City of Austin Recommendation for Action File #: 25-0533, Agenda Item #: 1. 4/1/2025(cid:4) Posting Language Conduct a joint public hearing to receive public comments on proposed amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) that would increase the maximum square footage limits of two new housing units when the property owner preserves the existing housing unit. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. Lead Department Development Services Department. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: July 18, 2024 - City Council approved Resolution No. 20240718-090 related to preserving existing housing and initiating amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development). Specifically, the City modified the preservation bonus available when constructing two new housing units while preserving an existing housing unit. Council Member Vela's motion seconded by Council Member Qadri was carried on a 9-2 vote. Those voting aye were: Mayor Watson, Mayor Pro Tem Pool, Council Members Ryan Alter, Ellis, Fuentes, Harper- Madison, Qadri, Vela, and Velasquez. Those voting nay were: Council Members Alison Alter and Kelly. For More Information: Keith Mars, Assistant Director, Development Services, 512-466-4598, Keith.Mars@austintexas.gov. Additional Backup Information: In HOME I, Council capped the maximum amount of floor to area ratio (FAR) allowed on sites with two units at the greater of 0.55 or 3,200 square feet and sites with three units at the greater of 0.65 or 4,350 square feet. The goal of the cap was to encourage smaller, more accessible housing. HOME 1 also included a preservation bonus that excludes the FAR of the existing housing unit. Subsequently, Council determined that the preservation bonus as originally adopted could encourage demolition instead of preservation since a property owner can only reach the full space incentive when the owner builds an addition onto the existing unit and two new units. As a result, Council directed the City Manager to bring a code amendment that would allow the two new dwelling units to reach a FAR of 0.65 if the existing unit is preserved. City of Austin Page 1 of 1 Printed on 3/27/2025 powered by Legistar™ (cid:5) (cid:6)
Preservation Bonus Ordinance Revision 1 Outline • Background • Proposal • Timeline 2 Background • December 2023 Council approved Home Phase 1 allowing for: - Construction of up to three residential units. - Exclude existing home from floor-to-area (FAR) calculations in exchange for preserving existing home. - Two new units limited to .55 FAR or 3,200 square feet. • July 2024 Council adopted Resolution 20240718-090 to: - Revise the two new unit limit to .65 FAR or 4,350 square feet to incentivize preservation of smaller residential units. - Revise Preservation Bonus Program. 3 Proposal and Impact Proposal • Revise Land Development Code 25-2-773(4) (ii) to state two dwelling units may not exceed the greater of .65 FAR of 4,350 square feet if an existing residential unit is preserved. • Proposal does not increase allowable impervious cover. Impact • Incentivize preservation of smaller homes such that full FAR allowances can be achieved for the property. 4 Timeline • January 2025 City-wide notice sent in conjunction with Short-Term Rental regulations. • April 1 Joint Hearing of City Council and Planning Commission. • April 8 Planning Commission. • April 24 City Council conduct public hearing and adopt ordinance. 5 For Further Information: Keith Mars, Assistant Director Development Services 512-466-4598 or keith.mars@austintexas.gov 6
Draft CAMPO 2050 RTP Urban Transportation Commission – April 1, 2025 Agenda • Background on CAMPO RTP • Overview of Draft 2050 RTP • City of Austin Response 2 Background on CAMPO’s 2050 RTP Background Key review dates: • The Regional Transportation Plan • 2022-2023: (RTP) provides goals, policies, and performance measures for regional transportation planning. Includes a fiscally constrained list of regionally significant activities that could be implemented over the plan horizon. • • 20+ year planning horizon, updated every 5 years • CAMPO must adopt the 2050 RTP by • April 2025: May 2025 to comply with federal requirements. 3 Travel Demand Model update • June – August 2024: RTP project submission period • October – December 2024: 1st Round Public Outreach • November – December 2024: Agency discussions about fiscally constrained project list • February – April 2025: 2nd Round Public Outreach TAC recommendation on Final Plan • May 2025: TPB adoption of Final Plan Overview of Draft 2050 RTP • The 2050 RTP includes seven chapters covering: • RTP requirements, goals, and objectives. • Regional trends and transportation needs. • Fiscal constraints and funding estimates. • Prioritization of constrained projects. • Performance modeling, including Title VI • Public involvement and stakeholder feedback. • Federal performance measures and policy analysis. alignment. • The draft project list includes 611 constrained projects* and 401 illustrative projects. • Approximately $67.5 billion over the 25-year planning horizon. 4 Overview of Draft 2050 RTP • Goals: • Safety • Mobility • Stewardship • Economy • Equity • Innovation • Key Policies: • Prioritizing multimodal transportation • Supporting regional connectivity • Managing congestion through TDM and transit investments • Addressing air quality and emissions reduction • Enhancing transportation equity 5 City of Austin Response • 2022-2023: Feedback on Demographics • August 2024: City of Austin submitted project listing worth more than $8 billion • December 2024: Submitted updated project listing based on City’s financial forecast of $4.2 billion. • Updated Project Listing: • 162 constrained projects* (+11 from TIP/2045 RTP) • 163 illustrative projects • Constrained Projects: • Actively being developed using recent mobility bonds • • Higher functional classification and regional Identified as priorities in adopted plans significance • Complete Street projects • Illustrative Projects: • Grouped Projects • Lower functional classification roadways * 75% Active Transportation + 22% Roadway 6 City of Austin Response 7 • Vision Zero & Safety • …
