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Recommendation 20250310-014: FY 25-26 Austin Energy Budget Recommendations — original pdf
Electric Utility Commission RECOMMENDATION 20250310-14 Date: March 10, 2025 Subject: Austin Energy Budget Recommendations Recommendations on the FY 25-26 Budget Description of Recommendation to Council Motioned By: Kaiba White Seconded By: Cyrus Reed 1. The Customer Energy Solutions department is responsible for Austin Energy’s demand- side programs, which include customer-sited solar energy, community solar, energy efficiency, demand response and transportation electrification. The success of these programs is essential for meeting the goals of the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, and for maintaining affordability and customer satisfaction. The roles that the teams within Customer Energy Solutions have been expanding and will continue to expand as these Council-adopted plans are implemented. It is essential that staffing keep pace with the need and demand for this important work. For example, the Solar Standard Offer program for commercial customers has launched and an expansion is being discussed and is envisioned in the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan. While the private sector will do most of the work to deliver energy through that program, Austin Energy staff play important roles in making it and other solar programs a success. They respond to questions from the public, review applications, conduct inspections and run payments. Staff are also working to implement a distributed energy management system that will allow the utility to utilize customer-sited batteries and are going to implement a Passive House pilot program to incentivize energy efficient building techniques. The teams within Customer Energy Solutions that are working to implement these new programs, as well as the many existing programs, must grow to effectively and efficiently do this important work. The Electric Utility Commission recommends that FTEs be added to implement the customer energy solutions goals in the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan. 2. Austin Energy is charged with developing and implementing, with the Developmental Services Department and City Council, the adoption, implementation and enforcement of energy codes. It is expected in 2025, the City Council will adopt new energy codes. The EUC recommends additional funding for FTEs for outreach, implementation and enforcement of the new energy codes. Vote: 9-0 For: Chair Dave Tuttle; Vice Chair Kaiba White; Commissioner Raul Alvarez; Commissioner Lauren Bellomy; Commissioner Jonathon Blackburn; Commissioner Al Braden; Commissioner Chris Kirksey; Commissioner Cyrus Reed; Commissioner Joshua Rhodes Absences: Commissioners Akande and Benavides Against: None Abstentions: None Off Dais: …
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Item 2. Staff Briefing on Food Plan - March 2025 — original pdf
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB March 2024 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates Report back to Council in Spring 2025 ● City staff will provide a Memo to Council in spring 2025 ○ Updates on Strategy progress including defined leadership roles and responsibilities for implementation of the various strategies within the Plan ○ Funding needs in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget for investment in and implementation of the Plan and to identify strategy priorities to be included as part of the next bond package ○ Updates on a Food Plan Dashboard ○ Updates on an Implementation Coalition Dashboard Preview - Now LIVE Implementation Coalition ● City and County staff are developing an Interlocal Agreement to support a Food Plan implementation coalition (Strategy 9.1) ● Staff are scoping and negotiating specifics and hope to have an Interlocal Agreement complete in spring 2025 ● RFP for support of an implementation coalition will be released in mid-2025 Travis County Food Plan Updates Exploring Departmental Alignment ● Travis County Staff Food Plan Team Updates ○ Current step: outreach to departmental staff leaders to explore Food Plan goal & strategy alignment with departmental goals ○ Goal: share top-aligned goals & strategies with Commissioners Court members, Spring 2025 Thank You! Travis County Environmental Quality: Sustainability Programs www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
Item 7. Good Work Austin Proposal_ Addressing Unmet Needs for Goal 3 Strategies — original pdf
Addressing Unmet Needs for Goal 3 Strategies in the Austin-Travis County Food Plan Good Work Austin (GWA) is committed to advancing the strategies outlined under Goal 3 of the Austin-Travis County Food Plan: Improving farm worker and food worker livelihoods by ensuring a safety net, defining career pathways, expanding training opportunities, and strengthening opportunities for advancement across the local food system. This proposal outlines the unmet needs required to address these strategies and the resources needed to achieve meaningful progress in FY 2025-2026. Strategy 3.1: Define the criteria for a livable wage in the food service industry to enhance the participation of restaurants and other food businesses in incentive programs using frameworks such as One Fair Wage, MIT Living Wage Calculator, or United Way's ALICE. Unmet Needs: 1. Staffing: $13,000 to fund GWA staff to utilize their evaluation expertise and data management tools to develop and adapt a livable wage framework specific to the local food system, leveraging models like One Fair Wage, Chicago’s One Fair Wage ordinance, and the MIT Living Wage Calculator. Impact: These efforts will directly benefit the over 65,000 food workers in Travis County by making it easier for businesses to begin the path to increasing wages and ensuring fair compensation practices. Phase 1 (2025-2026): 1. Research and Framework Development (30 hours): Study and adapt existing models like One Fair Wage, Chicago’s One Fair Wage ordinance, and the MIT Living Wage Calculator to the local food system. 