JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a special meeting on WEDNESDAY, October 23rd, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Vice-Chair RICHARD BONDI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:09 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lisa Chang Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin & Nayer Sikder Commissions With Vacancies: Commissioners Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs African American Resource Advisory Commission: Commissioners Elaina Fowler or Antonio Ross Human Rights Commission: Commissioners Morgan Davis or Muneeb “Meebs”Aslam AGENDA REVISED 1 3. 4. 5. 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. Cierra Maddison expresses gratitude for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s agenda item approving a Recommendation in support of Sunday Sessions ATX and that she will share the upcoming JIC’s community input meetings for the City’s FY26 budget. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2024. The minutes are approved at the October 23rd, 2024 Special Called meeting on COMMISSIONER LISA CHANG’s motion, COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’S second, on a 6-0 vote. (Off the dais: Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Commissioner Sonny Si, and Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission’s Amanda Afifi. Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commissions’ Elaina Fowler and Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner Morgan Davis.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on community input collected at the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices session on October 2nd, 2024. Discussion on what was shared during sessions. Discussion on the next steps from Commission on Aging requesting a City of Austin Implicit Bias Day. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI shares about connecting with Marion Sanchez through the Commission on Aging because the We All the Belong campaign is like the purpose of the event and there could be funding for it; shares that a public proclamation may be made; shares possibilities …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT December 18th, 2024 at 6 pm Austin Energy – Mueller Assembly Room 1111 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Marissa Bell Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Vacant Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant Committee. DISCUSSION 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 November 20th, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability 2. Low Carbon Concrete in Portland, OR – Cary Watters, City of Portland 3. Austin’s Urban Forest – Emily King, Development Services Department 4. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee preparation to make recommendations for the FY 25-26 budget 5. Discussion of updated JSC priorities for the Land Acquisition Fund 6. Update on the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan – Kaiba White, Electric Utility Commission 7. Update on the Congress Avenue Urban Design plans – Diana Wheeler, Urban Transportation Commission 8. Update on PFAS water testing and the approval of the Water Forward 2024 plan, Water Conservation Plan, and the Drought Contingency Plan – Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Water and Wastewater Commission …
Special Called Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, December 18th 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST City of Austin Permitting and Development Center Room #1401 & 1402 (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin Texas 78752) and some members may be attending via videoconference Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity 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 Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Diana Melendez Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Jennifer Powell Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Lisa Chang 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on OCTOBER 23RD, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Briefing on updates and opportunities for the City’s Open Government Partnership. (Ana DeFrates, Research Program Lead, Office of Innovation; Amanda Jasso, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager) Discussion on maintaining quorum through the FY2025-26 Budget Recommendation writing period by using the City’s holdover period. Discussion on the make-up session for the November 6th JIC’s Community Voices …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING November 20, 2024 MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Charlotte