BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: xxxxxxx: Support for investing in farmland preservation and access in Austin and 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 pressure, underscoring the critical need for agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, farmland in Central Texas is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, the opportunity to preserve a meaningful amount of farmland will disappear as development spreads and farmland is permanently converted to other uses; and WHEREAS, it is recognized by the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and demonstrated by the Carbon Cycle Institute that agricultural land managed according to regenerative principles is vital to local food security, watershed protection, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, farmland preservation supports multiple City priorities, including increasing local food production, improving water quality, wildlife habitat preservation, ecosystem biodiversity, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, and recreation; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by 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, Goal 1 of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production 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 of the Food Plan directs the City of Austin to pursue capital funding sources to finance the preservation 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 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 ATCFPB passed Recommendation Number: 20250310-06A: Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in March 2025 encouraging the city to increase staff capacity to work …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20251020-05: Support for investing in farmland preservation and access in Austin and 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 pressure, underscoring the critical need for agricultural land preservation e(cid:431)orts; and WHEREAS, farmland in Central Texas is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, the opportunity to preserve a meaningful amount of farmland will disappear as development spreads and farmland is permanently converted to other uses; and WHEREAS, it is recognized by the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and demonstrated by the Carbon Cycle Institute that agricultural land managed according to regenerative principles is vital to local food security, watershed protection, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, farmland preservation supports multiple City priorities, including increasing local food production, improving water quality, wildlife habitat preservation, ecosystem biodiversity, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, and recreation; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by 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, Goal 1 of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production 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 of the Food Plan directs the City of Austin to pursue capital funding sources to finance the preservation 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 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 ATCFPB passed Recommendation Number: 20250310-06A: Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in March 2025 encouraging the city to increase sta(cid:431) capacity to …
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES October 20, 2025 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, October 20, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Lisa Barden, Joi Chevalier, Beth Corbett, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Matt Simon, Andy Smith, Andrea Abel, Natalie Poulos, Marissa Bell Board Members Absent: Nitza Cuevas, Erin McDonald Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin), Yaira Robinson (Travis County), Johanna Arendt (Travis County) CALL TO ORDER Chair Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Andrea Abel motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on September 15, 2025, with Board Member Hilda Gutierrez, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 10-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing on Food During Emergencies and Disasters, Eric Carter, Chief Emergency Management Coordinator, Travis County Office of Emergency Management. In alignment with Goal 4 of the Austin-Travis County Food Plan, Travis County works across strategic partnerships, provides coordination across agencies and areas during emergency response, and works toward resilience through ongoing preparedness efforts informed by prior event and response experiences. (see backup materials for presentation) 3. Briefing on Austin Emergency Management, Food During Emergencies and Disasters, John “Donny” Cummings, Mass Care Coordinator. The Mass Care office began in 2023. Shelter, Food and Water coordination and the Austin Resilience Network all fall under the Mass Care umbrella. a. Three activations for 2025: February cold weather sheltering, end of May microburst of severe weather, and the July floods encompass. Hot washes were completed after each, which helped identify priority areas to direct focus through end of this year. Food and Water feature heavily in those priorities. b. There will a be a process to identify contractors who can meet a need to activate to deliver more feeding options rapidly. A contract should be going out for bid in the near future. AEM has established a working group that includes city, county, and regional government and non-governmental partners to discuss sheltering needs, which will include information to feed into food and water related topics. c. The focus of the Austin Resilience Network is to create an awareness and inventory of entities involved in community resilience work. AEM has identified a little under 150 organizations in …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION October 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the ARTS COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than Noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla 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. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on September 22, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Rally Austin’s Proposal for the 2026 City of Austin Bond Election by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. 3. Presentation on Art for All by Raasin McIntosh, Founder & CEO, and Mike Kim, COO of Raasin in the Sun. 4. Discussion on Commissioner Keys’ concerns coming from artists and arts advocates and discuss some quicker payment processes 5. Discussion on Commissioner Keys’ request/need for a City public and public/private space utilization report to access the current state, use, and costs of some public and public- private multiuse, creative, and recreational facilities/spaces. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 7. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on the AACME Funding Programs Application Cycle by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Sunset the Community Feedback on most recent release of the Cultural Funding Programs Working Group 11. Establish a Working Group to review/update Arts …
