PLANNING COMMISSION SITE PLAN COMPATIBILITY WAIVER REQUEST REVIEW SHEET 1010 W 26th LLC (Sudhakar Allada) Rivera Engineering (Michael Rivera, PE) PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: March 26, 2024 CASE: SP-2022-0591C COUNCIL DISTRICT: 9 PROJECT NAME: Avalon Flats at Sixth ADDRESS OF SITE: 1808 W 6th St APPLICANT: AGENT: AREA: 0.4661 acre WATERSHED: Johnson Creek (Urban) WATERSHED ORDINANCE: Comprehensive Watershed Ordinance C.I.P. STATUS: N/A T.I.A.: N/A CAPITOL VIEW: N/A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: The applicant is proposing a multifamily development with nine free-standing units, with associated improvements and is requesting a waiver from 25-2-1063 to allow for a reduced setback. EXISTING ZONING: The site is zoned MF-4-CO-NP. The use and site plan generally comply with the zoning ordinance. DESCRIPTION OF WAIVER: Waiver request is as follows: LDC Section 25-2-1063(B): A person may not construct a structure 25 feet or less from property: 1) In an urban family residence (SF-5) or more restrictive zoning district; or 2) On which a use permitted in an SF-5 or more restrictive district is located. The applicant requests a waiver from a 25-foot compatibility setback to varied setbacks from less than one foot to just over 19 feet for residences and related improvements. SUMMARY STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval to allow an encroachment of less than one foot of the two units on the southeast side of the lot into the compatibility setback triggered by the adjacent single-family use, and a smaller unit located almost wholly within the setback, but over six feet from the triggering property. The site’s buildable area is constrained by its shape and being bounded by three rights-of-way, and will be compatible with the scale of residential development in the surrounding area. The site was originally designed under and compliant with the ordinances that allowed for greater height and reduced setbacks. The site design also has height and driveway setback issues that will need to be addressed by the Board of Adjustment at a separate hearing. CASE MANAGER: Christine Barton-Holmes, CNUa, LEED AP Christine.Barton-Holmes@austintexas.gov PHONE: 974-2788 1 of 9 PROP. BUILDING CVR: 27.7% (5,642 sf) PROP. IMP. CVRG.: 65% (13,287 sf) PROPOSED F.A.R.: 0.75:1 PROP. HEIGHT: 30’/3 stories* PROVIDED PARKING: 24 spaces PROJECT INFORMATION: 20,342.5 sf EXIST. ZONING: MF-4-NP MAX. BLDG. COVERAGE : 60% MAX. IMPERV. CVRG.: 70% ALLOWED F.A.R.: 0.75:1 HEIGHT: 30’/2 stories REQUIRED PARKING: NA PROPOSED ACCESS: from W 6th St and Theresa Avenue *Pending outcome of BOA hearing SUMMARY COMMENTS ON SITE PLAN: …
Equitable Transit-Oriented Development ETOD and Imagine Austin Planning Commission 3/26/2024 1 of 17 Agenda Background Next Steps 1 2 3 ETOD and Imagine Austin 2 of 17 Background 1 3 of 17 ETOD Policy Plan • Builds on CapMetro's Federal Transit Administration-funded ETOD Study. • Provides a comprehensive policy framework to guide future development around the Project Connect system. • It helps the Austin community ensure that the results of Project Connect support residents of all incomes and backgrounds, especially those that have been disproportionately burdened by transportation and land use decisions. 4 of 17 ETOD Station Area Typologies If a station has… …and is… …and has experienced… More Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Rapid Change More Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Slow Change Fewer Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Rapid Change Fewer Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Slow Change More Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Rapid Change More Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Slow Change Fewer Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Rapid Change Fewer Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Slow Change 5 of 17 6 of 17 7 of 17 ETOD and Imagine Austin 2 8 of 17 Council Action on March 9, 2023 – Resolution no. 20230309-016 9 of 17 Imagine Austin and ETOD • ETOD Typologies: • Consider existing population, recent growth and economic development, and displacement risk of households • Address types of growth most needed for equitable outcomes in a station area • Incorporating ETOD Typologies into Imagine Austin allows for: • Updating IA Compliance Checklist • Formal consideration in zoning and neighborhood plan amendment • Demonstrating alignment and transit-supportive policy to the Federal case review Transit Administration 10 of 17 Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee Action on February 29, 2024 • ETOD Policy Map and Typologies with amendments was unanimously approved to be forwarded to the Planning Commission to be amended to Imagine Austin. • Amendments: • Inclusion of process for staff to incorporate latest available data • Inclusion of a footnote indicating the age of the data 11 of 17 Imagine Austin and ETOD • The amendment to Imagine Austin will include: • The methodology through which staff developed the 8 ETOD Typologies • The 8 ETOD Typologies and their descriptions • The ETOD Typology map • A preface that provides context about the application of the ETOD …