2. Business Engagement, Data Collection and Analysis (70 hours): Engage with 50 local food businesses (with an emphasis on small businesses), and city and community partners, through meetings, interviews, and workshops to gather feedback. Gather and analyze regional data on cost of living and wages to inform the framework. 3. Documentation and Reporting (30 hours): Compile findings, feedback, and the finalized framework into a report for stakeholders. Total Estimated Hours: 130 hours. Phase 2: Implement adoption through targeted campaigns and resources for businesses to adopt living wage criteria. Provide consultation (a part of strategy 3.6) to support businesses to adopt liveable wage models and education for consumers. Strategy 3.2: Conduct a regular survey to assess needs, work environment, and career outlook to inform programs and policies affecting food and farm workers. Unmet Needs: 1. Staffing: $23,000 to fund GWA staff to utilize their evaluation expertise and data management tools to research and develop, implement, and report findings of a …
Customer Energy Solutions FY 25 Savings Report — original pdf
Energy Efficiency Services EES- Appliance Efficiency Program EES- Home Energy Savings - Rebate EES- AE Weatherization & CAP Weatherization - D.I. * EES- School Based Education * EES- Strategic Partnership Between Utilities & Retailers * EES- Multifamily Rebates EES- Multifamily WX-D.I.+ EES- Commercial Rebate EES- Small Business Energy Efficiency TOTAL Demand Response (DR) - Annual Incremental DR- Power Partner DR- Commercial Demand Response (frmly Load Coop) Demand Response (DR) TOTAL Green Building GB- Residential Ratings GB- Residential Energy Code GB- Multifamily Ratings GB- Multifamily Energy Code GB- Commercial Ratings GB- Commercial Energy Code Green Building TOTAL CES MW Savings Grand TOTAL Residential Totals Commercial Totals Non-Public - AE# Customer Energy Solutions FY25 YTD MW Savings Report As of January 2025 Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget MW Goal 2.60 0.90 0.44 0.30 1.75 0.65 1.00 6.00 2.00 15.64 MW Goal 6.40 2.00 8.40 MW Goal 0.35 1.48 1.34 4.41 4.60 1.71 13.89 MW To Date 0.59 0.11 0.42 0.09 0.46 1.49 0.36 0.50 0.33 4.35 MW To Date 3.33 3.33 MW To Date 0.14 0.41 0.78 2.89 1.41 0.67 6.29 Percentage 23% 12% 95% 29% 26% 229% 36% 8% 17% Percentage 52% 0% Percentage 39% 28% 58% 65% 31% 39% Customers Customers Customers Products Products Apartments Apartments Customers Customers Devices Customers Customers Customers Dwellings Dwellings 1,000 sf 1,000 sf Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget Spent to Date 861 104 505 2,043 71,258 3,015 2,612 38 24 9,202 2,344 2,344 171 517 1,798 5,384 1,868 2,160 7,870 0 1,172.83 150.24 776.26 458.57 3,607.41 2,888.57 1,423.82 987.95 695.97 12,161.62 $ 1,500,000 $ 1,600,000 $ 2,577,000 $ 350,000 $ 1,250,000 $ 900,000 $ 1,800,000 $ 2,250,000 $ 1,100,000 $ 13,327,000 Spent to Date $ 378,403 $ 207,994 $ 4,496,261 $ 100,863 $ 332,193 $ 1,052,847 $ 655,279 $ 338,502 $ 218,303 $ 7,780,645 0 0.00 $ 1,600,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 3,600,000 $ 254,230 $ 254,230 159 568 2,080 3,012 4,166 2,194 12,179 $ - $ - $ - $ - 0 $ - $ - MW Goal 37.93 MW To Date 13.97 Percentage Participant Type Participants To Date MWh To Date Rebate Budget 19,416 24,340.61 $ 16,927,000 Spent to Date $ 8,034,875 15.87 14.06 7.39 13.75 47% 98% 83,430 11,210 11204.72 11513.97 $ $ 11,577,000 2,001,684 $ $ 7,478,070 3,350,000 Thermal Energy Storage TOTAL …
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ITEM02 C16-2024-0001 DENIED DS — original pdf
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet – SIGN VARIANCE ITEM02 DATE: March 10, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C16-2024-0001 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___Y____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___-____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___-____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Michael Everett OWNER: Rowdy Durham ADDRESS: 6320 ED BLUESTEIN BLVD SB VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a sign variance(s) from the Land Development Code, Section 25-10-123 (Expressway Corridor Sign District Regulations): (B) (2) (a) to exceed sign area from 60 square feet to 210.36 square feet (B) (3) (a) to exceed sign height of 35 feet (maximum allowed) to 60 feet (requested) for a Freestanding sign in order to provide signage for a McDonald’s in a “GR-MU-CO-NP”, Community Commercial – Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay - Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (University Hills Neighborhood Plan), Expressway