ITEM 10: UPDATE ON 2050 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN (RTP) 1 Local and Regional Plans and Studies CAMPO works with local governments, leadership, and communities to identify and incorporate needs. 3 Project Selection and Funding Local project sponsors submit applications to CAMPO to fund projects identified in the long- range plan. Funding allocation established by the Transportation Improvement Program. 4 Project Implementation Local project sponsors analyze, design, and construct projects. CAMPO’s Planning Process 2 Regional Long-Range Plan CAMPO uses recommendations from plans and studies to create a cohesive, multimodal plan. Local governments participate in plan development. Long range plan does not allocate funding. The 2045 RTP was adopted in May 2020. 25 Development of the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) • Requirements of the RTP 20+ year planning horizon Inventory of existing and planned modal systems Prioritized list of regionally significant transportation projects and programs Performance measurement and reporting Fiscal constraint Update every 5 years • 2050 RTP must be adopted by TPB in May 2025 CAMPO Planning Process Informs the 2050 RTP • Completed San Marcos Transportation Corridors Study Bergstrom Spur Corridor Study Regional Traffic Safety Plan Western Caldwell County Transportation Study Congestion Management Process County Thoroughfare Plans Travel Demand Model Update • Ongoing Regional Freight Plan Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Inventory Update Regional Transit Update Project Readiness Program Partnership studies (Georgetown, Buda, Burnet County) Transportation Demand Management Program Mobile Emission Reduction Plan Interchange/Bottleneck Study Early Action Items • 2045 RTP Review – individual meetings with project sponsors • Call for Projects – review procedures and criteria with TAC and host application workshop • Fiscal Constraint – revenue estimation • IIJA Compliance – recommendations for 2050 RTP Tentative Schedule Draft Schedule Subject to Change Date Item Date Item February 2024 TAC Information – Plan process and schedule January 2025 TAC Information – Draft Plan March to May 2024 Project sponsor meetings to review 2045 RTP June to August 2024 Application intake for project call May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 TPB Information – Plan process and schedule; TAC Information – Project call; Project call workshop February 2025 TPB Information – Draft Plan TPB Information - Project call; TAC Information - Fiscal constraint discussion Spring 2025 Second round of public outreach meetings TAC Information – Fiscal constraint discussion TAC Information – Summary of projects received TPB Information – Summary of projects received and fiscal constraint discussion March …
Technical Advisory Committee Meeting June 27, 2022 ITEM 5: DISCUSSION ON NEW 2020 CAMPO TRAVEL DEMAND MODEL UPDATE 2020Travel Demand Model Update Schedule Today WA End 8/1/2023 Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug 2023 WA Start 11/22/2021 2022 Data Development Demographic Data and Network Update Model Development and Calibration Up to Six TWG Meetings Documentation /Training Work Completed • Established Technical Working Group (TWG) • Established Stakeholders Group • Completed Covid Impact Review • Completed Census Block/Traffic Analysis Zone review and adjustments • Completed Control Total Memo TWG and Stakeholder Group • Technical Working Group Provides Direction and review for Modeling team Consist of TxDOT, AECOM, TTI, State Demographers office, Capital Metro and CARTS • Stakeholder Group Consist of Counties, Cities and Chambers of Commerce in the Model Area Provides Demographic and Employment forecast data and location information Demographic Forecast Control Totals Fast population growth continues Regional annual population growth rate is 2.37% 2.4 million population (or 1 million families) will be added to the region, or equivalently the current population will be doubled by 2050 Hays County and Williamson County have the highest growth rates, 3.48% and 3.93% Employment Forecast Control Totals Strong economic trend remains Regional employment growth outpaces population growth at an annual growth rate of 2.69% Additional 1.2 million jobs will be created by 2050, more than doubling the current regional employment Hays County and Williamson County have the highest employment growth rates, 4.68% and 3.65%, but Travis County adds most jobs (0.6 million) Moving Forward • Update 2015 Network to 2020 Conditions • Collect/input Stakeholder data into correct year TAZ’s • Prepare UrbanSIM for forecast runs • Hold second TWG meeting Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Today 2023 WA End 8/1/2023 Demographic Data and Network Update Model Development and Calibration Documentation /Training WA Start 11/22/2021 2022 Data Development TWG Meetings • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Technical Advisory Committee Meeting April 24, 2023 ITEM 8: DISCUSSION ON CAMPO TRAVEL DEMAND MODEL UPDATE 2020Travel Demand Model Update