DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, May 19, 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 6:05 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Nkiru Gelles Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula Saira Khan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on April 28, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 04/28/2025 were approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Carroll, Howard, Ladner, and McKinney were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of the update to the Urban Design Guidelines. Sponsors: Commissioners Carroll, Howard, and Wittstruck. 1 Presentation was made by Commissioner Wittstruck. 3. Discussion on conducting an analysis of the Design Commission's recommendations and the final approved Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years. The item was discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and action to select Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years to conduct analysis on the Design Commission's recommendation and the final approved project. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. The motion to select the Downtown Density Bonus Program Project Marriott at Cesar Chavez to conduct analysis on the Design Commission's recommendation and the final approved project was approved on Vice Chair Meiners' motion, Commissioner Murkes’ second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Carroll, Howard, Ladner, and McKinney were absent. The motion to select the Downtown Density Bonus Program Project 17th and Guadalupe Apartments the Design Commission's recommendation and the final approved project was approved on Commissioner Gelles’ motion, Vice Chair Meniers’ second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Carroll, Howard, Ladner, and McKinney were absent. to conduct analysis on 5. Select a representative for the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board per City Code §2- 1-172. No action was taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Salinas adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m. without objection. 2
N I T S U A F O Y T I C Bird-Friendly Design Resolution Progress and Process Briefing W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Introductions Watershed Protection Department – Environmental Policy • Leslie Lilly • Matt Hollon • Sean Watson • Elizabeth Funk Austin Energy - Austin Energy Green Building • Garrett Jaynes Photo by David Mintz Development Services Department – Building Plans • Farhana Biswas Planning Department – Development • Jordan Feldman Building Services Department – City Architect • Kit Johnson Photo by Arenal Observatory Lodge N I T S U A F O Y T I C W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Agenda 3 N I T S U A F O Y T I C Photo by Richard Granado W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T • The problem • History of Austin’s response • The solution • Objectives and deliverables • Case studies and successes • Questions 4 T h e P r o b l e m Bird Collisions Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. In daytime, they focus on reflected spaces and transmitted spaces. Bird collisions have both local relevance and enormous impact. In nighttime, they focus on artificial sources of light. Austin is a city of 1,025,668 people in the Central Flyway. Birds fly to these confusing features, without seeing the glass barriers. The collision is deadly. An estimated 1 billion birds die every year. W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T N I T S U A F O Y T I C 5 T h e P r o b l e m Bird Collisions N I T S U A F O Y T I C • Affects birds in day hours. • Affects birds at night. • Any bird in an area is impacted (local and migratory) • Motivates collisions with perceived habitat or …
RESOLUTION NO. 20241121-073 WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity as a key part of its climate resilience and sustainability initiatives; and WHEREAS, Texas is recognized nationally and internationally for its important migration corridors for birds, with approximately one of every three birds migrating through the U.S. in the spring, and one of every four birds migrating through the U.S. in the fall, or nearly two billion birds, passing through every year; and WHEREAS, tourism generated from bird-watching brings more than $1.8 billion into the state’s economy annually; and WHEREAS, bird populations face significant threats from collisions with buildings, particularly due to glass structures and night lighting, which result in one billion bird fatalities every year from collisions with manmade structures in the United States; and WHEREAS, Audubon Texas initiated the Lights Out, Texas! campaign of education, awareness, and action that focuses on protecting the billions of migratory birds traveling through Texas; and WHEREAS, Resolution No. 20210902-050 previously directed the City Manager to initiate a program to turn off non-essential lighting in City buildings where feasible during peak fall and spring bird migration periods; and WHEREAS, Audubon Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department created the Bird City Texas campaign to promote science-based bird conservation initiatives and community-centric action; and Page 1 of 4 WHEREAS, the City of Austin became a Bird City in 2023; and WHEREAS, the Travis Audubon Society has been a leading conservation organization in Travis County since 1952, and in 2024, they contracted with bird- friendly design expert Heidi Trudell to present a report on bird friendly building design to the South-Central