Corridor Sign District. Note: The Land Development Code Sign Regulations 25-10-123 Expressway Corridor Sign Regulations (A) This section applies to an expressway corridor sign district. (B) This subsection prescribes regulations for freestanding signs. (1) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10-131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted). (2) The sign area may not exceed: (a) on a lot with not more than 86 linear feet of street frontage, 60 square feet; or (b) on a lot with more than 86 linear feet of street frontage, the lesser of: (i) 0.7 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or (ii) 300 square feet. (3) The sign height may not exceed the greater of: (a) 35 feet above frontage street pavement grade; or (b) 20 feet above grade at the base of the sign. (C) A roof sign may be permitted instead of a freestanding sign under Section 25-10-132 (Roof Sign Instead Of Freestanding Sign). (D) Wall signs are permitted. (E) One flag for each curb cut is permitted. (F) For signs other than freestanding signs or roof signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 20 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building. Source: Section 13-2-867; Ord. 990225-70; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20170817-072, Pt. 9, 8-28-17. BOARD’S DECISION: December 9, 2024, POSPONED TO JANUARY 13, 2025 RENOTIFICATION -VARIANCE REQUEST: …
ITEM03 C15-2025-0005 PP TO MAY12 DS — original pdf
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet Item03 DATE: Monday March 10, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C15-2025-0005 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___Y____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___-____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___-____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Maximiliano Martinez OWNER: Death and Taxes ADDRESS: 2136 7TH ST VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code, space from one (1) (required) to zero (0) (requested) and minimum on-site accessible space from one (1) (required) to zero (0) (requested) in order to remodel an existing restaurant in a “CS-CO-MU-NP”, General Commercial Services-Conditional Overlay-Mixed Use-Neighborhood Plan zoning district. (Central East Austin Neighborhood Plan) Note: Per Land Development Code: Section 25-6-474 (Parking Facilities for Persons with Disabilities) (B) to reduce the Section 25-6-471 (Off-Stret Parking) (B) to reduce the minimum on-site accessible Except as provided in Subsection (B), off-street motor vehicle parking is not required. This article shall govern over a 25-6-471 – OFF-STREET PARKING. (A) conflicting provision of this title or other ordinance, unless the conflicting provision is less restrictive. This article applies to all uses and to specific regulating plans, Transit Oriented Development areas (TODs), and Neighborhood Conservation Combining Districts (NCCDs) that incorporate this chapter by reference. A planned unit development (PUD) that includes specific off-site parking requirements controls over this article. A person may appeal the requirements of this section to the Board of Adjustment. A minimum of one on-site accessible space is required. The minimum number of accessible spaces is calculated by taking 100 A variance granted under Subsection (C) applies only to the use for which the variance was granted and does not run with the (B) percent of the parking previously required for the use under Appendix A (Tables of Off-Street Loading Requirements and Former Off- Street Parking Requirements) and using that result to determine the number of accessible parking spaces required under the Building Code. Source: Section 13-5-97(f), (g) and (i); Ord. 990225-70; Ord. 031120-44; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. No. 20231102-028, Pt. 41, 11-13-23. 25-6-474 - PARKING FACILITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. (A) A site must have: (1) a parking facility that is accessible to a person with disabilities; (2) routes of travel that connect the accessible elements of the site; and (3) the number …
ITEM04 C15-2025-0006 DENIED DS — original pdf
CITY OF AUSTIN Board of Adjustment Decision Sheet Item04 DATE: Monday March 10, 2025 CASE NUMBER: C15-2025-0006 ___Y____Thomas Ates (D1) ___Y____Bianca A Medina-Leal (D2) ___Y____Jessica Cohen (D3) ___Y____Yung-ju Kim (D4) ___Y____Melissa Hawthorne (D5) ___Y____Jeffery Bowen (D6) ___Y____Janel Venzant (D7) ___Y____Margaret Shahrestani (D8) ___Y____Brian Poteet (D9) ___Y____Michael Von Ohlen (D10) ___-____Marcel Gutierrez-Garza (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) ___-____Suzanne Valentine (Alternate) (M) ___-____VACANT (Alternate) (M) APPLICANT: Jennifer Hanlen OWNER: David and Stephanie Goodman ADDRESS: 3706 MEADOWBANK DR VARIANCE REQUESTED: The applicant is requesting a variance(s) from the Land Development Code Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2, Development Standards Section 2.1 (Maximum Development Permitted) to increase the F.A.R from 40% (required) to 41.3% (requested), in order to complete a remodel/addition to include a garage to an existing single family residence in an “SF-3-NP”, Single-Family- Neighborhood Plan zoning district (WANG Neighborhood Plan). NOTE: LDC 25-2 Land Development, Subchapter F: Residential Design and Compatibility