Final Budget Proposal for Enhanced Climate Resilience in Austin WHEREAS, The Human Rights Commission recognizes that access to clean air, water, and a stable climate is a fundamental human right, and Austin is experiencing increasingly severe climate impacts. In 2024, the city recorded the highest number of 100°F+ days in its history. WHEREAS, These extreme weather events, including destructive flooding, prolonged drought, and dangerous heat waves, affect disproportionately vulnerable communities. Austin's most vulnerable populations are largely concentrated on the east side, a result of early 20th-century segregation policies and the legacy of discriminatory practices. These communities are more likely to experience adverse outcomes due to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and age, making them more susceptible to climate-related disasters. WHEREAS, Austin has committed to climate neutrality by 2040 through the Austin Climate Equity Plan, yet current funding levels are insufficient to meet this goal, and environmental injustice—the disproportionate exposure of marginalized communities, particularly low-income communities and communities of color, to environmental hazards, along with their systemic exclusion from environmental decision-making—further exacerbates these challenges; and the 2023 Annual Highlights report from the Office of Sustainability notes that the city surpassed $1 million in funds provided to Austin-area schools through the Bright Green Future Grants program, supporting 555 projects since 2012; however, more substantial investments are needed to accelerate progress toward climate neutrality. WHEREAS, Austin Energy's transition to renewable energy currently stands at 43% of its energy portfolio, falling short of the interim goal of 65% renewable energy by 2025. The 2020 generation plan indicates an aim to achieve 375 MW of local solar by the end of 2030, with 200 MW targeted for customer-sited installations. To meet these targets, increased investment in renewable energy infrastructure is essential. WHEREAS, Extreme weather events have exposed vulnerabilities in Austin's infrastructure. The Central Texas Extreme Weather and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment highlights that future climate scenarios predict increased heavy rain events and severe droughts, potentially shifting Austin's climate to resemble the arid Southwest. This underscores the urgent need for investments in climate resilience and energy independence. WHEREAS, Rising temperatures and extended heat waves pose significant public health risks. Data indicates that 32.3% of residents reported five or more poor mental health days in 2021, up from 17% in 2011, highlighting the mental health challenges exacerbated by climate stressors. The National Weather Service reports that Austin has been warming at a rate of about 0.4°F per decade …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Budget Proposal for Increased Emergency Housing Assistance WHEREAS, the City of Austin is facing a housing affordability crisis as data reports show that the overall median rent is now $1,995.00, with the median rent for a one bedroom at $1,387.00 which is 6.4% more expensive than the national average. WHEREAS, even though median rent has fallen in the past year, rental prices are still unsustainable; especially given that the cost of living for Austinites has continued to increase due to national trends such as soaring healthcare costs, grocery bills, and child and dependent care. WHEREAS, Eviction filings in Austin JP Courts reached a record high of 13,210 filings in a single year in 2024, an increase of 26% from 2023, and the State Legislature is currently advancing a bill to weaken what little rights tenants already possess in the state of Texas. WHEREAS, per the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, eviction filings in Austin have soared to over 50% higher than the pre-pandemic average rate, with communities of color drastically more at risk of eviction in a state with some of the country’s weakest protections for renters. WHEREAS, a record 2.1 million renters, more than half of the state’s renter households, are “cost burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities per a recent Harvard University study. WHEREAS, the State of Texas shuttered its statewide rent relief program in the summer of 2023 leaving it up to municipalities to act on the growing rental crisis. Austin has stepped up to the plate, most recently in last year’s budget cycle with a $8 million rental assistance and eviction support program through the City of Austin Housing Department’s “I Belong in Austin” program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council to allocate at least another $8 million dollars in rental relief funds and explore all available means in order to create short, medium, and long term solutions for individuals at risk of eviction in Austin. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
This template is a guide for liaisons. COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (20250324-TBD): Budget Recommendation Providing Funding for Community Dialogues in the City of Austin WHEREAS, the City Charter outlines that the Austin Human Rights Commission shall “initiate and facilitate discussions and negotiations between individuals and groups to lessen tensions and improve understanding in the community”; and, WHEREAS, the City Charter also outlines that the Austin Human Rights Commission shall, “institute and conduct educational programs to promote equal treatment, opportunity and understanding”; and, WHEREAS, the City Charter further outlines that the Austin Human Rights Commission shall “sponsor meetings, institutes, forums, and courses of instruction to lead to a clearer understanding and solution of human relations problems”; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Charter, the Human Rights Commission formed a working group, the Intergroup Relations Working Group, for these purposes on January 27, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the working group shall propose that a series of up to 8 community dialogue sessions which will provide training, resources, and opportunities to bridge divides around topics related to immigration- based and other kinds of discrimination; and, WHEREAS, these dialogues have the potential to incur costs related to venue, travel, supplies, snacks, printing, and other preparatory materials. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $7,500 from the FY25 budget to aid in hosting up to 8 community dialogue sessions that promote greater understanding among members of our community who face discrimination related to immigration and other marginalized identities.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX - agenda item number): Budget Recommendation Providing Funding for Printing and Distribution of "Know Your Rights" Red Cards at Austin Public Library Sites WHEREAS, the City Charter outlines that the Austin Human Rights Commission shall “initiate and facilitate discussions and negotiations between individuals and groups to lessen tensions and improve understanding in the community”; and, WHEREAS, the City Charter also outlines that the Austin Human Rights Commission shall “institute and conduct educational programs to promote equal treatment, opportunity and understanding”; and, WHEREAS, public libraries serve as trusted and accessible community spaces where residents can receive critical information about their rights, particularly those related to immigration, law enforcement interactions, and workplace protections; and, WHEREAS, organizations such as the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and other advocacy groups have developed "Know Your Rights" red cards to help individuals understand their constitutional rights in various situations, including interactions with law enforcement and immigration officials; and, WHEREAS, ensuring that all Austin Public Library locations have printed "Know Your Rights" red cards available in multiple languages will empower community members with important legal information and contribute to greater public awareness and safety; and, WHEREAS, the costs associated with printing and distributing these materials include design, translation, printing, and distribution across all Austin Public Library branches. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $25,000 from the FY25 budget to the Austin Public Library for the printing and distribution of "Know Your Rights" red cards at all library locations, ensuring that critical legal information is accessible to all community members. Date of Approval: ___________________________ Record of the vote: __________________________ Attest: _____________
Budget Proposal for Improving the Accuracy and Effectiveness of the Austin Point-In-Time (PIT) Count 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. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends the City Council allocate $750,000 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 – $250,000 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 – $200,000 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 – $150,000 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 snapshot. 4. Specialized Focus on Uncounted Populations – $150,000 a. Expand PIT Count efforts beyond traditional methods to capture harder-to-reach b. Individuals in informal housing situations (couch-surfing, motels, car-living, etc.). c. Youth and LGBTQ+ unhoused …
Danielle & Gabriella Budget Proposal for Supporting Supplies to Enhance Immigrant Student Protections and Rights WHEREAS, Recent tragic events, such as the suicide of Jocelynn Rojo-Carranza, an 11-year- old girl who faced bullying due to her family’s immigration status, highlight the severe and devastating impacts of immigration-related discrimination and the lack of adequate protections within schools; WHEREAS, Reports from immigrant families in Austin indicate that increased raids and threats of deportation have created a climate of fear, deterring families from seeking assistance, accessing education, or reporting incidents of violence or harassment for fear of being separated; WHEREAS, Immigrants in Austin, including students, face systemic challenges, including bullying, harassment, and an overall lack of understanding about their rights and protections; WHEREAS, The City of Austin has a responsibility to ensure that all residents, irrespective of immigration status, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive and that our schools provide a safe environment where all children can learn without fear of discrimination or retaliation; WHEREAS, Inaccurate and inaccessible information about immigration laws and rights continues to be a barrier for many immigrants and their families, exacerbating their vulnerability, contributing to mistrust of local institutions, and threatening their constitutional due process rights. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends that the City Council allocate $500,000 in funding to support supplies and materials necessary for the implementation of immigrant student protections, rights education, and family support services. This funding will ensure: 1. Printing and Distribution of Know Your Rights Materials - $150,000 a. Production of multilingual Know Your Rights guides tailored for students, families, and educators. b. Distribution of materials across all public schools, libraries, and community centers across the city in coordination with Austin ISD (including Red Know Your Rights cards and Texas Immigration Law Council From Scared to Prepared one- pagers). c. Development of digital and print resources for easy access through the City of Austin website and social media channels. 2. Development of Educational Toolkits for Schools - $120,000 a. Creation of classroom toolkits that include lesson plans, training materials, and engagement resources on immigration rights and protections in partnership with Austin ISD. b. Partnership with local organizations to provide instructional materials for educators to integrate immigration awareness into school curricula. c. Training sessions for school staff on responding to immigration-related concerns and ensuring a safe environment for all …
