SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the BUILDING AND FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS Wednesday February 21ST @ 1:00 PM- In Person and WebEx Permitting Development Center; Conference Room 1401-1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 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 rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Ellis); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes) A.J Juraska(Pool); Gary Wilks(Kelly); Jim Rumbo(Alter), Alison Satt(Madison) Oren Mitzer (Qadri) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: 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 from Regular Called Meeting from August 23, 2023 DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Discussion and approval of the 2024 Board Schedule 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, February 21, 2024, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity Commission may be participating by videoconference. Audio is recorded. 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 Cesar Garza and Stephanie Calderon at the Economic Development Department: cesar.garza@austintexas.gov and stephanie.calderon@austintexas.gov or 512-974-8055 (Cesar Garza). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Laura Dixon, Mayor (Watson) Christiana Ponder, District 1 (Harper- Madison) Benjamin Salazar, District 2 (Fuentes) Raquel Valdez Sanchez, District 3 (Velasquez) Michael Nahas, Vice Chair, District 4 (Vela) Vacant, District 5 (R. Alter) Vacant, District 6 (Kelly) Amy Noel, District 7 (Pool) Luis Osta Lugo, District 8 (Ellis) Tina Cannon, District 9 (Qadri) Kelsey Hitchingham, Chair, District 10 (A. Alter) 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 Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on November 15, 2023. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation by Raul Alvarez regarding the Community Advancement Network and how this organization expands economic opportunities for the Austin area. Discuss the City of Austin Budget Officer’s FY 2024-2025 budget calendar. The deadline for City Boards and Commissions to submit budget recommendations is March 31, 2024. Various reminders for commission members: most recent City email password security update, City Manager’s survey, and having ongoing dialogues with appointing councilmembers about commission priorities. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 5. Presentation by April Geruso, City of Austin Planning Department, about updating the 2012 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan and possibly approve the appointment of an Economic Prosperity Commission representative to support the development and implementation of the Imagine Austin comprehensive engagement process. Discuss and possibly approve the appointment of a second Economic Prosperity Commission representative on the City of Austin Joint Sustainability Committee. The commission designated Commissioner Amy Noel as its first Sustainability Committee representative in 2023. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 7. Updates from …
1. 2. ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 15, 2023 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a Regular Called meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, TX. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission to order at 6:59pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Vice Chair Michael Nahas (4), Luis Osta Lugo (8) Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Laura Dixon (Mayor), Benjamin Salazar (2), Amy Noel (7), Tina Cannon (9) Absent: Christiana Ponder (1), Isaiah Smith (3) Absent Excused: Chair Kelsey Hitchingham (10) Vacancy: District 5, District 6 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission September and October meetings Motions to approve the September 20 meeting minutes and the October 18 meeting minutes were approved, both on Commissioner Cannon’s motion and Commissioner Osta Lugo’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Ponder, Smith, and Hitchingham were absent. DISCUSSION Presentation by Economic Development staff on Project Connect and its impact on city’s efforts to promote construction, procurement, workforce development, and small business. Donald E. Jackson and Katherine Sobel, staff at the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department, presented an overview of the Project Connect transit plan and discussed local impacts and related resources of information. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Presentations from working groups (Jobs, Procurement and Infrastructure) on established focus for each group and initial findings specific to the working group The Jobs, Procurement, and Infrastructure working groups did not have updates. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussed the possibility of changing the December 20 meeting from a Regular Called meeting to a social event, but commission unable to take action due to loss of quorum. Vice Chair Nahas adjourned the meeting at 8:10pm without objection. *********** These minutes were approved at the ________ meeting on Commissioner ____ motion and Commissioner ____ second on a ___ vote. 3.
