaced with Commissioners on lines 2, 4, and 5. • On page 1, under "Approval of Minutes," line 3, the name Segil was corrected to Selig. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library School Partnerships by Jenny Stirrat, School Partnerships Librarian, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Jenny Stirrat, School Partnerships Librarian, Austin Public Library. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 3. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Nature Smart Libraries Initiative by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 4. Staff briefing on the April APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Library Commission. A motion to elect Lynda Infante Huerta as Chair and Sheila Mehta as Vice Chair was approved on Commissioner …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION College Student Commission Recommendation Number: (2025MMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Renewing College Food Insecurity Grant Program WHEREAS, The College Student Commission passed Recommendation 20210122-3b: College Food Insecurity Grant Program in January 2021; and WHEREAS, The College Student Commission passed Recommendation 20230324-10: Continuing College Food Insecurity Grant Program in March 2023; and WHEREAS, there are over 100,000 college students in the City of Austin, living across all 10 council districts, including students at Austin Community College, Concordia University, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edwards University, and the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, the College Food Access Grant Program is designed to allow applicants to address food access in the manner that will best support their campuses through mini-grants; and WHEREAS, learning from student experiences is crucial to addressing food insecurity, and the program model is designed to facilitate student input in grant proposals; and WHEREAS, the College Food Access Grant Program was allocated $50,000 in direct support and $7,500 to support administration as part of the City of Austin's FY 2021-2022 Budget; and WHEREAS, the College Food Access Grant Program was allocated $100,000 in direct support and $7,500 to support administration as part of the City of Austin's FY 2023-2024 Budget; and WHEREAS, the Central Texas Food bank administered the College Food Access Grant program during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years, providing funding to 4 colleges; and WHEREAS, food insecurity continues to affect Austin-area college campuses with rising costs of food, housing, and other resources; and WHEREAS, throughout the previous periods, colleges experienced higher than expected use of food pantries funded by this program; and WHEREAS, this program was not renewed in the FY 2024-2025 budget, leaving food pantries on some campuses struggling to maintain an adequate supply of food; and WHEREAS, creating a more equitable and affordable city is an ongoing process, and current students are in need of immediate relief; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the College Student Commission recommends Austin City Council allocate $107,500 in ongoing funding for the College Food Access Grant Program for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION College Student Commission Recommendation Number: (2025MMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Designating Austin’s Public Libraries as “Book Sanctuaries” WHEREAS, the State of Texas has routinely been a national leader in the number of books banned from libraries and school curriculums throughout the state; and WHEREAS, as of October 2024, PEN America found 538 instances of book bans across Texas; and WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature passed the READER Act, HB 900, during the 88th Legislative Session, which requires school libraries to remove books based on vague standards; and WHEREAS, across the nation, book bans predominantly impact books written by or featuring characters who are members of minority groups or the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, books that have been banned throughout the state overwhelmingly deal with topics such as race, gender, and sexuality, as well as literature critical of authoritarian governments; and WHEREAS, access to knowledge and creative works, especially those that the government finds objectionable, is an essential facet of a free society; and WHEREAS, access to varying points of view is an essential aspect of higher education, where students of different backgrounds ought to be free to be exposed to diversity of thought. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the College Student Commission recommends that the Austin City Council designate Austin’s public libraries as “Book Sanctuaries” and guarantee that the city’s libraries will continue to offer for public access books that have been banned in K-12 and higher education curriculums or otherwise removed from libraries throughout Texas. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION April 25th, 2025, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Elisha McGreggor, Austin Community College Andrew Lyons, Austin Community College Aidyn Ogle, Concordia University Lorian Lopez, Concordia University Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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 College Student Commission Regular Meeting from April 4, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Introduction of new commissioners and assignment to working groups. Presentation from City of Austin 3-1-1 department on services their department provides and how college students can utilize 3-1-1. Chair and Vice Chair Elections. Update on the College Student Commission bylaws meeting requirement. Discussion on the status of food pantries on all campuses; voting on recommendation. Discussion on banned books; voting on recommendation. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 7. 8. Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on if they were able to meet. Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on campus services. 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 Dr. Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for …