Davis, Anna Scott, Marissa Bell, Haris Qureshi Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diana Wheeler, Amy Noel, Lane Becker, Rodrigo Leal, Christopher Campbell, Heather House Board Members Absent: Yure Suarez, Natalie Poindexter, Melissa Rothrock City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer, Braden Latham-Jones, Angela Baucom, Sara Norris, Amy Everhart, Lisa Martin CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:07 pm. 1. Approval of minutes from the October 23rd, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Commissioners request edits: o Notation standardization o Discussion item #5 of land acquisition has no content underneath it. Please revise to say “the committee discussed the item” in lieu of leaving it blank o Clean up the consistency of how the commissioners are referred to (first initial and last name, or other). Please standardize throughout. • Approved 12-0 on Qureshi motion, Maxwell-Gaines second. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommendation in support of the city pursuing a Low Carbon Transportation Materials Grant (moved up from 7) a. City is pursuing this. Discussion of letter in support. Vote would be to add the JSC to the letter with the intention of having other local organizations sign on as well. Due date is Monday. b. Diana Wheeler moves to approve JSC signing onto letter and Anna seconds c. Unanimous approval 3. Recommendation on Austin Energy Generation Plan (moved up from 6) a. Lisa Martin with AE presented: Resource Generation Plan last one was adopted in 2020 and a lot of new risks have been identified, including growth in population, data centers and AI, changes in weather and climate impacts, and changes in the ERCOT market. Council in 2022 directed AE to update the plan, and since then AE has been working on the process to update it along with a 40 member stakeholder group representing a diverse group of Austinites to move towards meeting the full range of needs in a reliable and affordable way. The plan will be published and shared next week in draft form and will be voted on by council in December. The plan itself focused on addressing risks by starting with prioritizing customer energy solutions. Once those are maximized, looking at how …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee Draft Meeting Minutes October 16, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison, Paul Ray Books, at 512-974-3173, Paul.Books@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Alejandra Flores (Chair) Claire Hempel (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Felicity Maxwell Lonny Stern CALL TO ORDER Meeting started at 6:03 pm No public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of the September 18, 2024, meeting minutes. On a motion by Commissioner Azhar seconded by Commissioner Maxwell, the minutes from the September 18, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously (5-0) with Vice Chair Hempel and Commissioner Greenberg absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1 DRAFT 2. Hays Commons Site-Specific Save Our Springs (SOS) Amendment Initiation. Discussion and possible action to recommend initiation of site-specific amendments to City Code Chapter 25-8, Subchapter A, Article 13 of the Save Our Springs Initiative as necessary for the Hays Commons Municipal Utility District. City Staff: Sean Watson, Watershed Protection Department, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov, 512- 963-2167. Sean Watson presented. On a motion by Commissioner Azhar, seconded by Commissioner Maxwell the Committee recommended initiation of the code amendment to the Planning Commission on a vote of 5-2 with Commissioners Greenberg and Stern against. 3. C20-2024-024 Colorado River Protections. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to increase water quality and erosion protections along the Colorado River below Longhorn Dam. City Staff: Liz Johnston, Watershed Protection Department, Liz.Johnston@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2619; Matt Hollon, Watershed Protection Department, Matt.Hollon@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2238. Liz Johnston presented. Commissioner Azhar moved to forward the staff recommendation to the Planning Commission, seconded by Commissioner Maxwell. Commissioner Anderson moved to consider an amendment to recommend staff create a map for public consumption before October 28th. The amendment passed unanimously (6-0) with …
