ZONING & PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION SHEET Agenda Item: Recommendation on Public Access Easements (PAEs) Sponsor: Commissioner Lonny Stern Date: _________________ Action Requested Approve a recommendation to the Austin City Council to initiate development of a Public Access Easement (PAE) policy within the Land Development Code. Summary This item recommends that City Council direct the City Manager to develop an ordinance requiring or incentivizing Public Access Easements (PAEs) in certain developments to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. The recommendation emphasizes Joint Use Access Easements (JUAEs) as the preferred implementation method, allowing public access to be co-located within existing fire lanes, utility easements, and access drives. Why This Matters • Many developments are internally connected but not publicly permeable Small connections can significantly improve transit access and safety • • This is a low-cost, high-impact way to build a connected network over time Key Elements • Applies to mixed-use, commercial, and multi-family developments (threshold-based) • Allows co-location within fire lanes/utilities (JUAE preferred) • Establishes minimum design standards • Provides flexibility through administrative approval • May count toward pedestrian/open space requirements Requested Outcome ZAP recommends that City Council adopt a resolution directing staff to: • Develop ordinance language • Conduct stakeholder engagement • Return with implementation framework Attachments • Draft Recommendation • Backup A: Policy Concept Summary • Backup B: Illustrative Code Framework 06 Draft Recommendation - Zoning and Platting Commission Public Access Easement1 of 7 A Recommendation for Public Access Easements in New Development WHEREAS The Zoning & Platting Commission (ZAP) recognizes that Austin’s continued growth presents both challenges and opportunities to improve connectivity, safety, and access for people traveling by foot, bicycle, and transit; and WHEREAS many mixed-use, commercial, and multi-family developments include internal circulation elements such as fire lanes, utility easements, and private access ways that could provide meaningful public connections if made accessible; and WHEREAS gaps in connectivity between parcels, streets, trails, and transit stops contribute to longer travel distances, reduced safety, and limited access to mobility options; and WHEREAS cities across the United States have successfully implemented public access easement requirements to expand pedestrian networks and improve multimodal access without requiring full public right-of-way dedication; and WHEREAS the Commission finds that requiring or incentivizing Public Access Easements (PAEs)— particularly when co-located within Joint Use Access Easements (JUAEs)—can provide significant public benefit while minimizing impacts to development feasibility; WHEREAS large development sites without publicly accessible through-connections may create “superblock” …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION June 16, 2026 6:00 p.m. Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 Some members of the Resource Management Commission maybe participating by video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register contact Natasha Goodwin, at Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com or 512-322-6505. Members: Charlotte Davis, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Kamil Cook CALL MEETING TO ORDER AGENDA Trey Farmer Harry Kennard Martin Luecke Raphael Schwartz Alison Silverstein PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Special Called Resource Management Commission Meeting on May 19, 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing on highlights of Austin Water’s 2026 Q1 Report on Water Management Strategy Implementation by Kevin Critendon, Assistant Director, Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Austin Water. 3. Staff briefing on the Drought Forecast Update by Kevin Critendon, Assistant Director, Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Austin Water. 4. Staff briefing on Large Industrial and Commercial Customer Water Usage and Conservation Trends by Kevin Critendon, Assistant Director, Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Colleen Kirk, Managing Engineer, Katherine Jashinski, Supervising Engineer, and Christina Romero, Interim Assistant Director, Austin Water. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Recommend approval of the Austin Water Capital Improvement Projects located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone for approval to include in the 5-year Capital spending plan as required by Financial Policy #8. 6. Discussion and recommendation regarding an audit of Austin Energy’s District Energy and Cooling System. 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 Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at (512) 322-6505 or Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com to request service or for additional information. For more information on the …
Water Management Strategy Implementation REPORT First Quarter 2026, January - March May 14, 2026 Contents First Quarter Summary Water Conservation Updates Water Loss Reduction Updates Reclaimed Water and Onsite Reuse Updates Conservation Outreach Updates Water Supply Project Updates Water Use and GPCD Notes Regarding Data 2 Fourth Quarter Summary The Water Management Strategy Implementation Report is intended to provide transparency and accountability regarding the execution of strategies from the 2024 Water Conservation Plan and the 2024 Water Forward Plan. The plans include proactive and substantial demand management strategies and innovative local supply strategies, but the hard work necessary to complete the strategies and meet the goals are illustrated in the implementation reports. Austin’s first quarter water use was similar to previous years. Water loss mitigation activities and the development of the reclaimed system continued. While water conservation rebates are generally modest during the first three months of the year, the utility was putting down roots through: Customer outreach, Community events, Pilots of water loss-mitigation equipment, and Progressing with reclaimed water system projects. 3 Water Conservation Updates New water conservation community outreach grant (up to $3,000) was awarded to 5 organizations Shoal Creek Conservancy, 2026 Waterwise Landscapes Tour, March 21 Spring community events focusing on landscaping Landscape transformation limit on irrigation systems for new homes will be clarified as a Rule in late 2026 4 Water Conservation Metrics Residential Rebate Programs Approved Rebates 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Drought Survival Tools Irrigation Upgrades Rainwater Harvesting Rebates WaterWise Landscape WaterWise Rainscape Other Residential Programs Q1 2025-Q4 2025 Q1 2026 5 Water Conservation Metrics Commercial Rebate Programs 5 4 3 2 1 0 Approved Rebates 4 4 3 1 1 Bucks for Business Q1 2025-Q4 2025 Q1 2026 6 Water Conservation Metrics Compliance Assessments Number of Compliant Commercial Facilities Number of Compliant Commercial Facilities 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Landscape Irrigation Assessment Cooling Tower Assessment Vehicle Wash Assessment Q1 2025-Q4 2025 Q1 2026 Q1 2025-Q4 2025 Q1 2026 7 Water Conservation Strategy Milestones (Water Conservation Plan, p. 35-36, Water Forward Plan, p. 34, 36) 2026 Milestones Commercial Incentives Progress Identify opportunities for CII facility owners/managers to benefit from the My ATX Water alerts and information. Landscape transformation Coordinate with Austin …
Drought Outlook Austin Water | Resource Management Commission Meeting | June 16, 2026 Highland Lakes Inflows 2 Lakes Buchanan & Travis Combined Storage 3 U.S. Drought Monitor 4 NOAA 3-month Outlook: July – September The seasonal outlooks combine long-term trends, soil moisture, and El Nino/Southern Oscillation. 5 NOAA El Niño/Southern Oscillation Forecast El Niño is likely to emerge soon (82% chance in May-July) and continue through the Northern Hemisphere winter 2026-27 (96% chance in Dec 2026 – Feb 2027). 6 Lakes Buchanan & Travis Combined Storage Projections 7 Questions? 8