KEEP AUSTIN OURS! 2026 City of Austin Bond Proposal THINK BIG & COLLABORATIVE Rally Austin is the first multi-purpose local government corporation, requested by the community and created by the Austin City Council in October 2020 ▪ Community driven, Equity focused ▪ Designed to be agile, mission-driven, collaborative and flexible ▪ Bring new financial tools and resources to the table and generate consistent revenues ▪ Professional approach to community investment and project delivery 2 MISSION Facilitating equitable development for economic growth while preserving Austin's unique culture. VISION A culturally resilient and economically integrated Austin where diverse communities thrive without risk of displacement. Leading investments in our community, as a community Rally will focus its efforts to unite and drive progress across three critical areas of development in Central Texas: ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE COMPLETE COMMUNITIES CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT 3 OUR COMMUNITY AT WORK Board of Directors Collaboration of community leaders and nominating bodies who represent local organizations and asset holders. WHO WE ARE 4 ACTIVE COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS Real estate projects valued at approximately $160M, securing an estimated 293,000 square feet of affordable space: ▪ 180,000 SF Affordable housing ▪ 86,000 SF Cultural spaces ▪ 14,000 SF Commercial spaces ▪ 13,000 SF Outdoor and shared spaces Collective economic impact projected between $320 to $400M, also providing community benefits: ▪ Job creation and tax revenues ▪ Property value increases ▪ Tourism and cultural preservation ▪ Soul and vitality OUR RALLY FOR COMPLETE COMMUNITIES OUR RALLY FOR ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE OUR RALLY FOR CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT Mixed-use development Seven real estate Rally moves large-scale, for Blocks 16 & 18 on development projects multi-million-dollar East 11th Street in the valued at $37.5M with an development and African American estimated $75M-$94M infrastructure projects Cultural Heritage District, return on investment. and serves as a flexible building thriving small This area of focus has bridge between public, businesses, cultural led to the successful private, and community anchors and affordable negotiation of a new 20- interests to unlock housing. With a current year lease for historic diverse funding sources project value estimated music venue The Hole in and deliver value and at $128M, and an the Wall and several benefits for all partners. estimated impact of other arts and culture $256-320M. venues. 5 RALLY AUSTIN PROPOSED 2026 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT BOND ▪ Overview of Process ▪ Problem Statement ▪ Proposed Solutions ▪ Rally’s Approach ▪ Invest in Our Identity: Keep …
OVERVIEW OVERVIEW OCT 2025 OCT 2025 WELCOME WE’RE hERE TO buIld an InClusIVE, TRauma InfORmEd PROGRam ThaT suPPORTs bOTh aRTIsTs and OuR unhOusEd nEIGhbORs. PG 2 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 “ Our Mission We transform spaces into places of belonging—through art, culture, and community. RaasIn mCInTOsh fOundER raasininthesun.orgart For aLL 2025-2026 OuR TEam RaasIn mCInTOsh fOundER | CEO mIKE KIm COO TIffany KOWalsKI dIRECTOR, PROJECT manaGEmEnT ChRIs TObaR hEad Of dEsIGn, bRand COdI COPyWRITTER naI’lah bEll WayfIndInG aRChITECT JEnnIfER WEb dEV PG 4 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Our VISION We envision a city where every space reflects the spirit of its people—vibrant, inclusive, and alive with creativity. raasininthesun.orgart For aLL 2025-2026 Art for All To cultivate safe, respectful, and creative spaces that engage unhoused participants while uplifting our community through art. PG 6 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Project Vision Art for All envisions murals and creative spaces that go beyond beautif ication—cultivating connection, reducing stigma, and building trust across Austin’s diverse communities. PG 7 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 OUR PARTNERS PG 8 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 fuTuRE muRals WIll bE lOCaTEd hERE! ausTIn CEnTRal lIbRaRy, ausTIn PublIC lIbRaRy PG 9 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Central Library Garage Transforming the Central Library parking garage into a series of storytelling murals that reflect Austin’s community values. PG 10 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 How It Works • CREaTE PublIC aRT: Participants experiencing housing or economic insecurity collaborate with local artists on mural installations. • EaRn samE day Pay: Up to $250 for 6–8 hours of creative work, exceeding Austin’s living wage. • aCCEss suPPORT sERVICEs: Peer Specialists connect participants to resources such as housing, food, behavioral health, and employment. • OnGOInG lOTTERy sysTEm: 20–30+ work slots per program day. *Dates and details are subject to change due to APL schedules. PG 11 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Juice Consulting PR TEam Founded in 2007 by Heather Wagner Reed, former Senior Product Manager for Beyoncé, Juice Consulting is an award-winning PR and marketing agency known for bringing “f resh-squeezed vitality” to every campaign. Based in Austin, Juice specializes in arts, culture, and creative industries—crafting buzzworthy strategies, press outreach, and branding that position partners as the talk of the town. hEaThER WaGnER REEd PG 12 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Key Dates & Timeline PG 13 raasininthesun.orgART FOR ALL 2025-2026 Key Dates & Timeline We Will provide Bi - Weekly/ Monthly Updates via Email/Text. sEPT 2025 Kickoff …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Arts Commission | October 20, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – September 2025 Approved Budget Amended Budget September w/ Encumb H/MOT Penalties & Interest $584,562 $584,562 Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax $169,317,023 $169,317,023 Total Revenue $169,901,585 $169,901,585 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $16,217,879 $16,217,879 $53,846 $978,315 $1,032,161 $98,571 Year-to-date w/Encumb $520,879 $161,058,087 $161,578,966 $15,430,791 • Total HOT Collections September 2025 = $978,315 • 95% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 • Cultural Arts Fund September 2025 = $98,571 Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Austin City Limits Hall of Fame – August 1 • Central Texas Flood benefits o Resound x Mohawk – August 2 o Lyle Lovett at Heart of Texas Flood Benefit – August 12 o Band Together Texas – August 17 • Blues on the Green – August 5-6 • Zilker Summer Musical – July 11-August 16 • Abbey Lights Up COTA Gala – August 16 • PBR Gambler Days – August 22-24 • Austin Pride Parade – August 23 AUS Passenger Totals: 1,772,810 (August 2025) HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY25 CULTURAL ARTS FUND FY 25 January February March April May June July August September October November December $4,500,000 $4,000,000 $3,500,000 $3,000,000 $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $0 December $60,961 November $559,306 October $2,437,899 March $169,486 February $1,108,764 June $57,730 May $1,234,509 January $2,834,689 April $2,858,334 Q1 Q2 Q3 $98,571 August $3,934,592 July $79,750 Q4 HOT Collections (FY22 – FY25) Questions? Learn More: www.austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding
Cultural Arts Funding Update Arts Commission | October 20, 2025 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 10/20/25) FY23 Elevate FY24 Elevate FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY25-26 Thrive (Year 1) FY25-26 Thrive (Year 2) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 199 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 195 (98%) 230 229 (99%) 229 (99%) 229 (99%) 217 (94%) 65 (28%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 50 (98%) n/a Total Dist. to date $6,221,000 (99%) $8,445,250 (91%) Total Allocation $6,250,000 $9,265,000 $245,000 (96%) $255,000 35 34 (97%) 34 (97%) 34 (97%) 32 (91%) 1 (3%) $3,318,500 (86%) See year 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A (N/A) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. Grant Funded Activities FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Esplendor y Cultura de Panama November 1 Folklore y Ritmos de Panama (MSA) – Wyndham Garden Fuego Friday – Weekly Afro-Latin Social Dance Series Every Friday through December 26 Austin Latin Dance Cultural Heritage Project (District 1) – Corazon Latino Dance Studio Groundwork Music Project at Hive Austin 4th Saturday of the month through December 27 Groundwork Music Project (District 2) – Hive Austin Urban Echo Writers Workshop Every Monday and Wednesday through December 31 Urban Echo (District 1) – Austin Central Library Questions? Learn More: www.austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding
Funding Programs Update Arts Commission | October 20, 2025 The Creative Reset: Phase I Funding Program Guidelines • Clearer definitions • Clearer criteria • Simplified processes • More accessible resources across all programs Learn more: austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding English Guidelines | Spanish Guidelines Program Launch Memo to Mayor and Council (Creative Reset, Funding Guidelines, Application opening)– October 8th Formal Launch of Information via website and direct communication Application Process thelongcenter.submittable.com/submit Intake Form Eligibility Form Application Form Key Dates • October 14: Intake and Eligibility Verification Forms (10am) • October 21: Application Opens (10am) • December 4: Application Intake Form Deadline (6:59pm) Application Timeline Planned Launch Calendar 2025 October 21st Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Program Elevate Heritage Preservation Grant 2026 March Nexus 2027 March Nexus July Austin Live Music Fund Elevate Heritage Preservation Grant Thrive July Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Program Elevate Heritage Preservation Grant September Nexus September Nexus Application Assistance Workshops (recordings posted on website after event) • Virtual • October 21st at 6pm; November 5th at 6pm; November 17th at 11am • In-Person • October 22nd at 11am (Pleasant Hill Branch Library; 211 E William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78745) • October 23rd at 6pm (5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78741) Open Office Hours • Every Tuesday, 10-Noon (virtual) • Special sessions 10am – 4pm (virtual and in-Person): December 4th, 9th, 11th 1:1 Meetings via Booking Link The Long Center: Email ApplicationHelp@thelongcenter.org; (512) 457-5161 (M-F, 9-11am) Community Events (Nov 1: MACC Dia de Los Muertos; Nov 7: AARC Fall Exhibit Reception; etc) Language Access Available Resources Languages Available Contact Us Technical Application Support ENG and SPN, others upon request Editable Application Forms English, Spanish, Chinese (simple), Vietnamese, and Korean, others upon request ApplicationHelp@TheLongCenter.org or 512-457-5161 www.CreateAustin.org/resources Workshop Recordings ENG and SPN, others upon request bit.ly/AACMEYouTube Language assistance Other than ENG and SPN Call 3-1-1 Austin’s Creative Community Resources ENG and SPN, others upon request www.CreateAustin.org/resources ASL Interpretation American Sign Language TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711 Questions? Learn More: www.austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding
ARTS COMMISSION: CANDIDATES FOR BOARD NOMINATION Kathryn (Kate) Meehan Kate Meehan offers a distinctive combination of arts leadership, strategic operations, and community-centered development experience. With a master’s degree in Theatre History and Criticism from Texas State University and a career that bridges the arts, design, and business strategy, Kate has built a reputation as an innovative and systems-minded leader. As Partner and Director of Operations at Rhode Partners Inc., she has led including overhauling human resources processes, refining client engagement systems, and driving organizational transformation efforts, marketing and business development initiatives. Her experience demonstrates a rare ability to merge creativity and efficiency, qualities that have tangible impact on both team culture and the broader Austin arts ecosystem. In her submission, Kate’s voice reflects deep curiosity, optimism, and a clear commitment to community building. She describes herself as a relentless community builder and process nerd, highlighting a belief that thoughtful systems and inclusive collaboration are the foundation of sustainable cultural and economic growth. Her work with arts-related organizations such as the Writers’ League of Texas and her leadership within architecture and design firms illustrate her understanding of the intersections between the arts, real estate, and community development. Kate’s enthusiasm to serve on the Rally Austin Board shines through her recognition that the arts play a vital role in shaping Austin’s evolving urban identity, bridging creative expression with civic and economic vitality. Sara Vanderbeek Sara Vanderbeek brings more than two decades of experience as an artist, curator, and arts advocate whose work has profoundly shaped Austin’s creative landscape. As the Founding Executive Director and Curator of DORF, she has cultivated a dynamic, community-driven platform for emerging and established artists, recognized by The Austin Chronicle as the Best New Experimental Gallery in 2018. Sara’s work extends beyond curation into civic engagement and public art leadership, and she has served as an independent curator for the Texas Municipal Retirement System, Zilker Point, and the University Health public art collections. Her experience spans major arts institutions including Christie’s Auction House, the McNay Art Museum, and The Contemporary Austin, underscoring her deep understanding of the art world’s institutional and market dimensions. Sara’s submission emphasizes her belief in the power of creative collaboration and her commitment to equitable cultural and economic development. She currently serves as a consultant for the City of Austin’s Urban Core Land Use Working Group, where she brings an artist’s perspective to conversations …
