BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Recommendation Number 20250304: Austin Core Transportation Plan WHEREAS, the Austin Core Transportation Plan seeks to create a cohesive and adaptable transportation framework that addresses the unique mobility challenges of downtown Austin while building on previous downtown planning efforts and integrating upcoming major infrastructure projects like I-35 Capital Express Central and Project Connect; and WHEREAS, the Downtown street network is 1% of Austin’s overall network but accounts for 12% of all pedestrian crashes and 17% of intersection-related pedestrian crashes; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan sets a goal of 50% non-single occupancy vehicle mode share by 2039; and WHEREAS, two-way streets are safer and increase economic activity where conversions are implemented; and WHEREAS, street trees and additional shade downtown make walking more feasible and can even reduce vehicle speeds; and WHEREAS, the East side of downtown is not currently slated to have an on-street, high-quality North-South bicycle facility in the current ACT plan; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Austin Alliance Downtown Parking Study was created to comprehensively and holistically find parking management solutions to better serve the residents, workers, and visitors of downtown Austin; and WHEREAS, the Urban Land Institute convened a Technical Assistance Panel focused on reducing the growth of parking downtown, improving management of current parking supply, improving the human experience downtown, and improving other transportation modes; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 20240201-054 and corresponding ordinances seek to reduce the overall number of new parking spaces built within downtown Austin and create a more pedestrian-oriented built environment; and WHEREAS, the future Austin Light Rail and expanded MetroRapid services are projected to carry tens of thousands additional riders into downtown; and WHEREAS, there are limited resources devoted to transportation infrastructure improvements across the City, with competing priorities, including installing transportation facilities outside of downtown where no current facilities exist; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends the Austin Core Transportation Plan prioritizes the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and non-car modes of transportation throughout the downtown area over car volume throughput; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the UTC recommends that the ACT plan include a north-south, on-street, separated bike facility on the East side of downtown; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the UTC recommends additional one-way to two-way conversions on 5th Street, 6th Street, and other streets as is feasible; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the UTC …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Recommendation Number 20250304-003: Austin Core Transportation Plan WHEREAS, the Austin Core Transportation Plan seeks to create a cohesive and adaptable transportation framework that addresses the unique mobility challenges of downtown Austin while building on previous downtown planning efforts and integrating upcoming major infrastructure projects like I-35 Capital Express Central and Project Connect; and WHEREAS, the Downtown street network is 1% of Austin’s overall network but accounts for 12% of all pedestrian crashes and 17% of intersection-related pedestrian crashes; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan sets a goal of 50% non-single occupancy vehicle mode share by 2039; and WHEREAS, two-way streets are safer and increase economic activity where conversions are implemented; and WHEREAS, street trees and additional shade downtown make walking more feasible and can even reduce vehicle speeds; and WHEREAS, the East side of downtown is not currently slated to have a new on-street, high- quality North-South bicycle facility in the current ACT plan; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Austin Alliance Downtown Parking Study was created to comprehensively and holistically find parking management solutions to better serve the residents, workers, and visitors of downtown Austin; and WHEREAS, the Urban Land Institute convened a Technical Assistance Panel focused on reducing the growth of parking downtown, improving management of current parking supply, improving the human experience downtown, and improving other transportation modes; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 20240201-054 and corresponding ordinances seek to reduce the overall number of new parking spaces built within downtown Austin and create a more pedestrian-oriented built environment; and WHEREAS, the future Austin Light Rail and expanded MetroRapid services are projected to carry tens of thousands additional riders into downtown; and WHEREAS, there are limited resources devoted to transportation infrastructure improvements across the City, with competing priorities, including installing transportation facilities outside of downtown where no current facilities exist; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the UTC recommends that the City Council adopt the Austin Core