Schedule Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Today WA End 8/1/2023 2023 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number: 20250401-003: CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan WHEREAS, 23 USC 134(i)(2)(D) requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to develop Long Range Transportation Plans; WHEREAS, on January 27, 2025 The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) released its draft CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP); WHEREAS, the RTP states that the region is growing and that “the regional transportation system plays a key role in where this growth occurs” (p.8); WHEREAS, CAMPO wishes to reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (p.75) and supports TxDOT’s Road to Zero goals; WHEREAS, vehicle miles traveled per capita, congestion levels, commute times, and crashes in our region have been increasing and the region is not meeting the safety targets recommended in the Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI) Regional Traffic Safety Plan; WHEREAS, expanding highways leads to developmental sprawl, increases in traffic, air pollution, and per-capita vehicle miles traveled, while failing to relieve congestion; WHEREAS, the draft CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan proposes adding over 3,000 new lane miles, a 26% increase in roadway capacity (p.57); WHEREAS, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s (CTRMA) Mopac South project described in the RTP proposes to add four to seven lanes to Mopac between Enfield Road and Slaughter Lane, and TxDOT’s 183 expansion described in the RTP proposes to add one main lane and three frontage road lanes in each direction between SH 71 and SH 130; WHEREAS, Austin City Council Resolution 20241212-066 requested that CTRMA work with the City of Austin “to refine the proposal for the MoPac South project to align with the goals and intent of the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, including the Urban Trails Plan, the Austin Climate Equity Plan, the Watershed Protection Strategic Plan, and the Project Connect System Plan” and requested that the resulting project not increase vehicle miles traveled nor greenhouse gas emissions; WHEREAS, Council Member Ellis, the resolution’s sponsor and council-district representative of the project area, followed up with a letter requesting that the Mopac South project include no more than one additional lane in each direction; WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court requested that the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) produce an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with a thorough study of alternatives before moving forward with the project; WHEREAS as of the date of this resolution CTRMA has been unwilling to modify the project or commit to performing a full EIS; WHEREAS, the RTP acknowledges …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20250401-005: FY 26 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS, the purpose of the Urban Transportation Commission is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation-related matters including: transportation energy conservation matters; grant applications; streets and highways; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety-related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation. WHEREAS, following the adoption of a biennial budgeting process in 2024, boards and commissions have been encouraged to “focus their discussions on programs and services based on current funding” and “reference materials from the previous year when drafting recommendations;” and WHEREAS, the Urban Transportation Commission previously adopted budget recommendations for FY 2025 in Recommendation No. 20240305-005; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that the Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) fund the following priorities for the FY 24-25 budget: D R A F T Officers to more efficiently ticket vehicles and implement the “alternative method(s) of enforcement” for illegal parking in bikeways, as required by City Council Resolution 20240404-040. Increase the capacity of the Living Streets program to build out an additional 72 activations during the upcoming fiscal year; ● Funding to purchase technology improvements for Transportation Mobility Service ● Work with the Austin Police Department to purchase 65 Meridian Archer movable street ● barricades and to enhance pedestrian safety; Motioned by: Seconded by: Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) D R A F T
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20250401-005: FY 26 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS, the purpose of the Urban Transportation Commission is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation-related matters including: transportation energy conservation matters; grant applications; streets and highways; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety-related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation. WHEREAS, following the adoption of a biennial budgeting process in 2024, boards and commissions have been encouraged to “focus their discussions on programs and services based on current funding” and “reference materials from the previous year when drafting recommendations;” and WHEREAS, the Urban Transportation Commission previously adopted budget recommendations for FY 2025 in Recommendation No. 20240305-005; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that the Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) fund the following priorities for the FY 2025-2026 