Standards, Article 2: - Development Standards, Section 2.1 – Maximum Development Permitted. The maximum amount of development permitted on a property subject to this Subchapter is limited to the greater of 0.4 to 1.0 floor-to-area ratio or 2,300 square feet of gross floor area, as defined in Section 3.3. Floor-to-area ratio shall be measured using gross floor area as defined in Section 3.3, except that the lot area of a flag lot is calculated consistent with the requirements of 25-1-22 (Measurements). BOARD’S DECISION: The public hearing was closed by Madam Chair Jessica Cohen, Board member Michael Von Ohlen’s motion to Deny; Board member Maggie Shahrestani second on 10-0 votes; DENIED. FINDING: 1. The Zoning regulations applicable to the property do not allow for a reasonable use because: 2. (a) The hardship for which the variance is requested is unique to the property in that: (b) The hardship is not general to the area in which the property is located because: 3. The variance will not alter the character of the area adjacent to the property, will not impair the use of adjacent conforming property, and will not impair the purpose of the regulations of the zoning district in which the property is located because: Elaine Ramirez Executive Liaison Jessica Cohen Madam Chair Diana Ramirez for
20250310-007: Improve Conditions for Food System Workers City of Austin — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number 20250310-07: Improve Conditions for Food System Workers WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed RESOLUTION NO. 20210610-039, which directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process for an Austin Food Plan in June 2021 to support a more resilient, equitable food system for the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan was developed through comprehensive and collaborative community workgroups across five identified issue areas, including 1.) Food Access and Consumption, 2.) Food Markets and Retail, 3.) Food Production, 4.) Post-Consumption and Food Waste, and 5.) Food Processing and Distribution, as well as input from a Community Advisory Committee, Community Food Ambassadors, planning teams across both City and County offices, and broad public engagement; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, outlines strategic, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time-bound, inclusive, and equitable objectives, goals, and strategies to be accomplished within the next five years to create a more just, accessible, and culturally diverse food system for Austin and Travis County that supports and sustains thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and solutions to climate change where all individuals can reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, Goal 3 of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, "Livelihoods," seeks to improve farm worker and food worker livelihoods by ensuring a safety net, defining career pathways, expanding training opportunities, and strengthening opportunities for advancement across the local food system; and WHEREAS, over 65,000 people (7.5% of residents) are employed in the food sector across Travis County, many of whom earn some of the lowest wages in our local economy1, making the implementation of Goal 3 essential to supporting economic stability, worker well-being, and a thriving regional food economy; and WHEREAS, successful implementation of Goal 3 requires specific actions based on the strategies listed in the food plan, including: 1 City of Austin (2022), State of the Food System Report. ● 3.1 Defining criteria for a livable wage in the food service industry using nationally recognized frameworks, paired with business engagement and data analysis to create a regionally appropriate standard; ● 3.2 Conducting regular, culturally appropriate worker surveys and focus groups to assess needs, work environments, and career opportunities to inform responsive policy and program development; ● 3.3 Establishing a commission or working group under the Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board to address food and farm worker rights, including benefits, …
20250310-007: Improve Conditions for Food System Workers Travis County — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number 20250310-07: Improve Conditions for Food System Workers WHEREAS, Travis County Commissioners Court passed a Resolution in support of the Austin Travis County Food Plan on October 29th 2024; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan was developed through comprehensive and collaborative community workgroups across five identified issue areas, including 1.) Food Access and Consumption, 2.) Food Markets and Retail, 3.) Food Production, 4.) Post-Consumption and Food Waste, and 5.) Food Processing and Distribution, as well as input from a Community Advisory Committee, Community Food Ambassadors, planning teams across both City and County offices, and broad public engagement; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan outlines strategic, measurable, ambitious, realistic, time- bound, inclusive, and equitable objectives, goals, and strategies to be accomplished within the next five years to create a more just, accessible, and culturally diverse food system for Austin and Travis County that supports and sustains thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and