Digital Equity Needs Assessment Topline Insights Project Purpose Travis County and the City of Austin conducted a study to better understand the needs, barriers, and assets available for digital access prioritizing low-income communities, communities of color, and other communities that have been historically and systemically marginalized. This involved: 1) a needs assessment to collect, analyze, and share data about community members’ access to affordable and reliable digital connectivity and resources that enable digital access (e.g. skills, devices), as well as 2) co-design and evaluate possible strategies and recommendations to increase internet connectivity and access for all What is digital equity? Internet Access Digital Devices Digital Skills Laws Electric grid Population growth Topography Technology change Global economy Percentage of Travis County Households without Internet Subscriptions Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 - 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, Table B28004 Project Key Activities PHASE I JANUARY - APRIL PHASE II PHASE III MAY - AUGUST SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2025 Survey and Advisory Community Circles Data Convenings Report 1382 Survey Responses 19 7 Organizations in Non-Profit Working Group Community Share Outs and Solutioning Activities 44 Participants in 3 Advisory Workshops 193 Participants in 11 Community Conversation Circles Data Collection and Resource Sharing Design & Administration Top Challenges & Opportunities Circles: Top Challenges What kinds of things make it more difficult for you to get access to or use the internet? • Cost/Affordability • Digital Skills • Internet Service Problems • Accessibility • Device Issues • Security and Safety Concerns • Language Barriers • Public access – Transportation – Paywalls (e.g. purchase • Barriers to Internet Service (e.g. documentation, credit history) for password) – Awareness of resources Survey: Top Recommendations Do you have any ideas of how Travis County and the City of Austin can help our communities improve internet access? (n=351) (*Themes of open-ended responses) 95 31 43 44 31 31 19 13 18 24 2 Survey: Barriers to Get Internet at Home What is a barrier for you to get internet at home? (Check all that apply.) Respondents without internet at home: n=211 Source: Travis County and City of Austin In-Person Survey conducted February 7, 2023 to April 28, 2023 Circles: Solutions If money or resources where not a problem, how would you improve the community's access to internet and technology? • • • • Improve and Increase Digital Skills Support and Training Increase Access or Availability of Free or Discounted …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION NUMBER: 20250305-006: REGARDING: Recommendation for Maintaining Funding for the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) in the FY26 Budget WHEREAS, digital inclusion remains a critical issue for the residents of Austin, impacting access to essential services, economic opportunities, and educational resources; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has demonstrated its commitment to digital equity through continued investment in initiatives that support underserved communities; and WHEREAS, the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) has a proven track record of funding impactful community programs that provide digital literacy training, access to devices, and broadband connectivity to Austin residents; and WHEREAS, maintaining the GTOPs budget at $400,000 will ensure the program’s continued impact, enabling more organizations to bridge the digital divide and support the City’s strategic goals on digital equity; and WHEREAS, community organizations rely on GTOPs funding to expand digital inclusion programs, ensuring that residents have access to the technology and skills necessary to participate fully in an increasingly digital world; and WHEREAS, continued investment in GTOPs aligns with the City of Austin’s strategic objectives related to digital equity, workforce development, and economic opportunity; and WHEREAS, the GTOPs program offers multiple funding pathways to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing digital inclusion challenges, including Core Funding, Mini Funding, and Capacity Funding; and WHEREAS, Core Funding supports large-scale initiatives aimed at significantly advancing digital inclusion efforts within the community; and WHEREAS, Mini Funding serves as a vital resource for smaller-scale projects and initiatives seeking to make meaningful contributions to digital inclusion efforts in Austin; and WHEREAS, Capacity Funding provides essential support to grassroots organizations and initiatives, enabling them to build capacity and expand their reach in addressing digital inclusion disparities within underserved communities; and WHEREAS, the demand for digital inclusion funding continues to grow, with community organizations reporting an ongoing need for financial resources to support programs that enhance digital access and literacy; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Technology Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate $400,000 in the FY26 Budget to the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) to further advance digital inclusion efforts citywide. Date of Approval: March 5th, 2025 Record of the vote: Motion to approve made by Commissioner Combee and seconded by Commissioner Rice. The recommendation was approved on a vote of 6-0. Attest: _____________________________________________ Dan Martinez Community Technology Division Economic Development Department / City of Austin