Budget Proposal for a High School to Technical/Trade School to City Workforce Pipeline Program WHEREAS, The City of Austin has implemented programs like the Austin Youth Development (AYD) Program, which provides youth development services focusing on personal development and employability skills for youth aged 17-22, including educational and developmental activities within a year-long City work experience. WHEREAS, The Economic Development Department’s Workforce Development Program manages multiple, multiyear service delivery contracts with local nonprofit organizations to provide free or low-cost workforce training to individuals pursuing self-sustaining employment. WHEREAS, The Austin Chamber of Commerce supports funding for student success and programs that enhance workforce training, including a high school internship program with Austin ISD. WHEREAS, This initiative directly supports the mission of the Austin Human Rights Commission by promoting equal employment opportunities and reducing systemic barriers to workforce access for historically marginalized communities. WHEREAS, Despite these initiatives, there remains a need for a structured pipeline that directly connects high school students to technical/trade schools and subsequently to employment within City of Austin departments, addressing both workforce needs and providing clear career paths for students. WHEREAS, Other cities have successfully implemented similar programs. For instance: ● Philadelphia introduced a program that gives job priority to students in trade schools, leading to successful hires within city departments. ● New Orleans established the New Orleans Career Center (NOCC), offering career and technical education to high school students, providing training and certifications in fields such as building trades, culinary arts, digital media, and healthcare. ● Chicago’s City Colleges launched the College to Careers program, partnering with industry leaders to align curricula with workforce needs, effectively creating a pipeline from education to employment in high-demand sectors. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin recommends that the City Council allocate $2.5 million to establish a High School to Technical/Trade School to City Workforce Pipeline Program to: 1. Create Paid Apprenticeships & Pre-Apprenticeship Programs – $1,000,000 a. Establish paid internships and apprenticeships within city departments for high school juniors and seniors interested in skilled trades. b. Provide summer pre-apprenticeship programs for students exploring public works, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, cybersecurity, transportation, emergency services, and other high-demand fields. c. Offer stipends and tuition assistance for students enrolling in trade schools and certification programs at Austin Community College and local technical institutions. 2. Expand Dual Credit & Trade School Partnerships – $750,000 a. Partner with …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20240326-XXX: Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that maps out a vision of Austin as a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all1; and WHEREAS, a City of Austin report identified that many non-English-speaking residents abstain from engaging in the community due to language barriers and the associated challenges with communicating2; and WHEREAS, a recent audit found the city is not adequately meeting the goals of the policy, established in 2014 to provide translation and interpretation services, intended to give people equitable access to programs and information, leaving people to try to navigate these systems alone3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, a recent experience by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, while working to get live interpretation for a commissioner, highlighted concerns about the current funding practice(s) of language accessibility for Boards and Commissions to get these services in a timely fashion, as well as the support process for Commissioners with Limited English Proficiency who require live interpretation services during the application process, onboarding, training, and meetings; and WHEREAS, both the work of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs and the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission were both recently impacted, attempting to obtain these services for active commissioners. Even after services were initially provided, there were inconsistencies in the provision of these services; and 1 City Embarks on Community-Wide Effort to Update Imagine Austin | AustinTexas.gov 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=367457 3 Austin is not doing enough to communicate with non-English speakers, audit finds | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/language-access-policy WHEREAS, in the few instances when interpretation services were provided for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, the IT support provided when meeting at City Hall was transferred to the staff liaison, which delayed meetings and created a hardship on the staff liaison; and WHEREAS, the current funding practice for covering translation and interpretation services for Boards and Commissions was identified not sustainable. No department supporting Boards and Commissions allocates specific funds …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20240212XXX: Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that maps out a vision of Austin as a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all1; and WHEREAS, a City of Austin report identified that many non-English-speaking residents abstain from engaging in the community due to language barriers and the associated challenges with communicating2; and WHEREAS, a recent audit found the city is not adequately meeting the goals of the policy, established in 2014 to provide translation and interpretation services, intended to give people equitable access to programs and information, leaving people to try to navigate these systems alone3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs (CoIA) most recent experience raised concerns about the current funding