solutions to climate change where all individuals can reach their full potential; and WHEREAS, Goal 3 of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, "Livelihoods," seeks to improve farm worker and food worker livelihoods by ensuring a safety net, defining career pathways, expanding training opportunities, and strengthening opportunities for advancement across the local food system; and WHEREAS, over 65,000 people (7.5% of residents) are employed in the food sector across Travis County, many of whom earn some of the lowest wages in our local economy1, making the implementation of Goal 3 essential to supporting economic stability, worker well-being, and a thriving regional food economy; and WHEREAS, successful implementation of Goal 3 requires specific actions based on the strategies listed in the food plan, including: 1 City of Austin (2022), State of the Food System Report. ● 3.1 Defining criteria for a livable wage in the food service industry using nationally recognized frameworks, paired with business engagement and data analysis to create a regionally appropriate standard; ● 3.2 Conducting regular, culturally appropriate worker surveys and focus groups to assess needs, work environments, and career opportunities to inform responsive policy and program development; ● 3.3 Establishing a commission or working group under the Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board to address food and farm worker rights, including benefits, unfair labor practices, and workplace safety; ● 3.4 Researching and recommending incentives such as tax rebates and wage supplements to support food system employers who provide livable …
20250310-009: Expand Benefits and Access to Nutritious Food — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number 20250310-09: Expand Benefits and Access to Nutritious Food WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report Strategy 6.5 calls for expanded benefits and access to nutritious foods through programs that amplify and supplement the purchasing power of individuals and households facing food and nutrition insecurity and explore the feasibility of creating a locally funded nutrition incentive program with less restrictive eligibility criteria than SNAP/WIC. WHEREAS, food insecurity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in Austin/Travis County, creating significant barriers to nutritious food access for individuals and households with limited resources; WHEREAS, where value multiplying programs are an effective model of extending purchasing power for nutritious foods, allowing SNAP and WIC recipients to double their spending on fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets and retail locations; WHEREAS, the need for culturally relevant nutrition education and cooking skills training, can empower community members to make healthy, affordable food choices; WHEREAS, current food assistance programs often have restrictive eligibility criteria that exclude many community members experiencing economic hardship; WHEREAS, technological barriers and limited digital literacy can further complicate access to food assistance resources and online food shopping options; WHEREAS, language and disability barriers continue to create additional challenges for individuals seeking food assistance and nutrition support; WHEREAS, there are existing successful local programs that provide valuable frameworks for expanding food access and nutrition education so new programs can and need to be created; WHEREAS, these recommendations align with the city's commitment to the food plan, health, and community support. Further recognizing that according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes access to nutritious food as a fundamental human right; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board recommends the City of Austin expand and enhance nutrition incentive programs, building upon successful value purchasing models to create a locally funded nutrition incentive program with more flexible eligibility criteria that complement existing federal/state/local assistance programs. These efforts could provide additional purchasing power for nutritious foods, particularly fresh produce and local agricultural products and create mechanisms to support both farmers and food-insecure households. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages Austin City Council to provide funding for nutrition education and skill-building initiatives to increase utilization and health among vulnerable populations. BE IT FURTHER …
20250310-06A: Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in Austin, Texas — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20250310-06A: Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in Austin, Texas WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; and WHEREAS, there is a lack of coordination among City departments acquiring land for various purposes, such as water quality, flood control, and green space development, undermining the potential to support the City’s food and climate resilience goals, including agricultural production and carbon sequestration; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board encourages the Austin City …