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION NUMBER: 20250305-007: REGARDING: Recommendation for Funding an Affordable Device Distribution & Repair Program in the FY26 Budget WHEREAS, access to affordable, functioning digital devices is essential for participation in education, employment, healthcare, and government services; and WHEREAS, the Travis County - City of Austin Broadband and Digital Equity Needs Assessment found that lower-income households, older adults, and individuals with disabilities face significant barriers to obtaining and maintaining digital devices; and WHEREAS, planned obsolescence, high repair costs, and lack of affordable device options disproportionately affect underserved communities; and WHEREAS, expanding access to low-cost or refurbished devices and repair services would enable more Austin residents to participate fully in the digital economy; and WHEREAS, creating a dedicated Hardware Fund would allow for targeted grants supporting device distribution and repair programs through partnerships with local nonprofits, libraries, and community organizations; and WHEREAS, this would result in a reduction of e-waste; and WHEREAS, a public-private partnership could be used to drive total funding; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Technology Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate a minimum funding amount of $25,000 to the FY26 Budget to establish a Hardware Fund, ensuring that all residents have access to affordable devices and repair services, thereby closing the digital divide in Austin. Date of Approval: March 5th, 2025 Record of the vote: Motion to approve made by Commissioner Heritage and seconded by Commissioner Alderete. The recommendation was approved on a vote of 6-0. Attest: _____________________________________________ Dan Martinez Community Technology Division Economic Development Department / City of Austin
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION NUMBER: 20250305-008: REGARDING: Recommendation for expanding public internet access in the FY26 budget WHEREAS, reliable internet access is essential for education, employment, healthcare, and civic engagement; and WHEREAS, the Travis County - City of Austin Broadband and Digital Equity Needs Assessment found that many residents rely on public Wi-Fi to access essential services but face inconsistent availability; and WHEREAS, expanding free public internet access at libraries, parks, transit hubs, and community centers would increase digital inclusion for residents without reliable home connectivity; and WHEREAS, investment in public Wi-Fi infrastructure would particularly benefit lower-income residents, unhoused individuals, ADA applicable community members, and communities with limited broadband options; and WHEREAS, extending public Wi-Fi service hours and coverage areas would enhance accessibility for those who rely on it for job applications, remote learning, and telehealth services; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Technology Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate funding and exploration in partnership with EDD to expand and enhance public internet access across the city, ensuring equitable digital access for all residents in the following ways: - - - - Public internet access points with after-hour and weekend hours of operation Public computer labs should be equipped with robust features, like webcams and private spaces for private communications (like telehealth visits) and device charging stations Emergency response locations should have resilient internet/phone connectivity and charging stations. Expansion of public internet access points should be aligned according to digital divide index and other related data sources Date of Approval: __March 5th, 2025______________________ Record of the vote: Motion to approve made by Commissioner Combee and seconded by Commissioner Anga. The recommendation was approved on a vote of 6-0. Attest: _____________________________________________ Dan Martinez Community Technology Division Economic Development Department / City of Austin
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION NUMBER: 20250305-009: REGARDING: Recommendation for Increased Funding for Digital Skills Training in the FY26 Budget WHEREAS, digital skills are increasingly necessary for full participation in the workforce, education, healthcare, and civic engagement; and WHEREAS, the Travis County - City of Austin Broadband and Digital Equity Needs Assessment found that lower-income residents, older adults, justice-impacted individuals, and non-native English speakers face significant barriers to digital literacy; and WHEREAS, survey data indicate that 59% of respondents would be interested in free digital skills training for themselves or a household member, with interest particularly high among individuals without home internet access; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has an opportunity to expand digital literacy programs through partnerships with libraries, schools, community organizations, and workforce development centers; and WHEREAS, the demand for digital literacy