REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, March 19, 2025 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Curtis Wyman Gustavo Ramirez CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2025. REVISED AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of Feb 19, STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 2. Presentation and discussion by Justin Holcomb from Tunnel to Towers Foundation on programs and services offered to veterans. 3. Presentation and discussion by David Gray from Homeless Strategy Office on addressing homelessness in the City of Austin. 4. Discussion on City of Austin veteran surveys. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and possible vote on reappointments of Veterans Affairs Commission members and Joint Inclusion Committee representatives. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, Mar 19, 2025 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, Mar 19, 2025, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Commissioner Christopher Wilson called the COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MEETING to order at 7:02pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Christopher Wilson Armando Gonzales Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Patrick Bissett Amber Schleuning William Dahlstrom Curtis Wyman Michael Mcinerney Commissioners Absent: Maria Brown-Spence Philip Reichert Mark Balch Gustavo Ramirez Staff in Attendance: Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Equity and Inclusion PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of 2/19/2025 were approved on Commissioner Patrick Bissett’s motion, second by Amber Schleuning on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence, Mark Balch, Philip Reichert and Gustavo Ramirez were absent. Commissioner Curt Wyman joined the meeting late. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and discussion by Justin Holcomb from Tunnel to Towers Foundation on programs and services offered to veterans. Justin discussed how the organization is building/refurbishing hotels to house homeless veterans all over the country and they would like to build/refurbish one here in Austin and would be all privately funded. Justin also discussed that their organization also provides financial assistance to veterans. 3. Presentation and discussion by David Gray from Homeless Strategy Office on addressing homelessness in the City of Austin. David discussed the creation and work that is currently in the works in his department. Numerous facilities being constructed/refurbished throughout the city to house our homeless. 4. There was a discussion on the purpose of the City of Austin veteran surveys that have been sent out. Staff liaison, Jesus Simental, advised the commission that the purpose in sending out the survey is to gather data to support future veteran projects/proposals. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. The discussion and possible vote on reappointments of Veterans Affairs Commission members and Joint Inclusion Committee representatives was postponed until the next meeting once all new commissioners are established. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. Chair Michael Mcinerney requested that the commission discuss the way ahead on the Recommendation that was submitted on how to best sheperd the effort. ADJOURNMENT END: 8:24 PM 7. Commissioner Christopher Wilson made the motion to adjourn, Armando Gonzales second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence, Mark Balch, Philip Reichert, Gustavo Ramirez were absent. …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee March 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Alejandra Flores (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Betsy Greenberg Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Lonny Stern CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of February 19, 2025, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-010 UNO Update. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to repeal University Neighborhood Overlay District requirements and regulations, and to create a new zoning district for a density bonus program that grants additional building height and modifies uses and site development regulations, including compatibility standards, in exchange for community benefits, for property generally located west of the University of Texas, east of Lamar Boulevard, south of 29th Street and north of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. City Staff: Paul Books, Planning Department, (512) 974-3173, Paul.Books@austintexas.gov and Alan Pani, Planning Department, (512) 974-8084, Alan.Pani@austintexas.gov. 3. Discussion and possible action to recommend initiation of code amendments related to non- residential uses in the Density Bonus 90 (DB-90) program. Sponsor: Commissioner Greenberg. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jonathan Lee, at 512-974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee February 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison, Jonathan Lee, at (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Alejandra Flores (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Lonny Stern CALL TO ORDER Present in person: Chair Flores Present via Webex Teleconference: Commissioners Azhar, Greenberg, Stern, Anderson (late 6:08pm) Absent: Vice-Chair Hempel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of December 18, 2024, meeting minutes. 2. Motion by Commissioner Greenberg 2nd by Commissioner Azhar – unanimous approval with Chair Hempel and Commissioner Anderson absent 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-024 Area Plan Process Amendment. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to specify an amendment process for area plans, including station area vision plans, when process is not already defined in another section of City code. City Staff: Stevie Greathouse, Division Manager, (512) 974-7226, Stevie.Greathouse@austintexas.gov. Stevie Greathouse presented. On a motion by Commissioner Greenberg and a second by Commissioner Azhar, the Committee voted 4-0 to recommend the proposed amendments, with Commissioner Anderson off the dais and Vice-Chair Hempel absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on Active and Upcoming Code Amendments. City Staff: Jonathan Lee, Planning Department, (512) 974-7232, Jonathan.Lee@austintexas.gov. Jonathan Lee presented. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Staff briefing on existing zoning regulations and active code amendments in the North Burnet/Gateway area. Sponsor: Commissioner Stern. Discussion and possible action on code amendments related to commercial uses in the Density Bonus 90 (DB-90) program. Sponsor: Commissioner Greenberg. ADJOURNMENT Adjourned at 6:55pm The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If …
C20-2024-010 UNO Update Proposal Public Review Paul Books, Principal Planner Content Background Process Proposed Changes Next Steps Background Subdistrict Outer West Inner West Guadalupe Dobie Background UNO: A Brief History – Established in 2004 (Updated: 2014, 2019) – Overlay district for the West University area designed to promote high-density and pedestrian-oriented redevelopment that maintains the existing character of the area – Helped to facilitate population growth to over 28,000 residents in the West Campus area 4 City Council Resolution Resolution No. 20240418-077 – Adopted on April 18, 2024 – Includes 29 distinct items for further investigation – Initiated updates to the Land Development Code & Building Criteria Manual – Requested programmatic updates – Land Development Code changes to be considered in Spring 2025 5 Resolution Goals Provide quality, safe, affordable living for all, especially for students attending colleges and universities by: Supporting the implementation of light rail and mobility enhancements Ensuring the area provides daily needs and services Increasing housing capacity, quality, and affordability 6 Land Development Code Council Direction Height limits achievable with participation in the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) density bonus program in alignment with the Planning Commission's recommendation to remove height limits for Inner West Campus and Dobie Height limits that are similar to what can be achieved with participation in the ETOD overlay, at minimum Expansion of UNO boundaries Subdistrict boundaries that expand Inner West Campus An appropriate step down of heights within expansion areas Modifying development requirements to discourage above-ground parking and encourage shared parking and underground parking Stakeholder and community engagement 7 Process How it Works 3-Step Process for Code Amendments: Initiation Development & Engagement Review & Adoption 9 Rezoning Process To update the regulations, staff proposes to create a new zoning district that incorporates the existing overlay with requested updates Rezoning requires notice to impacted properties and review by the Planning Commission and City Council at public hearings 10 Plan Amendment Process UNO is part of the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan, an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Current Future Land Use Map 11 Plan Amendment Process Mixed use land use designation allows up to 3:1 floor-to-area ratio High density mixed use is appropriate for areas with 3:1 FAR or (FAR) greater Staff propose updating the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan to ensure that the …