practice for language accessibility for Boards and Commissions, as well as the support process for Commissioners with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) who required live interpretation services during onboarding, training, and meetings; and WHEREAS, The CoIA had delays in the onboarding and training of an LEP Commissioner, while these services were ultimately provided, there was some confusion among regarding which department or office was responsible for delivering the translation and interpretation services, resulting in delays in fulfilling the request; and WHEREAS, the current funding practice for covering translation and interpretation services for Boards and Commissions was identified not sustainable. No department supporting Boards and Commissions allocates 1 City Embarks on Community-Wide Effort to Update Imagine Austin | AustinTexas.gov 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=367457 3 Austin is not doing enough to communicate with non-English speakers, audit finds | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/language-access-policy specific funds in the fiscal budget for these interpretation and translation services for Commissioners who need them; and WHEREAS, without a proactive funding system, resources are often diverted from other essential services and programs when a need arises. A sustainable funding plan is necessary; and WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs (CoIA) additionally encountered inconsistencies in the support process of an LEP Commissioner, …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20240312-009: Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that maps out a vision of Austin as a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all1; and WHEREAS, a City of Austin report identified that many non-English-speaking residents abstain from engaging in the community due to language barriers and the associated challenges with communicating2; and WHEREAS, a recent audit found the city is not adequately meeting the goals of the policy, established in 2014 to provide translation and interpretation services, intended to give people equitable access to programs and information, leaving people to try to navigate these systems alone3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, a recent experience by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, while working to get live interpretation for a commissioner, highlighted concerns about the current funding practice(s) of language accessibility for Boards and Commissions to get these services in a timely fashion, as well as the support process for Commissioners with Limited English Proficiency who require live interpretation services during the application process, onboarding, training, and meetings; and WHEREAS, both the work of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs and the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission were both recently impacted, attempting to obtain these services for active commissioners. Even after services were initially provided, there were inconsistencies in the provision of these services; and WHEREAS, although the City of Austin’s language access program complies with Executive Order 13166 and other relevant regulations, City staff informed the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Chair that the 1 City Embarks on Community-Wide Effort to Update Imagine Austin | AustinTexas.gov 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=367457 3 Austin is not doing enough to communicate with non-English speakers, audit finds | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/language-access-policy Administrative Bulletin on Language Access does not apply to Boards and Commissions, which appears to be inconsistent under "Applicability,” • "This administrative bulletin shall apply to all City of Austin departments, contractors, affiliates, and volunteers providing direct services, indirect services, and information …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 2025XXXX-XXX Date: XXX, 2025 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee 2025-26 Budget Recommendations (Natural Systems) Motioned By: Seconded By: Description of Recommendation to Council 1. Public Tree Inventory: Urban forests serve as carbon sinks that promote climate mitigation efforts, but the city does not have a comprehensive tree inventory that would allow for effective urban forest planning and maintenance. Developing and maintaining a robust catalog of existing trees is a necessary first step to ensuring the city can maintain the health of the overall tree ecosystem, and also supports the increase of our overall tree canopy to the 50% goal outlined in the Climate Equity Plan. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $10,000,000 be allocated to fully fund a comprehensive public tree inventory across all City-owned properties as directed by Council resolution 20240418-051. This data will enable the city’s Urban Forester to implement a comprehensive urban forest management plan including robust tree planting and replacement efforts. Methods should follow national best practices and involve collaboration with relevant partners. Data should be stored for easy access and sharing across departments. 2. Green Workforce Program Expansion: Equitable access to green jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities is an overarching strategy of the Climate Equity Plan. Green workforce programs like the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps build more equitable pathways to employment and strengthen support networks for those most impacted by climate change. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $4,000,000 per year be allocated to permanently fund the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps. This funding would be used to support and expand the following tracks: ○ Natural Systems (protecting critical ecosystems on City land, green infrastructure development, wildfire mitigation, enhancing the City’s trail network) ○ Clean Energy (solar for all, energy efficiency, demand response, batteries) ○ Environmental Education ○ Zero Waste (expand beyond computer refurbishment) 3. Natural Land Restoration and Wildfire Prevention: Most city parkland natural areas have not been managed for ecosystem health and are thus degraded. Threatened by heat, drought, disease, and wildfire, they present safety risks to both park users and neighbors. In 2023, City Council approved the Parks and Recreation Department’s Land Management Plan, created to guide the restoration of natural areas to improve climate resilience and reduce wildfire risk. The program currently has a budget of $828,000 and four FTEs to oversee the 10,300 acres under city management. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends fully funding this program at an estimated …
