Public Safety Commission Backup Regular Meeting March 4, 2024 Austin Public Health Opioid Overdose Dashboard URL https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/04b4f5dae5814d29aef47036e848ec73
ATCEMS Community Health Paramedic O P I O I D U S E D I S O R D E R S U P P O R T A N D B U P R E N O R P H I N E B R I D G E P R O G R A M S N A R C A N R E S C U E K I T D I S T R I B U T I O N B R E AT H N O W N A R C A N T R A I N I N G Responding to the Opioid Crisis What has Changed? 2 Opiate Overdose Deaths per 100,000 State of Texas 3 At the Port of Laredo Texas, over 300M fatal doses of Fentanyl are seized per month 30% of Opioid users who die of an overdose, interact with EMS in the 12 months prior to their death Opiates kill more people nationwide than gun violence and car crashes1 • Annual mortality rate for untreated Opioid User is more than twice that of the frontline soldier in Vietnam Why Emergency Medical Services? Identifying a Gap in Available Care Few patients receive anything more than comfort care in the ER or after discharge • ERs only treat opioid withdrawal symptoms superficially – Tylenol, fluids, Zofran for vomiting • As few as 16.6% of opioid overdose patients receive any treatment within 90 days of hospitalization for overdose5 Once a patient was ready to enter treatment, they had to wait as much as a week or more to start a MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) program • 7-14 more chances to overdose and potentially die Austin Travis County EMS was seeing patients' overdose, and in some cases die, while waiting for their intake at a MAT clinic Addressing Opioid Use in The City of Austin/Travis County The Opioid Use Disorder Support Program and its sub- program, the Buprenorphine Bridge Program were created by and are components of the Community Health Paramedic Team at ATCEMS Mission – to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with opioid use disorder and help bring support and recovery resources to people with opioid use disorder Acknowledgements • Withdrawal from opioids, while not potentially lethal as with alcohol, is a wretched condition that few people can tolerate • Successful treatments for Opioid Use Disorder exist, but many patients are …
A F D U K G P r o j e c t S t a t u s Objective: To implement new COA UKG system in AFD in sustainable manner that increases accuracy, accountability and transparency for Timekeeping and Scheduling of UKG Dimensions and UKG Telestaff personnel using Current Status: After an initial start of August 29, 2011, AFD was green lit to start in earnest fall of 2022. AFD, UKG and COA worked together to begin Parallel phase December 31, 2023. We are utilizing this phase to train the workforce, and identify unexpected configuration issues. Major Challenges: • We have continued configuration anomalies involving Pay Period start and end dates that are contributing to high discrepancy rates. • Timesheet displays for 24/48 schedules are challenging to read for a number of reasons, including our practice of AVE Next Steps: Known configuration issues must be resolved this week in order for AFD to cease Parallel Processes on March 23rd and transition to Go Live April 7th 2024. 1
Austin Police Department UKG Update • Dedicated APD Lt on project • Ongoing train the trainer, resulting in 100+ trainers department wide • Parallel testing late March, results will dictate go live date • Go live on target for June
Emergency Medical Services Incident and Response Data FY24 Q1 Terésa Gardner, Chief of Staff 1 Incidents, Patient Contacts, Transports January 2021– January 2024 Incidents | Patient Contacts | Patient Transports January 2021 - January 2024 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1 2 - n a J 1 2 - b e F 1 2 - r a M 1 2 - r p A 1 2 - y a M 1 2 - n u J 1 2 - l u J 1 2 - g u A 1 2 - p e S 1 2 - t c O 1 2 - v o N 1 2 - c e D 2 2 - n a J 2 2 - b e F 2 2 - r a M 2 2 - r p A 2 2 - y a M 2 2 - n u J 2 2 - l u J 2 2 - g u A 2 2 - p e S 2 2 - t c O 2 2 - v o N 2 2 - c e D 3 2 - n a J 3 2 - b e F 3 2 - r a M 3 2 - r p A 3 2 - y a M 3 2 - n u J 3 2 - l u J 3 2 - g u A 3 2 - p e S 3 2 - t c O 3 2 - v o N 3 2 - c e D 4 2 - n a J Incidents Patient Contacts Patient Transports 2 P1 Compliance by District FY24 Q1 Priority 1 Compliance by District FY24 Q1 71.92% 72.60% 72.26% 72.57% 68.81% 72.41% 69.33% 69.14% 85.96% 56.70% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 % Goal Met 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 3 P1 Response Interval by District FY24 Q1 Priority 1 Response Interval by District FY24 Q1 12.30 13.03 12.47 12.90 13.03 12.25 13.78 11.92 11.97 10.88 7.46% 7.44% 9.24% 8.35% 7.94% 8.68% 8.37% 6.52% 8.33% 6.15% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 90th Percentile (Minutes) % of Total for District 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 4 Priority Percentage By District FY24 Q1 Priority …
Emergency Medical Services Public Safety Commission Meeting FY24 Q1 Teresa Gardner, Chief of Staff 1 Medic Openings 38 Field 8 Communication Current EMS Department Staffing Authorized Strength Filled Sworn Sworn Vacancies Vacancies Vacancy Rate 689 568 121 December 31, 2023 Rank EMS Assistant Chief EMS Captain - Communications EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS Commander - Communications EMS Commander - Field EMS Division Chief EMS Medic - Communications EMS Medic - Field TOTAL Q1 AVERAGE Authorized Sworn Staffing 4 11 78 29 295 5 38 9 14 206 689 1 0 1 2 71 0 0 0 8 38 121 25.00 0.00 1.28 6.90 24.07 0.00 0.00 0.00 57.14 18.45 17.56 18.53 2 Sworn Separations Sworn Separations by Type 9 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 2 1 3 1 Resigned Retired EMS Assistant Chief EMS Captain - Comm EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS Commander - Comm EMS Commander - Field EMS Division Chief EMS Medic - Comm EMS Medic - Field 3 Sworn Tenure at Separation Sworn Tenure at Separation 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Resigned Retired Resigned Retired Resigned Retired Resigned Retired Resigned Retired Resigned Retired Resigned Retired Resigned Retired Resigned Retired EMS Assistant Chief EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS Commander - Comm EMS Commander - Field EMS Division Chief EMS Medic - Field EMS Medic - Comm Less than 1 year 1-5 years 5-10 years 10-15 years 15-20 years more than 20 years 5 2 2 4 Vacancy Rates Sworn & Civilian Vacancy Rate 20.00 18.72% 19.30% 17.56% 17.13% 11.76% 11.76% 13.57% 13.57% 25.00 15.00 10.00 5.00 0.00 Oct 2023 Nov 2023 Dec 2023 Jan 2024 Sworn Vacancy Rate Civilian Vacancy Rate 5 EMS Turnover Rate Turnover Rate 2.03% 2.50 2.00 1.50 0.50 0.00 1.26% 1.00 0.89% 0.71% 0.70% 1.02% 0.52% Oct 2023 Dec 2023 Jan 2024 0.00% Nov 2023 Sworn Turnover Rate Civilian Turnover Rate 6 EMS Academy Dates January 16 - March 22 • • April 8 - June 14 • July 15 - September 20 • October 7 - December 13 14 Cadets 9 Cadets Committed *100 applicants in Interview stage Application period open until April • EMS Recruiting | AustinTexas.gov …
POP UP RESOURCE CLINICS A U S T I N - T R AV I S C O U N T Y E M S I N T E G R AT E D S E R V I C E S S E R V I N G T H E U N D E R S E R V E D 1 Innovative Service, Care & Navigation Connect clients with resources Complete interventions on site Reduce costs and overlap in services On Site Resources Overcoming Barriers to Care Healthcare Funding • Can be approved within 10 minutes—Receive physical card • Approved for services at Seton Hospitals, Community Care Clinics and prescription services at HEB with no co-pay Substance Use Harm Reduction • All necessary agencies on site to connect to treatment • Assist with placement, funding, transportation and support Medical Care and Testing • Physicians and medical teams on site to provide care • Medical Testing—HIV, Hep B & C, All STDs • If positive – Client will be connected to ongoing resources/care teams Pink PURC • Resources and care specifically focused for females • Provides safe environment for females who have experienced trauma • All staff and volunteers are female PURC Data FY2023 FY2023 vs Q1 FY2024 Q1 FY2024 1000 West Rundberg Lane, 78758 1030 Norwood Park Boulevard, 78753 1300 Lavaca Street, 78701 1807 Ferguson Lane, 78754 6900 East Ben White Boulevard, 78741 710 West Cesar Chavez Street, 78701 889 Wilks Avenue, 78752 PURC Locations Q1 FY2024 Questions? 7