A RECOMMENDATION TO RESTRICT SOME COMMERCIAL USES ON IMAGINE AUSTIN CORRIDORS WHEREAS the Imagine Austin Plan included several stated livability objectives, including: ● Promote a compact and connected city, ● Development occurring in connected and pedestrian-friendly patterns supporting transit and urban lifestyles and reducing sprawl, while protecting and enhancing neighborhoods, ● Development occurring across the city in a manner friendly to families with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, ● Austin's unique character and local businesses being recognized as a vital part of our community, ● Clear guidelines supporting both quality development and preservation that sustain and improve Austin's character and provide certainty for residents and the business community, ● Austin's diverse population being active and healthy, with access to locally-grown, nourishing foods, and affordable healthcare; and WHEREAS the “Imagine Austin Growth Concept Map” is one of the “Imagine Austin Decision Guidelines” incorporated into the Comprehensive Decision Making Matrix included in the Zoning Change Review Sheet provided by City of Austin Staff for review by the Zoning & Platting Commission; and WHEREAS the Imagine Austin Growth Concept Map includes Imagine Austin Activity Corridors, which are meant to facilitate a “long-term shift toward transit, walking and biking” and zoning policy along these corridors should enhance transit-supportive uses, encourage more intentional and equitable land stewardship with increased bicycle, pedestrian, and transit connectivity, housing options and opportunities, public realm activation, and new economic opportunities near public transit; THEREFORE, be it resolved that the following are PROHIBITED uses on properties located on an Imagine Austin Activity Corridor: COMMERCIAL USES: ● Agricultural Sale and Services ● Campground ● Carriage Stable ● Convenience Storage ● Drop-off Recycling Collection Facility ● Electronic Testing ● Equipment Repair Services ● Equipment Sales ● Exterminating Services ● Funeral Services ● Marina ● Recreational Equipment Maintenance & Storage ● Recreational Equipment Sales ● Research Assembly Services ● Research Testing Services ● Research Warehousing Services ● Scrap and Salvage ● Service Station ● Stables ● Vehicle Storage INDUSTRIAL USES: ● Basic Industry ● General Warehousing and Distribution ● Recycling Center ● Resource Extraction AGRICULTURAL USES: ● Animal Production? ● Crop Production? ● Indoor Crop Production? ● Alternative Financial Services ● Automotive Sales ● Automotive Rentals ● Automotive Repair Services ● Automotive Washing ● Building Maintenance Services ● Electronic Prototype Assembly ● Pawn Shop Services ● Pedicab Storage and Dispatch ● Special Use Historic INDUSTRIAL USES: ● Custom Manufacturing ● Bail Bond Services …
A RECOMMENDATIONTO ALLOW SOME COMMERCIAL USES IN RESIDENTIAL ZONES WHEREAS current City of Austin land use separates residential homes from commercial uses, making it difficult for individuals to access services without the use of an automobile; and WHEREAS single family homes are traditionally an attractive option for families, including members that may not own or be able to drive; and WHEREAS a majority of Austin’s residential neighborhoods were built after 1960 and therefore were not designed on a walkable, grid pattern; and WHEREAS some of Austin’s most beloved, central neighborhoods (i.e., Clarksville, Hyde Park, Crestview, Bouldin) offer historic and replicable examples of how a mix of housing types and commercial uses can be compatible with neighborhood life and encourage walkability; and WHEREAS auto-centric development patterns don’t support the same kind of social interactions, neighborhood cohesion or safety via “eyes on the street” that walkable neighborhoods do; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s Strategic Mobility Plan has identified a 50/50 mode split goal by 2039 and many personal trips are within 2.5 miles of the home, which is beyond the reach of walking; and WHEREAS walking or riding a bicycle on major arterial roads is an uncomfortable or unsafe option for many residents – particularly the young, those living with disabilities, and older adults; and WHEREAS many residents cannot access medical, counseling, pet, convenience or personal improvement services – services that support aging in place – without the support of a driver at personal expense or the support of social services; and WHEREAS many parts of the city of Austin include grocery store deserts, transit deserts and medical services deserts – with no current hospital operating east of IH-35; and WHEREAS we eliminated parking minimums across the city of Austin in order to, among other goals, allow more affordable housing to be within walking distance to small scale commercial businesses; and WHEREAS the Imagine Austin Plan included several stated livability objectives, including: ● Promote a compact and connected city, ● Development occurring in connected and pedestrian-friendly patterns supporting transit and urban lifestyles and reducing sprawl, while protecting and enhancing neighborhoods, ● Development occurring across the city in a manner friendly to families with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, ● Austin's unique character and local businesses being recognized as a vital part of our community, Page 1 of 3 ● Clear guidelines supporting both quality development and preservation that sustain and …
