ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 The Environmental Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Krueger called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Mar Moretta-Urdiales Allison Morrison David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jennifer Bristol, Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Corbin Graham, Landfill leachate leakage in Walnut Creek watershed. Roy Waley, Elon Musk’s data centers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 4, 2026. The minutes from the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 4, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Chair Bristol was off the dais. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: 1404 East Riverside PUD, C814-2025-0111 Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group Location: 1404 East Riverside Drive Council District: 3 Staff: Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, Austin Watershed Protection, 512- 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Applicant Request: The applicant proposes a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions The meeting was recessed at 6:38 p.m. until 6:47 p.m. without objection. The public hearing was conducted, and a motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on an 11-0 vote. The motion to recommend the project 1404 East Riverside PUD, C814-2025-0111, located at 1404 East Riverside Drive, to Council with conditions and the following amendments was approved on Secretary Qureshi’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on an 11-0 vote. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Fleury and seconded by Chair Bristol. The amendment was to revise the condition “Of the existing parking on site, reserve at least ten parking spaces, including ADA-compliant parking, on the ground level garage floor for public parking and park access” to read: “Of the existing parking on site, reconsider reserving some parking spaces, including ADA- compliant parking, on the ground level garage floor for public parking and park access.” The amendment was approved on a 10-1 vote. Commissioner Brimer voted nay. The following amendment was made by Chair Bristol. The amendment was to remove the condition of maximum allowable height of 120 feet. The amendment was approved on an 11-0 vote without objection. 3. Name: …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE April 1, 2026 at 4:00pm PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 2103 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item 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 Christopher Crain, 512-974- 8041, christopher.crain@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: PLANNING COMMISSION ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION Adam Powell (Vice Chair) Imad Ahmed Peter Breton Anna Lan Hank Smith (Chair) Betsy Greenberg David Fouts AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE REGULAR CALLED MEETING on January 7, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the current status of the Imagine Austin update. Presentation by Evelyn Mitchell, Principal Planner, Austin Planning. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action to approve transmission of the CIP List of Recommendations FY 26-27 to Planning Commission on May 12, 2026, to meet the Austin City Charter Article X, section 4(4) requirement. 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 Christopher Crain at the Planning Department, at 512-974-8041, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee, please contact Christopher Crain at 512-974-8041.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE REGULAR CALLED MEETING DRAFT MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026 The Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee convened in a Regular Called meeting on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 2103 in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Smith called the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Betsy Greenberg, Adam Powell, Hank Smith Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Imad Ahmed, Peter Breton, David Fouts PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee REGULAR CALLED MEETING on October 8, 2025. The minutes from the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee meeting on October 8, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Greenberg’s motion, Commissioner Breton’s second on a 5-0 vote. (Commissioner Powell was off the dais) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to amend bylaws for the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee to increase required meeting frequency from quarterly to monthly. No action was taken on this item. Commissioner Smith adjourned the meeting at 4:14p.m. without objection. 1
FY2026-2027 Capital Improvement Recommendations Item: XX Description: FY2026-2027 Capital Improvement Recommendations Background: Required by City Charter, Article X. Planning, Section 4. The Planning Commission – Powers and Duties: “The Planning Commission shall: (4) Submit annually to the city manager, not less than 90 days prior to the beginning of the budget year, a list of recommended capital improvements, which in the opinion of the commission are necessary or desirable to implement the adopted comprehensive plan or element or portion thereof during the forthcoming five-year period.” Summary of Item: These capital improvements are intended to further the City’s long-term vision and aspiration of being a “beacon of sustainability, social equity and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all” (Imagine Austin Vision, p.2). Imagine Austin has eight Priority Programs that provide the structure and direction to implement the plan’s policies and actions: Invest in a compact and connected Austin Sustainably manage our water resources Continue to grow Austin’s economy by investing in our workforce, education systems, entrepreneurs, and local businesses Use green infrastructure to protect environmentally sensitive areas and integrate nature into the city Grow and invest in Austin’s creative economy Develop and maintain household affordability throughout Austin Create a Healthy Austin Program Revise Austin’s development regulations and processes to promote a compact and connected city This List of Recommendations is organized by these eight Priority Programs. In the lists below, items with an asterisk (*) are substantially the same from the FY 25-26 Capital Improvement Memo of Recommendations and remain relevant today. 1 Invest in a Compact and Connected Austin Implement the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP). * • • Align investments with the updated Bicycle Plan, Urban Trails Plan, and new Sidewalks, Crossings, and Shared Streets Plan, Transit Enhancement Infrastructure Report (TEIR), and Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Reports. * • Continue to deliver Mobility Bond improvements funded in 2016, 2018, and 2020, as identified in the 2026 Local Mobility Annual Plan. * • Expand the amount of Vision Zero safety improvements to address the disproportionate share of people of color among severe crash victims in Austin. * • Prioritize capital renewal and maintenance of infrastructure that supports our mobility goals. * • Focus capital improvements …
Imagine Austin Update Austin Planning | April 1, 2026 AGENDA Why Updating Imagine Austin Matters Overview of the Past Six Months Project Goals and Scope Advisory Groups Imagine Austin Plan Framework Imagine Austin Implementation Project Timeline 2 Why Updating Imagine Austin Matters Provides a guiding framework Turning community, Council, and department priorities into actionable programs Cross-departmental alignment and collaboration Breaking down silos so departments can work together more easily and effectively Provides a strong foundation for decision making Guides choices with up-to-date policies and alignment across citywide plans Strengthens how the City operates Building a more proactive city 3 Overview of the Past Six Months AUG 28, 2025 SEP - NOV 2025 NOV 20, 2025 NOV 2025 - PRESENT Resolution Adopted Consultant Selected and Onboarded City Council Reallocated $1.5M of IA’s $3M Budget Project Rescoping Phase • Refined scope based on reduced project budget • Identified staff tasks and internal responsibilities 4 Project Goals Develop a Place Types map to support consistent land use planning throughout Austin that helps achieve citywide goals while recognizing the needs of different communities. Create regular engagement opportunities with the community. Update policies to provide clear guidance for current and future planning and decision-making. Refine the plan document for clearer organization and to be more user-friendly. Strengthen alignment between Imagine Austin and other citywide strategic plans to provide clearer direction and consistency. 5 Project Scope CONSULTANT LED CITY STAFF LED Project Support Existing Conditions and Future Trends Assessment Task 0 Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Engagement Vision and Goals Task 4 Priority Programs and Policies Land Use Goals and Policies Task 5 Place Types Palette and Methodology Place Types Map Task 6 Task 7 Task 8 Task 9 Plan Alignment Implementation Document Design Task 10 Plan Writing 6 Imagine Austin Community Working Group Evaluation and Selection Process Applications: ~360 applications Evaluation Committee comprised of seven departments Austin Communications and Engagement Austin Development Services Austin Housing Austin Planning Austin Public Health Austin Watershed Protection Final Working Group 45 members - aimed to reflect City of Austin demographics as closely as possible Duration: 5-6 meetings – Spring 2026 to Summer 2027 Goal: Support with the creation of the Place Types Map and policy revisions 7 Demographic Breakdown of Working …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 12:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Chelsea Pfeifer at chelsea.pfeifer@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2498. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Alicia Ramirez CALL TO ORDER Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Shaimaa Zayan 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 for Women regular meeting on March 4, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing regarding the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 3. 4. Update from the Collective Sex Crime Response Model Working Group regarding updates from the last meeting. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group regarding updates from last working group meeting. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Chelsea Pfeifer at the Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-2498 or chelsea.pfeifer@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Commission for Women please contact Chelsea Pfeifer at 512-974- 2498 or chelsea.pfeifer@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Alexandria Anderson Alicia Ramirez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Angela Harris Diana Melendez Rabia Shaik Shaimaa Zayan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Shan Schaffer- TX Access to Abortion + Healthcare APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women Regular Meeting on February 4, 2026. The minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on February 4, 2026 were approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Ramirez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth and Scheihing were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding women’s wellness by Noor Collective. Withdrawn without objection. 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 4, 2026 3. 4. Presentation by Mama Sana Vibrant Woman regarding FY 2026-2027 budget recommendations. The presentation was made by Cherelle VanBrakle, Co-Executive Director of Development, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and a request for the prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 2026-2027 budget. The presentation was made by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Items 5, 9, and 10 were taken up together. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Budget Working Group and discussion of possible recommendations. Update was given by Commissioner Anderson. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 9. Recommendation by the Budget Working Group regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. Commissioner Anderson provided a final update and read the recommendation into the record. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 Budget as follows was approved on Chair Bullard’s motion, Commissioner Anderson’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Ramirez was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth and Scheihing were absent. “Organization: Mama Sana Vibrant Woman Subject: Maternal Health & Housing Stabilization Description of Recommendation to Council (1 of 2): Being a City of Austin partner since 2016, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman delivers culturally responsive maternal health care to Black and Latinx …
Economic Mobility Austin Equity & Inclusion Our Time Together • Economic Mobility Overview • Quality-of-Life Studies: Key Connections • Building the Economic Mobility Index • Turning the Index Into Action • Upcoming Event 2 What Drives Economic Mobility Economic mobility is shaped by our systems, policies, and investments — not just individual effort. Mobility includes building wealth and long-term stability for future generations. Education, health, housing, childcare, and strong social conditions enable families to thrive. In Austin, persistent disparities limit opportunities, but a person’s future shouldn’t be determined by their neighborhood or systemic barriers. Beyond Wages Quality of Life We Shape Systems 3 Quality-of-Life Studies: Key Connections High-Level Themes Financial Progress & Economic Outcomes • Deeply affordable housing • • Utility assistance and energy relief Job pipelines and employment access programs Quality of Life & Well-Being • Pop-up clinics in high-need areas • Culturally competent healthcare training Inclusive planning processes for older • adults Opportunities & Access Teen job search portal • • Strengthen multilingual outreach • Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies Families, Communities, & Systems • Neighborhood safety audits • Greening and beautification initiatives • Strengthen family-support systems through childcare access and wraparound services 4 Definition Economic mobility addresses systems to improve unfair conditions that influence whether individuals, families, and communities can prosper over time and across generations. It means access to opportunities and resources needed for basic needs, financial security, and a dignified, high quality of life — regardless of race, place, gender, or ability. 5 Economic Mobility Index Human-centered, place-based tool for understanding conditions that shape residents’ ability to thrive in Austin. Visualizes neighborhood- level disparities as defined by economic mobility. Focuses on underlying conditions to guide service delivery and decision- making using data and community insights. Provides a common lens to support coordination, planning, and shared outcomes—without replacing existing tools. 6 Our Approach: Identifying Levers National Frameworks & Local Tools • Drivers of Poverty • Social Vulnerable Index • Justice 40 • Neighborhood Prosperity Dashboard etc. Hybrid Engagement Process • Quality of Life Studies • CoA Commissions • Internal & External Stakeholders • Every Texan Peer Cities Review 10 cities similar in: • State • Size • Demographics • Product CoA Levers of Economic Mobility • 3 Themes • 6 Sub-themes • 18 Levers of Economic Mobility 7 Building the Index Together Early childhood foundations shape mobility • Indicator: Enrollment in early education (public …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 1, 2026 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Anderson called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:10 PM Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Alexandria Anderson Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Angela Harris Diana Melendez Alicia Ramirez Rabia Shaik Shaimaa Zayan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women Regular Meeting on March 4, 2026. The minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on March 4, 2026 were approved on Chair Bullard’s motion, Commissioner Harris’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Melendez was off the dais. Vice Chair Tau was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing regarding the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. The presentation was made by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Anderson was elected as Chair on Commissioner Bullard’s motion, Commissioner Tau’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Melendez was off the dais. Vice Chair Tau was reelected as Vice Chair on Chair Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Bullard’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Melendez was off the dais. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. 5. Update from the Collective Sex Crime Response Model Working Group regarding updates from the last meeting. Withdrawn without objection. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group regarding updates from last working group meeting. Update was given by Commissioner Melendez. Chair Anderson adjourned the meeting at 12:40 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the May 6, 2026 meeting on Commissioner Harris’ motion, Commissioner Ramirez’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth and Melendez were absent. 2
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026, AT 6 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, ROOM 1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 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 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, please use the QR code or link at the end of this document. If you have questions regarding speaker registration, please contact Ella Garcia, Staff Liaison, at LandUseLiaison@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-978-0821. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Alice Woods, Chair (District 2) Casey Haney, Vice Chair (Mayor’s Representative) Felicity Maxwell, Secretary (District 5) Imad Ahmed, Parliamentarian (District 6) Anna Lan (Mayor’s Representative) Vacant (Mayor’s Representative) Chris Gannon (District 1) EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (District 3) Brian Bedrosian (District 4) Adam Powell (District 7) Peter Breton (District 8) Danielle Skidmore (District 9) Joshua Hiller (District 10) Jessica Cohen, Chair of Board of Adjustment TC Broadnax, City Manager EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) Candace Hunter, A.I.S.D. Board of Trustees Richard Mendoza, Director of Transportation and Public Works The Planning Commission will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, according to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on the agenda. The Commission may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071. Staff Liaison: Ella Garcia, 512-978-0821 Page 1 of 5 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first four 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 Planning Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on proposed amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to adopt a new citywide density bonus program that will replace Density Bonus 90 (DB90) and Vertical Mixed Use (V) combining districts and consist of five new combining districts that allow additional …
