LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 3, 2025 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on March 3, 2025 at 6:45 PM at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas, 78752, Room #1405. Commissioners in attendance in person: J. Scott Neal (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) Brigitte Bandit KB Brookin Garry Brown Katie Coyne Morgan Davis Rocío Fierro-Pérez Mariana Krueger Kitty McLeod Taylor Treviño Brandon Wollerson Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Anna Nguyen: LGBTQIA+ Community Center Devin Alejandro-Wilder: Equitable Cultural Arts Funding Dani Ward: Homelessness + Low Income/Agendas APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s regular meeting on February 10, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Brown’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Amend the annual schedule to change Commission meetings from the second Monday of every month to the third Monday of every month. The annual schedule was amended on Chair Neal’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. Page 1 of 4 WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update on the history of the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center project. Presentation by the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Town Hall Working Group. Update by Vice Chair Benson and Commissioners Krueger and Davis. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Briefing regarding the state of the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study as described in Resolution 20240814-022. Briefing by Christine Maguire, Redevelopment Division Manager, Financial Services Department. The presentation was made by Christine Maguire, Redevelopment Division Manager, Financial Services Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Receive input from members of the public on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center’s potential vision and mission. Discussion was held. 6. Receive input from members of the public on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center’s potential amenities, services, and programming, and explain methods of collecting feedback. Discussion was held. 7. Receive input from members of the public regarding, besides a potential LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center, measures the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission could recommend to the City Council designed to enhance the health, safety, economic opportunity and affordability, mobility, cultural and learning opportunities, and government access and accountability for the LGBTQIA+ community. Discussion was held. 8. Discussion regarding distributing a resource packet for transgender and gender-expansive Austin residents. Update …
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MARCH 3, 2025 AT 6:30PM W. 3rd Street AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs 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, contact Gunjen Mittal at gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-6104. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Kevin T. Countie Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Yohana Saucedo Shweta Padmanabha AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up 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 Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on January 6, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing by Lieutenant Davis Christopher, Austin Police Department, regarding general updates on policies pertaining to the Immigrant Community. 3. Briefing by Houmma Garba, Language Access and Community Engagement Consultant from the Corporate Communications & Public Information Office regarding the new citywide language access plan. 4. Briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager - Immigrant Affairs, regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. 5. Briefing by Alejandra Mireles and/or Jeremy Garza, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator from (Equity Division) Office of Equity and Inclusion, regarding timeline and steps for Quality of Life Study. PRESENTATION 6. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director of American Gateways regarding an update on their work, to highlight the effective use of the City's support as the recipient of a City of Austin grant to provide vital legal immigration services to low-income residents and advocate for continued funding for immigration legal services in next year's City budget. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Welcome new commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. 8. Discussion of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Draft Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. 9. Discussion on updates on JIC recommendations. Group. Group. 10. Discussion on proposed dates for a Special Called meeting regarding FY26 budget recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Discussion and action on approving …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (6, JANUARY, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 6, JANUARY, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 6, JANUARY, 2025, PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO, AUSTIN, TEXAS. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Chair Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Kevin T. Countie Aditi Joshi Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Luis Osta Lugo Shweta Padmanabha Adrian De La Rosa Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Kevin T. Countie Aditi Joshi Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Luis Osta Lugo Shweta Padmanabha Yohana Saucedo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL List name of speaker(s) and brief description of topic. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS (REGULAR) MEETING on November 4, 2024. 1. 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (6, JANUARY, 2025) The minutes from the meeting of (11/4/2024) were approved on Kevin Countie’s motion, Aditi Joshi second on a (9-0) vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Certified Welcoming update, proposal for an Office of Immigrant Affairs, Know Your Rights presentations, and Immigrant Inclusion Mini Grant. The presentation was made by (Rocio Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Manager at the Equity & Inclusion Office). PRESENTATION 3. Presentation regarding the Immigrant Hall of Honor initiative focusing on the contributions of immigrants after arriving to the U.S. The presentation by Sara Puig Laas, Board Director of the Immigrant Hall of Honor. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Welcome new Commission members to the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. The Chair welcomed new Commissioners to the Board. 5. Discussion and update of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs review at the December 11, 2024, Audit and Finance Committee meeting due to the failure of the Commission to convene for a period of over six months. The Chair provided an overview of the Audit and emphasized the importance of meeting quorum each month. 6. Discussion on planning a retreat for all Commissioners for early 2025. Discussion was had and they are now planning the retreat for another time early in the year. 7. Discussion of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ goals and objectives for 2025 budget recommendations as they relate to the Commission’s purpose and duties in City Code. Goals discussed were: public safety, economic development, life assessment, health care, financial literacy, legal literacy, U-Visas approval rate, educational system …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025030314: Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that maps out a vision of Austin as a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all1; and WHEREAS, a City of Austin report identified that many non-English-speaking residents abstain from engaging in the community due to language barriers and the associated challenges with communicating2; and WHEREAS, a recent audit found the city is not adequately meeting the goals of the policy, established in 2014 to provide translation and interpretation services, intended to give people equitable access to programs and information, leaving people to try to navigate these systems alone3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs (CoIA) most recent experience highlighted concerns about the current funding practice for language accessibility for Boards and Commissions, as well as the support process for Commissioners with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) who required live interpretation services during onboarding, training, and meetings; and WHEREAS, The CoIA had delays in the onboarding and training of an LEP Commissioner, while these services were ultimately provided, there was some confusion among regarding which department or office was responsible for delivering the translation and interpretation services, resulting in delays in fulfilling the request; and WHEREAS, the current funding practice for covering translation and interpretation services for Boards and Commissions was identified not sustainable. No department supporting Boards and Commissions allocates 1 City Embarks on Community-Wide Effort to Update Imagine Austin | AustinTexas.gov 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=367457 3 Austin is not doing enough to communicate with non-English speakers, audit finds | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/language-access-policy specific funds in the fiscal budget for these interpretation and translation services for Commissioners who need them; and WHEREAS, without a proactive funding system, resources are often diverted from other essential services and programs when a need arises. A sustainable funding plan is necessary; and WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs (CoIA) additionally encountered inconsistencies in the support process of an LEP Commissioner, …