Case Number Name Description Initiated By Resolution Stage Status Active Code Amendment Cases - November 2024 C20-2024-022 Density Bonus for Commercial Highway & Industrial Zones (DB240) Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a new density bonus combining district for commercial highway and industrial base zoning districts that will modify uses (including allowing residential use); and modifications of site development regulations (including height), off-street parking design and loading regulations, sign regulations, landscaping or screening regulations in exchange for providing community benefits, including income restricted units or providing a fee-in-lieu. City Council 20240718-091 Review and Adoption C20-2024-021 Safety Bollards Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to require the installation of crash-rated bollards or other similar safety barriers to prevent vehicle-into-building crashes at the pedestrian entrances of medical facilities with nearby vehicular traffic. City Council 20240718-092 Review and Adoption Lead Department Sub Department Planning In Process - ➡ Codes & Ordinances 9/18/2024 ➡ Planning Commission 10/22/2024 (Postponed 10/8/2024) ➡ City Council 11/21/2024 (Postponed 11/7/2024 & 10/24/2024) In Process - ➡ Codes & Ordinances 10/16/2024 ➡ Planning Commission 12/10/2024 (Postponed 11/12/2024) ➡ City Council 12/12/2024 Timeline to be determined. TPW Planning C20-2024-020 Preservation Bonus Update Phase 2 Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to make additional updates to the Preservation Bonus Program. City Council 20240718-090 Development and Engagement C20-2024-018 DDB/Downtown Amendments Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to modify the Downtown Density Bonus program including height and FAR allowances, subdistrict boundaries, and parking standards. City Council 20240718-185 Development and Engagement Anticipating review and adoption by December 2025. Planning C20-2024-017 Planned Development Area 2 (PDA2) Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to create a new combining district, to be known as Planned Development Area 2, that will apply in industrial base zoning districts and allow for modifications to site development regulations (including height), off-street parking design and loading regulations, sign regulations, landscaping or screening regulations, and additional non-residential uses. City Council 20240718-091 Review and Adoption C20-2024-016 Preservation Bonus Update Ph 1 Amend City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to allow two new housing units to reach 0.65 FAR if the third housing unit on the site is an existing preserved housing unit, and with no new individual unit exceeding 0.4 FAR. City Council 20240718-090 Planning In Process - ➡ Codes & Ordinances 9/18/2024 ➡ Planning Commission 10/22/2024 (Postponed 10/8/2024) ➡ City Council 11/21/2024 (Postponed 11/7/2024 & 10/24/2024) Anticipating …
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVE CODE AMENDMENTS NOVEMBER 2024 LEAD CASE NO. CODE AMENDMENT 2024 2025 JUL JUN NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC DENSITY BONUS COMPREHENSIVE STUDY A comprehensive analysis with recommendations to streamline, calibrate, and combine existing and proposed programs. PLD C20-2024-017 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AREA 2 (PDA2) PLD C20-2024-022 DB FOR COMMERCIAL HWY & INDUSTRIAL (DB240) DSD C20-2023-045 SITE PLAN LITE PH 2 & INFILL LOTS WPDC20-2022-025 COLORADO RIVER PROTECTIONS TPW C20-2024-021 SAFETY BOLLARDS PLD N/A DENSITY BONUS COMPREHENSIVE STUDY PLD C20-2024-003 EAST RIVERSIDE CORRIDOR REG. PLAN UPDATE DSD C20-2024-014 STR MODIFICATIONS DSD C20-2024-016 PRESERVATION BONUS UPDATE PHASE 1 DSD C20-2024-013 ARTICLE 9 LANDSCAPING DSD C20-2024-015 TREE PRESERVATION & PLANTING REQUIREMENTS PLD C20-2024-010 UNO UPDATE WPDC20-2022-025 GREENFIELD DRAINAGE FOR REDEVELOPED SITES PLD C20-2024-004 ETOD OVERLAY (PH 2) PLD N/A NEW ZONING DISTRICTS STUDY HD C20-2023-037 S.M.A.R.T. HOUSING UPDATES PH 2 PLD TBD DENSITY BONUS COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENTS PLD C20-2024-008 DOWNTOWN PARKING MODIFICATIONS PH 2 PLD C20-2024-018 DDB/DOWNTOWN AMENDMENTS PLD C20-2023-023 NOTIFICATION MODIFICATION PLD TBD NEW ZONING DISTRICTS PLD TBD HOME (FUTURE PHASES) PLD TBD CRESTVIEW TOD UPDATE PLD C20-2018-004 MIRRORED GLASS AE C20-2023-014 UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC UTILITY DISTRIBUTION LINES PLD C20-2023-031 FRONT OR SIDE YARD PARKING FILING DEADLINES PLD C20-2023-032 MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHENT FILING DEADLINES PLD C20-2023-036 TENANT NOTIFICATION AND RELOCATION PH 2 TIMELINES TO BE DETERMINED PLD C20-2022-003 SOUTH CENTRAL WATERFRONT COMB. DIS. & DB PLD C20-2024-002 NBG REG. PLAN (SIGNAGE) DSD C20-2023-003 SUBSTANDARD LOTS TPW C20-2023-040 ELIMINATE MIN. PARKING REQUIREMENTS PH 2 PLD C20-2024-012 NBG REG. PLAN (BONUS PROGRAM) PLD C20-2024-020 PRESERVATION BONUS UPDATE PHASE 2 PLD N/A CRESTVIEW TOD HEIGHT AMENDMENT STAFF RECOMMENDS ADDRESSING THESE ITEMS THROUGH MORE COMPREHENSIVE CODE AMENDMENTS ADDRESS BY C20-2023-045 SITE PLAN LITE PHASE 2 & INFILL LOTS: DSD C20-2021-002 AFFORDABILITY UNLOCKED SITE PLAN CHANGES ADDRESS BY NEW ZONING DISTRICTS: PLD C20-2022-018 NOXIOUS LAND USES PLD C20-2023-007 TOWN ZONING (COULD BE ADDRESSED THROUGH THE DENSITY BONUS COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENTS) ADDRESS BY DENSITY BONUS COMPREHENSIVE AMENDMENTS: HD C20-2023-016 SINGLE FAMILY OWNERSHIP BONUS PROGRAM HD C20-2023-017 AFFORDABILTY UNLOCKED EXPANSION PLD C20-2023-042 PUBLIC SAFETY DENSITY BONUS ADDRESS BY C20-2024-010 UNO UPDATE: PLD C20-2024-005 UNO HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ADDRESS BY C20-2024-018 DDB/DOWNTOWN AMENDMENTS PLD C20-2024-008 DOWNTOWN PARKING MODIFICATIONS PH 2 CHART KEY LEAD DEPARTMENT AE AUSTIN ENERGY DSD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT EDD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HD HOUSING DEPARTMENT PLD PLANNING DEPARTMENT TPW TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WPD WATERSHED PROTECTION DEPARTMENT LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, November 20, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael Jr., Vice-Chair Peter Breton Charles Peveto David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Anne-Charlotte Patterson Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Jennifer Franklin Amy Mok CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:36 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 16, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on October The minutes from the meeting on October 16, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION ITEMS Wednesday, November 20, 2024 2. Presentation on benchmarking downtown plans in comparable cities by Melissa Barry, Chief Program Officer, Downtown Austin Alliance, and discussion of the update to the Downtown Austin Plan. The presentation was made by Melissa Barry, Chief Program Officer, Downtown Austin Alliance. 3. Presentation on the Great Streets Plan by Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 4. Presentation on the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative by Laura Dierenfield, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. The presentation was made by Laura Dierenfield, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a Working Group to contribute input to the update of the Downtown Austin Plan. The motion to approve the formation of a Working Group to contribute input to the update of the Downtown Austin Plan was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal was off the dais. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Levinson, Peveto and Shifferd were added to the working group without objection. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Waterloo Greenway (Harris, Levinson) ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:25 pm without any objection.
Downtown Austin Plan Update Downtown Commission December 18, 2024 Agenda Background Pre-Planning Process Next Steps A Background: …The 2011 Downtown Austin Plan 2011 Downtown Austin Plan 7 Transformative Steps 1). Create Signature Parks 2). Urban Rail 3). East 6th Street “Re-imagined” 4). Affordable Housing 5). Downtown Infrastructure 6). LDC Amendments 7). “Central-City” Economic Development Corporation 4 How It Works! 