Waterfront Commission, Design Commission and Environmental Commission; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in partnership with the American Bird Conservancy, DarkSky International, and Yale University has developed Bird-Friendly Building Toolkits that provide strategies and guidelines for designing and retrofitting low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise buildings to reduce bird collisions through the use of bird-friendly materials, lighting strategies, landscaping, and architectural designs; and WHEREAS, cities across the United States, including New York, Madison, San Francisco and twenty-three other cities, have successfully adopted bird- friendly building standards, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of such measures; and WHEREAS, the integration ofbird-friendly building design supports Austin's existing efforts to protect wildlife habitats, promote urban biodiversity and sustainable development practices and provides an opportunity to lead by example in environmental stewardship; …
urban design guidelines for Austin City of Austin (cid:37)(cid:38)(cid:52)(cid:42)(cid:40)(cid:47)(cid:1)(cid:36)(cid:48)(cid:46)(cid:46)(cid:42)(cid:52)(cid:52)(cid:42)(cid:48)(cid:47) January 2009 (cid:1)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:67)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:34)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:42) (cid:42)(cid:42)(cid:1)(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:67)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:34)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:79) urban design guidelines for Austin Austin City Council, 2008-09 (cid:46)(cid:66)(cid:90)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:56)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:56)(cid:90)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:1) (cid:46)(cid:66)(cid:90)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:49)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:1)(cid:53)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:1)(cid:35)(cid:83)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:68)(cid:36)(cid:83)(cid:66)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:1) (cid:36)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:45)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:45)(cid:70)(cid:243)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:77)(cid:77)(cid:1) (cid:36)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:74)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:91) (cid:36)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:51)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:74)(cid:1)(cid:52)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:1) (cid:36)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:45)(cid:66)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:66)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:1) (cid:36)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:52)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:36)(cid:80)(cid:77)(cid:70) Austin Design Commission (cid:51)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:56)(cid:70)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:84)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:36)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:74)(cid:83) Juan Cotera Joan Hyde (cid:38)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:68)(cid:44)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:90) (cid:43)(cid:66)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:52)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:70)(cid:73) (cid:35)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:1)(cid:56)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:85)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:90) (cid:43)(cid:70)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:56)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:79) City Staff (cid:38)(cid:83)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:1)(cid:45)(cid:70)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:47)(cid:70)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:73)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:49)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:59)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72) (cid:43)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:38)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:51)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:84)(cid:70)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:47)(cid:70)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:73)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:49)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:59)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:1) The material contained in the Urban Design Guidelines was developed by the members of the City of Austin Design Commission and represents their best effort to illustrate clearly the subject of this report. The City of Austin, the Austin City Council and city employees are not responsible for any errors or inconsistencies contained in this report. Original layout and photographs by Paul Lutey, City of Austin PECSD unless noted otherwise. Cover photo by Jorge E. Rousselin (cid:1)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:67)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:74)(cid:72)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:74)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:34)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:42)(cid:42)(cid:42) (cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:77)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:88)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:84)(cid:1) On