DRAFT Joint Sustainability Committee Transportation & Land Use Budget Recommendations Transportation Electrification Recommendation Transportation Electrification Goal 2 of Austin Climate Equity Plan (ACEP) aims for 40% of vehicle miles traveled be supported by a mix of charging infrastructure by 2030. Based on ACEP Implementation Dashboard, as of 2023, Austin is behind on this goal, necessitating additional assistance to accelerate EV charging and adoption. The City of Austin will complete an assessment of city facilities to identify installation of charging stations, focusing on fleet, workplace, and public needs. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $120,000 be allocated for a full-time Program Manager position within the Capital Delivery Services or Office of Climate Action and Resilience, to facilitate the acceleration of installing the identified charging stations to accelerate EV adoption and to identify and manage funds for the installations. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funds should be prioritized rather than operating budgets in order to be rolled over multiple years and be tied to city-owned assets. Also, the Project Manager should prioritize charging stations benefiting low-income and marginalized communities, heavy- duty diesel vehicle electrification, and city buildings near small businesses to boost the local economy. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $1,000,000 be allocated for the installation of priority charging stations identified as part of the COA assessment, to help the acceleration of EV adoption. Cool Corridor Pilot Projects The lived realities of increasing extreme heat in Austin demand greater investment in mitigating heat through the development of “cool corridors.” Cool corridors are high-transit areas that provide relief from extreme heat via a suite of green infrastructure and cooling amenities, including shade structures, water fountains, drought-tolerant trees, and other vegetation and plantings. Cool corridors offer multiple benefits, including improved air and water quality, reduced heat island impacts and tree canopy disparities, increased walkability, bikeability, and transit ridership, neighborhood greening and beautification, and improved health outcomes and quality of life. Creating cool corridors serves ACEP Transportation and Land Use Goal 3, "50% of trips in Austin are made using public transit, biking, walking, carpooling, or avoided altogether by working from home" through strategies 3 (enhance transit stops and stations), 4 (prioritize bicycle networks), and 6 (improve sidewalks, urban trails, and crossings). Cool corridors also support the ACEP Natural Systems Goal 3, “Achieve at least 50% citywide tree canopy cover by 2050, focusing on increasing canopy cover equitably.” Additional funding is needed to implement cool …
Joint Sustainability Committee Cross-Sector DRAFT FY 2025/2026 Budget Recommendations 1. Execution of the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program: The Office of Climate Action and Resilience needs additional staff to execute the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program, directed by Council Resolution 20240718-093. Staff are needed to track progress, identify gaps, coordinate and assist other departments with projects, and lead on some projects that fall to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience (OCAR). Some current OCAR staff are temporary and this work will be ongoing. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends $90,000 for a Climate Implementation Program Project Coordinator in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience. 2. Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives: The City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of the Climate Equity Plan. However, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households. A part of the challenge is awareness. The city should host a user-friendly website that consolidates information on all sustainability incentives offered by the City of Austin (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, water conserving landscaping, waste reduction, transportation electrification, public transit and green infrastructure programs), as well as state and federal incentives that align with the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan and other city sustainability plans. Additional community outreach by the city and trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs. A Community Engagement Program Manager is needed in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting sustainability incentives, with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. This employee would manage grants, contracts and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Climate Action and Resilience. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $270,000 be allocated to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience for the following: ○ $110,000 for a Community Engagement Program Manager ○ $60,000 for 20 climate ambassadors to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs, under the direction of the Office of Sustainability. ○ $100,000 for grants for community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. 3. Austin Civilian Conservation Corps: Equitable access to green jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities is an overarching strategy …
