BOA Monthly Report July 2024-June 2025 January 13, 2025 Granted 2 1. 25-10-124 (Scenic Roadway Sign District):(B) to allow more freestanding signs, (B) (1) (b) to increase the maximum sign area on a lot, (B) (2) to increase overall sign and (F) to allow for internally sign, (G) to decrease signs from the right-of-way, 25-2-191 (Sign Setback Requirements), (E) to decrease the setback, (F) (1) to increase height, (F) (2) to reduce clearance 2. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) and 25-2-779 (Small Lot Single-Family Residential Use) from impervious coverage requirements to increase Postponed 3 (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height 1. 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area and 2. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations): Height Requirements to increase the height, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum front yard setback, Setback Requirements to decrease the minimum rear yard setback, Building Coverage to increase, Impervious Coverage to increase and 25-2- 832 (Private Schools) (1) a site must be located on a street that has a paved width 3. 25-2-654 (Density Bonus ETOD (DBETOD) Combining District Regulations: (H) Compatibility Requirements (3) Any structure that is located less than 50 feet from any part of a triggering property and (H) Compatibility Requirements (4) (a) from compatibility buffer to decrease 0 3 0 new inquiries Withdrawn 0 Denied Discussion Items Jan 2025 Interpretations The deposition of the case items: Granted Postponed Withdrawn Denied Discussion Items Board members absent: Maggie Shahrestani, Suzanne Valentine and 2 vacant positions (alternate) (Added Jan13# 2025) 15 19 0 2 19 December 9, 2024 Granted 4 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) from setback requirements to decrease the interior side yard setback and 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses): (1) reduce minimum lot area and (3) (a) reduce rear setback 2. 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses) (C) (3) (b) for Garage Placement of a parking structure not closer to the front lot line than the front most exterior wall of the first floor of the building façade 3. 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses) (B) (1) to decrease the minimum 4. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations) to decrease the minimum interior side yard setback And 25-2-515 (Rear yard of Through Lot) & 25-2-773 (Duplex, Two-Unit, and Three-Unit Residential Uses) (B) (3) (a) to decrease the minimum rear yard setback. lot size Postponed 5 1. 25-2-492 (Site Development Regulations): Height Requirements to increase the …
DATE 2/10/2025 C16-2025-0001 Ascension Seton Medical Group Center Variance 1201 W 38th St., Austin, TX 78705 ITEM02/1-PRESENTATION Purpose Th e a p p lic a n t is re q u e s tin g a s ig n va ria n c e (s ) fro m th e La n d De ve lo p m e n t Co d e ; Section 25-10-130 (Commercial Sign District Regulations) (B) to a llo w fro m o n e (1) fre e s ta n d in g s ig n (m a xim u m a llo w e d ), to a d d in g a n a d d itio n a l s e ve n (7) fre e s ta n d in g s ig n s (to ta l o f e ig h t (8 )) in o rd e r to e re c t fre e - s ta n d in g s ig n (s ) fo r As c e n s io n Se to n Me d ic a l c e n te r in a “PUD”, Co m m e rc ia l Sig n Dis tric t. ITEM02/2-PRESENTATION Design Th e re a re 8 fre e s ta n d in g s ig n s in to ta l th a t a re b e in g re q u e s te d . Am o n g th e 8 s ig n s th e re a re 5 d iffe re n t d e s ig n s d e p e n d in g o n w h e re o n th e p ro p e rty th e y a re lo c a te d . Th e s e d e s ig n s w ill e n h a n c e th e o ve ra ll vis u a l a e s th e tic o f th e a re a . Th e y w ill a ls o in c re a s e e xp o s u re a n d h e lp w ith n a vig a tio n in to a n d th ro u g h o u …
LOCATION MAP SITE LOCATION 4013 CLAWSON RD., AUSTIN, TX 78704 ITEM03/1-PRESENTATION ZONING: SF-3 9,325 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,159 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,286 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,176 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,135 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,226 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 7,482 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 7,175 SQFT GRAYFORD DR ZONING: PUD 99,044 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,799 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,699 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,633 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,639 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,173 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 7,405 SQFT ZONING: PUD ZONING: SF-5 34,908 SQFT PR - LOT 1 6,864 SQFT 4013 CLAWSON RD 19,879 SQFT PR - LOT 2 13,015 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 31,881 SQFT ZONING: PUD 19,643 SQFT ZONING: SF-6 45,575 SQFT ZONING: SF-6 46,228 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 21,695 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 21,171 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 21,040 SQFT ZONING: SF-6 5,729 SQFT ZONING: SF-6 36,086 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 10,827 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,467 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 7,510 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 11,462 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 10,825 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 13,314 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 14,950 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 12,610 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,030 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 9,601 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 9,011 SQFT ZONING: SF-5 8, 314 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 6,701 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 6,721 