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION FEBRUARY 21, 2024, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chamber, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown 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, please contact Christine Maguire at Christine.maguire@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7131. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris (Chair) VACANT (District 1) Tania A. Ortega (District 2) Liz Coufal (District 3) Ralph E. Ishmael, Jr. (Vice-Chair) Darilynn Cardona-Beiler (District 5) Taylor Major (District 6) Mike Lavigne (District 7) VACANT (District 8) Kimberly Levinson (District 9) Sania D. Shifferd (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER Marissa McKinney (Design Commission) David Holmes (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) Carl J. Larosche (Historic Landmark Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music Commission) AGENDA 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission January 17, 2024 meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to prioritize community engagement with regards to the Convention Center expansion. 3. Approve a recommendation on the renewal of the Sixth Street Public Improvement District. Presentation by Donald E Jackson of the Economic Development Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Commander Jeff Olson of the Austin Police Department on Downtown Command public safety trends. 5. Presentations by Commander Jeff Olson of the Austin Police Department (APD), William Manno of the Austin Center for Events, Brian Block of the Development Services Department, and Division Chief Stephen Truesdell of the Austin Fire Department (AFD) on South by Southwest Festival 2024 preparedness. 6. Presentation on the status of Austin Light Rail by Peter Mullan, EVP Architecture and Urban Design, Lindsay Wood, EVP - Engineering and Construction, and Courtney Chavez, SVP - Equity and Community Partnership. 7. Presentation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus Program by April Geruso of the …
Austin Light Rail Update FEBRUARY 21, 2024 Downtown Commission 1 PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION & INTEGRATED APPROACH WORK EFFORTS SCOPING 22 Upcoming Public Outreach Federal Process: NEPA MEETING LOCATION DATE/TIME University of Texas, Eastwoods Room, 2nd floor (ground level), Texas Union 2308 Whitis Ave, Austin, TX 78712 Thursday, February 1, 2024 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Montopolis Recreation and Community Center 1200 Montopolis Dr., Austin, TX 78741 Saturday, February 10, 2024 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. League of Women Voters, Cafetorium 3908 Avenue B, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78751 Virtual Open House Twin Oaks Library, Rooms 1 & 2 1800 S. 5th St., Austin, TX 78704 St. David's Episcopal, Sumners Hall 301 E. 8th St., Austin, TX 78701 Monday, February 12, 2024 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. 3 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL PHASE 1- BASE DESIGN 9.8-mile Light Rail Transit (LRT) branched line, including 15 stations located north, south, and east of downtown Austin Light rail embedded in center of street PRIORITY EXTENSIONS Not included in the NEPA analysis Could be accelerated if additional funding becomes available 4 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL ADVANCING DESIGN Evaluating design options identified through previous public engagement, technical and design opportunities STATION LOCATIONS Evaluating and optimizing proposed station locations MULTIMODAL INTEGRATION Study area to extend light rail bridge south of Lady Bird Lake Study area to locate bike and pedestrian facilities next to light rail, east of I-35 (center-running) along Riverside Drive Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations 5 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL NORTH SECTION Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations 6 6 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL DOWNTOWN SECTION DESIGN OPTION Option to add station near Wooldridge Square 7 7 DESIGN OPTION Option to locate station in private joint development off-street AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL SOUTH SECTION DESIGN OPTION (STUDY AREA) Study area to extend light rail bridge south of Lady Bird Lake Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations DESIGN OPTION Consider options with and without Travis Heights station 8 8 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL SOUTH SECTION DESIGN OPTION (STUDY AREA) FOR SOUTH OF LADY BIRD LAKE 1 OPTION Evaluating light rail running at street level 2 OPTION Evaluating light rail running on extended bridge 99 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL EAST …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Darilynn Cardona-Beiler Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd Jen Weaver COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Darilynn Cardona-Beiler Jennifer Franklin Kimberly Levinson Taylor Major Amy Mok Tania Ortega Ann Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:32 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES meeting. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission November 20, 2023, Special Called A motion to approve the minutes was made by Commissioner Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Shifferd on a vote of 9-0. Commissioners Lavigne, McKinney, Holmes and Laroche were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 2. Discussion and possible action for the Commission to draft a recommendation to Council to prioritize community engagement with regards to the Convention Center expansion. A motion to approve the drafting of a recommendation similar to the Music Commission Recommendation 20231106-11 with the additional provision of a member of the Downtown Commission becoming a member of the Advisory Board by Commissioner Ishmael and seconded by Commissioner Levinson on a vote of 9-0. Commissioners Lavigne, McKinney, Holmes and Laroche were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Stevie Greathouse of the Planning Department presented on the Palm District Plan. Presentation was made by Stevie Greathouse, Capital Program Consultant, Planning Department. 4. Laura Dierenfield of the Transportation and Public Works Department presented on the Seaholm District Multimodal Connectivity Projects. Presentation was made by Laura Dierenfield, Division Manager, Transportation and Public Works Department. 5. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission. Commissioner Amy Mok updated the Commission on a partnership between the Austin Economic Development Corporation and the Austin Playhouse. Additionally, the Commissioner updated the Commission on another initiative on a community discussion on neighborhood connections with arts. 6. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission. Withdrawn. 7. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission. Commissioner Ann Charlotte Patterson updated the Commission on discussions and actions by the Music Commission including a presentation on future funding needs of the Red River Cultural District. 8. Discussion of recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board. Commissioner Franklin had no updates at this …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240221-003 Date: February 21, 2024 Subject: Austin Convention Center Expansion Recommendation The Downtown Commission recommends that Austin City Council adopt the Music Commission recommendation that directs Convention Center Staff to create a Convention Center Expansion Advisory Board, consisting of stakeholders from the art, music, and other relevant communities and industries, to provide critical input for expansion planning. We further recommend that the Austin City Council direct the Music Commission to include a member of the Downtown Commission, to be chosen by the Downtown Commission Chairman, on the Convention Center Expansion Advisory Board. Description of Recommendation to Council Convention Center staff has announced plans for a comprehensive public information campaign for the expansion. As part of this public outreach, the Downtown Commission recommends that an advisory board be formed to provide community insight for this significant downtown project. Precedent is set by the South-Central Waterfront redevelopment, I-35 expansion, and Project Connect anti-displacement initiative – current public projects which benefit from project-specific community advisory boards or committees. This motion is based on study and recommendation from the Joint Arts & Music Urban Core Land Use Working Group. Rationale: • The convention center expansion will be financed by over $1 billion in public funds • The Convention Center expansion is a landmark capital project with tremendous potential for public benefits to Austin, including increased tourism revenue, exceptional public spaces, and robust programming. • City of Austin Music and Cultural grant programs are funded by Hotel Occupancy Taxes, which are directly impacted by Convention Center operations. • The adjacent publicly owned Palm School parcel holds significant historic and cultural importance, especially to Austin’s Latinx community. • The Convention Center should set itself apart and above competing facilities by leveraging and strengthening Austin’s status as a thriving mecca for creativity, arts, music, and diverse culture. • Stakeholder input from Austin’s diverse communities will enhance expansion planning vision and help the new Austin Convention Center become unique world-class destination attracting visitors from across the US and the world. Vote For: 7 (Chair Harris, Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Weaver, Coufal, Major, Levinson and Shifferd) Against: 0 1 of 1
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, February 21, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1406 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. 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 comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov Amber Schleuning Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Michael Mcinerney AGENDA CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson, Chair Kevin Lenau, Vice Chair William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Curtis Wyman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 18, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of January 2. Staff update regarding Sexual Harassment Training, FY25 Budget Recommendation process, and Attendance/Sign-In Sheet requirements. 3. Update on the City of Austin Internal Work Group initial meeting. Presentation by staff liaison, Jesus Simental. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation and discussion by Amanda Afifi, Chair Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission and Chair of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) about having the Commission of Veterans Affairs join the JIC. 5. Presentation and discussion by Christian Duran and Julie Smith from the City of Austin Housing Department which would present on the housing department’s federally-funded programming and solicit input/discussion from Commissioners on needs and priorities that our federal funding should address. 6. Presentation and discussion by Jim Darwin, Chair of the nonprofit Austin Veterans Parade Foundation about discussing future collaboration between the City of Austin and the Austin Veterans Parade Foundation. 7. Continued discussion and update on nonprofits that service veterans of Austin and Travis County. Chair Wilson agreed to research these nonprofits. 8. Discuss results and findings from Commissioner Marc Balch on his talk with the Veterans Administration on what they are doing for veteran outreach and solicit them to speak at the Veterans Affairs Commission meeting. 9. Discuss results and findings from Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence on a list of nonprofits in our area that service veterans. 10. Discussion on findings from all commissioners on status of Recommendation Number 20230719-006 Recommended Study to Understand Real-World Needs of Travis County- Based Veterans. DISCUSSION …
