HIV Planning Council Recruitment and Retention Plan 2024 Steps for Membership Recruitment 1. Invite potential members to Planning Council meetings. Ask if they would like to be emailed information about Planning Council meetings? Connect with our social media accounts for information Update recruitment flyer on Monthly Digest 2. Advertisement Flyers Brochures Social media announcements, Encourage providers and partners to share on their networks, Newspaper Ads ATXN Radio Station announcements 3. Community Engagement Events: "Lunch & Learns" at locations with potential members, Community Forums, Collaborate with existing related events, event request form Ask for suggestions/input from potential members Network with other HIV-focused organizations Activities: trivia Offer incentives Use swag items to recruit members Engage with priority populations Provide swag packs for PC members to recruit 4. Communication Reach one initiative: Recruitment of Planning Council members through word of mouth. Utilization of everyday language Make HIVPC materials and resources more accessible FAQ sheet Creation of HIVPC brochure: description of HIVPC, current initiatives, accomplishments, requirements for potential members Presentations that illustrate outcomes and previous contributions to present to providers or groups. Steps for Membership Retention 1. New Member Orientation Provide new members with welcome packet (printed official signed Mayor letter of membership, HIVPC brochure, FAQ sheet) 3 months into membership survey new members for feedback on planning council 2. Membership Recognition Monthly Membership Spotlight Achievements in planning council and the community Welcome posts for new members 3. Check-ins/ Office Hours Provide members with the opportunity to connect with Office of Support about any issues or concerns Twice a month during the week, afternoons/evenings 4. Trainings and Development Communicate about attendance to upcoming conferences Available trainings on Digest Potentially attending "Lunch & Learns" of interest Glossary of Ryan White Part A Grant terms Team building activities 5. Suggestion Box A way for members to express needs and interests. Survey provided to members at the beginning of meetings 6. Conducting exit interviews/surveys Why has member decided to leave the planning council? Thank you, acknowledgement, for their work with planning council What Improvements Would Members Like to See? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! CLICK HERE to Submit to our Virtual Suggestions Box or Scan the Code Above! Contact Us! Email: hivplanningcouncil@austintexas.gov Facebook: facebook.com/austinhivpc/ Website: austintexas.gov/HIV Boards and Commissions Information: austintexas.gov/content/hiv-planning-council
MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITY REPORT The HIV Planning Council is currently comprised of 5 voting members; 1 non‐voting member Updated: 4/2024 Fiscal Year 2024 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS Membership applications received since last report: 0 Membership Interest Communication Received: 0 Boards and Commissions interest: 0 Planning Council voted to approve since last report: 0 Planning Council awaiting CEO/Mayor approval for: 0 Planning Council awaiting City Council approval for: 4 There are 13 federally mandated membership categories. 4 membership categories are currently vacant: o Grantees of other Federal Programs o Affected Communities o State Medicaid Agency o Non‐elected Community Leaders MEMBERSHIP APPROVALS AND TERMINATIONS Jonathan Garcia had requested to resign, last day was 3/15/2024 Joe Anderson Jr., Judith Hassan, Marquis Goodwin, and Alicia Alston are waiting for City Council approval, which will happen 4/4/2024. KEY MEMBERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS HRSA requires at least 1/3 (33%) of Planning Council membership be comprised of consumers who are recipients of Ryan White Part A services. The current [unaligned] consumer membership complies (33%) with HRSA requirements for consumers who are individuals without a conflict of interest. After final approval of 4 pending members, the current [unaligned] consumer membership is not in compliance (20%) with HRSA requirements for consumers who are individuals without a conflict of interest. In accordance with Planning Council bylaws, members who have a conflict of interest, as defined by local, state, and federal statute, may not exceed 1/3 (33%) of the total membership. The current percentage of membership with a conflict of interest is 16%. After final approval of 4 pending members, the current percentage of membership with a conflict of interest is 40%. *Indicates conflicted members . MEMBER NAME 1. Kelle’ Martin, Chair AFFILIATION TERM #1 TERM #2 TERM 08/22/2023-08/22/2025 #3 2. Alicia Alston MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITY REPORT 04/04/2024-04/04/2026 Part B Planner 3. Joe Anderson Jr. Texas Health Action* 04/04/2024-04/04/2026 4. Zachery Garay Vivent Health* 11/27/2023-11/27/2025 5. Ashley Garling 08/24/2023-08/24/2025 6. Marquis Goodwin ASHwell* 04/04/2024-04/04/2026 7. Judith Hassan 04/04/2024-04/04/2026 Project Transitions* Black Trans Leadership of Austin 8. Rocky Lane 9. Kristina McRae Thompson 10. Gin Pham 11/27/2023-11/27/2025 10/06/2020- 10/06/2022 06/23/2022- 06/23/2024 10/06/2022- 10/06/2024 . MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITY REPORT Planning Council/Planning Body Reflectiveness (Use HIV/AIDS Prevalence data as reported in your FY 2023 Application) HIV Prevalence in EMA/TGA Total Members of the PC/PB Unaligned RWHAP Clients on PC/PB Number Number Number Percentage (include % with …
HIV Planning Council Rolling Attendance P A U NA Present Excused Absense Unexcused Absense Non-applicable (not member of committee, no meeting scheduled, meeting cancelled, member emeritus) NQ C NM P ME L No quorum Cancelled No meeting Present, not yet a member, not a committee member Member Emeritus 30+ minutes late Executive Exec G/M Governance/Membership C/S F/A Bus S/N SC Care Strategies Finance/Allocations Business Strategic Planning/Needs Assessment Special Called TM RM % Total meetings Total # required meetings = Total meetings - NAs Percentage of absenses = Total P's/Total required meetings Non-compliance = < 67% PC Member Exec G/M/C/S F/A/S/N Bus Exec G/M/C/S F/A/S/N Bus Exec G/M/C/S F/A/S/N Bus Exec G/M/C/S F/A/S/N Bus Exec G/M/C/S F/A/S/N SCBM Bus Exec NA P P G/M/C/S NA F/A/S/N P Bus Exec NA P G/M/C/S NA F/A/S/N NA Bus Exec NA P G/M/C/S NA F/A/S/N NA Bus NA Exec NA G/M/C/S NA F/A/S/N NA Bus NA G/M/C/S NA F/A/S/N NA Bus Exec P P G/M/C/S NA F/A/S/N P Bus P Exec P April May June July August September October November December January February March TM NA's A's U's P's RM % P U NA P NA P NA P NA P NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Kelle' Martin Chair Joe Anderson Zac Garay Ashley Garling Rocky Lane Non-voting Gin Pham NA P NA P NA P NA U NA U NA U NA U NA U NA NA NA P U P U P NA NA U P NA U U NA NA NA U NA NA U P NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Kristina McRae-Thompson NA NA P U NA NA P U NA NA P P NA NA U P NA NA P P P NA NA P U NA NA NA U NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Exec P C NA NA A C NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA U U P U P P NA P P NA NA NA P P P NA NA NA NA NA A NA P P P P P P P P P P NA NA NA G/M/C/S NA NQ F/A/S/N P Bus P P NQ NA NQ P NQ NA NQ NA NQ NA U NA P P P P P P U 30 26 12 …
The City of Austin, TX Boards & Commissions Submit Date: Jan 24, 2024 Middle Initial Belani Last Name Suite or Apt TX State 78705 Postal Code Residency and District Information Are you a City of Austin Resident? * Mobile: (346) 332-5180 Primary Phone Alternate Phone Are you, or your employer, a registered lobbyist with the City or have you, or your employer, been registered as a lobbyist with the City Clerk within the past three years? The University of Texas Employer Undergraduate Research Assistant, Peer Ambassador Job Title Interests & Experiences Please tell us about yourself and why you want to serve on a board or commission Application Form Profile Aran First Name Preferred Name aranb29@gmail.com Email Address Home Address Austin City Yes No Cell Phone Home Phone Business Phone Select Your District District 9 Aran Belani Why are you interested in serving on a board or commission? I am interested in serving on a board or commission in Austin because I believe in the power of community involvement and the importance of giving back to the place I now call home. As a college student at UT Austin majoring in public health, I have learned about policy changes that could potentially improve the health and safety of Austin's citizens. I believe that serving on a board or commission in Austin would provide me with a unique opportunity to utilize my knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the lives of our residents. My academic background in public health, combined with my practical experience as an EMT, equips me with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system and the policies that can lead to better outcomes for our community. Moreover, my interest in public policy has motivated me to actively engage in discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues such as access to healthcare, emergency response, water safety, and overall public well- being. Serving on a board or commission would allow me to actively participate in shaping the policies that influence these areas. Licensed EMT in Texas, studying public health and public policy at UT Austin Some boards and commissions require membership to be racially, politically or geographically proportionate to the general public. The following information helps track our recruitment and diversity efforts. Aran_Belani_Resume.pdf Upload a Resume Resume Qualifications Demographics Asian or Pacific islander Ethnicity Gender Male Sexual Orientation Straight/Heterosexual 06/09/2005 Date of Birth Disability or Impairment …
AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING April 2, 2024, at 5:30 pm. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Room 1401/1402 Austin, Texas 78752 Some African American Resource Advisory Commission members may participate in a video conference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, in person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration by telephone for remote participation is required by noon the day before the meeting. Call or email Florinda Bryant at 512.974.2715 florinda.bryant@austintexas.gov to register to speak remotely. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Elaina Fowler, Chair (District 10) Daryl Horton, (Appointee) Mueni Rudd (District 2) Dr. Chiquita Eugene (District 5) Serita Fontanesi (District 7) Joi Harden (District 9) Greg Smith (ARA Appointee) Cherelle Vanbrakle, Vice Chair (District 4) Dewi Smith (District 1) Anthony Jackson (District 3) Vacant (District 6) Antonio Ross (District 8) Vacant (AAUL Appointee) Nelson Linder (NAACP Appointee) Roger Davis (GABC Appointee) MEETING AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES Meeting on February 6, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS The first ten speakers signed up before 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 African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular 2. Presentation of “The State of Black Austin – Black Paper 2024” by Meme Styles and Chas 3. Presentation on potential Austin Texas Poet Laureate Program by KB Brookline 4. Presentation of the needs of the Bethany Cemetery Organization/Cemetery for FY25 by Sue Moore Spears. 5. Presentation from Chase Wright, on Hungry Hill for 2024-2025 budget requests. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve African American Resource Advisory Budget Recommendations to Council FY25Approved Strategic Planning Retreat and Effectiveness next steps. WORKING GROUPS/COMMITTEE UPDATES 7. Strategic Planning Workgroup - updates from the last workgroup meeting on the strategic plan related to their assignment (Strategic Planning Workgroup Members: Commissioners Dewi Smith, Serita Fontanesi, Elaina Fowler, and Mueni Rudd). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT: The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If you require sign language interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least two days (48 hours) …
Zenobia C. Joseph - Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits race discrimination! April 2, 2024 African-American Resource Advisory Commission Meeting Light Rail terminates in Central Austin—Hyde Park/38th Street “There is not, now, and never will be, negroes for neighbors in Hyde Park” Source: HydeParker Magazine (Hernandez, Sep2022) Action Item 6: FY 25. AARAC Budget Recommendations1 Title VI Disparate Impact Hyde Park whites UT-Austin 30th St. Frequent 7: $2M homes Shelters/construction Urban Transportation Commission March 28, 2024 Budget: Bike Safety 2 Northeast Black man/bike Nov. 3, 2017 Austin Chronicle CapMetro: “every policy has certain casualties . . . North/ Northeast.” Route 392 === FY 2025 Budget Recommendation: $22.9M Safe Streets & Roads for All Prioritize 392 neighborhood lights 2K apartment units need shelters! Safe Routes to Schools Yager/Tech Ridge Blvd. Title VI Disparate Impact: Close midblock stops (Chinatown: 405 riders; Metro Park) 2009: North Lamar 20-Month Study: 70% of pedestrian deaths occur midblock! March 6, 2024 Capital Metro will leave North Lamar midblock stops open. March 28, 2024 Vision Zero Update: Blacks = 7% of population: 17% deaths Budget Ask: $0 to $250K Save Lives: Close North Lamar midblock stops NOW! 3 FALSEHOOD–FHWA Sponsor: 2019 North Lamar to Parmer Sidewalks Complete! 405 Daily Riders/*Minorities risk their lives crossing North Lamar midblock—37,500 daily vehicles (COA, 2021 Hearing)! February 26, 2024: $60M McKalla Soccer Stop Opened, 70% Rail Riders = White vs. North Lamar “funding constraints” . . . ATP: “19.3 people doing Marketing . . . That’s excessive! That’s $4.7M.” ~Then-Finance Member Tony Elkins September 21, 2022 July 27, 2020 Project Connect Meeting. Dessau to ACC-Highland: 55-74% Minority ($4.7M Samsung-Apple MetroRapid eliminated!) 4 FY 2025 Budget: $ave Lives = $0 (Close Chinatown midblock stop; move to CVS-Braker/North Lamar; reactivate #1-Kramer) Install 801/1 CVS Shelter Parmer Station Model 5
About Hungry Hill Foundation We are a 2½ year old nonprofit from East Austin. We opened a resource center at 1189 Springdale in June 2022. Our annual budget is $750,000. We are a rare Black-lead non-profit, staffed completely by people with lived-in experience. Chase Wright, our executive director, has been in East Austin his entire life and was profoundly impacted by the economic and law-enforcement policies that impoverish East Austin. Despite accolades, our results were achieved with minimal support from the City of Austin and the philanthropic community because of the classic chicken/egg problem -- they can’t fund you without a track record of spending money well and you can’t build that track record without spending money. Workforce Development • Hungry Hill Foundation’s core mission is supportive employment. • We run a sophisticated multi-tier program that addresses the unique barriers for people who are unhoused or exiting incarceration at every step on their journey. • Our system leverages group dynamics to enable people to overcome the individual challenges that prevent them from being employable. • Target Outcomes: • Employment in jobs paying a living wage funded by private employers. • Sufficient income to pay less than 30% of wages on rent. • Resolution/Continued Treatment of root causes of homelessness. Impact Highlights – June 2022 to Present Employment Over 500 people came through our doors seeking employment, far more than we are funded for. We’ve provided 20+ hours of work opportunity to over 300. 60% of our labor costs is to people who are unhoused or at-risk. 2022 -- $100K, 2023 -- $310K, 2024 – $50K Nutritional Support 70 people served out of a single food truck @ 5 days per week. 700 meals (breakfast/lunch) per week; 2,800 per month; 200K since start Parks to Housing Selected Services Originally, there were around 60 people living in Givens and Springdale Parks. We helped move 20 people to apartments and 30 to city shelters. Only 5 people living in the parks currently. Removed 3,000 pounds of trash from two parks plus encampments. Take our Tour of Givens Park – dramatic differences from past. Partner: PARD 8,400 hours of Community-based public safety. Average 175 hours/week for a year. Visible reduction in crime reported to APD in areas we work. Partner: Life Anew and Jail to Jobs 5,700 hours of health-related outreach and social work (4 FTE for nine months) Complicated outcome story leading to …
African American Resource Advisory Commission (AARAC) MEETING MINUTES April 2, 2024 African American Resource Advisory Commission REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened a REGULAR meeting on TUESDAY, April 2, 2024, at 5:30 P.M. CST in the CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, Texas 78752 #1401/1402. Commissioners in Attendance: Elaina Fowler, Chair (District 10) Dewi Smith (District 1) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mueni Rudd (District 2) Serita Fontanesi (District 7) Nelson Linder (NAACP Appointee) Staff in Attendance: Alejandra Mireles, Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office Justin Parsons, Equity Officer, Economic Development Greg Smith (ARA Appointee) Joi Harden (District 9) Anthony Davis (ARA Appointee) Cherelle Vanbrakle, Vice Chair (District 4) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Chair Elaina Fowler called the African American Resource Advisory Commission meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. 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. Zenobia Joseph – Cap Metro Concerns Tyra Clark, Change Grief – Program update & Invitation 1 African American Resource Advisory Commission (AARAC) MEETING MINUTES April 2, 2024 Meme Styles, Measure & Chas Moore, Austin Justice Coalition -State of Black Austin Tyra Clark, Change Grief – Program update & Invitation KB Brookins, Poet – Advocacy for Texas State Poet Laureate Sue Spears, BCA President – Budget support request for Bethany Cemetary Association APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Special Call Meeting on March 19h, 2024. The minutes were not approved and needed to be approved on the May 7th agenda. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation of “The State of Black Austin – Black Paper 2024” by Meme Styles and Chas Moore See backup for presentation. Presentation on potential Austin Texas Poet Laureate Program by KB Brookline See backup for presentation. Presentation of the needs of the Bethany Cemetery Organization/Cemetery for FY25 by Sue Spears. See backup for presentation Presentation from Chase Wright on Hungry Hill for 2024-2025 budget requests (Did not present) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve African American Resource Advisory Budget Recommendations to Council FY25. Record of the vote: Unanimous on an 8/0 vote. Commissioner D. Smith reclused herself from the Millenium recommendation. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2 African American Resource Advisory Commission (AARAC) MEETING MINUTES April 2, 2024 FUTURE AGENDA …
African American Resource Advisory Commission FY 25 Budget Recommendations Elaina Fowler, Chair (District 10) Charelle Vanbrakle, Vice Chair (District 4) Budget Recommendation #1 Austin Public Library Black Literature Expansion: $1.5M Justification: The current political climate has had a detrimental impact on youth who seek to connect with and learn from their cultural heritage through literature. This issue is particularly evident in the realm of African American authors and their works, which shed light on the struggles and experiences of African American communities. Public libraries are an integral part of our society, nurturing the minds of future generations. As Public Schools continue to reclaim their library autonomy it is vital Austin Public libraries expand their catalog to educate and inspire all individuals through the power of cultural reading. Public libraries serve as a vital resource for African American communities, offering summer reading programs and access to culturally specific literature and media. Therefore, the insufficient amount of African American literature in Austin Public Libraries would be a disservice to African Americans residing within the city limits and to all who have the curiosity to embrace diversity and learn from their stories. Investing in culturally significant African American literature would be a positive step for the Austin Public Library system, reinforcing Austin's commitment to inclusivity and diversity by addressing challenging topics such as institutional racism and implicit bias. It is essential for the City of Austin to increase the budget of the Austin Public Library beyond the zero-based budget to support a meaningful investment in African American literature within the library's collection. This investment would not only benefit the African American community but also underscore Austin's dedication to embracing diversity and promoting equitable access to valuable literary resources. Budget