1. REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION January 27, 2025 – 6 P.M. Carver Branch Library 1161 Angelina Street AUSTIN, TEXAS This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Magen Davis Melissah Hasdorff Cristina Masters AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Kezia Frayjo Andrea Herrera Moreno Mark Smith 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 Library Commission regular meeting on December 16, 2024. 2. 3. 4. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on Austin Public Library School Partnerships by Jenny Stirrat, School Partnerships Librarian, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on Library Community Engagement by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on City of Austin Bond Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discussion of the January Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. 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 Laura Polio at the Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov.
1. 2. REGULA MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling at ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3568 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Jeffrey Clemmons Harriett Kirsh Pozen Tannya Oliva Martínez Alicia Weigel (She/They) Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Danielle Bryant Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Srini Raghavan CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission Special Called meeting on December 16, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion on potential subject matter for a future presentation to the commission from Austin Police Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve the formation of a working group to further support educational initiatives directed towards the community in the City of Austin. 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 Ryan Sperling, Office or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Ryan Sperling at (512) 974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov the City Clerk 974-3568 (512) of at
1. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a special called meeting on November 25, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Mariana Krueger Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Jeffrey Clemmons Morgan Davis Srini Raghavan Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Danielle Bryant Harriet Kirsh Pozen PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on November 25, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of November 25, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Clemmons and Weigel were off the dais. Commissioners Bryant and Kirsh Pozen were absent. 1 2. Discussion of the City Council proposal to incorporate the duties of the Human Rights Commission into the scope of the Joint Inclusion Committee. Discussed. DISCUSSION ITEM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the creation of a working group to provide input on the LGBTQIA+ historical marker on 4th and Colorado streets. Discussed with no action. Chair Duhon and Vice Chair Zeidan requested a future item to select a Commission representative to provide input on the LGBTQIA+ historical marker. Approve the creation of a working group to facilitate conversations and community dialogue. The motion to approve the creation of an intergroup relations working group to facilitate conversations and community dialogue was approved on Commissioner Clemmons’ motion, Chair Duhon’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant and Kirsh Pozen were absent. A motion to select Commissioner Clemmons as Chair of the working group was approved on Chair Duhon’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant and Kirsh Pozen were absent. A motion to add Chair Duhon, Vice Chair Zeidan, and Commissioners Clemmons, Davis, and Krueger to the working group was approved on Chair Duhon’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant and Kirsh Pozen were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Vice Chair Zeidan and Chair Duhon requested an item to form a working group on educational initiatives. Vice Chair Zeidan and Chair Duhon requested an item to update the membership of the intergroup relations working group to facilitate conversations and community dialogue. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m. without objection. The minutes …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St., Boards & Commissions Room, in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon (He/They), Chair Jeffrey Clemmons Harriett Kirsh Pozen Tannya Oliva Martinez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Danielle Bryant Mariana Krueger Srini Raghavan Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission Special Called meeting on December 16, 2024. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Clemmons’ motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Weigel and Bryant were off the dais. Commissioner Davis was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on potential subject matter for a future presentation to the commission from Austin Police Department. 1 Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the formation of a working group to further support educational initiatives directed towards the community in the City of Austin. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to further support educational initiatives directed towards the community in the City of Austin was approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Bryant’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Davis was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:38 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the February 24, 2025 meeting without objection on Chair Duhon’s motion on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Krueger, Oliva Martinez, and Weigel were off the dais. 2
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HIV PLANNING COUNCIL MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, RM. 1203 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the HIV PLANNING COUNCIL may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: Click here to join the meeting Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone or Teams. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register to speak, call or email the Office of Support, (737)- 825-1684 or hivplanningcouncil@austintexas.gov CURRENT HIV PLANNING COUNCIL MEMBERS: Kelle’ Martin, Chair Marquis Goodwin, Vice Chair, Conflicted Aran Belani Kristina McRae-Thompson, Secretary Zachery Garay, Conflicted Alicia Alston Ashley Garling, (on leave) Joe Anderson, Conflicted, Non-Voting Judith Hassan, Conflicted Liza Bailey Rocky Lane, Non-Voting CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up no later than noon on 1/26/2025 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 HIV Planning Council regular meeting on October 28, 2024 2. Members will declare conflicts of interest with relevant agenda items, service categories, CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS and/or service standards. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Office of Support Staff Briefing 4. Administrative Agent Staff Briefing 5. Part B Staff Briefing DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Introductions/Announcements 7. Discussion of New Member Orientation Materials 8. Overview of Legislative Responsibilities DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Discussion and approval of FFY25 Part A & MAI Allocations 10. Discussion and approval of FY 25 workplan calendar 11. Discussion and approval of FY25 social calendar 12. Discussion and approval of FY25 PC Budget 13. Discussion and approval of governing documents COMMITTEE UPDATES 14. Care Strategies and Engagement Committee 15. Finance and Assessment Committee ADJOURNMENT Indicative of action items The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For More Information on …
REGULAR MEETING of the DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design 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 Nicole Corona, at 512-974-3146 or nicole.corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Conners Ladner AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ben Luckens Marissa McKinney Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck Vacancy, District 6 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 Design Commission regular meeting on December 9, 2024. 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the process and implementation of the Downtown Density Bonus Program, including the Design Commission and Staff review process for compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Presented by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Howard. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Discussion and action to support the Downtown Density Bonus Program applicant preparedness for their required presentation to the Design Commission. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Howard. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Urban Design Guidelines Working Group regarding the meetings on December 23, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Update from representative of the Downtown Commission regarding the meeting on December 18, 2024. Update from representative of the Joint Sustainability Committee regarding the meeting on December 18, 2024. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Note: City Code requires two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ silence indicates approval for staff to include on the next agenda. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. …