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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 Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Timothy Stostad, Chair Luis Osta Lugo Blaine Campbell, Vice-Chair Kurt Lockhart Michael Francis Jeffrey S. Musgrove Christopher Sokol Raisch Tomlanovich Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five 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 Building and Standards Commission regular meeting on February 26, 2025. PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s) The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: Page 1 2. Case Number: CL 2025-036193 Property address: 1211 E 52nd Street / Owner: Yellow 52 Investments LLC Staff presenter: Courtney Britt Staff recommendation: Repair residential structure 3. Case Number: CL 2025-002177 Property address: 2423 Town Lake Circle, Apt. 213 (aka Mesh Apartments) / Owner: FBZ Town Lake Circle III LLC Staff presenter: Jason Henley Staff recommendation: Repair commercial structure. 4. Case Number: CL 2024-158389 Property address: 3117 Garwood Street (aka 3119 Garwood Street) / Owners: Manuel A Ramirez & Susana R Ramirez & Roy Ramirez Staff presenter: Gavin Peka Staff recommendation: Repair …
REGULAR MEETING BUILDING and FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA Wednesday April 23, 2025 @ 1:30 am- In Person/WebEx Permitting Development Center; Conference Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Ellis); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes), Chris Gannon (Pool) Jim Rumbo(Alter), Alison Satt(Madison) Oren Mitzner (Qadri) Paredes-Juarez (Vela) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: 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 from Regular Called Meeting from January 29, 2025 2. DISCUSSION- Review of the recent 2024 Technical code adoption 3. DISCUSSION and ACTION- Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Building and Fire Board of Appeals. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS- ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via 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 Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Division) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Primary Representative: Justin Parsons Alternate Representative: Alexandra Anderson Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Commission for Women Diana Melendez Becky Bullard Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Vacant 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten 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. 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on MARCH 26TH, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Briefing on the Austin Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association and the 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals, August 5-8, 2025 by Sgt. Michael Wilmore-Crumrine (he/him). DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. Discussion on reappointment of Primary and Secondary Representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee, before the end of …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Patrick Keel Brian McGiverin Jordan Preddy Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low Mary Kahle Luis Figueroa William King Adam Materne Brittany Sharkey Amy Casto William Ross Pumfrey AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on March 26, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Conduct Annual Election of Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary). Discussion and decision on the continuation and membership of existing working groups, and consideration of any new working groups needed. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel on any matter listed in this agenda. 4. 5. The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel to discuss: A complaint filed by Brian Molloy against Jesus Garza raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-7 (Ethics & Financial Disclosure), Section 2-7-74 (Financial Disclosure by Candidates). The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT April 23, 2025 at 6 pm City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, 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, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Shelby Orme Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Marissa Bell Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Vacant Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser 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. Approval of minutes from the March 26th, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee DISCUSSION 2. 2026 Bond Development Process – Eric Bailey and Marcus Hammer, Capital Delivery Services Department; Braden Latham-Jones, Office of Climate Action and Resilience 3. I-35 Cap and Stitch Updates – Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department 4. Update from the Electric Utility Commission on the Solar for All Program – Kaiba White, Electric Utility Commission DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Recommendations for Climate and Sustainability in the 2026 Bond 6. Recommendation on the I-35 Cap and Stitch 7. JSC officer elections for the 2025-2026 term 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 …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES March 26, 2025 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Anna Scott, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Heather Houser, Christopher Campbell, Marissa Bell, Lane Becker, Rodrigo Leal, Melissa Rothrock, Yure Suarez Board Members Absent: Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Amy Noel, Chris Crookham, Alberta Phillips, Diana Wheeler City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Braden Latham-Jones, Michelle Marx CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:29 pm. Public Communication • Adam Greenfield on item 2, in favor of the Austin Core Transportation Plan. Suggestion to convert all remaining one-way streets to two-way streets. Also in support of protected bike lanes, bus lanes, trees. • Scott Johnson speaks in favor of low-carbon concrete and residential landscape incentive program. • Zenobia Joseph speaking in opposition to light rail plans on civil rights grounds. 1. Approval of minutes from the February 26th, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Qureshi motion, Scott second, passes on a 10-0 vote (Suarez off dais). DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Austin Core Transportation Plan Update – Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department. • Qureshi – does this change transit routing? Marx – CapMetro has provided info on routing that has been incorporated into the plan. • White – should JSC consider recommendation to maximize one-way to two-way conversions. Marx – not a panacea for improving safety. With tight intersection spacing in East Downtown, allows for signal coordination to reduce speeds. Context dependent – would work in places with wide streets, widely spaced intersections. 