Recommendation # 2 Hungry Hill Foundation: $750,000 concurrent 3 year funding Justification: In Austin, the African American population comprises only 7% of the total population, yet African Americans represent a significant portion, 36%, of those who are experiencing homelessness in the city. The historical context of segregation in Austin, as laid out in the 1928 Master Plan, has perpetuated inequalities and disparities that continue to affect the African American community today. The deliberate segregation and unequal allocation of resources to create a "negro district" have had lasting residential impacts that are still evident. It is crucial for the City of Austin to prioritize equitable access to opportunities for all residents, regardless of their race. …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the SOUTH-CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2024 AT 6:00PM Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1405 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or to listen in on the meeting, call or email Margaret Shaw at (512)-974-6497 margaret.shaw@austintexas.gov or Aaron D. Jenkins (512) 974-7756 aaron.jenkins@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Jim Stephenson, Chair Felicity Maxwell, Vice Chair Conners Ladner, Board Member David Sullivan, Board Member Julia Woods, Board Member Stephanie Bazan, Board Member Isaac Cohen, Board Member Ryan Puzycki, Board Member Vacant , South River City Neighborhood Association Rebecca Edwards, Ex Officio (Housing) Dewitt Peart, Ex Officio(Downtown Austin Alliance) Matiur Rahman, Ex Officio (Transportation) Hopie Martinez, Ex Officio (Financial Services - Real Estate) 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 Approve the minutes of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) Regular Meeting of the March 18, 2024 DISCUSSION Discussion on staff presentation on South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program Draft dated March 27, 2024 by April Geruso of the City of Austin Planning Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION Discussion and action to recommend amendments to the proposed South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Margaret Shaw at the Economic Development Department, at (512)-974-6497 or margaret.shaw@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board, please contact Margaret Shaw at the Economic Development Department, at (512)-974-6497 margaret.shaw@austintexas.gov or Aaron D. …
1. SOUTH-CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 18, 2024, AT 7:00PM The South Central Waterfront Advisory Board convened the Regular Meeting at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 in a hybrid format. BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jim Stephenson, Chair David Sullivan DeWitt Peart, Ex-Officio BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Julia Woods Felicity Maxwell, Vice Chair Isaac Cohen Stephanie Bazan Ryan Puzycki Conner Ladner Hopie Martinez, Ex-Officio Absent Matiur Rahman, Ex-Officio Rebecca Edwards, Ex-Officio CALL TO ORDER Chair J. Stephenson called the Meeting to order at 7:01 pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) Regular Meeting of the February 22, 2024 The motion to approve the minutes was made by Board Member D. Sullivan, seconded by Vice Chair F. Maxwell and approved by a vote of (8-0). DISCUSSION 2. Discussion on a presentation on redevelopment plans for 500 South Congress in a Planned Unit Development (PUD) application by Michael Iannacone of The Related Companies, L.P. Michael Iannacone, Executive Vice President, and Dawood Rouben, Vice President, of The Related Companies, L.P. briefed the Board on redevelopment plans for 500 South Congress through a powerpoint presentation and video. No action was taken 3. Discussion on the proposed South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus Program. Public speaker Maureen Powers from Texas Audubon Society requested SCWAB consider including in their recommendation “bird safe design” and other elements that support biodiversity in SCW District. No action was taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Special called meeting on April 1, 2024 for Board action on Combining District and Density Bonus Program from City Planning Department staff (Chair Stephenson, Vice Chair Maxwell) Updates from Working Groups (Chair Stephenson, Vice Chair Maxwell) ADJOURNMENT Chair J. Stephenson adjourned the meeting at 8:13 pm.
Key Adjustments to the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program March 27, 2024 The South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus program underwent a one-month public input process. As a result, feedback was provided by community members, Boards and Commissions, staff, and other stakeholders. Staff consolidated and assessed the feedback to determine recommended adjustments to the draft code for the South Central Waterfront. The following is a list of the key changes made in the draft code as a result of the discussion, using the following key as the source of the adjustment: Boards and Commissions, Public Input, and/or Staff. Key: Source of Input Boards and Commissions Public Staff District Boundary and Subdistricts Source Adjustment Section 1.2 Section 3.3.2 District boundaries were further expanded to include three properties on the western side of the South Central Waterfront. See the updated map for detail. To underscore the commitment to transit-oriented development in the area, the FAR was adjusted to properties near to the proposed Project Connect station on the north side of East Riverside Drive. See the updated map for detail. Height limits have been added to Subdistricts 1 through 4. They are: 1 - 120', 2 - 240', 3 - 300', 4 - 600'. Subdistrict 5 remains with unlimited height. This adjustment reinforces and improves the density gradient from the closest areas to downtown being the most dense, and for the density to transition down as one moves further away from downtown. Section 3.3.2 - 1 - Land Use Source Adjustment Cocktail Lounges above 3,500sf in size will trigger the need for a conditional use permit. The conditional use permit process will better assist in the review and regulation of entertainment / nightlife noise disturbances. The Custom Manufacturing land use has been limited to 2,500sf. The limitation will deter larger single-purpose land uses and encourage more flexible development that supports smaller creative businesses. Section 2.3.1(C)(4) Section 2.3.1(D)(1) Adjustment Section 2.7(C) Section 4.4.3 Shade provisions increased for cantilevered, affixed, and freestanding options. Trees will still be the dominant shade mechanism, but this change allows for strong urban design and diversity in design of the urban space. This is also consistent with activities in other urban areas in the city. An additional internal circulation route type with a bicycle lane was added. This addition increases bicycle connectivity within the South Central Waterfront area and facilitates safe separation of …
[BOARD/COMMISSION NAME] RECOMMENDATION 20240501-XXX [XXX is the agenda item number] Isaac Cohen SCW Combining district Date: Mar 26, 2023 Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation Regarding the financial value of community benefits to meet bonus requirements, benefits that meet certain criteria should carry stackable bonuses or value multipliers that provide developers with an outsized financial incentive to provide them. Criteria for bonus multipliers are listed below: Permanent benefits with appropriate long-term/permanent easements Publicly accessible space that does not serve as access to retail storefronts where any of the following Seconded By: Felicity Maxwell apply (may require coordination across multiple lots to be met). It is adjacent to the lakefront trail, transit stations, or Bouldin Creek. It is a contiguous green space with a trail providing a shorter path from endpoint to endpoint than streets (including inter-DDA). or a transit station (bus or rail). (Sq Ft number TBD) Connects from a pedestrian accessible street to the Town Lake Waterfront, West Bouldin Creek, Publicly accessible green space that meets a square footage minimum to represent a high-value park Specific kinds of transit-supportive infrastructure that uniquely enables transit use, such as the examples below. Larger than typical publicly accessible shelters Publicly accessible restrooms Transit interconnection hubs for ride-share or private bus lines to be able to drop off and pick up. Infrastructure that uniquely enables multi-modal and accessible transport from the new rail station to destinations west of the station along Riverside and Barton Springs Road, namely Palmer Events center Long Center Auditorium shores Zilker Park/Barton Springs. Description of Recommendation to Council Value multipliers for certain benefits will incentivize either uniquely large, uniquely useful, or uniquely desirable permanent community benefits as opposed to smaller, disjointed, lower-value benefits. Rationale: The current staff recommendation does not articulate the valuation process for community benefits. It appears unopinionated as to how the requirement is met if the numerical monetary requirement is achieved. The current approach allows a developer to decide which benefits to provide without appropriate incentives for benefits that may require more work, permanent easements, or cooperation and planning across multiple lots. By delivering higher value via multipliers to permanent benefits that are 1 of 2 uniquely beneficial and possible in certain areas and combining these multipliers with the ability to do transferrable development rights, we can create the appropriate economic benefits to …
South Central Waterfront Advisory Board RECOMMENDATION 20240401-XXX Date: Subject: April 1, 2024 Recommendation to amend the boundaries of the Housing Fee Spending Area within SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT COMBINING DISTRICT & DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM Ryan Puzycki Seconded By: Felicity Maxwell Motioned By: Description of Recommendation to Council Redefine the South Central Waterfront Housing Fee Spending Area to be within the walkshed of the district and current or planned transit lines transecting or terminating in the district, bound by the borders defined in Section 6.4.E.1.b. Rationale: Housing Trust funds used toward creating affordable housing units for the South Central Waterfront District must be used within the district or within walking distance of the district and nearby transit. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
