Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 03/01/2024 Figure 1: Commercial and Multifamily Project Pipeline Commercial and Small Business Multifamily 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 t n u o C t c e o r P j 145 Project Pipeline Notes: 2. Pipeline Definitions 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 t n u o C t c e o r P j 44 108 8 15 26 Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification Pre-Approval in Progress Approved: Installation and Verification Multifamily Multifamily Income Qualified 1. Figures includes all leads and applications, regardless of estimated rebate amount. In coordination with the customer and contractor, Austin Energy periodically removes leads and new applications that do not proceed to Installation. a. “Pre-Approval in Progress” includes: 1) customer/contractor submitted leads; 2) applications in development but not yet submitted to Austin Energy; and 3) applications submitted to Austin Energy that are under review for eligibility and approval of project scope. b. “Approved: Installation and Verification” includes projects: 1) approved with installation underway; and 2) where installation is complete and final inspection and quality review are ongoing. c. Paid projects are listed on the preceding RMC summary table in this report. Multifamily & Commercial Project Pipeline – Monthly Report 03/01/2024 Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Table 1: Multifamily and Multifamily Income Qualified – Estimated RCA Project Pipeline (for estimated rebates >$74k) Program Latest Workflow Enrollment (s) # Location Name Installation Address Council District Estimated kW savings Estimated kWh savings Estimated $ Incentive Installation Lincoln Oaks 263.3 766,330 $257,806 11700 Metric Blvd 1266038, 1279735, 1292608, 1292617 Measures Planned Phase 1 (Complete): Water Saving Devices, Phase 2 (In Progress): LED Lighting, Plenum Remediation & Seal, HVAC Tune-Up, Smart Thermostats Total # of Units 296 Installation 1277574 Buckingham Place Duplexes 743 YARSA BLVD Installation 1301882 West Koenig Flats 5608 Avenue F 34.2 159,495 $74,700 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats 166 39.0 185,377 $109,200 HVAC Tune-up, Smart Thermostats 210 Installation 1299361 79.6 286,993 $151,432 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, LED Lighting Multifamily Installation 1281017 Multifamily Installation 1275428 305.4 669,612 $279,173 Low-E windows, Smart Thermostats, HVAC replacement 99.9 349,027 $213,038 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, LED Lighting Multifamily Installation 1299445 San Marin Apartments 4025 DUVAL RD 65.8 58410.710 0 $126,813 Attic Insulation Multifamily Installation 1301185 Elan East 59.0 327,616 $121,687 HVAC Tune-Ups, Smart Thermostats, Water Saving Devices, ECAD …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20240318-010 Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for an Equity Office Data Analyst Date: March 19, 2024 Subject: Associate position Motioned by: Description Seconded By: Equity Office Data Analyst Associate position Data Equity for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities is a pressing issue that affects and informs the services we receive or do not. It is defined by the group AAPI Data as 1) inclusion and incorporation of community expertise and research expertise to 2) ensure equity in all stages and aspects of data and research, including: ● design and development ● collection, compilation, processing, ● analysis, dissemination, and preservation The AAQoL has received various staff and program presentations since our creation and one of the leading trends we see is that there is very little data collection that speaks to the nuances of how or if our broad AANHPI community is served. A Data Analyst Associate FTE position is recommended to be added to the Equity Office to complement the work they are doing with a data analyst associate that can assist in helping the Equity Office stay up to date on national data equity trends, assist with data analysis that can provide deeper insight into systematic issues and trends in available City data, and/or consult with other departments on data equity models and trends. Recommendation An ongoing amount of $95,000 is recommended to cover 1 Data Analyst Associate FTE. Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Government that works for all; Equity of City programs and resource allocation Department Equity Office Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20240318-011 Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget related to Austin Public Health Date: March 19, 2024 Subject: Immigrant Legal Services Motioned by: Description Seconded By: Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) strongly recommends continued funding for the Austin Public Health (APH) Immigrant Legal Services program in the FY 2024-25 budget. This program plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of Austin's immigrant population. APH Immigrant Legal Services currently has 2 contracts in place for American Gateways and 1 contract in place for Catholic Charities, all of which are set to expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The recent 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.We strongly recommend continued funding for the APH Immigrant Legal Services program at a level that allows it to meet the growing needs of Austin's immigrant population Contractors for this program provide critical legal assistance to immigrants in Austin. The program helps immigrants navigate the complex legal system, with