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 24, 2026 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026 The Planning Commission convened in a regular on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Woods called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Alice Woods Felicity Maxwell Imad Ahmed Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Brian Bedrosian Chris Gannon Joshua Hiller Adam Powell Danielle Skidmore Anna Lan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Casey Haney Peter Breton Ex-Officio Members in Attendance: Jessica Cohen Ex-Officio Members Absent: TC Broadnax Candace Hunter Richard Mendoza 1 Vacancy on the Dais 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 24, 2026 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The minutes from the meeting of Tuesday, March 10, 2026, were approved on the consent agenda on Parliamentarian Ahmed’s motion, Secretary Maxwell’s second, on a 12-0 vote. 1 vacancy on the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Plan Amendment: NPA-2023-0014.04 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 2 Location: 4302, 4304 ½, & 4316 Nuckols Crossing Road, Williamson Creek Watershed; Southeast Combined (Franklin Park) Neighborhood Planning Area Owner/Applicant: Katherine Barnidge Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: LOC Consultants Civil Division (Sergio Lozano-Sanchez, P.E.) Single Family to Multifamily Residential land use Pending Maureen Meredith, 512-974-2695, maureen.meredith@austintexas.gov Austin Planning The motion to approve the Neighborhood’s postponement request to May 12, 2026, was approved on the consent agenda on Parliamentarian Ahmed’s motion, Secretary Maxwell’s second, on a 12-0 vote. 1 vacancy on the dais. 3. Rezoning: Location: C14-2025-0065 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 2 4302, 4304 ½, & 4316 Nuckols Crossing Road, Williamson Creek Watershed; Southeast Combined (Franklin Park) Neighborhood Planning Area Owner/Applicant: Katherine Barnidge Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: LOC Consultants Civil Division (Sergio Lozano-Sanchez, P.E.) SF-2-CO-NP to MF-3-NP Pending Nancy Estrada, 512-974-7617, nancy.estrada@austintexas.gov Austin Planning The motion to approve the Neighborhood’s postponement request to May 12, 2026, was approved on the consent agenda on Parliamentarian Ahmed’s motion, Secretary Maxwell’s second, on a 12-0 vote. 1 vacancy on the dais. 2 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 24, 2026 4. Plan Amendment: NPA-2025-0030.01 - Ben White; District 5 Location: 2217 West Ben White Boulevard Service Road Eastbound, Williamson Creek Watershed; South Austin Combined (Westgate) Neighborhood Planning Area Owner/Applicant: RPS Family Enterprises, LP (Robert P. Stern) Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: …
Citywide Density Bonus Program Planning Commission Briefing | March 31, 2026 Agenda ▪ Housing Affordability in Austin ▪ Density Bonus Programs ▪ What We’ve Heard ▪ Citywide Density Bonus Program Proposal ▪ Other Potential Strategies for Affordable Housing ▪ Next Steps Source: City of Austin 2 Housing Affordability in Austin Austin's Affordability Challenges Because Austin has seen population growth over recent decades and housing production has not kept up with this growth, housing costs have increased, making it more difficult for residents to find affordable housing. Affordable housing is a priority in policy initiatives for the City, including the City's historic investment in Project Connect. Source: City of Austin 4 Project Connect Project Connect includes investment in new light rail, a second commuter rail, and new high-frequency, high- capacity bus rapid transit (BRT) lines. New transit investment is often tied to housing development nearby, but new units can be unaffordable to those who rely on transit most. Policy efforts can increase the proportion of affordable housing in project areas so that new transit can meaningfully serve all Austinites. Source: CapMetro 5 Austin's Affordable Housing Needs ▪ The 2017 Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint set a goal of creating 60,000 new affordable units over 10 years while preserving existing affordable housing. ▪ The Blueprint advocates for the use of various strategies and tools, including: o Public subsidies and grants o Public-private partnerships o Fee waivers o Tax incentives o Density bonuses 6 Austin's Affordable Housing Needs ▪ Affordability is measured using Median Family Income (MFI). Austin MFI Level Annual Income (4-person household) Monthly Rent Limit (2-bedroom) ▪ These figures help determine income limits for affordable housing programs, ensuring that rent levels or home sales prices are aligned with what families at various income levels can afford. 30% 50% 60% 80% $40,150 $903 $66,900 $1,506 $80,280 $1,807 $104,200 $2,345 100% $133,800 $3,010 120% $160,550 $3,612 Source: City of Austin, US Department of Housing and Urban Development 7 Austin's Affordable Housing Needs ▪ A recent housing gap analysis found that, generally: o Households at 80% MFI and above ($104,200 for a four-person household) are able to find rental housing that is affordable to them. o The greatest need is at and below 50% MFI ($66,900 for a four-person household). Austin MFI Level Annual Income (4-person household) Monthly Rent Limit (2- Bedroom) 30% 50% 60% 80% $40,150 $903 $66,900 $1,506 $80,280 $1,807 $104,200 $2,345 100% …
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 31, 2026 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026 The Planning Commission convened in a regular on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions, Room 1101, 301 W. Second Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Woods called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Alice Woods Felicity Maxwell Brian Bedrosian Chris Gannon Joshua Hiller Danielle Skidmore Casey Haney Peter Breton Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Anna Lan Imad Ahmed Adam Powell Ex-Officio Members in Attendance: None Ex-Officio Members Absent: Jessica Cohen TC Broadnax Candace Hunter Richard Mendoza 1 Vacancy on the Dais 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 31, 2026 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The minutes from the meeting of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, were approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Breton’s motion, Commissioner Skidmore’s second, on a 12-0 vote. 1 vacancy on the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on proposed amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to adopt a new citywide density bonus program that will replace Density Bonus 90 (DB90) and Vertical Mixed Use (V) combining districts and consist of five new combining districts that allow additional height and land uses and relax site development standards and compatibility in exchange for providing affordable housing and meeting certain other requirements. Presentation by Warner Cook, Principal Planner, Austin Planning. The presentation was made by Warner Cook, Principal Planner, Austin Planning. PERMANENT COMMITTEE UPDATES 3. Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee – Update pertaining to recommendations to the Planning Commission regarding proposed amendments to the Land Development Code for which review is required under Section 25-1- 502 (Amendment; Review); requests to initiate amendments to the Land Development Code under Section 25-1- 501 (Initiation). (Sponsored by Vice Chair Haney, Secretary Maxwell, and Commissioners Barrera-Ramirez and Gannon) Update was given by Vice Chair Haney. 4. Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee – Update regarding recommendations to the Planning Commission on issues relating to the comprehensive plan, including proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan; and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, including policy directives or initiatives of the city council or the Planning Commission. (Sponsored by Parliamentarian Ahmed and Commissioners Breton, Lan, and Powell) No update was given. 5. Joint Sustainability Committee – Update regarding recommendation …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026 AT 8:00 A.M. ONE TEXAS CENTER, TRAINING ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS ROAD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote remotely, contact Ana George at participation by Ana.George@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-4801. telephone. To to speak register CURRENT [BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS]: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Anu Kapadia, Vice Chair Kergin Bedell Karly Jo Dixon Patrick Howard Faye Mills Amanda Marzullo Katy Jo Muncie Azalia Perez Josh Robinson Roy Woody AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 including individuals that wish to share first-hand accounts regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Regular Called meeting on January 16, 2026. Page 1 of 2 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefings regarding status of Austin Community Court operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services – Presentation by Jennifer Sowinski, Clinical Operations Manager; Bailey Gray, Court Operations Manager, and Robert Kingham, Court Administrator from Austin Community Court. ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Approve Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget recommendations related to Austin Community Court – (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) - Lea Downey Gallatin, DACC Advisory Board Chair Amendment of Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board bylaws to reflect updated name to Austin Community Court Advisory Board – (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) - Robert Kingham, Court Administrator from Austin Community Court. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) - Robert Kingham, Court Administrator from Austin Community Court. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Recommendation Number: 20260327-003: Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Community Court Budget Recommendation Date of Approval: March 27, 2026 Introduction: The Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board is grateful to City Council and City leadership for preserving six grant-funded FTEs in the FY 25–26 budget and for the investments in staff and social service resources made in recent years. These resources have meaningfully affected the Community Court’s ability to connect Austin residents experiencing homelessness with services and reflect the City’s stated commitment to addressing homelessness as a top priority. At the same time, the Board is concerned that the Austin Community Court’s central role in the City’s homelessness response infrastructure has at times been underestimated in budget and policy decisions. Funding reductions to social service contracts enacted in FY 25–26, along with those projected for FY 26–27, place the Community Court’s service delivery model at risk and threaten access to essential services for Austin residents experiencing homelessness. The Board believes some aspects of these reductions were mistakes that disproportionately threaten an established, cost- effective, nationally recognized service model that should be preserved and fully supported. To avoid repeating these mistakes, and to ensure the City does not lose ground on a stated priority, the Board offers the following recommendations to stabilize and strengthen Community Court operations. Some include targeted, cost-effective investments that would produce meaningful systemwide benefits. The Board respectfully urges Council and City Management to ensure upcoming budget decisions reflect the City’s commitment to addressing homelessness and sustaining the systems that make that work possible. Recommendation: The Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board respectfully recommends that the Austin City Council and City leadership consider the following priorities when developing the FY 26–27 budget: 1. Avoid Repeating Disproportionate Impacts on Homeless Services by Preserving Community Court’s Social Service Resources Applying across-the-board 10% social service contract reductions to Community Court last fiscal year effectively cut 17% of direct services integrated into their homeless services and was a mismatch compared to the 4% reductions for Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations (HSO). This year, Council should instead approach cuts cautiously to avoid such disproportionality and compensate in this budget to remedy losses from the previous cycle. 2. Recognize Austin Community Court as Essential Homelessness Response Infrastructure As a nationally recognized community court model, largely due to their intensive and integrated homeless services, and as a pillar of …
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Austin Community Court Service and Data Overview Board Packet – March 27, 2026 Community Services • Community Services Program (CS) – Participants fulfill community service hour requirements through public space cleaning, beautification projects, graffiti abatement, and working at Community Court’s Edgar Fincher III Program Garden, which donates all food and eggs to local providers who feed the homeless community. *Q2 to date contains Jan/Feb of Q2 • Violet KeepSafe Storage Program (VKS) – Free storage located downtown with secure bins to store vital documents, family memories, clothing, bedding, and more. Operates 7:00am- 11:00am and 1:00pm-7:00pm, seven days a week. Program employs people with lived experience to improve service experience and create workforce opportunities. *Q2 to date contains Jan/Feb of Q2 Court Services • Restorative justice and problem-solving court – Fine-only court with emphasis on alternative resolutions, and provides an immediate connection to onsite case managers, basic needs, and social service resources. Community Court resolves Class C criminal offenses in catchment area, and Proposition B and State camping ban cases citywide. *Q2 to date contains Jan/Feb of Q2 • Clinical Diversion Program (CDP) – Dedicated case managers serve people engaging in Court Services to improve connection to case management and social services, while also improving appearance and case completion rates. *Q2 to date contains Jan/Feb of Q2 • Mobile Court – This program, initiated by Council Resolution 20230816-016, is intended to connect people in the community with solutions for resolving cases while providing immediate connection to services and resource navigation through case managers onsite. Homeless Services • Walk-in Case Management – Provides assistance obtaining identification documents and signing up for public benefits, access to basic needs, and linkages to mental health, physical health, and substance misuse services. *Q2 to date contains Jan/Feb of Q2 • Intensive Case Management – Person-centered, housing-focused services with low caseloads and wrap around supports. C’s Intensive Case Management and Walk-in Case Management programs both serve as a diversion from criminal justice involvement by meeting people’s needs before situations escalate to involve law enforcement. *Q2 to date contains Jan/Feb of Q2 *Includes ESG RRH CM as well Support Services - Responsible for special projects and support for all DACC units, administration for the department, internal and external communications, community engagement, support for the DACC Advisory Board and the Austin Homelessness Advisory Council, and social service contracting. • DACC-funded social service contracts …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose and duties of the board are as follows: to advise the Downtown Austin Community Court on policy and operations issues 14 and advise City Council about the operations and policies of the court. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity or speak on behalf of the board except through the action of a majority of the board in which the board identifies who is authorized to speak and identifies the actions the individual board member is authorized to take or topics on which the individual board member is entitled to speak. (E) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve-month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of a board member’s immediate family member, active military service or the birth or adoption of the board member’s child for 90 days after the event. The board member must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the next regular meeting of the board. Failure to notify the liaison before the next regular meeting of the board will result in an unexcused absence. (F) At each meeting, each board member shall sign an attendance sheet (or if participating virtually via videoconference, send an email as provided by City Code Section 2-1-24(D)) which indicates that the member does not have a conflict of interest with any item on that agenda, or identifies …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026, AT 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Asian American Quality of Life 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, contact Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Seonhye “Sonny” Sin, Chair Sarah Chen Zachary Dolling Hugh Li Alpha Shrestha Nirali Thakkar CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Padmini Jambulapati, Vice-Chair Sarah Xiyi Chen Hanna Huang Ahmed Moledina Nayer Sikder Kuo Yang AGENDA 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 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on February 17, 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff Briefing regarding the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 3. Update from Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commissioner Search Working Group DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve two stakeholder seats to the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission. 5. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding the Quality-of-Life study. 6. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Asian American Resource Center (AARC) staffing. 7. Approve a budget recommendation to Council regarding unmet needs of the Asian American Resource Center. 8. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Austin Public Health (APH) Immigration legal services. 9. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding APH social services and community health navigator positions. 10. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Historic Preservation 11. Approve a Proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, February 17, 2026 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Austin Energy Headquarters, Room 1125, 4815 Mueller Blvd. in Austin, Texas. Chair Sin called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Seonhye “Sonny” Sin, Chair Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Chen Nirali Thakkar COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Hanna Huang Ahmed Moledina Nayer Sikder Zachary Dolling PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Hector Ordaz- Cultural Arts Funding/ACME/Creative Reset APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on January 20, 2026. The minutes from the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on January 20, 2026 were approved on Commissioner Chen’s motion, Vice Chair Padmini’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Xiyi Chen, Li, Shrestha and Yang were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding We All Belong Campaign updates and upcoming programming. Presentation by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 1 ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 17, 2026 The presentation was made by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and a request for the Prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 26-27 budget. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. The presentation was made by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Discussion regarding the creation of a proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Discussed. Discussion regarding the Commissioner and Stakeholder Search Community Working Group outreach plan. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. 7. Update from the Asian American Resource Center Working Group regarding the AARC’s Capital Improvement Projects. The update was given by Commissioner Huang. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee Working Group regarding the budget impacts for community organizations, collaborating across commissions for budget updates, and other budget considerations informed by Austin Equity and Inclusion and Austin Police. The update was given by Commissioner Huang and Commissioner Thakkar. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve a meeting date change to the March meeting. The motion to approve a meeting date change to the March meeting …