Art in Public Places New Panelist Recommendations October 2025 Camille Jobe – Architect Art in Public Places – New Panelist Recommendations Camille Jobe – Architect [Camille Jobe] brings a wealth of experience and knowledge as an architect and working in Austin. She will fill a gap in the technical design evaluation of projects that is currently missing on the panel. - Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison to Art in Public Places Panel Excellent and broad experience as an architect and in community engagement; a "big picture thinker" to use her words; able to be strategic in the real work. - Acia Gray, Arts Commission Vice Chair When I review the criteria for a top score, Camille clearly demonstrates mastery of the required competencies. She would serve as a role model, inspiring and training others through both her breadth of experience and her impressive record of service. In addition, she brings highly valued technical expertise that would be an asset to the panel. - Kristi-Anne Shaer, Art in Public Places Panel Chair Camille's impressive career as an Architect and years of leadership in our community will be helpful in executing the responsibilities of the AIPP Panel. Her experience with complex public projects will be a valuable contribution to this program and its Artists. - Andrew Danziger, Art in Public Places Vice Panel Chair Art in Public Places – New Panelist Recommendations Lindsey Millikan – Artist Art in Public Places – New Panelist Recommendations Lindsey Millikan – Artist While all the candidates we interviewed for the visual arts seat were excellent, Lindsey stood out to me for the way she talked about belonging and public art and because she has had the experience of being an AIPP artist. This perspective will be extremely valuable to the makeup of the panel. - Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison to Art in Public Places Panel Experience within the AIPP process as an artist as well as community knowledge of Austin will be a good voice for the panel. - Acia Gray, Arts Commission Vice Chair As a public artist herself, Lindsey has deep expertise in the process of public art making. Her perspective on the function of public art, as well as her vision for the possibilities within Austin’s public art program, were both thoughtful and refreshing. - Kristi-Anne Shaer, Art in Public Places Panel Chair Lindsey's technical knowledge with painting murals will be a …
2026 Draft Meeting Schedule Arts Commission The montly meeting schedule is as follows: MEETING DATES Monday, January 26, 2026 Monday, February 23, 2026 Monday, March 23, 2026 Monday, April 20, 2026 Monday, May 18, 2026 Monday, June 15, 2026 Monday, July 20, 2026 Monday, August 17, 2026 Monday, September 21, 2026 Monday, October 19, 2026 Monday, November 16, 2026 Monday, December 14, 2026 All meetings take place at 6 pm. CANCELLED DATES January 19, 2026 (holiday) February 16, 2026 (holiday) March 16, 2026 Monday, December 21, 2026 LOCATION TBD TBD TBD City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall City Hall
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION October 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 20, October 2025 at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioner Houston called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:05p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Celina Zisman, Sharron B Anderson Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Muna Hussaini, Heidi Schmalbach Board Members Absent: Felipe Garza, Faiza Kracheni, Nagavalli Medicharla CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. Maria Luisa from Casa Costura spoke on their frustrations with Spanish language support. The translations and assistance were improved from before, but they were frustrated that their contract was not offered in Spanish. They have reached out to TALA to get assistance in translating the contract but haven’t heard back. They are uncomfortable signing a document they don’t understand. 2. Hector Ordaz from Proyecto Teatro spoke on their frustrations with the revised AACME guidelines and the lack of serving underrepresented communities. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on September 22, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of September 22, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Zisman’s motion, Commissioner Grey’s second on an 6-0 vote with Commisisoner Anderson abstaining and Commissioners Maldonado, Garza, Kracheni, and Medicharla absent. A motion to move item 12 to after Item 2 was approved on Commissioner Zisman’s motion, Commissioner Schmalbach’s second on a 7-0 with Commissioners Maldonado, Garza, Kracheni, and Medicharla absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Rally Austin’s Proposal for the 2026 City of Austin Bond Election by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. The presentation was given by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. and Theresa Alvarez, Chief Executive Officer, Rally Austin. 3. Presentation on Art for All by Raasin McIntosh, Founder & CEO, and Mike Kim, COO of Raasin in the Sun. The presentation was given by Raasin McIntosh, Founder & CEO, and Mike Kim, COO of Raasin in the Sun. 4. Discussion on Commissioner Keys’ concerns coming from artists and arts advocates and discuss …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025 – 8:30 AM Permitting and Development Center – Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX 78752 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, please email preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Ben Heimsath, (D-8) Chair Roxanne Evans (D-2), Vice Chair Jeffrey Acton (Mayor) Vacant (D-1) Kevin Koch (D-3) Judah Rice (D-4) Harmony Grogan (D-5) Carl Larosche (D-6) Jaime Alvarez (D-7) Bat Taniguchi (D-9) Trey McWhorter (D-10) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. Presentation and discussion on the Equity-Based Preservation Plan implementation Presenter: Cara Bertron, Historic Preservation Office Presentation and discussion on Commission bylaws Presenter: Kalan Contreras and Kim McKnight, Historic Preservation Office Presentation and discussion on Commission and Committee meetings Presenter: Historic Preservation Office staff ADJOURNMENT 1 The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call the Historic Preservation Office at 512-974-3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Historic Landmark Commission, please contact Hunter Sturgill, Historic Preservation Planner II, at 512-974-3393; Austin Lukes, Historic Preservation Planner Senior, at 512-978-0766; or Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Officer, at 512-974-2727. 2
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Friday, October 17, 2025 – 11 a.m. Permitting and Development Center Conference Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item NOT on the agenda 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 cara.bertron@austintexas.gov or call (512) 974-1446. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Jeffrey Acton Trey McWhorter Judah Rice CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (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. ACTION ITEMS 1. Approval of minutes from Sept. 15, 2025 meeting DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Feedback on educational and outreach material use cases Potential update to historic sign standards 4. Ways to approach concerns about structural issues in older buildings 5. Cadence of in-person and hybrid meetings 6. Discussion of items for future Committee agendas ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call the Historic Preservation Office at 512-974- 3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Operations Committee, please contact Cara Bertron at 512- 974-1446. COMMITTEE MEETING LOCATION City of Austin Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin 78752 Directions: From the parking garage, enter the double doors (center blue line in above map). In the lobby, take an immediate left and walk past the tables in the open area. Conference room 1401/1402 is on the right after the double doors (circled in red on the map). 2025 COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE Monday, September 15, 11 a.m. Friday, October 17, 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 11 a.m.