November 6, 1997, the Austin City Council by Resolution 971106-23 requested the Design Commission to develop design guidelines for downtown. For complete resolution, please see Page 79. On May 18, 2000, the Austin City Council adopted, by Resolution 000518-92, the Downtown Austin Design Guidelines “as recommendations for all down- town development and redevelopment projects by both the public and private sector.” On June 12, 2003, the Austin City Council adopted, by Ordinance 030612-93, amend- ments to Chapters 15-12 and 25-12 of the City Code relating to the use and development of property zoned Central Business District and Downtown Mixed Use. February 2008 Austin Design Commission issues a revised version of the Downtown Design Guidelines, renamed, "Urban Design Guidelines for Austin." The Design Commission would like to acknowledge all of the citizens who have served on the Commission during the drafting of the Downtown Design Guidelines and the Urban Design Guidelines: Rebecca Allmon Milosav Cekic Calvin Chen Rob Dickson Edgar Farrera Paula Fracasso Kathleen Finley Clovis B. Heimsath, Buster V. Hoffmeister Holly Kincannon Girard Kinney Perry Lorenz Jana McCann Gloria McCray Robert Mugerauer Leslie Oberholtzer John Patterson Philip Reed Janet Seibert Tom Shefelman We also would like to acknowledge and thank the City Staff Liaisons that have supported the Commission: Michael Knox Polyanne Melton Chabi Mishra George Adams Erica Leak Jorge E. 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If visually well set forth, it can also …
Urban Design Guidelines Update Template Ideas Background • What are the Urban Design Guidelines and how are they used Specific guideline Demonstrate in design documents Brush Square Background What are the Urban Design Guidelines and how are they used The current 2009 revision of the original Downtown Design Guidelines includes a global refocus of the applicability, enlarging it to include any areas in the city which, through general agreement, seek to create and shape dense development. References to downtown and boundaries and districts have generally been removed, and the name has been changed to Urban Design Guidelines of Austin. - p. 1 of the Urban Design Guidelines 25-2-586 DDBP gatekeeper requirement: 1. AEGB 2-star rating 2. Great Streets 3. Urban Design Guidelines substantial compliance 4. Community Benefits Background What are the Urban Design Guidelines and how are they used City design & sustainability standards • Referenced in two of the Council Resolutions • Design Commission uses these to evaluate municipal buildings • Sustainability standards are encapsulated in a Memo responding to Resolution 20210902-042 Background RESOLUTION NO.20210902-046 What is the Urban Design Guidelines update? • Make more applicable to projects in urban areas outside of the urban core. • Better align with policies, plans and best practice • since 2000. Incorporate infrastructure design guidelines as directed in the Council resolution. Working Groups • Buildings Streetscapes • • Open Spaces • Urban Structures Infrastructure • Background We are here Current template Other templates Other templates Template ideas Current draft: 1. Core Principles (7 total) 2. Guidelines (48 total) 3. Applicability (private projects, public projects, public infrastructure) 4. Priorities (Tier 1 and Tier 2) 5. Values (Climate & Environment, Mobility & Connectivity, Equity & Affordability, Cultural Preservation, Health Safety Welfare, Design Excellence, Adaptability & Resilience) 6. Intent 7. Conditions 8. Examples Template ideas • Core Principles (7 total) • Guidelines (48 total) Divide guidelines into sections Template ideas Concepts 1. Highly visual 2. Colorful 3. Thematic 4. Design brand Section cover page (photo of Austin with Protect elements highlighted) 2 guidelines per page 1 guideline per page
M E M 0 R A N D U M TO: Site Plan and Building Permit Case Managers FROM: Joi Harden, AICP, Zoning Officer Planning Department DATE: September 14, 2023 RE: Density Bonus for the 17th and Guadalupe project under Site Plan number (SP-2020-0128C), Address: 313 W 17th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 This memorandum grants approval to the 17th and Guadalupe project subject to the stated conditions and requirements of LDC 25-2-586 - Downtown Density Bonus Program as of the date listed above. The attachments include the requirements for the above-mentioned project to be granted the listed entitlements through the Downtown Density Bonus Program. These requirements must be fulfilled before a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is granted for this project. The following entitlements are associated only with the Project as described in the attached documents and site plan SP-2020-0128C and cannot be transferred to a different project. If an applicant proposes a different project on the same site and seeks to use a Density Bonus, the applicant must re-apply for the Downtown Density Bonus Program using the rules in effect at the time of application. The entitlements granted herein do not run with the land. This memorandum shall be attached to all site plan applications and building permit applications and the following note shall be placed in AMANDA and on the cover of all site plan applications and building permit applications: “A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be granted for this Project