1. 2. DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2024 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Kevin Howard Ben Luckens Marissa McKinney – Commissioner McKinney joined the meeting at 6:13 p.m. Brita Wallace Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on November 19, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 11/19/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Meiners’ motion, Chair Salinas’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner McKinney was off the dais. Commissioners Carroll, Gelles, and Ladner were absent. One vacancy on the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding an update to the Great Streets Program. Presented by Jill Amezcua, Planning Department. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Carroll. The presentation was made Jill Amezcua, Planning Department. 1 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and action on whether the Asian American Resource Center Phase II Improvement Project, located at 8401 Cameron Road, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by David Sweere and Trey Trahan, Trahan Architects. There was a motion by Commissioner Luckens, seconded by Chair Salinas, that the Asian American Resource Center Phase II Improvement Project, located at 8401 Cameron Road, complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. The motion was approved with the following friendly amendment on motion by Commissioner Howard, seconded by Chair Salinas on a 7-0 vote. The friendly amendment from Commissioner Howard was that the project meets the City Design and Sustainability Standards with additional investigation for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to ensure appropriate accommodation of bicycle and transit usage and of circulation through the site in future phases. This was accepted by the maker of the motion, Commissioner Luckens, and Chair Salinas, who seconded the motion. Commissioners Carroll, Gelles, and Ladner were absent. One vacancy on the dais. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council guidance on billboard placement and community and urban design impacts due to the Interstate Highway 35 corridor improvements. Presented by Margaret Lloyd, Scenic Texas, and Jim Walker and Girard Kinney, Cherrywood Neighborhood Association. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Wittstruck. There was …
Downtown Density Bonus Program Administration Staff Process Briefing and Case Studies Agenda 1. Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) requirements. 2. Overview of Staff process. 3. Integration of Design Commission’s comments and recommendations. 4. Examples of Commission’s recommendations 5. Coordination and dialogue with applicant on compliance. 6. Case Studies Program Requirements 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(i)-(ii) (1) Gatekeeper Requirements. Administrative process (a) To receive bonus area, the director must determine that the project substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines. (i) The applicant must submit to the director a schematic level site plan, building elevations, and other drawings, simulations or other documents necessary to fully describe the urban design character of the project and relationship of the project to its surroundings. (ii) The Design Commission shall evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the project complies with the Urban Design Guidelines and the director shall consider comments and recommendations of the Design Commission. Submittal requirements Role of DC * Emphasis by Staff Process Applicant meets with Staff to discuss DDBP request* Applicant files site development permit (SP) SP is distributed to Urban Design team Great Streets review starts Design Commission recommendation on compliance with Urban Design Guidelines *Greatest success when meeting with Staff prior to filing the DDBP request Process Staff reviews submittal requirements for DDBP in accordance with 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(i) and will work with applicant if any elements are missing Design Commission Working Group scheduled, and feedback is given to the applicant DDBP request is scheduled for Design Commission evaluation and recommendation Design Commission issues evaluation and recommendation letter to Staff and applicant on compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines Process Staff commences review of DDBP request based on DC’s evaluation and recommendation and review of project submittal Staff works with the applicant to address specific guidelines that were found to be deficient – back and forth dialogue Once compliance is reached, Staff certifies project for compliance with the UDG based on the DC evaluation and recommendation as well as Staff review Public hearings are scheduled if project seeks additional FAR entitlements. Otherwise, Staff issues administrative memo granting entitlements under the Program Process Staff review for substantial compliance with the Urban Design guidelines commences after receiving the Commission’s comments and recommendations for each specific project. Working Group input is not the DC recommendation. Process ”the director shall consider comments and recommendations of the Design Commission” - LDC 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii) Elements in DC’s comments and …
David Carroll, Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Vice Chair Aan Coleman Beau Frail Samuel Franco Martha Gonzales Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jessica Rollason Evan Taniguchi Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Art Zamorano Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20201026-01A Date: October 28, 2020 Subject: Design Commission recommendation for the River Street Residences project, located at 61-69 Rainey Street and 60 East Avenue. Aan Coleman Seconded By: Jessica Rollason Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the River Street Residences project, located at 61-69 Rainey Street and 60 East Avenue, as presented on October 26, 2020, substantially complies with the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines. The Commission further recommends that the applicant explores providing more permeability on the retail space façade, like operable walls or overhead doors. Additionally, the Commission recommends the applicant explores expressing the entry to the café more definitively. Rationale: Dear Honorable Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, and Director of Housing and Planning Department, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the River Street Residences project, located at 61-69 Rainey Street and 60 East Avenue, as presented to us on October 26, 2020 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Our review found the following: 1. The project proposes terraced landscaped planters 2. The project proposes integrating artwork at street level 3. The project proposes 15,180 square feet of affordable housing. 4. The project proposes $1,204,575 in fees-in-lieu to NHCD. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: Ben Luckens, Aan Coleman, Jessica Rollason, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Beau Frail, Samuel 7 - 1 - 1 Franco Against: David Carroll Abstain: Josue Meiners Absent: Bart Whatley, Martha Gonzalez Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for River Street Residences Page 1 10 Building Information Parking Table Land Use Units Sq. Ft. Parking Ratio Req'd Spaces Reduced Req't* Prov'd (Reg) Req'd ADA Prov'd ADA Req'd ADA Van Req'd Loading Prov'd Loading Req'd Bike Prov'd Bike Prov'd ADA Van 319 7 8 1 2 2 2 35.8 45 Impervious Cover Table Existing Proposed Removal Proposed Addition Building 3,962 3,962 22,213 Parking/Driveway & Others 5,803 5,803 1,366 Sidewalk Wood Decks (50% IC) Total (Area) Gross Site Area Total (Percent) - 1,165 10,930 - - 1,165 …
David Carroll, Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Vice Chair Aan Coleman Beau Frail Samuel Franco Martha Gonzales Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jessica Rollason Evan Taniguchi Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Patrick Colunga Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200930-01A Josue Meiners Seconded By: Design Commission recommendation for the hotel project, located at 617 Colorado Street. Date: October 05, 2020 Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the hotel project, located at 617 Colorado Street, as presented on September 30, 2020, substantially complies with the City’s Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Planning and Zoning Dept., This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the hotel project, located at 617 Colorado Street, as presented to us on September 30, 2020 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Our review found the following: Jessica Rollason 1. The project proposes no parking, which means it will reduce the amount of parking currently on site. 2. The project proposes street level public art, which complements the adjacent art museum. 3. The project proposes a designated rideshare drop off, outside the thru-lanes of traffic. 4. Proposed amenities on the second level will be open to the public with an intent to have a special discount program for local area teachers. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: David Carroll, Ben Luckens, Aan Coleman, Jessica Rollason, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Josue 8 - 0 - 0 Meiners, Beau Frail Absent: Bart Whatley, Martha Gonzalez, Samuel Franco Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for 617 Colorado Page 1