budget: ● Increase the capacity of the Living Streets program to build out an additional 72 activations during the upcoming fiscal year; ● Funding to purchase technology improvements for Transportation Mobility Service Officers to more efficiently ticket vehicles and implement the “alternative method(s) of enforcement” for illegal parking in bikeways, as required by City Council Resolution 20240404-040; ● Work with the Austin Police Department to purchase additional Meridian Archer ● movable street barricades and to enhance pedestrian safety; and Increase the annual maintenance budget for Sidewalks and Urban Trails from $5.4 million to at least $7.5 million, providing staff discretion in which program to allocate the newly available funds. Motioned by: Commissioner Schumacher Seconded by: Commissioner Somers Date of Approval: 4/1/2025 Record of the vote: 7-0 Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number: 20250401-003: CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan WHEREAS, 23 USC 134(i)(2)(D) requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to develop Long Range Transportation Plans; WHEREAS, on January 27, 2025 The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) released its draft CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP); WHEREAS, the RTP states that the region is growing and that “the regional transportation system plays a key role in where this growth occurs” (p.8); WHEREAS, CAMPO wishes to reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (p.75) and supports TxDOT’s Road to Zero goals; WHEREAS, vehicle miles traveled per capita, congestion levels, commute times, and crashes in our region have been increasing and the region is not meeting the safety targets recommended in the Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI) Regional Traffic Safety Plan; WHEREAS, expanding highways leads to developmental sprawl, increases in traffic, air pollution, and per-capita vehicle miles traveled, while failing to relieve congestion; WHEREAS, the draft CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan proposes adding over 3,000 new lane miles, a 26% increase in roadway capacity (p.57); WHEREAS, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s (CTRMA) Mopac South project described in the RTP proposes to add four to seven lanes to Mopac between Enfield Road and Slaughter Lane, and TxDOT’s 183 expansion described in the RTP proposes to add one main lane and three frontage road lanes in each direction between SH 71 and SH 130; WHEREAS, Austin City Council Resolution 20241212-066 requested that CTRMA work with the City of Austin “to refine the proposal for the MoPac South project to align with the goals and intent of the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, including the Urban Trails Plan, the Austin Climate Equity Plan, the Watershed Protection Strategic Plan, and the Project Connect System Plan” and requested that the resulting project not increase vehicle miles traveled nor greenhouse gas emissions; WHEREAS, Council Member Ellis, the resolution’s sponsor and council-district representative of the project area, followed up with a letter requesting that the Mopac South project include no more than one additional lane in each direction; WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court requested that the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) produce an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with a thorough study of alternatives before moving forward with the project; WHEREAS as of the date of this resolution CTRMA has been unwilling to modify the project or commit to performing a full EIS; WHEREAS, the RTP acknowledges …
REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION March 31, 2025 – 6 P.M. Menchaca Branch Library 5500 Menchaca Road AUSTIN, TEXAS This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the 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 Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Melissah Hasdorff Cristina Masters Mark Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Magen Davis Suchitra Gururaj Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig 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 Library Commission regular meeting on December 16, 2024. 2. 3. 6. 7. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on City of Austin Bond Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, and Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION 4. Discussion of library-related bills in the current legislative session. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 5. Report from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group regarding advocacy and engagement to support the Austin Public Library DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and approval of the report and recommendations from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group regarding advocacy and engagement to support the Austin Public Library. Discussion and approval of a recommendation supporting additional funding to support Austin Public Library's service enhancements, including a 6% increase to the books and materials budget, 2 FTE social worker positions, menstrual equity supplies, enhanced law enforcement presence and one-time funds for site analysis and feasibility studies 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 …