until all requirements specified in the memo, RE: Density Bonus Project for the 17th and Guadalupe project dated September 14, 2023, and its attachments are met.” Staff shall verify that all requirements have been met before issuing a certificate of occupancy by checking with Zack Lofton of the Zoning & Urban Design Division, Housing and Planning Department, zack.lofton@austintexas.gov or (512)974-9363. Attachments: A. Density Bonus Program Application including: a. Section diagram showing area and height bonus by parcel b. Site plan c. Building elevations with bonus area information d. 3D Views B. Great Street Plan and Approval Letter C. Design Commission Approval Letter D. Review of consistency with Urban Design Guidelines E. Affordable Housing Certification Letter F. AEGB Letter of Intent and scorecard G. Executed Restrictive Covenant Including both Great Streets and AEGB 2-star requirements Cc: Lauren Middleton-Pratt, Planning Department Joi Harden, Planning Department Jorge E. Rousselin, Planning Department Mandy DeMayo, Housing Department Erica Leak, Planning Department Brendan Kennedy, …
DOWNTOWN DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM (DDBP) SUBMITTAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS A property owner (Owner) or his/her representative (Applicant) acting on behalf of the Owner can initiate an administrative request to the Director of Planning (Director) seeking additional Floor-to-Area (FAR) entitlements as outlined in 25-2-586 Downtown Density Bonus Program. In order for the Director to conduct an administrative review, the requirements listed below must be submitted. Once an application is deemed complete, the Director will inform the Applicant of review commencement. The following submittals are required in a complete PDF package of no more than 10 Mb in size with sheets no larger than 11x17 inches: 1. Completed DDBP Application; 2. Vicinity plan/aerial locating the project in its context, and showing a minimum 9 block area around the project; 3. Location and nature of nearby transit facilities; 4. Drawings (submitted drawings should demonstrate compliance with Subchapter E Design Standards, as applicable): o Site plan; o Floor plans; o Exterior elevations (all sides); o Three-dimensional views; 5. As part of the gatekeeper requirements, submit copy of the projects signed Austin Energy Green Building Letter of Intent; and 6. Other items that may be submitted but not required: Narrative / graphics / photos to further describe the project. 7. Coordination memo acknowledgment from the City of Austin’s Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department (NHCD) detailing affordable housing community benefits. Please contact Ms. Jessi Koch at NHCD for more information. DOWNTOWN DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM (DDBP) SUBMITTAL APPLICATION 1. Project Name: 2. Property Owner Name: Address: Phone: E-mail: 3. Applicant/Authorized Agent Name: Address: Phone: E-mail: 4. Anticipated Project Address: Page 1 of 7 5. Site Information a. Lot area: b. Existing zoning (include any zoning suffixes such as “H,” “CO,” etc. If the property has a conditional overlay (CO), provide explanation of conditions (attach additional pages as necessary) : c. Existing entitlements: i) Current floor to area (FAR) limitation: ii) Current height limitation (in feet): iii) Affected by Capitol View Corridors (CVCs) Yes/No? Yes No If yes, please list specific CVC and allowable maximum height. 6. Existing Deed Restrictions If any, detail existing deed restrictions on the property that impact height and/or density: Page 2 of 2 7. Proposed Project Information a. Total square footage - Only include the square footage that counts towards FAR; see LDC 25-1-21(40), (44), and (45): b. Gross floor area devoted to the different land use categories included in the project (e.g., …
Project Case Number Project Location In Date Bonus Request (FAR) Bonus Request (Height in ft Bonused Sq. Ft. Status of Project Design Commission (Working Group Date) Date Reviewed by Design Commission Design Commission Outcome DDBP Case Tracking Aspen Heights Apartments (now Rise) SP-2013-0434C 805 Nueces Street (516 W. 8th Street) 11/1/2013 8 5th & West SP-2013-0454C 501 W. 5th Street 1/31/2014 19.7 7th & Congress (Element & Aloft Hotels) SP-2014-0068C 619 & 621 Congress Ave. (109 E. 7th Street) 5/15/2014 21.2 5th & Brazos SP-2014-0406C 501 Brazos 10/3/2014 19.7 Third and Shoal SP-2015-0346C 607 W. 3rd 4/4/2016 10.2 Waterloo Park Tower SP-2016-0106C 1201 Red River 1/25/2017 405 Colorado SP-2016-0260C 405 Colorado 7/21/2016 Marriott at Cesar Chavez SP-2016-0300C 304 E. Cesar Chavez 10/6/2016 48 East Ave Apts SP-2016-0391C 48 East Avenue 8/9/2016 15 13 15 15 1400 Lavaca (now SXSW Center) SP-2016-0452C 1400 Lavaca 10/3/2016 4.11 Town Lake Lofts SP-2017-0107C 16 N I-35 Service Dr 7/22/2016 15 700 11th St SP-2017-0166C 700 11th St 9/7/2017 10.43 6th + Guadalupe SP-2017-0301C.F1 600 Guadalupe Street 5/24/2018 Block 71 (UT System Property) SP-2017-0311C 200 W. 6th St 10/26/2017 25 25 300 Colorado SP-2018-0096C 300 Colorado Street 5/22/2018 15.71 91 Red River SP-2018-0111C 91-93 Red River Street 7/5/2018 13.12 200 430 328 420 391 371 363 381 342 171 352 344 838 555 455 326 86,840 Approved with Memo 194,854 Approved with Memo 11/25/2013 2/24/2014 Recommendation of Compliance with additional recommendations (see letter) Recommendation of Non-Compliance with list of means for compliance (see letter) 145,977 Approved with Memo 5/27/2014 Recommendation of Compliance 408,999 Approved with Memo 10/27/2014 Recommendation of Compliance 77,720 