Equitable Transit-Oriented Development ETOD and Imagine Austin Planning Commission 3/26/2024 1 of 17 Agenda Background Next Steps 1 2 3 ETOD and Imagine Austin 2 of 17 Background 1 3 of 17 ETOD Policy Plan • Builds on CapMetro's Federal Transit Administration-funded ETOD Study. • Provides a comprehensive policy framework to guide future development around the Project Connect system. • It helps the Austin community ensure that the results of Project Connect support residents of all incomes and backgrounds, especially those that have been disproportionately burdened by transportation and land use decisions. 4 of 17 ETOD Station Area Typologies If a station has… …and is… …and has experienced… More Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Rapid Change More Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Slow Change Fewer Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Rapid Change Fewer Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Slow Change More Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Rapid Change More Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Slow Change Fewer Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Rapid Change Fewer Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Slow Change 5 of 17 6 of 17 7 of 17 ETOD and Imagine Austin 2 8 of 17 Council Action on March 9, 2023 – Resolution no. 20230309-016 9 of 17 Imagine Austin and ETOD • ETOD Typologies: • Consider existing population, recent growth and economic development, and displacement risk of households • Address types of growth most needed for equitable outcomes in a station area • Incorporating ETOD Typologies into Imagine Austin allows for: • Updating IA Compliance Checklist • Formal consideration in zoning and neighborhood plan amendment • Demonstrating alignment and transit-supportive policy to the Federal case review Transit Administration 10 of 17 Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee Action on February 29, 2024 • ETOD Policy Map and Typologies with amendments was unanimously approved to be forwarded to the Planning Commission to be amended to Imagine Austin. • Amendments: • Inclusion of process for staff to incorporate latest available data • Inclusion of a footnote indicating the age of the data 11 of 17 Imagine Austin and ETOD • The amendment to Imagine Austin will include: • The methodology through which staff developed the 8 ETOD Typologies • The 8 ETOD Typologies and their descriptions • The ETOD Typology map • A preface that provides context about the application of the ETOD …
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Tuesday – March 26th, 2024 – 6:30PM Permitting and Development Center – Event Center – Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email Dan Martinez at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nehemiah Pitts III, Chair Keith Pena-Villa Thomas Rice Maxine Eiland AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Steven Apodaca, Vice Chair Carina Alderete Gabriel Nwajiaku Sumit DasGupta The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission Regular meeting on December 13th, 2023. 2. Approve the minutes of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission Regular meeting on January 11th, 2023. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. TARA Office briefing on the Request for Proposals for Community Technology Access Lab Management Services (Jesse Rodriguez – Program Manager, Telecommunications and Regulatory Affairs Division of the Financial Services Department, City of Austin) DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. “You’re Being Watched – AI & Surveillance in Public Places” Presentation (Sharon Strover – Director, Technology & Information Policy Institute, Phillip G. Warner Regents Professor of Communication, Moody College of Communications, University of Texas at Austin) 5. Discussion Over Possible Follow Up Actions Regarding the Texas Digital Opportunity Plan Comment Period 6. Digital Inclusion Town Hall – University Hills (2/17/2024) Report out and discussion over possible follow up action. 7. Austin Community College Digital Inclusion Town Hall for Veterans & Military Families Planning Discussion DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Finalize language for and approve FY25 budget recommendations 9. Discussion over the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program and the appointment of the Ex Officio Chair role 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 …
REGULAR MEETING of the HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY-OF-LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 26th, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-life Resource Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles at (Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 978-1793 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMISSIONERS Daniela Silva Amanda Afifi Vanessa Maldonado Ivanna Neri Kevin M Jackson Jr. Lyssette Galvan Sharon Vigil Jesus Perales Leonor Vargas Dulce Castañeda Eliza May AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION’S REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 27th, 2024. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Supporting Hispanic/Latino College Graduates. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for the Family Stabilization Program. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Re-Entry Programs. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Immigrant Legal Services. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Programs That Support Children and Youth. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Housing Stabilization Programs. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Early Childhood Education and Development. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Medical Clinics. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Language Access. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for iMOMS and Women’s Mind at Ease Conference. WORKING GROUPS/COMMITTEE UPDATES 12. Budget & Policy Priorities Workgroup – Updates from the last workgroup meeting related to policy matters and the FY 2024-25 budget. (Amanda Afifi, Sharon Vigil, Jesus Perales, Dulce Castañeda, and Leonor Vargas) Language Access Workgroup – Updates from the workgroup on issues pertaining to their assignment. (Amanda Afifi, Dulce Castaneda, Vanessa Maldonado, Daniela Silva, and …