C20-2024-010 REZONING, NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN, AND ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2024-010 University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) Update Description: Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to repeal Article 3 Division 9 University Neighborhood Overlay District Requirements and to create Density Bonus University Neighborhood Overlay (-DBUNO) and rezone property generally located west of the University of Texas, east of Lamar Boulevard, south of 29th Street and north of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to apply -DBUNO and amend the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan, an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, to change the future land use map for the same property from multiple land use designations to High Density Mixed Use. Background: Initiated by City Council Resolution No. 20240418-077 and Resolution No. 2025-0130-057. The University Neighborhood Overlay, or UNO, was first adopted by Ordinance No. 040902-58 in 2004 to promote high-density, pedestrian-oriented redevelopment of the West Campus area that maintains the area's existing character and stimulates income- restricted affordable housing development. The overlay supersedes specific site development standards of the base zones and allows land uses to encourage development that serves the primarily student population of the area. This includes reduced required parking spaces, increased maximum allowable building height and bulk, and allowance for a mix of local, pedestrian-serving commercial uses. For a property to develop under UNO, additional requirements must be met, including providing affordable housing and adherence to stricter streetscape and design standards. These regulations were crafted through a robust community process involving residents and stakeholders. Since their original adoption, UNO regulations were amended in 2014 and 2019 through Ordinance No. 20140213-056 and Ordinance No. 20191114-067. The 2014 amendment allowed participating developments to rent by the bedroom and increased the affordability period from 15 to 40 years. Amendments in 2019 changed the second tier of maximum allowed building height available through the dedication of additional affordable housing units or bedrooms. These amendments demonstrate the commitment to updating UNO to address necessary changes that better serve students and the surrounding community. Since its adoption in 2004, the UNO overlay has facilitated the development of over 10,000 housing units or bedrooms and has led to the creation of 972 income-restricted bedrooms and 401 income-restricted units. In April 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 20240418-077, which initiated amendments to the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO). The Resolution included 29 distinct items for staff consideration, including amendments to the land development code, …
U T U university tenants union uttenantsunion@gmail.com I bit.ly/universitytenantsunion I @uttenantsunion DosporUNO 2 Recommendations to Optimize the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) for Austin Student-Renters Executive Summary The University Tenants Union (UTU) is an organization composed of University of Texas at Austin (UT) students which formed following advocacy by its founding members for the elimination of construction of windowless bedrooms in Austin in 2023. Since, UTU has provided resources to student-renters navigating off-campus living, gathered data on student housing needs, and continued its policy advocacy. Updating the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) provides a unique policy opportunity in Texas to institute tenant protections for students that are otherwise not feasible. UTU, through deep, ongoing engagement with students, developed two recommendations for UNO to protect student-tenants against exploitation by landlords. Through their implementation, the City of Austin (CoA) can improve students’ housing experiences, and in turn their academic performance. When students have adequate housing, their potential surges. UTU recommends that CoA adopt the following recommendations: 1. Limit Pre-leasing: ● Limit lease renewal offers to 6 months before a lease ends, with a guaranteed 30-day response window. ● Limit new lease signings to 5 months before the lease start date. ● Ban pre-leasing agreements, waiting lists, and any incentives or penalties that pressure tenants into quick decisions. ● Enforce violations with fines. 2. Hold Landlords Accountable for Delayed Move-ins: ● As part of an UNO-specific lease addendum, require a disclosure if a unit’s construction is incomplete or if the unit lacks a certificate of occupancy. ● As a renter’s move-in date approaches, if their leased unit’s certificate of occupancy has not been obtained, landlords must notify the renter between 60 and 90 days before the lease start date. ● In case of a delayed move-in, renters may: terminate the lease without fees OR not pay rent and be compensated for living expenses until they can move in OR choose to accept alternate accommodations from their landlord. UTU looks forward to the adoption of these protections, and will advocate for their future adoption citywide and retroactively (at older UNO-participating properties). Please contact Justin Lanier, Policy Director with any questions: jlanier@utexas.edu | uttenantsunion@gmail.com You can find more information about the University Tenants Union at: bit.ly/universitytenantsunion Engagement and Research These recommendations were developed in collaboration with numerous students, educators, and subject matter experts in the fields of architecture, law, housing, economics, policy development, advocacy, and more. Over …
REGULAR MEETING of the ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025, 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Zoning and Platting Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than 2 PM the day of the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. For more information on public comment, please see the agenda section “Speaker Registration.” Please contact Ella Garcia, Staff Liaison, for questions regarding speaker registration at LandUseLiaison@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-978-0821. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Hank Smith – Chair (District 8) Betsy Greenberg – Vice-Chair (District 6) Carrie Thompson – Secretary (District 10) Alejandra Flores – Parliamentarian (District 5) Scott Boone (District 1) Felix De Portu (District 4) David Fouts (District 2) William D. Floyd (Mayor’s Representative) Ryan Puzycki (District 7) Lonny Stern (District 3) Taylor Major (District 9) EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Zoning and Platting Commission will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The commission may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 Staff Liaison: Ella Garcia, 512-978-0821 Attorney: Jenna Schwartz, 512-978-0871 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first four 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 Zoning and Platting Commission regular meeting on February 18, 2025. PUBLIC HEARINGS C14-2024-0165 - Zimmerman SF South; District 6 2. Rezoning: Location: 11301 Zimmerman Lane, Bull Creek Watershed Owner/Applicant: Barbara Allen Agnew and Brian Matthew Smith Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Jackson Walker LLP (Pamela Madere) DR to SF-6 Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austinxas.gov Planning Department 3. Rezoning: C14-2024-0169 - Zimmerman SF North; District 6 Location: 11300 Zimmerman Lane, Bull Creek Watershed Owner/Applicant: Barbara Allen Agnew and Brian Matthew Smith Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Jackson Walker LLP (Pamela Madere) DR to SF-6 Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austinxas.gov Planning Department C14-2024-0178 …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C14-2024-0165 (Zimmerman SF South) DISTRICT: 10 ADDRESS: 11301 Zimmerman Lane ZONING FROM: DR TO: SF-6 SITE AREA: 6.62 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Barbara Allen Agnew and Brian Matthew Smith AGENT: Jackson Walker LLP (Pamela Madere) CASE MANAGER: Sherri Sirwaitis (512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends SF-6, Townhouse and Condominium Residence district, zoning. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: February 18, 2025: Postponed to March 18, 2025 at the applicant's request by consent (8-0, S. Boone, D. Fouts and T. Major-absent); R. Puzycki-1st, A. Flores-2nd. March 18, 2025 CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: 02 C14-2024-0165 - Zimmerman SF South; District 61 of 15 C14-2024-0165 ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: 2 The property in question is a 6.62 acre vacant tract of land that takes access to Zimmerman Lane. The area to the north, across Zimmerman Lane, is developed with a single-family residence zoned DR. To the south there is an apartment complex that was zoned PUD as part of the Four Points Centre Planned Unit Development that takes access to North FM 620 Road. To the east, there are single family residences along the southern side of Zimmerman Lane and townhouse/condominium residences along the northern side of Zimmerman Lane that are zoned SF-6-CO. Toward the terminus of Zimmerman Lane, there is a single-family residence zoned DR and an undeveloped area zoned SF-1. The property to the west, is zoned MF-2 and is undeveloped. There is also undeveloped land on the northern side of Zimmerman Lane zoned MF-2-CO. The lot at the northeast corner of N. FM 620 Road, is developed with a convenience storage/vehicle storage use (Longhorn Boat & Camper Storage) zoned SF-2 that was constructed prior to annexation by the city. In addition, the lot at the southeast corner of Zimmerman Lane and N. FM 620 Road, is developed with a service station (Shell) and a restaurant use (Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Que). The applicant in this case is requesting to rezone this site from DR zoning to SF-6 zoning to develop the property for single-family/condominium use. This tract of land fronts onto Zimmerman Lane, a twenty foot wide collector street that dead ends into a cul-de-sac. Originally, Zimmerman Lane was projected to connect with Forsythia Drive, to the east, as part of the Arterial 8 extension. Arterial 8 (Forsythia Drive) was planned to be a ninety-foot arterial roadway that was to connect Loop 360 …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C14-2024-0169 (Zimmerman SF North) DISTRICT: 10 ADDRESS: 11300 Zimmerman Lane ZONING FROM: DR TO: SF-6 SITE AREA: 4.97 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Barbara Allen Agnew and Brian Matthew Smith AGENT: Jackson Walker LLP (Pamela Madere) CASE MANAGER: Sherri Sirwaitis (512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends SF-6, Townhouse and Condominium Residence district, zoning. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: February 18, 2025: Postponed to March 18, 2025 at the applicant's request by consent (8-0, S. Boone, D. Fouts and T. Major-absent); R. Puzycki-1st, A. Flores-2nd. March 18, 2025 CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: 03 C14-2024-0169 - Zimmerman SF North; District 61 of 15 C14-2024-0169 2 ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The property in question is a 4.97 acre tract of land that is developed with a single-family residence, with a separate garage structure, that takes access to Zimmerman Lane. The properties to the north are developed with a single-family residence and undeveloped land and are zoned SF-2, DR and LO respectively. To the south, across Zimmerman Lane there is an undeveloped tract of land zoned DR. To the east, along Zimmerman Lane, there are townhouse/condominium residences and single-family residences zoned SF-6-CO. At the terminus of Zimmerman Lane, there is undeveloped property zoning SF-1. The property to the west, was zoned MF-2-CO through zoning case C14-2022-0044 and is currently undeveloped. At the northeast corner of N. FM 620 Road, there is a convenience storage/vehicle storage use (Longhorn Boat & Camper Storage) zoned SF-2 that was constructed prior to annexation by the city. The applicant in this case is requesting to rezone this site from DR, Development Reserve District, zoning to SF-6, Townhouse and Condominium Residence district, zoning to redevelop the property with single-family/condominium uses. This tract of land fronts onto Zimmerman Lane, a twenty foot wide collector street that dead ends into a cul-de-sac. Originally, Zimmerman Lane was projected to connect with Forsythia Drive, to the east, as part of the Arterial 8 extension. Arterial 8 (Forsythia Drive) was planned to be a ninety-foot arterial roadway that was to connect Loop 360 to Yaupon Drive. The City of Austin has deleted the plans to construct Arterial 8, due in part to BCCP issues and because of the City’s purchase of the Stennis Tract. Zimmerman Lane is a county roadway that was annexed by the city of Austin in 1997. There are no planned improvements for this portion …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C14-2024-0178 (8116 Ferguson Cutoff) DISTRICT: 1 ADDRESS: 8116 Ferguson Cutoff ZONING FROM: I-SF-2 TO: LI SITE AREA: .5510 acres (24,000 sq. ft.) PROPERTY OWNER: LWR Management LLC - Series Ferguson, Kyle Rother AGENT: Civilitude LLC, Amy Nunnellee CASE MANAGER: Beverly Villela (512-978-0740, Beverly.Villela@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends granting limited industrial service (LI) district zoning. See the Basis of Recommendation section below. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: March 18, 2025: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: TBD ORDINANCE NUMBER: No. ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The property in question is approximately 0.5510 acres (24,000 sq. ft.), developed with a warehouse, and currently designated as interim single family residence (I-SF-2). The site is located along Ferguson Cutoff, a street level 2, and is surrounded by a mix of industrial and warehouse uses. Adjacent zoning includes limited industrial service with conditional overlay (LI-CO) to the north and south, and interim single family residence (I-SF-2) and limited industrial service (LI) to the west. To the east, the property is adjacent to ETJ and public land (P). Staff is recommending the Limited Industrial Service (LI) district zoning as it is compatible with adjacent land uses and aligns with the area's existing commercial and light industrial character. The applicant is seeking this zoning change to facilitate a proposed laundry services business. 04 C14-2024-0178 - 8116 Ferguson Cutoff; District 11 of 10 C14-2024-0178 Page 2 Per the comprehensive plan review comments, the site is located within 0.25 miles of the Manor/Springdale/Cameron Activity Corridor and has convenient access to public transit, sidewalks, and bike lanes, providing connectivity for employees and customers. The proposed rezoning is consistent with Imagine Austin goals by promoting employment opportunities and supporting industrial land uses in the area. The applicant is in agreement with the staff recommendation. Please refer to Exhibits A (Zoning Map) and B (Aerial View). BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: 1. The proposed zoning should be consistent with the purpose statement of the district sought. Zoning changes should promote compatibility with adjacent and nearby uses. The limited industrial service (LI) district is intended as an area primarily for commercial services and limited manufacturing uses, generally on moderately sized sites. 2. The proposed LI zoning promotes compatibility with the surrounding properties, which are predominantly zoned LI-CO and I-SF-2 and are developed with warehouse uses. The rezoning would maintain the area's commercial and light industrial character while accommodating a new use …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: Whisper Valley PUD Amendment #3 (C814-2009-0094.03) DISTRICT: 1 ADDRESS: 9605 North FM 973 Road, 9501 North FM 973 Road, Taylor Lane, Nez Perce Trace, 8312 Taylor Lane, and 9015 Taylor Lane ZONING FROM: PUD TO: PUD (amendments) SITE AREA: approximately 2,066 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Club Deal 120 Whisper Valley LP AGENT: City of Austin (Jonathan Tomko) CASE MANAGER: Jonathan Tomko (512) 974-1057, jonathan.tomko@austintexas.gov STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Staff recommends granting the requested amendments to the PUD. This PUD amendment would allow the following amendments to the PUD per Council Resolution No. 20241212- 068: • Affordable period for ownership units of not less than 99 years; • Sale price for affordable units established by metrics determined by the Director of the Housing Department; • Eligible residential developments eligible for and receiving SMART Housing certification if S.M.A.R.T. Housing program eligibility requirements are satisfied; and If installed in a phase of the development, sustainable energy infrastructure will be made available with equal access between affordable and market-rate residential units. • ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: March 18, 2025: Case is scheduled to be heard by Zoning and Platting Commission. CITY COUNCIL ACTION: December 12, 2024: Council Resolution No. 20241212-068 (Exhibit C) April 24, 2025: Case is scheduled to be heard by City Council. ORDINANCE NUMBER: N/A ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: 05 C814-2009-0094.03 - City Initiated: Whisper Valley PUD Amendment #3; District 11 of 11 C814-2009-0094.03 2 PUD LAND USES The property in question is approximately 2,066 acres of undeveloped, and large-lot single family more or less located east of FM 973 and north of the intersection of FM 969 and Taylor Lane. It is within the Austin limited purpose jurisdiction. The original PUD was approved by City Council on August 26, 2010 by Ordinance No. 20100826-066. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: The proposed zoning should be consistent with the goals and objectives of the City Council. Zoning should allow for reasonable use of the property. The proposed zoning should satisfy a real public need and not provide special privilege to the owner. EXISTING ZONING AND LAND USES: ZONING Site North Austin ETJ and SB 2038 Undeveloped, Large-lot single family Undeveloped, Large-lot single family, Travis County East Metro Park Undeveloped, Large-lot single family Undeveloped, Large-lot single family Undeveloped ETJ Release South Austin ETJ East Austin ETJ West Austin ETJ NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING AREA: Not in a neighborhood planning area WATERSHED: Gilleland …
************************************************************************ MEMORANDUM TO: Hank Smith, Chair Zoning and Platting Commission Members FROM: Nancy Estrada Planning Department DATE: March 12, 2025 RE: C814-04-0187.03.SH – Goodnight Ranch PUD Amendment #3 Postponement Request by Staff ************************************************************************ Staff requests a postponement of the above referenced case from the March 18, 2025, Zoning and Platting Commission hearing to April 15, 2025. Staff is reviewing the current update submittal. 06 C814-04-0187.03.SH - Goodnight Ranch PUD Amendment #3; District 21 of 1
SUBDIVISION REVIEW SHEET CASE NO.: C8-2019-0057.2A(VAC) COMMISSION DATE: March 18, 2025 SUBDIVISION NAME: Pearson Ranch West Phase 2A partial plat vacation ADDRESS: 14400 N FM 620 RD SB APPLICANT: Brett Ames (Pearson Ranch, LLC) AGENT: C.J. Ponton, P.E. (Kimley-Horn) AREA: 36.881 acres LOTS: 9 COUNTY: Williamson WATERSHED: Lake Creek JURISDICTION: 2-Mile ETJ DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The request is for the approval of a partial plat vacation of Pearson Ranch Phase 2A Final Plat, C8- 2019-0057.2A. Nine lots (36.881 ac) out of the previously platted eleven lot subdivision (58.65 ac), Pearson Ranch West Phase 2A, recorded as Williamson County Doc. No. 2023065228, will be vacated according to the partial plat vacation document attached as Exhibit D. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of this partial plat vacation as it complies with the conditions listed in the comment report dated February 20, 2025, and attached as Exhibit C. CASE MANAGER: Joey de la Garza PHONE: 512-974-2664 E-mail: joey.delagarza@austintexas.gov ATTACHMENTS Exhibit A: Vicinity map Exhibit B: Existing plat Exhibit C: Comment report dated February 20, 2025 Exhibit D: Partial plat vacation document 07 C8-2019-0057.2A(VAC) - Pearson Ranch West Phase 2A partial plat vacation; 2-mile ETJ1 of 12 W . P A L M E R L N I N E B L V D L E L A K P E A R S O N R A N C H R D E N A H A V E N E 0 2 F M 6 S.H. 45 5 4 . H . S SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD W . P A R M E R L N 5707 Southwest Pkwy Bldg. 2 Suite 250 Austin, Texas 78735 Tel: 512.306.8252 (TX REG. F-1114) SITE LOCATION MAP PEARSON RANCH WEST PH 2 & 2B 0 500 1000 GRAPHIC SCALE IN FEET g w d . p a M n o i t a c o L e t i S \ s p a M i l \ t r o p e R g n i r e e n g n E \ 2 e s a h P - t a P l a n F \ s t n e m u c o D g n i s s e c o r P _ g n i t t i i m r e P \ t n e m e g a n a M t c e j …
07 C8-2019-0057.2A(VAC) - Pearson Ranch West Phase 2A partial plat vacation; 2-mile ETJ6 of 12 07 C8-2019-0057.2A(VAC) - Pearson Ranch West Phase 2A partial plat vacation; 2-mile ETJ7 of 12 CITY OF AUSTIN –DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT SUBDIVISION APPLICATION – MASTER COMMENT REPORT PHONE #: 512-974-2664 February 12, 2025 February 20, 2025 Pearson Ranch Phase 2A Final Plat 14320 N FM 620 RD SB C8-2019-0057.2A(VAC) U5 Joey de la Garza CASE NUMBER: UPDATE: CASE MANAGER: PROJECT NAME: LOCATION: SUBMITTAL DATE: FINAL REPORT DATE: STAFF REPORT: All comments cleared by staff. Once the associated Pearson Ranch West Phase 2B total plat vacation, C8-2019-0057.3A(VAC), has also been approved by staff, the two plat vacations will be scheduled for a Land Use Commission hearing for final approval and the case manager will contact the applicant with meeting details. After the plat vacations are approved by the Land Use Commission, please contact the case manager for recording fee amounts and further instruction for recording all documents. The plat vacations will be recorded along with the corresponding Pearson Ranch West Phase 2A Replat, C8-2024-0102.0A. REVIEWERS: Planner 1 : Erik Holden Subdivision Review - Joey de la Garza - joey.delagarza@austintexas.gov All comments cleared. Once the associated Pearson Ranch West Phase 2B total plat vacation, C8-2019-0057.3A(VAC), has also been approved by staff, the two plat vacations will be scheduled for a Land Use Commission hearing for final approval. After the plat vacations are approved by the Land Use Commission, they will be recorded along with the corresponding Pearson Ranch West Phase 2A Replat, C8-2024-0102.0A. END OF MASTER COMMENT REPORT 07 C8-2019-0057.2A(VAC) - Pearson Ranch West Phase 2A partial plat vacation; 2-mile ETJ8 of 12 07 C8-2019-0057.2A(VAC) - Pearson Ranch West Phase 2A partial plat vacation; 2-mile ETJ9 of 12 07 C8-2019-0057.2A(VAC) - Pearson Ranch West Phase 2A partial plat vacation; 2-mile ETJ10 of 12 BE IT KNOWN, that on the __________day of _________________, 20 ____, the Land Use Commission of the City of Austin, at its regular meeting, did approve the partial vacation of the subdivision known as ______________________________________as recorded in Volume __________, Page _____________or Name of existing recorded subdivision Document Number ______________of the _____________________County, Texas Official Public Records, upon application therefore by all of the owners of all the lots in said subdivision. EXECUTED, this ______________day of __________________, 20 ____. Printed Name: ____________________________________________, Chair Land Use Commission City of Austin ATTEST: Printed Name: ____________________________________, Senior Planner City …
08 C8-2019-0057.3A(VAC) - Pearson Ranch West Phase 2B total plat vacation; 2-mile ETJ 1 of 13 SUBDIVISION REVIEW SHEET CASE NO.: C8-2019-0057.3A(VAC) COMMISSION DATE: March 18, 2025 SUBDIVISION NAME: Pearson Ranch West Phase 2B total plat vacation ADDRESS: 14320 N FM 620 RD SB APPLICANT: Brett Ames (Pearson Ranch, LLC) AGENT: C.J. Ponton, P.E. (Kimley-Horn) AREA: 22.85 acres LOTS: 4 COUNTY: Williamson WATERSHED: Lake Creek JURISDICTION: 2-Mile ETJ The request is for the approval of a total plat vacation of Pearson Ranch Phase 2B Final Plat which was recorded as Williamson County Doc. No. 2023065228. DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of this total plat vacation as it now complies with the conditions listed in the comment report dated January 27, 2025, which is attached as Exhibit C. The drainage easement that was required by staff to be recorded prior to approving this total plat vacation has been recorded as Williamson County Doc. No. 2025014453 and is attached as Exhibit D. CASE MANAGER: Joey de la Garza PHONE: 512-974-2664 E-mail: joey.delagarza@austintexas.gov ATTACHMENTS Exhibit A: Vicinity map Exhibit B: Existing plat Exhibit C: Comment report dated January 27, 2025 Exhibit D: Total plat vacation document W . P A L M E R L N I N E B L V D L E L A K P E A R S O N R A N C H R D E N A H A V E N E 0 2 F M 6 S.H. 45 5 4 . H . S SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD W . P A R M E R L N 5707 Southwest Pkwy Bldg. 2 Suite 250 Austin, Texas 78735 Tel: 512.306.8252 (TX REG. F-1114) SITE LOCATION MAP PEARSON RANCH WEST PH 2 & 2B 0 500 1000 GRAPHIC SCALE IN FEET g w d . p a M n o i t a c o L e t i S \ s p a M l i \ t r o p e R g n i r e e n g n E \ 2 e s a h P - t a P l a n F \ s t n e m u c o D g n i s s e c o r P _ g n i t t i i m r e P \ t n e m e g a n a M t …
ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2025 The Zoning and Platting Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Zoning and Platting Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Hank Smith Betsy Greenberg Ryan Puzycki Carrie Thompson Lonny Stern Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Felix De Portu Alejandra Flores William Floyd Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Scott Boone David Fouts Taylor Major PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zoning and Platting Commission regular meeting on Thursday, February 6, 2025. 1 The minutes from the meeting of Thursday, February 6, 2025, were approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Puzycki’s motion, Commissioner Flores’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Boone, Fouts, and Major were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS C14-2024-0177 - 2311 W. Howard Lane Project; District 7 2311 West Howard Lane, Walnut Creek 2. Rezoning: Location: Owner/Applicant: Duque Estates, LLC (Gabriel Aviles) Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: I.T. Gonzalez Engineers (Bill Graham) GR to CS Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austinxas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation of CS for C14-2024-0177 - 2311 W. Howard Lane Project, located at 2311 West Howard Lane, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Puzycki’s motion, Commissioner Flores’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Boone, Fouts, and Major were absent. 3. Rezoning: C14-2024-0169 - Zimmerman SF North; District 6 Location: 11300 Zimmerman Lane, Bull Creek Watershed Owner/Applicant: Barbara Allen Agnew and Brian Matthew Smith Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Jackson Walker LLP (Pamela Madere) DR to SF-6 Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austinxas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve the Applicant’s postponement request to March 18, 2025, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Puzycki’s motion, Commissioner Flores’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Boone, Fouts, and Major were absent. 4. Rezoning: C14-2024-0165 - Zimmerman SF South; District 6 Location: 11301 Zimmerman Lane, Bull Creek Watershed Owner/Applicant: Barbara Allen Agnew and Brian Matthew Smith Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Jackson Walker LLP (Pamela Madere) DR to SF-6 Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austinxas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve the Applicant’s postponement request to March 18, 2025, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Puzycki’s motion, Commissioner Flores’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Boone, Fouts, and Major were absent. 2 …
Via Electronic Delivery March 17, 2025 Austin Zoning and Platting Commission 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX. 78701 Re: C14-2024-0178 – Please Postpone and Protect Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve Commissioners. It was called to our attention today that Zoning Case C14-2024-0178 (8116 Ferguson Cutoff) will be considered by the Zoning & Platting Commission tomorrow night, which is a request from I-SF-2 (interim single family) to LI (limited industrial). The request is intended to permit laundry services in an existing warehouse. While LI may be an appropriate base district category for an existing warehouse, there are several uses allowed under LI—the most intensive zoning category under the City’s hierarchy—that can be harmful to the adjacent nature preserve, the Big Walnut Creek Nature Preserve, a 43-acre nature preserve with a large amount aquatic habitat associated with Walnut Creek. We are particularly concerned about the proposal to use the building as an on-site laundry services facility. While there are code provisions that address wastewater management for laundry facilities, putting such harmful chemicals and detergents adjacent to one of the City’s prominent nature preserves is an environmental risk that could avoided by prohibiting such an incompatible land use. Even with regulations in place, accidental spills or improper wastewater management could have long-term impacts on water quality and aquatic habitat. Due to pre-scheduled conflicts, I am unable to make the March 18, 2025, meeting, and I would ask that the Zoning and Platting Commission postpone this item to your next available meeting. In the meantime, we will reach out to the applicant, appropriate staff contacts, and other community organizations to discuss these concerns. Respectfully, Bobby Levinski Senior Staff Attorney Save Our Springs Alliance bobby@sosalliance.org 04 C14-2024-0178 - 8116 Ferguson Cutoff; District 11 of 1
ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISION REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025 The Zoning and Platting convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Zoning and Platting Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Hank Smith Betsy Greenberg Felix De Portu Alejandra Flores Lonny Stern Christian Tschoepe Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ryan Puzycki David Fouts Taylor Major Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Scott Boone PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zoning and Platting Commission Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of Tuesday, February 18, 2025, were approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Flores’ motion, Commissioner De Portu’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Fouts was off the dais. Commissioner Boone was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1 C14-2024-0165 - Zimmerman SF South; District 6 2. Rezoning: Location: 11301 Zimmerman Lane, Bull Creek Watershed Owner/Applicant: Barbara Allen Agnew and Brian Matthew Smith Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Jackson Walker LLP (Pamela Madere) DR to SF-6 Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austinxas.gov Planning Department The public hearing was closed on Commissioner Flore’ motion, Commissioner De Portu’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Boone was absent. The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation of SF-6, with a unit cap of 4 units per acre, for C14-2024-0165 - Zimmerman SF South, located at 11301 Zimmerman Lane, was approved on Vice Chair Greenberg’s motion, Commissioner Tschoepe’s second, on a 6-2-1 vote. Commissioners De Portu and Stern voted nay. Commissioner Fouts abstained. Commissioner Boone was absent. 3. Rezoning: C14-2024-0169 - Zimmerman SF North; District 6 Location: 11300 Zimmerman Lane, Bull Creek Watershed Owner/Applicant: Barbara Allen Agnew and Brian Matthew Smith Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Jackson Walker LLP (Pamela Madere) DR to SF-6 Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austinxas.gov Planning Department The public hearing was closed on Commissioner Flore’ motion, Commissioner De Portu’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Boone was absent. The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation of SF-6, with a unit cap of 4 units per acre, for C14-2024-0169 - Zimmerman SF North, located at 11300 Zimmerman Lane, was approved on Vice Chair Greenberg’s motion, Commissioner Tschoepe’s second, on a 6-2-1 vote. Commissioners De Portu and Stern voted nay. Commissioner Fouts abstained. Commissioner Boone was absent. C14-2024-0178 - 8116 Ferguson Cutoff; District 1 8116 Ferguson Cutoff, Walnut …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HIV PLANNING COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025, 5:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOM 1203 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the HIV PLANNING COUNCIL may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: Join the meeting now Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone or Teams. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register to speak, call or email the Office of Support, (737)-825-1684 or hivplanningcouncil@austintexas.gov CURRENT HIV PLANNING COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Kelle’ Martin, Chair Marquis Goodwin, Vice-Chair, conflicted Kristina McRae-Thompson, Secretary Zachery Garay, CSE Committee Chair, conflicted Ashley Garling, FA Committee Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up no later than noon on 3/17/2025 will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the minutes of the HIV Planning Council regular meeting of the Executive 2. Members will declare conflict of interest with relevant agenda items, service categories, APPROVAL OF MINUTES Committee on February 18, 2025 CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS and/or service standards. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Office of Support Staff Briefing 4. Administrative Agent Staff Briefing DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Introductions/Announcements 6. Discussion of the Membership Reflectiveness Report 7. Discussion of the Member Attendance Report 8. Discuss Conflict of Interest Policy COMMITTEE UPDATES 9. Care Strategies and Engagement Committee 10. Finance and Assessment Committee FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 11. Discussion of workplan and social calendar ADJOURNMENT Indicative of action items The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For More Information on the HIV Planning Council, please contact Rashana Raggs at (737)-825-1684.