3. CapMetro Sustainability Updates – David Carr, CapMetro • Qureshi – can you comment on lack of electric buses on new rapid routes? Carr – Proterra bankruptcy has affected commissioning of new buses. New Flyer buses in service now. Charging infrastructure still being installed – especially in-route charging. • White – why is CapMetro backing away from electric bus purchases? Carr – very expensive. MetroRapid costs being covered by grants and other sources. Range performance capabilities aren’t there yet. • Carr – issues with a lack of parts and service from Proterra. New company has taken over – CapMetro pause until they catch up with servicing and parts. Nationwide issue. • Rothrock - can charging infrastructure be shared? Carr – theoretically, yes. New buses use …
Capital Delivery Services Public Improvement Bond Program Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan Joint Sustainability Committee Update Eric Bailey Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 AGENDA • CDS Overview • What is a General Obligation Bond Program? • Improved Bond Development Process • Staff Work Completed to Date • Guiding Principles, Technical Criteria, & Scoring Matrices • Progress to Date & Upcoming Milestones “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 2 Created in 2023 with the goal of reducing project delivery time Who we are • Engineers • Architects • Project managers • Community Engagement Our partners • Consultants • Contracting teams • City asset owners • Community members • Mayor & Council Role in 2026 Bond Program One City – One Team – One Approach to effectively and efficiently deliver quality public projects. • Convene asset owner departments to develop needs assessment • Guide the process to ensure projects are vetted and scopes/schedules/budgets are accurate and realistic • Coordinate projects across departments to achieve mutual benefits What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Typical Bond Projects: • Flood and Erosion Control Improvements • New or Replacement City Facilities • Rehabilitation of Existing Facilities • Housing Infrastructure/Housing Projects • Street and Thoroughfare Improvements o Sidewalks o Traffic Signals • Park and Recreation Facilities • Public Safety Facilities (Fire/EMS/Police) • Land Purchase 4 What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Types of work NOT included: • Routine operations and maintenance activities o Potholes o Minor street repair o Landscaping maintenance o General building maintenance Improvements for short term leased space • • Code enforcement initiatives • Employee salaries (including police & fire) • AE/AW Capital Projects typically funded by using debt are funded via AE and AW revenue bonds, not General Obligation debt and thus are not for the 2026 GO Bond Program City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach to Capital Delivery 5 Improved Bond Delivery Process for 2026 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Council calls for Bond Election (Aug) Bond Election (Nov) BEATF Meetings, Council, and Public Engagement HOW WE’VE DONE BONDS IN THE PAST: Project Proposals RFP’s/RFQ’s Project Planning to develop scope, schedule, budget Design Construction WHAT WE’RE DOING NOW: Needs Assessment and Project Evaluation Project Planning to develop scope, …
2026 Bond Development Update Joint Sustainability Committee - 4.23.25 Resolution 20240718-093 Resolution 20240718-093 was approved in July 2024. Staff was directed to bring two items to Council. 1. A comprehensive bond package that funds and addresses climate, infrastructure, and any other public improvements for the purpose of conducting an election no later than November 2026, and 2. A comprehensive climate implementation program of which one component is a climate bond proposition contained in the comprehensive bond package. Funding for this implementation program shall not be limited to general obligation bonds but should include grants, fees, utilities, general fund, cost sharing, etc. 2 OCAR’s Role ● Lead ● Advise ● Coordinate 3 How OCAR is supporting the bond process ● Lead: Developed a list of GO bond eligible projects that support climate action ○ Environmental Investment Plan ○ Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program ● Advise: Subject Matter Expert (SME)- Supporting Asset Owner Departments ○ Answering Questions ○ Developing Criteria ○ Advising Departments ● Coordinate: Participating in cross-departmental bond development working group. 4 Definitions Sustainability: Actions that avoid, reduce, or capture greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Resilience: Actions that increase our ability to prepare for, withstand, and recover from shocks and stressors related to climate change. Climate Equity & Resilience Framework Climate Equity Plan — Mitigation Resilience & Climate Adaptation Actions that avoid, reduce, or capture greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Actions that increase our ability to prepare for and recover from shocks and stressors related to a changing climate. Sustainable Buildings, Energy Generation, and Water Demand Transportation Electrification Natural Systems Regional Collaboration & Green Jobs Climate and Environmental Data, Research, & Modeling Long Range Planning Recovery & Economic Resilience Materials, Purchasing, Food and Product Consumption Mass Transit, Planning, Land Use, and Housing Social Infrastructure and Community Preparedness Green Infrastructure (creeks, rivers, trees, landscape) Utility Infrastructure (water, power, drainage) Equity and Affordability Strategies for consideration 1. Projects funded by a bond (that meet all the criteria for voter approved bonds) which directly address climate change (reducing GHG emissions or adapting to a changing climate). Example: Land purchase to protect water quality, ecosystem protection, and carbon sequestration. 2. Integration of principles, policies, and approaches to reduce GHG emissions and increase resilience to a changing climate into Departmental Bond Proposals. Example: New library is built, achieves LEED Platinum certification, has solar + batteries to serve the community in times of need. …