Strategic Advocacy Working Group Report Background The Library Commissioners expressed a desire to be better equipped to advocate for issues of importance to the Austin Public Library (APL) with their Council Members and other City of Austin Boards and Commissions during important City Council meetings and efforts such as the budgeting and bond approval process. A special Strategic Advocacy Working Group was asked to research and identify the Commission's next steps. This document, structured as a guide, results from this working group's research. Working Group Scope The Library Commissioners seek ways to better advocate for APL and strategically connect with City Council members and other Commissioners to support the library's financial and collaborative efforts. List of Resources to Commissioners General ● Boards and Commissions ○ Website, https://www.austintexas.gov/department/boards-and-commissions/boards ○ Boards and Commissions Information Center, https://www.austintexas.gov/department/boards-and-commissions-information-center ○ Workbook, https://www.austintexas.gov/department/workbooks ○ Contact: stephanie.hall@austintexas.gov ● City Council ○ City Information Center, https://www.austintexas.gov/department/city-council/council/council_meeting_info_center .htm ○ General guidelines on public hearings and communications with City Council (Ordinance No. 20240926-112) ○ Participate in a City Council Meeting https://www.austintexas.gov/services/participate-city-council-meeting ○ How to Register to Speak (bilingual), https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=437389 ● Budget Process ○ 2025-26: https://publicinput.com/budget25-26 ○ FY 2024-25 Unmet Needs Report, https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Finance/Financial%20Transparency/P roposed%20Budget/FY25%20Unmet%20Needs%20Report.pdf ● Speak Up Austin: online home for community engagement, https://publicinput.com/Hub/Index/1178#events ● 2026 Bond Election ○ 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force, https://www.austintexas.gov/content/2026-bond-election-advisory-task-force ○ 2026 Bond Program Update Memo, https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=443881 1 ○ Article on Community Impact, https://communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/government/2025/01/13/austin-l ooks-to-2026-for-next-major-bond-vote-more-than-1b-in-approved-debt-unspent/ ○ Specific to Library Commissioners ● Library Commission Website, https://www.austintexas.gov/content/library-commission ● Library Commission Bylaws, https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=387465 ● Austin Public Library Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan, https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=404379 Important Dates for Library Commission Commissions & Boards Annual Budget 2026 Bond Cycle October 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting Public input sessions (pending presentation from APL Team) November ● 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting ● Intercommission Social (informal gathering) December 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting Public input sessions January 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting February 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting March 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting April 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting Community Budget Conversations Community Budget Conversations ● Community Budget Conversations ● Budget Survey ● Community Budget Conversations ● Budget Survey 2 May June July 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting Budget Survey 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting City Council Community (District) Meetings 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting ● City Council Community (District) Meetings ● City Manager's Proposed Budget Released August 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting September 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting Recommendations The …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 16 DECEMBER 2024 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Austin Central Library, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair, Sheila Mehta, Vice- Chair, Melissah Hasdorff, , Mark Smith, Magen Davis, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Christina Masters Commission Members Absent: Steve DeRosa, Kezia Frayjo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the November 18, 2024, regular meeting. The minutes from the regular meeting on November 18, 2024, were approved on a motion by Commissioner Herrera Moreno, seconded by Commissioner Smith, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner DeRosa and Frayjo absent. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Library Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION ITEMS December 16, 2024 2. Presentation by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation, regarding The Library Foundation programs and services. The presentation was made by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 3. Presentation by Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association, regarding Austin History Center Association programs and services. The presentation was made by Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 4. Discussion of the December APL Report covering public programming highlights, and facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The report was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 5. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. Commissioner Herrera Moreno provided an update. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS School Partnerships Library Legislative Advocacy in February ADJOURNMENT Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m. without objection.