training continues to grow, and increased investment will ensure residents have access to relevant skills training in multiple formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid learning; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Technology Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate additional funding in the amount of $450,000 in the FY26 Budget for expanding digital skills training programs, and device distributions, ensuring free and accessible training opportunities for Austin residents who face the greatest barriers to digital literacy. Date of Approval: March 5th, 2025 Record of the vote: Motion to approve made by Commissioner Anga and seconded by Commissioner Combee. The recommendation was approved on a vote of 6-0. Attest: _____________________________________________ Dan Martinez Community Technology Division Economic Development Department / City of Austin
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION NUMBER: 20250305-010: REGARDING: Recommendation for Continued Funding for AI Upskilling for City of Austin Employees in the FY26 Budget WHEREAS, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, including government operations, and enhancing efficiencies in data analysis, decision-making, and service delivery; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has already made initial investments in AI training and upskilling programs to ensure that its workforce is equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to leverage AI-based technologies effectively; and WHEREAS, the previous requested budget amendment during FY2025 of $75,000 for AI training, technical assistance, and continuing education has provided City employees with critical skills in data science, design, and AI applications; and WHEREAS, demand for AI-related education and resources continues to grow among City employees, highlighting the need for sustained investment in training programs; and WHEREAS, the expansion of initiatives such as the DIVE (Data Impact Visualization and Exploration) program would further support the City’s commitment to fostering technological innovation and digital proficiency among its workforce; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Technology Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate continued funding in the amount of $75,000 in the FY26 Budget to sustain and expand AI upskilling initiatives for City of Austin employees, as well as in the area of digital literacy and practice, ensuring they remain proficient in emerging technologies that enhance public service delivery. Date of Approval: March 5th, 2025 Record of the vote: Motion to approve made by Commissioner Anga and seconded by Commissioner Heritage. The recommendation was approved on a vote of 6-0. Attest: _____________________________________________ Dan Martinez Community Technology Division Economic Development Department / City of Austin
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250305-6 Date: March 5, 2025 Subject: FY2026 Budget Recommendation – Funding for Academia Cuauhtli Motioned By: Board Member Anthony Martinez Recommendation The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Advisory Board (MACC) recommends the City Council direct the City Manager to take the following actions and to allocate funds for the following item for FY 2026. 1. Support funding for Academia Cuauhtli’s FY26 operating expenses in the amount of $106,000. Seconded By: Board Member John Estrada Rationale: Academia Cuauhtli: Academia Cuauhtli is a bilingual cultural revitalization program for third to fifth grade students attending AISD schools. Its mission is to honor cultural heritage, foster social justice, and reclaim collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom. For the past 10 years they have focused on establishing various partnership and initiatives within the community with key focuses on students, teachers, parents, and community members. The bilingual cultural revitalization Saturday Academy offers ethnic studies and Danza Mexica instruction to AISD third- to fifth-graders at no cost, including breakfast and transportation. The parent support program engages families during the Saturday Academy, providing community resources tailored to their needs. The Summer program consist of a culturally sustaining STEAM program for third to fifth grade AISD students to learn coding and Danza Mexica in both Spanish and English. The teacher professional development opportunities prepare and mentor teachers through support networks, professional development workshops and conferences. The MACC Advisory Board supports the ongoing funding request of Academia Cuauhtli in the amount of $106,000 to support the academic and cultural growth, sense of identity, and belonging of indigenous, Hispanic, Spanish-speaking youth in Austin. 1 of 2 Vote For: Vice Chair Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Member Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Noemi Castro, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera Against: Abstain: Absent: Chair Angelica Navarro, Member Mónica Siañez, Member Gerardo Gandy Attest: ___________________________ Michelle Rojas, Staff Liaison 2 of 2