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Tuesday, March 26, 2024 The Planning Commission will convene at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at City Hall, Council Chambers 1001 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX. Some members of the Planning Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Greg Anderson – Secretary (District 4) Awais Azhar – Vice-Chair (Mayor) Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (District 3) Grayson Cox (District 10) Adam Haynes (Mayor) Claire Hempel – Chair (District 8) Patrick Howard (District 1) Ryan Johnson (District 7) Felicity Maxwell (District 5) Jennifer Mushtaler (District 6) Alberta Phillips (Mayor) Danielle Skidmore (District 9) Alice Woods – Parliamentarian (District 2) Ex-Officio Members Jessica Cohen – Chair of Board of Adjustment Jesús Garza – Interim City Manager Candace Hunter – AISD Board of Trustees Richard Mendoza – Director of Transportation and Public Works Commission Liaison: Andrew Rivera, 512-974-6508 Attorney: Steven Maddoux, 512-974-6080 EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Planning Commission will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The Commission may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first four (4) speakers signed up prior to the closure of speaker registration 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 February 27, 2024 and March 12, 2024. PUBLIC HEARING 2. Plan Amendment: Location: Owner/Applicant: Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Postponement Request 3. Plan Amendment: Location: Owner/Applicant: Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Postponement Request NPA-2018-0021.02 - Skyline Oltorf Mixed Use; District 3 5100, 5208 & 5010 E OLTORF ST and 2424 & 2424 ½ RIVERSIDE FARMS RD, Country Club Creek Watershed; East Riverside/Oltorf Combined NP Area ADD Land, Ltd. and Charitable Holdings II Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Richard T. Suttle, Jr.) Office and Rural Residential to Mixed Use Pending Maureen Meredith, 512-974-2695, maureen.meredith@austintexas.gov Planning Department Applicant request for indefinite postponement. NPA-2023-0005.01 - Montopolis-Fairway Mixed Use; District 3 6202, 6204 Caddie Street; 1600, 1604, 1606, 1608, 1610, 1612, and 1614 Montopolis Drive; 6205, 6211, 6215 Fairway Street, Country Club East Watershed 3rd Angle Developments, LLC Thrower Design, LLC (Ron Thrower & Victoria Haase) Single Family and Civic to Mixed …
SPEAKER REGISTRATION All participants wishing to address the commission must register to speak. Public participation is available by teleconference or in-person. Teleconference Registration Registration for participation by teleconference closes on Tuesday, March 26 2024 at 2:00 PM. Teleconference code and additional information to be provided after the closing of the teleconference registration period. In-Person Registration While in -person registrants are encourag ed to register in advance of the meeting, in- person registration closes at 5:30 p.m. the day of the meeting utilizing a mobile device to scan the below QR code which will be displayed in Council chambers. Mobile devices will also be available at the meeting for public use for the purpose of speak er registration. Speaker Donation of Time For discussion cases, speaker donation of time is an available option for in-person participants. Both the registered speaker donating time and the speaker recipient must be present when the public hearing is conducted. See chart below regarding speaker time allotments. Click on link below or scan the QR code and submit the form to register to speak. Speakers should submit a separate registration form for each item of interest. https://forms.office.com/g/irmTaGAqPp Please contact Andrew Rivera, Commission Liaison, for questions regarding speaker registration at Andrew.rivera@austintexas.gov or by phone 512-974-6508. Presentations and handouts are requested to be e-mailed to Commission Liaison Andrew Rivera at Andrew.rivera@austintexas.gov by 1:00 PM day of the meeting. PARKING & VALIDATION Parking is available at the City Hall parking garage and is free with validation. Speaker Testimony Time Allocation Public Hearing Cases Primary speaker in favor and primary speaker opposed 3 speakers in favor and 3 speakers opposed All other speakers in favor or opposed 5 minutes each, up to 8 minutes total with donated time. 3 minutes each, up to 6 minutes total with donated time. 1 minute each, up to 2 minutes total with donated time. DISCUSSION POSTPONEMENT Primary speaker in favor and primary speaker opposed 3 minutes. All other speakers in favor or opposed 2 minutes. Donation of time is not an option for discussion postponement. ORDER OF MEETING Determination of Quorum / Meeting Called to Order Reading of Proposed Consent Agenda *Vote and Disposal of Consent Agenda **Determination of Discussion Postponement Items Discussion Cases (Including public comment, staff and applicant / representative presentations) Other Business Adjournment * The consent agenda may be acted upon by one vote without separate discussion. Speakers are allowed to …
REGULAR MEETING of the HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY-OF-LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 26th, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 REVISED AGENDA Some members of the Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-life Resource Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles at (Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 978-1793 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMISSIONERS Daniela Silva Amanda Afifi Vanessa Maldonado Ivanna Neri Kevin M Jackson Jr. Lyssette Galvan Sharon Vigil Jesus Perales Leonor Vargas Dulce Castañeda Eliza May AGENDA REVISED CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION’S REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 27th, 2024. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Supporting Hispanic/Latino College Graduates. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for the Family Stabilization Program. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Re-Entry Programs. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Immigrant Legal Services. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Programs That Support Children and Youth. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Housing Stabilization Programs. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Early Childhood Education and Development. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Medical Clinics. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Language Access. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for iMOMS and Women’s Mind at Ease Conference. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Increase Funding for Community Navigators in the Economic Development Department’s Arts Funding Programs. WORKING GROUPS/COMMITTEE UPDATES 13. Budget & Policy Priorities Workgroup – Updates from the last workgroup meeting related to policy matters and the FY 2024-25 budget. (Amanda Afifi, Sharon Vigil, Jesus Perales, Dulce Castañeda, and Leonor Vargas) …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-XXX Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY24-25 Budget Recommendation – Supporting On-Point Reentry Consortium Motioned By: Commissioner Lyssette Galvan Seconded By: Commissioner Amanda Afifi Recommendation On-Point Reentry Consortium (OPRC) stands out as a pioneering nonprofit, dedicated to empowering individuals who have been impacted by the judicial system to redefine their lives through successful reentry. Among the most vulnerable groups in our city, these individuals more than often are from diverse and underserved communities. By participating in OPRC, these individuals not only rebuild their lives but also become effective and contributing members of our community, enriching its fabric through their newfound skills and experiences. To address their needs effectively, the commission strongly advocates for funding to support one full-time employee (FTE) and programming at OPRC. Description of Recommendation to Council Allocate funding for an Executive Director at On-Point Reentry Consortium; $75,000, this includes salary, fringe benefits, and overhead costs. Allocate funding for services and programming at On-Point Reentry Consortium; $25,000. Rationale: According to the Texas Criminal Justice Data Snapshot by the Bureau of Justice Assistance at the US Department of Justice and Justice Center with The Council of State Governments, 15% of individuals who exited the judicial system in 2019 cycled back into the system within three years. Therefore, ensuring successful reintegration into society, particularly through wraparound services, is imperative to mitigate recidivism rates. The On-Point Reentry Consortium (OPRC) stands as a unique beacon in Austin and Texas, boasting unparalleled expertise and experience. Comprised of BIPOC women leaders trained by the National Institute of Corrections and the Department of Justice, OPRC’s work is paramount, especially in a state like Texas with high incarceration rates. It serves as a vital resource to reduce recidivism and reintegrate judicially impacted individuals into communities, tapping into an underutilized workforce pool. In the past year, OPRC achieved remarkable milestones: Serving approximately 600 judicially impacted individuals through tailored reentry- specific training, consulting, and coaching services, aiding them to rebuilding their lives and careers. 1 of 3 Donating over 3,600 hours of invaluable time and expertise, valued at more than $370,000, to sustain programming and support clients, despite lacking paid FTEs. Securing free office space from three esteemed community organizations, signifying recognition of OPRC’s value and impact while fostering collaboration. Training and certifying 80 community providers in evidence-based training from the Department of Justice …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-10 Seconded By: Motioned By: Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY25 Budget Recommendations Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability Recommendation Affordability is an issue that continues to come up year after year, and it was the most common issue expressed by residents at all three Quality of Life Townhalls. People continue to see increases in rent and housing costs. The family stabilization program offers more flexible access to housing support, accords more choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and offers more efficient and cost-effective housing. The current pilot shows funds are primarily helping Latino/a/x and Black families in the Eastern crescent. Gentrification has pushed families out of the areas they have been living in, some for generations. These permanent funds help keep people in their communities. Additionally, the program is also helping families whose communication is in a language other than English. Spanish was the second most common language requested on enrollment forms. D R A F T Rationale: According to findings from a recent brief from the Urban Institute titled Guaranteed Income as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability, unrestricted cash investment addresses gaps and deficits in policies designed to address America’s housing affordability crisis. The brief reported, “Insights from a research review and policymaker interviews suggest that strategically applied cash relief could accomplish the following: ● Establish the Family Stabilization Grants as a permanent City of Austin program ● Expand funding to $3 million 1. Offer renters facing one-time or intermittent housing shocks more flexible access to Description of Recommendation to Council 2. Accord more choice and dignity to any renter in need of housing support. 3. Reduce exposure to voucher discrimination and offer more housing choices to housing support. marginalized populations. 4. Provide increased housing access to excluded workers. 5. Offer more efficient and cost-effective housing help to those in urgent need now.” According to UpTogether’s Central Texas 12-Month Pilot of the Strength-Based Approach: Final Report, “Between July 2021 and March 2022 members decreased their reliance on government subsidies. Fewer members applied for subsidies, vouchers, or other similar housing assistance (from 27% to 19%). The percentage of members receiving any type of government housing assistance was cut by half (16% to 8%).” Cash is an efficient and equitable form of housing assistance. UpTogether uncovered on a previous report that only 16% of members were receiving housing …