20250310-06B: Defining and Supporting Regenerative Agriculture — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20250310_6B: Defining and Supporting Regenerative Agriculture WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that 21% of all greenhouse gas emissions in our community are related to the food supply chain; and WHEREAS, implementing Regenerative Agriculture supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which aims to ensure that by 2030, 100% of Austinites, especially those who are food insecure, can access a pro-climate, pro-health food systems that prioritize regenerative agriculture; and WHEREAS, the goals and strategies in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, prioritize regenerative agriculture implementation, with reference to “regenerative agriculture” and food systems occurring 44 times throughout the document; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan states that a specific definition of Regenerative food production may need to be adopted to implement strategies under Goal 1, which pertain to agricultural land use (1.1,1.2) and community food systems support (1.6,1.12); and WHEREAS, a more specific definition is contained within the Resilient Farm Planning framework, which utilizes Conservation Practice Standards codified by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and quantifies the resulting greenhouse gas benefits; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process has seen wide adoption and proof of concept in California for over a decade, with 137 Resilient Farm Plans (called Carbon Farm Plans in California) encompassing 71,440 acres; and WHEREAS, the Resilient Farm Planning process can be also be applied to outdoor spaces such as parks, flood plain, and greenbelts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Office of Sustainability has previously allocated funds for Texas’ First Resilient Farm plan at the Refugee Collective Farm, written and implemented with technical assistance from National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and Carbon Cycle Institute (CCI). This establishes a precedent of city support for collaborative plan implementation; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to assist with the writing and implementation of Resilient Farm Plans; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grant is a current funding mechanism available to farmers that supports a more just and resilient Austin by providing direct funding for community-led solutions that enable transformative change in the areas of food, climate, and resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board’s Recommendation Number 20240318-7 urged the City of Austin to allocate funds and create …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Friday, March 7, 2025, 5:30pm Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. Conor Kelly Jennifer Powell Pete Salazar Kristen Vassallo CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang Mickey Fetonte CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on February 7, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation and discussion of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Presentation by James May, Officer Housing & Community Development, Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, Housing Department and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. Discussion of micromobility and obstruction of sidewalks. Discussion of upcoming changes to the fare system at CapMetro. Discussion of bringing awareness to 2025 disability events in the Austin area. Discussion of the City of Austin budget process, Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget recommendations and of proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Formation of a Working Group to research and write Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget recommendations. Discussion of ways the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities can work with and advise the City of Austin Human Resources Department and formation of a Working Group to develop a training on City Code Chapter 5-6. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 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 …
Item #1 Draft Meeting Minutes February 7, 2025 — original pdf
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, February 7, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, February 7, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular called meeting on Friday, February 7, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St Austin, Texas. Commissioner Kelly called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:48 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Gabriel Arellano Conor Kelly Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang Mickey Fetonte Jennifer Powell Pete Salazar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Melanie Babbitt – IDD need for higher caregiver rates. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on December 13, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on December 13, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Salazar’s motion, Commissioner Kelly’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Chair Meyer, Vice Chair Franks, and Commissioner Vassallo were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding the City of Austin emergency language access plan from the Communications and Public Information Office and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, February 7, 2025 The presentation was made by Marion Sanchez, Community Engagement Manager, Communications and Public Information Office, David Wiechmann, Acting Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and David Alcorta, Community Engagement Specialist, Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the Equity Office’s Undoing Institutional Racism Training, including the feasibility of attendance and accessibility considerations. The presentation was made by Angelica Benton-Molina, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager, Equity Office. 4. Discussion of bringing awareness to 2025 disability events in the Austin area. Discussed. 5. Discussion of scooters impeding the walkways on sidewalks. The presentation was made by Eli Davis, Lime. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion of ways the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities can work with and advise the City of Austin Human Resources Department and formation of a Working Group to develop a training on City Code Chapter 5-6. Discussion of the City of Austin Budget process and formation of a Working Group to research and write budget recommendations. 6. 7. Postponed. Postponed. None. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 pm was approved on Commissioner Salazar’s motion Commissioner Chang’s second on a 6-0 vote. Chair Meyer, Vice Chair Franks, and Commissioner Vassallo …
Item #2 Action Plan Community Needs Assessment - Housing Department — original pdf
Discussion on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 25-26 Action Plan for federal grants. Agenda Funding and Engagement Cycle Background Federal Grants Overview FY23-24 Goals, Outcomes & Impact FY25-26 Priorities How do we fund our programs? HUD Annual Entitlement Grants Housing Trust Fund Approved City Bonds City Operating Budget Project Connect Anti-Displacement Funds CARES Act The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates entitlement funding to municipalities and state governments. The City of Austin applies for approximately $14 million in annual grant entitlements across four grants for affordable housing, community development, economic development, and public services. These grants are part of a 5-year cycle. Consolidated Plan (5-Year) Allocates federal resources to housing and community development Action Plan (1-Year) Summarizes actions, activities and federal/non- federal resources in the Consolidated Plan Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (1-Year) End-of-year report on progress toward consolidated plan 4 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback immediate help stability trust building wealth access 5 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback from Boards & Commissions Mayor's Committee on People with Disabilities Transparency & Accountability What is the total funding for housing programs? What has changed since you came to us last? How are you holding partners accountable? Outreach and Engagement How are you reaching our community? Data and Impact How great is the need? How are you serving our community? Funding Possibilities Programs and projects specific to each community Disappointment and Distrust More questions than input Calls for accountability The committee members wanted to see more data on people with disabilities and expressed frustration in not being able to find the information anywhere. They encouraged staff to work more directly with the City demographer to understand the needs of this specific demographic and to track how many people applying for programs identified as having a disability. Committee members had questions about home repair programs and fees associated with the repairs if the homeowner passes away. They were curious about how the budget fluctuates depending on needs and what dollars are protected when budgetary priorities change. Committee members asked about the requirements of development partners, including how long the affordability of properties will remain and what terms developers agree to for accessibility. Our Response HUD Funding Sources 8 Programs & Activities Overview FY 23-24 9 Goals & Outcomes FY 23-24 10 Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 1,856 # households served FY 23-24 …
Agenda — original pdf
REFULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION March 7th, 2025, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 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 please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin CALL TO ORDER Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting from January 31, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Update from staff on the status of new commissioners Discussion on attaining a pedestrian crosswalk near Huston-Tillotson University. Discussion on the status of food pantries on all campuses. 1. 1. 2. 3. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on priority issues for the spring Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on priority issues for the spring Update from BANNED BOOKS working group on resolution draft. 4. 5. 6. 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 Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the College Student Commission, please contact Chiquita Eugene at (512-972-5003).
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