Affordability Impact Statement City of Austin Parkland Drainage Easements Case number: C20-2025-009 Initiated by: Planning Commission, July 2025 Consent Agenda Date: 9/15/2025 Proposed Regulation The proposed amendment to 25-7-152 (E) of the City Code would add a provision allowing an administrative variance for site development permits on City-owned parkland. If ever the subject property were sold through a process and voter referendum outlined in Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, however, the new property owner would still be required to dedicate the easement as part of any future development per the code. This change is expected to improve fiscal and administrative efficiency for public park development and capital projects. 25-7-152 of the City Code currently requires a property owner to dedicate a public drainage easement encompassing the 100-year floodplain located on their property when they submit a site development permit application. The code already includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances. The Parks and Recreation Department and Watershed Protection Department are in longstanding agreement that the change proposed in this amendment is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must provide evidence of this agreement to apply for and receive a variance individually. Codifying this exception in 25-7-152 (E) will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments. Land Use/Zoning Impacts on Housing Costs The proposed changes would have neutral impacts on housing costs: • These proposed changes primarily relate to development and capital projects for public parks and should not affect housing costs or capacity through land use or zoning changes. Impact on Development Cost The proposed changes would have neutral impacts on development cost: • These proposed changes primarily relate to development and capital projects for public parks and should not affect housing development costs or capacity. Impact on Affordable Housing The proposed changes would have neutral impacts on affordable housing: • These proposed changes primarily relate to development and capital projects for public parks and should not affect income-restricted housing costs or capacity. Overall Impact The proposed changes would have neutral overall impact: • These changes to City Code may improve fiscal and administrative efficiency for the Parks and Recreation Department and the Watershed Protection Department, but do not appear to significantly impact housing affordability. The scale of the impact will be: • City of Austin parkland. Other Policy Considerations • N/A Manager’s Signature …
Code Amendment C20-2025-009 Parkland Drainage Easements Austin Watershed Protection | November 19, 2025 Intent of Current Code: Drainage Easements LDC 25-7-152(A) The owner of real property proposed to be developed shall dedicate to the public an easement for stormwater flow to the limits of the 100-year floodplain Ensures that the current and future property owners know that flood risk exists on their property Accomplished by surveying the floodplain area on the property 2 Impacts Under Current Code Requires solicitation and contract negotiation Requires multiple rounds of staff review A Declaration of Use (DOU) requires Real Estate and Legal review Final approval requires multiple levels of executive review, signatures and recording with associated County fees Overall process cost: Consultant for survey (increased significantly over time) Cost of staff time charged to the project (reducing available money for construction) Adds cost/time to the site plan review process Park property remains city-owned unless voter approved for sale through a Chapter 26 process 3 Proposed Code Add public parkland owned by the City of Austin to the list of options for a variance. Would not exempt parkland from following all code requirements for development in the floodplain. If a property is approved for sale, the new owner would be required to dedicate the easement once a subdivision or site plan application is submitted. 4 Proposed Code Language § 25-7-152 - DEDICATION OF EASEMENTS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY E. For property in the full-purpose limits of the city, the director may grant a variance to Subsection (A) if the director determines: 1) development with the variance does not result in additional adverse flooding of other 2) property; and the development: a) is permitted by a variance granted under Section 25-7-92(C) (Encroachments on Floodplain Prohibited); is permitted in a floodplain under Section 25-7-93 (General Exceptions), Section 25-7- 94 (Exceptions in Central Business Area), Section 25-7-95 (Exceptions for Parking Areas), or Section 25-7-96 (Exceptions in the 25-Year Floodplain); is not a building or parking area; is a non-conforming use, as defined by Chapter 25-12, Article 3 (Flood Hazard Areas); or is on parkland owned by the City of Austin. b) c) d) e) 5 Boards and Commissions Review Schedule Meeting Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee: Initiation Recommendation (approved) Date July 16, 2025 Planning Commission: Initiation Recommendation (approved, initiated) August 12, 2025 Parks and Recreation Board: …