South Central Waterfront Advisory Board RECOMMENDATION 20240401-XXX Date: Subject: April 1, 2024 Recommendation to remove or exclude height limits from the SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT COMBINING DISTRICT & DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM Ryan Puzycki Seconded By: Felicity Maxwell Motioned By: Description of Recommendation to Council Height limits should be removed or excluded from the South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program. Rationale: Given the difficulty of predicting future market conditions, the decades-long redevelopment timeline for the district, the significant variability of parcel sizes within the district, and the other prescriptions in the South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program, arbitrary height limits would serve to limit flexibility and adaptability to future market conditions, particularly on smaller parcels. As a transit-connected district facing Downtown, a significant portion of which already falls within the Downtown Public Improvement District, the South Central Waterfront will become an integrated extension of Downtown over time. The Core/Waterfront and Rainey Street Districts in the Downtown Austin Plan, which comprise the northern banks opposite the South Central Waterfront, are also not subject to height limits but remain regulated by FAR limits. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
South Central Waterfront Advisory Board RECOMMENDATION 20240401-XXX Date: Subject: April 1, 2024 Recommendation to amend SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT COMBINING DISTRICT & DENSITY BONUS PROGRAM to direct the Director of the Housing Department to allocate funds from the Housing Trust Fund Fee-in-Lieu to purchase existing housing units within a refined Affordable Housing Fee Spending Area Ryan Puzycki Seconded By: Felicity Maxwell Motioned By: Description of Recommendation to Council Proceeds allocated to the Housing Trust Fund Fee-in-Lieu should be spent to purchase existing housing stock within a refined Affordable Housing Fee Spending Area, as defined by the walkshed of the district and current or planned transit lines transecting or terminating in the district, bound by the borders defined in Section 6.4.E.1.b. Rationale: Given the high cost of building new housing units, affordable or otherwise, in the South Central Waterfront District, the city should allocate funds from the Housing Trust to purchase existing, cheaper housing units within or as close to the district and nearby transit as possible. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program SCWAB April 1, 2024 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Initiated the creation of an “Optional Regulating Plan” later changed to a Combining District and Density Bonus Program. 2 Approach Since Council Resolution The SCW regulations will be implemented by: – Council adoption of an optional set of regulations and bonus program through the creation of a Combining District and a Density Bonus Program (spring 2024). – City-initiated rezoning of non PDA, PUD, and Planned Development Agreement properties in the district (summer 2024). First reevaluation within 1-2 years. 3 District Boundary Expansion 4 Combining District Density Bonus General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) Development Standards (What can be built and where) Design Standards (How it will look) Definitions Procedures/Requirements “Gate Keeper” Requirements – – – Affordable Housing Environmental Protection Improved Streetscape and Built Environment In-Lieu Fees and Dedications On-Site Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 5 5 Subdistricts and FAR Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums and heights Density Distribution Areas (DDAs) • FAR maximums apply to each DDA separately. • No larger than 90,000 sq. ft. • Internal circulation routes required along DDA divisions. Project Connect Rail Alignment 6 Bonus Program Structure (For Additional FAR Beyond Base) Gate Keeper Requirements Onsite Affordable Housing (Fee for Non-Residential) Enhanced Environmental Protections Streetscape & Built Environment First Then (To Reach Up to FAR / Height Subdistrict Maximums) 70% In-Lieu Fees & Dedications Affordable Housing (extra on-site affordable units credited; Affordable Housing Investment Area) Parks (dedications credited; boundary as defined by typical Parks fees) Infrastructure (supports SCW directly) 30% On-Site Community Benefits *Affordable Creative Space Open Space & Park Buildout Child / Adult Care Cultural Uses Transit-Supportive Infrastructure Grocery Store Music Venues Public Art 7 Affordable Housing 5% of housing on-site up to 3:1 FAR must be affordable. May be: At full buildout, it is estimated: The SCW Bonus Program could produce – Affordable rental units at 60% MFI, – Or if Condos: 481 On-site Affordable Units compared to – Affordable ownership units (condos) at 80% MFI, or – A fee-in-lieu for ownership units. 527 Affordable Units anticipated in the 2016 Vision Plan. 8 ^ *For artistic rendering purposes only ^ Required dispersion of affordable units throughout the residential units Key* Recommended …
C20-2022-003 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program. Amendment: Description: Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 to create a new zoning district and modify related site development regulations and compatibility standards; and create a new zoning district for density bonus that includes granting additional floor-to-area ratio in exchange for providing community benefits; to establish boundaries for the new zoning districts located in the vicinity commonly known as the South Central Waterfront; and initiating zoning and rezoning for all properties within the South Central Waterfront District except those with Planned Unit Development zoning, Planned Development Area zoning, and subject to Planned Development Agreement, and initiate necessary neighborhood plan amendments for the properties located in the new zoning district’s boundaries. Background: On June 16, 2016, the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan (Vision Plan) was adopted as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. As defined in the Vision Plan, the South Central Waterfront district encompasses roughly 118 acres. The intent of the Vision Plan was to leverage forecasted development through a districtwide approach that creates a dynamic people-centered district in Central Austin by: - Establishing a lively, attractive pedestrian environment; - Expanding open space and creating great public places; - Enhancing connections to and along the waterfront; and - Providing 20% new affordable housing units, or approximately 527 affordable units in the district. A districtwide approach had been identified as an essential method in realizing the intent of the Vision Plan. Through this approach, the South Central Waterfront is hoped to become a model for how a districtwide green infrastructure system, paired with quality urban design, can provide an interconnected network of public spaces – streets, streetscapes, lakeside trails, and parks – that provides the framework for redevelopment and districtwide value capture to fund other community benefits, such as affordable housing. The urban development envisioned in the Vision Plan requires modifications to the existing zoning and development regulations. To support the development envisioned in the Vision Plan, the City Council passed Resolution Number 20220915-090 on September 15, 2022, to initiate the development of regulations for the South Central Waterfront area. In the resolution, Council asked staff to create regulations that consider today’s market realities, anticipate future demand, and realize the intent of the Vision Plan to: 1 C20-2022-003 - Create a density bonus program “akin” to …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240401-003 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Above-Ground Structured Parking Seconded By: Date: April 1, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations The Above-Ground Structured Parking criteria needs to be refined so that it can align with the Urban Design Guidelines on parking facades and accommodate practical code/layout concerns. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 Revise Section 3.6.1.C.2 to read “Above-ground structured parking may be exposed to a street front provided that the structure’s façade shall be the same as, or of equal quality to, the material used for the street facing building façade. .2 Revise Section 3.6.1.C.3 to read “All above-ground structured parking shall have flat parking decks wherever possible.” Rationale: .1 Section 3.6.1.C.2 requires above-ground parking structure facades to maintain the same materials and treatments as the primary building, which implies that they should match. This contradicts the recommendation in the Urban Design Guidelines/B.5 “Control On-Site Parking” recommendation 4, which states” Structured parking should not be treated in such a way that it is indistinguishable from inhabited areas of the building.”. This also deviates from other COA regulating plans such as ERC Article 4/4/b/c that has the same “or of equal quality to” flexibility that allows for alignment with the Urban Design Guidelines recommendation. .2 Section 3.6.1.C.3 requires all parking decks to be flat, which is contrary to IBC 2021 section 406.2.4 which specifically requires that all parking decks slope to drain. In addition, the verbiage as structured forbids parked ramps, which exist in 95% of all structured parking and are critical to maximizing parking yield per plate. Adding a “wherever possible” caveat would provide flexibility needed to address these code and layout concerns, but I would also suggest that the Planning Department clearly describe their rationale for this requirement. If it is meant to allow for the future convertibility of parking structures, it fails to address the most critical components which would be increased floor-to-floor height, a ramping system that can be easily demolished and backfilled for usable area, and fire separation distances that can allow for future openings. If convertibility is the intent, a much more comprehensive set of requirements should be developed with aid from the building design community and calibrated by developers. 1 of 2 Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 of 2