Austin Core Transportation (ACT) Plan Small Area Mobility Plan of the ASMP: Downtown Austin Joint Sustainability Committee – March 26, 2025 Agenda • ACT Plan Purpose and Background • Planning Process • ACT Plan Project Recommendations • Implementation Plan • Next Steps 2 ACT Plan Purpose • The ACT Plan is a Small Area Mobility Plan covering Downtown Austin and will be adopted by Council as an attachment to the ASMP. • It is an update to previous transportation focused efforts Downtown – dating back to 2000 • Why are we updating the transportation plan for Downtown? • changes in transit and bicycle planning, • changes in highway improvements serving Downtown, • changes in national best practices on urban street design, and • disruptions to traditional mobility • The ACT Plan will create a unified vision for transportation Downtown and align the many projects and initiatives under one actionable plan to help accomplish the goals in the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan. 3 Background • Great Streets Master Plan, 2001 • The goal of the Great Streets program is to pursue the vision of streets for people • Downtown Access and Mobility Plan, 2002 • The emphasis of the access and mobility study was on modeling and simulating intersection traffic operations and determining existing and future levels-of- service and operational needs • Downtown Transportation Framework, 2008 • The Downtown Transportation Framework Plan builds on the Great Streets Master Plan, further developing the system of “priority streets by mode”, and developing more detailed streetscape cross sections of all of the different street types and variations • Downtown Austin Plan, 2011 • Established the vision to develop a multimodal transportation system that improves access to and mobility within Downtown 2001 2002 2008 2011 4 Background • New policy • The Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) aspires to achieve a 50/50 mode share where 50% of commuters use means other than driving alone to get to work in 2039 • Transit planning • The Project Connect Long Term Vision Plan established a High-Capacity Transit System and was adopted as an element of the ASMP – an initial investment was funded in 2020 2019 • Managing demand • Transportation Demand Management programming, parking policy, and curb management are becoming critical strategies to manage congestion • New street design • The Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative shows how to reimagine the allocation of space • Many …
Austin Core Transportation (ACT) Plan Phase 1 & 2 Engagement Summary August–October 2022 | November 2022–March 2023 1. "What is the ACT Plan" informational brochure 2. Phase I Feedback Summary 3. Phase I Engagement Report 4. Phase 2 Feedback Summary 5. City Council Mobility Committee May 11, 2023 Presentation WHAT IS THE AUSTIN CORE TRANSPORTATION (ACT) PLAN? The ACT Plan is studying mobility options into, out of, through and within Downtown Austin. With Project Connect transit plans and the I-35 Capital Express Central rebuild project bringing significant change to the area, it is important to reexamine the form and function of the street network to interact with those changes and meet future needs and modes of transportation. WHAT WILL ACT DO? The ACT Plan will produce a list of projects and a vision for how Downtown Austin streets should operate. These projects will work within our real-world constraints, providing safe and efficient mobility enhancements. Whether people are delivering food, commuting to work, enjoying entertainment or appreciating our public spaces, the ACT Plan seeks to make accomplishing those tasks easier. WHAT WILL ACT DO? Austin Transportation Department wants to hear from all stakeholders and travelers to downtown Austin. Comments are best provided through online surveys, emailing the team or attending community meetings. Scan here for more info AustinTexas.gov/ACTplan ACTplan@AustinTexas.gov @AustinMobility /ATXtransportation 512-974-23OO ¿QUÉ ES EL PLAN DEL CASCO CENTRAL DE AUSTIN (ACT)? El Plan ACT está estudiando opciones de movilidad hacia, desde, a través y dentro del centro de Austin. Con los planes de tránsito del Proyecto Connect y el proyecto de reconstrucción de la I-35 Capital Express Central trayendo cambios significativos al área, es importante reexaminar la forma y función de la red de calles para interactuar con esos cambios y satisfacer las necesidades futuras y los modos de transporte. ¿QUÉ HARÁ ACT? El Plan ACT producirá una lista de proyectos y una visión de cómo deberían operar las calles del Centro de Austin. Estos proyectos funcionarán dentro de nuestras limitaciones del mundo real, brindando mejoras de movilidad seguras y eficientes. Ya sea que las personas estén entregando alimentos, yendo al trabajo, disfrutando del entretenimiento o apreciando nuestros espacios públicos, el Plan ACT busca facilitar el cumplimiento de esas tareas. ¿CÓMO PUEDO PARTICIPAR EN ACT? El Departamento de Transporte de Austin quiere escuchar a todas las partes interesadas y viajeros al centro de Austin. Puede enviar comentarios a través de …
Joint Sustainability Committee Sustainable Buildings Working Group DRAFT FY 2025/2026 Budget Recommendations 1. Water Leak Detection and Repair Programs: In 2023, Austin Water loss was 8,678,000,000 gallons of water which equates to 21.68 gallons per capita per day of water loss. This waste also results in unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions from the energy needed to pump and treat the water. Austin Water’s current budget includes $2 million/year for leak detection and $6 million for repairs, but water waste would be reduced faster with an increased budget. An additional staff person would be needed to help manage the additional work. The Joint Sustainability Committee Recommends that the Austin Water water leak detection budget be increased to $3 million/year and the repair budget be increased to $7 million/year, including the addition of one full time staff position to manage the increased work. 2. Residential and Commercial Landscape Conversion Rebates for Water Conservation: During summer months, the use of water dramatically increases, mainly due to the