C20-2025-009 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET Amendment: C20-2025-009 City of Austin parkland drainage easements LDC 25-7 code amendment Description: Amends 25-7-152 (E) as related to parkland drainage easements. The proposed amendment would allow an administrative variance to not require drainage easements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Proposed Language: Approve an ordinance amending 25-7-152 (E): to allow for an administrative variance to drainage easement requirements associated with development projects on parkland owned by the City of Austin. Background: Current code requires that property owners dedicate a public drainage easement to the limits of the 100-year floodplain as a part of the site development permit approval process. Additionally, 25-7-152 (E) includes provisions allowing the Director to grant an administrative variance under certain circumstances as described in that section. The purpose of the drainage easement is to alert present and future property owners that there is flood risk on the property. There are limitations on the use of the drainage easement and floodplain areas on the property. These uses are regulated by the floodplain regulations. Importantly, an approved administrative variance waiving the drainage easement requirement does not waive or alter existing restrictions or development requirements within the 100-year floodplain. The proposed amendment would only apply to the dedication of a drainage easement on City of Austin parkland. Additionally, if parkland is later sold through the Chapter 26 process and voter approval, the new property owner would be required to dedicate a drainage easement as part of any future site plan application. The process for the sale of public parkland must follow the requirements outlined in Chapter 26 of the Texas statues which serve as a protection for public parks and recreational lands from programs or projects that would change their use or require taking of public land. A benefit of this proposed code change is to reduce the fiscal and administrative burden on new parkland projects by improving efficiency during the permit review process. Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Watershed Protection are in agreement that this change is appropriate and beneficial. Currently, each parkland development project must apply for a variance and be approved on a case-by-case basis. Codifying this exception will streamline the process and reduce unnecessary administrative work for both departments. Additionally, there will be no impact or change on maintenance or operational responsibilities as a result of the code amendment. Staff Recommendation: Staff …
CODES AND ORDINANCES JOINT COMMITTEE DRAFT 2026 MEETING CALENDAR Dates: Third Wednesdays Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Permitting and Development Center (PDC) – Room #2103 Address: 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Third Wednesday 2026 Dates: • January 21 • February 18 • March 25 (On 4th Wednesday to avoid Spring Break) • April 15 • May 20 • June 17 • July 15 • August 19 • September 16 • October 21 • November 18 • December 16
REGULAR CALLED MEETING ELECTRIC BOARD Wednesday November 19, 2025 @ 10:00 AM- In Person/Web Ex PERMITTING DEVELOPMENT CENTER/ 1st FLOOR, CONF RM 1401- 1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS 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: David Johnson- Chair; Gabe Flores- Vice Chair; Cochren, Joel; Deschaine, David; Grant, Michael; Goss, Delwin; Hernandez, Joseph; King, Kenny; Shope, Victoria; Wallace, Rogelio 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 of the Electrical Board Regular Called Meeting from October 15, 2025 DISCUSSION 2. Discussion with Austin Energy on any Austin Energy Criteria manual update or changes. 3. Discussion on Commercial Plan Review update; Submittals, on time ratio and staffing. 4. Discussion on Building and Trade Contractor Service update; permit application process, turnaround times and staffing. 5. Discussion on Commercial and Residential Inspection update on staff vacancies and timely inspections. 6. Final report from the workgroup on the National Electrical Code ordinance update 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 Rick Arola at Austin Development Services Department, at 512-974-2417 or rick.arzola@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Electrical Board please contact Rick Arzola at 512-974-2417 and rick.arzola@austintexas.gov
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2025, 5:30 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 remotely, contact Christi Vitela at participation by Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. telephone. To to speak register Kevin Chen Nkiru Gelles Gina Houston Jennifer Franklin CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley 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 Downtown Commission Regular Called meeting on October 15, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Presentation regarding Staff’s response to Council Resolution 20241121-073 related to Bird-Friendly design by Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Austin Watershed Protection. Presentation regarding the Central City District Plan by Shanisha Johnson, Principal Planner, Austin Planning. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Presentation by Central Health regarding an overview of services as it relates to downtown Austin. Presentation by Virginia Potter, Development Director, Central Health. Presentation by Safe Streets Austin regarding one-way to two-way street conversions downtown. Presentation by Adam Greenfield, Advocacy Director, Safe Streets Austin. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding one-way to two-way street conversions downtown. 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 Christi Vitela at the Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 15, 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Called Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 15, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Austin City Hall Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Gina Houston Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Kevin Chen Jennifer Franklin PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on September 17, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on September 17, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Peveto’s motion, Vice Chair Levinson’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner McDaniel was off the dais. Commissioners Coufal and Pollak were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 15, 2025 2. Update on the Downtown Density Bonus Program/Affordable Housing and SB 840. Presentation by Alan Pani, Planner Principal, Austin Planning. The presentation was made by Alan Pani, Planner Principal, Austin Planning. 3. Update on a proposed amendment to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to establish a base height limit within the Central Business District (CBD) zoning district and update the Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) and Rainey Street Subdistrict to incorporate the CBD base height limit into the DDB program. Presentation by Alan Pani, Planner Principal, Austin Planning. The presentation was made by Alan Pani, Planner Principal, Austin Planning. 4. Presentation regarding Staff’s response to Council Resolution 20241121-073 related to Bird- Friendly design by Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Austin Watershed Protection. Withdrawn. 5. Update on the Downtown Austin Alliance’s (DAA) construction mitigation strategy. Presentation by Matt Geske, Vice President - Public Affairs, DAA, and Vanessa Olson, Vice President -Communication and Marketing, DAA. The presentation was made by Matt Geske, Vice President - Public Affairs, DAA, and Vanessa Olson, Vice President -Communication and Marketing, DAA. 6. Update on the Downtown Austin Alliance’s (DAA) active urbanism team regarding programs to support Artists and Creatives: DASA, Musicians activating spaces. Presentation by Raasin McIntosh, Vice President - Active Urbanism, DAA, and Emily Risinger, Director of Planning, DAA. The presentation was made by Emily Risinger, Director of Planning, DAA. 7. Update from the Arts Commission representative on the Cultural Funding/Grants process and information regarding the …
1 City Staff Watershed Protection Building Services Liz Johnston, Leslie Lilly, Elizabeth Funk Matt Hollon, Sean Watson Austin Energy Green Building Garret Jaynes, Heidi Kasper Development Services Department Farhana Biswas Kit Johnson, Nate Jackson Animal Services Emery Sadkin Planning Jordan Feldman 2 Resolution 20241121-073 Came out of a recommendation from a working group and Resolution 20210902-050 on Lights Out Austin Directs staff to: Update on Light’s Out Austin Explore integration of bird-friendly building techniques for new low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise buildings Conduct a feasibility analysis on the potential impacts of these standards Seek input from stakeholders, including developers, environmental organizations, and the public. 3 Migration and Habitat Austin was designated a Bird City in 2023 Austin within North America’s Central Flyway Over 400 species of birds Edwards Plateau and the Blackland Prairies habitat Premier destination for birdwatchers throughout most of the year. Birding generates more than $5 billion in annual ecotourism revenue in Texas ($279 billion nationwide) 4 The Problem Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. In daytime, birds encounter reflective or translucent glass. At night, birds encounter artificial sources of light. Birds fly to these confusing features without seeing the glass barriers. The collision is deadly. An estimated 1 billion birds die every year. 5 Solutions Glass Strategies Bird-friendly design includes: Reducing the use of glass Reducing glass exposure (using solar shading, external insect/solar screens, louvers, etc.) Incorporating bird-friendly signals (markers) in or on the glass UV coating, glazing, and etched or fritted glass patterns that follow the "2x2 rule” 7 Design Strategies Incorporate physical barriers and architectural design that improve glass visibility Options include: Exterior screens Shutters Awnings Facades Structural shading systems Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City, Utah 8 Lighting Exterior Eliminate uplighting, use fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward, and avoid event searchlights Use lighting management systems that can automatically reduce non-essential lighting during peak migration Also beneficial to bats and lightning bugs year-round Use warmer lightbulbs (as white/blue light can disorient birds) Interior Program automatic controls with timers and occupancy sensors Use window treatments to reduce light spillage Schedule janitorial services during daylight hours 9 Benchmarking What have other cities done? New York City (2021) Arlington County, VA …