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250331-7 Date: 03/31/2025 Recommendation Subject: Support for Austin Public Library FY26 Budget Motioned By: Commissioner Davis Seconded By: Commissioner Selig Support for Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2026 with additional funding to support Austin Public Library's service enhancements, including an increase to the books and materials budget, social worker positions, menstrual equity supplies, enhanced law enforcement presence, and one-time funds for site analysis and feasibility studies Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting the Austin City Council approve the proposed Austin Public Library budget for FY2026. Additionally, increased funding is asked for an increase of 6% to the books and materials budget, the addition of two FTE social worker positions, funds to continue the law enforcement partnership with Travis County, ongoing funding to provide menstrual equity supplies, and $1.5 million for feasibility studies of new and expanded facilities. Rationale In FY 2023, the Austin Public Library completed a year-long strategic planning process to shape the work of the library for years to come. Input was provided for the plan through a community survey that received more than 5,400 responses, pop-up community events in 20 locations throughout Austin, as well as a series of surveys, workshops, and listening sessions with APL staff and external community stakeholders. The Austin Public Library Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan, adopted by the City Council in March 2023, lays out new strategic goals for the Austin Public Library, aligned with the City of Austin’s Imagine Austin 30-year strategic plan and the SD28 5-year strategic plan. To implement this City Council-approved Strategic Plan, Austin Public Library needs one-time funding of $1.5 million for feasibility studies for new and expanded facilities to meet the infrastructure objectives contained in the strategic planning process completed in 2023. The proposed Austin Public Library budget includes a 3% increase for materials, which include digital materials, subscriptions, and databases. Austin’s population growth and the increased cost of all materials, especially e-books, which represent a fast-growing share of APL’s circulation and require expensive licenses, have put a strain on the materials budget. These proposed increases are necessary to keep up with inflation, but do not represent a growth budget and may lead to a reduction of e-resources and increased patron wait times to access materials. An additional 3% increase for a total of 6% to the books and materials budget would help close the gap to prevent the library from …
Austin Public Library 2026 Bond Proposal Updated Presentation, March 2025 library.austintexas.gov Agenda • Our Story: Values, History, and Previous Bonds • Current and Future Library Needs • Technical Criteria JB0 Our Core Values Who We Serve – We Welcome Everyone What we Provide – We safeguard access to information resources and spaces. How We Do It – We provide excellence in service and build trust through integrity, accountability, and teamwork History: A Century of Service 1926 – First Austin Public Library established by Grace Delano Clark. Opens with 500 donated volumes in rented space. 1928 Bond – First Permanent buildings - $150,000 1933 – First permanent Central Library building opens at 401 W. 9th St. (current Austin History Center Building). First branch opens – George Washington Carver Branch. 1934 – First APL Summer Reading Program 1933-1951 – Austin Public Library services and facilities racially segregated. 1951 – First Austin Public Library Bookmobile launches 1956-1968 – 12 new branches and locations added 1972 Bond – New Central Library (current John Henry Faulk building) and 4 new branches - $6 M 1979 – New Central Library opens 1980–1992 – Multiple branches open or are relocated/expanded JB0 History, continued: 1992 Bond - New branches and renovations - $8M 1998 Bond - Expansion, renovations, and tech improvements - $13M 2004 – Daniel Ruiz Branch grand opening; most recent all-new branch 2006 Bond – Funding approved for a new central library – $125 M 2010 – New Twin Oaks Library opens; most recent branch building 2012 Bond - Library Facility improvements - $13.4 M 2017 – New Austin Central Library opens at 710 W Cesar Chavez St. 2018 Bond – Library Infrastructure Improvements - $34.5 M 2023 – City Council Approves APL Strategic & Facilities Plan 2018 Bond, Proposition B – Libraries, Museums and Cultural Centers $128,000,000 for community and cultural facilities, libraries, museums, and cultural and creative arts facilities, and land acquisitions. Department Allocations Library Proposition B Site/Civil Projects History Center & Archival Repository Complex Interior Renovation Projects Roof Replacement & System Upgrades $34.5M $1.8M $16.5M $8.1M $8.1M Economic Development Libraries PARD Total Voter-Approved $27,000,000 $34,500,000 $66,5000,000 $128,000,000 2018 Bond EDD Parks Library 2018 Bond Project Overview The 2018 Library Bond Program is $34.5M. Proposition B provided funding for: • Rehabilitation and renovations to multiple branch libraries. • The first phase of the conversion of Faulk Library for the Austin History Center Campus. APL …