Motioned By: Date: March 26, 2024 HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-13 Supporting Early Childhood Education and Development Funding Subject: FY24 Budget Recommendations Description of Recommendation to Council ● $1.5 M Austin Public Health multi-year allocation to Early Childhood Education and Recommendation Early childhood educators, caregivers and parents of young children deserve livable wages and affordable childcare: the two are not mutually exclusive. Local governments are crucial to investing/highlighting early childhood educators especially when state and federal governments are not. Childcare is a public good, it is economic infrastructure. Seconded By: D R A F T parents with high needs they are available ○ $500,000 Pilot early childhood mini-grants providing emergency financial relief for home-based licensed providers and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers; Center Based Care ○ Earmark $250,000 to fund a future contract with a qualified nonprofit, selected through a competitive bidding process, to provide health insurance support and ACA website navigation assistance, specifically for the early childhood workforce. Support specific to Early Childhood providers can include, but is not limited to: ■ Education on required documentation ■ Ability to schedule appointments with Early Childhood providers when care providers and families (toys, curriculum, technology, etc) available at APH Neighborhood Centers and APL branch libraries. ○ $250,000 to establish a no-cost lending library & EC resource center for child ■ Directly dispersed to childcare centers & registered licensed to support ○ $500,000 Early childhood education and development scholarships Development funding: ● Recommend updating the eligibility focus to include home-based childcare providers (licensed and FFN). Rationale: The cost of childcare is one of the biggest expenses families face. It is a daunting task to find affordable, high quality childcare. According to UT News, “The average cost for infant care in Texas is $777 per month, or $9,324 per year — nearly 14% of the state’s median household income of $67,321 and more expensive than a year of in-state tuition at a four-year public college.” Every child in Austin should be able to access high quality childcare without causing financial strain on the family. Childcare providers may encounter financial burdens that make it difficult for them to provide services on a consistent basis. Unexpected issues can derail childcare services. It can take time to navigate insurance claims while continuing to try and run a business. There are times the home-based childcare center may have to close as a …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-10 Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY25 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: We continue to hear from the community concerns regarding underfunding of immigration legal services. Only a small number of individuals are served with the current funding. There are very few organizations in Austin that have the ability to provide legal services to our immigrant communities pro bono. One of the service providers is American Gateways. They are currently only able to meet 25% of the need. The need for legal services continues to expand due to the complicated immigration legal system. Seconded By: D R A F T WHEREAS, we continue to hear from the community that legal services funding is crucial; and WHEREAS, there are immigrants who need access to counsel, and cannot afford attorneys. This is especially so for immigrants facing removal proceedings; and WHEREAS, in a time of changes in immigration policy, people have more need for legal representation, as it has become very complicated; and WHEREAS, it is essential that immigrant communities obtain accurate advice and assistance; and WHEREAS, the people most impacted by the complicated changes in immigration policy are low-income immigrants; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin funds legal services for low income immigrants who are Austin residents, and there is still unmet need; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life recommends that the $490,000 allocated in FY 2023-2024 for immigration legal services become a permanent budget allocation in FY 2024-2025 and beyond. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Amanda Afifi, Chair Commissioner Neri, Commissioner Silva, Commissioner Afifi, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner Perales, Commissioner Castañeda, Commissioner Galvan, Commissioner Jackson Jr., Commissioner May, Commissioner Vigil, Commissioner Maldonado D R A F T