Central City District Plan Austin Planning | Downtown Commission | November 19, 2025 Agenda Plan Overview Progress to Date Advisory Groups Planning Timeline Next Steps 2 Plan Overview Purpose and Goals: Create a 10-year blueprint for future growth and investments with a unified vision Align with existing citywide strategic plans and policies and build consensus for effective implementation. Community-informed vision and goals Place Type mapping to inform future development patterns Public realm and multimodal improvements Program, policy, project, and partnership recommendations Implementation Plan 3 Progress to Date Launched Speak Up Austin page Onboarded AECOM Developed an Information Sheet, translated to Spanish Planning process overview Engagement overview Held first Interagency Technical Advisory Group meeting – October 28, 2025 Held first community events: In-Person Open House @ ACC Rio Grande – November 10, 2025 65 - 70 attendees Virtual Open House via Zoom – November 12, 2025 18 - 20 attendees Launched Phase 1 survey (November 12 – December 6) 4 Advisory Groups Interagency Technical Advisory Group COA Departments/Offices Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Austin Planning Austin Capital Delivery Services Austin Police Austin Climate Action and Resilience Austin Police Oversight Austin Communications and Engagement Austin Public Library Austin Development Services Austin Resource Recovery Austin Economic Development Austin Small & Minority Business Resources Austin Emergency Services Austin Project Connect Austin Energy Austin Transportation & Public Works Austin Equity and Inclusion Austin Water Austin Facilities Management Austin Watershed Protection Austin Financial Services Austin Fire Austin Government Relations Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations Austin Housing Austin Parks & Recreation Meet once monthly via Teams Review draft deliverables using subject matter expertise Will remain in contact on annual basis to inform implementation tracking Partner Agencies Austin Community College Austin Transit Partnership CAPMETRO Central Health Rally Austin Texas Department of Transportation Travis County University of Texas 5 Advisory Groups Stakeholder Advisory Group Neighborhood Associations Transportation and Mobility Advocates Market-rate and Affordable Housing Advocates/Developers Economic Development Program Specialists Trail and Park Conservancies Placemaking Advocates Small Business and Workforce Development Programs Homeless Service Providers Cultural District Associations Underrepresented Interest Advocates Youth Organizations Student Organizations Real Estate Developers Climate Resilience and Environment Advocates Retail and Hospitality Worker Labor Organizations Group Structure …
Building the Future of Health: Central Health's Platform for Generational Change Downtown Commission JP Eichmiller, Vice President of Strategy Virginia Potter, Development Director 11/19/2025 Who We Are • Travis County’s hospital district • Created by voters in 2004 to manage city- and county-owned clinics and provide care to low-income residents • Provides affordable healthcare access through Medical Access Program (MAP) • Created as we know it today by Central Health in 2009 to manage and operate health clinics • One of the largest FQHCs in Texas and Central Health’s primary care backbone • Serves over 143,000 patients annually at 30+ locations • Nationally recognized as a top 10 teaching center • Created by Central Health in 2011 • Nonprofit health insurer offering plans through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace • Closes the coverage gap that traditional insurance models cannot address • Unified coverage and care for vulnerable populations No other entity in Central Texas has the scale, integration, and resources to make generational investments required for true health equity One System, Centered Around the People We Serve FY26 Snapshot Uses: $1,015 M • Health Care Delivery • Health Plans • Admin • Debt Service • Other Sources: $924 M • Tax • Patient Service Revenue • Health Plan Revenue • Grants & Philanthropy • Investments & Leases • Other Impact (System + Network) • People Served: 209,000+ • Total Visits: 1,245,000+ • Total Episodes*: 11,700+ • Total Providers: 10,600+ *Inpatient, post-acute, hospital, case management 2026: The Year of Access This is the year we close the health care gap Our goal – reduce appointment wait times to 2 weeks or less Patients Eliminating health care delays so people get the quality care they need— faster. Team Creating one connected system and strengthening our workforce to enhance the patient experience. Sustainability Delivering maximum value to stretch every tax dollar to reach more people. Commitment to Homeless Services Housing for Health Partnership Our goal - engaged in care and stable housing at one year Central Health Homeless Services Overview Targeted Investments 525% increase in targeted investments in homeless initiatives from FY23 ($4.5M) to FY25 ($28.2M). 9% of all Central Health enrollees are in the MAP-Homeless population (~10k people). There are significant additional primary, specialty, and dental care investments for MAP-H enrollees beyond the $28.2M. $30.0M $25.0M $20.0M $15.0M $10.0M $5.0M $0.0M $28.2M $13.0M $4.5M FY2023 FY2024 FY2025 7 FY26 Proposed Expansions • …