Approved with Memo 4/25/2016 Recommendation of Compliance 133,140 Approved with Memo 3/27/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 85,634 Approved with Memo 1/9/2017 4/24/2017 & 5/22/2017 Recommendation of Non-Compliance 243,677 Approved with Memo 05/22/2017 & 6/05/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 125,055 Approved with Memo 1/23/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 66,600 Approved with Memo 11/28/2016 Recommendation of Compliance 109,214 Approved with Memo 12/19/2016 Recommendation of Compliance 85,702 Approved with Memo 10/23/2017 Motion for Recommendation of Compliance failed for lack of votes 565,109 Approved with Memo 8/27/2018 Recommendation of Compliance 1,296,080 Approved with Memo 11/27/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 191,424 Approved with Memo 6/25/2018 Recommendation of Compliance 164,768 Approved with Memo 9/24/2018 Recommendation of Compliance City of Austin - Planning Zoning Department - Urban Design Division - December 2018 The Travis Ph.1 SP-2018-0159C 80 Red River Street 2/22/2019 The Travis Ph.2 SP-2018-0159C …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD JUNE 23, 2025 – 6:00 PM CITY HALL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/jep8uWysQ4 or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Stephanie Bazan (D-5), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Pedro Villalobos (D-2) CALL TO ORDER Nicole Merritt (D-3) Luai Abou-Emara (D-6) Diane Kearns-Osterweil (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Ted Eubanks (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of May 19, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Senior Programming Team. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Kelly Maltsberger, Recreation Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of a contract with Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC for the operation and management of the Zilker Café to maintain the food and beverage concession at Zilker Park. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies:). Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II and Andrew Benford, Contract Management Specialist IV, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion on the Trust for Public Land’s Austin ParkScore Rating. (Sponsors: Eubanks, Abou- Emara) STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. 6. Staff briefing on the parks security audit which was contracted by the Austin Parks Foundation and structured around the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager and Jodi Jay, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Department; Joy Casnovsky, Chief Mission Officer, …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on May 19, 2025 at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Luai Abou-Emara, Stephanie Bazan, Ted Eubanks, Kathryn Flowers, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker (Joined at 6:10 p.m.), Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt. Board Members Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Malcom Yeatts - East Riverside Oltorf Combined Contact Team Scott Johnson – Parks and Libraries Fund Scott Cobb – Lifeguard issues Ed Miller - East riverside park needs Dayna Williams - Austin Rowing Club APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 28, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of April 28, 2025 was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Kearns- Osterweil second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Nature Play program. Christine Chute Canul, Partnership Coordinator and Melody Alcazar, Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation. The motion to approve letters of support for the PARD Nature Play program was approved on Chair Bazan’s motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 19, 2025 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the Lakeshore PUD Amendment Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. Robin Heymans, Principal Planner, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and answered questions on whether this PUD has been controversial, and trail surface material. The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the Lakeshore PUD Amendment Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. 4. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council that the 500 S Congress PUD Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. Robin Heymans, Principal Planner, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation and …
2025 ParkScore Index® Austin, TX 2025 Rank Points 54 51.2 The ParkScore index is a national comparison of park systems across the 100 most populated cities in the United States. Published annually, the index measures park systems according to five categories reflective of an excellent city park system: access, investment, amenities, acreage, and equity. While the rankings provide fodder for friendly competition, the goal each year of publishing the index is to help leaders advocate for needed park resources and provide relevant data to inform local park improvement efforts. To facilitate a fair comparison across cities, the index aggregates across all public and private organizations supporting parks in each city. This year, Austin received a score of 51.2 points out of 100 based on an average of the five categories. There are 15 measures across these categories, with points awarded based on how Austin compares to the other 99 cities for that particular measure. 