Transportation plan; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends the Austin Core Transportation Plan prioritizes the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and non-car modes of transportation throughout the downtown area over car volume throughput; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends the ACT plan continue the protected bike lane on Red River Street from 7th Street to 12th Street, as contemplated by the 2023 Bicycle Plan and the active project listed …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20250304-005: I-35 Frontage Road Crossings and Pedestrian Crossings WHEREAS, the City of Austin is considering an investment of over a billion dollars to create new public spaces covering portions of an expanded Interstate 35, through the Our Future 35 Cap and Stitch program; and WHEREAS wide, fast moving, frontage roads create physical and mental barriers that would disincentivize visiting the proposed caps and reduce economic development opportunities surrounding them; and WHEREAS, TxDOT’s current designs for the I-35 Capital Express Central Project include frontage roads with up to eight travel lanes that people walking and bicycling would need to cross to access the proposed caps or cross the freeway; and WHEREAS, most urban freeways in the United States are surrounded by city streets, not highway-grade frontage roads; and WHEREAS, in 2002, the Texas Transportation Commission acknowledged significant safety and efficiency concerns with frontage roads; and WHEREAS, street parking protects people walking and bicycling on sidewalks and shared use paths and encourages the use of nearby public spaces; WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Cap and Stitch project proposal is modeled after successful highway caps such as Klyde Warren Park in Dallas and the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston; and WHEREAS, the roads surrounding Klyde Warren Park and Rose Kennedy Greenway have two to four travel lanes in total (1-2 travel lanes in each direction) surrounding the caps, in contrast with the proposed frontage roads for the I-35 caps with up to eight travel lanes in some locations; and WHEREAS, the width of the roads adjacent to Klyde Warren Park are 40 feet, and the widths of roads adjacent to the proposed caps for I-35 are up to 100 feet; and WHEREAS, there is limited access to the northern cap due to the design of the frontage roads; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that, throughout the length of the I-35 Capital Express Central Project, frontage roads should be designed as city streets per the following principles: • Design should result in average speeds at or below safe urban speed limits, no higher • The frontage roads should contain no more than 2 travel lanes in each direction than 30 miles per hour; throughout the length of the project; • Lane widths should generally be 10 feet and no wider than 11 feet; • Designs should include street trees along …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation No. 20250304-006: Austin Light Rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement WHEREAS, the Project Connect Contract with the Voters defines Project Connect as “a high capacity transit system, to address the City's transit needs for safer, faster, and more reliable transportation that will improve access to essential services, such as education, health care, grocery stores, childcare, and jobs, especially in historically underserved and underrepresented communities;" and WHEREAS, the ballot language for Proposition A of the November 3rd, 2020 election noted that Project Connect would include “associated road, sidewalk, bike, and street lighting improvements;” and WHEREAS, the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) oversees the design, construction, and completion of the Project Connect Light Rail Implementation Plan; and WHEREAS, on May 2nd, 2023 the City of Austin Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) recommended that the City of Austin and ATP engage “in a scoping project for multimodal investments to ensure light rail integrates with and expands Austin's existing and future pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections;” and WHEREAS, Project Connect is essential to accomplishing the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan’s 50/50 mode split goal by 2039; and WHEREAS, on January 10th, 2025 ATP released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Project; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends ATP move forward with all light rail design elements and options suggested in the Draft EIS; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends that, in keeping with the Contract with the Voters, ATP should prioritize right-of-way for pedestrians, bicyclists, micro-mobility users, and other transit options in future design iterations over preserving access for private auto traffic. Motioned by: Commissioner Schumacher Seconded by: Commissioner Somers Date of Approval: 3/4/2025 Record of the vote: 7-0 Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