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 4,319 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,672 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,411 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,313 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 7,142 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 10,719 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,178 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,167 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,162 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,100 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 11,398 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 17,689 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 21,741 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 8,305 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 17,681 SQFT D R N O S W A L C MORGAN LN ZONING: SF-3 8,510 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 7,603 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 19,117 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 24,227 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 27,076 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 16,728 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 21,692 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 21,633 SQFT ZONING: SF-3 21,858 SQFT N O I T P I R C S E D E T A D . O N MAX@MILIANENGINEERING.COM FIRM REG# F-22686 956.251.5146 S I S Y L A N A A E R A E T I S S U I D A R ' 0 0 5 D R N O S W A L C 4 1 0 3 4 0 7 8 7 S A X E T , Y T N U O C S I V A R T , N I T S U A 4013ITEM03/2-PRESENTATION PROPOSED LOT LINE ITEM03/3-PRESENTATION AW UTILITY MAP PROPOSED LOT LINE SITE …
Galindo Neighborhood Opposition to 600 Cumberland Road, 2610 & 2612 South First Street Variance Request Case Number: C15-2024-0040 Elaine Ramirez - Case Manager Board of Adjustments Meeting – February 10th, 2025 Ryan McCarthy – Galindo Neighborhood Resident ITEM06/1-PRESENTATION Triggering Property ITEM06/2-PRESENTATION
February 3, 2025 Via Electronic Delivery Leah M. Bojo Board of Adjustment Members Permitting and Development Center Development Services Department City of Austin 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Dear Board of Adjustment Members: Re: C15-2024-0040 - Withdrawal request for the Board of Adjustment application associated with the property located at 600 Cumberland Road, 2610 and 2612 S 1st Street (the “Property”). As representatives of the owner of the Property, we respectfully request a withdrawal of the Board of Adjustment C15-2024-0040 application. Please let me know if you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, Leah M. Bojo cc: Elaine Ramirez, liaison to Board of Adjustment Diana Ramirez, liaison to Board of Adjustment 2705 Bee Cave Road, Suite 100 | Austin, Texas 78746 | | www.drennergroup.com
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025, 6:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board 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 Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Larry Franklin Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. 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 Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, January 13, 2025. 1. 2. STAFF BRIEFING Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Discuss and take possible action on the recommendation to support Goal 1, Strategy 1.12 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Fully fund City and County park plans that include strategies to support community agriculture (such as the Vision Plan at John Trevino Jr. Metropolitan Park) and include support for staff to implement community agriculture programs in these locations and distribute food grown to surrounding communities. Board Member Andrea Abel and Board Member Lisa Barden. Discuss and take possible action on the recommendation to support Goal 1 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Expand community food production, preserve agricultural lands, and increase the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin/Travis County, Board Member Marissa Bell (land acquisition) and Board Member Matt Simon (regenerative agriculture). Discuss and take possible action on the recommendation to support Goal 4 of the Austin Travis County Food Plan: Establish and fund a resilient, inclusive, and accessible …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION February 10, 2025, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory 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, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Travis County Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Laura Hoke, Mayor CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on January 13, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Austin Pets Alive! regarding license agreements reports. 4. Discussion of the draft Animal Services Strategic Plan. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the draft Animal Services Strategic Plan. 6. Approve the formation of a Community Cat Processing Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Christi Vitela, Office of the City Clerk at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2025 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on January 13, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nancy Nemer, Travis County Luis Herrera, D6 Whitney Holt, D5 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners Absent: Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Lotta Smagula, D1 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Kayla Murray – Adoption difficulties Pat Valls-Trelles – Animal Services Budget Laura Ransan Nesmith - TNR Wendy Weiss – TNR Deborah Ro – TNR Rochelle Vickery – Abandoned Dogs 1 Robert Corbin – Off leash dogs APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on December 9, 2024 The motion to approve the minutes from the meeting of December 9, 2024, was approved