REGULAR MEETING of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Monday, March 3rd, 2025, at 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Members of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL may participate by video conference. Public comment will be allowed remotely via video conference or telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item 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 participation. To register to speak, call or email AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-7852. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Chair – Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair – J Muzacz, Andrew Danziger, Taylor Davis, Bernardo Diaz, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Monica Maldonado – Arts Commission Liaison CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on February 3rd, 2025. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from February 17th, 2025, Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Brush Square Art in Public Places Project – George Sabra ACTION: Approve Artist Selection Recommendations for Red Bud Isle Art in Public Places Project – Emily Eisenhart Recommended Artist, and Philippe Klinefelter Recommended Alternate Artist 4. 5. 6. ACTION: Approve Artist Selection Recommendations for Armadillo Water Tank Art in Public Places Project – Bill Tavis Recommended Artist, Candy Kuo Recommended Alternate Artist, and Efren Rebugio Recommended Third Alternate Artist ACTION: Approve the 2025-2028 Art in Public Places Pre-Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool Request for Qualifications DISCUSSION: Guidelines Working Group updates Art in Public Places Staff Briefing on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones 7. STAFF BRIEFINGS 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974- 7852 for additional information; TTY users' route through Relay Texas …
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Regular Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a regular meeting on Monday, March 3rd, 2025, virtual meeting. Chair Stephanie Lemmo called the Meeting to order at 6:04 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Chair – Stephanie Lemmo, Andrew Danziger, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Monica Maldonado, Bernardo Diaz, Taylor Davis. Staff in Attendance: Program Manager: Jaime Castillo. Project Coordinators: Frederico Salles Geib, Lindsay Hutchens, Rebecca Rende. Guests in Attendance: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on Monday, February 3rd, 2025, were approved on the motion of Kristi-Anne Shaer; Andrew Danziger seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from February 17th, 2025, Arts Commissions Meeting. Liaison Maldonado reported that all AIPP items were approved on consent. Liaison Maldonado also reported the Arts Commission desire to hear directly from artists when the projects in question have a higher budget than most. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. ACTION: Approve the Final Design for the Brush Square Art in Public Places Project – George Sabra. Final design was approved on a motion by Liaison Maldonado; Bernardo Diaz seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0. 4. ACTION: Approve Artist Selection Recommendations for Red Bud Isle Art in Public Places Project – Emily Eisenhart Recommended Artist, and Philippe Klinefelter Recommended Alternate Artist. The selection was approved on a motion by Andrew Danziger; Taylor Davis seconded. Motion passed 5-0-0. 5. ACTION: Approve Artist Selection Recommendations for Armadillo Water Tank Art in Public Places Project – Bill Tavis Recommended Artist, Candy Kuo Recommended Alternate Artist, and Efren Rebugio Recommended Third Alternate Artist. The selection was approved on a motion by Liaison Maldonado; Bernardo Diaz seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0. 6. ACTION: Approve the 2025-2027 Art In Public Places Pre-Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool. The Pre-Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool was approved on a motion by Bernardo Diaz; Kristi- Anne Shaer seconded. Motion passed 6-0-0. 7. DISCUSSION: Approve the Guidelines Workgroup Update invitation for an Arts Commissioner to participate in the process. Discussion will continue. STAFF BRIEFINGS 8. Art in Public Places Staff Briefing on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones: Program Manager Jaime Castillo provided an update on the De- Accession process at the Austin Convention Center. Staff Frederico Geib shared opportunities for community engagement with artist Reginald Adams. Staff Frederico Geib shared the upcoming selection …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT February 26, 2025 at 6 pm City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Marissa Bell Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Vacant Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Shelby Orme Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the January 22nd, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. DISCUSSION 2. Austin Light Rail Phase 1 project update, timeline and the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Public Review and Comment Period – Lisa Storer, Alvin Livingstone, Deron Lozano and Yannis Banks, Austin Transit Partnership 3. Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Update on staffing, current agreements, pathways, and its future funding opportunities. – Juan Espinoza, Economic Development Department 4. Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Update – Braden Latham-Jones, Office of Climate Action and Resilience. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Recommendations and possible action on the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program, including supportive action and/or recommendations for additions to existing plan. 6. Recommendation and possible action in Support for …
January 21, 2025 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Craig Nazor, Marissa Bell, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Anna Scott, Christopher Campbell Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Charlotte Davis, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Haris Qureshi, Rodrigo Leal, Alberta Phillips Board Members Absent: City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Emily King CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm. 1. Approval of minutes from the December 18th, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Scott motion, Maxwell-Gaines second, passes on a 10-0 vote (Leal, Phillips off dais). DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee membership, expiring terms, and replacement members. • Members to check with clerk’s office to check if they are rolling off or not. • Some members rolling off because of term limits, particularly Mayoral appointments. • Members to check in with alternates (if applicable) 3. Discussion of potential Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendations for the FY26 City Budget. • Natural Systems o Working on 4-5 recommendations. o Recommendations put forth last year that didn’t get adopted but still worthwhile o Items being discussed in the climate equity plan implementation o Converting impervious cover to functional green – audit of city owned land o Land acquisition, in eastern watersheds o Citywide green infrastructure vision, implementation strategy o Green workforce o Wildfire prevention o Tree canopy survey/assessment using LIDAR • Consumption o Looked at previous recommendations from 2024 and 2023. In 2023, 100% adoption. In 2024, near zero adoption. o Looking at reinstating the climate ambassador program o Citywide sustainable purchasing o Low carbon concrete o Food plan implementation o Zero waste and circular restaurant materials o Electric landscape equipment • Transportation still working • Buildings o Outreach/engagement for sustainability incentives o Refrigerants – reducing leaks, switching to different refrigerants o Air sealing task force o Water leak detection and landscape conversions o Sustainable construction procurement coordinator o ACCC support 4. Update from Electric Utility Commission on Solar Programs – Kaiba White • Update on solar standard offer, allows building owners to lease roof space to solar developers. First stakeholder meeting scheduled for expansion of program on Jan 29. • Solar for All moving slower because interlocal agreement with Harris County needed to be completed. 5. Update from Austin Travis County …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20250226-005 Date: February 26, 2025 Subject: Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Motioned By: Charlotte Davis Seconded By: Anna Scott Recommendation The Austin Climate Equity Plan sets the goal that Austin will achieve net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and more action is urgently needed to meet this goal. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends including any appropriate policy changes that align with the goals and strategies of the Austin Climate Equity Plan in the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program action list before finalizing it. Some policies that the commission recommends including are: 1. Waive permitting fees for food venders that serve mostly a pro-climate/pro-health, plant- based, high fiber menu and/or use compostable packaging. 2. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) should institute policy changes to increase use of recycling and composting and reduce contamination for ARR customers and those subject to the URO. For example, contamination fees (which ARR has already researched) are a useful tool. 3. Adopt a policy to require all events on city property (including streets) to provide co- located composting, recycling and landfill trash receptacles, with staff to assist event participants. 4. Adopt a pro-climate/pro-health and plant-based food default policy for all City of Austin food purchasing. Furthermore, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the following edits and additions to the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program action list. 1. “Rebates for electrical upgrades” should include enhanced/increased rebates for LMI customers. 2. Fund direct person to person community outreach to promote and expand the utilization of City of Austin sustainability incentives with a focus on LMI communities as well as small businesses. Vote Record: 12-0 Yes: Charlotte Davis, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Marissa Bell, Lane Becker, Melissa Rothrock, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Anna Scott, Chris Campbell, Rodrigo Leal No: N/A Absent: Yure Suarez, Natalie Poindexter, Amy Noel, Ben Luckens, Alberta Phillips Attest: Rohan Lilauwala, Staff Liaison
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20250226-006 Date: February 26, 2025 Subject: Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in Austin, Texas Motioned By: Marissa Bell Seconded By: Charlotte Davis WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds and explore all available means to establish a dedicated management mechanism, such as a dedicated City department or full-time equivalent staff (FTE), to oversee and coordinate agricultural land preservation and management efforts; and …
Austin Light Rail Progress Update February 26, 2025 Austin Light Rail Benefits of Light RailBenefits of Light Rail Light Rail in Other Cities Paris, France Seattle, Washington Phoenix, Arizona Minneapolis, Minnesota Austin Light Rail Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Light rail is an expandable electric train system designed for metropolitan areas, serving as an integral part of the transit network by connecting people to essential destinations where they live, work and play. Facts 15 STATIONS connecting points north, south and east of downtown Austin 9.8 MILES of light rail transit ~28,000 DAILY TRIPS on an average weekday Access to: 136K current jobs 200K+ future jobs Artist conceptual visualization Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. EAST RIVERSIDE A new shaded walk and bike path along the line on East Riverside, designed to improve walkability. Artist conceptual visualization Artist conceptual visualization LIGHT RAIL ON EAST RIVERSIDE Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. Artist conceptual visualization THE DRAG The station at UT on a typical game day with a redesigned and pedestrian-centric Guadalupe Street. Artist conceptual visualization OLTORF AT H-E-B The station at Congress and Oltorf near H-E-B, showing a new public plaza with shade trees and native plants. Artist conceptual visualization Austin Light Rail Proposed Light Rail Timeline Environmental Analysis Topics What’s Next All comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that are received by March 11, 2025, will be responded to in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. How can you comment? Call Us | (512) 389-7590 Email Us | input@atptx.org Visit Our Virtual Open House Send Mail | 203 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701 austinlightrail.org/austinlightrailinput Ask for a presentation at input@atptx.org Thank You.
Joint Sustainability Committee Presentation February 26, 2025 Agenda • Austin Civilian Conservation Corps (ACCC) Staffing • Current Agreements • Natural System Pathway • Grant Opportunities • Conclusion Personnel Juan Espinoza • Program Manager for the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps • Economic Development Department • Juan.Espinoza@austintexas.gov Kerstin Johansson • Conservation Program Coordinator for Austin Civilian Conservation Corps • Economic Development Department • Kerstin.Johansson@austintexas.gov Current Pathway and Programs Natural Systems Pathway • American Youthworks • Hungry Hill Foundation • Austin Youth River Watch American Youthworks: Two Crews Eastern Crescent • Focus Areas: Restoration, erosion control, invasive species management, forest health maintenance, trail/fence reconstruction, and integrated pest management. • Project Sites: Onion Creek Preserves, Kendra Page Park. Parks and Preserves • Focus Areas: Trail building, wildfire fuel mitigation, invasive species removal, and land management. • Project Sites: Red Bluff, Blunn Creek, Stephenson Preserves. 1. Both crews work with partners from the Parks and Recreation and Watershed Departments respectively. 2. Due to funding challenges, crews are now working with Travis County and the Trails Conservancy for project work. 3. Recruiting from TOOF and Hungry Hill Foundation and Building Promise USA. (Recruiting people who have experienced homelessness and or have been justice impacted. Hungry Hill Foundation Agreement Description Agreement Details • Supports East Austin residents transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency. • Provides a multi-tiered work and apprenticeship program to build job skills. • Partners with the Watershed and Parks & Recreation Departments. • Assists 65 members annually in park maintenance and litter abatement across East Austin’s parks and waterways. *With more funding, the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps will pilot place-based workforce development at the Historic Bethany Cemetery to conduct cultural and natural resource conservation training current and future WPD and PARD employees. The goal is to recruit new employees who are or have experienced homelessness and are living in the local neighborhood. Austin Youth River Watch Agreement Description Agreement Details • After-school program for high school students focused on peer mentoring and environmental education. • Conducts conservation projects on Parks and Recreation Department property. • Engages 100+ high school students and 5 • Provides students with hands-on, meaningful activities outside of school hours. interns annually. • Students analyze and publish water quality data from Austin-area creeks and rivers. • Data is reported to local and state agencies, including the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). *Current partners with this vendor are the Watershed Department, Parks and …
Comprehensive Climate Implementation Plan Draft Project List GHG Emission Reduction (MT CO2e) JSC - Feb 26, 2025 Two-Year Cost Estimate (NOT FINAL ) SECTION Action Title Action Narrative Type Departments and Partners Co-Benefits Sustainable Buildings Conduct a City facility condition assessment Conduct facility condition assessment to identify aging building systems and assets that need replacement. While Austin Energy and Building Services have been able to complete these assessments, additional staff and funding are required for the remaining departments. Sustainable Buildings Conduct City facility lighting retrofits Replace existing indoor and outdoor lighting with high-efficiency, long-life induction, or LED lighting across all City-owned facilities. This will increase energy efficiency and financial savings. Additional staff and funding are required. Sustainable Buildings Conduct City facility chiller and pump upgrades Sustainable Buildings Expand pay-for-performance demand response programs Sustainable Buildings Implement refrigerant management and leak prevention Sustainable Buildings Develop dashboards and utility monitoring software Install variable-frequency drives on chillers and air handling units on pumps that are currently at a constant speed. This results in energy efficiency and financial savings. Additional staff and funding are required. Expand and automate pay-for-performance demand response programs in residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors. This would incentivize more smart energy technologies (thermostats, electric vehicle smart chargers, home energy management systems, etc.) and encourage consumers to reduce or shift their energy usage during peak demand periods, balancing supply and demand to improve grid reliability. Reduce refrigerant emissions through tracking, leak detection, and equipment upgrades. Track and recover refrigerants to ensure proper disposal. Implement leak detection programs to identify and mitigate emissions. Replace outdated appliances with energy-efficient models that use low-global warming potential refrigerants, and repair equipment where advisable. Develop dashboards powered by energy and water utility monitoring software. This would help identify outliers in energy and water waste, enhance understanding of usage, and make data actionable and visible to decision- makers or those most impacted by the costs. Sustainable Buildings Expand home repair fund for low- moderate income (LMI) households Secure ongoing funding for a City investment fund for critical home repairs, increasing eligibility for LMI households to participate in weatherization, renewable energy upgrades, or electrification programs. Repairs to faulty roofs, ceilings, and walls require funding that is unavailable to most LMI households. Sustainable Buildings Expand weatherization assistance program for low-moderate income households Sustainable Buildings Install utility-scale solar on FM 812 landfill Sustainable Buildings Pilot a "Virtual Power Plant" project Sustainable …