7 Total Plan Elements – 7 Overall Goals – 30 Recommendations – 114 Actions – Key Considerations 9 Downtown Districts (Sub-Areas) – Individual Goals – Character & Form 5 Downtown Austin Plan (Resolution No. 20240814-028) …The Update! Resolution No. 2024084-028 • Initiate updates to the Downtown Austin Plan […], covering the next 10 years at minimum, reviewing updates through an equitable, resilient, and sustainable lens. • Engage with stakeholders […] in envisioning the future of Downtown, identifying the needs of those who live, work, and visit Downtown, and identifying solutions. • Ensure the implementation and coordination of recently completed projects and plans that are shaping Downtown’s future, to incorporate the needs of unique features of Downtown, and to address the issues that affect growth [ ]. 7 Resolution No. 2024084 - 028 • Provide detailed information for implementation including cost estimates, potential partners, funding opportunities, financial tools, and any necessary code amendments for identified projects, programs, policies, and infrastructure recommendations. • Provide a memo to Council by Mid-February, outlining estimated cost, scope, and preliminary timeline of the Downtown Austin Plan update, identifying City staff resources, and potential external partnerships or third parties that can assist in providing resources for plan development. 8 “How do we know where we are going if we don’t know where we are at?” The Pre – Planning Process August 2024 - March 2025 Preliminary Research – Implementation Status Review* – Initial Stakeholder Engagement* Produce Draft (February) – Scope (V1) – Timeline (V1) Cost Estimate (March) – Estimate based on Scope (V1) *Ongoing Activity beyond March 2025 March 2025 – June 2025 Council Approval of Direction Preliminary Research (cont’d.) – Implementation Status Review* – Broadened Initial Stakeholder Engagement* Synthesize Findings – 2011 DAP Implementation Status Report – Initial Stakeholder Findings Report Produce Final – Updated Scope (V1) / Potential Scope (V2), – Updated Timeline (V1) / Potential Timeline (V2) – Updated Cost Estimate (V1) / Potential Cost Estimate (V2) 10 2011 DAP Implementation Status Review Activity 1: …
CITY OF PORTLAND LOW CARBON CONCRETE INITIATIVE City of Austin Joint Sustainability Commission December 18th, 2024 Cary Watters Sustainable Procurement Program Manager Agenda • Origin of the initiative • Initiative development • Pilot projects • Embodied carbon threshold • Exemptions • Misconceptions • Lessons learned • Open discussion 2 Origin of the initiative 2016 Sustainable Supply Chain Analysis 3 Timeline of City and State Partnership to Advancement of Low Carbon Concrete City of Portland Concrete EPD Requirements for City Projects City of Portland Buy Clean policy developed Advisory committee Data collection Pilot projects Concrete Embodied Carbon (GWP) Threshold Requirements 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 State of Oregon Concrete EPD Incentive Program Buy Clean legislation introduced, did not pass Buy Clean legislation introduced again, did not pass Buy Clean Oregon Passes (DOT only) State of Oregon 4 Steps in the initiative: Convened a committee of stakeholders. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Established a product-specific EPD requirement for concrete mixes used on City projects Established a baseline average EPD for Portland area for Portland cement concrete Conducted pilot tests of lower-embodied carbon concrete mixes Established requirements for GWP thresholds for concrete mixes 5 Step 1: Low Carbon Concrete Committee Representing Stakeholder Type City of Portland – Sustainable Procurement Program City Bureau/Committee Convener City of Portland – Water Bureau City of Portland – Bureau of Transportation City of Portland – Bureau of Environmental Services - Materials Testing Lab Oregon Department of Environmental Quality 4 Portland area ready-mix suppliers 3 structural and materials engineers 3 contractors – residential, commercial, infrastructure Architect City Bureau City Bureau City Bureau Engineers Contractor Designer Subject Matter Expert – Low Carbon Concrete Concrete Producers 6 Step 2: City of Portland Low Carbon Concrete Procurement Policy for EPDs 7 Step 2: City of Portland Low Carbon Concrete Procurement Policy for EPDs • EPDs are submitted as part of the specifications submittal for a concrete mix • Our staff reviews EPD for: • Is the EPD current (not expired) • Is the EPD 3rd-party verified • Rare issues concrete EPD • One Bureau submitted the EPD for the cement, but not the ready-mix 8 Step 3: Determine a baseline • GWP range of the 1100 published EPDs in Portland region (2019) • 17 plants, 4 producers • Portland skewed higher than PNW average 9 EPD Mobile Mix Concrete in Portland • Link to EPD for Mobile Mix Concrete …