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE Friday, October 17, 2025 – 11 a.m. Permitting and Development Center Conference Room 1215 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item NOT on the agenda 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 cara.bertron@austintexas.gov or call (512) 974-1446. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Roxanne Evans Carl Larosche Bat Taniguchi CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (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. ACTION ITEMS 1. 2. Approval of minutes from January 9, 2025 meeting Selection of Committee chair DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Process to develop and update implementation plan for 10-year span Review of the Progress Dashboard and Open Data Portal 5. 6. 7. Introduction to and discussion of Preservation Plan Summit Cadence of in-person and hybrid meetings Items for future Committee agendas ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call the Historic Preservation Office at 512-974- 3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Preservation Plan Committee, please contact Cara Bertron at 512-974-1446. COMMITTEE MEETING LOCATION City of Austin Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin 78752 Directions: From the parking garage, enter the double doors, following the center blue line in the above map. In the lobby, walk past the information desk on the right and elevators on the left, then turn left. Conference room 1215 is on the left (circled in red on the map). 2025 COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE Friday, October 17, 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, 4 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 4 p.m.
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Monday, September 15, 2025 – 11 a.m. Permitting and Development Center Conference Room 1203 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, TX 78752 COMMITTEE MEMBERS: x x x Jeffrey Acton Trey McWhorter Judah Rice DRAFT MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No public communication. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Operations Committee purview, as outlined in Historic Landmark Commission bylaws • Review of Committee purview 2. Equity-Based Preservation Plan progress dashboard and implementation plan • Review of progress dashboard and progress database for the Equity-Based Preservation Plan • Explanation of how Plan recommendations were prioritized for implementation 3. Feedback on list of potential educational and outreach materials • Recommendation that materials from other departments reflect preservation good practices • Request to develop use cases and user personas to identify gaps in existing materials • Discussion of proactive outreach out to historic property owners about historic review requirements and good practices (e.g., via real estate agents) 4. Possible changes to historic preservation sections of the Land Development Code • Overview of code change process 5. Proposed near-term items for Committee review and input • Committee members can suggest items for future agendas ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call the Historic Preservation Office at 512-974- 3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Operations Committee, please contact Cara Bertron at 512- 974-1446.
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission October 15, 2025 — 4:00 pm Austin Water Headquarters Waller Creek Center 625 East 10th Street, Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc 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 Vicky Addie at 512-972-0332 or Vicky.Addie@austintexas.gov. To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Amanda Marzullo (District 3) CALL TO ORDER Mike Reyes (District 4) Evan Wolstencroft (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Alex Ortiz (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Chair (District 8) Marcela Tuñón, Vice Chair (District 9) Shannon Trilli (District 10) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the September 17, 2025 regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for engineering services for the Pilot Knob Supply Water Transmission Main Project for Austin Capital Delivery Services with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000. Funding: $20,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. 3. Recommend approval to authorize a rotation list set of twelve contracts for engineering services for the 2025 Small Scale Water and Wastewater Pipeline Engineering Services Rotation List with Quiddity Engineering, LLC, Weston Solutions, Inc., Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., Tetra Tech, Inc., DAVCAR, Inc., dba DAVCAR Engineering Services, Riley Mountain Engineering, LLC, Martinez, Wright & Mendez, Inc., dba MWM DesignGroup, AtkinsRealis, USA, Inc., LJA Engineering, Inc., BGE, Inc., dba Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc., Doucet & Associates, Inc., and Halff Associates, Inc., for total contract amount not to exceed $26,000,000, divided among the firms. Funding: $26,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of the Austin Water. 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 …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 17, 2025 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on July 16, 2025 at Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Commission Members in Attendance: Amanda Marzullo, William Moriarty (remote), Shwetha Pandurangi (remote), Jesse Penn (remote), Mike Reyes, Shannon Trilli, Vice Chair Marcela Tuñón, and Evan Wolstencroft (remote) Commission Members Absent: Chair Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Alex Navarro, and Alex Ortiz Vice Chair Tuñón filled in as Chair and called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 4:03 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers were registered. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the August 20, 2025 regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Trilli’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance regarding water rates proposed by Aqua Texas, Inc., an investor-owned utility, for its Travis County customers located in the City’s corporate limits in Council Districts 5, 8, and 10. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. Recommended on Commissioner Marzullo’s motion and Commissioner Trilli’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. 3. Recommend approval to authorize two contracts for lab supplies and lab chemicals for Austin Water with Midland Scientific Inc. and VWR International LLC d/b/a VWR International, each for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options in amounts not to exceed $5,000,000, divided between the contractors. Funding: $1,000,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water, funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Recommended on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Marzullo’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. 4. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for Wastewater Line Renewal and Spot Rehab Service Contract Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (2026 to 2028) for Austin Water with Santa Clara Construction, LTD., in the amount of $3,200,000 for a term up to three years for a total not to exceed $9,600,000. Funding: $3,200,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the extension options is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Recommended on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Marzullo’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. Page 1 of 2 5. Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing Austin Water to continue the …