David Carroll, Chair Melissa Henao-Robledo, Vice Chair Aan Coleman Beau Frail Samuel Franco Martha Gonzales Ben Luckens Josue Meiners Jessica Rollason Evan Taniguchi Bart Whatley Jorge Rousselin, Executive Liaison Aaron D. Jenkins Staff Liaison Patrick Colunga Staff Liaison City of Austin Design Commission DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20200622-01C June 26, 2020 Josue Meiners Seconded By: Evan Taniguchi Design Commission recommendation for the Hanover Brazos Street project. Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the Hanover Brazos Street project, located at 201 East 3rd Street, substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Planning and Zoning Dept., This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the Hanover Brazos Street project, located at 201 East 3rd Street, as presented to us on June 22, 2020 substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. The applicant addressed many of the concerns identified by the Working Group’s previous review. Our review found the following: 1. Project includes restaurant/retail space with overhead doors that open to the public ROW. In addition, there is an adjacent patio with built-in planters and overhead protection at the intersection of 3rd and Brazos. These all serve to activate the public ROW. 2. The proposed design utilizes brick at street level, which breaks down the scale of the large building and pays homage to the existing structure. 3. The existing public art will remain 4. The Brazos Street side includes windows in and overhead protection. Additionally, the garage entrance doors are pushed back from façade to provide pedestrians with a better experience crossing the driveway. 5. Vertical landscaping has been proposed on the façade at the utility room to soften the hard building edge. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: David Carroll, Bart Whatley, Evan Taniguchi, Melissa Henao-Robledo, Josue Meiners, Samuel Franco, Beau 8 - 0 - 0 Frail, Ben Luckens Against: None Absent: Martha Gonzalez, Jessica Rollason, Aan Coleman Attest: David Carroll, Chair of the Design Commission 1 of 1 Design Commission - Recommendation for the Hanover Brazos Street Page 1
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220822-4 Date: Subject: September 1, 2022 Design Commission recommendation for the project 5RR, located at 506 E 5th Street Commissioner Coleman Commissioner Whatley Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation: The City of Austin Design Commission recommends that the project located at 506 E 5th Street, as presented to us on August 22, 2022, substantially complies with the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines. Rationale: Dear Director of Housing and Planning Department, This letter is to confirm the Design Commission’s recommendation that the project located at 506 East 5th Street substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines as one of the gatekeeper requirements of the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Our review found the following positive attributes: 1. PS1: Protect the pedestrian where the building meets the street: A large awning is indicated at the corner of 5th & Red River. 2. PS4: Reinforce pedestrian activity: ROW / sidewalk is activated with art, light and plants. 3. PS8: Install street trees: Eleven trees are indicated on East 5th Street and Red River as proposed. 4. PS9: Provide pedestrian-scaled lighting: Festoon lighting is proposed in the public plaza. 5. PS12: Provide generous street-level windows: Full-height windows are indicated at street fronts. 6. PZ11: Provide visual and spatial complexity in public spaces: Large murals, plants, and light are disbursed among the open space at the exterior ground floor. Respectfully, City of Austin Design Commission Vote: For: 8-0-0 None None Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Chair Weaver, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Coleman, Commissioner Franco, Commissioner Luckens, Commissioner Salinas, Commissioner Taniguchi, Commissioner Whatley Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Henao-Robledo, Commissioner Rollason Jen Weaver, Chair of Design Commission 1 of 1 ” 0 - ’ 0 3 T U C B R U C G N T S X E I I T S R E V R D E R I S. Stookey 05/14/2023
C i t y o f A u s t i n Design Commission Project Review Application Photo courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin C i t y o f A u s t i n Design Commission Project Review Application The Design Commission provides advisory recommendations to the City Council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. The Design Commission reviews three types of projects: 1. City projects (see page 3 for process) The Commission reviews all municipal buildings and associated site plans to ensure they demonstrate compliance with city design and sustainability standards (Council Resolution No. 20071129-046), including those seeking Subchapter E Design Standards Alternative Equivalent Compliance (AEC) (Council Resolution No. 20100923-086). 2. Density Bonus projects (see page 4 for process) The Commission reviews density bonus projects for substantial compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin in accordance with the Gatekeeper requirements of LDC 25-2-586 for the Downtown Density Bonus Program. 3. Advisory Recommendations for Private projects (see page 3 for process) The Commission will consider Project Review Applications from private projects during its regularly scheduled monthly public meetings and may issue an advisory recommendation in the form of a Project Review Letter to the Applicant. Page 2 Design Commission - Project Review ApplicationPhoto courtesy of Jorge E. Rousselin This Project Review Application must be submitted before your project can be presented to the Design Commission for their review. Design Commission requests project be presented in their Conceptual/ Schematic Design phase. This application primarily addresses inhabited buildings and structures and their effect on the public realm; please refer to Appendix A for infrastructure type projects. The Commission’s review of projects is based on the planning/design principles in the Urban Design Guidelines for Austin. Ensure that all applicable principles are addressed in the application questions and in your presentation. The Design Commission supports the vision and principles of Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, especially those that affect the urban environment and fabric. All projects should consider this vision and principles, many of which are similar to the Urban Design Guidelines. Refer to Appendix C for the most pertinent sections of Imagine Austin. The Design Commission expects the applicant’s design team to present their project with those most knowledgeable and encourages the inclusion of sub-consultants at the presentation, when deemed necessary. EXHIBITS TO PRESENT 1. Completed Project Review Application …
Downtown Density Bonus Packet Checklist The Downtown Density Bonus packet checklist outlines all the required elements in the applicant’s request. Completed DDBP Request Form Attached completed site plan application Vicinity plan locating the project in its context, and showing a minimum 9 block area around the project Location and nature of nearby transit facilities Drawings: • Site plan • Floor plans • Exterior elevations (all sides) • Three-dimensional views • Other items that may be submitted: additional renderings, photos, narrative, or anything that further helps describe the project Design Commission Recommendation Letter Urban Design Guidelines Approval Letter Great Streets Plan and Approval Letter Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) Letter of Intent Executed Restrictive Covenant Affordable Housing Certification Letter Downtown Density Bonus Program | 5 Request Form