Economic Mobility Austin Equity & Inclusion Our Time Together • Economic Mobility Overview • Quality-of-Life Studies: Key Connections • Building the Economic Mobility Index • Turning the Index Into Action • Upcoming Event 2 What Drives Economic Mobility Economic mobility is shaped by our systems, policies, and investments — not just individual effort. Mobility includes building wealth and long-term stability for future generations. Education, health, housing, childcare, and strong social conditions enable families to thrive. In Austin, persistent disparities limit opportunities, but a person’s future shouldn’t be determined by their neighborhood or systemic barriers. Beyond Wages Quality of Life We Shape Systems 3 Quality-of-Life Studies: Key Connections High-Level Themes Financial Progress & Economic Outcomes • Deeply affordable housing • • Utility assistance and energy relief Job pipelines and employment access programs Quality of Life & Well-Being • Pop-up clinics in high-need areas • Culturally competent healthcare training Inclusive planning processes for older • adults Opportunities & Access Teen job search portal • • Strengthen multilingual outreach • Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies Families, Communities, & Systems • Neighborhood safety audits • Greening and beautification initiatives • Strengthen family-support systems through childcare access and wraparound services 4 Definition Economic mobility addresses systems to improve unfair conditions that influence whether individuals, families, and communities can prosper over time and across generations. It means access to opportunities and resources needed for basic needs, financial security, and a dignified, high quality of life — regardless of race, place, gender, or ability. 5 Economic Mobility Index Human-centered, place-based tool for understanding conditions that shape residents’ ability to thrive in Austin. Visualizes neighborhood- level disparities as defined by economic mobility. Focuses on underlying conditions to guide service delivery and decision- making using data and community insights. Provides a common lens to support coordination, planning, and shared outcomes—without replacing existing tools. 6 Our Approach: Identifying Levers National Frameworks & Local Tools • Drivers of Poverty • Social Vulnerable Index • Justice 40 • Neighborhood Prosperity Dashboard etc. Hybrid Engagement Process • Quality of Life Studies • CoA Commissions • Internal & External Stakeholders • Every Texan Peer Cities Review 10 cities similar in: • State • Size • Demographics • Product CoA Levers of Economic Mobility • 3 Themes • 6 Sub-themes • 18 Levers of Economic Mobility 7 Building the Index Together Early childhood foundations shape mobility • Indicator: Enrollment in early education (public …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX]: Funding to Conduct an Updated Asian American Quality of Life Study Date of Approval: _____________ Recommendation: The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City of Austin allocate $200,000 in the FY 2027 budget to conduct an updated Asian American Quality of Life Study. Description of Recommendation to Council: Austin’s demographics have changed. The data guiding City decisions has not. This funding would support: • Survey design, administration, and data analysis • Participant incentives to ensure representative participation • Community outreach and engagement • Reporting and presentations to City departments and advisory bodies This investment accounts for population growth, inflation, and improved data collection methods compared to the 2014 study. Rationale: The City’s most recent Asian American Quality of Life Study was completed in 2016, using data collected in 2014. That data is now outdated and no longer reflects Austin’s current demographics. Asian Americans are among the fastest-growing populations in Austin, with significant changes in population size, geographic distribution, languages spoken, housing conditions, economic stability, and health needs—particularly following COVID-19. Despite this growth, City departments continue to report limited and incomplete data on Asian American residents, making equitable planning and service delivery difficult. Without updated, disaggregated data, Asian American communities remain underrepresented in City decision-making and program design. The updated study would: RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL • Reflect current demographic and population changes • Provide disaggregated data across Asian ethnic groups, age, language, and neighborhood Identify gaps in access to health, housing, economic, and City services • • Support data-driven planning and equitable service delivery across City departments The study will result in a public report and actionable findings for City use. Seconded By: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: __________________________________
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX]: Recommendation on the FY 2026-27 Budget for an Additional FTE (Division Manager) within Austin ACME (Arts, Culture, Music, & Education) to oversee cultural programs. Date of Approval: ________________ Recommendation: The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) recommends that the City of Austin fund and establish one full-time equivalent (FTE) Division Manager position within the Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) for cultural programs. Description of Recommendation to Council: This position would provide dedicated leadership and oversight for ACME’s cultural facilities and programs, align authority and compensation with the scope of responsibility currently being carried through acting roles, and address inequities in program management and staffing structure when compared to similarly titled Division Manager roles across the City. Rationale: In 2025, the City of Austin established the Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) to consolidate cultural facilities, programming, and creative-sector initiatives that were previously distributed across multiple City departments. The creation of ACME was intended to improve coordination, visibility, and strategic leadership for Austin’s cultural infrastructure while ensuring equitable access to arts, culture, and heritage programming across communities. ACME now oversees the City’s major cultural institutions and community-centered programming sites, including the Asian American Resource Center (AARC), Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), George Washington Carver Museum, the African American Cultural Heritage Facility, and the newly acquired Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. Many of these facilities operate as active community hubs, offering daily public programming, intergenerational services, extended hours, rentals, festivals, and citywide initiatives. Despite the scope and complexity of this portfolio, ACME currently does not have a permanently appointed, full-time Division Manager dedicated to overseeing its cultural facilities and programs. Instead, leadership responsibilities have been assumed by existing cultural center managers — most notably the managers of the AARC and MACC — who have been serving in acting leadership capacities over multiple large cultural institutions in addition to their primary site responsibilities. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Their acting roles have included the hiring and onboarding of several new leadership staff within ACME. These acting roles significantly expand the scope of responsibility and require oversight of facilities with distinct missions, staffing needs, and operational demands, including newly onboarded assets. However, acting pay does not compensate at the same level as a permanently classified Division Manager position, resulting in staff performing sustained, higher-level …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX]: Recommendation on the FY 2026-27 Budget Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Unmet Needs Date of Approval: _____________ Recommendation: The Asian American Quality of Life Commission (AAQoL) recommends that the City of Austin allocate additional funding in the FY 2026–27 budget to address critical unmet needs at the Asian American Resource Center (AARC), including staffing, temporary workforce support, and senior nutrition services. The Asian American Resource Center has experienced significant growth in programming, facility use, and community demand since its opening in 2013. To sustain and expand its impact, targeted investments are needed in the following areas: • Pavilion Staffing: Funding for additional full-time staff to support the activation and ongoing operations of the AARC Pavilion, enabling expanded cultural, educational, and community programming. • Temporary Staffing Budget Increase: Increased funding