Item 2 Water & Wastewater Commission: October 15, 2025 Council: October 23, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a contract for engineering services for the Pilot Knob Supply Water Transmission Main Project for Austin Capital Delivery Services with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000. Funding: $20,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. ..Body Lead Department Austin Financial Services. Managing Department Austin Capital Delivery Services. Amount and Source of Funding Funding of $20,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Austin Financial Services issued a Request for Qualifications solicitation RFQS 6100 CLMP384 for these services. The solicitation was issued on April 16, 2025, and closed on May 28, 2025. Of the five responses received, the recommended consultant submitted the best evaluated response. A complete solicitation package, including a log of responses received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=142367. MBE / WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 16.00% MBE and 3.00% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: October 15, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This project is a 2021 Winter Storm Uri After Action Report recommendation. The proposed Pilot Knob Supply Water Transmission Main project will provide greater ability to serve Southeast Austin and supply water to the Pilot Knob Reservoir and Pump Station. With increasing projected growth in both the Central and South Pressure Zones, the ability to provide additional transmission capacity to the Pilot Knob Reservoir is needed to provide reliable service to Austin’s southeast service area. The Pilot Knob Supply Water Transmission Main project will install approximately 76,000 linear feet of water transmission main from a water transmission main north of the Colorado River near Longhorn Dam to the Pilot Knob Reservoir. A routing study will be performed to determine the project alignment. Construction of the transmission main may require lane closures or traffic detours, impacting public transportation. Any necessary water service outages will be communicated to allow customers sufficient notice and time to prepare. These outages are expected to be minimal in number and duration. Delay or deferral of this contract will impact Austin Water’s ability to provide water distribution to new development …
Item 3 Water & Wastewater Commission: October 15, 2025 Council: October 23, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a rotation list set of twelve contracts for engineering services for the 2025 Small Scale Water and Wastewater Pipeline Engineering Services Rotation List with Quiddity Engineering, LLC, Weston Solutions, Inc., Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., Tetra Tech, Inc., DAVCAR, Inc., dba DAVCAR Engineering Services, Riley Mountain Engineering, LLC, Martinez, Wright & Mendez, Inc., dba MWM DesignGroup, AtkinsRealis, USA, Inc., LJA Engineering, Inc., BGE, Inc., dba Brown & Gay Engineers, Inc., Doucet & Associates, Inc., and Halff Associates, Inc., for total contract amount not to exceed $26,000,000, divided among the firms. Funding: $26,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of the Austin Water. ..Body Lead Department Austin Financial Services. Managing Department Capital Delivery Services. Amount and Source of Funding Funding of $26,000,000 is available in the Capital Budget of the Austin Water. Procurement Language: Austin Financial Services issued a Request for Qualifications solicitation RFQS 6100 CLMP382 for these services. The solicitation was issued on May 14, 2025, and closed on June 26, 2025. Of the 35 offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the best evaluated responsive offers. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=142248. MBE / WBE: These contracts will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 9.18% MBE and 3.02% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: October 15, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: As a standard business practice, the City routinely engages the services of professional engineering firms to perform analysis, design, and support services associated with construction or improvement of City capital assets. Rotation List contracting allows the City to always have a group of qualified consultants available to perform a specific type of recurring work in a timely manner to meet the project and operational needs of the City. Prior to issuing, this solicitation was reviewed by the City’s Rotation List Advisory Committee, which is made up of staff from the Austin Financial Services, the Austin Small and Minority Business Resources, Austin Transportation and Public Works , and other user departments. The total authorization amount, the number of firms to be recommended for selection, …
Item 4 Water & Wastewater Commission: October 15, 2025 Council: October 23, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a contract for finance consulting services for Austin Water with NewGen Strategies and Solutions, LLC., for an initial term of one-year with up to four one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $340,000. Funding: $180,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Austin Financial Services. Client Department(s) Austin Water. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $180,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Procurement Language: Professional Services. MBE/WBE: This contract is exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: October 15, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide financial consulting services for Austin Water (AW) with an emphasis on updating wholesale utility rates within the cost-of-service models. This contract also includes enhancing revenue forecasting models, conducting additional cost recovery analyses, and preparing for a Public Utility Commission (PUC) wholesale rate filing. The goal of this collaborative effort is to ensure that wholesale rates accurately reflect actual usage and service requirements. The cost-of-service models are crucial for revising these rates to ensure they represent the true costs of the services provided. Currently, several wholesale customers are paying rates established by the PUC in 2016 that do not align with their specific usage patterns or service needs. AW is seeking ongoing support from NewGen Solutions & Strategies, LLC., to implement these specialized models, which will help create a more equitable rate structure that better meets the needs of these customers while improving the overall efficiency of the pricing framework as we prepare for the PUC rate filing. The Contractor has proven expertise in electric, water, wastewater, natural gas, and solid waste utility projects, specializing in financial feasibility, depreciation, valuations, and cost-of-service analyses. The firm employs one of fewer than 20 professionals nationwide with an Accredited Senior Appraiser designation in Public Utilities from the American Society of Appraisers. Item 4 Water & Wastewater Commission: October 15, 2025 Council: October 23, 2025 The contract …
Water and Wastewater Commission 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule - Proposed Third Wednesday of the month (unless otherwise specified) at 4:00pm or 6pm? All meetings to be held at Austin Water Headquarters, Waller Creek Center, 625 East 10th Street, Austin, Texas January 14, 2026 (council 1/22) February 18, 2026 (council 2/26) March 11, 2026 (SXSW 3/12-3/18; Spring Break 3/16-3/20) (council 3/12 and 3/26) April 15, 2026 (council 4/23) May 20, 2026 (council 5/28) June 17, 2026 (no council mtgs sched) July 15, 2026 – Regular meeting (council 7/23) July 29, 2026 – Budget meeting (due to Budget Adoption in Aug) August 19, 2026 (first day of school for AISD is August 16th) (council 8/27) September 16, 2026 (council 9/24) October 14, 2026 (council 10/22) Tuesday, November 10 (Veterans Day is Wed, 11/11) (council 11/19) No December Commission meeting (council 12/3) Revised 10.01.2025