DDBP Request Form This form should be used by a property owner or representative who wishes to request additional floor- to-area (FAR) entitlements as outlined the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) per the Land Development Code (LDC) 25-2-586. 1 COMPLE TED SITE P L A N A PPL IC ATIO N Please include the completed site plan application as part of this DDBP request. Site Plan Number: Is the Completed Site Plan Application Attached? 2 PRO JECT NAM E & ANTIC IPATE D PROJ ECT A D D RES S 3 DENSI T Y BO NUS CA LCUL ATI ON Calculate the proposed additional FAR including the site area and amount per square foot according to the Community Benefits calculations described in § 25-2-586 (E)(1-12). Project Name: Anticipated Project Address: Site Area (sf): Proposed FAR (ratio): Proposed FAR Calculation: Total Gross Building Area (sq): If providing fee in lieu payment: Current Bonus fee ($/sq): Fee in lieu payment for density bonus ($): Existing FAR (ratio): Proposed Bonus area (sf): Total Fee in Lieu Amount (% or sq): If seeking additional FAR from City Council, a public hearing will not be scheduled until all gatekeeper requirements are complete. Downtown Density Bonus Program | 1 Request FormEXAMPLE DDBP Request Form 4 COMMU NIT Y B ENEFITS An applicant may achieve bonus area by providing community benefits as outlined below. A project must achieve at least 50 percent of the desired bonus area by providing affordable housing community benefits. Please indicate the selected community benefit(s) for this project, including the percentage allotted to each benefit. For more information on each community benefit please see Ordinance No. 20140227-054. Please describe which community benefit(s) will be used and how they will be applied (on site, fee in lieu, or a combination of the two). 1 Affordable Housing Rainey Street Subdistrict Historic Preservation Day Care Services 2 3 4 Cultural Uses 5 Live Music 6 On-Site Improvements for Historic Preservation Select % or SQ FT Select % or SQ FT 7 8 9 Development Bonus Fee for Off-Site Historic Preservation Green Building Publicly Accessible On-Site Plaza 10 Off-Site Open Space Development Bonus Fee 11 Green Roof 12 Other 5 GATEKEEPER REQUIREM EN TS The following gatekeeper requirements must be completed to participate in the DDBP. The applicant shall acknowledge these requirements by checking the boxes below. 1 Urban Design Guidelines Acknowledge To receive bonus area, the …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Ben Luckens Marissa McKinney Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Conners Ladner PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on December 9, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 12/09/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Meiners’ motion, Commissioner Wallace’s second on a 9-0-1 vote. Commissioner Gelles abstained. One vacancy on the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. 1 Staff briefing regarding the process and implementation of the Downtown Density Bonus Program, including the Design Commission and Staff review process for compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Presented by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Howard. The presentation was made by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and action to support the Downtown Density Bonus Program applicant preparedness for their required presentation to the Design Commission. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Howard. The motion to recommend modifications to the Design Commission Project Review Application in the “Exhibits to Present” section to expound on exhibits and the “Project Review Process: Density Bonus Projects” to potentially provide applicants more time between meeting with the Planning and Urban Design Working Group and the presentation to Design Commission was approved with the following friendly amendments on Commissioner McKinney’s motion, Commissioner Gelles’ second on a 9-1 vote. Commissioner Wallace voted nay. One vacancy on the dais. The friendly amendment from Commissioner Gelles was to expound on “Exhibits to Present #6 Elevations and 3D views” to include all building and alley elevations with 3D views prioritizing street level pedestrian experience. This was accepted by the maker of the motion, Commissioner McKinney, and Commissioner Gelles, who seconded the motion. The friendly amendment from Commissioner Howard was to recommend intentional language in the “Project Review Process: Density Bonus Projects” section to advise applicants on the level of design development preparedness at the Planning and Urban Design Working Group stage and the Design Commission stage. This was accepted by the maker of the motion, Commissioner …
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250127-003 January 27, 2025 Modifications to Design Commission Project Review Application Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation Recommendation that staff provides modifications to the “exhibits to present” section of the project review application to better expound on these exhibits and the project review process timeline to potentially allow or to advise applicants for more time to between the working group recommendations and presenting at the commission With the following friendly amendments Seconded By: Commissioner Gelles Commissioner McKinney That exterior elevations should include all street elevations, including alley 3D views to include both street level and birds-eye view, with priority of street level views that express the pedestrian experience Include intent language regarding the level of development of the design with an emphasis on less preparedness is preferred for the working group vs the presentation at the design commission Rationale: Due to the various size of buildings presented to the commission, we feel the language in the required documentation should be modified to allow the applicant to focus their efforts on areas of the development that express their compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. This is not a request to provide more documentation than what is required, but rather provide more information to the applicant of what we, as a commission, typically focus our efforts on. Also, language to emphasize to the applicant that presentation to the working group is expected to be schematic and not fully developed to allow for discussion and modification prior to presenting to the full design commission. Vote For: 9-1 Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Gelles, Commissioner Howard, Commissioner Ladner, Commissioner Luckens, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Wittstruck Against: Commissioner Wallace Abstain: Absent: Vacancy: District 6 Attest: Jon Salinas, AIA – Chair, Design Commission 1 of 1
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION January 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the ARTS 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 Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla 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. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on December 16, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Chair’s Report on Happy New Year by Chair Zisman 3. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the January 14th meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado 4. Update on actions taken at the January 15th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing regarding the upcoming State Legislative Session by Carrie Roger, Intergovernmental Relations Officer 6. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural 7. Staff briefing on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Funding Supervisor Supervisor DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Discussion & Possible Action on update on MEASURE report by Meme Styles, Dr. Tiffany Ricks, Hanna Chun, and LaCole Foots 9. Action to Approve Request for Qualification for the St. John Site Redevelopment Art in Public Places Project – Reginald Adams 10. Action to Approve Final Design for Longhorn Dam Bridge Art in Public Places Project – 11. Action to Approve Final Design for Beverly Sheffield Pool Art in Public Places Project – 12. Action to Approve Final Design for Highland Neighborhood Park Art in Public Places 13. Action to Approve Final Design for South …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION January 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the ARTS 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 Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION ITEMS 17. Presentation by Zac Traeger from Museum of Human Achievement on MOHA ~ state of the arts (process, grants, etc)
Who do you think you are? What are your intentions with my daughter? ● I’m gonna meander a bit, but it all is connected ● Values ● SB689 and Nexus The Context ● Generosity of spirit ● Remember the good things and use these ● “Turn your fucking head” - Deborah Hay Why are we being weird about this? ● Staff - speak clearly ● Commission - use this ● Remember core values ● The machine is old and rigid What if? ● SB689 ● New Words and Tactics SB689 and Nexus ● Prepare testimonials, advocate to those who understand the systems ● Multiple choice grants ● Triangulation ● Greenlining / Qualified Census Tracts ● Ask for what you need Nexus Pt 2 ● Rapid change as a barrier to upward mobility ● Fiscal Sponsorship can be good! ● Lower grant amounts ● Sharing and support should be encouraged ● Using reference points like the NEA, TCA, Creative Capital Three Takeaways -Think about economics thoughtfully and consider the individual impacts of generalization, how to consider the economic and social conditions of the individual and communities. -Words are imprecise, but intentions can be clear, let’s get to what is real and what lives behind the words. Use the intent instead of the word itself. Use language as a description outside of popular or en vogue vocabulary. -Key to solving problems is to consider community as a partner throughout the process.