watering of landscapes. Turf areas in particular require the most water per square foot in any landscape. While ordinances for new construction can help reduce the amount of turf areas, existing properties don’t have requirements to adapt their landscapes to conserve water. Reducing the amount of turf grass that requires a lot of water to survive will help conserve water and reduce energy use needed for pumping and treatment. Austin Water should offer more substantial and accessible rebates for landscape conversions. Currently, Austin Water offers a landscape conversion rebate of $100 per 100 square feet, up to a maximum rebate of $3000. Most conversions will be smaller areas and thus, the currently offered rebate amounts don’t incentivize many customers to implement landscape conversions. In 2023, only 19 rebate applications were submitted to Austin Water. Austin Water should implement a tiered rebate structure that offers more rebate money for smaller areas of landscape conversion for residential properties and should substantially increase the maximum rebate offered. As suggested by the Get Fertilizer Wiser campaign, there should also be incentives that are more easily accessible to individuals who may not need to fully remove turf grass in order to reduce or eliminate watering. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends increasing Austin Water’s Landscaping Conversion budget from $40,000/year to $150,000/year. 3. Establish Sustainability Revolving Fund to Reduce GHG Emissions, Starting with Rooftop Solar and Refrigerant Leakage Mitigation: Revolving funds are an effective …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025031202: Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and for Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Equity Office provides leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for all Austinites by working across City departments and with major institutions, non-profits, and grassroots organizations to advance racial equity; and WHEREAS, the inaugural Equity Mini Grant Fund was established in 2018 in response to Ordinance 20170913-001, which directed the Equity Office, to develop a funding framework for quality-of-life initiatives by allocating $75,000 to the Equity Mini Grant Fund; and WHEREAS, the Equity Office successfully implemented a more approachable and accessible granting framework, awarding the first round of grants in April 2018, and has since expanded its grant programs, including the Reentry Services Grant, which supports organizations transforming outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals through The Hub Award ($200,000 for 501(c)(3) non-profits providing wrap- around services) and The Spoke Award ($50,000 for direct service providers); and WHEREAS, additional funding opportunities, such as the Reimagining Public Safety Grants and potential future grants focused on immigrant and refugee support, underscore the City’s commitment to addressing systemic inequities through community-driven solutions; and WHEREAS, the Equity Mini Grant Fund has played a critical role in supporting grassroots and volunteer- led efforts addressing significant challenges, including COVID-19 recovery, public safety, homelessness response, and immigrant inclusion, demonstrating its value as a flexible and responsive funding mechanism; and WHEREAS, the FY25 Equity Mini Grant Fund prioritizes support for grassroots efforts organizing community-centered solutions in the areas of immigrant inclusion, solidarity with unhoused people, and anti-displacement/displacement prevention, recognizing these as urgent and critical equity issues in Austin; and WHEREAS, since the inception in 2018, the Equity Mini Grant Fund has supported 87 organizations with a total of $1,495,000 in funding, growing from an initial $75,000 in total grants to $450,000 in FY24-25; however despite this growth, the fund remains insufficient to fully address the scale and scope of community needs; increasing the fund to $600,000 would enable great investment in grassroots initiatives working to address systemic inequities; and WHEREAS, an expansion of the Equity Mini Grant Fund would provide additional unrestricted funding at various award levels ($10,000, $20,000, and $30,000), enabling a broader and deeper investment in community-driven initiatives that address disparities and uplift historically marginalized communities; THEREFORE, …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025031203: Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability WHEREAS, affordability continues to be one of the most common issues expressed by residents. The Family Stabilization Program offers more flexible access to housing support, accords more choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and offers more efficient and cost-effective housing; and WHEREAS, at the Community Voices & Choices: Joint Inclusion Committee FY26 Budget Input Sessions, several residents expressed support again for the ongoing funding of this program; and WHEREAS, according to findings from the Urban Institute’s report titled Evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, it can be very difficult for cities like Austin to meet their residents’ needs through subsidized house programs, as federal housing programs have limited reach and limited funding; and WHEREAS, even Austin residents that are lucky enough to receive federal housing assistance continue to struggle with housing issues, and about 40% of households nationally that receive a voucher never successfully lease a unit; and WHEREAS, in Austin, most voucher holders were only able to move to less desirable housing on the outskirts of the city, which may cause additional burdens like poor transportation options, limited access to healthy foods, limited access to medical care, and employment and caregiving challenges. WHEREAS, other forms of housing assistance provide specific housing units; however, this comes with its own problems. Residents have limited options, if any. Buildings are only required to keep their rents affordable for a certain period of time, and then they can increase rent, these units are set up