Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 15, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Taylor Major CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:33 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission April 17, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 04/17/24 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Major’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Carroll, Ortega and Shifferd were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to postpone this item to the next Downtown Commission meeting on 06/26/2024 was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Major’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Carroll, Ortega and Shifferd were absent. 3. Discussion and approval of a Recommendation on dockless micromobility regulations and transportation-related rule making. A motion to approve Recommendation 20240515-003 failed on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Major’s second on a 4-1 vote. Those members voting aye were: Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Coufal, Levinson and Major. Voting nay was: Chair Harris. Abstaining was: Commissioner Lavigne. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Carroll, Ortega and Shifferd were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 4. Presentation on Street Impact Fees in the downtown Austin area by Nathan Aubert, Supervising Engineer, Austin Transportation Department. Presentation was given by Nathan Aubert, Supervising Engineer, Austin Transportation Public Works Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Officer Elections Downtown Plan Staff Presentation ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:38 pm without objection.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): UPDATE TO THE DOWNTOWN AUSTIN PLAN WHEREAS in 2005, the Austin City Council passed a resolution calling for the adoption of a Downtown Austin Plan (Original DAP); and WHEREAS in 2011 the City Council adopted the Original DAP; and WHEREAS in 2010, Austin’s Downtown population was estimated to be 9,343, by 2020 it had grown to 13,041, and now is estimated to be 15,360; and WHEREAS in 2010, there were 4,675 dwelling units Downtown, by 2020 approximately 9,343 dwelling, and now it is estimated that there are more than 10,300 dwelling units; and WHEREAS there is 7.2 million square feet of construction underway with an additional 14.3 million square feet of space planned for Downtown, including more than 3,000 additional dwelling units; and WHEREAS additional residential, office and hotel developments are likely to occur throughout Downtown over the next 10 years; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was drafted to provide Austin with a roadmap for addressing the anticipated challenges facing Downtown over the subsequent 10 years; and WHEREAS the COVID 19 Pandemic caused an unforseen shift in how Austinites and visitors use and experience Downtown presenting an array of challenges and opportunities; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was intended as both a vision for Downtown as well an action plan to encourage Downtown to become more economically vibrant, livable, walkable, mobile, inclusive, diverse, and culturally alive; and WHEREAS that Original DAP’s 10-year lifecycle ended in 2021; and WHEREAS because of the complexity and breadth of the Original DAP, numerous departments within the City of Austin are charged with accomplishing various aspects of the plan including Transportation and Public Works, Economic Development (+Urban Design), Parks and Recreation, Planning (+Historic Preservation); and WHEREAS responsibility for implementing the various elements of the Original DAP is spread among numerous departments with little centralized control, oversight or accountability; and WHEREAS the charter of the Downtown Commission explicitly states that its charge is to oversee the implementation of the DAP; and WHEREAS the charge of other City of Austin Boards and Commissions intersect with their respective departments without engagement of the Downtown Commission whose charge is specific to the DAP; and WHEREAS significant progress has occurred in accomplishing some of the goals of the Original Dap, elements of that Original DAP are still not realized, viable or relevant; and WHEREAS new challenges and …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT June 26th, 2024 at 6pm Room 1407, Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 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). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Electric Utility Commission) Charlotte Davis, Vice Chair (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Diana Wheeler (Urban Transportation Commission) Haris Qureshi (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Vacant (Community Development Commission) Larry Franklin (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Amy Noel (Economic Prosperity Commission) Chris Maxwell-Gaines (Water & Wastewater 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) Vacant (Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission) 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 May 22, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommendation of investments the City should fund as part of council resolution 20240215-025 ‘Environmental Investment Plan’. 3. Recommendation in support of a ‘Climate Fee’ as outlined in the staff response to council resolution 20240215-025 ‘Environmental Investment Plan’. DISCUSSION 4. Update on regional climate planning efforts as part of the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program – Mali Calvo and Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Sustainability 5. Climate Fee Best Practices and Case Studies – Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Sustainability 6. Joint Sustainability Committee Annual Report – Kaiba White 7. Update from the Resource Management Commission on amendments to bylaws to include advising Council on natural gas utility matters – Charlotte Davis FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to …