a focus on areas like citizenship, deportation defense, and access to public benefits. Recommendation Ongoing funding of $700,000 is recommended to continue services currently being provided along with a suggested $100,000 increase to meet community legal needs from the closure of nonprofits serving refugees in our community. Department Austin Public Health (APH) Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Government that works for all; Equity of City programs and resource allocation; Safety: Fair administration of justice Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20240318-012 Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget related to Austin Public Health Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Subject: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget related to Austin Public Health Seconded By: Austin Public Health Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Date: March 19, 2024 Motioned by: Description The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission would like to recommend that the City increase funding for mental health services. In 2020, Austin Public Health (APH) put out a Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) 004 Asian Pacific Islander Mental Health Services that our commission also supported and recommended. There were two applicants and two awarded agencies: Northwest Austin Universal Health Clinic (NAUHC) for $100,000 and Young Women’s Christian Association (also known as YWCA) for $50,000. With the closure of NAUHC, the $100,000 API Mental Health amount was awarded to Get Up Project d/b/a Hope Medical Clinic to provide health education and navigation services prioritizing the Austin Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. While case management services are essential for the AAPI community, their use is very different from the original scope and intention of the RFGA. Given that the funding for mental health for this past fiscal year was diverted to case management, the need is higher than ever to access essential mental healthcare for Austin’s Asian community. Our recommendation would be an ongoing amount that not only is applied to AAPI Mental and Behavioral Health but also to fund a Mental Health Directory specific to mental health specialists who work with members of Austin’s Asian community. The funds would go towards building community-building activities along with the creation of an updated directory of mental health specialists by language and by specialty. Recommendation Ongoing $100,000 for AAPI Mental & Behavioral Health Direct Services One-time $20,000 funding to support administrative maintenance, directory expansion, and client matching for an Asian Behavioral Health Network Department Austin Public Health Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities: Health & Environment: Enjoying a sustainable environment and a healthy life, physically and mentally. A. Health conditions among the public B. Accessibility to quality health care services (physical and mental) Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20240318-013 Subject: Pacific Islander (AAPI) Austin Public Health Social Services Case Management Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget related to Asian American and Seconded By: Date: March 19, 2024 Motioned by: Description AAPI Case Management Austin Public Health (APH) currently has a $100,000 grant awarded to Get Up Project d/b/a Hope Medical Clinic to provide health education and navigation services prioritizing the Austin Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. The clinic, whose patients are 46% Asian (primarily refugees), provides free primary healthcare. The grant has allowed them to add a case manager to the staff who is consistently booked full with referrals for social service assistance and referrals after being identified for needing additional social services at the medical clinic. In addition, they have tracked over 6400 minutes of language interpretation used in the past year for patients needing language access from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Case management with language interpretation requires longer appointments due to the use of a language interpretation service and/or device. High healthcare costs disproportionately affect uninsured adults and those with lower incomes, which are represented in Austin’s Asian community. These communities tend to forgo or delay medical care due to cost or lack of trust. Case management can coordinate and maintain more efficient workflows for healthcare providers, including scheduling appointments, billing, and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and accurately. Research has shown the effective results of case management. Studies have shown that 10% of patients make up 70% of healthcare spending. By investing in case management, the coordination of care can include preventive care, such as screenings and treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure. This will go a long way to ensuring that preventable conditions do not turn into chronic conditions. Having access to bilingual case managers ensures that important and complicated health information can be communicated with patients in their preferred language. $150,000 in one-time funding for Asian American and Pacific Islander case management services Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities: Health & Environment: Enjoying a sustainable environment and a healthy life, physically and mentally. Health conditions among the public Accessibility to quality health care services (physical and mental) Recommendation