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240401-003 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Affordable Housing Toolkit Seconded By: Date: April 1, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations The Program should provide the more robust affordable housing toolkit envisioned by the Vision Framework Plan and codified into the 2018 Regulating Plan draft to drive an increased number of affordable units within and in close proximity to the District. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 Add Section 6.1/E: Off-Site Production of Affordable Units The off-site production of affordable units may be proposed if it produces more units or derives a greater community benefit, as determined by the Housing Director. Off-site affordable units: 1) Must be deed-restricted to achieve at least the same affordability period and income restrictions as the on-site affordable units, and may include any combination of new units or units in an existing structure; 2) Must include at least the same number of units and same bedroom count mix as would be required of the on-site affordable units. 3) Must be within the SCWCD or within one mile of the property seeking the bonus. 4) Must include the payment of a fee equivalent to the on-site requirement. This payment will be held in escrow, until a final Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the off-site units; and 5) Must receive Certificate of Occupancy for the off-site units within 36 months of the date that the final Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the property seeking the bonus. .2 Add Section 6.1/F: Land Dedication for Affordable Units Land dedication for affordable units may be proposed as an alternative to on-site production of affordable units. The applicant may donate to the City land that is within the SCWCD or within one mile of the property seeking the bonus, and provides equal or greater value than the fee equivalent to the on-site requirement. .3 Add Section 6.1/G: City of Austin Funding for Additional Affordable Units. The City of Austin may fund the provision of additional affordable units to achieve affordability for up to twenty percent of the units in a Project or may partner with the developer to increase the yield of off-site affordable housing projects created under Section 6.1/E. The City may elect to 1 of 2 subsidize residential units in these developments for rental or ownership purposes in any amount and at any level of affordability pursuant to …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240401-003 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Continued SCWAB Oversight Seconded By: Date: April 1, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations Publicly visible oversight by the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board should be a Program Requirement. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 Add the following clause in Section 5.1: “The South Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) shall evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the Project is in compliance with the Vision Framework Plan and the Combining District and Density Bonus Program. The Development Services Director shall consider comments and recommendations of the SCWAB”. Rationale: A continued advisory role for the SCWAB was envisioned in the original Vision Framework Plan and enshrined as an Application Requirement in the 2018 Regulating Plan Draft. The SCWAB provides critical continuity and communication amongst stakeholders and advocates for the District to ensure that the original vision is properly implemented. It also provides the only public transparency into the process, allowing citizens insight into upcoming SCW projects and giving them a platform for direct feedback as SCWAB recommendations are formed. Continued SCWAB oversight is also entirely consistent with the setup of the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) that served as the foundational template for the Combining District Program. The recommended clause exactly matches the 25-2-586, section C/I/ii verbiage requiring Design Commission evaluation and recommendations as a DDBP Gatekeeper Requirement. The Planning Department has voiced a concern that the Vision Framework Plan is too aspirational and/or too outdated to serve as a basis for compliance recommendations moving forward. The SCWAB does not agree with this sentiment. That document is our only connection to the District-wide, consensus-based, masterplanning effort that kickstarted this neighborhood, and the vision it imparted is sorely missing in the project-focused implementation program. As such, it can still serve as our North Star in discussions with developers, helping to improve project designs and aligning proposed community benefits to the betterment of the District as a whole. 1 of 2 Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 of 2
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240104-03 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Green Community Benefits Seconded By: Date: April 1, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations The stipulated list of community benefits should be expanded to include increased green building ratings and green roof community benefits to align with the environmental stewardship goals in the Vision Framework Plan. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 Add the following option in Section 6.5: Green Building Community Benefit An applicant may achieve bonus area by constructing a project to green building standards that exceed the requirements in section 6.2/D/2. The amount of bonus area that may be achieved is listed in the DBSCW Bonus Schedule. The requirements are as follows: 1) The applicant shall execute a restrictive covenant committing to achieve a specified rating under the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) program using the ratings in effect at the time the ratings application is submitted for the project or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program using the most recently launched version of the LEED for New Construction rating at the time of the project's registration. 2) The applicant shall also provide the director with a copy of the project's signed Austin Energy Green Building Letter of Intent for projects seeking AEGB rating or a copy of the completed LEED registration for projects seeking a LEED rating before the director may approve bonus area for a site. 3) An applicant must submit an AEGB or LEED checklist indicating the measures the project intends to complete to meet the applicable green building requirement before the director may approve bonus area for a site. 4) A project seeking an AEGB rating will be subject to at least one inspection during construction and an inspection at substantial completion. A project seeking LEED certification must submit the LEED design review results and an updated LEED checklist or scorecard indicating the project will be able to obtain LEED certification by substantial completion. 5) If the specified AEGB rating or LEED certification is not achieved within nine months from time of occupancy, an owner must pay into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund the applicable development bonus fee for the bonus area initially granted for this community benefit. The owner's payment will be based on the development bonus fee in effect when the owner pays. 1 of 2 .2 Add the following option in Section …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240401-003 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Subdistrict FAR/Height Map Seconded By: Date: March 28, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations The Subdistrict FAR/Height Map should be further refined to align with the Vision Framework Plan’s intent to buffer existing residential and low-density neighborhoods from high density development. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 All Subdistrict 5 parcels South of Riverside Drive should be mapped to Subdistrict 4 and thus subject to a maximum height. .2 Subdistrict 4 should be limited to 500’ of height. .3 The newly added parcels at 601 South 1st St, and 601-605 Barton Springs Rd (West of South 1st Street) should be mapped to Subdistrict 3. Rationale: The South Central Waterfront Vision Framework plan and 2018 Regulating Plan Draft envisioned much lower building height limits (90’-400’ range) and stepped down building heights as they move away from the Northwest corner of the Statesman tract and toward existing low-density neighborhoods. This was a purposeful response to significant Stakeholder feedback, long-held planning/compatibility principles, and a need for enhanced environmental protections/setbacks at Bouldin Creek. The current FAR/Height Map has been completely revamped to address Council Resolution 20220915- 090. It now allows denser/taller buildings across the District as a whole as a reaction to 2024 land values, escalated construction costs, and the need to accelerate development in the area. In light of the preceding, the current map is generally acceptable to the SCWAB with some exceptions. .1 Extending the unlimited height and maximum FAR entitlements of Subdistrict 5 across the originally proposed dividing line at Riverside Drive is incongruous with the Vision Framework Plan’s stated goal to transition height down as it nears existing neighborhoods. In addition, several of these parcels are mapped to legacy lot lines that are likely going to be eliminated via the Developer’s DDA process. .2 Subdistrict 4 parcels adjacent to the environmentally sensitive Bouldin Creek and/or the School for the Deaf should not be allowed 600’ of building height, a number that dwarfs most downtown construction and exceeds by 200’ the highest limit even contemplated in the Vision Framework. That height is also twice the 300’ allowed height in the adjacent Subdistrict 3 parcels, thus inconsistent with the idea of a stepped height transition. 