Downtown Austin Plan Implementation Update June 26, 2024 Content About the Plan Downtown Density Bonus Program Great Streets Program Austin Core Transportation Plan Palm District Plan Austin Economic Development Corp. Cultural & Business Incentives District Development & Support Historic Preservation Fund About the Downtown Austin Plan Adopted in December 2011 109 recommendations for implementation were included in the plan. – In 2018, 75% (82) recommendations were partially complete or underway. – 19% (21) were completed or ongoing. – 6% (6) were not yet initiated. Active tracking was paused in 2018 due to focus on rewriting the Land Development Code, the pandemic, and staffing shortages. 3 Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) June 2013, City Council adopted an ordinance to create the DDBP Since 2018, 37 projects have taken advantage of this program To date, ~$13M fees-in-lieu paid, ~$32.8M pending* 81 affordable housing units created, 721 proposed* *Includes Rainey Subdistrict 5 Floor-to-Area Ratios Floor-to-Area Ra�o 17 13.9 11.1 10 14 13 13 15 15 15 15 15 9.5 11.92 13.12 15.71 20 20 21 23 22 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 29 35 32 62 East 14th & Lavaca THC 4th and Colorado Block 32, Ph. 2 Block 32, Ph.1 Block 32 Aggregated 5th + Trinity Hotel 410 E 5th Street 506 West Residen�al Block 150 Stonelake | 5RR 307 E 2nd 80 Rainey / Rainey Tower 617 Colorado 17th and Guadalupe Apartments 9092 Rainey The East Tower 4th & Brazos 3rd and Brazos 321 W. 6th Street River Street Residences 415 Colorado 17th Street Condos Hanover Republic Square 44 East Travis County Courthouse 17th Street Hotel The Republic 91 Red River 300 Colorado Block 71 (UT System Property) 6th + Guadalupe 0 5 10 15 20 30 35 40 6 Building Heights Height (Ft.) 399 400 417 142 192 242 220 325 326 724 755 770 668 705 709 540 586 586 515 602 565 564 569 570 515 499 451 450 455 80 Rainey / Rainey Tower 617 Colorado 17th and Guadalupe Apartments 0.00 62 East 14th & Lavaca THC 4th and Colorado Block 32, Ph. 2 Block 32, Ph.1 Block 32 Aggregated 5th + Trinity Hotel 410 E 5th Street 506 West Residen�al Block 150 Stonelake | 5RR 307 E 2nd 9092 Rainey The East Tower 4th & Brazos 3rd and Brazos 321 …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 26, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Chair Michael Lovins Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams Edward Espinoza Adam Materne Alysa Nuñez District 4 – Vacancy William Ross Pumfrey Mary Kahle Jacob Loehr Amy Casto CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on April 24, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 2. Staff briefing regarding updates to the City Council Candidate Forum Planning. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: Approve the City Council Candidate Forum Event Schedule. 3. 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 Lizette Benitez, Caroline Webster at the Law Department, at (512) 974-2268 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Ethics Review Commission, please contact Caroline Webster at (512) 974-1353. For the 2024 meeting schedule, agendas, and additional information about the Commission, see: Ethics Review Commission | AustinTexas.gov ERC STANDARD PUBLIC …
REGULAR MEETING of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26TH, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Joint Inclusion 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, call or email Alejandra Mireles (Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Primary Representative: Serita Fontanesi Alternate Representative: Antonio Ross Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Melissa Ortega Rebecca Austen Jose Caceres Leonor Vargas Amanda Afifi (Chair) Eliza Gordon Ivana Neri Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Melissa Taylor Jennifer Powell VACANT 1 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on MAY 29th, 2024. Staff briefing on 2024 updates of City of Austin Demographics by Lila Valencia, City Demographer. STAFF BRIEFING 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on adding the Commission on Veterans Affairs to the Joint Inclusion Committee. Update on email communications about possible collaboration with the College Student Commission. Update from Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission, regarding Austin & Travis County Food Plan. Discuss Joint Inclusion Committee’s Annual Review and Report. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Conduct officer elections for the Vice Chair. Approve Joint Inclusion Committee’s FY26 Budget Townhalls dates and meeting locations. Approve the creation of a Workgroup to investigate the involvement of Indigenous People and/or Native Americans to afford the group a voice in the City of Austin. Approve endorsing the Commission for Women’s Recommendation 20240605-005 supporting affordable …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a REGULAR meeting on WEDNESDAY, MAY 29TH, 2024, at 3:07 P.M. CST in the CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega or Jose Caceres Commission for Women: Rebecca Austen Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Serita Fontanesi or Antonio Ross Early Childhood Council: Leonor Vargas or Eliza Gordon PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Charles Curry Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on APRIL 24th, 2024. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER MORGAN DAVIS’ motion, COMMISSIONER JENNIFER POWELL’s second, on a 7-3 vote. (Absent: African 1 3. 4. 6. American Resource Advisory Commission’s Serita Fontanesi or Antonio Ross; Early Childhood Council’s Leonor Vargas or Eliza Gordon; and LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission’s Jerome J. Benson or Lira Ramirez). DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Share updates regarding the JIC May 7th FY25 Budget Recommendation follow up meeting with City departments. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI shares that the Commission on Aging is following up with Housing Department regarding conversations held during May 7th meeting for budget recommendations. COMMISSIONER AMANDA AFIFI shares that past budget cycles have had more time like the May 7th for the Commissioners to follow up with budget recommendations. COMMISSIONER JENNIFER POWELL shares that next year the conversation with City department leaders could also occur before budget recommendations are made. Update on Commission on Veteran’s Affairs joining the Joint Inclusion Committee. COMMISSIONERS RICHARD BONDI and AMANADA AFIFI recap email communication with the Office of the City Clerk and waiting to confirm that the amended bylaws will be presented to the City’s Audit and Finance Committee for approval at its next meeting on July 23, 2024. Discuss Poet Laureate signature document in support of …
RECOMMENDATION Commission for Women Recommendation Number 20240605-005: Affordable Child Care WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, for decades, families in Austin and Travis County have struggled to find affordable, quality child care and afterschool and summer programming for children birth to high school graduation (henceforth referred to as “child care”); and WHEREAS, child care is the highest expense for families after housing in Travis County, and one year of child care costs more than one year of tuition at the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, the current waiting list for families with low income who need child care subsidies has more than 4,600 children on it, enrollment is closed, and there is now a 2-year waiting list period; and WHEREAS, child care costs are out of reach for many families in Austin and Travis County. While families cannot afford the current prices, child care tuition rarely covers the true cost of providing a high-quality program. Costs for quality child care programs (including paying staff a living wage) have increased but families cannot afford to pay more; and WHEREAS, the child care and out-of-school time workforce, predominantly women of color, earns less than a living wage resulting in high turnover (over 30% annually) and under-staffed programs serving fewer children and cutting hours. Turnover hurts children and creates stress for families; and WHEREAS, families rely on affordable quality child care to participate in and complete education, training programs, or the workforce; and WHEREAS, child care and out of school time challenges particularly impact individuals and communities of color that have been historically excluded from economic prosperity: • 81% of children under age 6 receiving child care subsidies in Travis County are Black, Hispanic, or non-white/multi-racial • The share of Travis County children under age 6 in working families who have parents working nontraditional hours is 47.1% Black and 42.1% Hispanic • The child care workforce in Texas is overwhelmingly female and 62% are either Black or Hispanic; and WHEREAS, a local investment in affordable quality child care and out of school time programs will result in better outcomes for children, greater workforce participation, family …
FOR APPROVAL: JIC FY26 Budget Engagement & Recommendation Process Meeting Date Method & Location FY25 Approved in August & FY26 Kickoff FY26 Kickoff Saturday 9/7 @10 am – 2 pm PDC (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr; 78752) Tentative District(s) All Notes Town Hall #1 Wednesday 10/2, @6 Town Hall #2 Town Hall #3 Town Hall #4 Town Hall #5 Wednesday 10/16 @6 Wednesday 10/23 @6 (regular JIC meeting date – special called meeting?) Wednesday 11/6 @6 Wednesday 11/20 @11 am – 1 pm George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center (5801 Ainez Drive, 78744) Virtual Northwest Recreation Center (2913 Northland Drive; 78757) Gus Garcia Recreation Center (1201 East Runberg Lane; 78753) Virtual Staff Briefings: September - January Tuesday, 12/10 @11 am – 1 pm Virtual Saturday 12/4 @10 am – 2 pm Saturday 2/1 @10 am – 2 pm PDC (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr; 78752) PDC (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr; 78752) Tuesday, 5/13 @11 am – 1 pm Virtual Pre-Write Commissioner- Department Meeting Writing JIC Collaboration optional Writing JIC Collaboration optional Post-Write Commissioner- Department Meeting D2 D3 D5 D8 All D7 D10 D6 D4 D1 D9 All All All All All In Person sessions: Supervised Children’s Activities & Cake
Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy Economic Development Department June 26, 2024 History City of Austin and Economic and Cultural Districts • The City of Austin lacks a holistic approach to the recognition and development of Economic and Cultural Districts • Specific “District” Planning/Policy’s Recognized include: Small Area Planning Historic District Designation Public Improvement Districts C I T Y O F A U S T I N Prior District Council Actions • Resolution No. 20071213-058 establishes the African American Cultural Arts District, the City of Austin’s first Cultural District • Resolution No. 20110825-067 establishes the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor • Resolution No. 20131017-036 establishes the Red River Cultural District • Resolution No. 20230702-128 establishes the South Shore Cultural District C I T Y O F A U S T I N Souly Austin is a place-based economic development program focused on creating and retaining strong, vibrant, culturally rich and diverse neighborhood business districts throughout Austin through the development of Merchants Associations. Souly Austin Program Purpose: Program Details • 2014 Program began with a focus of forming Neighborhood Business District Merchant Associations • $362,500 annual allocation (2015) • 6 Neighborhood Business District Merchant Associations formed to date • Intent to onboard 2 new districts during 2019 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Purpose Purpose • Framework aims to leverage economic benefits of concentrated activity in defined districts. districts in Austin. • Districts serve as tourist attractions, offering diverse experiences. • Framework provides guidance for organizing and resourcing economic and cultural • Well-defined districts support thriving commerce and cultural preservation. • Unified management, branding, programming, and improvements amplify economic impact and foster synergy among stakeholders. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Defining Districts Economic and Cultural District Definition • Economic and Cultural districts (ECDs) are compact areas (¼ to 1 ½ mile) rich in creative, cultural, and commercial assets. • ECDs contain concentrations of creative, cultural, entertainment, heritage, or commercial assets that contribute to neighborhood supportive commerce • ECDs make use of a variety of economic, value capture, and focused regulatory tools • ECDs are typically stewarded by district management entities independent of the City of Austin. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Types of Districts • Economic - Contain a high proportion of commercial, entertainment, or cultural uses that help anchor …
Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution on Climate Fee June 26, 2024 WHEREAS, it is the Joint Sustainability Committee’s responsibility to advise “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”, and WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal established by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan is to achieve “net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path followed by negative emissions” that translates to approximately 75% reduction in emission by 2030; and WHEREAS the Joint Sustainability Committee identified over $2.24 billion in one time costs and $96.14 million in ongoing expenses for implementing the Austin Climate Equity Plan and associated city plans; and WHEREAS increasing pressures on the city budget and utility rates will make funding the identified sustainability needs very difficult without a new source of revenue; and WHEREAS other cities have implemented dedicated fees to fund sustainability needs; and WHEREAS the City of Austin already utilizes dedicated fees to fund certain sustainability needs, including at Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery; and WHEREAS funding from existing fees is insufficient in magnitude to fund all existing need and existing fees can only be used to fund certain programs; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin City Council and the City Manager actively pursue establishing a new Green Fee to help fill the funding gap for implementing the Austin Climate Equity Plan and associated city plans, including: ● Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan ● Austin Strategic Mobility Plan ● Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan ● Water Forward ● Watershed Protection Strategic Plan ● Austin/Travis County Food Plan ● One Austin: Climate Resilience Action Plan ● Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan ● Urban Forest Plan This new fee should be structured to provide predictable revenue and should be paid by both residents and businesses.
Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Joint Sustainability Committee Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA June 26, 2024 Agenda Program Information Priority Climate Action Plan ● Emissions Inventory ● Implementation Grant Comprehensive Climate Action Plan ● Process ● Timeline ● How to Get Involved Climate Pollution Reduction Grant ● Funding across the US for regional and state climate planning our region’s efforts ● City of Austin Office of Sustainability leading ● Several deliverables due over four years ● Planning covers the 5 county region: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell 3 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant March 2024 ● Deliverable 1: Priority Climate Action Plan ○ Completed March 1, a quick sprint ○ Focused list of near-term, high-priority, implementation-ready measures to reduce GHGs August 2025 Priority Climate Action Plan ● Submitted Mar 1 ● Regional GHG inventory ● GHG reduction measures ○ GHG analysis ○ Benefit/co-pollutant analysis ○ LIDAC benefits analysis ○ Workforce analysis ○ Funding analysis ○ Review of authority 2022 GHG Emissions in the Region Comprehensive methodology, results are representative of real emissions in the region Relatively low compared to others in Texas and even nationally ● Houston-Galveston - 31.5 MT CO2e ● Dallas-Fort Worth - 12.9 MT CO2e ● San Francisco Bay Area - 10.9 MT CO2e 2022 GHG Emissions in the Region GHG Emissions by County Legend Per Capita Emissions Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measures ● Key part of deliverable - identification of near-term, implementation-ready greenhouse gas reduction measures + analyses on each ● Input from staff in the region every two weeks ● Workshop, staff intake form, public survey ● Input from Community and Stakeholder Advisory group (30+ members) monthly Project Ideas Scoped Projects Community & Stakeholder Input Analysis ‘Long List’ of Measures GHG Reduction Impact Regional Scope LIDAC benefits Quick to Implement Not covered by other govts In PCAP Implementation Grant Application Advance to ‘Short List’ Priority GHG Reduction Measures Emission Reduction (MT CO2e) 2025-2030 2031-2050 TRANSPOR- TATION BUILDINGS AND ENERGY WATER AND LAND Implement Transportation Demand Management programs 860,806 725,426 Encourage and subsidize Renewable Diesel fuel (R99) availability 705,137 1,127,532 Install community solar and battery storage 50,357 132,429 Implement holistic building-wide upgrades to municipal buildings 27,214 47,236 Implement water conservation programs 34,224 99,379 Implement community-driven tree planting and forest restoration program 41,068 115,854 Cumulative Emissions Avoided by GHG Reduction Measure CPRG Implementation Grants Transportation Demand Management ● COA Transportation and Public Works + TxDOT, CapMetro, CARTS ● $47.85 million ● Mobility …
Climate Fee Joint Sustainability Committee Rohan Lilauwala, Climate Project Manager Office of Sustainability June 26, 2024 1 What are we really trying to achieve? ● Austin is a leader in climate action, one of only four major US Cities with the most aggressive climate goal (net-zero by 2040), and one only five that centers equity. ● Community members, organizations, activists, stakeholders, and City Council are pushing to make progress on climate and environmental goals. ● Creating and passing plans (like the Austin Climate Equity Plan) with no budget and funding plan sets us up for failure. ● Council Resolution No. 20240215-025 forced us to have a conversation around what projects should be priorities and how could pay for them. 2 What are we really trying to achieve? Status Quo: Identify Projects, then Find Money ● Too many projects, hard to prioritize, hard to categorize ● Maybe we find money, maybe we don’t ● No matter how much money is found, stakeholders are unhappy because everything won’t be funded and the process is unclear 3 What are we really trying to achieve? Status Quo: Identify Projects, then Find Money Climate Fee: Have Money, then Identify and Spend on Projects ● Too many projects, hard to prioritize, hard to categorize ● Maybe we find money, maybe we don’t ● No matter how much money is found, stakeholders are unhappy because everything won’t be funded and the process is unclear ● We have a set $ amount to spend and that’s clear