Department Austin Public Health Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20240318-014 Date: March 19, 2024 Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget related to Community Health Seconded By: Community Health Navigators (CHNs) Subject: Navigators Motioned by: Description Currently, the City has two Master Agreements MA - 4700 - NG160000053 (since 2017) and MA - 4700 - NG220000094 (since 2022) for Community Health Navigator (CHN) services to the Asian American community that is inclusive of recruiting, hiring, training, direct services of translated health navigation and administration. Both contracts are coming to an end with this fiscal year. The current contractor, Asian American Resource Center Inc. dba Asian American Community Health Initiative (AACHI) is currently providing services to some of the most vulnerable Asian subpopulations including Burmese, Korean, Nepali, Vietnamese, Syrian, Iraqi, and other Arabic-speaking communities. CHN services in these languages are not available from any other agencies or non-profits in the Austin area. The loss or gap in the continuation of these contracts or their replacements would have a detrimental effect in the health inequities for the most vulnerable pockets of the local Asian American community. This recommendation seeks to sustain and increase funding for CHN services to the Asian American community. CHNs provide an essential service for Austin’s Asian community, which has language access needs spanning multiple communities. During the pandemic, a Texas A&M COVID contract supported a local provider hiring three bilingual Community Health Navigators who served the Arabic, Chinese, and Vietnamese-speaking communities. The expiration of the funding period has resulted in less than 150 clients and no dedicated bilingual CHN for the Chinese-speaking community. Navigating the healthcare system can be a challenging task for native English speakers. For non-native English speakers, this challenge can be nearly impossible to overcome. Yet, accessing adequate health care services, is an essential service that some may say is a basic human right. Community health navigators assist Austin’s non-native English speakers in scheduling appointments, filling out required paperwork, applying for and understanding health insurance benefits, and many more essential services. Austin’s Asian community is diverse with many non-native English speakers. The lack of language access services isolates many Austin residents, preventing them from participating in civic life, which can lead to feelings of isolation. The lack of language access services is especially acute when dealing with healthcare. The inability to access adequate diagnoses and care can lead to a multitude of poor, and in many cases preventable, …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20240318-015 Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for the We All Belong Austin Against Hate Campaign Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for the We All Belong Austin Date: March 19, 2024 Subject: Against Hate Campaign Motioned by: Seconded By: We All Belong Austin Against Hate Campaign Description July 2023, the City launched an anti-hate education and outreach initiative called “We All Belong” to streamline access to tools to report hate crimes and incidents, making it easier for community members to keep Austin safe. This was during a disturbing upward trend that has continued in hate crimes in the city that were anti-Semitic, racist, and homophobic and was as directed by council in a 2021 resolution. Just in February of this year, a stabbing attack in West Campus of a group of South Asians was classified as a hate crime after the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a wide- alert about the context around the crime and held a press release at City Hall following it. Prior to that, news reports did not mention the use of racial slurs and targetting of the victim, who is Palestinian American. Our commission sees the continued need for the We All Belong Austin against the anti-hate campaign and wants to see it continue its reach to along with staying current and updated with current news communities targeted disproportionately for their race, ethnicity, or religion. Recommendation $350,000 in one-time funding is recommended to sustain the program and campaign Department Communications & Public Information Office Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Government that works for all; Equity of City programs and resource allocation, Safety, Proactive Prevention, Community Trust & Relationships Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20240318-007 Date: March 19, 2024 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Customer and Front Desk Support Seconded By: AARC Customer & Front Desk Support Motioned by: Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) Museums & Cultural Programs Division has an FY2024-2025 under- resourced need for front desk support that has been identified and requested since 2020. Pre- 2020, the AARC has garnered over 50,000 visitors at its peak. In the first full fiscal year back from the pandemic closures and adjusted hours, visitor and program attendance is already back at over 30,000 in FY2022-2023. Currently, the AARC is the only cultural facility in PARD without a dedicated FTE for Front Desk and Reception support and is entirely staffed by temporary staff. This poses a lot of issues to turnover, training, and support needed to appropriately respond to citizen inquiries and needs when they visit the facility during the 46 hours a