Large Water User Overview Resource Management Commission Austin Water | June 16, 2026 Current Water Supplies Austin’s Water Supplies Supply: 325,000 Acre Feet Per Year Centralized Reclaimed System State-granted water rights to the Colorado River and a contract with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for Highland Lakes stored water Total supplies of up to 325,000 acre- feet per year LCRA reservation and use fees pre- paid in 1999 Additional use payments trigger when average for two consecutive years exceeds 201,000 AFY 3 3 Service Area and Requirement to Provide Service City of Austin Jurisdictions Austin Water Service Area AW's Service Area is the Council-adopted water and wastewater impact fee service area Approved/amended by Council at 5-year cadence Service outside the Service Area is prohibited, unless authorized by Ordinance Water & Wastewater impact fees are assessed within the Service Area 5 City of Austin Jurisdictions Austin Water Service Area Jurisdictions within the Service Area City's full-purpose jurisdiction Limited-purpose jurisdiction Extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) Unincorporated parts of the county (Travis, Williamson, Hays & Bastrop) 6 Austin Water Service Area Wholesale Customers deliver retail service within their designated service area and rely on the City for water and wastewater treatment 5 Surrounding Cities 5 Municipal Utility Districts 2 Water Control and Improvement Districts 5 Other Water Utilities and Water Supply Corporations 7 Austin Water and other Providers CCNs Certificates of Convenience & Necessity (CCN) within the Service Area City of Austin Water CCNs City of Austin Wastewater CCNs Administered by the Public Utility Commission of Texas Grants City the exclusive right to provide retail water or wastewater service Legal obligation to provide "continuous and adequate service" within a geographic area 8 Utility Planning, Development Process and Water Benchmarking Utility Planning Process Overview Water Forward, Integrated Water Resource Plan Planning for a reliable water supply for the next 100 years Long Range Infrastructure Plans Capital Improvement Program Planning Planning for water, wastewater, and reclaimed infrastructure for the next 50 years Infrastructure and investment decisions for the next five and ten years 10 Development Process Overview Service Extension Request Land Development Review • Subdivision Plan Review • Site Plan Review • Water Benchmarking Application Building Review • Building Permit • Construction Inspections Evaluation of suitable and sufficient service for customers seeking to connect to AW systems Engagement …
To: From: Date: Subject: MEMORANDUM Environmental Commission, Resource Management Commission, and Water and Wastewater Commission Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E., Austin Water Director May 28, 2026 Board and Commission Review of Capital Improvement Projects in the Drinking Water Protection Zone The purpose of this memorandum is to provide a report of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) located within the City’s Drinking Water Protection Zone (DWPZ), in accordance with Austin Water’s Financial Policy No. 8. The DWPZ designation and the associated financial policy, adopted by City Council, are included in the Appendix and outline the requirements for identifying, reviewing, and obtaining Board and Commission input on capital projects within western Austin and Travis County. The DWPZ is subject to development regulations to protect water quality and contains critical water resources that support both the environment and the community. Together, these policies establish the process through which capital projects in the DWPZ are submitted as part of the annual budget process as part of Austin Water’s comprehensive five-year capital improvement plan. The Fiscal Year 27–31 CIP includes projects located throughout the Austin metropolitan area, including the DWPZ. These projects are essential improvements to maintain and enhance Austin Water’s services and operational standards. Austin Water has a robust and comprehensive asset management and capital planning program, in which condition, capacity, and level of service are reviewed annually to validate these investments in resiliency, preparedness, and proactive infrastructure management. The CIP projects in the DWPZ are shown in the attached CIP Subproject Supplemental Information Summary and Map. Should you have any questions, please contact Randi Jenkins, Deputy Director of Technical Services of Austin Water at randi.jenkins@austintexas.gov or 512-972-0133. Page 1 of 6 Date: Subject: May 28, 2026 Board and Commission Review of Capital Improvement Projects in the Drinking Water Protection Zone Index of Attachments Attachment 1: Table outlining the CIP subprojects located within the Drinking Water Protection Zone, including their descriptions, current status, and associated five-year and total spending plans. Attachment 2: DWPZ Map displaying the geographic location of all active CIP subprojects within the Drinking Water Protection Zone. Attachment 3: Appendix provides supporting definitions. Page 2 of 6 Date: Subject: May 28, 2026 Board and Commission Review of Capital Improvement Projects in the Drinking Water Protection Zone ATTACHMENT 1: PROJECT SUMMARY Page 3 of 6 Subproject IDSubproject NameSubproject DescriptionProject StatusFY27-31 Spending PlanTotal Spending Plan2015.118Davis WTP Medium Service Pump Station ExpansionThis project is for the expansion …
Resource Management Commission Resolution on Austin Energy District Energy and Cooling System WHEREAS, the City of Austin established its first District Energy and Cooling system plant in 2001; and WHEREAS, this system has now expanded to seven plants around Austin, and currently shifts about 28 MW during peak demand while providing air conditioning and refrigeration at a savings to at least 73 commercial customers; and WHEREAS, this system would not have been built without Austin Energy's support; and WHEREAS, the peak load reduction from the District Energy and Cooling System lowers Austin Energy’s wholesale electricity purchase costs for all Austin Energy customers; and WHEREAS, expansion of the District Energy and Cooling system is an important strategy to save more energy and reduce carbon emissions as the new Austin Energy generation plan is implemented; and WHEREAS, a transparent understanding of the District Energy and Cooling system’s financial health is necessary to evaluate continued public investment and long-term planning; WHEREAS, Austin Energy has not released detailed information and data relevant to the financial viability of the district chilling system and the timeline by which a sale or other alternatives for the system might proceed; WHEREAS, a report on financial options for the District Energy and Cooling System commissioned by Austin Energy was originally targeted for completion on October 1, 2025, but has still not been made public; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that the City Council: 1) Commission an audit of Austin Energy's District Energy and Cooling system to identify the drivers of its financial underperformance, assess the cost- benefit of future expansion or divestment, and to suggest potential actions Austin Energy may take to ensure its long-term financial viability; 2) Direct Austin Energy to publicly share a strategic roadmap detailing the timeline, rationale, and evaluation criteria for any planned expansion or divestment of the District Energy and Cooling system and deliver a public status report no later than September 30, 2026.
Resolution for City of Austin Study on Municipal Purchase of Texas Gas Service WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service (TGS) serves 94% of gas customers in the city limits of Austin; and WHEREAS, TGS rates for Austin have soared 124% for Residential customers and 167% for Commercial customers between 2019 and 2026; and WHEREAS, TGS will not take substantive steps to lower gas rates, such as requiring new buildings and industries to pay the full cost to connect to the system; and WHEREAS, strategies to reduce fuel costs have not been publicly discussed by TGS; and WHEREAS, TGS has a regressive Residential rate structure that discourages energy conservation and punishes low-income customers, who generally use less energy than average; and WHEREAS, several strategies for gas-leak reduction that would make the system safer and more efficient have been ignored by TGS, even though these strategies would not reduce company profits; and WHEREAS, the Residential energy conservation programs TGS has administered since between 2006 and 2024 have often not been cost-effective at saving gas at or below the cost of fuel; and WHEREAS, the franchise fee the City of Austin will receive from TGS in the new franchise agreement is expected to increase, allowing a small amount of this increased money to be diverted into solving the problems listed here; and WHEREAS, purchase of the TGS system by the City of Austin to create a municipal gas utility may save Austin customers money on rates and increase revenue to the City’s General Fund; and WHEREAS, the Texas cities of San Antonio and Corpus Christi both have municipal gas utilities with lower rates than TGS; and WHEREAS, lower fuel costs might result from a potential Austin municipal gas utility that combines fuel purchases with Austin Energy; THEN BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission advise the Austin City Council to budget $100,000 to undertake a study of the costs and benefits of the City of Austin purchase the TGS system in the Austin city limits, turning it into a municipal utility; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Austin invite other large cities in the TGS greater service territory to participate in this study for the purpose of studying costs and benefits of municipalization of the TGS sysem in their own city limits.
Lowering cost and time for solar deployment in Austin Presented to EUC, RMC, AE, ADS David Levesque, Stan Pipkin 4/30/26 & 6/10/26 Desired outcome ● RMC resolution that creates a working group to find solutions ○ ○ Including all stakeholders: AE Solar, AE Metering, All ADS Dept., Contractors, etc In person meetings to review and implement options that enable achievement of our mutual goals Problem ● Complex slow process for customer sited solar in Austin which increases costs, reduces customer satisfaction, and has potential to miss our Citywide local solar goals. Goals ● 405 MW local solar by 2035 ● Within the values of Austin and Austin Energy ○ Reliable ○ Affordable ○ Clean ○ Equitable ● Healthy solar contractor industry ● Positive view of solar by Austin residents and businesses Who are we? ● Industry ○ Stan Pipkin: 20 year veteran ■ Operating as a Participating Contractor with Austin Energy in Residential, Commercial and Municipal solar projects ○ David Levesque: 1 year novice ■ Operating as Owner’s Representative for Solar Austin Community Solar Program Solutions ● Best practices that lower cost and increase speed ● Develop Repeatable, Scalable Processes ● Normalize Solar Permitting and Interconnection where possible ● Develop Processes that respond to Industry Changes and Innovations rapidly ○ Details to be discussed in the working group Proposed working group members 1. Austin Energy Solar 2. Austin Energy Metering 3. ADS Departments 4. Contractors/EPC/Installers 5. Solar Austin 6. Permit expeditors 7. Feedback from a. EUC b. RMC c. d. Solar customers via a survey TXSES 120 days start to complete on average (Permit to Closeout) This Timeline does not reflect the full elapsed time from Contract to Closeout 2025 may represent outlier due to ITC expiration time pressures Potential areas of improvement ● Single department that can make decisions ● Data management & Process ○ Capture ○ Cleanliness ○ Accuracy ○ Access ○ User experience ○ Error rates ● Time from step to step in the process ○ EECP for example Permit and Inspection Timelines AE stated times (not including ADS) Actual wait times 1. Residential 6-11 weeks 2. Commercial is longer Datasets seem siloed Jotform 1. EECP 2. AMANDA 3. AB+C 4. 5. PDFs 6. Emails 7. Chats 8. Phone calls 9. TCAD Data errors cause months of delays 1. 900 Springdale Rd. Address: 1.5 months 2. KOOP Radio Address: 3 months 3. Vesper shutdown: 1.5 months Data …
Energy Efficiency Services - Commercial and Multifamily Enrollment Pipeline 6/1/2026 Program WFS Location Name Installation Address Commercial Rebates 3-Installation 90 RAINEY STREET, LLC 610 DAVIS ST UNIT MS1 Council District 9 Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Income Qualified Multifamily Rebates 3-Installation AAHC CDT BRIDGE AT ASHER 10505 S IH 35 SVRD NB CH 3-Installation LLC FBCC CITY POINT LP 1071 CLAYTON LN UNIT 17 3-Installation 12113 METRIC BOULEVARD HOLDINGS LLC 12113 METRIC BLVD 1 3-Installation WATER PARK BORROWER LP 3401 W PARMER LN 3-Installation ASHFORD COSTA BRAVA LP 6407 SPRINGDALE RD UNIT 1 3-Installation CATH LLC 7601 RIALTO BLVD UNIT TC Multifamily Rebates 3-Installation 740 WEST ELM LLC 1044 CAMINO LA COSTA UNIT 10 5 4 7 7 1 8 4 Measures Est. kWh Savings Est. $ Incentive Cooling Tower, HVAC, Lighting New Construction ECAD Incentive, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up Attic Insulation, ECAD Incentive, Lighting, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, Supplemental Measure, HVAC Tune-Up, Water Saving Devices ECAD Incentive, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up 682,557.7300 $123,246.11 428,247.0232 $208,074.00 351,388.8342 $232,056.00 309,895.3499 $192,802.00 398,513.4860 $231,440.00 Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up 209,398.0262 $111,384.00 Attic Insulation, Duct Sealing and Remediation, Lighting, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up, Water Saving Devices HVAC Tune-Up 307,351.5674 $75,902.21 130,688.6302 $108,576.00 $1,283,480.32 Rebate Fact Sheet - Energy Efficiency Services May 2026 Rebate Program Enrollment Property Information Commercial Rebates 1360039 Customer or Property HYATT CORPORATION Property Address Year Built * 208 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TX 78704 Total Number of Rentable Units N/A Building Total Square Feet 268087 Measure ** Rebates and Estimated Annual Savings Est. Kilowatt (kW) Reduction Est. Kilowatt- hours (kWh) Reduction Est. $/kW Rebate per Tenant Unit Total Rebate Lighting 280.3 722,019 $300 $83,984 Total *** 280.3 * Year built may not include major renovations ** Fact sheets include final inspection information, and some values may have changed since original proposal. *** Assumes 100% Occupancy 722,019 $83,984 $300 Energy Efficiency Rebates in Past 10-Years Date (Year) Measure Rebate Amount N/A Rebate Fact Sheet - Energy Efficiency Services May 2026 Rebate Program Enrollment Property Information Multifamily Income Qualified 1344354 Customer or Property Bridge at Henly Property Address Year Built * Total Number of Rentable Units Building Total Square Feet 6107 E RIVERSIDE DR UNIT CLUB AUSTIN, TX 78741 2020 368 N/A Measure ** Rebates and Estimated Annual Savings Est. Kilowatt …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20260616-006 Recommendation on Austin Energy District Energy and Cooling System WHEREAS, the City of Austin established its first District Energy and Cooling system plant in 2001; and WHEREAS, this system has now expanded to seven plants around Austin, and currently shifts about 28 MW during peak demand while providing air conditioning and refrigeration at a savings to at least 73 commercial customers; and WHEREAS, this system would not have been built without Austin Energy's support; and WHEREAS, the peak load reduction from the District Energy and Cooling System lowers Austin Energy’s wholesale electricity purchase costs for all Austin Energy customers; and WHEREAS, expansion of the District Energy and Cooling system is an important strategy to save more energy and reduce carbon emissions as the new Austin Energy generation plan is implemented; and WHEREAS, a transparent understanding of the District Energy and Cooling system’s financial health is necessary to evaluate continued public investment and long-term planning; WHEREAS, Austin Energy has not released detailed information and data relevant to the financial viability of the district chilling system and the timeline by which a sale or other alternatives for the system might proceed; WHEREAS, a report on financial options for the District Energy and Cooling System commissioned by Austin Energy was originally targeted for completion on October 1, 2025, but has still not been made public; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission recommends that the City Council: 1) Commission an audit of Austin Energy's District Energy and Cooling system to identify the drivers of its financial underperformance, assess the cost-benefit of future expansion or divestment, and to suggest potential actions Austin Energy may take to ensure its long-term financial viability; 2) Direct Austin Energy to publicly share a strategic roadmap detailing the timeline, rationale, and evaluation criteria for any planned expansion or divestment of the District Energy and Cooling system and deliver a public status report no later than September 30, 2026. Date of Approval: June 16, 2026 Vote: 7-0 Motioned By: Commissioner Kennard Seconded By: Commissioner Silverstein For: Against: Abstentions: Off Dais: Absences: Vacancies: Attest: Commissioner Charlotte Davis, Chair; Commissioner Paul Robbins, Vice Chair; Commissioner Kamil Cook; Commissioner Harry Kennard; Commissioner Martin Luecke; Commissioner Raphael Schwartz; Commissioner Alison Silverstein None None None Commissioner Trey Farmer Mayor; District 6; District 8 Natasha Goodwin, Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20260616-007 Recommendation on a City of Austin Study for Municipal Purchase of Texas Gas Service WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service (TGS) serves 94% of gas customers in the city limits of Austin; and WHEREAS, TGS rates for Austin have soared 124% for Residential customers and 167% for Commercial customers between 2019 and 2026; and WHEREAS, TGS will not take substantive steps to lower gas rates, such as requiring new buildings and industries to pay the full cost to connect to the system; and WHEREAS, strategies to reduce fuel costs have not been publicly discussed by TGS; and WHEREAS, TGS has a regressive Residential rate structure that discourages energy conservation and punishes low-income customers, who generally use less energy than average; and WHEREAS, several strategies for gas-leak reduction that would make the system safer and more efficient have been ignored by TGS, even though these strategies would not reduce company profits; and WHEREAS, the Residential energy conservation programs TGS has administered since between 2006 and 2024 have often not been cost-effective at saving gas at or below the cost of fuel; and WHEREAS, the franchise fee the City of Austin will receive from TGS in the new franchise agreement is expected to increase, allowing a small amount of this increased money to be diverted into solving the problems listed here; and WHEREAS, purchase of the TGS system by the City of Austin to create a municipal gas utility may save Austin customers money on rates and increase revenue to the City’s General Fund; and WHEREAS, the Texas cities of San Antonio and Corpus Christi both have municipal gas utilities with lower rates than TGS; and WHEREAS, lower fuel costs might result from a potential Austin municipal gas utility that combines fuel purchases with Austin Energy; THEN BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission advise the Austin City Council to budget $100,000 to undertake a study of the costs and benefits of the City of Austin purchase the TGS system in the Austin city limits, turning it into a municipal utility; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Austin invite other large cities in the TGS greater service territory to participate in this study for the purpose of studying costs and benefits of municipalization of the TGS system in their own city limits. Date of Approval: June 16, 2026 Vote: 6-0-1 Motioned By: …
Lowering cost and time for solar deployment in Austin Presented to EUC, RMC, AE, ADS David Levesque, Stan Pipkin 4/30/26 & 6/10/26 Who are we? ● Industry ○ Stan Pipkin: 20 year veteran ■ Operating as a Participating Contractor with Austin Energy in Residential, Commercial and Municipal solar projects ○ David Levesque: 1 year novice ■ Operating as Owner’s Representative for Solar Austin Community Solar Program Desired outcome ● RMC resolution that creates a working group to find solutions ○ ○ Including all stakeholders: AE Solar, AE Metering, All ADS Dept., Contractors, etc In person meetings to review and implement options that enable achievement of our mutual goals Problem ● Complex slow process for customer sited solar in Austin which increases costs, reduces customer satisfaction, and has potential to miss our City local solar goals. Goals ● 405 MW local solar by 2035 ● Within the values of Austin and Austin Energy ○ Reliable ○ Affordable ○ Clean ○ Equitable ● Healthy solar contractor industry ● Positive view of solar by Austin residents and businesses Principles of solutions ● Best practices that lower cost and increase speed ● Develop Repeatable, Scalable, Resilient Processes ● Normalize Solar Permitting and Interconnection where possible ● Develop Processes that respond to Industry Changes and Innovations rapidly ○ Details to be discussed in the working group 120 days start to complete on average (Permit to Closeout) This Timeline does not reflect the full elapsed time from Contract to Closeout 2025 may represent outlier due to ITC expiration time pressures Permit and Inspection Timelines AE stated times (not including ADS) Actual wait times 1. Residential 6-11 weeks 2. Commercial is longer Datasets seem siloed Jotform 1. EECP 2. AMANDA 3. AB+C 4. 5. PDFs 6. Emails 7. Chats 8. Phone calls 9. TCAD Data errors/inconsistencies cause months of delays 1. 900 Springdale Rd. a. Address data entry error resolution missing 1.5 month delay 2. KOOP Radio a. Address data entry error resolution missing: 3 month delay 3. Haca Rosewood a. Building permit process out of step with adoption of IECC 2024: 6 month delay Data Strategy: Structured vs Unstructured Data 1. PDFs are unstructured data. Checks, computations, can’t happen without a human. When a human gets involved errors occur. 2. Databases are structured data. The software can perform automatic checks, can share data across departments, can easily create reports. a. Is the name on this application …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HIV PLANNING COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 16TH, 2026, 5:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOM 1203 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the HIV PLANNING COUNCIL may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: Join the meeting now Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone or Teams. 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. To register to speak, call or email the Office of Support, (737)- 825-1684 or hivplanningcouncil@austintexas.gov CURRENT HIV PLANNING COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Kelle’ Martin, Chair Marquis Goodwin, Vice-Chair Kristina McRae-Thompson, Secretary Drew Kyler, Treasurer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up no later than noon on 6/15/2026 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 HIV Planning Council regular meeting of the Executive Committee on April 21st, 2026 CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS 2. Members will declare conflict of interest with relevant agenda items, service categories, and/or service standards. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Introductions/Announcements 4. Office of Support Staff Briefing 5. Administrative Agent Staff Briefing DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Discussion of member reflectiveness report 7. Discussion of member attendance report 8. Discussion of Recruitment and Retention a. Membership recruitment workgroup 9. Interview of HIV Planning Council applicant a. Stephanie Eaton DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Discussion and approval of HIV Planning Council applicant a. Stephanie Eaton COMMITTEE UPDATES 11. Care Strategies and Engagement Committee 12. Finance and Assessment Committee FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 13. Discussion of workplan and social calendar ADJOURNMENT Indicative of action items The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For More Information on the HIV Planning Council, please contact Rashana Raggs at (737)-825-1684.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406, 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR., AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Asian American Quality of Life 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 Chelsea Pfeifer at chelsea.pfeifer@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2498. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Padmini Jambulapati, Chair Aasiyah Baig Sarah Chen Zachary Dolling Hugh Li Bhumika Purohit Nayer Sikder CALL TO ORDER Nirali Thakkar, Vice-Chair Alka Bhanot Sarah Xiyi Chen Hanna Huang Ahmed Moledina Alpha Shrestha Kuo Yang 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 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on May 19, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding recent study and ongoing engagement with aging Asian American community in Austin. Presentation by Halana Kaleel, Public Health Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion regarding debrief of meeting with City Manager regarding Asian American Resource Center unmet needs. Discussion regarding Annual Internal Review and Report. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Market Review of Job Titles. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding funding for SAFE Alliance. Approve the creation of a working group to identify needs of the Asian American Resource Center. 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 …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 19, 2026 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 4815 Mueller Blvd, Room 1125 in Austin, Texas. Chair Jambulapati called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Padmini Jambulapati, Chair Nirali Thakkar, Vice Chair Zachary Dolling COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Alka Bhanot Sarah Chen Hugh Li Ahmed Moledina Alpha Shrestha Nayer Sikder Sarah Xiyi Chen 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 April 22, 2026. The minutes from the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on April 22, 2026 were approved on Vice Chair Thakkar’s motion, Commissioner Moledina’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Yang and Li were off the dais. Commissioners Baig and Huang were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 19, 2026 3. Discussion of Fiscal Year 2027 Priorities to inform future working groups. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Approve a recommendation to Council for Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Market Review of Job Titles. This item was withdrawn without objection. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding funding for Communities in Schools. This item was withdrawn without objection. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Recommendation to Council regarding ACME Market Review Recommendation to Council regarding Communities In Schools Staff Briefing from the APH Age-Friendly team on the recent study and ongoing engagement Staff Briefing from Austin Equity and Inclusion regarding the Levers of Economic Mobility Update Creation of Working Groups around recently discussed commission priorities Chair Jambulapati adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m. without objection. 2
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX]: Emergency Budget Recommendation for SAFE Alliance - Eloise House Date of Approval: Recommendation: The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council and the Mayor’s Office, in partnership with Travis County allocate a minimum of $430,000 in funding to preserve Eloise House as a community-based, non-hospital forensic exam and advocacy center operated by SAFE Alliance from June 9 through September 30, 2026, and $200,000 to keep the SAFE domestic violence shelter open from October 2026 through October 2027. The Commission further recommends that the City commit to a sustainable, multi-year funding strategy that ensures continuity of SAFE’s full wraparound model without displacement into hospital settings. Services include: • Forensic exams • Trauma-informed advocacy • Shelter • Legal services • Culturally responsive care Finally, the Commission calls on the Austin City Council to immediately pause the Mayor’s proposed transition of forensic nursing services to hospital systems and BRAVE Alliance, and to require a meaningful community input process that centers survivors, advocates, and the communities most impacted before any transition moves forward. A press release is not a plan. Survivors and the organizations that serve them deserve a seat at the table before services that took decades to build are dismantled in weeks. Description of Recommendation to Council: Eloise House, operated by SAFE Alliance, is the only non-hospital forensic exam facility in Austin. It provides sexual assault forensic exams and rape kits at no cost to survivors, in a setting purporse built for: • Trauma-informed care • Outside the emergency room • Free from billing • Staffed by advocates who remain with survivors throughout the process The Mayor’s May 5, 2026 announcement proposed transitioning forensic nursing services to hospital systems and BRAVE Alliance, a Cedar Park-based organization with no demonstrated capacity at Austin’s scale. This Commission asks Council to reject that transition and instead fund Eloise House directly, preserving the co-located model of exam, advocacy, and wraparound care that has made it the destination of choice for survivors; accounting for 95% of all forensic exams in the region. Funding of at least $630,000 would allow SAFE to sustain approximately 600 forensic exams annually, maintain 24/7 SAFEline access, and continue serving the more than 700 survivors per day who rely on SAFE’s shelter, counseling, legal support, and preservation programming. SAFE Alliance - Eloise House Statistics …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 Ryan Sperling at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Appointment Commissioner Kitty McLeod, Vice Chair (she/they) District 1 Mariana Krueger (she/her) Appointment District 9 KC Shepherd Coyne, Chair (they/he) District 2 Devan Daniel (he/him) District 10 Steven Rivas (he/him) District 3 Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/ella) Mayor Brigitte Bandit (they/she) District 4 Morgan Davis (he/him) Jerry Joe Benson, Secretary (he/him) District 5 Randy Pituk (he/him) Asher Knutson (he/him) District 6 Marlon Johnson (he/him) J. Scott Neal (he/him) District 7 Anna Nguyen (she/her) Garry Brown District 8 Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on May 20, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation regarding the impact of SB12 on the Austin Independent School District (AISD). Presentation by Edna Butts, Intergovernmental Relations Director, AISD. Presentation providing an update on SB12. Presentation by Ash Hall, Policy & Advocacy Strategist on LGBTQIA+ Rights, ACLU of Texas. Presentation by the SAFE Alliance regarding their closing and at-risk programs. Presentation by Dani Fletcher, Director of Communications and Marketing, SAFE Austin. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding proclamation dates for the 2026 calendar year. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding SAFE Alliance – Eloise House funding. Approve the formation of a working group to create a recommendation on next steps for an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. 9. 10. Update from the Health Working Group on their first meeting, areas of focus, timeline, and goals. Update from the Budget Follow-Up Working Group regarding their first meeting, areas of focus, timeline, and goals. Update from the Community …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026 MINUTES The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a special called meeting on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St., Austin, Texas 78701, Boards & Commissions Room 1101. Commissioners in attendance in person: KC Coyne (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Secretary) Garry Brown Marlon Johnson Randy Pituk J. Scott Neal Anna Nguyen Steve Rivas Commissioners in attendance remotely: Brigitte Bandit Devan Daniel Morgan Davis Rocio Fierro-Perez Mariana Krueger Chair Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ry Vazquez – SAFE + Eloise House Courtney Szigetvari – SAFE + Eloise House Shelby Evans – SAFE + Eloise House Valerie Dabil - SAFE APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on April 20, 2026. The minutes of the April 20, 2026 meeting were approved on Commissioner Daniel’s motion, Commissioner Brown’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Bandit abstained. Vice Chair McLeod and Commissioner Knutson were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding Austin Fire Department’s training and resources for LGBTQIA+ residents, internal support for equity, and challenges and priorities currently being faced. Presentation by Tom Vocke, Chief of Sta(cid:431), Austin Fire Department. The briefing was provided by Chief of Sta(cid:431) Tom Vocke and Lt. Xochitl Chafino, Austin Fire Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Update regarding the progress on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study. Update by Mark Gilbert, Director, Hayat Brown. The presentation was made by Mark Gilbert, Director, Hayat Brown. Update regarding the progress of the Mayor’s Public Spaces Task Force. Update by Commissioner Rivas. Update by Commissioner Rivas. Discussion to provide an update finalizing and installing a historical marker on the intersection of 4th St. and Colorado St. Update by Commissioner Brown. Update by Commissioner Brown. The meeting went into recess without objection at 8:15 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8:24 p.m. Discussion regarding the development of the 2026 General Obligation Bond Program. Discussion was held. Discussion to review a new view-only folder for commission resources, community engagement, and what the commission has accomplished over the last year and goals for the next year for inclusion in the annual internal review. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. 9. Approve the formation of a Working Group to …
FACT SHEET KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: S.B. 12 (DRAG BAN) Current status: Scheduled to take effect March 18, 2026. In September 2023, a federal court entered a final order declaring S.B. 12 to be unconstitutional under five independent grounds and issued a permanent injunction blocking the Texas attorney general and other government defendants from enforcing it. On November 6, 2025, a Fifth Circuit panel reversed some aspects of that decision and stated that the case should be sent back to the district court for more analysis on overbreadth in light of an intervening decision from the U.S. Supreme Court. After the plaintiffs filed a motion for panel rehearing, the Fifth Circuit issued a new opinion on February 25, 2026 that vacates the injunction, which will allow the law to take effect for the first time. Instead of deciding whether S.B. 12 is constitutional, the Fifth Circuit is sending the case back to the district court for further analysis. WHAT IS S.B. 12? S.B. 12 is a law that was passed during the 2023 Texas legislative session. Governor Abbott and Texas lawmakers stated that it was intended to ban drag shows in public, but it is not limited to drag and targets all performances that are “sexually oriented.” S.B. 12 defines a show that is “sexually oriented” as a “visual performance that features a performer who is (1) nude or (2) engages in sexual conduct” and that “appeals to the prurient interest in sex.” This applies on most public property and in front of minors (see below). WHAT TYPES OF PERFORMANCES DOES THE LAW PROHIBIT? “Nude” “Nude” is defined as “entirely unclothed” or “clothed in a manner that leaves uncovered . . . any portion of the breasts below the top of the areola . . . or any portion of the genitals or buttocks.” “Sexual conduct” includes: “Sexual conduct” “The exhibition or representation, actual or simulated, of sexual acts;” “The exhibition or representation, actual or simulated, of male or female genitals in a lewd state;” “The exhibition of a device and marked as useful primarily for the sexual stimulation of male or female genitals;” “Actual contact or simulated contact occurring between one person and the buttocks, breast, or any part of the genitals of another person;” or “The exhibition of sexual gesticulations using accessories or prosthetics that exaggerate male or female sexual characteristics.” “Prurient interest in sex” “Prurient interest in sex” …
DRAFT RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommended LGBTQ+ Observances for Potential City Council Proclamations (2026) Date: June 15, 2026 Recommendation: The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends consideration of the following observances for City Council proclamations moving forward. These observances recognize important milestones in LGBTQIA+ history, promote awareness of ongoing equity and public health issues, celebrate the diversity of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ communities, and a(cid:431)irm the City's commitment to inclusion and belonging. Observance Date Priority Rationale International Holocaust Remembrance Day January 27 Medium Barbara Jordan's Birthday February 21 High Transgender Day of Visibility March 31 High Lesbian Visibility Day April 26 Medium Honors the victims of the Holocaust, including LGBTQ+ people persecuted by the Nazi regime, and promotes remembrance and education. Celebrates the legacy of Barbara Jordan, a trailblazing Texan leader whose life and service continue to inspire generations. Celebrates transgender and nonbinary people while recognizing their contributions and lived experiences. Promotes visibility and recognition of lesbian communities and their contributions to society. International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia May 17 High Internationally recognized day addressing discrimination, stigma, and violence a(cid:431)ecting LGBTQIA+ people. Harvey Milk Day May 22 Medium Honors a pioneering LGBTQ+ civil rights leader and public servant. Observance Date Priority Rationale LGBTQ Families Day / Pride Month Kicko(cid:431) June 1 High Celebrates LGBTQ+ families and marks the beginning of Pride Month. Pulse Remembrance Day June 12 High Stonewall Day June 28 High LGBTQ History Month October High Honors the victims and survivors of the Pulse nightclub tragedy and rea(cid:431)irms a commitment to combating hate and violence. Recognizes the Stonewall Uprising and the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Recognizes the history, achievements, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ people. National Coming Out Day October 11 High Encourages acceptance, visibility, and support for LGBTQIA+ people. Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20 High Honors transgender people lost to anti- transgender violence and rea(cid:431)irms the City's commitment to safety, dignity, and equality. World AIDS Day December 1 High Recognized globally to honor those a(cid:431)ected by HIV/AIDS and promote prevention, treatment, and care. Additional Observances for Recognition Through Other Means The Commission also encourages recognition of the following observances through social media, community events, educational campaigns, Commission resolutions, or other City communications. Observance International Asexuality Day Date April 6 Observance Date National Deaf LGBTQ Awareness Week April (2nd or 3rd week) International Family Equality Day May 3 National Asian & …
DRAFT RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Continuity of Survivor Services and Community-Based Care Facilities Date: June 15, 2026 Recommendation: The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council and the Mayor’s O(cid:431)ice, in partnership with Travis County and other funding partners, identify and allocate su(cid:431)icient emergency and bridge funding to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of survivor-centered services currently provided through Eloise House and other existing community-based facilities serving survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and human tra(cid:431)icking. The Commission further recommends that any funding strategy prioritize: • Continued access to forensic examinations in community-based, non-hospital settings • Trauma-informed advocacy and crisis response services • Emergency shelter and housing support • Legal and case management services • Culturally competent and a(cid:431)irming care for LGBTQIA+ survivors and other historically marginalized communities • Preservation of service capacity at existing facilities where survivors currently receive care The Commission also recommends that the City develop a sustainable, multi-year funding strategy that protects continuity of care, minimizes service disruptions, and ensures that survivors can continue accessing trusted, community-based support systems during any operational or administrative transitions. Description of Recommendation to Council: Austin's network of survivor services provides critical support to thousands of individuals each year. These services include forensic examinations, crisis intervention, advocacy, shelter, counseling, legal support, and other wraparound resources that help survivors achieve safety and stability. Eloise House serves as a unique community-based location where survivors can access forensic examinations and advocacy services outside of a hospital setting. For many survivors, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, communities of color, and people who have experienced discrimination within traditional institutions, community-based care settings can o(cid:431)er a more accessible and trusted environment for seeking help. The Commission's concern is focused on ensuring that critical services remain available, culturally responsive, and accessible regardless of future administrative or funding arrangements. Any transition in service delivery should be carefully planned to avoid interruptions in care, loss of capacity, loss of critical facilities, or barriers to access for vulnerable populations. Funding should be directed toward maintaining service continuity, retaining trained personnel where possible, preserving community-based service locations, and ensuring that survivors continue to receive coordinated support throughout their healing process. Rationale: LGBTQIA+ survivors often face unique barriers when seeking support following experiences of violence, including fear of discrimination, concerns about confidentiality, prior negative experiences with institutions, and challenges finding a(cid:431)irming care providers. …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number 20260615-005: LGBTQ+ Observances for Potential City Council Proclamations (2026) Recommendation: The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends consideration of the following observances for City Council proclamations moving forward. These observances recognize important milestones in LGBTQIA+ history, promote awareness of ongoing equity and public health issues, celebrate the diversity of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ communities, and affirm the City's commitment to inclusion and belonging. Description of Recommendation to Council: Observance Date Priority Rationale International Holocaust Remembrance Day January 27 Medium Barbara Jordan's Birthday February 21 High Transgender Day of Visibility March 31 High Lesbian Visibility Day April 26 Medium Honors the victims of the Holocaust, including LGBTQ+ people persecuted by the Nazi regime, and promotes remembrance and education. Celebrates the legacy of Barbara Jordan, a trailblazing Texan leader whose life and service continue to inspire generations. Celebrates transgender and nonbinary people while recognizing their contributions and lived experiences. Promotes visibility and recognition of lesbian communities and their contributions to society. Observance Date Priority Rationale International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia May 17 High Internationally recognized day addressing discrimination, stigma, and violence affecting LGBTQIA+ people. Harvey Milk Day May 22 Medium Honors a pioneering LGBTQ+ civil rights leader and public servant. LGBTQ Families Day / Pride Month Kickoff June 1 High Celebrates LGBTQ+ families and marks the beginning of Pride Month. Pulse Remembrance Day June 12 High Stonewall Day June 28 High LGBTQ History Month October High Honors the victims and survivors of the Pulse nightclub tragedy and reaffirms a commitment to combating hate and violence. Recognizes the Stonewall Uprising and the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Recognizes the history, achievements, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ people. National Coming Out Day October 11 High Encourages acceptance, visibility, and support for LGBTQIA+ people. Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20 High Honors transgender people lost to anti- transgender violence and reaffirms the City's commitment to safety, dignity, and equality. World AIDS Day December 1 High Recognized globally to honor those affected by HIV/AIDS and promote prevention, treatment, and care. Additional Observances for Recognition Through Other Means The Commission also encourages recognition of the following observances through social media, community events, educational campaigns, Commission resolutions, or other City communications. Observance International Asexuality Day Date April 6 National Deaf LGBTQ Awareness Week April (2nd or 3rd week) International Family Equality Day May 3 National Asian & …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20260615-006: Continuity of Survivor Services and Community-Based Care Facilities Date: June 15, 2026 Recommendation: The LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council and the Mayor’s Office, in partnership with Travis County and other funding partners, identify and allocate sufficient emergency and bridge funding to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of survivor-centered services currently provided through Eloise House and other existing community-based facilities serving survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. The Commission further recommends that any funding strategy prioritize: • Continued access to forensic examinations in community-based, non-hospital settings in additional to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training for nurses • Trauma-informed advocacy and crisis response services • Emergency shelter and housing support • Legal and case management services • Culturally competent and affirming care for LGBTQIA+ survivors and other historically marginalized communities • Preservation of service capacity at existing facilities where survivors currently receive care The Commission also recommends that the City develop a sustainable, long-term funding strategy that protects continuity of care, minimizes service disruptions, and ensures that survivors can continue accessing trusted, community-based support systems during any operational or administrative transitions. Description of Recommendation to Council: Austin's network of survivor services provides critical support to thousands of individuals each year. These services include forensic examinations, crisis intervention, advocacy, shelter, counseling, legal support, and other wraparound resources that help survivors achieve safety and stability. Eloise House serves as a unique community-based location where survivors can access forensic examinations and advocacy services outside of a hospital setting. For many survivors, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants, communities of color, people with disabilities, and people who have experienced discrimination within traditional institutions, community-based care settings can offer a more accessible and trusted environment for seeking help. The Commission's concern is focused on ensuring that critical services remain available, culturally responsive, and accessible regardless of future administrative or funding arrangements. Any transition in service delivery should be carefully planned to avoid interruptions in care, loss of capacity, loss of critical facilities, or barriers to access for vulnerable populations. Funding should be directed toward maintaining service continuity, retaining trained personnel where possible, preserving community-based service locations, and ensuring that survivors continue to receive coordinated support throughout their healing process. Rationale: LGBTQIA+ survivors often face unique barriers when seeking support following experiences of violence, including fear …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION June 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the ARTS COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than Noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Jesús Varela at Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME), at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Muna Hussaini - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Kirtana Banskota, Bailey Pownall, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 Arts Commission Regular Meeting on May 18, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Dr. Claudia Zapata on the Artist in Residence Program offered by ACME and Transportation and Public Works (TPW) titled “Memorias Project 2026: An Immersive Art Experience Based on Austin's Mexican American Communities.” 3. Update on actions taken at the June 1st Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach. 4. Update on actions taken at the May 20th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston. 5. Explore a Special Called joint meeting with the Music Commission. 6. Discussion on organizations possibly receiving duplicate ACME awards. 7. Discussion on stipends amounts at City owned galleries. STAFF BRIEFINGS 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 9. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 10. Staff briefing regarding an update on the ACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, ACME. 11. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. 12. Staff briefing regarding an update on ACME Museums and Cultural Facilities by Marjorie Flanagan, Division Manager and Michelle Rojas, Acting …