51 out of 100 points 56 out of 100 points 75 out of 100 points 33 out of 100 points 42 out of 100 points Acreage The acreage score indicates the relative abundance of large ‘destination’ parks, which include large natural areas that provide critical mental health as well as climate and conservation benefits. There are two components to the acreage score. Of these, Austin scores about average on the percentage of the city’s overall area that is dedicated to parkland (41 out of 100 points), and about average on median park size (60 out of 100 points). Access The access score indicates the percentage of a city’s residents that live within a walkable half-mile of a park – the average distance that most people are willing to walk to reach a destination. With 68% of its population living this close to a park, Austin scores about average in this category. Investment The investment score indicates the relative financial health of a city’s park system, which is essential to ensuring the park system is maintained at a high level. This value aggregates park and recreation spending across all agencies and organizations within the city, including monetized volunteer hours. In Austin, a total of $211 per capita is spent each year on publicly accessible parks and recreation, above average for this category. Amenities The amenities score indicates the relative abundance of park activities popular among a diverse selection of user groups (kids, teenagers, adults, seniors). Overall for …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD JUNE 23, 2025 – 6:00 PM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Parks and Recreation Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. For remote participation, registration must be completed no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak, click here: https://forms.office.com/g/jep8uWysQ4 or call or email Tim Dombeck, (512) 974- 6716, Tim.Dombeck@austintexas.gov. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and may be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Stephanie Bazan (D-5), Chair Kathryn Flowers (D-4), Vice Chair Shelby Orme (D-1) Pedro Villalobos (D-2) Nicole Merritt (D-3) Luai Abou-Emara (D-6) Diane Kearns-Osterweil (D-7) Kim Taylor (D-8) REVISED AGENDA Jennifer Franklin (D-9) Ted Eubanks (D-10) Lane Becker (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of May 19, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the PARD Senior Programming Team. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Park Access for All, Urban Public Spaces). Presenter(s): Kelly Maltsberger, Recreation Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize the negotiation and execution of a contract with Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC for the operation and management of the Zilker Café to maintain the food and beverage concession at Zilker Park. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies:). Presenter(s): Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor II and Andrew Benford, Contract Management Specialist IV, Parks and Recreation Department. Page 1 of 2 DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion on the Trust for Public Land’s Austin ParkScore Rating. (Sponsors: Eubanks, Abou- Emara) STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. 6. Staff briefing on the parks security audit which was contracted by the Austin Parks Foundation and structured around the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. (Sponsors: Bazan, Flowers) (PARD Long Range Strategies: Operational Efficiency). Presenter(s): Amanda Ross, Natural Resources Division Manager and Jodi Jay, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Department; Joy Casnovsky, Chief Mission …
Zilker Cafe Food and Beverage Concession RFP Response, Evaluation, and Recommendation Parks and Recreation Board Meeting June 23, 2025 Presenter: Andrew Benford, PARD Contract Management Specialist IV Denisha Cox, PARD Contract Management Supervisor II 1 Zilker Cafe Location Zilker Café is located next to the entrance to the Barton Springs Municipal Pool 2 Zilker Cafe History & Improvements The Barton Springs Pool/Zilker Park concession building was constructed circa 1960. Zilker Park is listed as a National Register Historic District, and the 60+-year old building, which has been modified over time, contributes to the historic character of the park and pool entrance. The Zilker Café has not been used as a food and beverage concession since 2016 due to a need for extensive renovations, the COVID-19 Pandemic, the dissolution of contract with previous vendor. and A solicitation is needed to select a vendor to manage and operate it once again as a food and beverage concession. 3 Zilker Cafe Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse Rehabilitation Impact • The Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse, near the Zilker Café, is undergoing a major renovation. • During the construction period, access to the café is impacted. • The impact to concession sales was cited in comments during the previous solicitation as a deterrent to the success of food concession. • Now that the construction is nearing completion, PARD has solicited for a vendor to manage and operate the Café. 4 Zilker Cafe Solicitation • City seeks to contract with a qualified Concessionaire to manage and operate the food and beverage concession on the north side of Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. Vendor Requirements and Responsibilities include: • Have a minimum of three years’ experience in commercial food and beverage concession operations. • Operate during the preferred minimum hours of operation defined as: seven days per week, six-hours per day. Maximum hours of operation will be in accordance with park policy for curfew, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. • Have price points for healthy, nutritious foods that are reasonable and affordable for every visitor. • Make improvements, which comply with the American with Disabilities Act, to both the indoor and outdoor areas of the Concession, including capital improvements, furnishings, and equipment in order to meet the City’s vision for the concession. • The sale of alcohol is strictly prohibited. 