CPA-2024-0001 Exhibit A Background The Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) Policy Plan, accepted by City Council on March 9, 2023, through Resolution No. 20230309-016, included ETOD Typologies that are based on existing population, displacement risk, and relative change in population and jobs over the last decade. The resolution accepting the ETOD Policy Plan directed staff to initiate “amendments to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan to reflect the ETOD Typologies included in the ETOD Policy Plan.” The purpose of the ETOD Policy Plan, including the ETOD Typologies, is to provide a policy framework to help Austin ensure that future development around the stations in the Project Connect transit system supports residents of all incomes and backgrounds, especially those who have been disproportionately burdened by past transportation and land use decisions. The ETOD Typologies The ETOD Typologies are intended to provide a snapshot of a station area’s current conditions. A station area is defined as roughly the ½ mile radius surrounding a station, or a 10-minute journey walking, biking, or rolling to or from a station. The eight Typologies were determined using several factors— existing population relative to other station areas, displacement risk of households, and the recent rate of change in jobs and population. More can be read about the methodology in the following pages. Because of their representation of current conditions in the station areas, the ETOD Typologies also speak to types of growth most needed for equitable outcomes in a station area. The ETOD Typology concept map shows the location of the different ETOD Typologies at station areas throughout the Project Connect system. The squares represent MetroRail and future Light Rail (rail) station areas, while the circles represent MetroRapid (bus) station areas. Although it is possible that some station locations may change as Project Connect engineering and design progresses in the future, Typologies based on the characteristics of any new station area locations will still be applied. Using the ETOD Typologies The ETOD Typologies provide additional context about what equitable growth should look like in a station area based on its characteristics and are intended to provide additional guidance to zoning and land use decision-making as city staff and decision makers evaluate recommended changes for consistency with the Imagine Austin Plan. Future Updates to the ETOD Typologies Staff will work to update the data used to inform the Typologies on a regular basis. Because of the small geographic scale …
COUNCIL DATE: April 18, 2024 CITY OF AUSTIN RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION VENDOR: AUSTIN FREE-NET SUBJECT: Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract for Community Technology Access Lab Management Services with Austin Free-Net, for up to nine years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,700,000. MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. However, the recommended contractor identified subcontracting opportunities. LEAD DEPARTMENT: Financial Services Department CLIENT DEPARTMENT: Telecommunication and Regulatory Affairs (TARA) FISCAL NOTE: Funding in the amount of $150,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of TARA. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. PURCHASING: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) 7400 ALD3045 for these services. The solicitation was issued on December 11, 2023, and closed on January 18, 2024. The recommended contractor submitted the only responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of the offer received, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services website, Austin Finance Online. This information can currently be found at Austin Finance Online (austintexas.gov) PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Financial Services Department – Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: March 13, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission. ADDITIONAL BACKUP INFORMATION (RCA BODY) The contract will provide support to Community Technology Access Lab (CTAL) facilities, collect retired devices from the private sector for refurbishment and distribution for public benefit by the City, and provide free basic digital skills training to any Austin resident that wants to participate. This contract will also support the Digital Empowerment Community of Austin (DECA) and annual City celebration of Digital Inclusion Week. These services are in alignment with the City’s Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan, Zero Waste by 2040, Circular Economy Commitment, and Climate Equity Plan goals. Eighty-three percent of participants in digital inclusion program will improve their skills. The contract will replace the current contract, which will expire April 30, 2024. The requested authorization amounts for …
Being Watched Embedding Ethics in Public Cameras Building technical, legal, and social approaches to maximize the trusted use of public camera-generated video data Technology & Information Policy Institute Dr. Sharon Strover, Leo Cao University of Texas at Austin September 13, 2023 Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission, Austin TX & Good Systems Agenda Project Overview Research Approaches Major Issues & Questions Preliminary Conclusions Next Steps A multi -component research approach Understand conceptions of privacy among citizens, local journalists, and city officials Identify open records law at State level and relevant data management issues Build and test differential access models Design smart city literacy training and initiate citizen engagement for traffic control Research Approaches Rely on experts, city officials, ordinary people, and city units in order to understand variations in informational norms. Delphi survey interviews case studies (e.g., Austin Public Library) focus groups public survey (fall 2023) workshops Toward Differential Access & Civic Policies Smart City Technologies Austin Fire Department ShotSpotter (not in use in Austin, as of 2021) H.A.L.O. cameras CCTV cameras traffic cameras red light cameras Austin Transportation Department Privacy, Contexts, and Publicness contextual integrity approach to examine norms& critical social values actors: subjects, senders, receivers types of information transmission principles– consent, reciprocity, etc. contexts e.g., How do you think about camera-mounted