Comprehensive Climate Implementation Plan Update February 26, 2025 Resolution 20240718-093 Resolution 20240718-093 was approved in July 2024. Staff was directed to bring two items to Council. 1. A comprehensive bond package that funds and addresses climate, infrastructure, and any other public improvements for the purpose of conducting an election no later than November 2026, and 2. A comprehensive climate implementation program of which one component is a climate bond proposition contained in the comprehensive bond package. 2 Research & Development ● Research ○ Seattle, WA ○ Los Angeles, CA ○ San Francisco, CA ○ San Diego, CA ○ Philadelphia, PA ○ Guides from C40, ICLEI ● Informational Interviews ○ San Diego, CA ○ Richmond, VA ● Conference Sessions ○ Urban Sustainability Directors Network 3 Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program 2-Year Implementation Plan Programmatic Adjustments Public document with climate projects achievable between ‘25 - ‘27 Organizational restructure aimed at successful implementation 4 Departmental Alignment 1 0 Clear communication of needs, priorities, obstacles Increase transparency, accountability 3 0 Achievable short-term milestones towards long-term goals 2 0 4 0 Municipal Best Practices 5 1 0 Departmental Alignment Climate Action Team Clear communication of needs, priorities, obstacles Departmental Work Plans Increase transparency, accountability 3 0 Achievable short-term milestones towards long-term goals Updated Quarterly Briefings Biannual Implementation Plan 2 0 4 0 Municipal Best Practices 6 City Manager’s Office Climate & Environment Leadership Team Climate Action Team 7 SUMMARY Starting in 2025: With Council direction and City Manager support, the OCAR will lead a comprehensive climate implementation program to focus cross-departmental efforts on achieving the goals/strategies of Austin’s Climate Equity Plan. 8 Climate Equity Plan Implementation Program Steps How we’re creating a biannual comprehensive climate implementation plan 1 2 3 4 5 Aug: Research and evaluation Sep-Oct: Project identification and screening Nov-Dec: In-depth analysis Jan-Feb: Departmental engagement, staff workshop Feb-Mar: Refinement, design, publishing 9 Environmental Investment Plan Projects Identified from Other Departmental Plans Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendations Project Identification 10 Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions Provides Equity and Other Co-Benefits Feasible and Viable ● Measurable GHG reduction potential ● Health ● Affordability ● Accessibility ● Air & Water Quality ● Green jobs/training ● Housing ● City Authority ● Council Priority ● Regional Collaboration ● Funding C40 “ASAP” Tool Analysis 11 Prioritization Process (C40 “ASAP” Tool) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Primary Benefits Criteria ● Emissions Reduction Co-Benefits Criteria By category: ● Health + Wellbeing ● Environment ● Economic Prosperity …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20250226-XXX Date: February 26, 2025 Subject: Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation The Austin Climate Equity Plan sets the goal that Austin will achieve net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and more action is urgently needed to meet this goal. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends including any appropriate policy changes that align with the goals and strategies of the Austin Climate Equity Plan in the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program action list before finalizing it. Some policies that the commission recommends including are: 1. Waive permitting fees for food venders that serve mostly a pro-climate/pro-health, plant- based, high fiber menu. 2. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) should institute policy changes to increase use of recycling and composting and reduce contamination for ARR customers and those subject to the URO. For example, contamination fees (which ARR has already researched) are a useful tool. 3. Adopt a policy to require all events on city property (including streets) to provide co- located composting, recycling and landfill trash receptacles, with staff to assist event participants. 4. Adopt a pro-climate/pro-health and plant-based food default policy for all City of Austin food purchasing. Furthermore, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the following edits and additions to the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program action list. 1. “Rebates for electrical upgrades” should include enhanced/increased rebates for LMI customers.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number: [INSERT] : Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in Austin, Texas WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds and explore all available means to establish a dedicated management mechanism, such as a dedicated City department or full-time equivalent staff (FTE), to oversee and coordinate agricultural land preservation and management efforts; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Joint Sustainability Committee …
Transportation and Land Use and Electrification Working Group FY2026 Budget Recommendations DRAFT for JSC Review - February 19, 2025 1. Low-cost, accessible charging stations at City of Austin-owned facilities Background Transportation Electrification Goal 2 of Austin Climate Equity Plan requires that by 2030 Austin has a compelling and equitably distributed mix of level 1, 2, and DC fast charging infrastructure to accommodate 40% of total vehicle miles traveled in the city. Austin's Climate Equity Plan Implementation Dashboard indicates that as of 2023, the City of Austin (COA) is falling behind on this goal. Therefore, additional assistance to accelerate EV charging and EV adoption is critical. COA will be conducting an assessment to identify city facilities where charging stations can be installed. This assessment is focused on COA properties to support fleet, workplace, and public charging needs. Service areas for public charging should be prioritized in low-income and marginalized communities. Charging to enable electrification of heavy-duty diesel vehicles (including the Austin Resource Recover Fleet) and electrification of landscaping on city properties should also be a priority because of the significant negative health impacts from air pollution that comes from diesel vehicles and gasoline powered landscaping equipment. In addition, service areas should prioritize city buildings near local small businesses to increase their revenue potential to benefit Austin’s small business local community economy. Recommendation The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $150,000 in additional annual funding for a full-time Program Manager Coordinator position (1 FTE) from the Office of Climate Action and Resilience (OCAR) be allocated to work with Austin Energy (AE), other COA staff, and other corresponding entities for the implementation of charging station installations. The Project Manager function should prioritize the following tasks: ● Facilitate the completion of the assessment to identify city facilities where charging stations can be installed. Coordinate with COA staff to prioritize choosing charging station locations that benefit low-income communities, air pollution benefits, and as well as Austin's local small businesses. ● Facilitate the acceleration of installing the identified charging station to accelerate EV ● adoption. Identify funding needed to install all charging stations identified as part of the COA assessment. The aim should be for the OCAR Project Manager, AE, and other COA staff to identify funds totaling $10 Million to install the charging stations. Assuming a $10k per installed port (level 2 - 7.2kW) that would be 1,000 ports, roughly 7.2MW of installed load for EV …