Austin's Tree Canopy Presentation for the Joint Sustainability Committee D e c e m b e r 2 0 2 4 Presentation Overview • Austin's urban forest stats • How equity fits in • Additional tools Significant Benefits https://texasforestinfo.tamu.edu/urbanforeststats/assets/standard/AustinTX2022.pdf 2022 Tree Canopy & Plantable Space Heading 41% Canopy Cover 39K Acres of new canopy needed to meet 50% canopy cover goal. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d9ba0b99c60b4b8395414a09c4533949 The City of Austin measures tree canopy every 4 years using the calculation: tree canopy area divided by land area. The canopy cover number uses the City of Austin's boundary, inclusive of full purpose, limited purpose, and extraterritorial jurisdictions in May 2023. Analysis provided by Alan Halter, IT Geospatial Analyst Senior, Development Services Department, Urban Forest Program Growing our canopy, equitably Community Tree Priority Map • Organized into 2 categories: • High • Low • Includes 9 data inputs in these categories: • Environment • Social Vulnerability • Community Investment • Health & Well-Being https://www.austintexas.gov/blog/explore-austins-community-tree-priority-map Additional tools My City's Trees • Urban Forest Inventory and Analysis data • • Inventory statistics Summary Reports https://mct.tfs.tamu.edu/app Additional tools Tree Canopy • National tree canopy database • View tree canopy cover and land cover classes • Planning tool built-in https://hub.treesatwork.org/ Emily King Urban Forester Emily.King@AustinTexas.gov Follow Nature in the City for events, updates, job postings, and more! facebook.com/NatureCityATX instagram.com/NatureCityATX
MY CITY’S TREES Bringing the Nation’s Forest Census to Urban Areas Austin, Texas www.mycitystrees.com Created: December 13, 2024 INTRODUCTION Information presented in this report comes from the USDA Forest Service’s Urban Forest Inventory & Analysis (FIA) program. The Austin publication, Austin's Urban Forest, 2014, contains detailed information about the inventory. Readers are encouraged to view the publication to learn more about the Urban FIA program, inventory methods, assessment, and management implications. My City’s Trees is a web application enabling access and exploration of a city’s urban forest using Urban FIA data, U.S. Census data, and thematic spatial data. This report was generated from My City’s Trees on December 13, 2024. Austin, TX was selected for city, land cover was selected for theme, and Developed - Open, Developed - Low, Developed - Medium, Developed - High, Deciduous / Mixed Forest, Evergreen Forest, Shrub / Herbaceous, and Water / Barren were selected for classes (described below). Land cover classes are based on the 2019 National Land Cover Database (MRLC). CLASS Developed - Open Developed - Low Developed - Medium Developed - High Deciduous / Mixed Forest Evergreen Forest Shrub / Herbaceous Water / Barren DESCRIPTION Open space on developed land Low intensity developed land Medium intensity developed land High intensity developed land Deciduous forest, mixed forest, and woody wetland lands Evergreen forest land Shrub/scrub, grassland/herbaceous, pasture/hay, and cultivated crop lands Open water, barren land, and emergent herbaceous wetlands The city boundary is from the 2010 U.S. Census. The sample data used in this report were collected from 2014 to 2021. Population data is from the 2020 U.S. Census. Questions and comments about this application may be directed to Rebekah Zehnder, Texas A&M Forest Service, at (979) 458-6630 or mct@tfs.tamu.edu. Links My City’s Trees: www.mycitystrees.com Austin's Urban Forest, 2014: http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/50393 Urban FIA Program: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/programs/urbanfia A Note about Sampling Error Estimates are based on a sample and are therefore subject to sampling error. Urban FIA is designed to provide reliable estimates at the population level (e.g., the city boundary). In general, with more specific My City’s Trees • Austin, TX 2 www.mycitystrees.com estimates (e.g., publicly owned versus all ownerships, specific species, single class of theme, etc.) sampling errors will increase and the reliability of the estimate will decrease. Sampling errors should be considered in any application of the estimates presented here. While sampling errors are not included per se, the number of plots used …