for temporary staff to support programming and operations. Current temporary staffing allocations are not aligned with the level of programming and service delivery provided at AARC compared to cultural centers across the division and department. • Meals on Wheels Support: Increased funding to support senior nutrition services, including Meals on Wheels, to meet the needs of a rapidly growing senior population served by AARC. Senior transport administered by the Parks department is dependent on seniors being registered for the meal program as well. Rationale: The Asian American Resource Center is already operating at a scale comparable to larger City facilities—without equivalent staffing and operational resources. Since its establishment, the Asian American Resource Center has grown into a vital cultural and community hub serving one of Austin’s fastest-growing populations. Data from the FY 2024 Annual Report demonstrates both the scale and continued growth of its programming and services. In FY24 alone, AARC: • Served over 38,800 visitors to the center RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL • Hosted 154 rental events and facilitated 258 community room reservations • Supported 178 artists and presented 9 new exhibits • Engaged 753 volunteers across programs and events AARC’s senior programming has experienced particularly significant growth. This year, the Congregate Meals program serves 80 meals daily and is estimated to reach 16,000 meals by the end of the fiscal year, a 60% increase from FY24. Within 2 months of the current fiscal year, the Senior meal program hit its Meals on Wheels contract cap of $38,000. This amount and overages were covered post-pandemic with American Rescue Plan …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX]: Recommendation on the FY 2026-2027 Budget related to Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services Date of Approval: ______________ Recommendation: Restoration of the 10% funding cuts to Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services Description of Recommendation: Restoration of the 10% cut to the contract to American Gateways and Catholic Charities contracts. Continued ongoing funding of all current contracts along with an expansion for Pro Se services is recommended. Pro Se services provide immigrants with legal advice, help with paperwork, and coaching through the legal system. Although stopping short of full legal representation, these services are a highly efficient use of taxpayer dollars and are vital to helping immigrants navigate the immigration process, since hearings and court dates may take years to schedule in the judicial system. Rationale: The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) strongly recommends continued funding for the Austin Public Health (APH) Immigrant Legal Services, Pro Se services, and Citizenship Clinics programs in the FY 2026-27 budget. This program plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of Austin's immigrant population. This need is particularly important at a time when regional and national policies continue to further reduce services for immigrants. Additionally, immigrant rights are being stripped due to frequent recent changes in immigration policies, significant shifts in immigration enforcement and detention, and inaccessible services. APH Immigrant Legal Services currently has several contracts in place for American Gateways and Catholic Charities. Many of these contracts are coming to an end. The 2023 closure of Refugee Services of Texas has further reduced options for legal immigration assistance available in the community for refugees, many of whom are from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. For example, due to the budget shortfall, American Gateways has been forced to reduce the number of people it can provide with direct legal representation by approximately 10%, totalling nearly 30 clients (our fellow Austinites!). Cuts to its Pro Se Assistance funding have similarly required American Gateways to reduce the number of individuals it can serve in Austin/Travis County through its pro se clinics by approximately 10%That means 10% fewer families and individuals receiving RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL assistance with Know Your Rights information, filing pro se motions with the court, applications with the immigration court, and family safety planning materials and assistance. These individuals all earn below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines and, …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX]: Recommendation on the FY 2026-2027 Budget related to APH Social Services Budget Date of Approval: _________________ Recommendation: Restoration of the 10% funding cuts for social services Description of Recommendation to Council: The Commission recommends that the City of Austin exercise expediency in the contracting process to ensure organizations providing the contracted Community Health Navigator (CHN) services have contracts for ongoing funding. Currently, a delay in new contracts has put funding for these services in a precarious situation with unknown timelines for extensions and when requests for proposals will occur. The Commission recommends that the City of Austin dedicate a 10% percentage of each contract to language accessibility. The commission also recommends that overall funding be increased to expand Community Health Navigator (CHN) services for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) communities within the Asian American population. This funding will support navigation services for highly needed language-specific groups, such as Pashto, Farsi, Tagalog, Urdu, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and Nepali, who currently do not receive consistent language access due to funding cuts. Rationale: The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City restore the 10% funding for Austin Public Health with an emphasis on Community Health Navigator (CHN) services to address the growing needs of Austin's diverse Asian community. The Commission recommends that the City restore the 10% cut to social services to ensure that the rapidly increasing Asian population continues to receive necessary services. According to the City Demographers office, Asians are the fastest growing subgroup in the Austin area. It is perilous to decrease health services at a time when they are needed more than ever. Without funding, the City of Austin endangers the access to competent and knowledgeable healthcare to many individuals. Since the pandemic, demand for CHNs has surged, and one-time grant funding several years ago had allowed for services in several Asian languages, including Arabic, Burmese, Chin Tedim, RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Nepali, Hindi, and Vietnamese. But now, organizations such as Austin Asian Community Health Initiative (AACHI) can now only service Korean, Vietnamese, and Burmese communities leaving numerous communities without equitable language access to their healthcare. If this funding expires as planned for September 2026, essential services for more vulnerable populations will go unfunded, creating an even larger gap in care. For example, in 2025, AACHI supported 325 clients and …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION Recommendation Number: 20260326- 007: Recommendation on the FY 2026-27 Budget Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Unmet Needs Date of Approval: March 26, 2026 Recommendation: The Asian American Quality of Life Commission (AAQoL) recommends that the City of Austin allocate additional funding in the FY 2026–27 budget to address critical unmet needs at the Asian American Resource Center (AARC), including staffing, temporary workforce support, and senior nutrition services. The Asian American Resource Center has experienced significant growth in programming, facility use, and community demand since its opening in 2013. To sustain and expand its impact, targeted investments are needed in the following areas: • Pavilion Staffing: Funding for additional full-time staff to support the activation and ongoing operations of the AARC Pavilion, enabling expanded cultural, educational, and community programming. • Temporary Staffing Budget Increase: Increased funding for temporary staff to support programming and operations. Current temporary staffing allocations are not aligned with the level of programming and service delivery provided at AARC compared to cultural centers across the division and department. • Meals on Wheels Support: Increased funding to support senior nutrition services, including Meals on Wheels, to meet the needs of a rapidly growing senior population served by AARC. Senior transport administered by the Parks department is dependent on seniors being registered for the meal program as well. Rationale: The Asian American Resource Center is already operating at a scale comparable to larger City facilities—without equivalent staffing and operational resources. Since its establishment, the Asian American Resource Center has grown into a vital cultural and community hub serving one of Austin’s fastest-growing populations. Data from the FY 2024 Annual Report demonstrates both the scale and continued growth of its programming and services. In FY24 alone, AARC: • Served over 38,800 visitors to the center RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL • Hosted 154 rental events and facilitated 258 community room reservations • Supported 178 artists and presented 9 new exhibits • Engaged 753 volunteers across programs and events AARC’s senior programming has experienced particularly significant growth. This year, the Congregate Meals program serves 80 meals daily and is estimated to reach 16,000 meals by the end of the fiscal year, a 60% increase from FY24. Within 2 months of the current fiscal year, the Senior meal program hit its Meals on Wheels contract cap of $38,000. This amount and overages