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250305-6 Date: March 5, 2025 Subject: FY2026 Budget Recommendation – MACC Phase 2 funding. Motioned By: Board Member Herrera Recommendation The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Advisory Board (MACC) recommends the City Council direct the City Manager to allocate funds to complete the MACC Phase 2 construction and renovation project for FY 2026. Description of Recommendation to Council 1. Allocate funding for items that were removed from the MACC’s Phase 2 project to complete it as presented to the community for a total amount between $2.2 and $2.4 in the FY26 budget. Seconded By: Board Member Estrada Rationale: Phase 2 Operating Budget In 2018 a comprehensive community engagement was completed as part of the Facility Expansion Plan which included community members and Austin City Council members. The Austin City Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2018 Facility Expansion Plan on May 24, 2018, with the intent to complete all remaining phases without preconditions on funding sources. The 2018 Bond Committee recommended, and Austin City Council approved $27 million to be included under Proposition B for the ESB-MACC Phase 2 project. 74 percent of voters in the 2018 election voted in favor of Proposition B. The Joint Venture team of Miro Rivera Architects (Austin) and Estudio Tatiana Bilbao (Mexico City) was selected to lead the Phase 2 design in part because of their experience designing world-class facilities. Due to the rising costs in construction and inflation, items had to be value engineered out of the project to stay within budget. The project team has been diligently working on completing the project slated for completion in the Fall of 2025. The Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board recommends to the Austin City Council to allocate the necessary amount needed to complete the items as were presented during community engagement to fulfill the commitment by the City of Austin to complete a Phase 2 expansion and renovation that is commensurate with a world-class cultural center that continues to reflect the strength and resiliency of Austin’s Mexican American community. 1 of 2 Vote For: Vice Chair Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Member Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Anthony Martinez, Member Noemi Castro, Member Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera Against: Abstain: Absent: Chair Angelica Navarro, Member Mónica Siañez, Member Gerardo Gandy Attest: Michelle Rojas, Staff Liaison 2 of 2
Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 5, 2025 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, March 5, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101. Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jocelyn Tau, Chair Angela Harris Becky Bullard, Vice Chair Vanessa Bissereth Julie Glasser Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jamie Smith – Girls on the Run Austin Michael Ward Jr – Austin Urban Technology Movement APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on February 5, 2025. 1 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 5, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on February 5, 2025, were approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Rattan were absent. 2. Update from Commissioner Scheihing regarding attendance of a recent meeting of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Planning Team. Discussed. DISCUSSION ITEMS WORKING GROUP UPDATES 2025-2026 Budget Recommendations. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Update from the Budget Working Group regarding the research and writing of Fiscal Year 4. Approve Recommendations to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. The motion to amend was made by Commissioner Scheihing and seconded by Commissioner Veloz Salas. The amendment was to add: “Enhancements that particularly impact women and girls in Austin.” The amendment was approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Rattan were absent. The motion to approve the recommendation as amended was approved on Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Veloz Salas’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Austen and Rattan were absent. The motion to Reconsider Item 4 was made by Chair Tau, seconded by Vice Chair Bullard and approved on an 8-0 vote. The motion to amend the recommendation was made by Vice Chair Bullard, seconded by Chair Tau. The amendment was to insert “as well as enhancements” after “unmet needs.” The amendment was to also add a bullet point under Description of Recommendation to Council as follows: 2 Commission for Women Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 5, 2025 “After-school programming geared toward building positive mental health in girls in Title 1 schools” The amendment was also to delete the word “citizens” and replace it with “residents” under Rationale. The …