89TH STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION Rick Ramirez, Deputy Intergovernmental Relations Officer Intergovernmental Relations Office Agenda • Legislative Team & Legislative Agenda • 89th Session Overview • Key City Issues & Bills • Key Bills of Interest to the Commission 2 City of Austin Legislative Team Carrie Rogers Intergovernmental Relations Officer Carrie.Rogers@austintexas.gov 512.923.7577 cell Rick Ramirez Deputy Officer – Legislative Rick.Ramirez2@austintexas.gov 737.218.3668 cell Local / Regional Administrator Deputy Officer Grants / Legislative Funding Alison Ross Legislative Relations Senior Coordinator Alison.Ross@austintexas.gov 512.680.3631 cell Legislative Relations Senior Coordinator Valerie Gomez Coordinator Valerie.Gomez@austintexas.gov 512.689.8256 cell Annabel Osburn Grants Strategic Program Analyst Grant Writer Grant Writer 3 Legislative Agendas: At a Glance Legislative program focuses on primary City priorities: • Preserve Local Authority: Protect Austin’s control over zoning, ordinances, and local regulations, and ensure cities have appropriate tools to meet housing affordability challenges. • Financial Responsibility: Oppose unfunded state mandates or legislation that would place undue financial burdens on the City. • Community Health & Safety: Support access to healthcare, public safety funding, improved quality of life and protections for vulnerable populations. • Environmental & Infrastructure Resilience: Protect Austin’s natural resources, encourage sustainability, and invest in critical infrastructure. 4 Overarching Issues Influencing the 89th session Politically Charged, Overarching Issues Influencing the 89th session • Election results: New Administration • New House Speaker • New House Rules & Committees • School Finance / School Vouchers • Power Grid 5 State Leadership in the 89th Session The “Big Three” House & Senate Chambers Republicans will control House and Senate in the 89th Session Governor Greg Abbott Elected by voters for a four-year term. Not up for reelection this cycle. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick Elected by voters for a four-year term. Not up for reelection this cycle. House Speaker Dustin Burrows Elected by Texas House every two- years on 1st day of the regular session Speaker Burrows elected House Speaker for the 89th Session 89th Session • Senate 20 Republicans, 11 Democrats *3 Freshmen • House 88 Republicans, 62 Democrats *31 Freshmen 6 Changes in the House New Speaker • Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) New House Rules • No Minority Party Committee Chairs • No Majority Party Committee Vice Chairs • New Authority for Vice Chairs • 2 New Standing Committees • 6 Standing Committees Abolished • 11 New Standing Subcommittees New Members • 31 Freshman House Members – the most since 83rd Session in 2013 7 89th Bill Statistics …
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX UPDATE JANUARY 27, 2025 C IT Y O F A U S T IN EC O N O M IC D EV ELO P M E N T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – November 2024 o Note: Disruptions delayed updated reporting o Total HOT Collections November 2024 = $5,806,193 o 18% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 o Cultural Arts Fund November 2024 = $559,306 HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $2,997,205 HOT Collections (FY22-FY24) $15.65M $15.57M $12.87M Questions
Cultural Arts Funding Update Economic Development Department January 27, 2025 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. FY 25 Nexus Update 3. Grant Funded Activities C I T Y O F A U S T I N Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (As of 1/24/25) FY23 Elevate FY23 Nexus (Fall/Winter) FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 1) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 2) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 199 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 196 (98%) 155 (78%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 49 (96%) n/a 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 44 (86%) n/a 36 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 N/A N/A 35 (97%) 2 (6%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $5,811,750 (93%) $6,250,000 $254,000 (99%) $255,000 $251,500 (98%) $255,000 $3,901,500 (100%) $3,362,000 (86%) $3,901,500 $3,901,500 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. C I T Y O F A U S T I N FY 25 Nexus Update FY 25 Nexus Timeline January 28, 2025 May 1, 2025 May 30, 2026 Nexus application opens Nexus activities begin Latest Nexus Final Report due date Nexus application closes Last day for Nexus activities March 6, 2025 April 30, 2026 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Grant Overview The Nexus program is designed to nurture new and emerging applicants in the creative community. This program funds art and culture activities of all kinds. Nexus will prioritize applicants who are economically disadvantaged. Applicants who have never received City of Austin Cultural Funding awards in the last five years $5,000 100 Awards (this is not a limit) of $5,000 C I T Y O F A U S T I N What's New? Previous Nexus Grant Application New Nexus Grant Application Two Cycles per year One Cycle Per Year Up to 6 months contract Up to 12 months contract Narrative Questions Scored by City of Austin Staff Multiple Choice Questions with some short answer responses, up to 4 work samples Auto-calculations in the Submittable platform, Cultural Funding Staff and our Third-Party administrators, The Long Center. C I T Y O F A U S T I N …
Maximizing Impact Evaluating Austin’s Hotel Occupancy Tax- Funded Programs TABLE OF CONTENTS Who We Are Purpose of the Evaluation Methodology Quantitative Findings Qualitative Findings Theory of Change Wrap Up W E A R E A B L A C K W O M A N - L E D Research & Data Activism Organization that transforms the stories of impacted communities into data that drives real change. Founded in 2015 by Jameila "Meme" Styles, Measure was created in response to the disconnect between the performance measures tracked by police and the day-to-day experience of her community. Measure grew out of a desire to bolster the Black community’s lived experiences with the power of data. W H Y W E E X I S T Lived Experience is Powerful Data that remains underutilized in the fight to eliminate social disparities in Black, Brown and Indigenous communities. Systemic racism and a lack of equitable data tools prevent these communities from effectively leveraging their own stories and data to drive change. This creates an environment where critical voices are oppressed, and solutions lack the foundation of lived experience. THE EVALUATION TEAM At Measure, we are proud to be an organization that works hard to showcase excellence in the advocacy, research and tech industry. We are proud to present our team of leaders, which includes a wide range of professionals with unique experiences and perspectives. MEME STYLES Founder & President PAULETTE BLANC Co-founder & Chief of Research LACOLE FOOTS Measure Evaluator DR. TIFFANY RICKS Measure Evaluator HANNA CHUN Measure Evaluator PURPOSE Evaluate the broader impact of Austin's Hotel Occupancy Tax-funded cultural programs through comprehensive assessment Combine community input with quantitative analysis to measure program effectiveness in addressing inequities and supporting underrepresented communities Generate actionable insights to optimize program investments and enhance cultural vitality across Austin METHODOLOGY How did we conduct our evaluation? QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS Conducted analysis of three HOT-funded programs in 2023, examining representation across race, gender, LGBTQIA status, and age categories Compared program applicants and awardees to the city’s population to spot any under- or overrepresentation. Created visual data comparisons tracking program outcomes by technical assistance utilization and council district distribution, highlighting key demographic patterns METHODOLOGY QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS Focus Groups: Conducted focus groups with individuals who have firsthand experiences of city-funded programs to gather detailed, qualitative feedback. Equity-Focused Research Tool: Used the Measure Equity Focus Group (EFG) Tool, a participatory research method co-designed …