Regular Called Meeting of the Bond Oversight Committee February 21st, 2024, 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Nicole Hernandez, 512-974-7644, nicole.hernandez@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Charles Curry, Chair John McNabb, Vice Chair Ramiro Diaz Stephen Gonzalez Francoise Luca CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Edward McHorse Santiago Rodriguez Kristen Weaver Nicole Wren 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. 1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission on APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 17, 2024. . DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding The Affordable Housing Bond Program by, Awais Azhar, Deputy Director, HousingWorks Austin 3. Discussion of feedback on the Municipal Capital Project Public Dashboard presented January 17, 2024 4. Discussion on the creation of a Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) report that show projects behind their planned execution date schedule 5.Discussion on the possible actions of the Bond Oversight Commissions role in recommendation to Council on the timing of bond elections FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Nicole Hernandez, Capital Delivery Department, at 512-974-7644, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Bond Oversight Commission, please contact Nicole Hernandez at 512-974-7644.
6. 7. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE Wednesday, February 21, 2024 – 11:00 A.M. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1203 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the committee may participate by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-3393 or preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Raymond Castillo, Chair Tara Dudley Ben Heimsath AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 7, 2022 September 20, 2023 October 25, 2023 November 15, 2023 January 17, 2024 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. DISCUSSION ITEMS Feb. 13 community kickoff recap and discussion Discussion of Nuts & Bolts Open House (March), Block Party (April), and Preservation & Friends event (May) Review of other outreach and engagement around the draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call the board liaison at the Historic Preservation Office at (512) 974-3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Preservation Plan Committee, please contact Cara Bertron at (512) 974-1446. 8.
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission February 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will 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 Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov no later than noon, the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice Chair 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on February 7, 2024 Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 500 South Congress, located at 500 South Congress Avenue, CD-2023-0001 (District 9). Applicant: Richard T. Suttle, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC. Staff: Sherri Sirwaitis, Planning Department, and Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department Presentation on the status of Austin Light Rail. Presenters: Jen Pyne, Executive Vice President Planning, Community & Federal Programs, Lisa Storer, Sustainable Design Program Manager, and Yannis Banks, Public Involvement Manager (Austin Transit Partnership) WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Urban Forestry Committee – Richard Brimer (Committee Chair), Mariana Krueger, Colin Nickells, and Melinda Schiera Update from the Joint Sustainability Committee – Haris Qureshi (member) and Richard Brimer (alternate member) Update from the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan Citizen’s Advisory Committee – Jennifer Bristol Update from the Joint Committee of the Environmental Commission and Parks and Recreation Board – Perry Bedford, Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi, and Kevin Ramberg Update from the South Central …
Austin Light Rail Update Environmental Commission 1 FEBRUARY 21, 2024 PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION & INTEGRATED APPROACH WORK EFFORTS SCOPING 22 Upcoming Public Outreach Federal Process: NEPA MEETING LOCATION DATE/TIME University of Texas, Eastwoods Room, 2nd floor (ground level), Texas Union 2308 Whitis Ave, Austin, TX 78712 Thursday, February 1, 2024 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Montopolis Recreation and Community Center 1200 Montopolis Dr., Austin, TX 78741 Saturday, February 10, 2024 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. League of Women Voters, Cafetorium 3908 Avenue B, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78751 Virtual Open House Twin Oaks Library, Rooms 1 & 2 1800 S. 5th St., Austin, TX 78704 St. David's Episcopal, Sumners Hall 301 E. 8th St., Austin, TX 78701 Monday, February 12, 2024 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. 3 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL PHASE 1- BASE DESIGN 9.8-mile Light Rail Transit (LRT) branched line, including 15 stations located north, south, and east of downtown Austin Light rail embedded in center of street PRIORITY EXTENSIONS Not included in the NEPA analysis Could be accelerated if additional funding becomes available 4 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL ADVANCING DESIGN Evaluating design options identified through previous public engagement, technical and design opportunities STATION LOCATIONS Evaluating and optimizing proposed station locations MULTIMODAL INTEGRATION Study area to extend light rail bridge south of Lady Bird Lake Study area to locate bike and pedestrian facilities next to light rail, east of I-35 (center-running) along Riverside Drive Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations 5 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL NORTH SECTION Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations 6 6 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL DOWNTOWN SECTION DESIGN OPTION Option to add station near Wooldridge Square 7 7 DESIGN OPTION Option to locate station in private joint development off-street AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL SOUTH SECTION DESIGN OPTION (STUDY AREA) Study area to extend light rail bridge south of Lady Bird Lake Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations DESIGN OPTION Consider options with and without Travis Heights station 8 8 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL SOUTH SECTION DESIGN OPTION (STUDY AREA) FOR SOUTH OF LADY BIRD LAKE 1 OPTION Evaluating light rail running at street level 2 OPTION Evaluating light rail running on extended bridge 99 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL EAST …
SPECIALLY CALLED MEETING of the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 21, 2024, 4:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 2103 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. 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, call or email Ann DeSanctis, 512-974-3102, ann.desanctis@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: PLANNING COMMISSION ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION Grayson Cox, Vice Chair Adam Haynes Alberta Phillips Hank Smith, Chair David Fouts Carrie Thompson AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. Approve the minutes of the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE REGULAR CALLED MEETING on January 10, 2024. Presentation from Budget Office by Kerri Lang on budget process and integrating requests. Presentation by consultant CD&P on the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Update’s Community Engagement Process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to amend Imagine Austin Plan to attach Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) Typologies and map from accepted ETOD Policy Plan. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Ann DeSanctis at the Planning Department, at 512-974-3102, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Comprehensive Plan Joint Commission, please contact Ann DeSanctis at 512-974-3102.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES 10, January, 2024 The COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 10, January, 2024, at 6310 Wilhemina Delco Dr., Room 2103, in Austin, Texas. Chair Hank Smith called the Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee Meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Adam Haynes Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Fouts, Carrie Thompson, Grayson Cox, Hank Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no speakers signed up to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Approve the minutes of the COMPREHENSIVE PLAN JOINT COMMITTEE REGULAR CALLED MEETING on 12, October 2023. The minutes from the meeting of 10/12/2023 were approved on Grayson Cox motion, David Fouts second on a unanimous vote. Commissioner Connolly was absent. Presentation by ATD Staff regarding amendments to the ASMP. Presentation by Kelsey Vizzard, Planner Senior with ATD, to provide updates on ASMP amendments to the CPJC. The board has no recommendations at this time. Presentation by Ann DeSanctis regarding Imagine Austin Speaker Series potential speakers. Presentation by Ann DeSanctis, Planner Senior with the Planning Department on Imagine Austin Speaker Series for 2024 will focus on Equity, Resilience, and Sustainability in various facets. Carrie Thompson recommended topics around dark skies. Presentation by Christopher Crain regarding Priority Program meetings to date. Presentation by Christopher Crain, Planner Senior with the Planning Department on Priority Program work to date. The board has no recommendations at this time. 1. 3. 4. 1 Presentation by Chase Gonsoulin on Imagine Austin Compliance Checklist. Board directed staff to improve checklist by creating a threshold of how many “yes’s” trigger compliance with Imagine Austin, making the checklist more inclusive of all sections of Imagine Austin, and advised tracking compliance checklist. Chair Hank Smith adjourned the meeting at 5:06 without objection. 5. 2
CITY OF AUSTIN IMAGINE AUSTIN PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE About CD&P We make it easy to connect, communicate, and be engaged. CD&P is a public engagement firm that empowers partners, clients, and communities to work together effectively through thoughtful programs and outreach. 1 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Update Initially adopted in 2012, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that shapes the city by guiding long-term growth, development, and land use decisions. As it approaches its 200th anniversary, Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all. - Imagine Austin 2 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Update - Timeline 3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT (MARCH 2024) Both internal and external stakeholder involvement is planned Internal – City staff and employees, Board and Commission Members • External – Nonprofit agencies, service organizations • A series of convenient listening sessions will be held to engage folks • • Internal – Meetings at COA offices, led by Planning Department External – Onsite at community centers, libraries and resilience hubs from South Austin to Eastern Crescent, as well as virtual meetings 4 Meeting Aspirations to Inform the Public Participation Plan • All meetings will be grounded in equity • Other individual and organizational voices will be organically recommended through these initial conversations • Relevant messaging, impactful ways of communication, and how and where populations successfully convene and celebrate will be identified • Additional Comprehensive Plan goals might surface through these exchanges 5
Equitable Transit-Oriented Development ETOD and Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Joint Committee 2/21/2024 Agenda Background Next Steps 1 2 3 ETOD and Imagine Austin Background 1 From Transit-Oriented-Development (TOD) to Equitable TOD Equitable TOD works towards building equitable outcomes through proactive actions to ensure that everyone, especially historically marginalized communities of color, can benefit from transit connectivity. Roadmap Step 1: Establish Framework ETOD Policy Plan Accepted by City Council on March 9, 2023 ETOD Study Released Sept. 2023 ETOD Policy Plan • Builds on the FTA-funded ETOD Study. • Provides a comprehensive policy framework to guide future development around the Project Connect system. • It helps the Austin community ensure that the results of Project Connect support residents of all incomes and backgrounds, especially those that have been disproportionately burdened by transportation and land use decisions. ETOD Goals transportation 8 ETOD Station Area Typologies If a station has… …and is… …and has experienced… More Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Rapid Change More Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Slow Change Fewer Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Rapid Change Fewer Residents Today Historically Exclusionary or Low Displacement Slow Change More Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Rapid Change More Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Slow Change Fewer Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Rapid Change Fewer Residents Today Vulnerable to or Experiencing Displacement Slow Change ETOD and Imagine Austin 2 Council Action on March 9, 2023 – Resolution no. 20230309-016 Imagine Austin and ETOD • ETOD typologies consider existing population, recent growth and economic development, and displacement risk of households. ETOD typologies also speak to types of growth most needed for equitable outcomes in a station area • Incorporating ETOD Typologies into Imagine Austin allows for: • Updating IA Compliance Checklist • Formal consideration in zoning and neighborhood plan amendment case review • Demonstrating alignment and transit-supportive policy to the Federal Transit Administration Imagine Austin and ETOD • The amendment to Imagine Austin will include: • The methodology through which staff developed the 8 ETOD Typologies • The 8 ETOD typologies and their descriptions • The ETOD typology map • A preface that provides context about the application of the typologies and their map to Imagine Austin Next Steps 3 Imagine Austin- ETOD Amendment Timeline Briefing and Possible Action at CPJC Feb 21, 2024 (today!) Planning Commission Hearing and Possible Action March 12, …
20 B AUSTIN paletas Typologies Background Policies and investments that help Austin achieve its ETOD goals will look different in different station areas given the range of existing conditions, needs, and trends across the diverse communities along the Project Connect system. Typologies help group each station according to shared characteristics, allowing policymakers to tailor policy tools to address the needs of each station area and ensure that every station contributes to improved outcomes for existing and future residents across the system. CapMetro’s 2016 TOD Priority Tool provided a foundation for planning and investment strategies around transit stations. Based on a wide range of metrics, each station that the tool included was given a TOD Place Typology and a TOD Readiness Score. The two scores provided an overall profile for the current state of a station area relative to its transit-supportive density within the larger urban network. The new approach to ETOD typologies differs from the existing TOD typologies due to its focus. The 2016 typologies primarily focused on the built environment, with categories such as location, connectivity, land use, urban form, and intensity. While the built environment is also considered in the new iteration, the new ETOD Typologies focus on the closing the racial health and wealth gap by increasing economic opportunities within a station area. The ETOD Typologies embed indicators related to equitable outcomes like displacement risk as well as population and job growth to characterize a station area in relation to achieving equitable outcomes for the neighborhood. Extensive data for all the station areas in Project Connect were collected through the ETOD Study, including a systemwide existing conditions analysis that can be accessed online. ETOD Policy Plan Unlike the 2016 TOD Priority Tool, ETOD acknowledges that the communities near each station are dynamic places that may require different policy interventions as they evolve. ETOD also shifts the focus of policy recommendations to focus less on place-specific outcomes and focus more on outcomes for people – especially the people that already live near future transit stations. The typologies use indicators from readily available and constantly updated data from the US Census Bureau, allowing us to reevaluate typologies every five years and adjust policy recommendations to respond to community needs in a timely way. People ETOD typologies The differentiate station areas primarily based on outcomes for the first two community- identified goals for ETOD: Goal 1: Enable all residents to …
Meeting of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee February 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee may be participating in the 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 at 512-974-7288 or email Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. Jordan Feldman, the board call or register, liaison, CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Claire Hempel (Chair) Alejandra Flores (Vice-Chair) Greg Anderson Awais Azhar Betsy Greenberg Felicity Maxwell Lonny Stern CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to commencement of the meeting will be allowed to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the December 13, 2023, meeting minutes. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. C20-2024-001 Onsite Water Reuse. Discussion and possible action to recommend amendments to City Code Chapter 25-9 (Water and Wastewater) relating to clarifying requirements for water conservation in the implementation of the Water Forward Plan, including distances for the Reclaimed Water Connection requirement, clarifying definitions, and modifying variances including adding certain affordable housing exemptions for Reclaimed Water Connections and Onsite Water Reuse requirements. City Staff: Kevin Critendon, Austin Water, (512) 972-0191, Kevin.Critendon@austintexas.gov. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. C20-2022-003 South Central Waterfront Combining District. Staff presentation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus Program. City Staff: April Geruso, Planning Department, (512) 974-9364, April.Geruso@austintexas.gov. 4. Update on Potential Upcoming and Active Code Amendments: City Staff: Jordan Feldman, Planning Department, (512) 974-7288, Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please call Jordan Feldman at 512-974-7228 or Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov, for additional information; the City receives and accepts Video Relay Service (VRS) calls from people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. For more information on the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee, please contact Jordan Feldman at 512-974-7228 or Jordan.Feldman@austintexas.gov 2
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Downtown Commission February 21, 2024 History Combining District Density Bonus Program - Bonus Program Opt-in Requirements - Fees-in-Lieu - Additional On-Site Community Benefits Timeline & Ways to Provide Feedback South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 5 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 ▪ Directed Planning Staff to create regulations supporting implementation of the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan. ▪ Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. ▪ Increased development square footage only available through the Density Bonus Program. ▪ Maximize community benefits: affordable housing, open space, and ▪ Maximize infrastructure investments: new streets, parks, bikeways, public art, etc. and trails. 6 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 ▪ Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown. ▪ Support Project Connect transit investment. ▪ Allow entitlements significant enough to achieve required infrastructure and community benefits. ▪ Ensure entitlements meet market demand to account for increased costs and avoid continual requests to amend the code. ▪ Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. 7 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a connected, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use district where “thousands more Austinites can live, work, and play.” 8 Updates / Changes ▪ First re-evaluation will occur sooner than 5 years to account for updated details from Project Connect and citywide density bonus analysis. ▪ The SCW regulations will be implemented by: – Council adoption an optional set of regulations and bonus program through the creation of a Combining District and a Density Bonus Program (spring 2024). – City-initiated rezoning of properties in the district (summer 2024). – Subsequent rezonings and code amendments will be required to add additional properties at a later date. 9 Combining District Components ▪ General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) ▪ Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) ▪ Development Standards (What will be built and where) ▪ Design Standards (How it will look) ▪ Definitions 10 Density Bonus Components ▪ Procedures/Requirements ▪ “Gate Keeper” Requirements – Affordable Housing – Environmental Protection – Improved Streetscape and Built Environment ▪ In-Lieu Fees and Dedications ▪ Onsite Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 11 District Boundary New parcels added that are affected by Project Connect lightrail alignment. Project Connect Rail Alignment 12 Streets and Light Rail 13 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums 14 Critical Water Quality Zones 15 Land Uses ▪ Permitted land uses support: …