week the facility is open to the public currently. Due to a budget cut in the current budget year, their temporary staff budget has been reduced almost from $135,000 to $121,915, with front desk staff support taking $65,000 or more than 50%. Reductions in temporary staffing to other AARC programs have been necessary to maintain appropriate staffing at the reception area for visitor assistance and safety. Recommendation Ongoing funding in one of the following options is recommended: ● 1 Administrative Specialist FTE (40 hours/week) at $65,000 for salary and bilingual pay ● .75 Administrative Speciality PTE (30 hours/week) at $52,000 for salary and bilingual pay plus an additional $20,000 (6 hours/week) temporary staffing for an entry-level administrative specialist ● $72,000 of total temporary funding was dedicated to Office Attendant I and II positions accounting for 63 hours a week total throughout the year. Inclusive of 2 staff for evening shifts for safety, training, and increased staffing for large events and rentals. Department PARD/Museums & Cultural Arts/AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality of cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20240318-008 Date: March 19, 2024 Subject: Center (AARC) Senior Program Language Access Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Asian American Resource Seconded By: AARC Senior Program Language Access Motioned by: Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) Museums & Cultural Programs Division has a robust senior program that served 4,712 participants and served about 6,300 meals within the FY2022-2023 year alone. In the AARC budget from FY2022-2023 and FY2023-2024, there has been a significant unmet need for additional funding for expanded Senior Language Access. The AARC has $43,198 in FY2023-2024 budgeted and faced a reduction due to PARD budget cuts already halfway through the year. Of this budget, most of the funding is utilized for Mandarin-language interpretation. The AARC staff has identified a need for Vietnamese and Korean interpretation for activities as well as to better serve seniors with language barriers for 1- 2 days of the week during the senior programs at the facility. As the only senior program in the city with language access for Asian languages consistently available, it is essential that the AARC has the budget needed for additional language interpretation services to expand equitable access to more of our Asian American seniors. Recommendation Ongoing addition of $15,000 is recommended for language interpretation to add Vietnamese and Korean-interpreted activity days to the AARC senior program Department PARD/Museums & Cultural Arts/AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality of cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission FY2024-2025 Draft Budget Recommendations Summary Item Title Dept Cost/Asks Summary 20240318- 007 AARC Customer & Front Desk Support PARD AARC front desk has been staffed w/ temporary staff or full-time staff w/ other duties for 10 years now. They need a permanent position or more funding to maintain customer service & safety at reception/lobby 20240318- 008 AARC Senior Program Language Access PARD 20240318- 009 AARC Signature Programs PARD 20240318- 010 Data Analyst Associate FTE Equity Office Of the $43k budgeted, most is used for Mandarin interpreter being provided for the Chinese seniors. To diversify and expand reach of senior participation, AARC need add’l funds for Vietnamese & Korean language interpretation requests. Preserve and expand the budget for AARC Signature Programs Saved for future recommendation $95,000 ongoing for 1 Data Analyst Associate FTE Complements the Equity Office work in staying up to date on national data equity trends, assists with data analysis that can provide deeper insight into systematic issues and trends in available City data, and/or consults with other departments Options: $65k ongoing for 1 Admin FTE, or $52k ongoing for .75 Admin PTE + $20k add’l in temp staffing, or $72k ongoing for temp office attendants $15k ongoing for services - interpretation in Vietnamese & Korean 20240318- 011 Immigrant Legal Services APH 20240318- 012 AAPI Mental Health APH 20240318- 013 AAPI Social Services Case Management APH Ongoing funding of $700,000 is to continue services currently being + a suggested $100,000 increase to meet community legal needs from the closure of nonprofits serving refugees in our community. $100k ongoing for AAPI Mental & Behavioral Health Direct Services $20k one-time Asian Behavioral Health Network $150k one- time for AAPI Case Management on data equity models and trends. AAPI Data Equity is a big need and hole in particular in the City Currently 2 contracts in place for American Gateways and 1 contract in place for Catholic Charities, all of which are set to expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The recent 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. 