1 of 2 .3 The newly included parcels West of South 1st Street are in close proximity to one and two-story …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240401-003 Subject: South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program – Endangered Open Spaces Seconded By: Date: April 1, 2024 Motioned By: Recommendations The four key Open Spaces in the Vision Framework Plan are endangered by years of city inaction and by the transition from a true regulating plan to an opt-in Combining District Program that fails to acknowledge previous open space masterplanning at any level. While the Parks fee-in-lieu allocation and parkland dedication community benefit in the Program will no doubt help secure both funding and potential park land in the aggregate, developing a SCW Open Spaces Masterplan and Budget are critical in achieving the district-wide vision. In addition, the Program should require that all approved PUDs or PDAs seeking to unwind and opt into the SCWCD in the future, must satisfy their negotiated obligations to these Open Space projects. Description of Recommendation to Council .1 Direct PARD or another City Department to develop a comprehensive SCW Open Spaces Masterplan that further defines how the four open space catalyst projects in the Vision Framework Plan will be designed and delivered in the current regulatory environment. .2 Direct PARD or another City Department to develop a companion SCW Open Spaces Budget that projects estimated FIL funds from the DBSCW and details how these funds, along with other possible public and private funding sources not yet fully explored, will be used to finance the four key open spaces in a timely manner, and prior to those funds being used outside the District. .3 Add Section 5.1.A.5 – The applicant must satisfy all parkland dedication and open space community benefit obligations codified in a prior PUD or PDA executed after the June 16, 2016 adoption of the SCW Vision Framework Plan. The Director shall determine the total bonus area obtainable through the previously negotiated obligations and shall apply them to satisfy the DBSCW Parkland Fee-in-Lieu requirement and/or other community benefits. Rationale: The City of Austin won a US EPA grant from the “Greening of America’s Capitals Program” in 2016 and in conjunction with much stakeholder and public input that year, planned out approximately 20 acres of open space and trail improvements in the SCW area. The plan sought to humanize the district, increase connectivity, respect and promote the waterfront, improve water quality, nurture Austin’s eclectic character and create a welcoming, inclusive gateway to the South …
March 20, 2024 Austin Environmental Commission Via Electronic Delivery Re: Southshore District Combining District and Density Bonus Environmental Commissioners, Please find the following recommendations from the Save Our Springs Alliance concerning the current draft regulating plan for the South Shore Waterfront Combining District and regulating plan. These are relatively abbreviated comments, and we intend to continue to expand upon them as the plan makes their way through the public process. As an initial comment, we would encourage the Environmental Commission and all commissions to carefully study and review the plan. There seems to be a disconnect between the Southshore Vision Framework and much of the draft language that cannot be resolved in a single public hearing. As an advisory commission to the City Council, please take the time that you need to review and make recommendations. SOS Recommendations: 1. Riparian Zone Impacts. Mandate City Council oversight and approval for any modificaOons of the hike-and-bike trail and for any expansion of trails within the CriOcal Water Quality Zone and Water Quality TransiOon Zone. 2. District Overreach. Remove properOes that were not previously included within the Southshore Vision Framework. 3. Maintain Waterfront Overlay. Maintain the current waterfront overlay regulaOons, including setbacks, height limits, use restricOons, and impervious cover limits. 4. South Shore is Not Downtown. Scale back on the downtown-level densiOes within the South Shore Subdistrict of the Waterfront Overlay, which was intenOonally more of a natural aestheOc compared to Downtown. 5. Rezone All ProperCes. Rezone all the properOes within the Southshore District to require compliance with the regulaOng plan and ensure consistency with the Vision Framework. OpOonal/piecemeal compliance will not achieve the community benefits. 6. Enhance Open Space Requirement. Increase the requirements for public open space recognizing the constraints on requirements for dedicated, on-site parkland. 7. Require On-Site DedicaCon / No Fee-in-Lieu. To the maximum extent permi[ed under state law, require that all parkland requirements be met through on-site dedicaOon (removing the fee-in- _______________Austin’s water watchdog since 1992_______________ 4701 Westgate Blvd, D-401, Austin, TX, 78745 • 512-477-2320 • SOSAlliance.org lieu). Please also enhance the density bonus program to include more emphasis on on-site parkland dedicaOon. 8. No Public Subsidies. The enOre district relies too much on subsidizaOon from public tax dollars. Adding a density bonus on top of public subsidies is conceptually flawed. Brief Explanations of Each Recommendation. 1. Limit Riparian Zone Impacts. The Southshore Vision Framework states: “Almost all of …
SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION APRIL 1, 2024 AGENDA ITEM #3 Subject: Proposed South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program Motioned By: Board Member Sullivan Seconded By: Board Member Puzycki Grant staff recommendation, as amended, to create a new combining district and density bonus program governing development in South Central Waterfront District. Date: April 1, 2024 Recommendation Amendments: 1. Refine above-ground structured parking criteria to align with the Urban Design Guidelines on parking facades and accommodate practical code/layout concerns. Revise Section 3.6.1.C.2 to read “Above-ground structured parking may be exposed to a street front provided that the structure’s façade shall be the same as, or of equal quality to, the material used for the street facing building façade. Revise Section 3.6.1.C.3 to read “All above-ground structured parking shall have flat parking decks wherever possible.” Rationale. These amendments seek to correct conflicts with Urban Design Guidelines/B.5 “Control On-Site Parking,” other COA regulating plans such as ERC Article 4/4/b/c. and IBC 2021 section 406.2.4. By adding “wherever possible” provides flexibility for efficient, code-compliant layouts. 2. Publicly visible oversight by the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board should be a program requirement. Rationale. A continued advisory role for the SCWAB was envisioned in the original Vision Framework Plan and 2018 Draft Regulating Plan Draft. The SCWAB provides critical continuity and communication amongst stakeholders and advocates for the District to ensure that the original vision is properly implemented. It also provides the only public transparency into the process, allowing citizens insight into upcoming SCW projects and giving them a platform for direct feedback as SCWAB recommendations are formed. 3. Amend the fee schedule and density bonuses to provide “stackable bonuses” or “value multipliers” to incentivize large, unique or desirable permanent community benefits. Rationale: Value multipliers for certain benefits will incentivize either uniquely large, uniquely useful, or uniquely desirable permanent community benefits as opposed to smaller, disjointed, lower-value benefits. 4. Pursue efforts that increase the number of affordable units within and near the South Central Waterfront District 1 of 2 Rationale: Tap available resources and tools to ensure affordable housing is created within the SCW District or adjacent to it. 5. Amend boundaries of the South Central Waterfront Housing Fee Spending Area to be within 15-minute walk of high frequency mass transit lines. Rationale: Housing Trust Funds collected from SCW developments should be used for creating affordable housing within the SCW District or …
SOUTH-CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2024 AT 6:00PM The South Central Waterfront Advisory Board convened the Special Called Meeting at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 in a hybrid format. BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Jim Stephenson, Chair Felicity Maxwell, Vice Chair David Sullivan, Board Member Ryan Puzycki, Board Member BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Julia Woods, Board Member Isaac Cohen, Board Member Hopie Martinez, Ex Officio (Financial Services - Real Estate) Rebecca Edwards, Ex Officio (Housing) Matiur Rahman, Ex Officio (Transportation) CALL TO ORDER Chair J. Stephenson called the Meeting to order at 6:05 pm. 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. Bobby Levinski from Save Our Springs Alliance shared general comments and recommendations regarding the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Plan. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) Regular Meeting of the March 18, 2024 a. The motion to approve the minutes was made by Board Member D. Sullivan and seconded by Vice Chair F. Maxwell and passed by a vote of (6-0). Board Member Bazan was absent. DISCUSSION 2. Discussion on staff presentation on South Central Waterfront (SCW) Combining District and Density Bonus Program Draft dated March 27, 2024 by April Geruso of the City of Austin Planning Department. a. April Geruso of the Planning Department presented to the Board a summary of staff’s revised SCW Combining District and Density Bonus Program dated April 1, 2024. No action was taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 3. Discussion and action to recommend amendments to the proposed South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program. o A base motion was made by Vice Chair F. Maxwell and seconded by Board Member D. Sullivan to adopt April 1, 2024 version of staff’s proposed South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program. Motion was passed by vote of 6-0 with Board Member Bazan absent. Amendments a. Recommendation 1 –A motion was made by Vice Chair F. Maxwell and seconded by Board Member D. Sullivan to amend staff’s proposal to refine criteria regarding above-ground, structured parking to align with the Urban Design Guidelines on parking facades and to accommodate practical code …
1. 2. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION April 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt, Vice Chair Cory Hall-Martin Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Angelica Reyes Timothy Ruttan Yasmine Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 4, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department 3. 4. Overview of Downtown Austin Community Court and Mobile Court Pilot Program from Robert Kingham, Court Administrator and Christopher Anderson, Court Operations Manager. Update on the Biannual Wildfire Readiness provided by Division Chief Carrie Stewart and Wildfire Mitigation Officer Justice Jones of the Austin Fire Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. 5. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. CSCRM Joint Working Group update on Commission for Women's recommendation and status. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department, at 512-974-2792 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Public Safety Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at (512-974- 2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov).