5 Zilker Cafe Vendor Requirements and Responsibilities (cont’d.) • Provide all equipment necessary …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE June 23, 2025 Welcome to AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATION VISION The Parks and Recreation Department will be an innovative leader in parks and recreation experiences. MISSION Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Parks and Recreation Month On June 5, 2025, Austin City Council and Austin Parks and Recreation announce the official City Proclamation recognizing the vital role parks and recreation play in improving the health, wellness and quality of life for all Austin residents. The City of Austin joins communities across the nation in celebrating National Park and Recreation Month this July. Park Planning and Development Project Updates College Row Pocket Park • Acquired by PARD in 2021 at 1901 E 11th St. • The project is in the Community Engagement phase • Community survey was launched May 9 and closed June 10 • Pop-ups were held to promote the survey on May 28 (Delores Duffie Recreation Center) and June 5 (College Row Pocket Park) Zilker Maintenance Barn • Construction scheduled to begin in July • Anticipated to be complete Summer 2026 Operations and Maintenance May Microburst Cleanup On May 28, a sudden storm brought hail, 80 mph winds, and 3 inches of rain to parts of North and East Austin. • Damage was reported in 76 total parks/facilities. 43 of those were developed parks. • • Eastwoods Neighborhood Park was hit hardest. • The storm damaged or blocked access to amenities in 19 locations. Grounds, Forestry and Facilities worked together to coordinate a quick response. • Most damage to developed parkland was cleared or repaired within a week. • Forestry continues to work through brush clearing in natural areas. Park Partnership Events Kids Block Party at Seaholm Intake Facility • Held on June 7 • Held in partnership with The Trail Conservancy and Austin Public Library • 450 attendees Juneteenth Celebration • Held on June 19 • Hosted open house at Montopolis School in partnership with Montopolis Proud • Celebration followed at the Montopolis Recreation Center Recreation Services Learn to Fish Community Events Alamo Recreation Center hosted fishing events from May to June, serving over 50 participants. PBS joined to film the program highlighting Texas Parks and Wildlife fishing license exemption and support for accessible programs. Disability Awareness and Support Training …
PARD ADULT 50+ SERVICES Parks and Recreation Board Meeting June 23, 2025 2 ADULT 50+ SERVICES AREA: • 3 Senior Centers • Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center & Park • Lamar Senior Activity Center • South Austin Senior Activity Center & Annex • Varsity Generation Recreation Programs • 9 recreation center sites • Congregate Meal Program • 9 locations • Senior Transportation • Senior Outreach Program – 2 satellite locations • Varsity Games (formerly Senior Olympics) SENIOR CENTER FACILITIES: Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center • 26,000 Sq ft • Budget: $582,051 • • 412 programs offered in 2024 • 18,175 visitors in 2024 FTEs: 5.5 Lamar Senior Activity Center • 10,116 Sq ft • Budget: $529,595 • • 536 programs offered in 2024 • 18,234 visitors in 2024 FTEs: 5 South Austin Senior Activity Center • 13,041 Sq ft • Budget: $558,152 • • 482 programs offered in 2024 • 30,372 visitors in 2024 FTEs: 5 VARSITY GENERATION PROGRAMS: 4 Sites offering daily programming Monday – Friday 9:00am – 12:00pm: • Gus Garcia Recreation Center • Virginia Brown Recreation Center Turner Roberts Recreation Center • • Mendez Recreation Center • Dittmar Recreation Center • George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center Sites offering weekly programming with varied days and times: • Dolores Duffie Recreation Center • Cantu Pan Am Recreation Center • Montopolis Recreation Center • South Austin Recreation Center • Hancock Recreation Center CONGREGATE MEAL PROGRAM - 62,627 meals served in FY24 - Budget: $367,134 - Partnership with Capital Area Council of Governments & Meals on Wheels of Central Texas - 9 City Locations: Gus Garcia Recreation Center Asian American Resource Center Virginia Brown Recreation Center Alamo Recreation Center Conley Guerrero Senior Activity Center Mendez Recreation Center Durwood Neighborhood Center South Austin Senior Activity Center George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center 5 RESOURCES & SERVICES OFFERED AT OUR SITES Food Resources • • Health / Exercise Resources • Social Lifestyle Programs • Creative Arts • Safety and emergency preparedness Technology • Community connections • • Continuing Education • Special Events Excursions • 6 HEALTHY/ EXERCISE RESOURCES Programs: Line Dancing • • Golden Rollers • Walk and Talk • • Senior Gardening Golden Rollers by Gishiallo • Gentle Morning Yoga • • Tai Chi Stretch and Strength • Water Aerobics Open Play Pickle Ball • Billiards • Ping Pong • • Card …