on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Nilson abstained. Commissioners Hoke and Smagula were absent. The motion to take up Item 3 before Item 2 was approved on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Commissioner Huddleston’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Hoke and Smagula were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing on the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. The presentation was made by Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager, Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Animal Service Office, and Audrey Muntz, Budget and Performance Manager, Financial Services Department. Vice Chair Linder requested that staff provide the introduction and background for the Strategic Plan and any additional language that precedes the Strategic Plan. DISCUSSION ITEM 2. Receive feedback from members of the public regarding the draft Animal Services Office Strategic Plan 2025-2030. Discussed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Community cat processing Working Group (Clinton, Huddleston) A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Dulzaides’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Hoke and Smagula were absent. 2 The minutes were approved at the XX, meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 3
ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICE STRATEGIC PLAN 2025-2030 DRAFT SUBJECT TO FURTHER REVIEW AND REVISION BY THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION, CITY MANAGEMENT, AND AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL. FEBRUARY 6, 2025 DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Introduction .............................................................................................2-4 Message from the Chief Animal Services Officer ...........................................5 Strategic Planning Background & Overview .............................................6-9 ASO Strategic Plan 2025-2030 ..............................................................10-21 Humane Care................................................................................10-12 Spay Neuter.......................................................................................13 Open Intake...................................................................................14-15 Live Release..................................................................................16-17 Public Health & Safety...................................................................18-19 Staff & Volunteers .......................................................................20-21 Acknowledgements..............................................................................22 Appendix..........................................................................................23-32 Measuring Success......................................................................23-30 Glossary..............................................................................31-32 2 INT RO DUCT IO N ABOUT THE AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES OFFICE The City of Austin Animal Services Office (ASO) operates the Austin Animal Center, the municipal shelter for the city of Austin and unincorporated Travis County, one of the largest no-kill shelters in the nation. Throughout the year, the Austin Animal Center is a temporary home for thousands of pets, working to place all adoptable pets in homes. Animal Services emphasizes a prevention based, educational approach by enforcing animal- related ordinances and by connecting residents with resources to care for animals in the community. WHAT IS THE ASO STRATEGIC PLAN? The ASO Strategic Plan provides a clear and actionable framework to guide the organization’s efforts in achieving its goals and realizing its vision over the next five years. ASO staff and City of Austin leadership will use this plan to: Establish a roadmap for departmental initiatives Guide operational, resource allocation, and budgeting decisions Track and evaluate progress toward goals and performance targets Communicate ASO’s vision and priorities to stakeholders Identify opportunities to collaborate with stakeholders to advance ASO’s goals and vision INT RO DUCTION 3 COMPONENTS OF THE ASO STRATEGIC PLAN THE ASO STRATEGIC PLAN INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS: VISION: A shared idea of what the community will experience when ASO implements this plan. MISSION: The core purpose and role ASO serves in supporting the community and achieving its vision. ASO’s mission was not updated as part of this process. FOCUS AREAS: This plan has six focus areas representing ASO’s high-level priorities. These foundational elements guide ASO in advancing its mission and achieving its vision. DESCRIPTION: A brief overview of each focus area. GOALS: A shared idea of what the community will experience when ASO implements this plan. STRATEGIES: The core purpose and role ASO serves in supporting the community and achieving its vision. ASO’s mission was not updated as part of this process. MEASURES: Each goal has associated measures which can be found in …
REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT February 10, 2025 AT 5:30PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 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 email for elaine.ramirez@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-2202. remote participation by telephone. To remotely, register speak to ___ Bianca A Medina-Leal ___ Brian Poteet ___ Margaret Shahrestani ___ Janel Venzant ___ Michael Von Ohlen ___ Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: ___Jessica Cohen (Chair) ___Melissa Hawthorne (Vice-Chair) ___Thomas Ates ___Jeffery Bowen ___Yung-ju Kim The Board of Adjustment may go into closed session to receive advice from legal counsel regarding any item on this agenda (Private consultation with legal counsel – Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code). AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first (4) four speakers signed up/register prior (no later than noon the day before the meeting) 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. Approve the minutes of the Board of Adjustment meeting on January 13, 2025. On-Line Link: Draft Minutes for January 13, 2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS Discussion and action on the following cases. New Sign Variance cases: 2. C16-2025-0001 Colton Gohlke for Ascension Seton -Maria Vinhais 1201 West 38th Street On-Line Link: ITEM02 ADV PACKET; PRESENTATION The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code; Section 25-10-130 (Commercial Sign District Regulations) (B) to allow from one (1) freestanding sign (maximum allowed), to adding an additional seven (7) freestanding signs (total of eight (8)) in order to erect free-standing sign(s) for Ascension Seton Medical Center in a “PUD”, Commercial Sign District. Note: 25-10-130 - COMMERCIAL SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS. (A) This section applies to a commercial sign district. (B) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10- 131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted). (C) A roof sign may be permitted instead of a freestanding sign under Section 25-10-132 (Roof Sign Instead of …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for community agriculture on City parkland WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan was approved by City Council on October 10, 2024; and WHEREAS, Goal 1 of the Food Plan is to expand community food production, preserve agricultural lands, and increase the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin/Travis County which includes Strategy 1.12 to “fully fund City and County park plans that include strategies to support community agriculture (such as the Vision Plan at John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park) and include support for staff to implement community agriculture programs in these locations and distribute food grown to surrounding communities”; and WHEREAS, the John Treviño Jr. Metropolitan Park Vision Plan was adopted by the Austin City Council on October 15, 2020 with one of the defined values to adapt the heritage of the site by carrying the site’s productive agricultural heritage into the present and future by exploring possibilities for food production and agricultural education, and includes “The Farm” in the design of the park to to connect local food production and education with opportunities for multi-generational participation; and WHEREAS, Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has funding and is in the design process for Phase I of the Treviño Vision Plan which includes basic park infrastructure to be able to open the park to the public, and Phase II of the Treviño Vision Plan could include community agriculture at the park; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s 2024 Environmental Investment Plan recommends $10 million in funding for Phase II of the Treviño Vision Plan; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin already has a Community Gardens Program (started in 2009 when the Austin City Council passed the Urban Farm Ordinance) to establish a single point of contact and streamline the process for establishing community gardens on city land; and WHEREAS community survey responses for Our Parks, Our Future, the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department’s Long Range Plan names the following strategies: 4.4 “Increase the number of dedicated park staff for the community garden program”, 4.4.1. “Consider creating a ‘community gardener’ position” 4.5.2. “Proactively identify potential sites for new community gardens and food forests.”; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-7 urged the City of Austin to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for Access to Farmland for New Farmers WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan was approved by City Council on October 10, 2024; and WHEREAS, Goal 2 of the Food Plan is to “(i)ncrease access to and stewardship of land for regenerative food production by increasing the number of Austin/Travis County farms that are owned by economically disadvantaged farmers and rancher” and includes Strategy 2.3 to “(c)reate a local farm incubator program to support farmers who practice regenerative food production through the first 3-5 years of business with a focus on reducing barriers for underrepresented farm owner and workers, including offering beginning farmer training and financing support”; and WHEREAS, access to land is the number one barrier to farming for new farmers according to a 2022 survey of new farmers conducted by the National Young Farmers Coalition; and WHEREAS, 16.8 acres of viable farmland are lost every day in Travis County (City of Austin, Office of Sustainability, State of the Food System Report, 2022); and WHEREAS, the average age of a farmer in Texas in 2022 is 60 years old, compared to 59 years old in 2017; and WHEREAS, farmers and farmland are the foundation of a resilient and sustainable food system, a key element for emergency preparedness; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-7 urged the City of Austin to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; and WHEREAS, Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan is to by 2030, protect 500,000 acres of farmland from development in the five-county region through legal protections or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, three Central Texas farm incubator programs launched in 2025. The Central Texas Farm Incubator Collaborative (Farmshare Austin, Green Gate Farms, and Hope Full Farm) offers land and mentorship for advanced beginning farmers with access to up to 0.5 acres of land and will serve at least 15 farmers in the first three years. Austin Community College Elgin Farm Incubator Program (FIP) provides beginning farmers enrolled in ACC access to .15 and .25 acres plots. The Refugee Collective is piloting a Farm Business Incubator and has one acre available. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in Austin, Texas WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-7 urged the City of Austin to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City Council to allocate …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for Farmland Acquisition and Preservation in Travis County WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court passed a Resolution of Support for the Austin-Travis County Food Plan on October 29, 2024, whose goals and strategies prioritize addressing local food security and environmental sustainability; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, Travis County has successfully managed agricultural leases on 845 acres of agricultural land through the Parks Land Stewardship Program; and WHEREAS, Travis County currently operates a Conservation Easement Program allowing landowners to preserve agricultural, natural, or cultural resources while retaining ownership of their property. This program, funded by voter-approved bond funds and supplemented by donations, has successfully preserved significant tracts of land and helps protect vital resources such as watersheds, wildlife habitats, and agricultural lands; and WHEREAS, the Conservation Easement Program has been a key tool for Travis County in its efforts to protect land from development, with more than $24.9 million approved by voters between 2011 and 2017 for the purchase of easements. The program prioritizes properties in conservation corridors and those with significant environmental or agricultural value, aligning with the broader goals of the Austin/Travis County Food …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Support for Access to Farmland for New Farmers WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court passed a Resolution of Support for the Austin-Travis County Food Plan on October 29, 2024, whose goals and strategies prioritize addressing local food security and environmental sustainability; and WHEREAS, Goal 2 of the Food Plan is to “(i)ncrease access to and stewardship of land for regenerative food production by increasing the number of Austin/Travis County farms that are owned by economically disadvantaged farmers and rancher” and includes Strategy 2.3 to “(c)reate a local farm incubator program to support farmers who practice regenerative food production through the first 3-5 years of business with a focus on reducing barriers for underrepresented farm owner and workers, including offering beginning farmer training and financing support”; and WHEREAS, access to land is the number one barrier to farming for new farmers according to a 2022 survey of new farmers conducted by the National Young Farmers Coalition; and WHEREAS, 16.8 acres of viable farmland are lost every day in Travis County (City of Austin, Office of Sustainability, State of the Food System Report, 2022); and WHEREAS, the average age of a farmer in Texas in 2022 is 60 years old, compared to 59 years old in 2017; and WHEREAS, farmers and farmland are the foundation of a resilient and sustainable food system, a key element for emergency preparedness; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number: 20240318-8 urged the Travis County to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; and WHEREAS, Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan is to by 2030, protect 500,000 acres of farmland from development in the five-county region through legal protections or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, three Central Texas farm incubator programs launched in 2025. The Central Texas Farm Incubator Collaborative (Farmshare Austin, Green Gate Farms, and Hope Full Farm) offers land and mentorship for advanced beginning farmers with access to up to 0.5 acres of land and will serve at least 15 farmers in the first three years. Austin Community College Elgin Farm Incubator Program (FIP) provides beginning farmers enrolled in ACC access to .15 and .25 acres plots. The Refugee Collective is piloting a Farm Business Incubator and has one acre available. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Defining and Supporting Regenerative Agriculture NOTE: The “WHEREAS”s should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the board is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions in our community are related to the food supply chain; and WHEREAS, implementing Regenerative Agriculture supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which aims to ensure that by 2030, 100% of Austinites, especially those who are food insecure, can access a pro-climate, pro-health food systems that prioritize regenerative agriculture; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, prioritize regenerative agriculture implementation, with reference to regenerative agriculture and food systems occurring 44 times throughout the document; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan states that a specific definition of Regenerative food production may need to be adopted to implement strategies under Goal 1, which pertain to agricultural land use (1.1,1.2) and community food systems support (1.6,1.12); and WHEREAS, a more specific definition is contained within the Resilient Farm Planning framework, which utilizes Conservation Practice Standards codified by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and quantifies the resulting greenhouse gas benefits; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process has seen wide adoption and proof of concept in California for over a decade, with 137 Resilient Farm Plans (called Carbon Farm Plans in California) encompassing 71,440 acres; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process can be also be applied to outdoor spaces such as parks, flood plain, and greenbelts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Office of Sustainability has previously allocated funds for Texas’ First Resilient Farm plan at the Refugee Collective Farm, establishing a precedent of city support for plan implementation; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to assist with the writing and implementation of Resilient Farm Plans; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-7 urged the City of Austin to allocate funds and create a full-time equivalent (FTE) position to support the implementation of the Food Plan; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City Council to adopt the Resilient Farm Planning Framework and its subsequent …