2020 grant for API Mental Health was $150k and awarded to YWCA (50k) and NAUHC (100k). NAUHC closed and Hope Project received the 100k in 2023 but for case management …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240319-003 Resolution Passive House Design Challenge WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the critical need for sustainable and affordable housing solutions to address the diverse housing challenges faced by our community; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin, in alignment with its commitment to climate action, has established a comprehensive Climate Equity Plan aimed at addressing environmental and social inequities in the community; and WHEREAS, the City’s Climate Equity Plan includes a goal of reaching net-zero GHG emissions by 2040 and a goal of achieving net-zero carbon for new buildings and reducing emissions by 25% for existing buildings by 2040; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has also developed a robust Climate Resilience Action Plan, outlining strategies to enhance the resilience of the community in the face of climate change impacts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to encourage and support the development of affordable housing projects that adhere to the highest standards of energy efficiency, sustainability, and equity; WHEREAS, passive houses are the world's most energy-efficient standard and are designed so that most of the air exchange with the exterior is done by controlled ventilation through a heat exchanger to minimize heat loss; and WHEREAS, passive building design can help keep a building cool in hot and humid climates through several strategies including shading, insulation, ventilation, orientation, and shape; and WHEREAS, passive house design saves significantly on heating and cooling compared to traditional buildings, and over 25% compared to average new builds which help reduce energy costs and create a smaller carbon footprint; and WHEREAS, in 2009, Vancouver took an important first step toward their goal of becoming the greenest city in the world, as the first jurisdiction in North America to go beyond green building codes and use architecture itself through passive design to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs); and WHEREAS, starting in 2024, the City of Boston adopted a set of sustainability standards that required every new multifamily building to meet passive building requirements, WHEREAS, in the past years New York City, Chicago, and several states including Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have also instituted passive building requirements; and WHEREAS, although no southern state or city has adopted passive building standards to date, a study performed by Science Direct showed that passive building strategies in warm humid climates can achieve substantial energy and cost savings over standard building techniques; and WHEREAS, sustainable …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240319-005 Resolution on Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS, the City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households; and WHEREAS, additional community outreach by trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that a minimum of $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape, and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000). b. $200,000 for grants, contracts, and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Melissa Carugati; Commissioner Charlotte Davis; Commissioner Trey Farmer; Commissioner GeNell Gary; Commissioner Shane Johnson; Commissioner Dino Sasaridis; Commissioner Alison Silverstein Vote: 8-0 For: Against: None Abstentions: None Off Dais: None Vacancies: Mayor Absences: Commissioner Louis Stone, Chair; Commissioner Chelsey Scaffidi Attest: Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240319-006 Resolution on Austin Energy Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net- zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts, including members of the Resource Management Commission and other community members, who met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas- burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, …
GreenChoice Repurposing Proposal Resource Management Commission Paul Robbins March 19, 2024 • Started in 2001 to Allow Customers to Virtually Buy 100% Green Power • Currently 0.75¢/kwh More/ About 6% Increase in Total Bill • 984 Million Kwh Sold in 2022 / 7% of Total Austin Energy Consumption • About $7.4 Million in 2022 Additional Revenue • About 28,000 – 5% – of 2022 Customer Base In Austin, Renewable Energy has Increased from Almost Nothing in 2000 to Half Of Electric Supply in 2023 And It is Projected to Hit About 80% by 2035. Why Should We Ask Customers to Pay More for What the Utility Is Doing Anyway? But All the Renewable Energy in the World Will Not Allow It To Be ”Dispatchable” – To be Used When It Is Needed Denmark is world leader in use of intermittent renewable energy. Only 31% of its electricity is dispatchable. How do they do it? Leveraging Funds • 20% from Austin Energy • 20% from Storage Company Balance from: • Grants (Federal, State, Non-profit) • Other Utility/Government Partners • Private Investors Arbitrage Example: 1.5¢ Overnight Power 50¢ Peak Demand 5 PM Perhaps New GreenChoice Program Can Deliver A “Dividend” to Subscribers Austin Energy Defends Current Program 1. Allows customers to purchase 100% wind 2. Customer Satisfaction Survey showe participants were happy with the program 3. Program is not making money at this time because of flawed structure Answers 1. There is no country in the world running on anything close to 100% intermittent wind or solar energy. 2. No survey has been conducted asking GreenChoice participants if they want dispatchable renewable energy. 3. GreenChoice revenue shortfall is being corrected and phased in.