drones used by fire departments when fighting fires? s ubje ct: drone s , ca me ra s s e nde r: fire de pa rtme nt re ce ive r: re s ide nts , city units type s : ima ge s of pe ople , buildings , e tc. tra ns mis s ion: purpos e s , be ne fits , goa ls Research Methods qualitative illuminate meanings, values & norms associated with public technology + privacy seven focus groups: identify benefits and concerns seniors; students; EFF; civic activists; tech workers; tech executives; library users in-depth case study: Austin Public Library tour of camera system infrastructure, group & individual interviews w/ IT, Security, Frontline staff interviews with other City units: Fire Department; Mobility (transportation); Chief Privacy Officer; Innovation Officer Core Findings: Focus Groups benefits & concerns security aspects of surveillance tech younger people assume no privacy anyway; make sure tech is used for "good" …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20240326‐XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Housing Stabilization Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, many low‐income families may be one hardship away from losing housing or other basic needs; and WHEREAS, the majority of zip codes where the median family income is 60% MFI and below are areas with high populations of Latine residents; and WHEREAS, Latine Austinites face high levels of housing insecurity, creating an even heavier burden on other household expenses such as food, utilities, costs associated with schooling, medical expenses, and childcare; and WHEREAS, falling behind on rent and getting evicted leads to increased barriers to accessing stable housing in the future and often leads to Austinites falling into homelessness; and WHEREAS, having access to one‐time direct cash assistance to use for emergency needs outside of rental, mortgage, or tax payments could help alleviate emergency gaps that force households to choose between paying for rent/mortgage or covering other essential expenses; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds towards launching an emergency supplemental assistance pilot program for low‐income residents. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-13 Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services that Support Children and Youth in Austin Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY24 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Recommendation Residents have expressed continued concerns regarding the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate services for children and youth. The City of Austin needs to ensure equitable funding regarding early childhood services, mental health services, and recreational programs, and educational programs. Seconded By: D R A F T Description of Recommendation to Council ● Increase Austin Public Health’s funding for two-generation bilingual early childhood ● Increase Austin Public Health’s funding for child and youth mental health services that serve Hispanic/Latino clients in the client’s preferred language. ● Allocate $550,000 for culturally and linguistically diverse arts programs, including programs. Academia Cuauhtli. ● Allocate $425,000 for college readiness programs that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, including College Access Program (CAP Program). Rationale: Regarding early childhood services, the City of Austin has an agreement with Any Baby Can of Austin, Inc. to provide early childhood services to enable families to achieve self-sufficiency. These services are provided to residents through agencies that comprise the Ready Families Collaborative. There are a few service providers subcontracted to provide two-generation bilingual early childhood education services. AVANCE-Austin is one of the agencies tasked to provide such services. They provide parenting and early education classes; home-visitation and case management; transportation; and food for clients. The Camp Fire USA Balcones Council provides the Play to Learn two-generation parenting program. The Literacy Coalition of Central Texas provides the Playing and Learning Strategies (PALS) program in multiple sites and classrooms. Communities In Schools provides comprehensive dual generation family literacy programming, PAT home visiting, and Incredible Years group parenting classes. These programs combined serve a small number of clients. This is not adequate funding for high quality Spanish and bilingual (Spanish and English) early childhood education and services that also includes case management, parenting education, literacy and educational programming for parents, and community support. These programs help the child and parents by providing them with support in their preferred language. These programs help families establish networks of support. Regarding children and youth mental health services, there are very few programs and services that either offer clinicians that can effectively and competently provide services to predominantly marginalized populations or that provide low-cost sliding scales services and almost none that offer both. According to …