Joint Sustainability Committee Austin Climate Equity Plan - Natural Systems 2025-26 Budget Recommendations 1. Green Infrastructure Projects: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Natural Systems Goal 4 says “By 2030, include all City-owned lands under a management plan that results in neutral or negative carbon emissions and maximizes community co-benefits.” Strategy 2 to achieve this goal is “Reclaim public space and prioritize green infrastructure.” The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $250,000 be allocated to the Watershed Protection Department to identify and conduct pilot green infrastructure projects on city-owned property such as: ○ Bioswales and other green stormwater infrastructure for stormwater management ○ Reforestation along creeks to reduce erosion and support biodiversity ○ Converting impervious cover to functional green spaces ○ Shade structures and street trees to create cool corridors Target areas should include surface parking lots, easements, areas along city streets, city parks, and areas in eastern watersheds, including the Blackland Prairie and Post Oak Savannah ecoregions. Funding could be used for auditing potential sites, coordination and prioritization of projects, grants to community based organizations already engaged in this work, and construction of green infrastructure projects. 2. Expand Green Workforce Programs: Equitable access to green jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities is an overarching strategy of the Climate Equity Plan. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps be permanently funded. In addition, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $200,000 be allocated for one FTE in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience to coordinate volunteer efforts in natural systems restoration, as well as to identify and encourage new volunteer groups with which to partner. Suggested partners include TreeFolks and Texas Master Naturalist. Money could be donated to these organizations for special projects. 3. Increasing Aquifer Infiltration to Replenish Water and Reduce Flooding: Complete a survey of caves and sinkholes in the City limits that have been filled, and restore those geological features so they can again function as aquifer recharge sites. This project has already been started on BCP properties, and there are more such unrehabilitated features, particularly west of the Balcones Escarpment. This work could be done with the assistance of volunteers of the Underground Texas Grotto (UT Grotto) club and the Texas Cave Management Association, both of which have done work like this in the past for the City. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $200,000 be allocated for an FTE in the Watershed Protection …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Cross-Sector FY 2025/2026 Budget Recommendations 1. Execution of the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program: The Office of Climate Action and Resilience needs additional staff to execute the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program, directed by Council Resolution 20240718-093. Staff are needed to track progress, identify gaps, coordinate and assist other departments with projects, and lead on some projects that fall to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience (OCAR). Some current OCAR staff are temporary and this work will be ongoing. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends $90,000 for a Climate Implementation Program Project Coordinator in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience. 2. Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives: The City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of the Climate Equity Plan. However, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households. A part of the challenge is awareness. The city should host a user-friendly website that consolidates information on all sustainability incentives offered by the City of Austin (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, water conserving landscaping, waste reduction, transportation electrification, public transit and green infrastructure programs), as well as state and federal incentives that align with the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan and other city sustainability plans. Additional community outreach by the city and trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs. A Community Engagement Program Manager is needed in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting sustainability incentives, with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. This employee would manage grants, contracts and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Climate Action and Resilience. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $270,000 be allocated to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience for the following: o $110,000 for a Community Engagement Program Manager o $60,000 for 20 climate ambassadors to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs, under the direction of the Office of Sustainability. o $100,000 for grants for community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Sustainable Buildings FY 2025/2026 Budget Recommendations 1. Refrigerant Leak and Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Most refrigerants currently in use are very powerful greenhouse gases. Austin Climate Equity Plan Sustainable Buildings Goal 2 is to “By 2030, reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions from refrigerant leakage by 25%.” Strategies listed in the plan to achieve this goal are, “Capture and destroy old refrigerants,” “Improve building codes to encourage cleaner refrigerants,” “Create incentives for leak detection and repair,” and “Awareness and training for HVAC service providers.” The survey of needs and recommendations for City of Austin buildings will soon be concluded and a dedicated staff person will be needed to implement the recommendations, which will likely include deployment of leakage detection equipment and protocols and HVAC equipment replacement for city buildings and developing programs for mitigating refrigerant leakage in the Austin community. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $110,000 be allocated for a new Refrigerant Program Manager in either the Office of Climate Action and Resilience or Development Services. 2. Water Leak Detection and Repair Programs: In 2023, Austin Water loss was 8,678,000,000 gallons of water which equates to 21.68 gallons per capita per day of water loss. This waste also results in unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions from the energy needed to pump and treat the water. Austin Water’s current budget includes $2 million/year for leak detection and $6 million for repairs, but water waste would be reduced faster with an increased budget. An additional staff person would be needed to help manage the additional work. The Joint Sustainability Committee Recommends that the Austin Water water leak detection budget be increased to $3 million/year and repair budgets be increased by $2 million/year, including the addition of one full time staff position to manage the increased work. 3. Residential and Commercial Landscape Conversion Rebates for Water Conservation: During summer months, the use of water dramatically increases, mainly due to the watering of landscapes. Turf areas in particular require the most water per square foot in any landscape. While ordinances for new construction can help reduce the amount of turf areas, existing properties don’t have requirements to adapt their landscapes to conserve water. Reducing the amount of turf grass that requires a lot of water to survive will help conserve water and reduce energy use needed for pumping and treatment. Austin Water should offer more substantial and accessible rebates for landscape …
Budget Recommendations from the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board: VERSION 1 - Agricultural Land Acquisition & Preservation: The 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report highlights that less than 0.6% of food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, while 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development. The Austin/Travis County Food Plan (Goal 1) prioritizes expanding community food production and preserving agricultural land, and the Austin Climate Equity Plan (Natural Systems Goal 2) aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the region by 2030.Currently, the City lacks a dedicated management mechanism to purchase and manage land specifically for agricultural preservation. No existing department has the defined scope or capacity to oversee this critical function, despite its alignment with the City’s food and climate resilience goals. To address this, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City of Austin (1) Allocate $250,000 to conduct an inventory of agricultural land for potential acquisition, as well as identify existing City-owned land that could be utilized for agricultural purposes; and (2) Allocate $2 million to establish a revolving loan fund dedicated to protecting farmland through conservation easements or direct land purchases, prioritizing regenerative agriculture practices. This fund could also attract philanthropic or private investment and serve as a foundation for future bond funding expansion. VERSION 2 - Agricultural Land Acquisition & Preservation: The 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report highlights that less than 0.6% of food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, while 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development. The Austin/Travis County Food Plan (Goal 1) prioritizes expanding community food production and preserving agricultural land, and the Austin Climate Equity Plan (Natural Systems Goal 2) aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the region by 2030.Currently, the City lacks a dedicated management mechanism to purchase and manage land specifically for agricultural preservation. No existing department has the defined scope or capacity to oversee this critical function, despite its alignment with the City’s food and climate resilience goals. To address this, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City of Austin (1) Allocate $150,000 to establish a management mechanism such as a full-time staff (FTE) to oversee agricultural land acquisition and preservation, (2) Allocate $250,000 to conduct an inventory of agricultural land for potential acquisition, as well as identify existing City-owned land that could be utilized for agricultural purposes; and …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-XXX Date: February xx, 2025 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Sustainable Purchasing: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 2 says “By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions from institutional, commercial, and government purchasing are reduced by at least 50%.