Austin Climate Equity Plan Phillip Duran, Sr Climate Analyst March 2024 1 Austin Climate Equity Plan Overview • How the Climate Equity Plan was developed • What’s in the Plan • Where we are now 2 3 Why lead with Equity in Climate? • Low-income communities and communities of color are disproportionately affected by climate hazards Experience climate shocks on top of existing economic stressors • Have less resources to bounce back from event Suffer long-term impacts to mental and physical health • • Plan Development Process Diverse participation • • Community ownership approach • Mandatory Equity training Joint Sustainability Committee Steering Committee Climate and Environment Leadership Team Transportation Electrification Transportation and Land Use Sustainable Buildings Food and Product Consumption Natural Systems Staff + Stakeholder Advisory Groups 5 Community Climate Ambassadors 2020-2021 Cohort • 50% African American/Black • 25% Latino/Hispanic • 8% Asian • 8% Pacific Islander • 8% Two or more races • Over 50% under 24 years old • Over 75% female Participating Stakeholder Organizations 7 What’s in the Plan? 8 Climate Equity Plan Overview Adopted by City Council in September 2021 Net-zero by 2040 5 Sections - Sustainable Buildings - Transportation Electrification - Transportation and Land Use - Food and Product Consumption - Natural Systems 17 Goals – To be accomplished by 2030 to keep on track 75 Strategies - Progress in next 5 years Equity Throughout, particularly in Strategies • • • Prioritize incentives + target communications towards low-income & communities of color Just transition to green jobs for new industries & technology Prioritize health & other benefits 9 Climate Equity Plan Summary 17 Goals What needs to be accomplished by 2030 to keep us on track 75 Strategies What should be implemented in the next 5 years to make progress 10 Austin is a National Leader in Climate Action • Austin is 1 of 4 Major US Cities (+ Denver, Kansas City, San Francisco) that have adopted the most aggressive GHG Reduction goal — Net Zero by 2040. • Austin is 1 of 5 Major US Cities (+ DC, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle) that have put equity at the center of their climate initiatives. • The Austin Energy Goal of 100% Carbon Free electricity generation by 2035 is in the top echelon of utility goals in the US, very few are more aggressive. • Austin community-wide GHG emissions decreased 25% since 2011 (15.1 MMT in …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20240319-006 Resolution on Austin Energy Resource, Generation, and Climate Protection Plan WHEREAS, the climate crisis continues to worsen and is causing harm to the Austin community. Immediately reducing greenhouse emissions is essential; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan established a goal for the Austin community to reach net- zero greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately 75 percent reduction by 2030; and WHEREAS, the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 established that Austin Energy would achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2035 and that Austin Energy would no longer invest in fossil fuel resources; and WHEREAS, in December 2022, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution 20221201- 040, which directed Austin Energy to collaborate with the Electric Utility Commission (EUC) to update the 2030 Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan; and WHEREAS, the electric market and federal incentives have changed significantly since the last update, and the financial viability of battery storage (as evidenced by widespread investment within the ERCOT market), as well as opportunities to improve energy efficiency and demand response programs and increase deployment of local solar make a transition to clean energy possible; and WHEREAS, the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group consisted of 16 energy experts, including members of the Resource Management Commission and other community members, who met 14 times between September 2023 and January 2024 to learn about and discuss a wide variety of energy topics; and WHEREAS, the existing Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2030 includes a goal to achieve carbon-free generation by 2035, which implies that Austin Energy’s gas- burning generation would be shut down, but the plan does not include details on how to fully replace those resources; and WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Working Group identifies a robust suite of clean energy resources that can be used to allow Austin Energy to achieve a full transition away from fossil fuels and other polluting resources, while maintaining reliability and affordability; WHEREAS, the plan recommended by the Electric Utility Commission Resource Planning Group could benefit from further refinement and input from Austin Energy; and WHEREAS, full the implementation of strategies to enable the transition to clean energy takes time, so moving from planning to implementation in a timely manner is important; and WHEREAS, Austin Energy’s mission is to deliver clean, affordable, …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240319-007 Date: March 19, 2024 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Customer and Front Desk Support Seconded By: Vice Chair Sarah Chen Motioned by: Commissioner Satyajeet Dodia AARC Customer & Front Desk Support Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) Museums & Cultural Programs Division has an FY2024-2025 under- resourced need for front desk support that has been identified and requested since 2020. Pre- 2020, the AARC has garnered over 50,000 visitors at its peak. In the first full fiscal year back from the pandemic closures and adjusted hours, visitor and program attendance is already back at over 30,000 in FY2022-2023. Currently, the AARC is the only cultural facility in PARD without a dedicated FTE for Front Desk and Reception support and is entirely staffed