Description of Recommendation to Council HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-10 ● Increase funding for a total of $2.4 million. ● Provide bilingual stipend to those required to provide services in multiple languages. Renew and increase Austin Public Health’s funding for AISD Parent Support Specialists (PSS). The additional funding will help increase base pay for PSSs and PSSs lead positions. Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY25 Budget Recommendations Motioned by: Recommendation Seconded by: Expand Funding for AISD Parent Support Specialists D R A F T The City of Austin has an interlocal agreement with Austin Independent School District for the provision of resources connecting parents and families to family-centered and other social services. AISD Parent Support Specialists, who are funded 50% by the City of Austin, are placed in Title I schools. PSSs are charged to identify, develop, and engage parents in their child’s education by providing parent and family support, conducting communications and outreach, and creating parent leadership opportunities. AISD relies on PSSs to educate and refer students and their families to City and County resources, and to collaborate with social services community partners to provide support to the families and help to alleviate stressors. Their work helps improve maternal, child, and adolescent health outcomes. PSSs annually organize and conduct approximately 3,000 parent education events, with approximately 80,000 parents and guardians in attendance. PSSs organize and conduct approximately 600 life skills events annually, with approximately 17,000 parents in attendance Background and Rationale: Parent Support Specialists are rooted in the community and have meaningful relationships with the families they serve. Many are bilingual, and they communicate with families in their preferred language. The skills and relationships PSSs build and maintain are essential during times of crisis. PSSs provided support to the community during the pandemic, winter storm Uri, fires, etc.. Parent Support Specialists play a critical role in the communities they serve; however, there continue to be job openings. One reason for open positions is the low salary offered for this position. Current openings for PSSs show a salary of $22 per hour, which is an annual income of $36,784. Austin homes are expensive with a median home price of $430,000. The February 2024 median rental price was $2,183. The positions are partially or fully grant funded, and employment is contingent upon availability of funds. Ensuring one funding source that takes into account the rising cost of …
Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY25 Budget Recommendations Motioned by: Recommendation Texas has one of the highest rates of uninsured residents. All people should be able to access primary care on a consistent basis. The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommends funding direct patient care for uninsured resettled refugees, immigrants, and other underserved people. HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-10 Free Primary Healthcare for Uninsured Resettled Refugees, Immigrants, and Other Underserved People Seconded by: D R A F T Austin Public Health currently funds case management for social services and medical case management for patients through their Social Services Grant. This program is for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. However, this funding cannot provide direct patient care nor is it targeted to help the Hispanic/Latino communities. The City of Austin Equity Office awarded a $10,000 mini grant for direct patient care activities for Immigrant Inclusion. 25% of their patients are Hispanic/Latino, and they tracked roughly 3,000 minutes of Spanish language interpreter time. The services are provided by Hope Clinic. Hope Clinic provides free primary healthcare, mostly to resettled refugees. In order for patients to qualify for services, they must have no health insurance and live in the Austin area. All their services are free, including acute primary care of common illnesses, chronic disease care, prescription medication, over the counter medication, basic lab work, basic imaging, flu shots, medical supplies, nutrition education, well-woman exams, preventative care, school physicals, and limited physical therapy. They have a small pharmacy on site. The current one time mini grant is not enough funding to provide direct patient care. Description of Recommendation to Council ● $100,000 in funds for direct patient care activities and operations Background and Rationale: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Commissioner Neri, Commissioner Silva, Commissioner Afifi, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner Perales, Commissioner Castañeda, Commissioner Galvan, Commissioner Jackson Jr., Commissioner May, Commissioner Vigil, Commissioner Maldonado D R A F T _________________________________ Amanda Afifi, Chair
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-13 Language Access Motioned By: Recommendation Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY24 Budget Recommendations Description of Recommendation to Council ● Allocate funding to hire on-site full-time interpreters All City of Austin residents should be able to participate in City Council meetings regardless of language. The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommends hiring full-time city clerk interpreters to ensure equitable access to participation in meetings. Seconded By: D R A F T Currently, people wishing to participate in City Council meetings and who need an interpreter, must request an interpreter 48 hours in advance. Unfortunately, this policy isolates community members who are not English speakers. Some residents are unaware of this policy, and they show up to the meeting expecting to participate. However, they are unpleasantly surprised to find out that an interpreter is not available, and they will not be heard. This extra step of requesting an interpreter also causes some people to decide not to participate in meetings. People may decide not to put in a request to participate because they are still unsure if they will be able to attend. This policy pushes them to decide to forgo participation because they are unsure if they will make it to the meeting that day. English speakers are able to decide at the last minute to participate in a meeting. This process should not isolate members of our community. Having on-site full-time interpreters will ensure all residents have accessibility to City Council meetings. Rationale: Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Amanda Afifi, Chair D R A F T