“ Strategy 2 to achieve that goal is “Strengthen the City’s sustainable purchasing program.” Recent analysis by the Office of Sustainability shows that over 80% of the City of Austin’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the products and services that the city purchases. It is essential that the City establish a comprehensive Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products and services the City procures, and the City must prioritize ongoing staff support to educate all departments on sustainable purchasing and ensure that purchasing decisions comply with the Sustainable Purchasing Plan. This work is also foundational for achieving Climate Equity Plan goals for private sector sustainable purchasing in the Austin Community. Current staff in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience and the Purchasing Department have been making efforts to accomplish this goal while also doing their other work, but the volume of work needed is beyond what existing staff have capacity for. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $110,000 be allocated to adding a full-time Sustainable Purchasing Program Manager position to the Purchasing Department. Pro-Climate/Pro-Health Food Implementation: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 1 says: “By 2030, ensure all Austinites can access a food system that is community- driven, addresses food insecurity, prioritizes regenerative agriculture, supports dietary and health agency, promotes plant-based foods, and minimizes food waste.” The Austin/Travis County Food Plan includes “Goal 8: Pro-climate, Pro-health Raise awareness of the benefits of foods that nourish our bodies and reduce the overall environmental impact of our food system while addressing barriers to access.” A key need for the plan is for community education and outreach. Partners have developed some materials but there is no budget for community outreach to share information and opportunities. The JSC recommends that $75,000 be allocated to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience for community outreach and education on benefits and opportunities to eat more pro-climate/pro-health foods. Circular economy and waste diversion programs: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 3 says : “Aggressively …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-XXX Date: February xx, 2025 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Sustainable Purchasing: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 2 says “By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions from institutional, commercial, and government purchasing are reduced by at least 50%.“ Strategy 2 to achieve that goal is “Strengthen the City’s sustainable purchasing program.” Recent analysis by the Office of Sustainability shows that over 80% of the City of Austin’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the products and services that the city purchases. It is essential that the City establish a comprehensive Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products and services the City procures, and the City must prioritize ongoing staff support to educate all departments on sustainable purchasing and ensure that purchasing decisions comply with the Sustainable Purchasing Plan. This work is also foundational for achieving Climate Equity Plan goals for private sector sustainable purchasing in the Austin Community. Current staff in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience and the Purchasing Department have been making efforts to accomplish this goal while also doing their other work, but the volume of work needed is beyond what existing staff have capacity for. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $110,000 be allocated to adding a full-time Sustainable Purchasing Program Manager position to the Purchasing Department. Pro-Climate/Pro-Health Food Implementation: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 1 says: “By 2030, ensure all Austinites can access a food system that is community- driven, addresses food insecurity, prioritizes regenerative agriculture, supports dietary and health agency, promotes plant-based foods, and minimizes food waste.” The Austin/Travis County Food Plan includes “Goal 8: Pro-climate, Pro-health Raise awareness of the benefits of foods that nourish our bodies and reduce the overall environmental impact of our food system while addressing barriers to access.” A key need for the plan is for community education and outreach. Partners have developed some materials but there is no budget for community outreach to share information and opportunities. The JSC recommends that $75,000 be allocated to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience for community outreach and education on benefits and opportunities to eat more pro-climate/pro-health foods. Circular economy and waste diversion programs: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 3 says : “Aggressively …
February 26, 2025 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Charlotte Davis, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White, Chris Maxwell-Gaines Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Marissa Bell, Lane Becker, Melissa Rothrock, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Anna Scott, Chris Campbell, Rodrigo Leal Board Members Absent: Yure Suarez, Natalie Poindexter, Amy Noel, Ben Luckens, Alberta Phillips City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Braden Latham-Jones, Juan Espinoza CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm. Public Communication • Zachary Leeper – speaking in favor of ACCC • Chase Wright – speaking in favor of ACCC, benefits from providing jobs and workforce training to individuals exiting homelessness and incarceration • Parc Smith – speaking in favor of ACCC 1. Approval of minutes from the January 22nd 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. DISCUSSION ITEMS • Maxwell-Gaines motion, Qureshi second, passes on a 12-0 vote. 2. Austin Light Rail Phase 1 project update, timeline and the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Public Review and Comment Period – Lisa Storer, Alvin Livingstone, Deron Lozano and Yannis Banks, Austin Transit Partnership. • Rothrock: what is priority extension? Answer: Airport will be next • White: can you elaborate more on DEIS? Answer: documents impacts during construction and operation. E.g. noise and vibration. Understanding what JSC is interested in is helpful. Federal gov’t doesn’t require level of detail being provided. E.g. working with city arborist to come up with tree preservation-first approach. • Model shows 20 million + VMT reduced. All electric vehicles. 3. Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Update on staffing, current agreements, pathways, and its future funding opportunities. – Juan Espinoza, Economic Development Department. • Davis: what happened to other pathways? Espinoza: funding shortfall meant that only natural systems pathway is active. Program has always been funded with one-time funding. • White: how much funding is needed to bring programming back? Espinoza: $2.8m at max capacity. 4. Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Update – Braden Latham-Jones, Office of Climate Action and Resilience. • White: what about public-facing items? Latham-Jones – some items feature this. • White: will this come back to JSC? Latham-Jones: TBD, depends on timeline. 5. Recommendations and possible action on the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program, including supportive action and/or recommendations for additions …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via videoconference Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Division) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Becky Bullard Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Jennifer Powell Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Lisa Chang 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JANUARY 22, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions. Discussion on member Commissions FY26 Budget Recommendation’s topics and progress. Discussion on maintaining quorum in the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissioners through the FY2025-26 Budget Recommendation writing period by using the City’s holdover period. Discussion on updates from the Commission on Aging on the Age Friendly Action Plan as it relates to …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Nayer Sikder Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission on Veterans Affairs: Curtis Wyman Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Early Childhood Council: Andrea McIllwain Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell & Lisa Chang PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Sarah Lass, Immigrant Hall of Honor National Museum shares a video to introduce the nonprofit. Scott Johnson, requesting funds for utility assistance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on DECEMBER 18, 2024. The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s DECEMBER 18TH, 2024 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING were approved at the JANUARY 22nd 2025 REGULAR MEETING on COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’s motion, COMMISSIONER ELAINA FOWLER’s second, on a 9-0 vote (Off the dais: Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner Morgan Davis). Briefing from David Gray, Officer of the Homeless Strategy Office and Mandy DeMayo, Department Director of Housing and Planning updates on their offices and departments fiscal year 2024-2025 budget as they relate to City programs and services for housing and residents experiencing homelessness. Mandy DeMayo shares the source of funds from the City’s FY25 Budget equal $96.3M. She also shares that Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)’s Site-Based PSH comes from Capital, Wrap Around Services, and Rental Subsidy. Currently there are 480 …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via videoconference Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Division) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Becky Bullard Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Jennifer Powell Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Lisa Chang 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Approve changing the name of the Investigating the involvement of Indigenous People and/or Native Americans to afford the group a voice Workgroup, to the Native American and Indigenous Community partnership workgroup, with the purpose of co-developing a Native American and Indigenous Community Commission. 2