Regular Meeting of the Construction Advisory Committee Tuesday, March 18, 2025 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Bergstrom Tech Center – Broken Spoke Conference Room 6800 Burleson Rd, Building 312, Suite 250 Austin, Texas If view online televised, you may the meeting the Construction Advisory Committee may be participating by at: Some members of videoconference. http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Vanessa Ibanez at 512-974-1058 or vanessa.ibanez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD COMMISSIONERS: Lyn Nance-Hendricks, Chair Clint Chapman Ron Lord Jeffrey Musgrove Riley Drake, Vice Chair Michelle Dahlstrom Bianca Medina-Leal Calvin Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Construction Advisory Committee Regular Meeting on January 14, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS Staff briefing on Capital Delivery Services updates regarding active projects, monthly CIP spend, projects awarded and upcoming bid opportunities – Eric Bailey 3. Presentation regarding the Better Builder Program overview and updates – Daniela Silva and Inmer Carbajal Discuss Chair tenure and elect Chair DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Vanessa Ibanez with Capital Delivery Services Department, at 512-974-1058, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Construction Advisory Committee, please contact Vanessa Ibanez at 512-974-1058
Construction Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 18, 2025 CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, March 18, 2025 The Construction Advisory Committee convened in a Regular meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6800 Burleson Rd, Building 312, Suite 250 – Broken Spoke Conference Room in Austin, Texas. Chair Lyn Nance-Hendricks called the Construction Advisory Committee Meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair, Lyn Nance-Hendricks, Vice Chair, Riley Drake, Clint Chapman Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Michelle Dahlstrom, Bianca Medina- Leal, Jeffrey Musgrove PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Construction Advisory Committee Regular Meeting on January 14, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 1/14/2025 were approved on Vice Chair, Riley Drake’s motion, Jeff Musgrove second on a 6-0 vote. Ron Lord and Calvin Williams absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Capital Delivery Services updates regarding active projects, monthly CIP spend, projects awarded and upcoming bid opportunities. The presentation was made by Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation by Inmer Carbajal and Daniela Silva regarding the Better builder Program overview and updates. Discuss chair tenure ending and elect new Chair – Clint Chapman and Vice Chair – Riley Drake. 1 Construction Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 18, 2025 Chair Lyn Nance-Hendricks adjourned the meeting at 10:46 a.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the 4/8/2025 meeting on Ron Lord’s motion, Vice Chair Riley Drake second on a 6-0 vote. 2
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION March 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. City of Austin, Permitting & Development Center, Room 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling at (512) 974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Hanna Huang, Chair Sarah Chen Zachary Dolling Pierre Nguyễn Alpha Shrestha Seonhye “Sonny” Sin Kuo Yang CALL TO ORDER Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Xiyi Chen Hailey Easley Sabrina Sha Nayer Siker Nirali Thakkar AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on February 18, 2025. 2. Discussion regarding who to include in the City Manager Office’s Asian American Leaders DISCUSSION ITEMS meeting in April. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS for the FY 2025-26 Fiscal Year. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Recommendations from the Budget Working Group regarding budget recommendations 4. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Customer and Front Desk Support. 5. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for AARC Senior Program 6. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for AARC Additional Staffing for Language Access. Performance Pavilion. 7. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Marketing & Community Engagement Staff for Cultural Centers. 8. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services. 9. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health. 10. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Asian American Community Health Navigators. 11. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Asian American Triage Health Navigators. 12. …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 18, 2025 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on February 18, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang, Chair Pierre Nguyễn Alpha Shrestha Sonny Sin Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen Sarah Xiyi Chen Zachary Dolling Nayer Sikder Luan Tran Commissioners Absent: Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Hailey Easley Sabrina Sha Kuo Yang CALL TO ORDER None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 17, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of December 17, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Commissioner Sarah Chen’s second on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioners Easley, Sha and Yang were absent. 2. Staff briefing by Angelica Benton-Molina, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager I, Equity Division, regarding the City of Austin Equity Office’s Undoing Racism Training and programs offered that include participation from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The presentation was made by Angelica Benton-Molina, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager I, Equity and Inclusion Department. STAFF BRIEFING DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by American Gateways regarding their work in the Austin community providing legal services to the low income and immigrant communities. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways and Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. The presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. 4. Discussion of Draft Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve updates to the membership of FY2026 Budget Working Group. Discussed. 6. Approve updates to the membership of Asian American Resource Center Working Group. The motion to add Sonny Sin to the Asian American Resource Center Working Group was approved on Chair Huang’s motion, Commissioner Shrestha’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioners Easley, Sha and Yang were absent. 7. Approve updates to the membership of the Food Security Working Group. The motion to add Sarah Xiyi Chen to the Food Security Working Group was approved on Commissioner Sin’s motion, Commissioner Chen’s second on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioners Easley, Sha and Yang were absent. 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Working Group …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-10 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Asian American Community Health Navigators Motioned by: Drafted by: Padmini Jambulapati (Vice Chair), Alpha Shrestha Seconded By: Asian American Community Health Navigators Description The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City increase funding for Community Health Navigator (CHN) services to address the growing needs of Austin's diverse Asian community. Since the pandemic, demand for CHNs has surged, and one- time grant funding has allowed for services in several Asian languages, including Arabic, Burmese, Chin Tedim, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Nepali, Hindi, and Vietnamese. If this funding expires, essential services for vulnerable populations will go unfunded, creating a significant gap in care. CHNs are critical for helping non-English-speaking residents navigate the healthcare system, schedule appointments, understand insurance, and complete paperwork. These trusted community members, who share cultural and linguistic ties with the populations they serve, play a key role in ensuring access to mental and physical healthcare. Without continued funding, hundreds of high-risk individuals will lose vital bilingual and cultural support. The lack of language access in healthcare often isolates non-native English speakers, leading to poor health outcomes. In 2024, 92% of CHN clients required help reading hospital materials. Without the city council’s continued funding, many refugees and immigrants will struggle to access necessary healthcare. With 10 out of the top 15 languages spoken by Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents in Austin being Asian languages, and a lack of Mandarin services, continued investment in CHNs is crucial. Expanding funding ensures all Austin residents can access essential care, improving the health and well-being of the entire community. Currently, there are 2 city contracts for these services, 1 ongoing and 1 one-time. Recommendation The Commission recommends that the city exercises expediency in the contracting process to ensure organizations providing the contracted CHN services have contracts for ongoing funding. Currently, a delay in new contracts has put funding for these services in a precarious situation with unknown timelines for extensions and when requests for proposals will occur. The commission also recommends that overall funding be increased to expand Community Health Navigator (CHN) services for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) communities within the Asian American population. This funding will support navigation services for highly needed language-specific groups such as Pashto, Farsi, Tagalog, Urdu, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and Nepali, who are at risk of losing critical assistance due to current …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-12 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Expanding Equity & Inclusion Trainings Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair), Padmini Jambulapati (Vice Chair) Seconded By: Expanding Equity & Inclusion Trainings Description The City continues to see an increase in reported hate crimes and hate incidents year to year since 2021. Currently, City initiatives around anti-hate are housed in a variety of different offices and departments. The We All Belong Campaign is housed in the Corporate Public Information Office, the Safe Place program is housed in the Austin Police Department, and Undoing Racism trainings are housed in the Office of Equity & Inclusion. While each program has varying degrees of public engagement and participation, City staff and public citizens would benefit from expanded access and visibility about these services. Additionally, the commission would like to suggest the addition of training around Bystander Intervention that equips staff and citizens on how to safely intervene and respond in situations of hate-based discrimination or violence. Recommendation The Commission recommends that Anti-hate campaigns and programs are adequately funded to have a hub for staff and citizens to easily access information about reporting hate-based incidents, current program offerings, and trainings the public can attend. Additionally, along with an expansion to the Undoing Racism training available to the public, we recommend that staff and citizens have access to Bystander Intervention training. Department Office of Equity & Inclusion, Communications & Public Information, Human