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Defining and Supporting Regenerative Agriculture NOTE: The “WHEREAS”s should give the background and the “NOW, THEREFORE,” should state what the board is requesting Council to do. WHEREAS, the 2020 Travis County Climate Action Plan prioritizes a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 2005 levels by 2030; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, passed through a Resolution of Support by the Travis County Commissioner’s Court in October 2024, prioritize regenerative agriculture implementation, with reference to regenerative agriculture and food systems occurring 44 times throughout the document; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan states that a specific definition of Regenerative food production may need to be adopted to implement strategies under Goal 1, which pertain to agricultural land use (1.1,1.2) and community food systems support (1.6,1.12); and WHEREAS, a more specific definition is contained within the Resilient Farm Planning framework, which utilizes Conservation Practice Standards codified by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and quantifies the resulting greenhouse gas benefits; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process has seen wide adoption and proof of concept in California for over a decade, with 137 Resilient Farm Plans (called Carbon Farm Plans in California) encompassing 71,440 acres; and WHEREAS, Travis County has previously allocated funds for cheaper and longer leases on county owned agricultural lands if producers adopt regenerative practices, establishing a precedent of county support for Regenerative Agriculture; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process can be also be applied to outdoor spaces such as parks, flood plain, and greenbelts, as well as on residential lots; and WHEREAS, the Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources Office has been tasked with creating a Community Climate Action Plan; and WHEREAS, the Travis County Agricultural Extension Office provides educational services to the public on how to steward their residential environments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages Travis County to adopt the Resilient Farm Planning Framework and its subsequent NRCS Conservation Practice Standards as the specific definition of Regenerative Agriculture in the County, and to codify this definition in the upcoming Travis County Community Climate Action Plan; and BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages Travis County to train Agricultural Extension Agents in the writing …
TEMPLATE FOR BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board) Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Preparing Culturally and Medically Appropriate Supply Side Nutrition, Provision and Distribution Access During Disasters, Disruptions, and Emergencies WHEREAS, food insecurity already disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in Austin/Travis County, creating significant barriers to nutritious food access for individuals and households with limited resources and most acutely during emergencies, significant weather events, or disasters; and WHEREAS, the Austin Travis County Food Plan, adopted by City Council in October 2024, includes the goal of establishing and funding a resilient, inclusive, and accessible emergency food provision system that ensure all community members, regardless of cultural background or medical needs, have access to safe, nutritious, and culturally relevant food during disasters and emergencies (Goal 4); and WHEREAS, it is essential to develop and fund a coordinated emergency food access response plan that ensures that City and County community centers and resilience networks have access to water, culturally and medically appropriate food, proper storage, and inventory management practices (Strategy 4.3); and WHEREAS, having preparedness teams and partners be able to meet dietary needs during emergencies, including culturally relevant and medically appropriate food preparation, and for emergency staff and volunteers to have training in such (Strategy 4.4); and WHEREAS, it will be necessary, as part of the preparedness ecosystem, to work with community partners to have a real-time inventory management system to track emergency food availability, expiration dates, and replenishment needs to ensure a steady supply during emergencies while minimizing food waste (Strategy 4.5) and WHEREAS, it is essential and critical to create a diverse and reliable food supply by establishing partnerships with a wide range of local suppliers and develop contingency plans for food supply chain disruptions, including alternative sourcing strategies (Strategy 4.6); and Commented [1]: See above comment for "Whereas." Need to add "Resolved" pertaining to 6.1 Food Retail and 6.6 school meal and summer food service programs. WHEREAS, there is a significant need to create mechanism that improves emergency response and preparedness for major power outages that impact the food supply at all stages of the food system (Strategy 4.7). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the following actions: 1. Establish Pre-Existing, Prepared Trusted Community Partners o Build upon Mass Care’s ecosystem survey, identify key partners to establish preexisting procurement relationships through Austin Finance Online o Prioritize …