were covered post-pandemic with …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) Recommendation Number: [20260326-009] Recommendation on the FY 2026-2027 Budget related to APH Social Services Budget Date of Approval: March 26, 2026 Recommendation: Restoration of the 10% funding cuts for social services Description of Recommendation to Council: The Commission recommends that the City of Austin exercise expediency in the contracting process to ensure organizations providing the contracted Community Health Navigator (CHN) services have contracts for ongoing funding. Currently, a delay in new contracts has put funding for these services in a precarious situation with unknown timelines for extensions and when requests for proposals will occur. The Commission recommends that the City of Austin dedicate a 10% percentage of each contract to language accessibility. The commission also recommends that overall funding be increased to expand Community Health Navigator (CHN) services for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) communities within the Asian American population. This funding will support navigation services for highly needed language-specific groups, such as Pashto, Farsi, Tagalog, Urdu, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and Nepali, who currently do not receive consistent language access due to funding cuts. Rationale: The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City restore the 10% funding for Austin Public Health with an emphasis on Community Health Navigator (CHN) services to address the growing needs of Austin's diverse Asian community. The Commission recommends that the City restore the 10% cut to social services to ensure that the rapidly increasing Asian population continues to receive necessary services. According to the City Demographers office, Asians are the fastest growing subgroup in the Austin area. It is perilous to decrease health services at a time when they are needed more than ever. Without funding, the City of Austin endangers the access to competent and knowledgeable healthcare to many individuals. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Since the pandemic, demand for CHNs has surged, and one-time grant funding several years ago had allowed for services in several Asian languages, including Arabic, Burmese, Chin Tedim, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Nepali, Hindi, and Vietnamese. But now, organizations such as Austin Asian Community Health Initiative (AACHI) can now only service Korean, Vietnamese, and Burmese communities leaving numerous communities without equitable language access to their healthcare. If this funding expires as planned for September 2026, essential services for more vulnerable populations will go unfunded, creating an even larger gap in care. For example, in 2025, AACHI supported 325 clients …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) Recommendation Number: [20260326-005]: Funding to Conduct an Updated Asian American Quality of Life Study Date of Approval: March 26, 2026 Recommendation: The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City of Austin allocate $200,000 in the FY 2027 budget to conduct an updated Asian American Quality of Life Study. Description of Recommendation to Council: Austin’s demographics have changed. The data guiding City decisions has not. This funding would support: ● Survey design, administration, and data analysis ● Participant incentives to ensure representative participation ● Community outreach and engagement ● Reporting and presentations to City departments and advisory bodies This investment accounts for population growth, inflation, and improved data collection methods compared to the 2014 study. Rationale: The City’s most recent Asian American Quality of Life Study was completed in 2016, using data collected in 2014. That data is now outdated and no longer reflects Austin’s current demographics. The UT Austin School of social work is currently working on an updated pilot based on our 2016 Asian American Quality of Life Study. Asian Americans are among the fastest-growing populations in Austin, with significant changes in population size, geographic distribution, languages spoken, housing conditions, economic stability, and health needs—particularly following COVID-19. Despite this growth, City departments continue to report limited and incomplete data on Asian American residents, making equitable planning and service delivery difficult. This study would help the City to optimize engagement with the Asian American community. The Asian American Quality of Life Commission has experienced that during City staff presentations; RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL we often hear staff do not have enough data or reference points that are updated in order to improve service delivery to Asian American communities in Austin. Without updated, disaggregated data, Asian American communities remain underrepresented in City decision-making and program design. The updated study would: ● Reflect current demographic and population changes ● Provide disaggregated data across Asian ethnic groups, age, language, and neighborhood ● ● Support data-driven planning and equitable service delivery across City departments Identify gaps in access to health, housing, economic, and City services The study will result in a public report and actionable findings for City use. Motioned By: Commissioner Huang Seconded By: Commissioner Chen Vote: 11-0 For: Chair Sin, Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioners Baig, Chen, Xiyi Chen, Huang, Li, Moledina, Shrestha, Sikder, and Yang Abstain: Commissioner Thakkar Absent: Commissioner Dolling Attest: …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) Recommendation Number: [20260326-006]: Recommendation on the FY 2026-27 Budget for an Additional FTE (Division Manager) within Austin ACME (Arts, Culture, Music, & Education) to oversee cultural programs. Date of Approval: March 26, 2026 Recommendation: The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City of Austin fund and establish one full-time equivalent (FTE) Division Manager position within the Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) for cultural programs. Description of Recommendation to Council: This position would provide dedicated leadership and oversight for ACME’s cultural facilities and programs, align authority and compensation with the scope of responsibility currently being carried through acting roles, and address inequities in program management and staffing structure when compared to similarly titled Division Manager roles across the City. Rationale: In 2025, the City of Austin established the Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) to consolidate cultural facilities, programming, and creative-sector initiatives that were previously distributed across multiple City departments. The creation of ACME was intended to improve coordination, visibility, and strategic leadership for Austin’s cultural infrastructure while ensuring equitable access to arts, culture, and heritage programming across communities. ACME now oversees the City’s major cultural institutions and community-centered programming sites, including the Asian American Resource Center (AARC), Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), George Washington Carver Museum, the African American Cultural Heritage Facility, and the newly acquired Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. Many of these facilities operate as active community hubs, offering daily public programming, intergenerational services, extended hours, rentals, festivals, and citywide initiatives. Despite the scope and complexity of this portfolio, ACME currently does not have a permanently appointed, full-time Division Manager dedicated to overseeing its cultural facilities and programs. Instead, leadership responsibilities have been assumed by existing cultural center managers — most notably the managers of the AARC and MACC — who have been serving in acting leadership capacities over multiple large cultural institutions in addition to their primary site responsibilities. Their acting roles have included the hiring and onboarding of several new leadership staff within ACME. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL These acting roles significantly expand the scope of responsibility and require oversight of facilities with distinct missions, staffing needs, and operational demands, including newly onboarded assets. To date, acting cultural center division managers have not been approved for even acting pay. Moreover, acting pay does not compensate at the …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) Recommendation Number: [20260326-008]: Recommendation on the FY 2026-2027 Budget related to Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services Date of Approval: March 26, 2026 Recommendation: Restoration of the 10% funding cuts to Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services Description of Recommendation: Restoration of the 10% cut to the contract to American Gateways and Catholic Charities contracts. Continued ongoing funding of all current contracts along with an expansion for Pro Se services is recommended. Pro Se services provide immigrants with legal advice, help with paperwork, and coaching through the legal system. Although stopping short of full legal representation, these services are a highly efficient use of taxpayer dollars and are vital to helping immigrants navigate the immigration process, since hearings and court dates may take years to schedule in the judicial system. Rationale: The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) strongly recommends continued funding for the Austin Public Health (APH) Immigrant Legal Services, Pro Se services, and Citizenship Clinics programs in the FY 2026-27 budget. This program plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of Austin's immigrant population. This need is particularly important at a time when regional and national policies continue to further reduce services for immigrants. Additionally, immigrant rights are being stripped due to frequent recent changes in immigration policies, significant shifts in immigration enforcement and detention, and inaccessible services. APH Immigrant Legal Services currently has several contracts in place for American Gateways and Catholic Charities. Many of these contracts are coming to an end. The 2023 closure of Refugee Services of Texas has further reduced options for legal immigration assistance available in the community for refugees, many of whom are from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. For example, due to the budget shortfall, American Gateways has been forced to reduce the number of people it can provide with direct legal representation by approximately 10%, totaling nearly 30 clients (our fellow Austinites!). Cuts to its Pro Se Assistance funding have similarly required American Gateways to reduce the number of individuals it can serve in Austin/Travis County through its pro se clinics by approximately 10%. That means 10% fewer families and individuals receiving RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL assistance with Know Your Rights information, filing pro se motions with the court, applications with the immigration court, and family safety planning materials and assistance. These individuals all earn below 200% of the federal poverty …