• Project: St. John Site Redevelopment Project • Artist(s): TBD • Phase: Project RFQ Approval • Sponsoring Department: Financial Services Department • Project Budget: $250,000 • Council District: District 4 • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #5 DATE:1/13/2025 CALL TO ARTISTS Public Art Opportunity City of Austin (Texas): Art in Public Places St. John Site Redevelopment Deadline for Submissions – 5:00PM CST: March 14, 2025 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department (EDD) seeks to commission one artist or artist team to create a site-specific installation or artwork that highlights the history of the St. John neighborhood as prioritized by the Council-adopted St. John Community Vision (Resolution No. 20200729-0117). This opportunity is within the improved park space for the St. John Site located at 800 E. St. Johns Avenue, Austin, Texas 78752. BACKGROUND The St. John Site is roughly 19 acres of city-owned land located in Council District 4 at the northeast corner of the intersection of St. Johns Avenue and N IH 35. With a rich history as a Freedmen’s community dating back to the 1890s, the St. John Site has been a pivotal location for Central Texas’ African American community to date. PROJECT OVERVIEW As Austin works to acknowledge the grim events of the past, this in-depth effort to strengthen and provide a well- planned and community-focused addition to the St. John neighborhood is key. One artist or artist team will be selected to create an integrated installation or artwork to be placed within the redesigned and expanded St. John Park that welcomes, informs and excites the local community and visitors alike. The attached map (Exhibit A) highlights the proposed park improvements and potential locations for art opportunities within it. Final location of art installation or artwork to be determined with the developer, but the opportunity will be focused within the improved park space. The selected artist will design, fabricate, and implement one installation or artwork that pays homage to the past and links the site improvements and park space to the community today and tomorrow. BUDGET $250,000 One commission will be awarded for this project. The project budget is inclusive of design, fabrication, installation, engineering, permitting fees, travel, shipping expenses, insurance, and other project-related costs. ELIGIBILITY This opportunity is limited to teams of artists based in the State of …
•Project: Longhorn Dam Bridge •Artist: Reginald Adams •Phase: Final Design •Project Budget: $190,000 •Council District: District 3 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens •Sponsoring Department: Transportation & Public Works Arts Commission Date: 01/27/2025 Longhorn Dam Bridge Project Background The Transportation and Public Works Department has partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department and Capital Delivery Services to develop a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Lady Bird Lake near the Longhorn Dam. Through community engagement, a "wishbone" shaped bridge was chosen to connect the Ann and Roy Butler Trail at Longhorn Shores, Canterbury and the Holly Peninsula in Town Lake Metropolitan Park. The bridge will provide an alternate option to the sidewalk on Pleasant Valley Road and fill a gap on the Butler Trail. This project began construction in early July 2024 and is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2026. Community feedback requested AIPP artwork be installed in the new Pleasant Valley Underpass that connects the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Country Club Creek Trail, and Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park. Final Design Presentation by Reginald C. Adams Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge Longhorn Dam Bridge Mosaic Mural Community Engagement Report Introduction The community engagement process for the “Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge” mural project aims to actively involve local residents in the design and concept development. Through workshops and feedback sessions, we gather diverse perspectives to ensure the mural reflects the community’s collective identity and values. Community Engagement Activities 1. Community Engagement Session 1 (July 17, 2024): • Location: Rudy Mendez Recreation Center. • Activities: Introduced the project and gathered initial ideas through brainstorming sessions and surveys. • Outcomes: Collected 19 responses emphasizing themes of equality, diversity, and community unity. 2. Community Engagement Session 2 (October 8, 2024): • Location: Rudy Mendez Recreation Center. • Activities: Presented refined design concepts based on community feedback. • Outcomes: Valuable feedback on cultural representation and historical elements informed the final design iterations. 3. Fabrication Workshops (March 2025 - August 2025): • Activities: Engaged community members in hands-on mosaic fabrication sessions to promote skill development and ownership of the project. • Outcomes: Strengthened community ties and deepened investment in the mural. 4. Installation Activations (December 2025): • Activities: professional artist team commence installation of artwork. • Outcomes: Completion of the final work. Artist’s Statement The “Absolute Equality:Unity Bridge” mosaic mural is designed to celebrate the overarching ideals of equality, unity, and community …
•Project: Beverly Sheffield Pool •Artist: Sun McColgin •Phase: Final Design •Sponsoring Department: Parks & Recreation •Project Budget: $100,000 •Council District: District 7 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens Arts Commission Date: 01/27/2025 Beverly Sheffield Pool Project Background On July 28, 1956, the Northwest Pool and Bathhouse opened to the public. The pool was the first 50-meter regulation Olympic-sized pool in Austin, which allowed the city to qualify for national swimming meets. The Northwest Park Bathhouse was a modern-design circular bathhouse with open-air dressing rooms. The building is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The name of the park and pool was later changed to honor former Parks and Recreation Director Beverly S. Sheffield. Updating the facility started with community engagement in 2022, culminating in an updated plan to ensure this site will continue to be a gem of the community and complement the future vision of Northwest District Park. “Shimmer” Final Design proposal for Sheffield Pool and Park By Sun McColgin November, 2024 ARTWORK DETAILS ● 16 – identical 8’ tall “tentacles” ● steel ● Painted ○ cobalt blue ○ powder blue ● 3’ tall hexagonal concrete base ● 4 tile sections tile ○ *handmade porcelain and limestone “Shimmer” tiles feature the sentiments, memories and ideas of the Sheffield Pool community – Great Horned Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, Monk Parakeet, Heron, Dogs, Dragonflies Aquatic life, Swimmers, and Swingsets (to name a few) Examples of Ryah’s handmade porcelain tiles depicting native Texas wildlife x X marks proposed sculpture site SCULPTURE SITE “Shimmer” in situ "Shimmer" preliminary design for Northwest Sheffield Pool In creating a design for artwork for the Sheffield Pool, I took cues from the neighborhood and community. I incorporated their many ideas and suggestions while staying true to my own artistic ideals. The themes of bright colors (especially blues), animals and community were extremely common during the input process. The sculpture I am proposing, "Shimmer," consists of 16 identical, ten foot tall, painted steel shapes that reference waves of water, tentacles, and aquatic plants that shimmer in the current. These steel pieces are alternately spaced forward and backward in a perfect circle and mounted on a circular, two foot tall, concrete base. This alternating spacing gives the illusion of the waves creating two different organic shapes, like a lotus flower simultaneously opening and closing.The sculpture makes use of space and light to evoke a sense of …