1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director March 2025 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights ……………………………………………………………….…………………………………….……………….1 Facilities Updates ……………………………………………………………………..……………………………………4 APL Data & Numbers ..…………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 HIGHLIGHTS APL Celebrates Black History Month Austin Public Library was proud to celebrate Black History Month with a variety of engaging programming and community connection. The Cepeda Branch Library hosted a special collage storytelling workshop with Women & Their Work artist Moria Small. Attendees brought personal items of significance and combined them with materials provided to create meaningful collages. Using a camera, they captured their finished pieces and had the opportunity to print them as keepsakes. This hands-on experience allowed patrons to showcase their stories in a creative and personal way, making for a unique and engaging library program. Ruiz Branch hosted a program celebrating Sam Gilliam and his Drape series of art. To emulate that style, participants tried their hand at tie dye! There were kids, tweens, teens, and adults participating- truly an all-ages experience. Southeast Branch Library hosted youth participants for Crafternoon: All Ages Black History Month Edition, featuring crafts inspired by artists Augusta Savage and Jacob Lawrence. Participants enjoyed exploring clay and collage, as well as learning about the lives of these incredible black artists. APL Hosts NASA!! SXSW went to infinity and beyond March 8th and 9th by bringing Nasa House to APL with a free, no- badge-required event welcoming local families and SXSW attendees alike. Visitors explored 40 hands-on exhibits, interactive demonstrations, and immersive installations over two days and across four floors of the Central Library. Talks and screenings ran throughout both days, featuring NASA scientists, engineers, and communicators discussing the latest in space exploration and innovation. Partner additions included a Snoopy appearance, space-themed Crayola coloring sheets and materials, a LEGO Education free-build area, and Google Arts & Culture programming. We were excited to see a large turnout from bilingual and multi-generational families, kids dressed in astronaut costumes, and wide engagement from the Austin media and influencer community. Overall, nearly 23,000 people joined the fun! First Austin Poet Laureate Announced Austin Public Library has selected local poet and theater artist Zell Miller III as the City’s first ever Poet Laureate. The Austin Poet Laureate Program was established by the Austin City Council last year to be administered by Austin Public Library. The goals of the program include promoting poetry, literacy, and the literary arts in the Austin community; …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MARCH 29th AT 9:30 A.M. CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOMS #1401 & 1402 6310 WILHELMINA DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Gunjen Mittal, 512- 972-6104, gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Bob Libal Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Meghna Roy Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Shweta Padmanabha Azeem Edwin Yohana Saucedo 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. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Office. 1. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs 2. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and Anti- displacement Prevention Efforts. 3. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Maintain and Expand the Annual Contracts into a Five-Year Term for Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services. 4. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand Equity and Inclusion Trainings. 5. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Support Supplies for Strengthening Protections and Rights of Immigrant Students. 6. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Allocate Funding for Printing and Distributing "Know Your Rights" Red Cards at Austin Public Library Locations. 7. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Increase Funding for The Family Stabilization Grant Program to $3 Million and Maintain its Funding as Part of the City’s Base Budget. 8. Approve the budget recommendation for reallocation of the Quality of Life Study funds for the FY 2025-26. 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. TTY users route …