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION WHEREAS, the latest City of Austin Demographer data shows Austin residents as 1.5% Asian/Asian American, 7% Black/African American, 11% Hispanic/Latino/o/x, are 51% white; and WHEREAS, the City’s Advancing Immigrant Corporation reports 20%% of residents are foreign born; and WHEREAS, the latest City of Austin Demographer data shows indicated 22% of respondents identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community; and Recommendation Number: (20250226-09): Sustained Funding Undoing Racism Workshop Through Equity Division WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest-growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and Joint Inclusion Committee D R A F T WHEREAS, in the last twelve months, the City of Austin has seen an increase in discrimination, targeting and persecution of multiple ethnicities; and WHEREAS, the Equity Division mission is “To provide leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for Austinites and achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the nation for ALL;” and WHEREAS, the Equity Divsion advances its mission by hosting Undoing Racism in collaboration with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. WHEREAS, The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond’s vision is to work with communities so that residents can be “girded with a clear sense of their own power, sustaining a quality of life that is far beyond survival. We envision them nurturing their cultures, preserving their history, and cultivating their economies. We envision these communities being in harmony with one another and with other WHEREAS, while not an all-inclusive list, all of the demographics specified above are at risk for discrimination and being targeted, generally the older adults in those populations are the most vulnerable; and segments of the global community.” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to act to maintain and approve funding for the Equity Division’s renewed 5-year contract with The People’s Institute …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20250212012: Older Adult Focus at City Job Fairs WHEREAS, the City of Austin will hold the 14th Annual City of Austin Career Expo on April 2, 2025, designed to facilitate employer hiring needs and the employment needs of job seekers1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin regularly holds additional job fair(s) throughout the year2; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin regularly holds one 50+ Community Job Fair per year that includes employers that primarily specialize in providing jobs and resources for individuals who are over the age of 503 and are marketed to older adults who choose to or need to continue working past traditional retirement age; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population represents 10.8% of the total population4; and WHEREAS, older adults job seekers frequently face ageism5,6 and 78% of people between the ages of 40 and 65 said they had seen age discrimination in the workplace7; and WHEREAS, older adult job seekers re-entering the workforce may be out of touch with the latest technology; and WHEREAS, AARP is one of numerous sources advising unique approaches for older adults seeking employment8,9 ;and other NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to direct the City to add one or two speakers to each job fair that would cover informational topics, such as how to: • • navigate new technology involved in résumé submittal, and • maintain self-confidence during the job search. repurpose a long career to pursue new interests, 1 City of Austin Career Expo | AustinTexas.gov 2 City of Austin Fair Chance Hiring Job Fair on July 25 | AustinTexas.gov 3 City of Austin 50+ Community Job Fair on September 25 | AustinTexas.gov 4 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates and 2020 decennial census. 5 15 Frustrating Reasons Why People Over 50 Struggle to Find Jobs - Housely 6 https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2024/04/16/how-to-find-a-job-if-you-are-55-or-older/ 7 The 5 Secrets for Getting Hired After 50 8 The 5 Secrets for Getting Hired After 50 9 How To Find A Job If You Are 55 Or Older The Commission on Aging can research local professionals to assist with speaker placement if needed. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 9-0 vote. Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) February 12, 2025Richard Bondi, Chair
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Veterans Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025xxxx-xxx WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to be a national leader in supporting its veteran and military community by providing comprehensive services and addressing critical issues such as housing, employment, mental health, and community reintegration; WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs has accumulated information concerning the needs of veterans in the Austin community through testimony from community members, veteran service organizations, non-profit groups, and city employees as well as the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment indicating that current support and access to Veteran services in Austin is insufficient; WHEREAS, the City Council passed Resolution No. 20240814-021 directing the City Manager to develop a Veterans Affairs Action Plan to address recommendations for staffing, budget, organizational structure, and resources necessary for the effective provision of services; WHEREAS, the Interim Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion reported to the Mayor and City Council in January 2025 that she reviewed and concurs with the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment that barriers exist in the City of Austin to ensuring local veterans have access to services and support; WHEREAS, the City Council has previously recognized the great need for Veteran support services and adopted Resolution No. 20211209-057 directing the City Manager to explore the establishment of a Veterans and Military Affairs Office, identifying costs, possible funding sources, and steps associated with establishing this office; WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs passed Recommendations No. 20200115-B003 and No. 20240320-006 encouraging consolidation of all veteran and military-related initiatives, programs, and personnel dispersed throughout the City of Austin government into a single office to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery; and WHEREAS, establishing an Office of Military and Veterans Affairs reporting to the City Manager, as is found in most large cities in Texas, will strengthen the City’s commitment to addressing the needs of Veterans in our community and supporting the Veterans and currently serving National Guard and Reserve members working in the City of Austin government. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Veterans Affairs recommends the creation of an Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. The Commission recommends the following: 1. The Office should report to the City Manager. Employees will engage with Federal, State, and County government officials and across the City of Austin government. 2. The Office should seek to maximize Federal and State funding available for Veteran programs to support City activities. 