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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Public Safety Commission Recommenda>on Number: 20240304-005: Recommenda>on for FY24-25 Budget Cycle WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission has discussed topics with the Aus>n Fire Department, the Aus>n Police Department, Aus>n-Travis County EMS, addi>onal city departments, and community organiza>ons that coordinate with our public safety departments; and WHEREAS, throughout the course of those discussions various departments have expressed programma>c and departmental needs. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Public Safety Commission encourages the Aus>n Fire Department, the Aus>n Police Department, Aus>n Travis County EMS, and Aus>n City Council to allocate funds and explore all available means to incorporate the following priori>es into the FY24-25 Budget: • • • • • Public Safety Wellness Center - funding for Electronic Medical Records and market salary adjustments to address physician shortage Sobering Center - adjustment of base opera>onal budget alloZed to con>nue 24/7 opera>ons and for expanded use of pop-ups in entertainment districts across the city Language & Interpreta>on Services - budget assessment and addi>onal dollars to expand s>pends for fluency in mul>ple languages, expand wriZen materials to include more languages (including ASL and Braille), and con>nuing educa>on opportuni>es for both sworn and unsworn staff • Opioid use mi>ga>on and educa>on efforts - funding for any needed expansion of self-serve narcan kit sta>ons throughout the city, staffing, and supplies Community Health Paramedics - funding for addi>onal FTEs and/or market salary adjustments to expand and beZer leverage our community health paramedic program Extreme Weather Preparedness - budget assessment of any outstanding unmet needs for public safety departments response and readiness in frequent extreme weather responses • Wildfire - assessment of funds needed to increase outreach in Eastern Crescent and grow educa>on efforts in underserved areas of urban wildfire landscape Date of Approval: March 4, 2024 Record of the vote: Unanimous on an 8-0 vote, Commissioners Hall-Martin and Hermesmeyer were absent. AZest: _____________________________________________ Christi Vitela (Staff or board member can sign)
Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers PENDING QUESTIONS: 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 is actively researching this topic and engaging with various subject matter experts. March 4, 2024 Item 2 - EMS Quarterly Update 1. Why were there not any provided in the eastern crescent in the last quarter? FY2024 Q1 had several items that limited our ability to conduct PURCs in the eastern crescent. o October—we conduct a pink PURC that necessitates an indoor location and privacy for specific examinations. These locations are typically done in central Austin. o We had a PURC scheduled at the Marshalling Yard which is in the 78741 zip code. That had to be rescheduled and was completed in January 2024. o Weather during this time of the year can be difficult which requires an indoor location to conduct a PURC. We have significant constraints for indoor options on the east side as many locations are joined with schools, kids activities or senior programing. 2. What plans are there for PURCs in the eastern crescent for this quarter and in the coming year and what outreach strategies are being used to determine need? For FY2024 Q2, we had 3 PURCs in the eastern crescent (78702, 78744, 78741). We are currently discussion a plan with PARD to formularize a plan to utilize locations that fall within the eastern crescent. This planning will determine location availability over the next 12 months so we can forecast future events. Here are some of our strategies to determine locations: o Appropriate facility given the time of year (cover, indoors, bathrooms, privacy, etc.) o Limit duplication of resources. We stay away from areas where other organizations are already providing services. o Determine locations that have both populations that are in need as well as limited or no services. o Locations need to be near or along a bus line. o Locations should be visible from the street and accessible. Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers Our process for determining locations has been fluid. Initiatives like camping bans and area clean outs result in movement of vulnerable populations. We trend these movements and try to adjust our approach to ensure we are serving our intended …
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, …
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians Presentation to City of Austin Music Commission March 4, 2024 OUR MISSION HAAM provides access to affordable healthcare to Austin's low-income, working musicians, with a focus on prevention and wellness. The Live Music Capital of the World LIVE MUSIC’S IMPACT ON AUSTIN $2 billion Economic activity each year $38 million Local tax revenue each year Austin is home to 9,000+ musicians Live music is an economic engine Cultural identity 3 Health Alliance for Austin Musicians KEEPING MUSIC IN AUSTIN ALIVE & WELL HAAM Member Julian Acosta BY ANDREW BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY MUSICIAN LIFE EXPECTANCY IS 25 YEARS LESS THAN THE AVERAGE POPULATION HAAM’S VALUE SINCE 2005 HAAM HAS PROVIDED OVER 7500 MUSICIANS WITH OVER $144 MILLION IN AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE HAAM Member Vanessa Lively BY CHARLIE SCHWAN PHOTOGRAPHY Leveraging Community Partnerships 6 Health Alliance for Austin Musicians KEEPING MUSIC IN AUSTIN ALIVE & WELL City of Austin and HAAM Economic Development Department Music & Entertainment Division Arts Commission Austin Public Health Mayor’s Office 7 Health Alliance for Austin Musicians KEEPING MUSIC IN AUSTIN ALIVE & WELL When I got that first vaccine, it was such a relief. I almost cried. - Mama Duke “ HAAM’s Model Access to Care Partner organizations providing preventative and proactive healthcare Affordability Community enrollment and eligibility resources leveraged Success in the Healthcare System Healthcare navigation and proactive education Cultural Competence Dedicated outreach to underserved musicians Deep understanding of iconic subpopulation with genuine relationships 9 Health Alliance for Austin Musicians KEEPING MUSIC IN AUSTIN ALIVE & WELL Service Delivery Model GUIDANCE • Navigation • Health & Insurance Literacy PREVENTION • Screenings & Vaccinations • Hearing • Voice Education • Fitness & Mind + Body ACCESS TO CARE • Insurance Linkage • Premium Assistance • Primary & Specialty Care • Urgent & Emergency Care • Hospitalization • Dental • Vision • Behavioral Health 10 Health Alliance for Austin Musicians KEEPING MUSIC IN AUSTIN ALIVE & WELL Comprehensive Coverage Saves Austin Millions HAAM’s Premium Assistance Programs provide nearly $17 million of healthcare coverage every year to musicians who would otherwise be unfunded. Funneling federal funds into local health systems Full fee payment to local providers Increasing all around access to care Partnerships, philanthropy, & local and federal dollars save our healthcare system Annual musician premiums cost $1,600/yr, leveraged into $8,900/yr of coverage Insurance Coverage Rates & Membership Growth 12 Health Alliance for Austin Musicians …
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION March 4, 2024, 6:30PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music 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 She lbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Anne-Charlotte Patterson – Vice Chair, Oren Rosenthal – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Leonard Davila, Lauryn Gould, Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, Celeste Quesada, Scott Strickland AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on January 8, 2024, and February 5, 2024. Presentation on Black Artists and Professional Creatives Registry by Harold McMillan, Founder/President, East Austin Creative Coalition. Presentation on music journalism and access to media coverage in Austin by Raoul Hernandez, Assistant Professor, School of Journalism and Media, University of Texas, Austin. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 12. Update on FY24 Austin Live Music Fund guidelines by Chair Medicharla. Presentation on Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) by Paul Scott, Chief Executive Officer, HAAM. Update on musical performances for Music Commission meetings by Shelbi Mitchell, Program Coordinator, Music & Entertainment, Economic Development Department. Presentation by Austin Federation of Musicians Local representative. Discussion regarding all ages shows and how the City of Austin supports youth in Austin. STAFF BRIEFINGS 9. Live Music Fund collections update by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Economic Development Department. Update on consultant evaluation of the FY23 Live Music Fund Event Program by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. Update on calendar for Live Music Fund awardee events. Update on City Commission guidelines by Shelbi Mitchell, Program Coordinator, Music & Entertainment, Economic Development Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve Music Commission Budget recommendations to Council for FY25. 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 …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 3/04/2024 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 3.04.2024 FY 24 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY24 Amended Budget $5,575,000 January 2024 w/ Encumbrances $857,431 FY24 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $1,789,374 FY24 Year-End Estimate $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $857,431 $4,903 $171,733 $755,308 FY 23 October February FY 24 November March December April January May FY 23 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY23 Amended Budget $4,100,000 September 2023 w/ Encumbrances $17,874 FY23 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $4,472,973 FY23 Year-End Estimate $4,043,166 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 FY 23 October April November May December June January July February August March September