Artist in Residence Program offered by ACME and Transportation and Public Works (TPW) Artist: Claudia Zapata Memorias Project •An immersive art experience based on Austin’s Mexican American communities. AN EXPERIENCE IN THREE MOVEMENTS • Movement One • Images and footage reference Austin’s early Mexican population that resided, worked, and formed cultural communities in downtown’s Republic Square, known as Austin’s Mexico. • Mexican and Mexican American residents began Diez y Seis celebrations (Mexico’s Independence Day), and many worked at the Walker’s Aus-Tex Chili factory. • Eventually, the 1928 City Plan displaced Black and Mexican American communities to East Austin Front Cover of the 1928 City Plan. AN EXPERIENCE IN THREE MOVEMENTS • Movement Two • Austin’s Mexican American communities flourish with community centers, public murals, and restaurants. • Since 1942, the Pan American Recreation Center has been serving East Austin, and the later Hillside Theater, with its Chicano murals, highlights Mexican American histories. • For over sixty years, Joe’s Bakery, Cisco’s Restaurant and Bakery, and La Perla have served as staples of Tejano and Tex-Mex food and drink on the east side. PICA 35906, Alfonso Ramos Band plays for a wedding reception at the San Jose Community Center, 1970. Austin History Center AN EXPERIENCE IN THREE MOVEMENTS • Movement Three • Chicano activists, including the militant group the Brown Berets, contest Austin’s annual Aqua Fest and boat races. • Damage, trash, and noise pollution led to demonstrations and protests. • Other Chicano protests and demonstrations occurred throughout Austin against gentrification, police brutality, and in solidarity with the farmworkers’ movement. • Activist figures like Pablo Hernandez and Joanne Salas are memorialized in murals and photos The Chicana por mi Raza Digital Memory Project and Archive 1401_0011NDLSR_111014_082 Nancy de los Santos Brown Beret Joanne Salas on Capital steps, Austin Texas The Audience Experience Research Austin History Center The Chicana por mi Raza Digital Memory Project and Archive Preservation Austin 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor and District Mexic-Arte Museum/Sylvia Orozco AR. 2002.008-012 Gloria and Mel Pennington, Austin History Center Artist Website: https://www.claudiaelisazapata.com/ Project Site: https://memoriasproject.com/ Instagram: @claudiaezapata
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | June 15, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax – May 2026 H/MOT Penalties & Interest Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Total Revenue Approved Budget $511,252 $166,777,013 $167,288,265 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $15,968,425 May $40,245 $8,864,057 $8,904,302 $850,381 Year-to-date $660,004 $127,160,430 $127,820,434 $12,207,720 • Total HOT Collections May 2026 = $8,904,302 • 76% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund May 2026 = $850,381 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Texas Relays • Austin Reggae Festival • Old Settler’s Music Festival • Trail of Lights Half Marathon & 5K AUS Passenger Totals: 1,808,534 (April 2026) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 Progress Approved Budget $15,968,425 CAF Actuals $12,207,720 4 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – Quarterly Comparison $15.65 M $15.57 M $15.34 M $12.9 M 5 Questions? 6
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | June 15, 2026 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 6/12/26) FY24 Elevate FY25 Nexus FY25-26 Thrive (Year 1) FY25-26 Thrive (Year 2) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 229 229 (100%) 229 (100%) 229 (100%) 227 (99%) 216 (94%) 102 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 74 (73%) n/a 35 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 33 (94%) 29 (83%) See year 1 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 27 (77%) N/A N/A Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $9,181,250 (99%) $9,265,000 $496,000 (97 %) $510,000 $3,712,500 (96%) $2,713,500 (70%) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 FY24 Final Report Status (as of 6/12/26) 15 of 229 Elevate Final Reports Incomplete (7%) • Deadline: January 31, 2026 • 6 not submitted • 2 submitted, not reviewed • 5 need revisions • 1 returning unused funds • 1 deceased 5 Pre-Agreement Status (as of 6/15/26) 6 incomplete Pre-Agreements •2% of the FY 26 Elevate grants •5 revisions requested •1 submitted but has outstanding ALMF Final Report 6 Grant Funded Activities Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) Soul 2 Sole International Tap Festival June 17-21 Tapestry Dance Company (District 5) – Long Center Stories About Pizza June 18 Color Arc Productions (District 8) – AFS Cinema & Event Hall Tirgan Summer Festival June 20 Austin Iranian Professionals Association (District 10) – Asian American Resource Center The Frontier June 20 Joshua Washington (MSA) – EvenGround Dance Studio 8 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) Black Auteur Festival June 20 Black Auteur Film Festival (District 4) – AFS Cinema & Event Hall Auntie’s House June 21 Where Y’all At Though?! (MSA) – Pershing Hall I Scream Social June 20 Host Publications (District 7) – Alienated Majesty Books 9 Questions? 10
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | June 15, 2026 Funding Disbursement Status (as of 6/15/26) Program Total Awardees Total Funds # of Awardees Paid % of Awardees Paid $ of funds disbursed % of funds disbursed ALMF Elevate CSAP HPG Thrive 396 277 22 22 35 $7,045,000 $12,616,773 $1,320,000 $3,000,274 $3,850,000 356 222 16 12 27 77% 80% 73% 55% 77% $3,358,500 $5,037,799 $480,000 $626,242 $2,713,500 TOTAL 752 $27,832,047 633 84% $12,216,041 48% 40% 36% 21% 70% 44% 2 2027 Guideline Enhancements 2027 Enhancements ▪ Last month: Overarching priorities and enhancements related to ▪ Eligibility, Three-Step-Process, Communication, Tech, Documentation, Training, Timeline, Support, Marketing/Awareness, Language Access ▪ This month: Details on Guideline Enhancements ▪ Added minimum award amounts and structured ranges ▪ Added new or expanded scoring rubrics and tie-breakers across programs ▪ Added project summary question for all applications ▪ Strengthened definitions → especially “Applicant Entity,” “Arts Group,” and “Annual Expenses” ▪ Clarified anti-duplication rules (one application per program; no aliases) ▪ Maintained existing tourism marketing requirements but improved clarity, consistency, and alignment across programs. ▪ Deepened rigor across heritage and capital project requirements to strengthen preservation outcomes and documentation standards. ▪ Updated reading level of applications to 8th grade level for accessibility 4 Award Amounts for Thrive & Elevate ▪ What changed: ▪ FY27 Guidelines introduce structured award ranges with minimum and maximum award amounts for Thrive and Elevate. Previously it only included maximum cap. ▪ Thrive: Fully tiered award amounts by annual expenses with clear minimums per tier ▪ Elevate: Introduction of minimum award floors, creating structured, predictable ranges for all applicants ▪ How this enhances the Guidelines: ▪ Introduces transparency and predictability ▪ Reduces confusion and subjective interpretation by eliminating the ambiguous “up to” structure ▪ Aligns award amounts more closely with applicant capacity and operating size through tiering ▪ Set award amounts reduce administrative burden and helps with budgeting to know how many awards can be made within the amount of money available in the fund 5 Award Amounts for Thrive & Elevate Thrive Applicant Total Award over 2 years Annual Award 501 (c)(3) Arts Nonprofit with Creative Space Annual expenses of $125,000 or greater Annual expenses of $85,000-$124,999 Annual expenses of $60,000-$84,999 501 (c)(3) Arts Nonprofit without Creative Space Annual expenses of $85,000 or greater Annual expenses of $60,000-$84,999 $250,000 $125,000 per year $200,000 $100,000 per year $170,000 $85,000 per year $170,000 …
Art in Public Places Panel Staff Briefings Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places Panel | June 15, 2026 AIPP Exhibition Open Calls austintexas.gov/AIPP People’s Gallery at City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701 Exhibition will run Oct. 2026 – May 2028 Changing Exhibits at AUS airport 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719 12 galleries Exhibition will run Jan. 2027 – Dec. 2027 AIPP Coordinators – Jieun Beth Kim & Brittany Heinchon 2 Open Calls austintexas.gov/AIPP • Asian American Resource Center • NESC Suspended Artwork • Shared Streets • Public Artist Pre-qualified List Opens June 22, 2026 Closes August 3rd, at 5pm AIPP Coordinators – Lindsay Hutchens & Rebecca Rende 3 AIPP Resolution No. 20250306-029 Next Steps & Timeline • Align Ordinance and Guidelines (May-June) o Include feedback from City partners and AIPP Panel o CMO, LAW, and Budget review • Ordinance Approvals o Economic Opportunities Committee o Art in Public Places Panel o Arts Commission o City Council Meeting o AIPP Guidelines Approvals July 31 August 3 August 17 August 27 September 4