Proclamation Be it known that Whereas, Austin residents who trace their ancestry to Asia and the Pacific Islands have contributed immeasurably to the City of Austin through their leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, public service, arts, culture, and community engagement; and these residents speak many languages, honor countless traditions, and practice diverse faiths, yet are united by a shared commitment to freedom, opportunity, and civic participation; and Whereas, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities comprise approximately 9 percent of the City of Austin’s population, and Asian Americans are the fastest growing single-race group in Austin, reflecting the increasing diversity, vitality, and future growth of our city; and Whereas, The diversity within Austin’s AAPI communities strengthens the cultural fabric of our city and enriches our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and institutions; and Whereas, During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate and uplift the many contributions AAPI residents have made—and continue to make—to Austin’s economic vitality, cultural life, civic leadership, and community well-being; and Whereas, Even as we celebrate these contributions, we acknowledge that AAPI communities have faced discrimination and acts of hate, and we reaffirm our collective commitment to safety, dignity, equity, and belonging for all Austinites; and Whereas, The Asian American Quality of Life Commission, established in 2014, works to advise the City Council on issues impacting Austin’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and proudly brings this proclamation forward; and Whereas, It is critical that we stand together as one Austin—now and always—embracing our diversity as a source of strength and unity; Now, Therefore, I, ________________________, Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas, do hereby proclaim May 2026 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Austin, and encourage all residents to join in celebrating the history, achievements, and enduring contributions of our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Austin to be affixed this ___ day of May, in the Year Two Thousand Twenty-Six. _____________________________________________ Mayor, City of Austin
Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 26, 2026 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Thursday, March 26, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room #1406, Wilhelmina Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Sin called the Special Called Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Seonhye “Sonny” Sin, Chair Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Xiyi Chen Hanna Huang COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Aasiyah Baig Sarah Chen Hugh Li Ahmed Moledina Alpha Shrestha Nayer Sikder Nirali Thakkar Kuo Yang PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on February 17, 2026. The minutes from the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on February 17, 2026 were approved on Commissioner Huang’s motion, Commissioner ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Thursday, March 26, 2026 Chen’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Yang was off the dais. Commissioner Dolling was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing regarding the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. The presentation was made by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 3. Update from Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commissioner Search Working Group Update was given by Commissioner Huang. Stakeholder candidates were discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve two stakeholder seats to the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission. The motion to approve a stakeholder seat to Alka Bhanot was approved on Commissioner Huang’s motion, Commissioner Thakkar’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Dolling was absent. The motion to approve a stakeholder seat to Bhumika Purohit was approved on Commissioner Shrestha’s motion, Commissioner Huang’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Dolling was absent. 5. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding the Quality-of-Life study. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Huang and seconded by Commissioner Xiyi Chen. The amendment was to insert the following: “Without updated, disaggregated data, Asian American communities remain underrepresented in City decision-making and program design. The UT Austin School of Social Work is currently working on an updated pilot …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/MUELLER ASSEMBLY ROOM 1111A & B 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78723 Some members of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Gustavo Valle, 512-974-4350, Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov. CURRENT [BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS]: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Michael Drohan CALL TO ORDER Caitlin Griffith John L. Harris Ali Ishaq Iris Suddaby AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Seth Whaland Vacant Vacant The first 5 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve Commission's Recommendations for FY27 & FY28 Budget Goals FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Gustavo at Valle Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. Recovery Department, Resource Austin 512-974-4350 at or email For more information on the Zero Waste Advisory Commission, please contact Gustavo Valle at 512- 974-4350 or Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov.
Zero Waste Advisory Commission 2026-27 Budget Resolution Whereas, It is the Responsibility of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to review, evaluate and make recommendations to City Council, City Management and City Staff regarding policies concerning solid waste, recycling, organic and heavy brush collection pursuant to its Zero Waste Master Plan Goals; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery is one of four Enterprise Departments within the City of is responsible for meeting its annual financial responsibilities through sound Austin and budgeting and efficient customer rate setting that provide Residents with a safe and cost effective collection and disposal service; and Whereas, on November 5, 2025, the citizens of Austin unanimously voted against Proposition Q and its proposed Property Tax Rate increase; and Whereas, the City of Austin and Austin Resource Recovery currently own hundreds of acres of non-performing Real Property assets in the Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery has established waste diversion and circular economy programs such as the Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance, MoveOutATX, Fix-it and Repair Clinics and Zero Waste Business Incentive and Rebate Programs; and Whereas, Implementation and/or adherence to City policies must be reflected in the process of planning for future disposal and diversion challenges within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas and supporting Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), who is responsible for implementing such Policies and Operations; and Whereas, in 2000 the City of Austin adopted a comprehensive Master Plan for future garbage, recycling, organic and brush collection within the City of Austin, Travis County, Texas area; and Whereas, The City of Austin has grown dramatically in population, development and competitiveness over the past five years and is in need of disposal options in the northern portion of Austin, Travis County, Texas; and Whereas, the 2026-27 Austin Resource Recovery Budget recommendation is seeking to provide competitive compensation for support and collection staff and for the development of a much more efficient and cost effective North Austin Transfer and Hazardous Waste facility which will minimize employee attrition and provide much needed disposal, recycling and hazardous waste drop off options for north, northeast and west Austin residents seeking more comprehensive garbage, recycling, household hazardous waste and organic and brush disposal and collection options; and Whereas, it is the goal of the Commission to more closely adhere to our Zero Waste Master Plan's diversion goals while acknowledging the future financial demands of unforeseen weather and …