to be affordable based on the area median income (AMI), and they do not provide the deep affordability that residents need; and WHEREAS, according to the report, Austin’s local affordable housing inventory lists six times the number of units with rents set to be affordable at 80 percent of AMI as units with rents set to be affordable at 30 percent of AMI, Additionally, these units offer set rental prices, and the person is still responsible for paying the full rent even if they experience job insecurity; and WHEREAS, according to findings from the Urban Institute’s report titled Evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, participants reported spending, on average, more than 50% of their pilot cash to cover housing costs, and the average share participants spent on housing was more than twice as much spending in any other …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025031201: Development of the Immigrant Affairs Office WHEREAS, the City of Austin values inclusivity and recognizes the immense economic, social, and cultural contributions that people of all national origins and immigration statuses have made to this country1; and WHEREAS, the City Council declared Austin a Welcoming City through Resolution No. 20140320-049 to demonstrate that the City strives to include and support immigrants in all aspects of our city; and WHEREAS, we continue to hear appreciation for the creation of the Immigrant Affairs position, along with recognition that the scope of work required is too vast for one person to manage alone; and WHEREAS, the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office would ensure that the needs of Austin's immigrant community are recognized, supported, and effectively addressed, which would allow for stronger community engagement, more responsive services, as well as better coordination across city departments to close existing gaps; and WHEREAS, a comprehensive budget plan focused on expanding staff, services, and infrastructures will promote the immigrant community’s economic mobility, human services (health care/food/legal services), education, and civic participation; and WHEREAS, ensuring immigrant inclusivity will build stronger educated communities that can contribute to economic growth, creative potential, and innovation throughout Austin and its society; and WHEREAS, in Austin, more than 18% of the population are foreign-born2; and WHEREAS, Austin’s immigrant population comes from over 120 different countries3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, more than 85 languages are spoken throughout the City, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, According to “Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX,” a report on the state of immigrant affairs at the City states that Austin has made consistent improvements and has scored highly in areas such as Government Leadership, Community Collaboration, and Legal Support; the same report also highlights areas where the City falls short in achieving a “Government That Works for All,” identifying key gaps in Civic Participation, Livability, and Job Opportunities5; and WHEREAS, research indicates that immigrant integration policies lead to favorable outcomes for both native and foreign-born residents of a city5; and 1 CITY OF AUSTIN 2025 Federal Legislative Agenda 119th Congress 2 https://www.census.gov 3 Austin Population Change and Demographic Trends 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX Report WHEREAS, the report …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-XXX Date: February xx, 2025 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Sustainable Purchasing: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 2 says “By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions from institutional, commercial, and government purchasing are reduced by at least 50%.“ Strategy 2 to achieve that goal is “Strengthen the City’s sustainable purchasing program.” Recent analysis by the Office of Sustainability shows that over 80% of the City of Austin’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the products and services that the city purchases. It is essential that the City establish a comprehensive Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products and services the City procures, and the City must prioritize ongoing staff support to educate all departments on sustainable purchasing and ensure that purchasing decisions comply with the Sustainable Purchasing Plan. This work is also foundational for achieving Climate Equity Plan goals for private sector sustainable purchasing in the Austin Community. Current staff in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience and the Purchasing Department have been making efforts to accomplish this goal while also doing their other work, but the volume of work needed is beyond what existing staff have capacity for. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $110,000 be allocated to adding a full-time Sustainable Purchasing Program Manager position to the Purchasing Department. Pro-Climate/Pro-Health Food Implementation: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 1 says: “By 2030, ensure all Austinites can access a food system that is community- driven, addresses food insecurity, prioritizes regenerative agriculture, supports dietary and health agency, promotes plant-based foods, and minimizes food waste.” The Austin/Travis County Food Plan includes “Goal 8: Pro-climate, Pro-health Raise awareness of the benefits of foods that nourish our bodies and reduce the overall environmental impact of our food system while addressing barriers to access.” A key need for the plan is for community education and outreach. Partners have developed some materials but there is no budget for community outreach to share information and opportunities. The JSC recommends that $75,000 be allocated to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience for community outreach and education on benefits and opportunities to eat more pro-climate/pro-health foods. Circular economy and waste diversion programs: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 3 says : “Aggressively …