3. …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE Recommendation Number: 20250226-07 WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to be a national leader in supporting its veteran and military community by providing comprehensive services and addressing critical issues such as housing, employment, mental health, and community reintegration; WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs has accumulated information concerning the needs of veterans in the Austin community through testimony from community members, veteran service organizations, non-profit groups, and city employees as well as the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment indicating that current support and access to Veteran services in Austin is insufficient; WHEREAS, the City Council passed Resolution No. 20240814-021 directing the City Manager to develop a Veterans Affairs Action Plan to address recommendations for staffing, budget, organizational structure, and resources necessary for the effective provision of services; WHEREAS, the Interim Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion reported to the Mayor and City Council in January 2025 that she reviewed and concurs with the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment that barriers exist in the City of Austin to ensuring local veterans have access to services and support; WHEREAS, the City Council has previously recognized the great need for Veteran support services and adopted Resolution No. 20211209-057 directing the City Manager to explore the establishment of a Veterans and Military Affairs Office, identifying costs, possible funding sources, and steps associated with establishing this office; WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs passed Recommendations No. 20200115-B003 and No. 20240320-006 encouraging consolidation of all veteran and military-related initiatives, programs, and personnel dispersed throughout the City of Austin government into a single office to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery; and WHEREAS, establishing an Office of Military and Veterans Affairs reporting to the City Manager, as is found in most large cities in Texas, will strengthen the City’s commitment to addressing the needs of Veterans in our community and supporting the Veterans and currently serving National Guard and Reserve members working in the City of Austin government. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE Recommendation Number: 20250226-008: Older Adult Focus at City Job Fairs WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; WHEREAS, the City of Austin will hold the 14th Annual City of Austin Career Expo on April 2, 2025, designed to facilitate employer hiring needs and the employment needs of job seekers1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin regularly holds additional job fair(s) throughout the year2; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin regularly holds one 50+ Community Job Fair per year that includes employers that primarily specialize in providing jobs and resources for individuals who are over the age of 503 and are marketed to older adults who choose to or need to continue working past traditional retirement age; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population represents 10.8% of the total population4; and WHEREAS, older adults job seekers frequently face ageism5,6 and 78% of people between the ages of 40 and 65 said they had seen age discrimination in the workplace7; and WHEREAS, older adult job seekers re-entering the workforce may be out of touch with the latest technology; and WHEREAS, AARP is one of numerous sources advising unique approaches for older adults seeking employment8,9 ;and other NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to direct the City to add one or two speakers to each job fair that would cover informational topics, such as how to: repurpose a long career to pursue new interests, navigate new technology involved in résumé submittal, and • • • maintain self-confidence during the job search. The Commission on Aging can research local professionals to assist with speaker placement if needed. 1 City of Austin Career Expo | AustinTexas.gov 2 City of Austin Fair Chance Hiring Job Fair on July 25 | AustinTexas.gov 3 City of Austin 50+ Community Job Fair on September 25 | AustinTexas.gov 4 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates and 2020 decennial census. 5 15 Frustrating Reasons Why People Over 50 Struggle to Find Jobs - Housely 6 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE Recommendation Number: (20250226-09): Sustained Funding Undoing Racism Workshop Through Equity Division WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest-growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS, the latest City of Austin Demographer data shows Austin residents as 1.5% Asian/Asian American, 7% Black/African American, 11% Hispanic/Latino/o/x, are 51% white; and WHEREAS, the City’s Advancing Immigrant Corporation reports 20%% of residents are foreign born; and WHEREAS, the latest City of Austin Demographer data shows indicated 22% of respondents identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, while not an all-inclusive list, all of the demographics specified above are at risk for discrimination and being targeted, generally the older adults in those populations are the most vulnerable; and WHEREAS, in the last twelve months, the City of Austin has seen an increase in discrimination, targeting and persecution of multiple ethnicities; and WHEREAS, the Equity Division mission is “To provide leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for Austinites and achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the nation for ALL;” and WHEREAS, the Equity Divsion advances its mission by hosting Undoing Racism in collaboration with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. WHEREAS, The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond’s vision is to work with communities so that residents can be “girded with a clear sense of their own power, sustaining a quality of life that is far beyond survival. We envision them nurturing their cultures, preserving their history, and cultivating their economies. We envision these communities being in harmony with one another and with other segments of the global community.” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to act to maintain and approve funding for the Equity Division’s renewed 5-year contract with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond as …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Nayer Sikder Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Becky Bullard Early Childhood Council: Alice Navarro Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs: Philip Reichert or Curtis Wyman PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JANUARY 22, 2025. 1 The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s JANUARY 22ND, 2025 MEETING were approved at the FEBRUARY 26th, MEETING on COMMISSIONER BECKY BULLARD’s motion, COMMISSIONER MORGAN DAVIS’ second, on a 10-0 vote. (Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs: Commissioners Phillip Reichert or Curtis Wyman) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions. Updates on member commission’s budget workgroups. Discussion on member Commissions FY26 Budget Recommendation’s topics and progress. Updates on member commissions’ budget recommendation topics; including funding updated quality of life studies, communicating with the arts commission, and supporting the Paramount Theatre. Discussion on maintaining quorum in the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissioners through the FY2025-26 Budget Recommendation writing period by using the City’s holdover period. Updates include attendance at member commissions. Discussion on updates from the Commission on Aging on the Age Friendly Action Plan as it relates to the JIC. Updates include a change in the vocabulary of the plan. The word initiatives will be used to allow for an addendum to the plan when the Commission on Aging’s …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 26, 2025 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. Adam Materne Luis Figueroa Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams William Ross Pumfrey Brittany Sharkey Amy Casto CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Edward Espinoza Brian McGiverin Chair Michael Lovins Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low Mary Kahle CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel on any matter listed in this agenda. 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The Commission may go into Executive Session to discuss: A complaint filed by Brian Molloy against Jesus Garza raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter Section 2-7- 62 (I) (Standards of Conduct). A complaint filed by Brian Molloy against Jesus Garza raising claimed violations of City Code Section 2-7-62 (I) (Standards of Conduct). PRELIMINARY HEARING APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Special meeting on December 11, 2024. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on January 22, 2025. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Special meeting on February 6, 2025. 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 …
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Kurt Lockhart Raisch Tomlanovich Christopher H. Sokol Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) Edward Selig Timothy Stostad, Chair Blaine Campbell, Vice-Chair Luis Osta Lugo Michael Francis 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission regular meeting on January APPROVAL OF MINUTES 22, 2025. PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s) The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: Page 1 2. Case Number: CL 2024-148420 Property address: 5338 Thunder Creek Road / Owner: Koo Family Real Estate, LLC Staff presenter: Keenan Curry Staff recommendation: Repair commercial structure 3. Case Number: CL 2025-002138 Property address: 1803 Briar Hill Drive / Owner: Helen M Peterson (aka Helen Altobello) Staff presenter: Jason Henley Staff recommendation: Repair residential structure. 4. Case Number: CL 2025-002998 Property address: 2000 Burton Drive – Building 25 (aka 2101 Burton Drive, aka Array Apartments) / Owner: Array Holdings LSP LLC, et al. Staff presenter: Kevin Berry Staff recommendation: Repair Repeat Offender …