Resources Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Appreciation, respect, and welcoming of all people and cultures; Lifelong Learning Opportunities Safety: Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Recovery Government that Works for All: Employee engagement; Stakeholder engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation; Transparency and ethical practices Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-13 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget Culturally Appropriate and Medically Necessary Foods during Emergency Operations Motioned by: Drafted by: Sonny Sin, Padmini Jambulapati, Sarah X. Chen Seconded By: Culturally Appropriate and Medically Necessary Foods during Emergency Operations Description Over the last twenty years, the City of Austin has experienced an unprecedented number of crises whether it’s pandemics, power outages, storms, or wildfires. In these challenging moments, Austin needs reliable food sources that can be distributed and used by all community members. As highlighted by Winter Storm Uri, current emergency food and inventory distribution systems do not adequately address the diverse dietary needs and medically necessary foods (e.g., halal, kosher, diabetic, vegetarian, low-sodium, allergen-free options) of the Asian community and the community at large. In the most recent census, the Asian American population is one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the Greater Austin region. The 2024 Austin/Travis County Food Plan, adopted by the City of Austin, emphasizes equitable access to nutritious and culturally relevant food, particularly during emergencies. This recommendation aims to ensure that emergency food provisions include culturally relevant options that reflect the diverse culinary traditions within the Asian American population in Austin/Travis County. This will involve partnerships with community organizations, cultural centers, and local businesses to identify and provide suitable food items. Recommendation The Commission recommends that the City of Austin allocate funding and resources to develop and implement a program for culturally appropriate and medically necessary emergency food provisions for all, with attention to gaps identified for serving Asian American communities. This program should: ● Reference the Austin-Travis County Food Plan to identify specific dietary needs and cultural food preferences within the Asian communities. ● Prioritize the incorporation of culturally relevant foods and preferences of Asian communities in the Disaster Food and Drinking Water Access Plan along with developing language access protocols to ensure the swift distribution of food and water during climate-related and other disasters to Asian communities. ● Partner with Asian community organizations, cultural centers, and local Asian-owned businesses to source and distribute culturally appropriate food items during disasters. ● Train emergency response personnel on language access needs, cultural sensitivity, and dietary needs of Asian American communities. ● Establish culturally competent distribution sites, potentially within existing Resiliency Hubs, or through partnerships with existing community centers. ● Create a list of approved vendors, …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-14 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget Parks and Recreation Expansion of Senior Programming Language Access Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair), AARC Workgroup Seconded By: Parks and Recreation Expansion of Senior Programming Description Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) Senior Programs are housed in the 3 Senior Activity Centers and various recreation facilities such as the Gus Garcia Recreation, Lorraine Camacho Activity Center, Pickfair Activity Center, and more. Senior programs also are supplemented by Congregate Meal Programs (administered by Meals on Wheels) and Senior Transport Program both funded by the Capitol Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG). With the move of the Old Bakery & Emporium, the Asian American Resource Center, and the Mexican American Culture Center into the new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME), the majority of Parks and Recreation’s Senior Programs with significant translated materials and programs with language interpretation will leave the department. However, there are still significant opportunities for PARD to increase language access along with an expansion in senior programs to facilities underused during daytime programming hours like Montopolis Recreation Center, Northwest Recreation Center, and more. Additionally, areas like the Gus Garcia Recreation Center and the Pickfair Activity Center are fast outgrowing demand for senior activities due to space and staffing constraints. Seniors in the areas Northeast and Northwest of the City are lacking dedicated senior centers, the last of which was built in 1992. Recommendation The Commission recommends more dedicated Senior Programming Specialists and Coordinators within Recreation and Activity Centers in the Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, Marketing Representatives or staff with Language Access experience are needed to do a review and make recommendations to improve processes for signing up and participating in Senior Programs, Congregate Meals at PARD sites, and Senior Transportation for those who are Limited English Proficient (LEP). Department Parks and Recreation Department Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Health & Environment: Accessibility to quality parks, trails, and recreational opportunities Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-15 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Updated Asian American Quality of Life Study Motioned by: Drafted by: Alpha Shrestha, Hanna Huang (Chair) Seconded By: FY 2025-26 Budget Related to Updated Asian American Quality of Life Study Description The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission recommends that the city allocate funding for an updated study on the Quality of Life assessment of Austin's Asian American residents. Since the last study in 2014, the Asian population in Austin and its surrounding areas has grown significantly from 6.3% to over 8%. Conducting a new survey would provide valuable insights into the evolving needs of this community, track changes in health disparities, and assess resource accessibility. Historically, Asian Americans have been underreported and underserved in health and social services. Data on this group is often not disaggregated due to the misconception of homogeneity within the population. Furthermore, the diversity of the Asian American community—ranging from different countries of origin to varying lengths of residence, social engagement, and socioeconomic status—makes it challenging to analyze and address their specific needs effectively. The 2016 report provided a comprehensive overview of Asian American health, including dental health, behavioral health, insurance coverage, mental health, aging health, and community resource utilization. However, the city continues to face challenges in effectively engaging with the Asian American population through surveys, studies, and planning efforts. Since the 2014 study, there has been no concerted effort to track changes or address the gaps identified in the 2016 report, especially since COVID-19 and the implication of the pandemic on the community. An updated study would be critical to understanding the current status of this community and ensuring that their needs are adequately met. Many presentations by City staff to our commission have indicated a trend in lack of data, knowledge, and methodology in serving and reaching Asian American communities beyond translating materials. Several City plans, surveys, and community input reports often only have the staff or marketing resources to translate documents but the use of translated materials by the communities they are targeting is not currently tracked either. 2016 Asian American Quality of Life Study final report Currently, there is a unique opportunity to work with the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Social Work to update the study. Dr. Shetal Vohra-Gupta has proposed and attained $25,000 to update the survey and conduct a small pilot for validation. …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-04 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Customer and Front Desk Support Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: AARC Customer & Front Desk Support Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division has an under-resourced need for front desk support that has been identified and requested since 2020. Pre-pandemic (2020), the AARC has garnered over 50,000 visitors at its peak. Post-pandemic, visitor and program attendance is already back at over 30,000 in FY2022-2023 and over 38,000 visitors in FY2023-2024. Currently, the AARC is the only cultural facility without a dedicated FTE for Front Desk and Reception support and is entirely staffed by temporary staff. This poses issues in staff turnover, safety, training, and support needed to appropriately respond to citizen inquiries and needs when they visit the facility during the 46 hours a week the facility is open to the public. Due to budget cuts and sweeping of funds from the Parks Department in the last 2 years, their temporary staff budget has been reduced, with front desk staff support needs taking more than 50% of the temporary staff budget. Reductions in temporary staffing to other AARC programs have been necessary to maintain appropriate staffing at the reception area for visitor assistance and safety. Recommendation Ongoing funding in one of the following options is recommended: ● 1 Administrative Specialist FTE (40 hours/week) with bilingual pay ● .75 Administrative Speciality PTE (30 hours/week) with bilingual pay plus an additional $20,000 (6 hours/week) temporary staffing for an entry-level administrative specialist ● $72,000 of total temporary funding was dedicated to Office Attendant I and II positions accounting for 63 hours a week total throughout the year. Inclusive of 2 staff for evening shifts for safety, training, and increased staffing for large events and rentals. Department Office of Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) / Museums & Cultural Programs Division / AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Vibrancy and sustainability of creative industry ecosystem; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-05 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Center (AARC) Senior Program Language Access Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Asian American Resource Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: AARC Senior Program Language Access Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division has a robust senior program that serves 60-70 participants daily Mondays through Thursdays and has served over 10,000 meals within the FY2023-2024 year alone. In the AARC budget from FY2022-2023 and FY2023-2024, there has been a significant unmet need for additional funding for expanded Senior Language Access. The AARC had $43,198 in FY2023-2024 budgeted for interpretation. Of this budget, most of the funding is utilized for Mandarin-language interpretation due to the need from Chinese-speaking seniors. The AARC staff has identified a need for Vietnamese and Korean interpretation for activities as well as to better serve seniors with language barriers for 1-2 days of the week during the senior programs at the facility. As the only senior program in the city with language access for Asian languages consistently available, it is essential that the AARC has an increased budget for additional language