African American Resource Advisory COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250304-004 Seconded By: Commissioner Linder Date: March 4, 2025 Subject: Austin Public Library Black Literature Expansion Motioned By: Commissioner Smith Recommendation $1.5M Description of Recommendation to Council It is essential for the City of Austin to increase the budget of the Austin Public Library beyond the zero- based budget by $1.5M to support a meaningful investment in African American literature within the library's collection. This investment would not only benefit the African American community but also underscore Austin's dedication to embracing diversity and promoting equitable access to valuable literary resources. African American Literature would recommend including but not limited to playwrights, books on tape and digital, hardcopy, movies. including documentaries, and hosting black authors, playwriters and poets to come speak at the APL. Rationale: The current political climate is having a detrimental impact on youth and young adults who seek to connect with and learn from their cultural heritage through literature. This issue is particularly evident in the realm of African American authors and their works, which shed light on the struggles and experiences of African American communities. Public libraries are an integral part of our society, nurturing the minds of future generations. As Public Schools continue to reclaim their library autonomy it is vital Austin Public libraries expand their catalog to educate and inspire all individuals through the power of cultural reading. Public libraries serve as a vital resource for African American communities, offering summer reading programs and access to culturally specific literature and media. Therefore, the insufficient amount of African American literature in Austin Public Libraries would be a disservice to African Americans residing within the city limits and to all who have the curiosity to embrace diversity and learn from their stories. Investing in culturally significant African American literature would be a positive step for the Austin Public Library system, reinforcing Austin's commitment to inclusivity and diversity by addressing challenging topics such as institutional racism and implicit bias. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recommendation $200,000 Description of Recommendation to Council $120K Bowling Center Bowling equipment at Millennium is more than 50 years old having been received from Bergstrom AFB. (Unique opportunity because of the closure of Highland Lanes) It needs major 1 of 3 upgrades and repair to compete with market competitors. Total renovation cost is $400K. A contribution of $120K would allow the Millennium to complete Phase I, adding lane lighting and bumpers to …
1. African American Resource Advisory Commission REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 4, 2025 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the African American Cultural & Heritage Facility in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Eugene called the African American Resources Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 5:56 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Roger Davis Nelson Linder Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Daryl Horton, Chair Elaina Fowler Joi Harden Kyron Hayes Mueni Rudd Greg Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL List name of speaker(s) and brief description of topic. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on February 4th, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Smith’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Jackson and Ross were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing on the Facility Expansion Plan Phase 1 for the George Washington Carver Museum. Presentation by Marjorie Flanagan, Division Manager, Museums & Cultural Programs, Parks & Recreation Department. 1 Briefing by Adrienne O’Keefe, Community Engagement Specialist; Tony Hron, Associate Project Manager; and Marjorie Flanagan, Division Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation regarding updates to the Carver Center funding and the work done by the A3 Art Alliance Austin to support the Carver Center’s Artist Residency Program. Presentation by Laura Esparza, Executive Director, A3 Art Alliance Austin. Presentation by Laura Esparza, Executive Director, A3 Art Alliance Austin. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve recommendations to council regarding the FY 25-26 budget as it relates to the African American Resource Advisory Commission. The recommendation was amended to strike $6,000,000 and replace it with $11,000,000 on Commissioner Smith’s motion, Commissioner Rudd’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Jackson and Ross were absent. The recommendation was approved on Commissioner Smith’s motion, Commissioner Linder’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Jackson and Ross were absent. 3. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Juneteenth celebration Presentation from Toby Futrell, former City Manager Vice Chair Eugene adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Davis’ motion, Commissioner Linder’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Harden, Jackson, and Ross were absent. 2
URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 4, 2025 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Somers called the Urban Transportation Commission Meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Susan Somers, Chair Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair Daniel Kavelman Spencer Schumacher Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Diana Wheeler Deshon Brown Justin Jacobson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Larry Akers APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on February 4, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 2/4/2025 were approved on Commissioner Schumacher’s motion, Commissioner Somer’s second on a 7-0 vote; Commissioners Smith, Buffo and Alvarez absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding guiding principles for the 2026 Bond. The commission received a presentation from Michelle Marx, of the Transportation and Public Works Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on the Austin Core Transportation Plan. 1 URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES (Tuesday, September 3, 2024) Public Speaker – Adam Greenfield with Safe Streets Austin The commission received a presentation from Cole Kitten, of the Transportation and Public Works Department. Commissioner Kavelman moved to approve the recommendation and Chair Somers seconded the motion. Amendment 1: Chair Somers moved to amend the recommendation to add a first Be It Resolved that reads, “Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that Austin City Council adopt the Austin Core Transportation Plan with some potential revisions,” and Commissioner Wheeler seconded the motion. The motion was approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Smith, Buffo and Alvarez absent. Amendment 2: Commissioner Schumacher makes a motion to strike the 3rd Be It Resolved (originally the 2nd Be It Resolved) and add the following: Be It Further Resolved, that the UTC recommends the ACT plan continue the protected bike lane on Red River Street from 7th Street to 12th Street, as contemplated by the 2023 Bicycle Plan and the active project listed in the 2025 Local Mobility Annual Plan, to ensure a continuous protected bicycle facility that connects with the protected bike lanes on Robert Dedman Drive; and”. Commissioner Kavelman seconded the motion, and the motion was approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Smith, Buffo and Alvarez absent. Amendment 3: Commissioner Shumacher makes a motion to amend the 6th Whereas …
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MARCH 3, 2025 AT 6:30PM W. 3rd Street AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs 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, contact Gunjen Mittal at gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-6104. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Kevin T. Countie Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Yohana Saucedo Shweta Padmanabha AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up 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 Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on January 6, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing by Lieutenant Davis Christopher, Austin Police Department, regarding general updates on policies pertaining to the Immigrant Community. 3. Briefing by Houmma Garba, Language Access and Community Engagement Consultant from the Corporate Communications & Public Information Office regarding the new citywide language access plan. 4. Briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager - Immigrant Affairs, regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. 5. Briefing by Alejandra Mireles and/or Jeremy Garza, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator from (Equity Division) Office of Equity and Inclusion, regarding timeline and steps for Quality of Life Study. PRESENTATION 6. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director of American Gateways regarding an update on their work, to highlight the effective use of the City's support as the recipient of a City of Austin grant to provide vital legal immigration services to low-income residents and advocate for continued funding for immigration legal services in next year's City budget. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Welcome new commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. 8. Discussion of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Draft Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. 9. Discussion on updates on JIC recommendations. Group. Group. 10. Discussion on proposed dates for a Special Called meeting regarding FY26 budget recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Discussion and action on approving …