Two-Way Street Conversions in Downtown Austin Time to finish the job? Adam Greenfield, Advocacy Director, Safe Streets Austin Two-Way Conversions: What Happened in Louisville KY 49% Fewer crashes 39% Property value rise 23% Less crime Two-Way Street Conversion: Evidence of Increased Livability in Louisville (Riggs & Gilderbloom (2015), Journal of Planning Education and Research "One-way streets should not be allowed in prime downtown retail areas. We've proven that." Rebecca Ocken, Executive Director, Vancouver WA Downtown Association “The design has facilitated a better response from police and fire.” “When we experience a problem, we are provided with more options to redirect traffic.” Wm. Todd Bailey, Police Chief, New Albany IN “Dozens of cities have reconfigured one-way streets into two-way streets as a means of bringing their downtowns to life.” Governing Magazine Two-Way Conversions: One Policy, Many Benefits ● Safer streets ● More walking and bicycling ● Healthier local businesses ● Higher property values ● Faster emergency access ● Lower crime ● Easier navigation and access Less Congestion, Shorter Travel Times Addressing Left-Turn Lanes & Transit Reliability ● Left-turn pockets ● Leading left-turn traffic signals ● All-way stops ● Prohibit left turns at certain intersections and/or at certain times Two-Way Conversions: Success Every Time in Austin 1992: First Street / E Cesar Chavez, Second Street (east of I-35) 2008: Cesar Chavez, Second Street 2015: Brazos Street 2017: 5th Street 2018: Colorado Street 2019: 16th, 17th, 18th Street “Sixth Street should be immediately converted to two-way traffic…" Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT) of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), 1991 “Just do it!” “15 minutes after you make the change [to two-way], people will be asking why you didn’t do it 25 years earlier.” Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak (2010)
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025, 6:30PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401/1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Economic Prosperity Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512-974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Appointment Nicole Tomaszewski Ofelia Zapata Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Michael Nahas Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner Appointment District 7 VACANT District 8 Aaron Gonzales (Chair) District 9 Aditi Joshi Jake Randall District 10 Mayor 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 October 15, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation regarding long-term funding of City employee pensions. Presentation by Josh Rauh, Professor of Finance, Stanford Business School, and Trammell Cooper, Certified Financial Planner. Discussion regarding utilization of the Boards & Commissions Recommendations Archive webpage. Discussion regarding expectations for commissioner conduct and decorum. Discussion regarding the Boards & Commissions Review Framework discussed at the October 15, 2025 Audit & Finance Committee meeting, and possible response by the Economic Prosperity Commission. Discussion presenting a framework for policy development and research for future commission recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. 9. 10. Approve the nomination of an Economic Prosperity Commission member as the commission’s alternate representative on the Joint Sustainability Committee. Approve the 2026 Annual Schedule of the Economic Prosperity Commission. Approve a recommendation regarding improved delivery of City summer youth employment programs. Approve a recommendation regarding policy recommendations for long-term funding of City employee pensions. 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, …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation Number: 20251119-009: Summer Youth Employment & Workforce Development Date of Approval: November 19, 2025 Recommendation: The Economic Prosperity Commission recommends several key actions to strengthen Travis County’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and City of Austin’s Summer Internship Program (SIP) to better prepare Austin’s future workforce. These policy recommendations outline how the City of Austin can make strategic investments that expand career pathways and long-term income opportunities for high school students. Description of Recommendation to Council: The Economic Prosperity Commission encourages the Austin City Council to undertake the following low- or no-cost actions: 1. Centralize the application process for both students and employers across City and County programs. 2. Improve coordination and resource sharing among all youth employment partners, including Travis County, the City of Austin, and AISD. 3. Connect AISD P-TECH internships with SYEP & SIP apprenticeship opportunities. 4. Establish requirements for Chapter 380 businesses to hire high school students for summer positions and contribute financially to SYEP & SIP, given their vested interest in developing a skilled local workforce. 5. Develop an outreach and awareness strategy targeting Infrastructure Academy partners, Capital IDEA, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Skillpoint Alliance, the startup community, Chambers of Commerce, and other workforce industry groups. 6. Obtain employer-funded internships, with payment determined to employers’ tax status to unlock additional external funding opportunities. 