interpretation services to expand equitable access to our Asian American seniors. Recommendation An increase in funding for language access services is recommended to add Vietnamese and Korean-interpreted activity days to the AARC senior program. Department Office of Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) / Museums & Cultural Programs Division / AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Vibrancy and sustainability of creative industry ecosystem; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-06 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget AARC Additional Staffing for Performance Pavilion Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: AARC Additional Staffing for Performance Pavilion Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division is currently in progress constructing an outdoor performance pavilion on their great lawn along with AARC/Rutherford stormwater improvements to Walnut Creek Trail that include 2 pedestrian bridges. There is an anticipated need for additional staffing to create and support event rentals, maintenance, and education programs related to the new additions. AARC Phase 2 Projects Update Recommendation The commission recommends the addition of the following positions to support the new AARC Performance Pavilion to plan for and support the added facility: 1. Public Event Supervisor - increased event rentals and special events in new space 2. Building & Grounds Lead - new building addition to the AARC grounds to maintain and keep up to performance and rental standards along with day-to-day upkeep of AARC outdoor space 3. Culture & Education Coordinator - education staff that have familiarity with outdoor performance spaces and equipment Department Office of Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) / Museums & Cultural Programs Division / AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities: Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Vibrancy and sustainability of creative industry ecosystem; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Health & Environment: Accessibility to quality parks, trails, and recreational opportunities Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-07 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget Marketing & Community Engagement Staff for Cultural Centers Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: AARC Additional Staffing for Performance Pavilion Description The 4 culture centers of the Asian American Resource Center, George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, Mexican American Culture Center, and the Dougherty Arts Center within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division all serve unique sectors of the culture and arts communities in the City of Austin. These centers were all constructed due to community pressure for spaces that value specific arts and cultural communities that were not being adequately served by other City services. Due to their beloved statuses and long histories of community engagement, each requires marketing representatives and community engagement staff to appropriately engage and respond to the needs of the communities they were created in response to community needs for. Staff at each facility have reported the need over the years each facility having an overwhelming workload related to community engagement and marketing that has been split by current full- time staff or done by temporary staff. This division has several ongoing capital development and action plans in progress that require significant planning for community input and progress updates. Previously, the Public Information team from the Parks and Recreation Department or consultants were heavily relied on to complete these community input processes at the expense of construction bond dollars. This recommendation proposes having a dedicated Marketing Representative and Community Engagement Specialist for each site to preserve the institutional knowledge needed to keep the public up to date on each facility’s long-term planning processes, and unmet needs as well as deepen community connections. Lastly, each facility often is a hub and outlet for gathering input or sharing other City news from their specific cultural communities. For example, the City’s engagement in various surveys, action plans, etc with Asian American communities is often low. Oftentimes, the Asian American Resource Center marketing staff and facility are asked to help expand outreach to Asian American communities due to their use by that community. Recommendation The commission recommends the addition of the following positions 2 positions for each cultural facility. While we understand the marketing representatives may be housed within a central division or public information office, …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-08 Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Immigrant Legal Services Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) Description Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services Seconded By: The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) strongly recommends continued funding for the Austin Public Health (APH) Immigrant Legal Services, Pro Se services, and Citizenship Clinics programs in the FY 2025-26 budget. This program plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of Austin's immigrant population. This need is particularly needed at a time when regional and national policies continue to further reduce services for immigrants. Additionally, immigrant rights are being stripped due to frequent recent changes in immigration policies and inaccessible services. APH Immigrant Legal Services currently has several contracts in place for American Gateways, Catholic Charities, and RAICES. Many of these contracts are coming to an end. The closure of Refugee Services of Texas has further reduced options for legal immigration assistance available in the community for refugees, many of whom are from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. We strongly recommend continued funding for the APH Immigrant Legal Services program at a level that allows it to meet the growing needs of Austin's immigrant population. Contractors for this program provide critical legal assistance to immigrants in Austin. The program helps immigrants navigate the complex legal system, with a focus on areas like citizenship, deportation defense, and access to public benefits. Recommendation Continued ongoing funding of all current contracts along with an expansion for Pro Se services is recommended. Pro Se services provide immigrants with legal advice, help with paperwork, and coaching through the legal system. Although it stops short of full legal representation, these services are the most necessary to help immigrants navigate the immigration process since hearings and court dates may take years to schedule in the judicial system. Department Austin Public Health (APH) Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Government that works for all; Equity of City programs and resource allocation; Safety: Fair administration of justice Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-09 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Motioned by: Drafted By: Hanna Huang (Chair) & Padmini Jambulapati (Vice Chair) Seconded By: Austin Public Health Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Description The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission would like to recommend that the City increase funding for mental health services. In 2020, Austin Public Health (APH) put out a Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) 004 Asian Pacific Islander Mental Health Services that our commission also supported and recommended. There were two applicants and two awarded agencies: Northwest Austin Universal Health Clinic (NAUHC) for $100,000 and Young Women’s Christian Association (also known as YWCA) for $50,000. With the closure of NAUHC, the $100,000 API Mental Health amount was awarded to Get Up Project d/b/a Hope Medical Clinic to provide health education and navigation services prioritizing the Austin Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. While health navigation services are essential for the AAPI community, their use is very different from the original scope and intention of the RFGA. Given that the funding for mental health for this past fiscal year was diverted to health navigation services, the need is higher than ever to access essential mental healthcare for Austin’s Asian community. Our recommendation would be an ongoing amount that is applied to AAPI Mental and Behavioral Health but also to fund a Mental Health Directory specific to mental health specialists who work with members of Austin’s Asian community. The funds would go towards building community-building activities along with the creation of an updated directory of mental health specialists by language and by specialty. Recommendation Restoration of the full and ongoing amount of $150,000 for AAPI Mental Health Direct Services One-time funding to support administrative maintenance, directory expansion, and client matching for an Asian Behavioral Health Network Department Austin Public Health Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities: Health & Environment: Enjoying a sustainable environment and a healthy life, physically and mentally. A. Health conditions among the public B. Accessibility to quality health care services (physical and mental) Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-04 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Customer and Front Desk Support Motioned by: Commissioner Sin Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup AARC Customer & Front Desk Support Seconded By: Commissioner Nguyễn Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division has an under-resourced need for front desk support that has been identified and requested since 2020. Pre-pandemic (2020), the AARC has garnered over 50,000 visitors at its peak. Post-pandemic, visitor and program attendance is already back at over 30,000 in FY2022-2023 and over 38,000 visitors in FY2023-2024. Currently, the AARC is the only cultural facility without a dedicated FTE for Front Desk and Reception support and is entirely staffed by temporary staff. This poses issues in staff turnover, safety, training, and support needed to appropriately respond to citizen inquiries and needs when they visit the facility during the 46 hours a week the facility is open to the public. Due to budget cuts and sweeping of funds from the Parks Department in the last 2 years, their temporary staff budget has been reduced, with front desk staff support needs taking more than 50% of the temporary staff budget. Reductions in temporary staffing to other AARC programs have been necessary to maintain appropriate staffing at the reception area for visitor assistance and safety. Recommendation Ongoing funding in one of the following options is recommended: ● 1 Administrative Specialist FTE (40 hours/week) with bilingual pay ● .75 Administrative Speciality PTE (30 hours/week) with bilingual pay plus an additional $20,000 (6 hours/week) temporary staffing for an entry-level administrative specialist ● $72,000 of total temporary funding was dedicated to Office Attendant I and II positions accounting for 63 hours a week total throughout the year. Inclusive of 2 staff for evening shifts for safety, training, and increased staffing for large events and rentals. Department Office of Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) / Museums & Cultural Programs Division / AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Vibrancy and sustainability of creative industry ecosystem; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity …