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION March 3, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music 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 Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Anne-Charlotte Patterson – Vice Chair, Scott Strickland – Secretary, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Pedro Carvalho, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Anastasia Hera PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on February 3, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. City of Austin Organizational Changes and Executive Management Team briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music and Entertainment Division and Angela Means, Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 4. Austin Live Music Fund briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music and Entertainment Division. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Rally Austin's Annual Report on FY24 including an update on Cultural Trust activities to date as well as an early preview of programs to be considered in the 2026 Bond package by Anne Gatling Haynes, Chief Transactions Officer and Theresa Alvarez, Chief Executive Officer, Rally Austin; Emmett Beliveau, Chief Operating Officer, C3 Presents; and Meghan Wells, Special Liaison for Economic Development, Financial Services Department. 6. Discussion on Meadowfest 2025 Fundraiser for Mental Health Awareness after presentation by Greg Goodman - Founder of the Meadow E. Goodman Foundation for Mental Health Awareness. 7. Revisiting budget recommendation to form a “Stormy Weather Fund” to feasibly administer micro-grants to musicians who have lost wages due to city-wide extreme weather- related closure. 8. Update on Short Term Rental regulation and Austin Convention Center expansion from Land Use Working Group by Vice Chair Patterson. 9. Discuss revising special event permitting to include a lower-cost, streamlined tier for smaller community-organized events. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 10. Update from the Austin Live …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 3/03/2025 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 3.03.2025 FY 24 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY25 Amended Budget December 2024 w/ Encumbrances $17,407 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $873,259 FY25 Year-End Estimate $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September FY 24 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund FY24 Amended Budget $5,575,000 FY23 Amended Budget $4,100,000 FY24 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $4,445,096 FY23 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $4,472,973 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 FY 23 FY 24 October April November May December June January July February August March September
Rally Austin Update March 2025 Commissions WHO WE ARE 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 2 WHO WE ARE OUR COMMUNITY AT WORK Board of Directors Collaboration of community leaders and nominating bodies who represent local organizations and asset holders. 7 City Of Austin Representatives: • Music Commission • Arts Commission • Historic Landmark • +City Directors 3 INVESTMENT HIGHLIGHTS RALLY AUSTIN MILESTONES Council begins to explore collaboration Austin Economic Development Corporation established Signed Interlocal agreement for initial projects 21-person board created, CEO and Staff search begin Strategic Plan provides Board Structure and Mission $2.4M for two creative space projects on City owned property AEDC recognized as 501c3 Non- Profit Organization $4.5M announced for Austin Playhouse $1.6M Iconic Venue Funding for The Hole in the Wall AEDC rebrands as Rally Austin Austin City Council Approves Developer Selection, Urban Renewal Agency recommendation for Blocks 16 & 18 $2.5M for Museum of Human Achievement Council approves a 30% increase in the Interlocal Agreement 2014 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 Arts, Music & Culture Complete Communities Catalytic Development 4 DEVELOPMENT FOR PURPOSE Critical Areas of Development for Central Texas COMPLETE COMMUNITIES ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT 5 DEVELOPMENT FOR PURPOSE BLOCK 16 & 18 EAST 11th ST Development of complete communities that improve quality of life for Austinites and focus on equitable development in underserved areas. Blocks 16 & 18 in the African American Cultural Heritage District with the Urban Renewal Board Philanthropic partnerships with Wells Fargo, C3 Presents, and Six Square “ We are proud partners of the Rally Austin team and their transformative work ensuring communities throughout Austin can flourish. — CHRIS RIOS, WELLS FARGO REGIONAL VP OF PHILANTHROPY & COMMUNITY IMPACT ” 6 DEVELOPMENT FOR PURPOSE ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE AUSTIN CULTURAL TRUST IMPACT $11M in five projects valued at $24.2M $11M $24.2M $48.4M to $60.5M Rally Investment Project Value Projected Economic Impact INVESTMENTS $1.6M Hole in the Wall $2M Permitting and Development Center $400K Millenium Youth Entertainment Complex $4.5M Austin Playhouse $2.5M Museum of Human Achievement $400K Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Monday, March 3, 2025, 4:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Public Safety 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Enrique Duran II David Holmes AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five 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 Public Safety Commission regular meeting on February 3, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. Discussion of opioid use and mitigation efforts by Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. Discussion of Office of Police Oversight's implementation of the Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA) and update on vacancies and hiring. Discussion of Austin Police Training Academy’s chain of command and progress of data- informed analytics as they relate to Kroll Report recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department, at 512-974-2792 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Public Safety Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at (512-974- 2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov).
Emergency Medical Services Incident and Response Data FY25 Q1 Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff 1 Incidents, Patient Contacts, Transports January 2021 – January 2025 Incidents | Patient Contacts | Patient Transports January 2021 - January 2025 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1 2 - n a J 1 2 - b e F 1 2 - r a M 1 2 - r p A 1 2 - y a M 1 2 - n u J 1 2 - l u J 1 2 - g u A 1 2 - p e S 1 2 - t c O 1 2 - v o N 1 2 - c e D 2 2 - n a J 2 2 - b e F 2 2 - r a M 2 2 - r p A 2 2 - y a M 2 2 - n u J 2 2 - l u J 2 2 - g u A 2 2 - p e S 2 2 - t c O 2 2 - v o N 2 2 - c e D 3 2 - n a J 3 2 - b e F 3 2 - r a M 3 2 - r p A 3 2 - y a M 3 2 - n u J 3 2 - l u J 3 2 - g u A 3 2 - p e S 3 2 - t c O 3 2 - v o N 3 2 - c e D 4 2 - n a J 4 2 - b e F 4 2 - r a M 4 2 - r p A 4 2 - y a M 4 2 - n u J 4 2 - l u J 4 2 - g u A 4 2 - p e S 4 2 - t c O 4 2 - v o N 4 2 - c e D 5 2 - n a J Incidents Patient Contacts Patient Transports 2 P1 Compliance by District FY25 Q1 Priority 1 Compliance by District FY25 Q1 77.29% 76.06% 78.75% 78.90% 73.48% 64.09% 71.84% 64.97% 85.08% 54.43% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 % Goal Met 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 3 P1 Response Interval by District FY25 Q1 Priority …
Emergency Medical Services Public Safety Commission Meeting FY25 Q1 Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff 1 Medic Openings 46 Field 2 Communications Current EMS Department Staffing Authorized Strength Filled Sworn Sworn Vacancies Vacancies Vacancy Rate 714 599 115 December 31, 2024 Rank EMS Assistant Chief EMS Captain - Communications EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS Commander - Communications EMS Commander - Field EMS Division Chief EMS Medic - Communications EMS Medic - Field EMS Chief Paramedic Practitioner EMS Paramedic Practitioner TOTAL Q1 AVERAGE Authorized Sworn Staffing 4 11 83 35 302 5 40 10 8 211 1 4 714 0 1 2 9 54 0 1 0 2 46 0 0 115 0.00 9.09 2.41 25.71 17.88 0.00 2.50 0.00 25.00 21.80 0.00 0.00 16.11 16.73 2 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Sworn Separations Sworn Separations by Type 6 5 2 2 1 1 1 EMS Assistant Chief EMS Captain - Comm EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS Commander - Comm EMS Commander - Field EMS Division Chief EMS Medic - Comm EMS Medic - Field Resigned Retired 3 Sworn Tenure at Separation Sworn Tenure at Separation 4 4 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 4.5 3.5 2.5 1.5 0.5 4 3 2 1 0 d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R d e n g i s e R d e r i t e R EMS Assistant Chief EMS Captain - Comm EMS Captain - Field EMS Clinical Spec - Comm EMS Clinical Spec - Field EMS Commander …
Opioid Overdoses – ATCEMS Data Pills and Adolescents • We are seeing a decline in Opiate alerts, and an increase in enrollment for our Opiate Bridge Program. • We are experiencing a steady decline across all metrics from the peak in September 2023 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Jan-19 Jan-20 Jan-21 Jan-22 Jan-23 Jan-24 Adolescent under 18 Pills Opioid Overdoses reported to 911 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Opiate Alerts Kits Used Kits Distributed 1 Opioid Overdoses – State of Texas Opioid Overdoses reported to 911 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2 2 - n a J 2 2 - b e F 2 2 - r a M 2 2 - r p A 2 2 - y a M 2 2 - n u J 2 2 - l u J 2 2 - g u A 2 2 - p e S 2 2 - t c O 2 2 - v o N 2 2 - c e D 3 2 - n a J 3 2 - b e F 3 2 - r a M 3 2 - r p A 3 2 - y a M 3 2 - n u J 3 2 - l u J 3 2 - g u A 3 2 - p e S 3 2 - t c O 3 2 - v o N 3 2 - c e D 4 2 - n a J 4 2 - b e F 4 2 - r a M 4 2 - r p A 4 2 - y a M 4 2 - n u J 4 2 - l u J 4 2 - g u A 4 2 - p e S 4 2 - t c O 4 2 - v o N 4 2 - c e D 5 2 - n a J Opiate Alerts Kits Used Kits Distributed Buprenorphine Bridge Program 2024 • 239 Clients enrolled in BBP • 783 dose of Buprenorphine doses administered • Every dose saves a life! • 3,505 Narcan kits distributed • 5,052 Opiate Use Disorder interventions completed BreatheNOW and Narcan Distribution • Trained over 431 people, mostly COA employees • Targeted distribution through community partners ATCEMS CONTINUED EFFORTS Clinical Navigation Division Community Health Program (CHP) • Daily overdose review and follow-ups • Addiction …
Public Safety Commission Meeting March 3, 2025 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. About the Office of Police Oversight The mission of the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is to provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department’s conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public to increase transparency, and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community. ACCOUNTABILITY TRANSPARENCY PARTNERSHIPS 2 OPO Staffing Update OFFICE OF POLICE OVERSIGHT ORGANIZATIONAL CHART • Business Intelligence Consultant • Complaints Supervisor • Community Engagement Specialist • Police Oversight Policy Analyst 4 Current Vacancies Hiring and Recruitment New Hires: • Temporary employee-September 2024 • Police Oversight Policy Analyst-January 2025 • Public Information Specialist-February 2025 In Progress: • Complaints Supervisor-closed 1/21/25 • Business Intelligence Consultant-closed 2/17/25 • Community Engagement Specialist-closed 2/17/25 • Police Oversight Policy Analyst-closes 3/03/25 5 OPO 2024 Highlights • Received 641 complaints, 114 compliments • Issued 31 disciplinary recommendations to the Chief of Police • Analyzed 65 APD-initiated policy changes • Issued 26 policy recommendations • Published 151 documents related to police oversight 114 compliments 641 complaints 31 disciplinary recommendations 25 policy recommendations 151 documents 50 events • Hosted or participated in 50 public events 7 OPO 2023 Highlights • 578 complaints, 99 compliments • 14 external complaints resulted in discipline • 53 community outreach events, reaching more than 1,000 community members • Published 221 documents related to police oversight 99 compliments 578 complaints 14 external complaints 1000 community members 221 documents 53 events 8 Community Police Review Commission What is the Community Police Review Commission (CPRC)? Consists of eleven community volunteers selected by the City Manager. Separate and independent from the Austin Police Department. OPO is working to re-establish CPRC in alignment with Municipal Code 2-15-4, Austin Police Oversight Act. The re-establishment of the CPRC is the last provision of APOA to be fully implemented. 10 Community Police Review Commission Where are we now? Efforts have been underway since May 2023 to re-establish the CPRC in alignment with the City Code 2-15, also known as the Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA). November 2024 City Manager selects eleven commissioners from applicant pool. January 2025 OPO begins commissioner training. Spring 2025 Projected completion for commissioner training. 11 How were commissioners selected? Commissioner selection was on November 18 at 2 PM in City Council Chambers and streamed on ATXN. OPO facilitated random selection. Selected eleven commissioners and four alternates. Results published on ATXpolicecommission.org. 12 Who …
Austin Police Department Academy Operations Manual APD Academy Operations Manual Introduction Table of Contents 1. Partnering with Subject Matter Experts 2. Academy Instruction Incorporates Adult Learning and Active Learning Methodologies into Course Instruction 3. The Academy Values Community Involvement in Instruction 4. Instructor Evaluation Process 5. Civilian Personnel at the Training Academy 6. Academy Diversity 7. Academy Culture 8. Cadet Injuries, Separations, & Exit Interview Process 9. Field Training Officer Program 10. Continuing Education for Active APD Personnel 11. Academy Video Library and Internal Review Process 12. Cadet Training Scheduling Coordination 13. Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project 14. Procedural Justice 15. Emotional Intelligence 16. Trauma-Informed Training 17. Physical Fitness, Health, and Wellness Training 18. Mentorship Program 19. Recovery Time for Academy Staff 20. Internal Audit Protocols 21. Appendices Training Manual Acronyms Course / Group / Name / Term / Title / Unit Acronym Course / Group / Name / Term / Title / Unit Acronym Active Bystandership in Law Enforcement Field Training Officer Advanced Education Unit Austin Police Department Basic Peace Officer Course Community Advisory Council Community Connect Capstone Community Connect and Engagement Program Community and Culture Liaison Curriculum and Instructor Development Cadet Training Unit Education Development Unit ABLE AEU APD BPOC CAC 3C CCP CCL CID CTU EDU Field Training Program Instructor-Counselor Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics Learning Management System Professional Advisory Committee Curriculum and Instruction Program Manager III Research Analyst Senior Subject Matter Expert Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Video Review Worksheet Field Training & Community Connect FTCCP Page 3 4 8 18 24 27 34 36 39 44 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 67 69 71 72 74 FTO FTP IC ICAT LMS PAC PM RAS SME TCOLE VRW Page | 2 APD Academy Operations Manual Introduction The Austin Police Academy (“Academy”) of the Public Safety Training Campus is dedicated to training community-focused cadets and officers to be mentally and physically prepared to tackle the rigors and challenges of modern-day policing in a diverse urban environment. The Academy is committed to teaching and practicing the principles of procedural justice to support positive interactions between officers and cadets with the community and to promote how officers and cadets are expected to be treated and valued. The Academy is committed to treating all persons engaged in learning with dignity and respect as a reflection of these principles. The Academy emphasizes developing critical thinking skills and …