1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, March 5th, 2025 – 6:00 PM City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the 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, email preservation@austintexas.gov or call Sam Fahnestock at (512) 974-3393. Ben Heimsath, (D-8) Chair Roxanne Evans (Mayor), Vice COMMISSION MEMBERS: x x Chair x ab VACANT (D-1) VACANT (D-2) Kevin Koch (D-3) Raymond Castillo (D-4) x x x ab Harmony Grogan (D-5) Carl Larosche (D-6) Jaime Alvarez (D-7) VACANT (D-9) Trey McWhorter (D-10) APPROVED MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 1. February 5, 2025 – Offered for consent approval. BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing on Public Comment Period for Downtown Historic Resource Survey. Presenter: Sofia Wagner (March 5, 2025) CONSENT/CONSENT POSTPONEMENT AGENDA Historic Zoning Applications 3. C14H-2025-0022 – 1701 San Gabriel St. Council District 9 Proposal: Owner-initiated historic zoning. Applicant: Whitehall Co-op City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 Staff Recommendation: Grant the applicant’s request to postpone the public hearing to March 5, 2025. MOTION: Postpone the public hearing to April 2, 2025, per passage of the consent postponement agenda, on a motion by Commissioner Alvarez. Commissioner Larosche seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0. The motion passed. Historic Landmark and Local Historic District Applications 4. HR-2024-095142 – 2504 Bridle Path Culberson House Council District 10 Proposal: Addition, new doors and windows, new cabana, new siding. (Postponed February 5, 2025) Applicant: Minnie Webb City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 Staff Recommendation: Application withdrawn. Application withdrawn. 5. HR-2025-014398 – 4105 Avenue G Hyde Park Local Historic District Council District 9 Proposal: Two-story addition, new roof, and restoration. Applicant: Max Hambly City Staff: Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Office, 512-978-0766 Staff Recommendation: Comment on plans. 2 (March 5, 2025) HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MEETING …
EMMA S. BARRIENROS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025 The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at City Hall – Board and Commissions Room located at 301 West Second Street in Austin, Texas 78701. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:10pm. Board Members in Attendance: Board Members Absent: Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Vice Chair Angelica Navarro, Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Member Noemi Castro, Member John Estrada, Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera, Member (Arrived at 6:13pm) Raul “Roy” Reyna, Member Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Gerardo Gandy, Member (Left at 7:23pm) Anthony Martinez, Member Mónica Siañez, Member (Left at 9:28pm) Staff in Attendance: Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager Marie Ortiz, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Supervisor Tina Davila, ESB-MACC Administrative Specialist PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speaker 1, Item 5: Martha Cotera, Academia Cuauhtli Co-founder thanked the board for their consideration and support on the budget that would be submitted to request additional funding for the operation of Academia Cuauhtli. She also recommended that the MACC incorporate more history and informative symposiums into the MACC’s programming to continue to get public intellectuals engaged. Speaker 2, Item 5: Emilio Zamora, Professor of History at the University of Texas was in attendance to support the budget request for Academia Cuauhtli. He mentioned Academia Cuauhtli was working with Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager on a memorandum of understanding to solidify their relationship with the MACC. He also expressed his appreciation for allowing Cuauhtli the opportunity to extend what they had to offer the community, which was education and cultural services. 1 Speaker 3, Item 5: Jessica Silva shared that her family had been part of Academia Cuauhtli’s Saturday and Summer programs since 2022. She expressed her support for the program as she was a parent of two students. She stated Academia Cuauhtli played a vital role in enriching the community and encouraging the personal growth of their children by offering opportunities to connect with multiple generations at once. Commenting that the kids find joy in connecting with their peers, college student mentors, and other adults who care about their education and well-being. Speaker 4, Item 5: Janay Silva-Soto let the board know that she was a …
Technology Commission http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday –March 5th, 2025 – 6:30PM Austin Energy – Mueller Assembly Room – Room 1111a 4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723 Please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/10_1.htm for backup materials associated with this agenda. All ATXN (City Channel 6) programming is cablecast on Spectrum, Grande Communications, and Google Fiber on their cable channel 6, on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 and webcast online. Over 20 meetings per month, including this commission meeting, are available on demand online, typically within a found at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/atxn-video-archive. the cablecast. Schedules and video can be few hours of The Technology Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, at 4815 Mueller Blvd. in Austin, Texas. Current Commission Members Keith Pena-Villa ‐ Mayor Kirk Watson Brian AM Williams ‐ Council Member Natasha Harper‐Madison, District 1 Steven Apodaca – Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, District 2 Carina Alderete ‐ Council Member José Velasquez, District 3 Suzanne Heritage ‐ Council Member José “Chito” Vela, District 4 Thomas Rice‐ Council Member Ryan Alter, District 5 Gabriel Nwajiaku‐ Council Member Krista Laine, District 6 Benjamin Combee ‐ Council Member Mike Seigel, District 7 Vacant ‐ Council Member Paige Ellis, District 8 Ibiye Anga – Council Member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, District 9 Sumit DasGupta ‐ Council Member Marc Duchen, District 10 Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in person: Steven Apodaca, Chair Benjamin Combee Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sumit DasGupta Ibiye Anga 1 Carina Alderete, Vice-Chair Keith Pena-Villa Suzzane Heritage Thomas Rice Board Members/Commissioners Not in Attendance: Gabriel Nwajiaku Brian AM Williams CALL TO ORDER Chair Apodaca called the Community Technology and Telecommunications Meeting to order at 6:58 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon on the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. There were no speakers registered to deliver comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission special called meeting on February 12th, 2025. This item was not addressed and will be moved to the next meeting. The meeting adjourned due to a lack of quorum before the commission circled back to this item. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on the Professional Development and EdExchange program (Madeleine Edwards, Senior Grants Manager, Austin Children’s Museum) The presentation on Austin Children’s Museum’s EdExchange program was delivered by Madeleine …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 5, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bedford called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Perry Bedford, Richard Brimer, Justin Fleury, Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Melinda Schiera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on February 19, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on February 19, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Schiera were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Recognition of Colin Nickells for his service on the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Recognition of Melinda Schiera for her service on the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Item was postponed to the next meeting. 1 4. Presentation and discussion on Austin Energy Green Building – Heidi Kasper, Energy Efficiency Services Director, Austin Energy Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and recommendation on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Austin Light Rail – Commissioners Sullivan and Qureshi A motion to recommend the draft environmental impact statement for Austin Light Rail failed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on a 5-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted against. Commissioner Qureshi abstained. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Schiera were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Qureshi requested to add budget recommendations from the Joint Sustainability Committee to the budget meeting. This request was seconded by Bedford. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bedford adjourned the meeting at 7:32 pm without objection. The minutes were approved at the March 21, 2025 meeting on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Changsut and Schiera were absent. 2
REGULAR MEETING OF THE URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY MARCH 4, 2025, AT 5:00 PM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 AUSTIN CITY HALL, 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation 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 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 please call or email the staff liaison in advance at (512)-974-2667 or meredith.rusin01@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Monday March 3, 2025, with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Vacant – (District 2) Arlin Alvarez-(District 3) Susan Somers, Chair-(District 4) Daniel Kavelman-(District 5) Edward Smith- (District 6) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Diana Wheeler- (District 7) Justin Jacobson- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher- (District 9) Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair-(District 10) Deshon Brown- (Mayoral Appointee) The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Transportation Commission REGULAR MEETING on February 4, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding guiding principles for the 2026 Bond. Presenters: Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on the Austin Core Transportation Plan. Presenter: Cole Kitten, Transportation and Public Works Department Facilitator: Susan Somers 4. Discussion and approval of a recommendation to the Bond Election Advisory Taskforce from the UTC working group established November 12, 2024. Facilitator: Susan Somers 5. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on I-35 frontage road crossings and 6. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on the Austin Light Rail Draft pedestrian crossings. Facilitator: Susan Somers Environmental Impact Statement. Facilitator: Susan Somers 7. Discussion and approval to amend the 2025 Urban Transportation Commission calendar with an alternate date and meeting venue in November 2025. Facilitator: Susan Somers COMMITTEE UPDATES 8. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Downtown Commission regarding actions taken at the February 19, 2025, meeting. 9. Update from …