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 4, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 4, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt, Vice-Chair David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Angelica Reyes Timothy Ruttan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Stephanie Ryan – support for APD Ruth Moonesinghe – death of her son, Raj Moonesinghe Carlos Leon – APD and CapMetro complaints APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on February 5, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 02/05/2024, were approved on Commissioner Bernhardt’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Hall-Martin and Hermesmeyer were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Teresa Gardner, Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) Chief of Staff regarding the Austin Travis County EMS Quarterly Report. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 4, 2024 Presentation was given by Stephen White, Acting Assistant Chief of Integrated Services. 3. Presentations by Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt, Austin Police Department; Chief of Staff Teresa Gardner, Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services; and Chief of Staff Rob Vire, Austin Fire Department; Texas Harm Reduction Alliance and Vocal Texas on opioid use hot spots, prevention, and education efforts. Presentations were given by Stephen White, EMS Acting Assistant Chief of Integrated Services; Angela Carr, EMS Division Chief; Mike Sasser, EMS Captain; Cate Graziani, Vocal Texas; and Gaby Libretti, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance. Commissioner Smith requested EMS follow up to include: -geographical locations of the Pop Up Resource Clinics (PURC) and their outreach strategies -a map of the interventions administered through the Buprenorphine Bridge Program (BBP) -zip code data for where the rescue kits are distributed and where Narcan is administered prior to EMS arrival -data included on the Austin Public Health Opioid Overdose Dashboard for overdose calls that result in an arrest 4. Presentations by Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt, Austin Police Department; Chief of Staff Teresa Gardner, Austin Travis County Emergency Medical Services; and Chief of Staff Rob Vire, Austin Fire Department regarding electronic payroll system rollout. Presentations were given by Jeff Greenwalt, Chief of Staff, …
Austin Police Department Public Safety Commission – FY2024 Q2 Presentation • • • Section 1: Crimes Against Persons Section 4: Community Engagement Section 2: Crimes Against Property/Society Section 5: Budget Section 3: Response Times & Call Volumes Section 6: Staffing & Vacancies • • • APD Public Safety Commission – FY2024 Q2 Data compiled by APD Research & Planning unit Slide 1 Crimes Against Persons by Offense Type FY2024 Q2* vs. FY2023 Q2 | FY2024 Q2* vs. 5-Year Mean (Q2) Crimes Against Persons Offense Type 5-Year Mean (FY2019-2023 Q2) FY2023 Q2 FY2024 Q2* 1-Year Change Difference from 5-Year Mean Assault Offenses (13A, 13B, 13C) 4,477 4,233 3,500 Homicide Offenses (09A, 09B) Kidnapping/Abduction (100) Sex Offenses (11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 36A, 36B) Other Crimes Against Persons (64A, 64B) 16 46 232 3 22 52 202 3 12 46 148 1 -17% -45% -12% -27% -67% Total Crimes Against Persons 4,774 4,512 3,707 -18% -22% *Data for FY2024 Q2 only available through March 20, 2024 APD Public Safety Commission – FY2024 Q2 Data compiled by APD Research & Planning unit -22% -25% 0% -36% -67% Slide 2 Crimes Against Persons by APD Sector FY2024 Q2* vs. FY2023 Q2 Crimes Against Persons APD Sector FY2023 Q2 FY2024 Q2* Adam Baker Charlie David Edward Frank George Henry Ida Other Total 446 392 494 501 769 641 347 499 376 48 381 312 407 383 630 493 262 462 345 33 4,513 3,708 Percent Change -15% -20% -18% -24% -18% -23% -24% -7% -8% -31% -18% APD Public Safety Commission – FY2024 Q2 Data compiled by APD Research & Planning unit Change from FY2023 to FY2024 (Q2) *Data for FY2024 Q2 only available through March 20, 2024 Slide 3 Crimes Against Persons by City Council District FY2024 Q2* vs. FY2023 Q2 Crimes Against Persons City Council District FY2023 Q2 FY2024 Q2* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Percent Change -20% -20% -10% -16% -27% -22% 4% -30% -28% -14% 454 445 626 625 223 158 356 106 520 168 569 557 696 741 307 202 341 151 721 196 4,481 3,681 -18% APD Public Safety Commission – FY2024 Q2 Data compiled by APD Research & Planning unit Change from FY2023 to FY2024 (Q2) *Data for FY2024 Q2 only available through March 20, 2024 Slide 4 Crimes Against Persons Density (“Hotspots”) FY2024 Q2* vs. FY2023 Q2 Crimes Against Persons FY2023 Q2 …
A U STI N FI RE DEP AR TMENT Wildfire Readiness Update Jeffrey Kennedy– Assistant Chief Justice Jones – Wildfire Mitigation Officer BE IT RESOLVED... "Provide a progress report every six months to the Public Safety Commission for the following important components of a comprehensive WUI risk reduction plan." Council Resolution NO. 20160512-016 The information presented in this update are maintained in real-time through dynamic data 1 Wildfire Readiness Update 1. The number of local CWPP’s completed and implemented. 2. The number of local CWPP's started but not completed. 3. The percentage of high-risk WUI areas in which identification of potential local CWPP planning areas is ongoing. 4. The number of public presentations and home assessments provided. 5. The number, size, type and location of fuel mitigation activities conducted. 6. The number of training hours received and conducted. 2 1) The number of local CWPP's completed and implemented is 23. Local level CWPP’s are community led initiatives that AFD facilitates and supports. The Division has hired a new FAC coordinator that is working to engage new communities for FY24. AU STI N CW PP ’s 3 2) The number of local CWPP's started but not completed is 23. Local level CWPP’s are community led initiatives that AFD facilitates and supports. Three of these communities have re-engaged with AFD in the last six months. Acti ve & Eng aged Sentence or subheading goes Here on the page in the header box. 4 3) The percentage of high-risk WUI areas in which identification of potential local CWPP planning areas is still ongoing is 49%. Of the 14% of Austin classified as high risk, 51% is covered by a local level CWPP, 49% are identified as opportunity zones. H igh R is k A reas 5 4) The number of public presentations and home assessments provided in the past 6 months. 8 Presentations and events, including virtual events such as the annual Wildfire Symposium held virtually, and 3 home assessments provided. O utreac h Acti vitie s 6 5) The number, size, type and location of fuel mitigation activities conducted in the past 6 months. 5 Prescribed fires (1,056 ac) completed, by assisting partner agencies. F u e l M i t i g a t i o n 7 6) The number of training hours received and conducted in the past six months. 40 Training hours received and 2,233 training hours conducted …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION Commission for Women Recommendation Number 20240306-004: Fiscal Year 2024-25 Funding for Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Actions WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, in September 2019, the City Manager’s Office contracted the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), in conjunction with the Women’s Law Project and the Wellesley Centers for Women, to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the way sexual assaults reported to the Austin Police Department (APD) are investigated and processed; and WHEREAS, sexual assault lawsuits were filed and settlements were approved for Smith et. al. vs City of Austin and Senko et. al. vs City of Austin; and WHEREAS, on November 14, 2022, the final PERF report was released, Austin Police Department (APD) Review, Reported Sexual Assault Comprehensive Evaluation, and included comprehensive findings and over one hundred recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department worked with the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) to address the PERF recommendations and take actions, including revisions to APD policies and procedures; and WHEREAS, the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) was established in early 2023 to coordinate the full response to the PERF report, and includes representatives from APD, SARRT, nonprofit and community organizations, survivors and survivor advocates; and WHEREAS, the Commission for Women and Public Safety Commission formed a joint working group in 2023 to support and track the work of the CSCRM and report progress to their respective commissions; and WHEREAS, the work of the CSCRM is significant in scope, spanning multiple working groups, and has identified serious unmet funding requirements and additional needs for fiscal year 2024- 2025; and WHEREAS, funding has been allocated to support APD comprehensive sexual assault/trauma curriculum development and delivery, additional detective hours on misdemeanor and cold cases, the hiring of a CSCRM project manager, the implementation of a survivor survey and a stipend for volunteer project members, among others; and WHEREAS, law enforcement staffing shortages and hiring challenges are impacting support for survivors of sexual assault, and training and increased financial support and innovative approaches are needed to overcome these shortfalls; and WHEREAS, the SAFE Alliance forensic nursing program is …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and Council Members THROUGH: Bruce Mills, Interim Assistant City Manager FROM: Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court DATE: March 27, 2024 SUBJECT: Staff Response to Resolution No. 20230816-016 regarding Downtown Austin Community Court Mobile Court Pilot This memorandum provides a staff response regarding the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Mobile Court Pilot, initiated in response to Resolution 20230816-016. Included as an attachment is a third-party analysis of the Pilot conducted by Sultan Justice Consulting Corp. The Report includes research on mobile court and community court models and a detailed account of the Pilot’s development, implementation, and outcomes. Additionally, the Report includes the following recommendations: 1. Implement a sustainable, fully-staffed, DACC Mobile Court Program. 2. Continue and expand upon stakeholder engagement to scale Mobile Court implementation. 3. Study the impact on existing requests for current DACC services with the addition of Mobile Court to inform further DACC staffing needs and growth. 4. Invest in Mobile Court transportation resources and technology. Mobile Court Pilot Development DACC consulted with the DACC Advisory Board regarding data collection and potential Pilot locations. DACC also engaged with the Austin Homelessness Advisory Council (AHAC) on data, locations, and how to build trust and encourage people to engage in services. Austin Municipal Court (AMC), the Homeless Strategy Office, and staff across DACC’s Court Services, Homeless Services, and Support Services units offered insights to inform program development. In line with direction in the resolution, DACC engaged other stakeholders with a goal of identifying locations for Pilot sites that were geographically dispersed and trusted locations where members of the community were already engaging in services. The Pilot was developed to bring the same level of services provided onsite at DACC directly to individuals in community-based locations. Throughout the Pilot, DACC provided individuals the opportunity to check for open cases and warrants with AMC and DACC, virtual access to a judge and prosecutor to resolve cases and clear warrants, as well as onsite access to a case manager to help with resource navigation and connection to services. When appropriate, individuals engaging in the Pilot were able to enroll in ongoing case management through DACC’s Clinical Diversion Program (CDP). Mobile Court Pilot Implementation Between October 18, 2023 and February 5, 2024, there were 18 dates where DACC provided Pilot services. The service location partners for the Pilot included …