Academy Operations Manual Task: 1. Define roles for selecting and maintaining External SMEs TASK STATUS: COMPLETE PM Response: The roles for selecting and maintaining External Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will be clearly defined through two distinct processes which are laid out in the Academy Operations Manual: A. Internal Process for Selection: This process is coordinated through the Field Training and Community Connect Program (FTCCP) team, responsible for reaching out to, establishing, and maintaining positive relationships with universities, professional organizations, and individuals with expertise in relevant fields. This approach ensures that the Academy engages qualified SMEs who can co-instruct and co-facilitate courses, fostering collaboration and enhancing the learning experience for cadets. The internal selection process includes a vetting procedure to ensure that the scope of work for each SME is clearly outlined. This process also ensures a clear and demonstrated commitment from the SME to collaborate effectively with instructors and the Academy, fostering a cooperative and productive working relationship. B. PAC Process for Selection: The second process involves the Professional Advisory Committee (PAC), as detailed in the Insight to Instruction program. The PAC is responsible for selecting SMEs based on their expertise and alignment with the Academy’s curriculum goals. The PAC coordinates with internal staff and SMEs to ensure that subject matter experts are selected to support curriculum development and instructional practices. This selection process is based on evidence-based practices and aims to provide a balanced, community-informed perspective to the Academy's training efforts. Academy Operations Manual Task: 2. Create a process to evaluate SME Co-Facilitation instruction TASK STATUS: PENDING PM Response: With the assistance of the Research Analyst Senior, a comprehensive process will be established to evaluate SME co-facilitation instruction, ensuring that all aspects of the collaboration meet the Academy’s training standards. This process will involve regular feedback from both instructors and cadets, assessment of instructional effectiveness, and alignment with the Academy’s curriculum goals. Evaluations will focus on the SME's ability to engage with cadets, integrate their expertise seamlessly into the course material, and enhance the overall learning experience. Additionally, this evaluation process will be documented and reviewed periodically to ensure continuous improvement and the effectiveness of SME co-facilitation in the Academy’s training environment. Academy Operations Manual Task: 3. Engage external SMEs for co-instruction TASK STATUS: COMPLETE PM Response: The Academy has successfully engaged external SMEs for the co-facilitation of various courses to enhance the depth and breadth of the training …
APD Training Academy Audit: 152nd Cadet Class Final Report Prepared by Madison K. Doyle, ABD Research Analyst Senior Overview Executive Summary The 152nd Cadet Class of the APD Training Academy completed their training the 32 weeks from February 12, 2024, to September 20, 2024. The cadets engaged in various community activities, including Pre-Academy training and Community Connect & Engagement sessions, interacting with numerous community organizations to enhance their understanding of community issues. The curriculum incorporated Adult Learning Theory principles, with 24 courses revised to enhance learning and retention. Professional development for instructors was emphasized, with opportunities to attend various training programs. External instructors contributed to several courses, providing specialized knowledge in areas such as crime prevention and mindfulness. 152nd Cadet Class Highlights Out of 79 cadets, 54 graduated, resulting in a graduation rate of 68%. Most cadets were in their 20s (70%), with a notable number having no prior law enforcement experience (92%). Graduation rates varied by age, race, and educational background, though those differences were not statistically significant. Most cadets (76%) reported no injuries, while 19 cadets experienced a total or 27 injuries, primarily during defensive tactics training. About 50% of cadets never failed a major exam. Notably, about 49% of those who took the Penal Code exam (i.e., Exam 4) failed it. Cadet Exit & End of the Academy Surveys Cadet Exit and End of the Academy Surveys allowed for the opportunity to receive feedback from both those cadets who exited the Academy early and those who graduated. Of those who exited early, 52% completed an Exit Survey, and all cadets who graduated completed the End of the Academy Survey. Responses highlighted both positive aspects and areas needing improvement, such as the need for more PT and additional support for cadets struggling with academic content. Key Quotes from Cadet Feedback • • • “Need more PT. I’ve seen the progress with my classmates and believe it should be just as important and lengthy as all other subjects.” “The scheduling with the groups [needs improvement], it was very clear that alpha benefitted the most from the scheduling.” “The dedication of the staff is second to none. I felt the staff fully invested in our class and allowed for a good learning and development environment.” • “I don’t think a more thorough academy exists. The instructors are passionate and dedicated.” Conclusions The findings from the 152nd Cadet Class Audit Report …