MUSIC COMMISSION BUDGET RECOMMENDATION FY24-25 DRAFT Date: March 4, 2023 Recommendation: Directive to City Council for the City to invest in Austin music economy initiatives to sustain, grow, and transform our music industry. Description of Recommendation to Council: The Music Commission, in support of the music community, recommends that the Austin City Council designate a minimum $3.36 Million investment for FY2024 to fuel Austin music industry growth and support the music community. The commissions recommends that the funds be invested in: Fiscal support for the Creative Space Assistance Program – match FY23-34 funding lever. CSAP awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, partial lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases. $1.5 Million/ City General Fund Fiscal support for Music and Entertainment Division musician performance program. Funding for city-sponsored music events (festivals, street performance program, City Council and Music Commission performances) showcasing artists from each of the 10 council districts and compensated at the city-approved rate of $200 per performance per musician. $100,000 / City General Fund Fiscal support for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians health insurance programs. Funding for HAAM’s health insurance navigator and insurance premium programs. $500,000 / City General Fund Initiation and fiscal support for a new disaster-related Stormy Weather Fund. Financial compensation for musicians and music workers demonstrating financial loss caused by declared disaster emergencies and resulting power failures. $800,000 per year ongoing, subject to adjust based on frequency of emergencies / Austin Energy Annual Revenue Rationale The music industry is vital to the economic and cultural life of our city and deserves the same investment as other key growth industries in Austin. 1 of 2 Music and musicians contribute significantly to Austin's economy, including our robust tourism economy. The cost of living in Austin has risen to nearly unsustainable levels. From 2011 to 2021, the median home price in Austin increased from $193,000 to $517,000, and the median rent increased from $815 to $1,387. Many musicians struggle to make a living in Austin due to affordability issues. According to a survey by the Austin Music Census, nearly three-quarters of musicians in Austin reported making less than $18,000 per year from music-related income. Funding activities that provide more paid work to Austin musicians can help …
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MUSIC COMMISSION BUDGET RECOMMENDATION FY24-25 20240304-13 Date: March 4, 2024 Subject: Music Commission budget recommendations for FY24-25 Motioned By: Parliamentarian Oren Rosenthal Seconded By: Commissioner Lauryn Gould Recommendation: Directive to City Council for the City to invest in Austin music economy initiatives to sustain, grow, and transform our music industry. Description of Recommendation to Council: The Music Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopt the following budget recommendations: • Fiscal support for the Creative Space Assistance Program – match FY23-34 funding lever. CSAP awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, partial lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases. $1.5 Million/ Source: General Fund • Fiscal support for Music and Entertainment Division musician performance program. Funding for city-sponsored music events (festivals, street performance program, City Council and Music Commission performances) showcasing artists from each of the 10 council districts and compensated at the city-approved rate of $200 per performance per musician. $100,000 / Source: General Fund • Fiscal support for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians health insurance programs. Funding for HAAM’s health insurance navigator and insurance premium programs. $500,000 / Source: General Fund In addition, Music Commission recommends consideration of the following: • Initiation and fiscal support for a new disaster-related Stormy Weather Fund. Financial compensation for musicians and music workers demonstrating financial loss caused by declared disaster emergencies and resulting power failures. $800,000 per year ongoing, subject to adjust based on frequency of emergencies / Source: Austin Energy Annual Revenue • Fiscal support for Austin music marketing campaign. Develop and fund regional marketing campaign to increase attendance at local live music events and increase album sales for local artists. $400,000 / Source: Hotel Occupancy Tax 1 of 2 Rationale The music industry is vital to the economic and cultural life of our city and deserves the same investment as other key growth industries in Austin. • Music and musicians contribute significantly to Austin's economy, including our robust tourism economy. • The cost of living in Austin has risen to nearly unsustainable levels. From 2011 to 2021, the median home price in Austin increased from $193,000 to $517,000, and the median rent increased from $815 to $1,387. • Many musicians struggle to make a living in Austin due to affordability issues. According to a survey by …
MUSIC COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 4 March 2024 The Music Commission convened in a regular meeting on 4 March 2024, at City Hall Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701. Chair Medicharla called the Music Commission Meeting to order at 6:44 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Nagavalli Medicharla, Vice-Chair Anne-Charlotte Patterson Parliamentarian Oren Rosenthal, Leonard Davila, Lauryn Gould, Celeste Quesada Commissioners in Attendance: Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Jonathan Mahone, Scott Strickland CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Anne-Charlotte Patterson – Vice Chair, Oren Rosenthal – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Leonard Davila, Lauryn Gould, Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, Celeste Quesada, Scott Strickland CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA Jeanie Ramirez called in to speak for public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting on January 8, 2024, and February 5, 2024 were approved on Vice Chair Patterson’s motion, Commissioner Quesada’s second with a 9-2 vote. Commissioners Aguilar and Rosenthal abstained. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Black Artists and Professional Creatives Registry by Harold McMillan, Founder/President, East Austin Creative Coalition. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. 11. 12. Presentation on music journalism and access to media coverage in Austin by Raoul Hernandez, Assistant Professor, School of Journalism and Media, University of Texas, Austin. Update on FY24 Austin Live Music Fund guidelines by Chair Medicharla. Commission candidate Pedro Carvalho owner of the Far Out, Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager, and Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of Economic Development Department, commented. Presentation on Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) by Paul Scott, Chief Executive Officer, HAAM. Update on musical performances for Music Commission meetings by Shelbi Mitchell, Program Coordinator, Music & Entertainment, Economic Development Department. Presentation by Austin Federation of Musicians Local representative. Representative was not present. Discussion regarding all ages shows and how the City of Austin supports youth in Austin. Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager, and Sylnovia Holt- Rabb, Director of Economic Development Department, commented. STAFF BRIEFINGS 9. Live Music Fund collections update by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Economic Development Department. Chair Medicharla motions to move item 13 before item 9, Patterson seconds with a unanimous vote. Update on consultant evaluation of the FY23 Live Music Fund Event Program by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. Update on calendar for Live Music Fund awardee events. Update …
1. REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MARCH 4, 2024 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL 301 WEST 2ND STREET ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS 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 Gunjen Mittal, 512- 972-6104, gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Victor Martinez, Vice Chair Virginia Badillo Jose Caceres Adrian De La Rosa Rennison Lalgee Fang Fang Aditi Joshi Adnan Suleiman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 2/5/2024. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager with the Equity Office regarding updates on her work with Austin immigrant communities. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Christian Duran from the Housing Department regarding the FY 24-29 Consolidated Plan Community Needs Assessment. Discussion on recruiting new members to this Commission to fill remaining seats. DISCUSSION AND ACTION Review, discuss and approve calling a special-called meeting to work on budget recommendations. Discuss and approve the March 23rd retreat based on current number of Commissioners. Review and discuss the scope of all current working groups and possible action to update membership. Current members of the budget workgroup are: Commissioners Melissa Ortega and Adnan Suleiman. Current members of QOL Study workgroup are: Commissioners Aditi Joshi, Rennison Lalgee, Melissa Ortega, Victor Martinez and Adrian De La Rosa. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from BUDGET WORKING GROUP regarding budget recommendations for FY25. 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 …
REGULAR MEETING of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Monday, March 4, 2024, at 6:00 PM Virtual Meeting Members of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL may be participating by video conference. Public comment will be allowed remotely via video conference or telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for participation. To register to speak, call or email frederico.geib@austintexas.gov or 512-974 - 3779. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Chair – Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair – J Muzacz, Sarah Carr, Taylor Davis, Kristi-Anne Shaer, Lisa Woods, Monica Maldonado – Arts Commission Liaison CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on February 5, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion of Chair’s Report on AIPP Panel Roster by Stephanie Lemmo Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from February 2024, Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado TEMPO Design Presentation by the Trail Conservancy Presentation of Downtown Austin Alliance Writing on the Walls Artwork Loan application by Raasin McIntosh, Downtown Austin Alliance Urban Activation Vice President and Designate AIPP Panel Member to join the Departmental Review Committee STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. 7. AIPP Staff Updates on Progression of Current Projects and Milestones Georgian Acres Neighborhood Park Artwork Dedication by Frederico Geib, AIPP Coordinator FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Frederico Geib at the Economic Development Department at frederico.geib@austintexas.gov or 512-974 -3779 for additional information; TTY users' route through Relay Texas at 711.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Regular Meeting Minutes The Art in Public Places Panel convened a regular meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, via Zoom. Chair Stephanie Lemmo called the Meeting to order at 6:03 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Chair Stephanie Lemmo, Vice Chair J Muzacz, and Panel Members Sarah Carr, Kristi-Anne Shaer, and Lisa Woods. Staff in Attendance: EDD staff: Cultural Arts Division Manager Meghan Wells. AIPP staff: Project Coordinators Alex Irrera, Ryan Runcie, Frederico Geib, Sean Harrison, and Lindsay Hutchens. Guests in Attendance: Caitlin Young and Mandi Thomas from The Trail Conservancy, Raasin McIntosh and Emily Risinger from the Downtown Austin Alliance. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on Monday, February 5, 2024, were approved on the motion of Vice Chair Muzacz and Panel Member Shaer seconded. Passed 3-0-1, with Panel Member Carr abstaining. Panel Members Davis and Woods, and Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of Chair’s Report on AIPP Panel terms by Chair Lemmo. Discussion ensued; Panel Member Carr’s final term ends in May and Vice Chair Muzacz’s final term will begin in July. EDD Staff Wells is administering the nominating committee to fill the upcoming vacancy. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action items from February 2024, Arts Commissions Meeting by Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado. Commissioner Maldonado absent. AIPP Staff Hutchens reported on action items from February Arts Commission meeting. TEMPO Design Presentation by the Trail Conservancy. No action was taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS ACTION: Presentation of Downtown Austin Alliance Writing on the Walls Artwork Loan application by Raasin McIntosh, Downtown Austin Alliance Urban Activation Vice President, and Designate AIPP Panel Member to join the Departmental Review 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Committee. Chair Lemmo moved to nominate Vice Chair Muzacz to join the Department Review Committee. Panel Member Carr seconded. Passed 5-0-0, with Panel Member Davis and Arts Commission Liaison Maldonado absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. AIPP Staff updated AIPP Panel on collections care and repairs, as well as recent attendance to the Texas Public Art Administrators conference in San Antonio. AIPP Staff Geib also invited AIPP Panelists to attend the upcoming Georgian Acres Neighborhood Park AIPP Artwork Dedication. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Lemmo adjourned the meeting at 7:24 PM without objection. The minutes were approved at the April 1, 2024, Art in Public Places Panel …
Airport Advisory Commission COMMUNITY INTEREST ANNOUNCEMENT British Airways 10-year Anniversary with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) March 3, 2024, 5PM – 7PM 3600 Presidential Blvd Austin, TX 78719 A quorum of the Commission may be present. No action will be taken. For further information contact: Jason Alexander, Board Liaison 512-530-6619 or jason.alexander@flyaustin.com
Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board Community Interest Announcement Phase 2 Construction Project Site Visit February 28, 2024, at 12:00 pm Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, 600 River St, Austin, TX 78701 A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Michelle Rojas, Board Liaison 512-974-3771
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 BYLAWS OF THE Joint Sustainability Committee ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Joint Sustainability Committee. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability; and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring; promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with the politics, procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan with the goal of coordinating all similar activities within the City and the community in order to secure the greatest public benefit; and forward to the city manager all advisory material that the joint committee provides to the council, the Office of Sustainability, City departments and offices, or City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eighteen members. Twelve members are each a representative of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board , Community Development Commission, the Economic Prosperity Commission, the Electric Utility Commission, the Environmental Commission, the Parks and Recreation Board, the Planning Commission, the Resource Management Commission, the Urban Transportation Commission, the Water and Wastewater Commission, the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, and the Design Commission. To ensure adequate community stakeholder representation and improve racial diversity, the council committee assigned oversight of social service policies will nominate one individual to serve on the joint committee and the mayor will nominate five individuals to serve on the joint committee. A nomination to the joint committee under this subsection is subject to approval by a majority vote of the council. Council will consider the racial composition of the joint committee when making new appointments. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT February 28, 2024 at 6pm Council Chambers, City Hall 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the BOARD/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 Zach Baumer at (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov or 415-694-3111). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Electric Utility Commission) Diana Wheeler, Vice Chair (Urban Transportation Commission) Charlotte Davis (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Haris Qureshi (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Bertha Delgado (Community Development Commission) Larry Franklin (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Chris Maxwell-Gaines (Water & Wastewater Commission) Amy Noel (Economic Prosperity Commission) Stephanie Bazan (Parks & Recreation Board) Jon Salinas (Design Commission) Vacant (City Council) Alice Woods (Planning Commission) Rodrigo Leal (Mayor’s Representative) Anna Scott (Mayor’s Representative) Heather Houser (Mayor’s Representative) Yureisly Suarez (Mayor’s Representative) Christopher Campbell (Mayor’s Representative) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the January 24th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. DISCUSSION Council Meeting). 2. Discussion on the benefits of adopting and implementing the Great Streets Initiative. 3. Discussion of next steps on the Environmental Investment Plan Resolution (Item 25 from 2/15 4. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee strategic plan. 5. Update from the Zero Waste Advisory Commission on the Litter Abatement program, the Household Hazardous Waste door-to-door pilot program, multi-family composting, reports in progress, upcoming solicitations, a supplemental brush and bulk contract, and Digital Solutions for Waste Management Contract. 6. Update from the Urban Transportation Commission on Austin Transit Partnership light rail planning and next phases and MetroBike. 7. Update from the Planning Commission on DB-90 which creates a density bonus zoning district in an effort to replace VMU2 and Residential in Commercial density bonus programs that were invalidated by a lawsuit in December, in addition the Planning …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-XXX Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations (Consumption & Natural Systems) Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Food and Product Consumption Budget Needs 1. Sustainable Purchasing: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 2 says “By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions from institutional, commercial, and government purchasing are reduced by at least 50%.“ Strategy 2 to achieve that goal is “Strengthen the City’s sustainable purchasing program.” Recent analysis by the Office of Sustainability shows that over 80% of the City of Austin’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the products and services that the city purchases. It is essential that the City establish a comprehensive Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products and services the City procures. And the City must prioritize ongoing staff support to educate all departments on sustainable purchasing and ensure that purchasing decisions comply with the Sustainable Purchasing Plan. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that: a. $125,000 be allocated to hire a sustainable purchasing contractor and/or purchase needed software and databases to develop a Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products, materials and services purchased by the city; and b. A full-time Sustainable Purchasing Director position should be added to the Purchasing Department. If an FTE is determined to be infeasible in this budget cycle, a temporary Sustainable Purchasing Director position should be established and funded. Natural Systems Budget Needs 2. Converting Impervious Cover to Functional Green: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Natural Systems Goal 4 says “By 2030, include all City-owned lands under a management plan that results in neutral or negative carbon emissions and maximizes community co-benefits.” Strategy 2 to achieve this goal is “Reclaim public space and prioritize green infrastructure.” There is no inventory of the unnecessary impervious cover on City-owned lands, or a plan for converting those areas to functional green. Areas along city streets, in and around parking lots, at city buildings, and in city parks all need evaluation and a plan to remediate. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $200,000 be allocated to audit City-owned non-functional or unnecessary impervious cover, including surface-level parking lots, and develop a plan to convert an ambitious percentage of these to functional green uses as soon as practical. 3. No Mow Signage: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Natural Systems Goal …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-XXX Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations (Sustainable Buildings) Motioned By: Seconded By: Date: February 28, 2024 Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council 1. Implement a Passiveand Embodied Carbon Reduction House Pilot Program: The Passive House standard (developed by nonprofit Phius)1 is the most rigorous energy efficiency building code, and provides dramatic reductions in energy use. Buildings meeting this standard are significantly more resilient, quieter, have better indoor air quality, and help the grid by reducing peak demand. This standard is now code minimum in many municipalities and is included in 20 states’ affordable housing scoring metrics. Although some affordable housing developments have come close to meeting the Passive House standard, none have met it yet. In addition to reducing energy use in buildings, reducing the embodied carbon in the materials used in construction is also important. Conducting an embodied carbon analysis during the initial design phase of a building gives the developer an opportunity to select more sustainable building materials. A pilot program will provide financial assistance to achieve certification and collect data to demonstrate the value of achieving the Passive House standard and how to reduce embodied carbon in building materials, and should help drive the market toward utilizing 1 https://www.phius.org/certifications/projects/project-certification-overview Passive House more broadly. The Energy Efficiency Programs fee2 that all customers pay as part of their Austin Energy bills is intended to fund energy efficiency programs, such as this. A local Passive House incentive would help affordable housing developers maximize utilization of the Inflation Reduction Act 45L tax credit because projects certifying with Passive House also receive Zero Energy Ready Home certification and get $5,000 per unit in tax credits. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that: a. $2 million be allocated from the Energy Efficiency Programs fund for an Affordable Housing Passive House and Embodied Carbon Reduction Pilot Program to provide incentives to income-restricted affordable housing. Affordable housing projects that certify with Phius and conduct an embodied carbon analysis should be eligible for rebates, paid in three milestone payments during design (for hiring a consultant and committing to certification), construction (for precertification), and completion (for final certification). Projects should be required to share construction cost data, both hard and soft, and post-occupancy energy usage data. b. The Austin Energy Green Building department should be allocated 1 additional FTE or temporary position to develop and administer the program, in close consultation with stakeholders. …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-XXX Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations (Low-Carbon Concrete) Motioned By: Seconded By: Date: February 28, 2024 Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Low carbon concrete: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Goal 3 says : “By 2030, reduce the embodied carbon footprint of building materials used in local construction by 40%.”. Producing concrete emits CO2 through energy required to produce it as well as the chemical process, and procuring the concrete we need to grow represents a significant portion of Austin’s footprint: 78,700 metric tons in 2023, and construction has the highest impact on carbon in terms of total city spend. Growing Austin while reducing our carbon footprint thus requires the use of low concrete concrete technology, but testing is required before scaling novel materials. Thus, the JSC recommends that $150,000 be allocated to the Office of the City Engineer division of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department for 1. Field pour demonstrations using concrete containing a total cementitious content that is 50% or more decarbonized relative to a national ordinary portland cement average embodied carbon intensity of 922 kilograms per tonne of cement, and 2. An intern to assist the Department of Engineers to procure and implement the cement testing. This work should be conducted in close coordination with the Office of Sustainability and Capital Delivery Services.