7. Coordinate job-shadowing opportunities through SYEP & SIP so AISD students can visit internship sites before summer begins. These visits should be open to both SYEP & SIP participants and nonparticipants and can especially support students who lack required documentation 8. Increase public access to program data, including student outcomes and overall program performance on the 1-3 years following programs conclusion 9. Create employer-friendly guides explaining the benefits of hosting high school interns. 10. 10. SYEP & SIP will be provided for 14-15 year olds. The Economic Prosperity Commission encourages the Austin City Council to pursue the following investment-based actions: • Embed AI literacy certifications into the curriculum of SYEP & SIP career tracks. Rationale: Operations and Student Demand To inform these recommendations, the Commission met with the Travis County SYEP, the City of Austin SIP, and founding members of the City’s program, and reviewed peer-city models. We learned that of the 717 students who applied to the City’s program, only 190 were offered jobs. The County’s program reflected similar trends. The primary barrier is limited private-sector …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation Number: 20251119-010: Pensions and OPEB Benefits WHEREAS, City Council created the Economic Prosperity Commission to advise the council on matters related to job creation and the City of Austin is one of the largest employers in Austin and retirement benefits make up a large percentage of the compensation of City of Austin employees. WHEREAS, City Council created the Economic Prosperity Commission to advise the council on matters related to job creation and the financial health of the City of Austin’s government is a signal used by employers to decide where to create jobs. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report says “The deficit in governmental unrestricted net position is largely due to the net pension liability of $2.3 billion and other postemployment benefits (OPEB) liability of $1.9 billion.”. WHEREAS, the Legacy Liability of all 3 pensions is expected to increase. The police pension’s increases until 2030, COAERS until 2031, and the firefighter’s until 2032. WHEREAS, the payments to reduce the Legacity Liability will exceed $190 million in 2028. And those payments will continue until 2051 for the police pension, until 2053 for COAERS, and until 2055 for the firefighters’. WHEREAS, the City of Austin has not saved any money to pay for “other post-employment benefits” (OPEB), such as medical care. WHEREAS, the City of Austin is not legally required to provide OPEB and employees have no guarantee that OPEB will continue. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission makes the following recommendations: • • The City should establish a defined-contribution plan to pay for OPEB for all employees hired after the plan was created. This is a legal trust where a fixed percentage of wages should be put into the fund to pay for OPEB benefits during each employees’ retirement. The City should continue to explore the cheapest way to provide medical care to existing retirees. This includes studying Chicago’s plan to use the Affordable Care Act, known as ObamaCare, as a way to get medical coverage for retirees. . • • • • The City Budget’s “Taxpayer Impact Statement” page should include the per-ratepayer change in the City’s “total governmental activities net position” for the previous year. The pensions’ rules should be simulated under random expected conditions (for example, shuffled historical data) and varying assumptions. The output of those simulations should include the range of values …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 16, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 15, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Gonzales called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:41 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (Chair) Michael Nahas Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Raquel Valzez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Aditi Joshi Zain Pleuthner Shakeel Rashed Ofelia Zapata PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on September 17, 2025. The minutes were approved on Vice Chair Valdez Sanchez’ motion, Commissioner Joshi’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Zapata was off the dais. Commissioners Cantu and Randall were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding Rally Austin’s proposal for the 2026 City of Austin Bond Election. Presentation by David Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 16, 2025 The presentation was made by David Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. Discussion reviewing an analysis of Local Government Code Chapter 380 agreements. Discussed. Discussion regarding staff and commission follow-up on action items in the City Auditor Office’s 2017 Workforce Development Audit and 2022 Workforce Development Follow-Up. Discussed. Discussion regarding efforts to encourage members of the public to apply for vacant positions on the Economic Prosperity Commission. Discussed. Discussion regarding a potential partnership with Austin Community College to explore and expand youth paid internships, employment, and education credits. Discussed. Discussion reviewing political activity guidelines for commissioners. Discussed. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the Childcare Working Group regarding its progress on forming recommendations on youth summer employment and youth workforce development. Update by Vice Chair Valdez Sanchez. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Pension Recommendation – Commissioner Nahas Staff briefing regarding pensions – Commissioner Nahas ADJOURNMENT Chair Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. without objection. 2