to everyone ● Generate project ideas, analyze them, ● prioritize and fit into the budget allowed Some don’t get what they want, but stakeholders feel heard, spending and process is transparent 4 Portland Clean Energy Fund ● Funded by a 1% gross receipts tax on large retailers, approved by voters in 2018 with 65% in support, with support of community-based organizations. ● Portland Clean Energy Fund supports clean energy projects and job training, rooted in climate and environmental justice. ● Guided by the PCEF committee,charged with evaluating the effectiveness of the program in achieving the goals laid out in the Climate Investment Plan. 5 Portland Clean Energy Fund ● Expects to raise $750 million by 2028, spending plan passed in 2023, and features: ○ Planting 25,000 trees in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods to increase tree canopy. ○ Adding energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies in new and redeveloped affordable multifamily housing. ○ Making schools …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 __________Joint Sustainability Committee_____________ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. The JSC passed the following recommendations over the last year: - July 26, 2023 o 20230726-7 Recommendation of Proposal to Preserve the Independence of the Offices of Sustainability, Resilience, Equity, and Civil Rights o 20230823-6 Recommendation on Multifamily Composting Ordinance o 20230927-010 Recommendation for accelerating implementation of the Austin - August 23, 2023 - September 27, 2023 Climate Equity Plan - December 13, 2023 - January 24, 2024 o 20231213-007 Recommendation for support of Austin Energy Resource Planning o 20240124-002 Recommendations on amendments to the Ausitn Climate Equity Plan on telework and disposal rate goals - February 28, 2024 o 20240228-013 Recommendation on supporting Pro-Climate Food Choices in the Austin Food Plan o Approved amendment to bylaws to add a member from the Austin Travis County Public Health Commission to the Joint Sustainability Committee. o 20240228-015 Recommendation for Support of the goals of the Great Streets Initiative that contribute to the Green Infrastructure Resolution. o 20240228-017 Recommendation for Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin - March 27, 2024 - April 30, 2024 o 20240228-014 Recommendations for City of Austin FY25 Budget o 20240327-006 Recommendations on the FY 24-25 Budget o 20240430-002 Recommendation for Environmental Investment Plan Funding 2. Determine if the board’s actions throughout the year comply with the mission statement. (If any of the board’s actions were outside the scope of the mission statement, the report should explain the non-compliance issues.) All of the Joint Sustainability Committees actions complied with its mission statement. 3. List the board’s goals and objectives for the new calendar year. (Make sure the goals and objectives fall within the mission statement of the board/commission.) 1. Oversee and contribute to the implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by working with all city departments, city management and the Austin City Council to evaluate and expand efforts to reduce emissions within City operations and in the community 2. Monitor and advise on effective communication of progress to implement the Austin Climate Equity Plan via the Dashboard, with an emphasis on increasing the level …
Austin Population Change and Demographic Trends Joint Inclusion Committee June 26, 2024 Austin’s population has been doubling every 20 to 25 years. Recent growth has been at a slower rate. 1,137,983 961,855 974,447 Period of greatest growth 656,562 Period of fastest growth since 1900 251,808 National Ranking: 73rd 67th 56th 42nd 27th 16th 14th 11th 10th Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Censuses 1870 – 2020; 2022 Vintage Census Bureau Population Estimates; 2025, 2030 CoA Projections. 2 1,250,000 1,000,000 750,000 500,000 250,000 .974 million 4,428 0 Diversity has always been a part of Austin’s growth history. 