Project: Highland Park AIPP Project • Artist(s): Samara Barks Phase: Final Design Sponsoring Department: PARD Project Budget: 57,100 Council District: 4 Project Manager: Bryana Iglesias • • • • • • AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #6 DATE: 1.13.25 Highland Neighborhood Park & Reznicek Fields Art in Public Places Project FINAL-DESIGN REVIEW Samara Barks COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT I wanted to connect the origins of the park space with the community that surrounds and interacts with it today. To begin, I spoke with Mr. Edward Reznicek, himself, to delve into the history of the park, what it's original purpose was and how he became the namesake. In 1970 University Hills Optimist Club was in search of land to develop for youth sports. Later that year, after petitioning the Austin city council, the UHO, along with parents, friends and local community, gathered funds, broke ground and set off to construct the fields. For the past 50 years, the UHO has facilitated youth baseball, kickball, football and soccer. Mr. Reznicek, a retired architect, who helped spearhead the park project, had the space aptly named after him by the UHO members, parents and community involved. “At it's peak UHO operations hosted over 1000 youth yearly and has provided millions of hours of manpower to accomplish these efforts.” -Edward Reznicek 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT RESULTS I took the history of the park, dictated to me by Mr. Reznicek, and created a mural showing the reason behind the park's creation. From the collected community stories, I created a shadow box that focuses on the diversity of the current residents and some of the important and fun facts about the Highland neighborhood and history. The whole piece is created to be an interactive gathering place for all that use the park. It's situated right across from the playground to foster interaction among neighbors. The seating area provides shade as well as place for neighbors to sit and view the art around the whole structure. The entire piece is accented with smaller murals of flora and fauna from central Texas. 3 DESIGN I feel I've created a piece that is visually appealing as well as interactive and functional. Currently, the park doesn't have much seating or shade. My piece offers both. Here is my concept for an art piece that offers a space to rest, take in the new additions at the park, as well as tell some of the …
• Project: South Lamar Corridor Project • Artist(s): Wanda Montemayor • Phase: Final Design Review • Sponsoring Department: Transportation and Public Works Department • Project Budget: $116,000 • Council District: District 5 & 9 (Artwork will reside in District 9) • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #9 DATE:1/13/20 25 SOUTH LAMAR CORRIDOR AIPP FINAL REVIEW Artist: Wanda Montemayor Budget: $116,000 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REVIEW May, 2022 Two virtual meetings were held. Dec, 2022 A meeting specifically for local residents and businesses. Guests were prompted with these guiding questions: • What are some things that represent South Lamar to you? • What are your favorite stories or historical landmarks? • Are you interested in volunteering with tile making or with the mosaic? A large portion of Wanda Montemayor’s community engagement happens during fabrication. She plans to invite community members of all demographics to use specified clay molds, scribe messages into wet clay, and learn about her communally creative practice. Sept, 2023 Family Day at Umlauf Sculpture Garden Wanda created approximately 100 ceramic flowers with about 100 community members and families during a workshop held at the Umlauf. The flowers will be utilized in the final installation and serve as inspiration for the to-scale 18" x 18" maquette. Nov, 2023 Fabrication of maquette frames Community members joined at the Community Arts studio to design and fabricate ceramic maquette frames. Respected ceramic artist Lisa Orr joined to help guide the designs. The maquette will highlight the differences between the framed stories and the hill country-inspired landscape in the background. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REVIEW Nov, 2023 Open House at Community Arts studio Community members joined at the Community Arts studio where people shared their South Austin stories while making tiles that will be integrated into the project. Dec, 2023 Austin Mosaic Guild community outreach / engagement Regional mosaic artists will engage with local area artists to create tiles and hear stories and history about South Austin. At our discretion, we may conduct additional tile-making workshops in the community at future dates. ARTWORK NARRATIVE The mural moves like the rapid expansion of the downtown Aus7n area toward the South through the turn of the century. Exploring the last century in South Aus7n to the present day, we find a wealth of musical history from musicians to shops to venues. But before that, South Lamar was an important commerce route for moving goods, caCle, …
AUS ARTS. Update Agenda Item #11 Arts Commission Meeting January 27, 2025 Art In Public Places Austin Bergstrom International Airport AUS Tunnel & Tunnel Interfaces Artist Selection Panel Recommendation Sponsoring Department: Aviation Project Budgets: Tunnel $5.8M Interfaces (x2) $2.4M each Council District: District 2 Project Manager: Alex Irrera 1 AUS Tunnel & Tunnel Interfaces PROJECT BACKGROUND Commissioning bodies* sponsored a limited invitation for artists/artist-led teams to submit qualifications for r design, fabrication, and installation consideration for large to medium- scale interdisciplinary, mixed or multimedia artworks within AUS's Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP). Opportunities were identified as Phase I of the AUS Arts Sites and Opportunities Plan 1. Subgrade Tunnel connecting the exiting Barbara Jordan Terminal (BJT) and future Concourse B 2. Concourse B-Tunnel Interfaces 3. BJT Tunnel Interface *The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department (EDD) and Austin- Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) 2 AUS Tunnel & Tunnel Interfaces ARTWORK GOALS 1. Celebrate the ages and spirit of Austin while provoking the sentimentality of world travel. 2. Achieve poetic, visual story-telling through immersive effects like sculptural and digital scenography with sound design. 3. Create a feeling of ease despite being in the middle of an airport. 4. Create artwork and related components that are easily maintained and vandal resistant. Integrate permanent artwork with an expected life span of at least 20 years. 5. 3 AUS Tunnel & Tunnel Interfaces SOLICITATION PROCESS Limited Entry Competition – Sollicitation by invitation to Artists, or Artist-led design teams to submit proposals for specified, site, project or special performances. All invited artists shall be paid an honorarium to prepare and present project proposals. Evaluation Criteria • Technical skills and aesthetic appeal of past work • Relevant and applicable experience • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability to deliver completed projects on time and within budget 4 AUS Tunnel & Tunnel Interfaces SELECTION MEMBERS Voting Brian J. Carter, Executive Director, 4Culture, Seattle WA Justine Ludwig, Executive Director, Creative Time, NYC Ingrid Spencer, Executive Director, American Institute of Architects. Austin, TX Coka Trevino, Founder & Director, The Projectos, Austin and Mexico City J. Gibran Villalobos, Founding Member, Auxiliary Board National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, IL Jennifer Williams, Airport Development Officer, AUS Engineer Robert Mercado, Airport Project Manager, AUS Architect Non-Voting Advisory Andrew Danziger, Art in …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION January 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 27,January 2024 at Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Commissioner Zisman called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Celina Zisman, Heidi Schmalbach, Acia Gray, Amy Mok, Faiza Kracheni, Gina Houston, Felipe Garza Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Monica Maldonado Board Members Absent: Nagavalli Medicharla, Keyheira Keys CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL “Touch the Art” program APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Natalie Earhart from Almost Real Things spoke on their open call to their 3rd annual 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on December 16, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of December 16, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Gray’s motion, Commissioner Mok’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner’s Medicharla, Keys, and Medicharla absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Chair’s Report on Happy New Year by Chair Zisman An update was given by Commissioner Zisman 3. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the January 14th meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado An update was given by Commissioner Maldonado 4. Update on actions taken at the January 15th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok An update was given by Commissioner Mok 5. Presentation by Zac Traeger from Museum of Human Achievement on MOHA ~ state of the arts (process, grants, etc) A presentation was given by Zac Traeger from Museum of Human Achievement STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing regarding the upcoming State Legislative Session by Carrie Roger, Intergovernmental Relations Officer The presentation was made by Rick Ramirez, Interim Deputy IGRO Officer 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor The presentation was made by Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Funding Manager 8. Staff briefing on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor The presentation was made by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Discussion & Possible Action on update on MEASURE report by Meme …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT January 22, 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 Committee. DISCUSSION members. Budget. 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 December 18th, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability 2. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee membership, expiring terms, and replacement 3. Discussion of potential Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendations for the FY26 City 4. Update from Electric Utility Commission on Solar Programs – Kaiba White. 5. Update from Austin Travis County Food Policy Board on draft recommendations for consideration by the Joint Sustainability Committee – Marissa Bell. 6. Update from The Austin Travis County Public Health Commission on an approved recommendation to improve the supportive services provided to Community Health Workers – Natalie Poindexter. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING December 18, 2024 MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Marissa Bell, Charlotte Davis, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diana Wheeler, Shelby Orme, Heather Houser, Ben Luckens, Rodrigo Leal, Melissa Rothrock, Natalie Poindexter, Christopher Campbell Board Members Absent: Amy Noel, Yure Suarez, Alberta Phillips, Anna Scott City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Emily King CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm. 1. Approval of minutes from the November 18th, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Requested edits DISCUSSION ITEMS o 9a EPA grant amount was $31.6 m, ‘grant’ spelled incorrectly. o Heather Houser name spelt incorrectly in attendance sheet • Davis motion, Qureshi second, passes on a 13-0 vote. 2. Low Carbon Concrete in Portland, OR – Cary Watters, City of Portland • Scott: questions around testing timeline • Pilots were done after EPDs required, before GWP standards • Visual inspections done 3, 6, 9, 12 months after pouring • Surveyed concrete finishers after about how it went • Scott: Who determined work would be done? What department? • Done in procurement, some funds earmarked to pay for incremental cost of concrete, interviews, inspections. Used on projects already happening (ramps, sidewalk sections, etc.). No exact amount, but estimate of only a few thousand dollars. • Portland has an internal materials testing lab performing QA testing on construction materials used by the city, this was part of regular workflow. • Scott: what were barriers? • Biggest: resistance from private suppliers. • Next steps: training, support at pre-bid meetings, reestablish conversation on how to expand program and lower GWP over time, slowly but surely. Also looking into expanding into materials like asphalt. 3. Austin’s Urban Forest – Emily King, Development Services Department • Davis: What is trend of tree removals vs canopy cover o Priorities in order: preserve trees on site, plant more trees on site, payments to mitigation fund, which supports Urban Forest Grant. o Supports community groups + additional trees in city projects • Have we estimated cost of achieving 50% tree canopy cover goal o Maintenance units are only funded to be able to do reactionary tree work, not on proactive maintenance plans. There is a maintenance gap. We don’t have a …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): 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 the Capital Region 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; WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-7 urged the City of Austin to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City Council to allocate …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for Farmland Acquisition and Preservation in Travis County 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 the Capital Region 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 Travis County Commissioners Court passed a Resolution of Support for the Austin-Travis County Food Plan on October 29, 2024, whose goals and strategies prioritize addressing local food security and environmental sustainability; 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, Travis County has successfully managed agricultural leases on 845 acres of agricultural land through the Parks Land Stewardship Program; and WHEREAS, Travis County currently operates a Conservation Easement Program allowing landowners to preserve agricultural, natural, or cultural resources while retaining ownership of their property. This program, funded by voter-approved bond funds and supplemented by donations, has successfully preserved significant tracts of land and helps protect vital resources such as watersheds, wildlife habitats, and agricultural lands; and WHEREAS, the Conservation Easement Program has been a key tool for Travis County in its efforts to protect land from development, with more than $24.9 million approved by voters between 2011 and 2017 for the purchase of easements. The program prioritizes properties in conservation corridors and those with significant environmental or agricultural value, aligning with the broader goals of the Austin/Travis County …
Joint Sustainability Committee Sustainable Buildings Working Group DRAFT 2025 Budget Recommendations 1. 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, landscape 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 new Community Engagement Specialist FTE in the Office of Sustainability is needed 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 Sustainability. a. Benefits: GHG reduction, water conservation, more equitable participation in programs b. Cost: $500,000 to the Office of Sustainability for: one additional Community Engagement Specialist FTE outreach grants, contracts, and stipends to Climate Ambassadors i. ii. iii. website construction and maintenance c. Plan Alignment: Austin Climate Equity Plan; Water Forward Plan; Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan 2. Refrigerant Leak Reduction: Funding for the Office of Sustainability to contract with an entity to develop a plan to manage refrigerants at city buildings responsibly on an ongoing basis, and develop a plan and develop recommendations for programs, policies and other strategies to address refrigerant leakage and proper disposal in the Austin community. a. Benefits: GHG reduction b. Cost: ? 3. Air sealing task force and training program: According to RMI and DOE air sealing is the lowest cost path to lowering operational carbon. Air sealing is a sequencing and trade knowledge problem, not a technical or product problem, so training up our trade base is the best way to ensure higher quality, more air sealed buildings. Under this new program, Austin Energy would publish air sealing results of all new buildings and retrofits and host …