by temporary staff. This poses a lot of issues to turnover, training, and support needed to appropriately respond to citizen inquiries and needs when they visit the facility during the 46 hours a week the facility is open to the public currently. Due to a budget cut in the current budget year, their temporary staff budget has been reduced almost from $135,000 to $121,915, with front desk staff support taking $65,000 or more than 50%. Reductions in temporary staffing to other AARC programs have been necessary to maintain appropriate staffing at the reception area for visitor assistance and safety. Recommendation Ongoing funding in one of the following options is recommended: ● 1 Administrative Specialist FTE (40 hours/week) at $65,000 for salary and bilingual pay ● .75 Administrative Speciality PTE (30 hours/week) at $52,000 for salary and bilingual pay plus an additional $20,000 (6 hours/week) temporary staffing for an entry-level administrative specialist ● $72,000 of total temporary funding was dedicated to Office Attendant I and II positions accounting for 63 hours a week total throughout the year. Inclusive of 2 staff for evening shifts for safety, training, and increased staffing for large events and rentals. Department PARD/Museums & Cultural Arts/AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality of cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote: 12-0 For: Chair Hanna Huang, Vice Chair Sarah Chen, Commissioners …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240319-008 Date: March 19, 2024 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Senior Program Language Access Motioned by: Pierre Nguyen AARC Senior Program Language Access Seconded By: Vice Chair Sarah Chen Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) Museums & Cultural Programs Division has a robust senior program that served 4,712 participants and served about 6,300 meals within the FY2022-2023 year alone. In the AARC budget from FY2022-2023 and FY2023-2024, there has been a significant unmet need for additional funding for expanded Senior Language Access. The AARC has $43,198 in FY2023-2024 budgeted and faced a reduction due to PARD budget cuts already halfway through the year. Of this budget, most of the funding is utilized for Mandarin-language interpretation. The AARC staff has identified a need for Vietnamese and Korean interpretation for activities as well as to better serve seniors with language barriers for 1- 2 days of the week during the senior programs at the facility. As the only senior program in the city with language access for Asian languages consistently available, it is essential that the AARC has the budget needed for additional language interpretation services to expand equitable access to more of our Asian American seniors. Recommendation Ongoing addition of $15,000 is recommended for language interpretation to add Vietnamese and Korean-interpreted activity days to the AARC senior program Department PARD/Museums & Cultural Arts/AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality of cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote: 12-0 For: Chair Hanna Huang, Vice Chair Sarah Chen, Commissioners Satyajeet Dodia, Padmini Jambulapati, Anna Lan, Pierre Nguyen, Sabrina Sha, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, Nayer Sikder, Sonny Sin, Luan Tran, and Lily Trieu Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioners Mohsin Lari and Kuo Yang Attest: ______________________________ Eric Anderson, Staff Liaison
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240319-010 Date: March 19, 2024 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for an Equity Office Data Analyst Associate position Motioned by: Vice Chair Sarah Chen Equity Office Data Analyst Associate position Seconded By: Commissioner Sonny Sin Description Data Equity for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities is a pressing issue that affects and informs the services we receive or do not. It is defined by the group AAPI Data as 1) inclusion and incorporation of community expertise and research expertise to 2) ensure equity in all stages and aspects of data and research, including: ● design and development ● collection, compilation, processing, ● analysis, dissemination, and preservation The AAQoL has received various staff and program presentations since our creation and one of the leading trends we see is that there is very little data collection that speaks to the nuances of how or if our broad AANHPI community is served. A Data Analyst Associate FTE position is recommended to be added to the Equity Office to complement the work they are doing with a data analyst associate that can assist in helping the Equity Office stay up to date on national data equity trends, assist with data analysis that can provide deeper insight into systematic issues and trends in available City data, and/or consult with other departments on data equity models and trends. Recommendation An ongoing amount of $95,000 is recommended to cover 1 Data Analyst Associate FTE. Department Equity Office Vote: 12-0 Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Government that works for all; Equity of City programs and resource allocation For: Chair Hanna Huang, Vice Chair Sarah Chen, Commissioners Satyajeet Dodia, Padmini Jambulapati, Anna Lan, Pierre Nguyen, Sabrina Sha, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, Nayer Sikder, Seonhye “Sonny” Sin, Luan Tran, and Lily Trieu Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioners Mohsin Lari and Kuo Yang Attest: ______________________________ Eric Anderson, Staff Liaison