900000 800000 700000 600000 500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0 First time Hispanics were broken out from White. Black population split into “free” and “slave”. Initially measured simply as “Chinese”. “Mexican” included in Other Race. White Hispanic Black 1850 628 1860 2505 1870 2813 1880 7407 1900 1890 10956 16414 22366 27928 38209 73025 114652 161806 184859 232324 287166 353706 385271 452994 1940 1930 1950 1960 1990 2020 1970 1980 2010 2000 1910 1920 American Indian & Alaska Native Asian & Pacific Islander Population 9 10 1 8 2 14 22 27 29 4 40 10 107 39 184 170 622 1,003 1,756 1,967 2,002 3,642 14,141 31,421 49,560 86,381 1 989 1615 3587 3610 5822 7478 6921 14861 17667 24413 29845 42118 55824 66738 60760 66002 5014 9868 36623 64766 106868 200579 277707 312448 Asian & Pacific Islander Population American Indian & Alaska Native Black Hispanic White Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Historical Census 1790-1990; Texas Demographic Center 1980-2000; data.census.gov 2010-2020 3 Race & Ethnicity Questions on the Census through History White Black Asian American Indian or Alaska Native Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Another Hispanic Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/interactives/what-census-calls-us/ 4 Where do Austinites come from? Place of Birth, 2022 Total Population Hispanics Asians Born in Texas Born in other US State Native born, outside US Born in Another Country 48% 32% 2% 18% 58% 13% 2% 27% 19% 18% 2% 61% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-Year Estimates Note: Figures in red represent a decrease since 2012, in blue an increase since 2012. 5 Components of Population Change, Austin Metro Area, 2022-2023 Drivers of Growth Migration continues to be a major component of growth to the Austin metro area. Migration from other parts of Texas and other states made up 45% of the growth in the Austin metro area between July …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: 20240626-005: UPDATE TO THE DOWNTOWN AUSTIN PLAN WHEREAS in 2005, the Austin City Council passed a resolution calling for the adoption of a Downtown Austin Plan (Original DAP); and WHEREAS in 2011 the City Council adopted the Original DAP; and WHEREAS in 2010, Austin’s Downtown population was estimated to be 9,343, by 2020 it had grown to 13,041, and now is estimated to be 15,360; and WHEREAS in 2010, there were 4,675 dwelling units Downtown, by 2020 approximately 9,343 dwelling, and now it is estimated that there are more than 10,300 dwelling units; and WHEREAS there is 7.2 million square feet of construction underway with an additional 14.3 million square feet of space planned for Downtown, including more than 3,000 additional dwelling units; and WHEREAS additional residential, office and hotel developments are likely to occur throughout Downtown over the next 10 years; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was drafted to provide Austin with a roadmap for addressing the anticipated challenges facing Downtown over the subsequent 10 years; and WHEREAS the COVID 19 Pandemic caused an unforseen shift in how Austinites and visitors use and experience Downtown presenting an array of challenges and opportunities; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was intended as both a vision for Downtown as well an action plan to encourage Downtown to become more economically vibrant, livable, walkable, mobile, inclusive, diverse, and culturally alive; and WHEREAS that Original DAP’s 10-year lifecycle ended in 2021; and WHEREAS because of the complexity and breadth of the Original DAP, numerous departments within the City of Austin are charged with accomplishing various aspects of the plan including Transportation and Public Works, Economic Development (+Urban Design), Parks and Recreation, Planning (+Historic Preservation); and WHEREAS responsibility for implementing the various elements of the Original DAP is spread among numerous departments with little centralized control, oversight or accountability; and WHEREAS the charter of the Downtown Commission explicitly states that its charge is to oversee the implementation of the DAP; and WHEREAS the charge of other City of Austin Boards and Commissions intersect with their respective departments without engagement of the Downtown Commission whose charge is specific to the DAP; and WHEREAS significant progress has occurred in accomplishing some of the goals of the Original Dap, elements of that Original DAP are still not realized, viable or relevant; and WHEREAS new challenges and opportunities have arisen in downtown since …