City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department Security Audit Parks and Recreation Board Meeting June 23, 2025 Roles and Responsibility Austin Parks Foundation City of Austin Parks & Recreation Arup US, Inc. Sponsor Review Owner Consultant Review, Site Support, and Stakeholder Engagement Security Audit and Lighting Assessment, Recommendations Development Contents • Overview & Approach • Audit Key Findings • Key Recommendations Overview & Approach Audit Phases Phase 1: Kick-off & Work Plan Identify available and relevant data. Initiate the transfer of data. Develop work plan with timeline. Phase 2: Research & Site Visits Conduct desktop research and interviews. Carry out site visits at 30 locations over a two-week period. Data processing and analysis. Phase 3: Security Assessment Tool & Recommendations Development Develop security assessment framework and tool concept. Draft security recommendations with estimated costs. Phase 4: Final Report & Recommendations Finalize security recommendations and assessment tool. Presentation of findings to the PARD Board. Overview & Approach Audit Objectives and Information Collected Primary objectives of the audit includes: • Document existing physical and operational security measures • Conduct a CPTED and lighting technical assessment • Collect observations of operational or physical vulnerabilities Physical security and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessments were conducted during both the day and nighttime. Security audit collections plan. 30 Sites Surveyed Overview & Approach Stakeholder Interviews and Survey Interview Date Interview Group PARD Teams December 2, 2024 Parkland Operations December 3, 2024 Safety / Security Technical Support, Contracts, Communication December 6, 2024 Facilities Programs Facilities Operations December 6, 2024 PARD Leadership North Team, South Team, Horticulture, Land Management, Forestry, Community Gardens, Historic Sites/Signage Safety Team, Park Rangers, Austin Police Department, Communications & Engagement Unit (CEU), Contracts Team Community Recreation, Cultural Centers, Nature Programs, Aquatics, Centralized Programs, Building Services, Aquatics Maintenance, Golf / Cemeteries, Athletics Maintenance, Facilities Management Interim Director, Chief Financial Officer, Programs, Planning, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Assets, Facilities, Operations and Maintenance, Cemeteries, Golf, Special Events, Aquatics Stakeholder interviews were conducted to understand safety and security experiences unique to different PARD teams. Digital survey links were also sent to PARD stakeholders to collect feedback. Good Parks! Other Parks! Audit Key Findings Safety and Security Environment – APD Reported Crime Data • Approximately 80% of reported property crimes in and around parks are either larceny or motor vehicle theft. • Crimes against society account for the second most reported incidents. Disorderly conduct account for almost …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommenda)on Number: (20250623-01): Alloca)on of an addi)onal $1.5 Million in City of Aus)n Grant Funding for Nonprofit Organiza)ons Addressing Youth Development, Basic Needs, and Educa)onal Equity to Combat Federal Funding Cuts WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Aus;n is charged with advising the City Council on issues affec;ng the human rights of Aus;n residents and advancing policies that promote equity, dignity, and quality of life for all; and WHEREAS, local nonprofit organiza;ons are essen;al partners in advancing community well-being by addressing social determinants of health and equity, par;cularly in the areas of youth development, food and housing insecurity, and access to educa;onal opportunity; and WHEREAS, recent federal budget cuts—most notably the abrupt cancella;on of approximately $400 million in AmeriCorps grants as of April 2025—have destabilized thousands of nonprofit programs across the country, including many in Central Texas; and WHEREAS, this loss of federal support has resulted in the suspension or elimina;on of more than 32,000 AmeriCorps service posi;ons, including roles cri;cal to youth mentorship, food distribu;on, housing support, and community educa;on in Aus;n; and WHEREAS, addi;onal federal reduc;ons have included over $1 billion in cuts to USDA programs that support food banks and nutri;on assistance, proposed cuts of up to 40% to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and a $300 million reduc;on to the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program—all of which place addi;onal strain on local safety nets; and WHEREAS, these federal cuts come at a ;me when infla;on and the rising cost of living in Aus;n are deepening economic dispari;es and driving increased demand for nonprofit services addressing basic needs, mental health, and educa;onal support; and WHEREAS, many local nonprofits are now facing urgent capacity constraints and funding shor\alls due to these reduc;ons, and may be forced to scale back or shut down essen;al programs without ;mely local interven;on; and WHEREAS, the City of Aus;n has both the opportunity and the responsibility to safeguard con;nuity of services for its most vulnerable residents, par;cularly when federal retrenchment dispropor;onately harms youth, low-income families, and historically marginalized communi;es; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: That the Human Rights Commission strongly urges the Aus;n City Council to allocate $1.5 million in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to support local nonprofit organiza;ons delivering cri;cal services in the areas of youth development, basic …