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Allison Morrison Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut 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 Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 1, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code) related to the drainage easements on parkland owned by the City of Austin – Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Austin Watershed Protection DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for Townlake YMCA PUD, located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard, CD-2025- 0003 (District 9). Applicant: Richard T. Suttle, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC. Staff: Cynthia Hadri, Planning Department Overview of Austin Climate Action and Resilience – Zach Baumer, Director, Austin Climate and Resilience 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 …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission October 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Allison Morrison Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut AGENDA REVISED 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 1, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code) related to the drainage easements on parkland owned by the City of Austin – Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Austin Watershed Protection DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for Townlake YMCA PUD, located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard, CD-2025- 0003 (District 9). Applicant: David Anderson, Drenner Group, PC. Staff: Cynthia Hadri, Planning Department Overview of Austin Climate Action and Resilience – Zach Baumer, Director, Austin Climate and Resilience 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 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 1, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 17th, 2025. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 17, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Green Infrastructure in the Right of Way – Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department. Speakers: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Election of the Environmental Commission Secretary for a term ending on April 30, 2026. Commissioner Qureshi was elected as secretary on Commissioner Brisol’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. 4. Discussion and action on Urban Forestry committee membership The commission nominated Commissioners Justin Fleury and Annie Fierro to the Urban Forestry Committee. 5. Approve the 2026 Environmental Commission Meeting Schedule The draft 2026 meeting schedule was approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. 6. Discussion and action on the Travis County Landfill permit #684 leakage – Commissioners Sullivan and Brimer Speakers: Corbin Graham A motion to postpone the item passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Ganguly was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Changsut requested a presentation from Austin Youth River Watch on December 3. Commissioner Bristol seconded. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 7:52 pm without objection. 2
C20-2025-009 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2025-009 City of Austin parkland drainage easements LDC 25-7 code amendment Description: Amends 25-7-152 (E) as related to parkland drainage easements. The proposed amendment would allow an administrative variance to not require drainage easements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Proposed Language: Approve an ordinance amending 25-7-152 (E): to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Background: Current code requires that property owners dedicate a public drainage easement to the limits of the 100-year floodplain as a part of the site development permit approval process. Additionally, 25-7-152 (E) includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances as described in that section. The purpose of the drainage easement is to alert present and future property owners that there is flood risk on the property. There are limitations on the use of the drainage easement and floodplain areas on the property. These uses are regulated by the floodplain regulations. Importantly, an approved administrative variance waiving the drainage easement requirement does not waive or alter existing restrictions or development requirements within the 100-year floodplain. The proposed amendment would only apply to the dedication of a drainage easement on City of Austin parkland. Additionally, if parkland is later sold through the Chapter 26 process and voter approval, the new property owner would be required to dedicate a drainage easement as part of any future site plan application. The process for the sale of public parkland must follow the requirements outlined in Chapter 26 of the Texas statues which serve as a protection for public parks and recreational lands from programs or projects that would change their use or require taking of public land. A benefit of this proposed code change is to reduce the fiscal and administrative burden on new parkland projects by improving efficiency during the permit review process. Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Watershed Protection are in agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must apply for a variance and be approved on a case-by-case basis. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments. Additionally, there will be no impact or change on maintenance or operational responsibilities as a result of the code amendment. Staff Recommendation: Staff …
Code Amendment C20-2025-009 Parkland Drainage Easements Austin Watershed Protection | October 15, 2025 Intent of Current Code: Drainage Easements LDC 25-7-152(A) The owner of real property proposed to be developed shall dedicate to the public an easement for stormwater flow to the limits of the 100-year floodplain ▪ Ensures that the current and future property owners know that flood risk exists on their property ▪ Accomplished by surveying the floodplain area on the property 2 Austin PARD Project Impacts Under Current Code ▪ Requires solicitation and contract negotiation ▪ Requires multiple rounds of staff review ▪ A Declaration of Use (DOU) requires Real Estate and Legal review ▪ Final approval requires multiple levels of executive review, signatures and recording with associated County fees ▪ Overall process cost: ▪ Consultant for survey (increased significantly over time) ▪ Cost of staff time charged to the project (reducing available money for construction) ▪ Adds cost/time to the site plan review process ▪ Park property remains city-owned unless voter approved for sale through a Chapter 26 process 3 Proposed Code ▪ Add public parkland owned by the City of Austin to the list of options for a variance. ▪ Would not exempt parkland from following all code requirements for development in the floodplain. ▪ If a property is approved for sale, the new owner would be required to dedicate the easement once a subdivision or site plan application is submitted. 4 Proposed Code Language § 25-7-152 - DEDICATION OF EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY E. For property in the full-purpose limits of the city, the director may grant a variance to Subsection (A) if the director determines: 1) development with the variance does not result in additional adverse flooding of other 2) property; and the development: a) is permitted by a variance granted under Section 25-7-92(C) (Encroachments on Floodplain Prohibited); is permitted in a floodplain under Section 25-7-93 (General Exceptions), Section 25-7- 94 (Exceptions in Central Business Area), Section 25-7-95 (Exceptions for Parking Areas), or Section 25-7-96 (Exceptions in the 25-Year Floodplain); is not a building or parking area; is a non-conforming use, as defined by Chapter 25-12, Article 3 (Flood Hazard Areas); or is on parkland owned by the City of Austin. b) c) d) e) 5 Boards and Commissions Review Schedule Meeting Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee: Initiation Recommendation (approved) Date July 16, 2025 Planning Commission: Initiation Recommendation (approved, initiated) August 12, 2025 Parks …
DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT CASE NUMBER: CD-2025-0003 BRIEFING SUMMARY SHEET REQUEST: Presentation of a Development Assessment Report for Townlake YMCA Planned Unit Development (PUD), located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard - within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed - Urban Watershed in District Area 9. DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The applicant has submitted a development assessment for a 4.8 acre mixed use project generally located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street; 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard (see Case Map – Exhibit A). The PUD will consist of a mixed-use development of up to 750 condominium homes, a minimum of 90 affordable housing units, 110, 000 square feet of civic and office uses and approximately 35, 000 square feet of pedestrian oriented uses on the ground floor of the project. Approximately 10, 000 square feet of ground floor pedestrian oriented space will be for a restaurant use. The parking for the development will be achieved through parking structures (see Development Assessment Application Letter – Exhibit B). The applicant is proposing the LI, Limited Industrial Services District, as the baseline zoning district for the PUD. The property in question is zoned Limited Industrial Services – Conditional Overlay – Neighborhood Plan (LI-CO-NP). It is designated as “Civic” on the Land Use Map in the Old West Austin Neighborhood Plan that was adopted on June 29, 2000. The property is located within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed, which is classified as an Urban Watershed, and is part of the Lamar Waterfront District. The applicant has stated in the submittal materials that the project will meet all of the applicable Tier One PUD development standards, two Tier One Additional Requirements and offer elements of superiority in eleven Tier 2 categories (Open Space/Parkland; Environmental/Drainage; Austin Greener Builder Program; Art; Community Amenities; Transportation; Building Design; Parking Structure Frontage; Affordable Housing; Accessibility; Local Small Business). Therefore, they have stated that the proposed PUD will result in a superior development to that which could be developed under conventional zoning standards (see Basis of Superiority Table – Exhibit C). In the PUD Development Assessment submittal letter, the applicant states that they are seeking LI, Limited Industrial Services District zoning and site development regulations for the PUD. The staff will provide a review of the proposed site development standards, including the applicant’s request for an increase in height up to 425 feet and a …
Overview: Austin Climate Action & Resilience Austin Environmental Commission | October 2025 Today’s Agenda Overview • Timeline & History • Climate Team • Resilience Team • Food Team • Urban Forestry Team • Communications Team 2 Timeline & History 2010 2014 2022 2024 2025 Office of Sustainability created with AE Climate Team Food Policy Manager hired Office of Resilience created Resilience joins Sustainability, renamed Climate Action & Resilience Urban Forestry joins Climate Action & Resilience We are the Liaison to the Joint Sustainability Committee and the Food Policy Board 3 What we do ● Lead cross-departmental initiatives and collaborations ● Coordinate responses to new challenges with pilots and research partnerships ● Advise larger departments with specific expertise related to climate, resilience, trees, and food issues ● Respond to community and Council requests on big-picture questions What we don’t do ● Create or enforce regulations ● Own, operate, or manage any major assets ● Respond to disasters and emergencies 4 Climate Equity & Resilience Framework Climate Equity Plan — Mitigation Resilience & Climate Adaptation Actions that avoid, reduce, or capture greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Actions that increase our ability to prepare for and recover from shocks and stressors related to a changing climate. Sustainable Buildings, Energy Generation, and Water Demand Natural Systems Regional Collaboration & Green Jobs Climate and Environmental Data, Research, & Modeling Long Range Planning Recovery & Economic Resilience Transportation Electrification Materials, Purchasing, Food and Product Consumption Mass Transit, Planning, Land Use, and Housing Social Infrastructure and Community Preparedness Green Infrastructure (creeks, rivers, trees, landscape) Utility Infrastructure (water, power, drainage) Equity and Affordability 5 Austin Climate Equity Plan Overview ● Adopted by City Council in September 2021 ● Goal: Net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 ● 5 Sections: ○ Sustainable Buildings ○ Transportation and Land Use ○ Transportation Electrification ○ Food and Product Consumption ○ Natural Systems ● 17 Goals: To be accomplished by 2030 ● 75 Strategies: Progress in next 5 years 6 Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program ● Achievable in a two-year timeframe ● Filterable by various criteria ○ 4 Action Types: Project, Policy, Program, Foundational ○ Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential over 15 years ○ Two-year cost ○ Cost per ton of GHG reduced ○ Co-Benefits ○ Funding status and type ○ Departmental leads View the full Climate Implementation Plan, including interactive action tables 7 CCIP: Cost / Ton Summary If all actions …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 15, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, Allison Morrison, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Commissioners Absent: Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 1, 2025. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on October 1, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Fierro and Ganguly were absent. Commissioners Changsut and Morrison were off the dais. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code) related to the drainage easements on parkland owned by the City of Austin – Kevin Shunk, Floodplain Administrator, Austin Watershed Protection Speakers: Kevin Shunk, Austin Watershed Protection Chris Flores, public comment Danne Williams, Austin Parks and Recreation Liz Johnston, Austin Watershed Protection 1 The proposed ordinance related to drainage easements on parkland with a condition was recommended by Commissioner Qureshi, seconded by Commissioner Krueger’s second. Commissioner Brimer motioned to postpone the item until November 5th. The motion failed with a lack of second. The original motion with an amendment passed on an 8-1 vote. Commissioners Fierro and Ganguly were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for Townlake YMCA PUD, located at 1100 West Cesar Chavez Street, 206 1/2 and 220 1/2 North Lamar Boulevard, CD-2025- 0003 (District 9). Applicant: Dave Anderson, Drenner Group, PC. Staff: Cynthia Hadri, Planning Department Speakers: Cynthia Hadri, Austin Planning Dave Anderson, applicant Kathy Kuras, President and CEO of Greater Austin YMCA Sharlene Leurig Greg Anderson Larry Spec Walter Moreau Daniele Hahn Barbara Grant Boneta Steve Amos William Osborn Chris Flores Liz Johnston, Austin Watershed Protection Glen Rescalvo, Project Architect Tom Bruson, Civil Engineer Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Chair Bristol recessed the meeting at 8:56. Chair Bristol reconvened the meeting at 9:02. Overview of Austin Climate Action and Resilience – Zach Baumer, Director, Austin Climate and Resilience Speakers: Zach Baumer, Austin Climate and Resilience Chris Flores Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 2 FUTURE AGENDA …