TOTAL LIVING Overall Tree Population 40.7M ± 4.7M Number of Trees 28.4M LIVE TREES 1.0” – 4.9” DIAMETER ± 4.4M 12.2M LIVE TREES 5.0”+ DIAMETER ± 787K TOTAL DEAD Standing, 1.0”+ diameter 2.0M ± 372K Urban Forest Stats Data Collected 2014 to 2022 SAMPLE AREA map at bottom right PLOT COUNT plot size = 1/6 acre 195K AC 304 CASES/YEAR NEGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS AVOIDED 3.6K $12.2M / year 2.3K TONS/YEAR POLLUTION REMOVAL Austin Texas 563K $23.7M / year GIGAJOULES/YEAR REDUCED RESIDENTIAL ENERGY USE 196M CUBIC FEET/YEAR AVOIDED RUNOFF $13.1M / year $12.4B COMPENSATORY VALUE 361K TONS LEAF BIOMASS 1.7M TONS CARBON STORAGE TONS/YEAR CARBON ACCUMULATION $284M $23.2M / year 136K 97.6M CUBIC FEET WOOD VOLUME ASHE JUNIPER CEDAR ELM TEXAS PERSIMMON LIVE OAK SUGARBERRY 12M 30.2% 7.4M 18.1% 2.8M 6.9% 2.7M 6.8% 1.9M 4.6% 13.6M 33% 62 MORE SPECIES Top 5 MOST ABUNDANT Tree Species account for 67% of all LIVE TREES November 18, 2024 www.urbanforeststats.com Page 1 of 2 SAMPLE AREA Urban Forest Stats CONTINUED Austin’s Top 3 Tree Species LAND USE OWNERSHIP RESIDENTIAL OTHER DEVELOPED FOREST OTHER PUBLIC PRIVATE account for 14% of OTP account for 6% of OTP account for 80% of OTP account for <1% of OTP account for 55% of OTP account for 45% of OTP Cedar elm 775K Ashe juniper 630K Sugarberry 553K 5.75M TREES on 51.9K RESIDENTIAL AC Ashe juniper 410K Texas persimmon 287K Live oak 236K 2.46M TREES on 82.6K DEVELOPED AC Ashe juniper 11.2M Cedar elm 6.5M Texas persimmon 2.2M 32.4M TREES on 48.2K FOREST AC Ashe juniper 57K Honey mesquite 9.2K None — 66.5K TREES on 12.5K OTHER AC OVERALL TREE POPULATION DIAMETER (INCHES) Ashe juniper 6.3M Cedar elm 6.3M Texas persimmon 2.8M 28.4M Ashe juniper 4.2M Live oak 866K Cedar elm Ashe juniper 1.8M Live oak 687K Cedar elm Live oak 108K Ashe juniper 72K Pecan 743K 8.16M 348K 3.74M 19K 323K TREES with diameters 1.0” to 4.9” TREES with diameters 5.0” to 9.9” TREES with diameters 10.0” to 19.9” TREES with diameters 20.0” or greater Ashe juniper 7.3M Cedar elm 4.8M Chinese tallowtree 1.8M 22.3M TREES on 68.8K PUBLIC AC Ashe juniper 5.0M Cedar elm 2.5M Live oak 1.7M 18.3M TREES on 122.3K PRIVATE AC OVERALL TREE POPULATION MAINTAINED AREA Live oak 639K Sugarberry 603K Cedar elm 431K 4.59M TREES in areas MAINTAINED Ashe juniper 12.1M Cedar elm 6.9M Texas persimmon 2.6M 36.1M TREES in areas NOT MAINTAINED …
City of Austin & Open Government Partnership Presentation to Joint Inclusion Commission December 18, 2024 Special Called Meeting The Open Government Partnership In 2011, government leaders and civil society advocates came together to create a unique partnership - one that combines these powerful forces to promote transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable governance. The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multilateral initiative aimed at securing commitments from national and sub-national governments to promote open government, combat corruption, and improve governance. OGP By the Numbers 75 countries 104 local members 400+ action plans 5,000+ commitments 3 OGP Austin’s Origin Story OGP Austin Created City Council Resolution 20160225-017 confirmed the City of Austin’s interest in participating in the Open Government Partnership (OGP). 2017 2016 Action Plan Two Created Four commitments: ● ● ● ● Public Safety Data Transparency Inclusion in Court Contracting Community Housing Climate Resilience 2024 . 2019 Action Plan One Created Five commitments addressing: ● ● ● ● ● Homelessness An equity assessment tool Online information about city projects Better access to city council public meetings Inclusiveness in “smart city” processes Action Plan three Four inaugural commitments: ● ● ● ● Anticipatory governance & climate Economic resilience & workforce AI & accountability Enhanced equity assessments tools The OGP Action Plan Cycle 5 OPEN GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP 5 Approach ● ● Build on existing and emerging work rooted in robust community feedback Ensure a shared power analysis through equity training ● Apply a futures framework (strategic foresight) to ensure we are anticipating the needs of tomorrow Published Commitments Austin’s OGP Action Plan 2024-2028 🏛 AI accountability: Creating a framework to address bias, errors, and misuse in government AI tools with processes for evaluation, reporting, and resolution. 🌎 Climate adaptation: Developing a scalable process to adapt city operations to climate change, starting with a pilot program in partnership with Texas State University. ⚖ Economic resilience: Tackling economic inequality in the Eastern Crescent neighborhood through a cross-departmental team to support small businesses and guide policy through data. Commitments In development Austin’s OGP Action Plan 2024-2028 Equity Assessment Tool: Refine our internal equity assessment tools to ensure that the City of Austin is evaluating its programs, policies, and practices for impacts on our most marginalized residents, with the goal that everyone in our community has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. ○ Holding on the publication of our Equity Plan commitment pending …