Board/Commission Recommendation Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation Number 20251119-###: Pensions and OPEB benefits WHEREAS, City Council created the Economic Prosperity Commission to advise the council on matters related to job creation and the City of Austin is one of the largest employers in Austin and retirement benefits make up a large percentage of the compensation of City of Austin employees. WHEREAS, City Council created the Economic Prosperity Commission to advise the council on matters related to job creation and the financial health of the City of Austin’s government is a signal used by employers to decide where to create jobs. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report says “The deficit in governmental unrestricted net position is largely due to the net pension liability of $2.3 billion and other postemployment benefits (OPEB) liability of $1.9 billion.”. WHEREAS, the Legacy Liability of all 3 pensions is expected to increase. The police pension’s increases until 2030, COAERS until 2031, and the firefighter’s until 2032. WHEREAS, the payments to reduce the Legacity Liability will exceed $190 million in 2028. And those payments will continue until 2051 for the police pension, until 2053 for COAERS, and until 2055 for the firefighters’. WHEREAS, the City of Austin has not saved any money to pay for “other post-employment benefits” (OPEB), such as medical care. WHEREAS, the City of Austin is not legally required to provide OPEB and employees have no guarantee that OPEB will continue. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission makes the following recommendations: ● The City should establish a defined-contribution plan to pay for OPEB for all employees hired after the plan was created. This is a legal trust where a fixed percentage of wages should be put into the fund to pay for OPEB benefits during each employees’ retirement. ● The City should continue to explore the cheapest way to provide medical care to existing retirees. This includes studying Chicago’s plan to use the Affordable Care Act, known as ObamaCare, as a way to get medical coverage for retirees. ● The City Budget’s “Taxpayer Impact Statement” page should include the per-ratepayer change in the City’s “total governmental activities net position” for the previous year. ● The pensions’ rules should be simulated under random expected conditions (for example, shuffled historical data) and varying assumptions. The output of those simulations should include the range of values for net pension liabilities in …
Sustainability of Austin’s Pension and Post-Employment Benefit Plans November 19, 2025 Austin has lost a lot of money. The City of Austin’s financial position is recorded in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (CoA ACFR). The latest report from 2024 shows that “total governmental activities net position” was positive $662,050,000 in 2015 and is negative $541,244,000 in 2024. (Table 1, page 277.) The report says, “The deficit in governmental unrestricted net position is largely due to the net pension liability of $2.3 billion and other postemployment benefits (OPEB) liability of $1.9 billion.” (Page 4) In plain English, the government of Austin has lost more than 1 billion dollars over the last 9 years due to pensions and healthcare for its retirees. This report for the Economic Prosperity Commission’s Long-term Working Group investigates this problem, what caused it, and the City of Austin’s current response to it. It proposes additional changes to prevent its repeating. Since OPEB and pensions are separate topics, the report is divided into 2 sections, covering each separately. Members of the Working Group Michael Nahas, author Aditi Joshi, commenter Zain Pleuthner, commenter Shakeel Rashed, commenter Expertise Michael Nahas, the author of this report, has a Masters of Arts in Economics from UT-Austin. His thesis was on the relationship of foreign bond prices to currency exchange rates. He worked in finance, predicting stock prices and futures prices for an options trading firm. He also wrote bond trading software for 2 other firms. He is not an accountant. He is not an actuary. He is not an expert in pensions. Members of the Working Group talked to: ● Ed Van Eenoo, Chief Financial Officer of the City of Austin ● Christopher Hanson, Executive Director of COAERS ● Keith Brainard, Vice Chair of the Texas Pension Review Board ● Joshua Rauh, Professor of Finance at Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Summary Austin is 6th in the country in per-capita employee retirement debt. This is the OPEB liability plus the pension liability. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) ● OPEB is a big problem: $2.5 billion risk-free net liability ● The biggest cost of OPEB is medical insurance. Insurance is getting more expensive and people are living longer, so costs are increasing. ● Austin has no savings to pay for OPEB. ● Austin is not required by law nor contract to pay for OPEB. It can stop at any time. In a financial …