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Green Streets Initiative Recommendations Recommendation Support of the Green Streets Initiative Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Sustainability recommends that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Green Streets Initiative that minimizes barriers to plant and maintain street trees located in R.O.W’s for both public and private projects. Rationale: Prioritizing street trees in R.O.W’s aligns with the goals of the Austin Climate Equity plan. Specifically as it supports the improvement of air quality and temperature reduction within Austin’s Urban Core.
GREEN STREETS INITIATIVE Street Trees Keep Austin Cool March 28, 2024 Joint Sustainability Committee We Need Street Trees: STREETS ARE HOT & DANGEROUS ● Austin is warm and getting warmer - By 2050, Austin is estimated to experience an average of ~3 months per year (82-95 days) with a heat index over 100° compared to ~1 month” historically (29 days) ● It is even hotter in the Streets - Unshaded streets become “urban heat islands”, absorbing and reflecting the sun’s heat, causing streets to be 5-10° hotter than other parts of the city. ● Our streets are dangerous - 2022 was the deadliest year on Austin roads topping the previous record set in 2021. We Need Street Trees: IMPACTS & ACCESS ARE INEQUITABLE ● Low-income and BIPOC communities in Austin are disproportionately impacted by dangerous streets and extreme heat ● Tree canopy is inevitably distributed Austin, TX - Pedestrian incidents per 100,000 (2019-2022) Source: Austin Vision Zero via Urbinden Design Lab * Approximation- Available data misaligned. Incidents by race from 5 year avg. (2017-2022), total pop. from 2020 census, pedestrian incidents averaged 4 year avg. (2019-2022) We Need Street Trees: STREET TREES MAKE OUR STREETS COOLER & SAFER ● Street trees shade create microclimates on our sidewalks and bikeways with shade and evapotranspiration ● Street trees slow vehicle speeds and reduce the frequency and severity of crashes. Source: Urbinden Design Lab Barriers: REGULATIONS ● Private development is only required to provide street trees on ~3.3% of the streets in Austin. Incentivized ~1.1% ● Where street trees are required, it is easier to get relief from the requirement than to comply ● TCM street tree requirements are NOT regulatory - NOT enforced (required on level 2 and up) 3.3% 1.1% * 95.6% * Some PUDs may include street trees requirements (example: Mueller). PUDs represent ~8% of the City of Austin Barriers: ADMINISTRATIVE RULES ● Criteria Manual rules protect departmental interests, do not optimize limited ROWs, do not understand how trees grow ● Some rules conflict with City goals, policies, and priorities, often superseding adopted regulations ● Inflated rules trigger case-by-case departmental review of street trees - reducing predictability and often prohibiting street trees Interpretation of existing code Urban condition best practice Barriers: PROCEDURES ● Street trees require license agreement to privatize maintenance responsibility ● License agreement process is duplicative of site plan review ○ Adds time - upto 2 years ○ …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES Jan 24, 2024 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Permitting and Development Center. Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:07 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Haris Qureshi, Chris Maxwell-Gaines Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Melissa Rothrock, Jon Salinas, Alice Woods, Amy Noel, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Charlotte Davis, Christopher Campbell, Anna Scott Board Members Absent: Larry Franklin, Bertha Delgado, Stephanie Bazan, Yure Suarez City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Angela Johnson, Ed Poppit, Zach Baumer CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Santiago – volunteer at Festival Beach Food Forest Responding to TxDOT’s I-35 proposal o Regarding non-conforming uses and stormwater tunnel under Cesar Chavez 6. Approval of minutes from the December 13th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Qureshi motions to approve, Wheeler seconds, passes on 12-0 vote (Maxwell-Gaines off dais). 7. Low Carbon Concrete Presentation –Angela Johnson and Ed Poppit, Office of the City Engineer Presentation on approach taken in response to council resolution concrete Question on are they asking suppliers to disclose rather than requiring low carbon o Poppit – looking towards enhancements in the future. Pilots, testing (e.g. carbon injection in sidewalks), but not far down the road of action. Need more support to take more action. Taking small steps now – educating producers, etc. o Mix of fixes – no silver bullet. Changing processes, changing energy sources, changing component mixtures. o Johnson: Plan is evolving and shifting based on new knowledge advancements o Poppit: Old way was prescriptive, new path might be performance-based (meet certain important characteristics). Puts pressure on city staff to ensure performance meets needs. o This was supposed to go to council in November, no updates. o EPDs coming into effect Oct 2024 o White: need to move faster o Clarification from Campbell – CO2 impacts are in metric tons, not MMT 3. Recommendations to amend ACEP re: telework policies and AE zero waste goal Qureshi motions to approve, Scott seconds Does there need to be specificity in the time for a target? Is it aggressive enough? JSC members discuss at length. JSC ‘further recommends that ACEP be updated in near future to refine the disposal rate goal with clear target dates and set more ambitious interim goals’ Woods amendment – …
Joint Sustainability Committee 2023 Action Plan Prepared by Jen Cregar, Terra Lumina Consulting January 2023 JSC Purpose from Bylaws The joint committee shall advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability; and ● review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring; ● promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with the politics, procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, with the goal of coordinating all similar activities within the City and the community in order to secure the greatest public benefit; and forward to the city manager all advisory material that the joint committee provides to the council, the Office of Sustainability, City departments and offices, or City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces. 2 JSC Purpose in Plain Speak The JSC advises the City Council and supports coordination among the City and community in implementing the Austin Climate Equity Plan. Community Members City Council Other Public Agencies/ Institutions City Departments Businesses Community Organizations 3 Proposed 2023 JSC Action Plan 1. Define what JSC considers a “high impact” strategy. This could include: ― Ability to increase equity in processes and/or outcomes (e.g., strategy would focus on a disinvested/ ― GHG reduction potential marginalized group or part of town) ― Relative implementation progress so far ― Responsible party’s ability (capacity + willingness) to implement the strategy, where the responsible party could be a City department, community group, etc. 2. Create working groups (WGs) to identify high impact strategies per section of the ACEP. WGs should be diverse and may include JSC members, department staff, and other community members if additional experience/perspectives are needed. WGs could be organized as follows: ― Sustainable Buildings (energy + materials) ― Transportation & Land Use + Transportation Electrification (mobility + electrification) ― Consumption + Natural Systems (food, products, and green infrastructure) 4 Proposed 2023 JSC Action Plan (cont.) 3. Working groups make recommendations for priority actions to advance their high impact strategies. Potential action areas could include: ― Budget/funding, potentially including a non-City of Austin funding partner ― Accountability tools (e.g., adding more detail to dashboard, promoting dashboard for increased awareness) ― Coalition building ― Policy changes (could be no to low …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-XXX Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendation (Pro-Climate/Pro-Health Foods) Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Counci: Incentives and Education for Pro-Climate, Pro-Health Foods: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 1 says “By 2030, ensure all Austinites can access a food system that is community driven, addresses food insecurity, prioritizes regenerative agriculture, supports dietary and health agency, promotes plant-based foods, and minimizes food waste.: Strategy 3 is to “Incentivize pro-climate, prohealth, food choices” with a variety of programs, including “Enhance[d] incentives to make pro-climate, pro-health food choices more affordable.” Due to the large amount of resources that it takes to produce meat, dairy and eggs, reducing consumption of these foods is one of the most effective ways for people to reduce their impact on the climate and the environment in general. Plant-based alternatives are available, but many people aren’t familiar with these foods or their benefits and some plant-based foods can be more expensive. Thus an education campaign and incentives are needed. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that: $200,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for a Pro-Climate Food Education and Incentive Program. These funds should be spent on a multi-lingual public education and marketing campaign to promote pro-climate/pro-health plant-based meat, dairy and egg alternatives and identification of opportunities to provide effective incentives for pro-climate/pro- health foods at local restaurants and grocery stores. The Office of Sustainability and Austin Public Health should work together on the public education and marketing campaign.
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-XXX Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Recommendation on supporting pro-climate food choices in the Austin Food Plan Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation: The Joint Sustainability Committee supports the work being done to develop the Austin Food Plan and recommends that a goal be added to “Support increasing awareness of the importance and benefits choosing pro-climate, pro-health foods and address barriers to accessing pro-climate, pro-health foods.” Strategies to achieve this goal should include education campaigns, partnerships with grocery stores and other food providers, incentives for plant-based alternatives to carbon-intensive foods, and changes to city purchasing policies. Rationale: The Joint Sustainability Committee supports an increased emphasis on encouraging and promoting pro-climate eating because: 1. Animal food products are responsible for at least between 11% and 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. 2. There is a policy gap at all levels of government when it comes to addressing greenhouse gas emissions from food choices. 3. Awareness of the importance of food choices in mitigating climate change is lower compared to other climate solutions, such as switching to renewable energy. 4. Changing personal behaviors is possible but can be challenging and requires a dedicated effort. 5. While federal policies are a significant driving force behind the increased consumption of high-emission, unhealthy foods, food choices ultimately occur at the local and individual level. Local efforts can address information and accessibility gaps. a. Pro-climate, pro-health foods are available but are often not featured as prominently as high-carbon, unhealthy food options in local grocery stores. b. Pro-climate, pro-health foods are available, but some are more expensive.
DRAFT Joint Sustainability Committee Transportation & Land Use Budget Recommendations Transportation Electrification Budget Recommendations The Joint Sustainability Commission (JSC) recommends that the City of Austin (COA) Equity Office conduct an Electric Vehicles Needs Assessment in collaboration with a hired consultant, CapMetro, Austin Energy, and COA Departments of Transportation and Public Works, Public Health, Economic Development, and Office of Sustainability. The assessment should focus on the Eastern Crescent, including the Rundberg and Dove Springs areas. The assessment should build on community engagement and feedback (such as leveraging an Ambassadors program and partnering with entities such as Texas Electric Transportation Resources Alliance [TxETRA] education fund) to address mobility challenges in these regions and consider other electric mobility options such as buses, shuttles, neighborhood circulators carsharing. The Assessment should include the following: ● A report and presentation to JSC, COA Office of Sustainability, and key identified community members within one year of the budget approval. The report and presentation should include but is not limited to: ○ Identifying the intersections of mobility challenges, transportation electrification, public health and racial and economic justice ○ Action items and recommended programs on how to achieve EV education and adoption focusing on overburdened communities, along with funding sources to implement the programs. ○ Identify major obstacles for EV adoption and corresponding action items to address the obstacles ○ A framework for EV education that focuses on clarifying the EV charging process, raising awareness about available incentives, and increasing community involvement by connecting systematically excluded groups with job and training/education opportunities in the EV field ○ Build on existing community assessments and recommendations such as Austin/Vamos Austin’s (GAVA’s) neighborhood circulators carsharing and TxETRA workshop on transportation justice in the EV Ecosystem ○ Status for achieving Austin’s Climate Action Plan Transportation Electrification Goal 1 of 40% of total vehicle miles traveled in Austin electrified by 2030 and a description for a path to achieve this goal Budget: ● Total: 300K. Breakdown includes: ○ Hire consultant to assist with the Assessment: 150K ○ Equity Office to create a paid ambassador program to provide stipends to individuals and organizations that already have trust in the community to assist in the Assessment: 50K ○ Pilot for four (4) recommended programs in on the Eastern Crescent, including the Rundberg and Dove Springs areas: 100K Transportation & Land Use Budget Recommendations ID Amount ($) 1 $120k Request Dept. Notes 1 FTE: Community Engagement & …
Subject: Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin Motion by: Second by: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States; and WHEREAS, the most common transportation means remains to be the motor vehicles, either personal or commercial, which require vehicle parking at end destinations; and WHEREAS, as the City of Austin is actively engaged in making policy decisions concerning the amount and type of parking that should be utilized in new development, understanding the environmental benefits and harms for each option would better inform these decisions; and WHEREAS, cities across the United States are turning to sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of parking; and WHEREAS, technology regarding sustainable parking options has advanced significantly in vertical parking structures which reduce the impervious cover footprint. Some of those advancements; green roofs and walls, solar panels on the roof or walls, rain catchment systems and rain gardens, downcast lighting to reduce light pollution, and shade sails which can help reduce the heat; and WHEREAS, there are improved surface parking practices that include; bioswales to reduce runoff and retain the water for onsite trees and vegetation, solar panels that produce energy and offer shade, downcast lighting that reduces light pollution, tree and vegetation configuration that reduces heat island effects, sound and light pollution; and WHEREAS, there are also advancements in recycling cement from older parking structures or parking lots to be considered; and WHEREAS, there are existing parking facilities and infrastructure that have excess capacity or are underutilized during certain times of day and we should study the maximal use of these facilities. THEREFORE, The Joint Sustainability Committee requests that the City of Austin work with a qualified independent research partner to study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options. The report should analyze and determine what are the most environmentally friendly options that would advance the City’s goals, including achieving net-zero carbon 2 of 2 emissions in the Climate Equity Plan, Austin’s Strategic Mobility plan, SOS ordinance, and the city ordinance to eliminate parking from commercial developments. When assessing environmental impacts, the Committee asks that the study include a Life Cycle Assessment that considers all necessary raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and final disposal of materials, as well as other considerations including but not limited to its ability to capture/treat stormwater, associated heat island effects, light pollution, and …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-014 Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations 1. Climate Equity Plan Project Manager: The Austin Climate Equity Plan contains ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals and strategies to achieve those goals that touch every City department. Fully implementing the plan will reap great benefits to the City of Austin and its residents. The Office of Sustainability needs additional staff to track, report on, and coordinate this work to make the vision of the plan a reality. This position would be responsible for continually updating the Austin Climate Equity Plan Dashboard to reflect progress on each sub-strategy in the plan, including opportunities for the public to engage in the various initiatives (i.e. surveys, public meetings, working groups) and lists of NGOs engaging in various aspects of implementation. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that: one (1) Climate Equity Plan Project Manager be added to the Office of Sustainability. (est. $150,000) Motioned By: Qureshi Vote: 14-0 Yes: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Salinas, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Christopher Campbell, Haris Qureshi, Charlotte Davis, Larry Franklin, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Amy Noel, Heather Houser, Alberta Phillips Off Dais: Stephanie Bazan Absent: Yure Suarez, Bertha Delgado Seconded By: Scott 2. Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives: The City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of the Climate Equity Plan. However, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households. Additional community outreach by trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000) b. $200,000 for 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. Motioned By: Qureshi Vote: 14-0 Yes: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Salinas, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Christopher Campbell, Haris Qureshi, Charlotte Davis, Larry Franklin, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Amy Noel, Heather Houser, Alberta Phillips Off Dais: Stephanie Bazan Absent: Yure Suarez, Bertha …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-013 Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Recommendation on supporting pro-climate food choices in the Austin Food Plan Motioned By: White Seconded By: Qureshi Recommendation: The Joint Sustainability Committee supports the work being done to develop the Austin Food Plan and recommends that a goal be added to “Support increasing awareness of the importance and benefits choosing pro-climate, pro-health foods and address barriers to accessing pro-climate, pro-health foods.” Strategies to achieve this goal should include education campaigns, partnerships with grocery stores and other food providers, incentives for plant-based alternatives to carbon-intensive foods, and changes to city purchasing policies. Rationale: The Joint Sustainability Committee supports an increased emphasis on encouraging and promoting pro-climate eating because: 1. Animal food products are responsible for at least between 11% and 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. 2. There is a policy gap at all levels of government when it comes to addressing greenhouse gas emissions from food choices. 3. Awareness of the importance of food choices in mitigating climate change is lower compared to other climate solutions, such as switching to renewable energy. 4. Changing personal behaviors is possible but can be challenging and requires a dedicated effort. 5. While federal policies are a significant driving force behind the increased consumption of high-emission, unhealthy foods, food choices ultimately occur at the local and individual level. Local efforts can address information and accessibility gaps. a. Pro-climate, pro-health foods are available but are often not featured as prominently as high-carbon, unhealthy food options in local grocery stores. b. Pro-climate, pro-health foods are available, but some are more expensive. Vote: 13-0 Yes: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Salinas, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Christopher Campbell, Haris Qureshi, Larry Franklin, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Amy Noel, Alberta Phillips, Heather Houser, Stephanie Bazan Recuse: Charlotte Davis Off Dais: Alberta Phillips Absent: Yure Suarez, Bertha Delgado Attest: Rohan Lilauwala, Staff Liaison
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-015 Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Great Streets Initiative Motion by: Salinas Second: Davis Recommendation Support of the goals of the Great Streets Initiative that contribute to the Green Infrastructure Resolution. Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Great Streets Initiative that minimizes barriers to plant and maintain street trees located in city right-of-way for both public and private projects. Rationale: Prioritizing street trees in city right-of-way aligns with the goals of the Austin Climate Equity plan. Specifically, as it supports the improvement of air quality and temperature reduction within Austin’s Urban Core, provides for increased safety and comfort for cyclist and pedestrians and greatly contributes to the sequestration of carbon Vote: 14-0 Yes: Kaiba White, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Salinas, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Christopher Campbell, Haris Qureshi, Larry Franklin, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Amy Noel, Charlotte Davis, Heather Houser, Stephanie Bazan Off Dais: Alberta Phillips Absent: Yure Suarez, Bertha Delgado Attest: Rohan Lilauwala, Staff Liaison
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-017 Date: February 28, 2024 Subject: Recommendation for Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin Motion by: Qureshi Second by: White WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee recognizes Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States; and WHEREAS, the most common transportation means remains to be the motor vehicles, either personal or commercial, which require vehicle parking at end destinations; and WHEREAS, as the City of Austin is actively engaged in making policy decisions concerning the amount and type of parking that should be utilized in new development, understanding the environmental benefits and harms for each option would better inform these decisions; and WHEREAS, cities across the United States are turning to sustainable solutions to reduce the environmental impact of parking; and WHEREAS, technology regarding sustainable parking options has advanced significantly in vertical parking structures which reduce the impervious cover footprint. Some of those advancements; green roofs and walls, solar panels on the roof or walls, rain catchment systems and rain gardens, downcast lighting to reduce light pollution, and shade sails which can help reduce the heat; and WHEREAS, there are improved surface parking practices that include; bioswales to reduce runoff and retain the water for onsite trees and vegetation, solar panels that produce energy and offer shade, downcast lighting that reduces light pollution, tree and vegetation configuration that reduces heat island effects, sound and light pollution; and WHEREAS, there are also advancements in recycling cement from older parking structures or parking lots to be considered as well as in low-carbon concrete; and WHEREAS, there are existing parking facilities and infrastructure that have excess capacity or are underutilized during certain times of day and we should study the maximal use of these facilities. THEREFORE, The Joint Sustainability Committee requests that the City of Austin staff study the environmental impacts of different vehicle parking options. The report should analyze and determine what are the most environmentally friendly options that would advance the City’s goals, including achieving net-zero carbon 2 of 2 emissions in the Climate Equity Plan, Austin’s Strategic Mobility plan, SOS ordinance, and the city ordinance to eliminate parking from commercial developments. When assessing environmental impacts, the Committee asks that the study include a Life Cycle Assessment that considers all necessary raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and final disposal of materials, as well as other considerations including but not limited …