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT Public Safety Commission April 1, 2024 Robert Kingham, Court Administrator Christopher Anderson, Court Operations Manager DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT Established in 1999 • 1st Community Court in Texas • 7th Community Court in United States Mission Statement • Empowering people to thrive by providing impartial justice and compassionate community-based services Address root causes of justice involvement • Intensive and compassionate wrap around services OPERATIONAL AREAS Homeless Services Court Services Customer Service Walk-in Case Management Courtroom Support Intensive Case Management Case Flow Management Outreach Clinical Diversion Program Community Services Support Services Community Service Program Violet KeepSafe Storage Planning & Strategic Development Procurement & Contract Management Communication and Public Information PRIMARY AND EXPANDED JURISDICTION • Class C criminal offenses in Downtown, West Primary Jurisdiction Campus and East Austin Expanded Jurisdiction (Ord. No. 20231214-006) • Citywide jurisdiction for Prop. B & State camping band and DACC Top 10 offenses • Expansion provides more equitable access to resources • Data reflects violations included in expanded jurisdiction are the most likely for people to need access to the services available at DACC HOMELESS SERVICES DACC has helped connect 550+ clients to housing since 2015 through Intensive Case Management DACC has a waitlist of more than 300 individuals MOBILE COURT OVERVIEW DACC MOBILE COURT OVERVIEW How it began: • Previous site visits and best practice research by DACC • Judge Coffey asked staff to develop a mobile court strategy • Created by Council Resolution 20230816-016 Overall purpose: • Community-based program - meeting people where they are already engaging in services • Connect individuals with solutions for resolving outstanding cases and warrants • Immediate connection to services through case manager DACC MOBILE COURT PROGRESS How it works: • Court case checks & education about DACC services • Virtual access to judge and prosecutor • Case manager onsite Service day frequency and locations: • Approximately 5 service days per month during Pilot period • Austin Public Health Neighborhood Centers, Austin Public Library, North Bridge Shelter, Pop-up Resource Clinics, Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, The Charlie Center at Mosaic Church During the 18 events in the Pilot period of October 18, 2023 through February 5, 2024: 383 individuals had their court case status checked by DACC 125 individuals had one or more open AMC or DACC court cases 35 individuals participated in a DACC Mobile Court hearing 69 cases were …
RESOLUTION NO. 20230816-016 WHEREAS, the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) is a justice diversion program that provides an alternative to the traditional criminal process, targeting low-level offenses frequently associated with poverty, lack of housing, substance use, and mental illness; and WHEREAS, DACC's alternative adjudication options help prevent citations from becoming part of residents' criminal records, removing potential future barriers for housing and employment, and serves as a critical component of Austin's homelessness response system; and WHEREAS, DACC's case managers provide housing-focused case management and resource navigation services to sign up individuals for public benefits and connect them with existing resources in the community; and WHEREAS, one of the primary benefits of resolving court cases through DACC versus other courts is immediate access to services through DACC's Case Management staff; and WHEREAS, DACC has d 'safe harbor' or 'no arrest' policy allowing defendants with active warrants to come to court to address their case(s) and engage in services without being arrested; and WHEREAS, DACC's approach has resulted in financial savings to the City, from court resources to officer time, when people get connected to support, while reducing defaults and increasing the resolution of pending cases; and WHEREAS, City Council approved Resolution No. 20230608-044 which in part, directed initiation of City Code amendments to expand DACC's jurisdiction Page 1 of 4 citywide to include Section 48.05 of the Texas Penal Code (Prohibited Camping) and covering DACC's top 10 case types; and WHEREAS, it's anticipated that a City Code amendment to finalize the expansion of DACC's jurisdiction will be on a Council agenda in fall 2023; and WHEREAS, mobile court operations in other communities, such as Fort Worth, Arlington and Grapevine have proven successful models for increasing appearance and compliance rates and proactively connecting individuals to services; and WHEREAS, implementation of a DACC Mobile Court pilot (Pilot) would complement the forthcoming jurisdiction expansion by providing more geographically dispersed options for people to resolve their cases and have immediate access to services; and WHEREAS, a Pilot could prioritize City owned and/or operated service centers, and other programs that are already serving community members who may have cases to resolve and/or which are providing homeless services; and WHEREAS, by looking at existing resources and staffing across departments, while also exploring strategic partnerships with Travis County, Central Health, Integral Care, and other partners, a Pilot could be developed and implemented without additional funding allocation in Fiscal …
Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers February 5, 2024 Item 4. Policing and Disabilities – Austin Police Department - Data Would like additional information from the planning and research department on data that is available around interactions with our disabled community and the police. APD continues to evaluate the recommendations made by the OPO in the Town Hall report on People with Disabilities and Policing. Currently, we do not actively collect any data regarding a person’s disability status. It is critical to us that any steps we take moving forward are carefully thought out and done with respect to every member of our community. Our concern on collecting this type of data, which in many cases may be sensitive or private health information, is that the information is not always known to APD as we interact with the community. In order to get the data, we would have to ask questions which may not be relevant to the call for service we are there for in the first place. In order to further evaluate the feasibility of collecting this data for the purposes of this initiative, we elicited input from our in house subject matter experts on mental, physical, and intellectual disabilities. Although the spirit of the recommendation is well-intended, it was the overwhelming professional opinion that we should NOT make a practice of asking these questions unless there is a legitimate law enforcement purpose for doing so which is related to the current call for service we are responding to. In addition to our in house subject matter experts, we also reached out to the OPO to discuss possible steps forward. The OPO was understanding of our concern, and our discussions continue. Item 3. Overview of Downtown Austin Community Court and Mobile Court Pilot Program April 1, 2024 1. ECHO data to justify a budget increase. 2. DACC Advisory Board budget recommendation See Exhibit A See Exhibit B EXHIBIT A 2016 Social Innovation Fund Pay for Success Feasibility Report: ECHO Austin/Travis County Local Austin/Travis County supportive housing initiatives have observed results similar to those detailed from the national research summarized above. Supportive housing targeted to similar populations in Austin/Travis County demonstrated1213: • • • • • 70% or more reductions in emergency room visits, EMS transports and inpatient and psychiatric hospitalizations after six months in the program; 50% reductions in jail bookings in the year following entry into …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, April 1, 2024 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 1, 2024 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, April 1, 2024, at City Hall Building, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt, Vice-Chair Cory Hall-Martin Paul Hermesmeyer David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Angelica Reyes Timothy Ruttan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 4, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 03/04/2024, were approved on Commissioner Holmes’ motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bernhardt and Ruttan were off the dais. Commissioner Orr was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department Presentation was given by Jeff Greenwalt, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, April 1, 2024 3. Overview of Downtown Austin Community Court and Mobile Court Pilot Program from Robert Kingham, Court Administrator and Christopher Anderson, Court Operations Manager. Presentations were given by Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, and Christopher Anderson, Court Operations Manager, Downtown Austin Community Court. Commissioner Ruttan requested data to justify a budget increase to fund positions and increase service hours at the DACC. Robert Kingham will work on providing data from ECHO. Chair Ramírez asked for the budget recommendation from the DACC Advisory Board be shared with the Public Safety Commission. 4. Update on the Biannual Wildfire Readiness provided by Division Chief Carrie Stewart and Wildfire Mitigation Officer Justice Jones of the Austin Fire Department. Presentations were given by Jeff Kennedy, Assistant Chief, and Justice Jones, Wildfire Mitigation Officer, Austin Fire Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to approve Commissioner Ruttan as Vice Chair was made by Commissioner Nguyễn and seconded by Commissioner Bernhardt, approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Orr was absent. The motion to approve Commissioner Ramírez as Chair was made by Commissioner Ramírez and seconded by Commissioner Hall-Martin, approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Orr was absent. 6. CSCRM Joint Working Group update on Commission for Women's recommendation and WORKING GROUP UPDATES status. Chair Ramírez provided an update. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 2 Monday, …
