Music Commission Monday, May 2, 2022, 6:30pm Austin City Hall – Council Chambers Room 1001 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the Music 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 by telephone. Speakers may register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three (3) minutes to provide their comments. Speakers wishing to participate remotely by telephone are required to register in advance no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely email or call Kim McCarson at kimberly.mccarson@austintexas.gov , 512-974-7963 by noon on Sunday, May 1, 2022. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chair - Anne-Charlotte Patterson, Vice-chair - Nagavalli Medicharla, Secretary - Oren Rosenthal, Parliamentarian - Graham Reynolds, Gavin Garcia, Lauryn Gould, Christopher Limon, Jonathan “Chaka” Mahone, Patrice Pike, Scott Strickland, Stuart Sullivan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour 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 2. STAFF BRIEFINGS Approval of Minutes from Regularly Scheduled Meeting on April 4, 2022. a. Update on Live Music Fund and Creative Space Assistance Program by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, and Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Economic Development Department. 3. NEW BUSINESS Corporation. Working Group. 4. OLD BUSINESS Tax fund revenue. a. Discussion and Possible Action on Austin Convention Center renovation, expansion and music industry role following presentation by Katy Zamesnik, Chief Administration Officer, Austin Convention Center and Laura Templeton of the Downtown Commission. b. Discussion and Possible Action following update on the Austin Economic Development c. Discussion and Possible Action regarding officer elections. d. Discussion and Possible Action following update on Joint Arts and Music Commission a. Discussion and Possible Action on voter registration and Music Commission role. b. Discussion and Possible Action on addition of Short-term Rentals to Hotel Occupancy 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 …
South Central Waterfront Regulating Plan South Central Waterfront Advisory Board April 18, 2022 Greg Dutton – Housing and Planning Content Regulating Plan How will it work? What will it do? What will it not do? Gives and gets Other Considerations Next Steps Overall Process Regulating Plan Creation Incorporation into LDC (Adoption) 3 Regulating Plan: how will it work? Developer Provides: • On-site affordable housing • Fee-in-lieu affordable housing • Other public realm benefits Developer Gets: • Increased entitlements 4 Regulating Plan: how will it work? Opt-in, voluntary Works in conjunction with existing WFO (does not replace it) Mechanically similar to University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) Amendment to the land development code 5 Regulating Plan: what will it do? Control physical buildout Lay out public benefits and developer incentives Include requirements for Affordable Housing provided by private developments that utilize bonus entitlements Open space, streetscape, frontage, building height, land uses, parking 6 Regulating Plan: what will it not do? Does not mandate participation Does not speak to financing, funding sources, or public-private Does not allow wiggle room or negotiating Part of a larger toolbox - will not achieve the framework vision by partnerships itself 7 Regulating Plan: gives and gets* Public goods: Additional entitlements: Affordable housing Height subdistricts up to On and off-site, 10%+ 400’ set aside Improved streetscape Enhanced open space Improved pedestrian experience Additional land uses Additional floor area No site area requirements No minimum parking required *All properties in the district eligible to participate 8 Other Considerations TIRZ in process Project Connect: Blue Line stop (above ground) + bridge Orange Line stop (underground) Changed market since 2016 Acuña ruling 9 Next Steps Regulating plan: Concepts: April/May 2022 Draft code: May/June 2022 Adoption: June/July/August 2022 20% Affordable Housing Gap Finance 1 0
South Central Waterfront Regulating Plan South Central Waterfront Advisory Board May 2, 2022 Greg Dutton – Housing and Planning Content Regulating Plan How will it work? What will it do? What will it not do? Gives and gets Other Considerations Next Steps Overall Process Regulating Plan Creation Incorporation into LDC (Adoption) 3 Regulating Plan: how will it work? Developer Provides: • On-site affordable housing • Fee-in-lieu affordable housing • Other public realm benefits Developer Gets: • Increased entitlements 4 Regulating Plan: how will it work? ▪ Opt-in, voluntary ▪ Works in conjunction with existing WFO (does not replace it) ▪ Mechanically similar to University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) ▪ Amendment to the land development code 5 Regulating Plan: what will it do? ▪ Control physical buildout ▪ Lay out public benefits and developer incentives ▪ Include requirements for Affordable Housing provided by private developments that utilize bonus entitlements ▪ Open space, streetscape, frontage, building height, land uses, parking 6 Regulating Plan: what will it not do? ▪ Does not mandate participation ▪ Does not speak to financing, funding sources, or public-private ▪ Does not allow wiggle room or negotiating ▪ Part of a larger toolbox - will not achieve the framework vision by partnerships itself 7 Regulating Plan: gives and gets* ▪ Public goods: ▪ Additional entitlements: ▪ Affordable housing ▪ Height subdistricts up to ▪ On and off-site, 10%+ 400’ set aside ▪ Improved streetscape ▪ Enhanced open space ▪ Improved pedestrian experience ▪ CBD land uses ▪ Additional floor area (FAR) ▪ No site area requirements ▪ No minimum parking required *All properties in the district eligible to participate 8 Next Steps ▪ Regulating plan: ▪ Summary of plan: SCWAB 5/16/22 ▪ Regulating plan draft: SCWAB 6/20/22 ▪ SCWAB working groups? ▪ SCWAB recommendation 7/18/22 ▪ COJC recommendation 8/17/22 ▪ PC recommendation 8/23/22 ▪ Council adoption: 9/1/22 20% Affordable Housing Gap Finance 9 Other Considerations ▪ TIRZ in process ▪ Project Connect: ▪ Blue Line stop (above ground) + bridge ▪ Orange Line stop (underground) ▪ Acuña ruling 1 0
Creative Space Assistance Program - FY 2022 Scoring Matrix Category Criteria Access to Services Applicant lacks access to services, including: • Access to traditional funding support • Healthcare coverage for employees • Applicant and/or project located in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) Compelling Project Need The applicant demonstrates the funding will address a compelling organizational need. Up to 20 Points The applicant demonstrates the level of urgency of need according to the following categories: • Most Urgent: Applicant displaced or requires immediate relocation, lease renewal, or renovation in 6 months to avoid displacement Urgent: Applicant not displaced, but requires immediate relocation, lease renewal, or renovation in 7-13 months to avoid displacement Less Urgent: Applicant not displaced, but requires immediate relocation, lease renewal, or renovation in 14-20 months to avoid displacement • • Applicant Demonstrates co-location / sub-leasing opportunities, including: • • Co-location has served or advanced the applicant’s mission, cultural use, or artistic production Applicant has either increased access to affordable space to other creatives, or has benefited from increased income Co-location has improved programmatic efficiencies/collaboration for the applicant • Available Points Up to 30 Points Up to 15 Points Up to 15 Points Community Benefit Demonstrates impact to the community through such elements as mission, programs, events, and relationships. Up to 5 Points The applicant demonstrates that it’s committed to equity and to serving historically underrepresented communities in Austin. Up to 20 Points Event History & Programming Advancement Demonstrates the quality and advancement of its event history and artistic programming & services over time. 5 points New Recipient 10 Bonus Points The applicant has not received previous City funding, including: • • • • • • • Arts Space Assistance Program Creative Space Assistance Program Creative Space Disaster Relief Program Austin Live Music Venue Preservation Fund Austin Legacy Business Relief Grant Austin Small Business Relief Grant Austin Non-Profit Relief Grant Urgency Co-Location Equity
Live Music Fund Event Program Staff Update Music & Entertainment Division Economic Development Department 5/2/2022 LIVE MUSIC FUND EVENT PROGRAM –Award Amounts Fiscal Year 2022-23 Award Budget • $3M for 1-Year Contracts • Set Awards of $5,000-$10,000K each. • First disbursement of funds is 50% of the total award upon execution of contract. • Awards paid over a 12-month contract drawn down monthly for reimbursable eligible expenses with final 10% paid upon receipt of final report. • Any funds not utilized by Awardees go back into the Live Music Fund for future applicants. C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 00/00/00 2 LIVE MUSIC FUND EVENT PROGRAM –3rdParty Administrator Solicitation The formal solicitation for a qualified 3rd Party Administrator, including Music Commission solicitation instruction recommendations, is underway to provide a user-friendly process for Applicants and Awardees: ➢ Estimated 1,200–2,500 Applicants and 250–500 Program Awardee Contractors. ➢ Detailed solicitation quote for administration fee required from interested parties. ➢ City of Austin providing technical assistance for application registration and preparation. ➢ 3rd Party Administrator identifies subcontractor partner for applicant eligibility ➢ 3rd Party Administrator evaluates and scores eligible applications verified by verifications. subcontractor. ➢ 3rd Party Administrator’s subcontractor provides a “Results Accuracy Check” to ensure all eligible applications were correctly evaluated and scored. ➢ 3rd Party Administrator executes 12-month contracts with Program Awardees. ➢ City Staff monitor and assist with Awardee contract commitments. C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 00/00/00 3 LIVE MUSIC FUND EVENT PROGRAM –Timeline • May 2, 2022: Music Commission Staff Update • May–December 2022: 3rd Party Solicitation Process • March 2023: 3rd Party RCA Date • May 2023: 3rd Party Contract Start Date / Kick-Off Mtg • May–June 2023: Application Timeline • July 2023: Awardee Contract Start Date C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 00/00/00 4
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: 20220420-2(d) Convention Center Expansion Working Group Whereas: Convention & trade show attendance has not recovered to pre-"great recession" 2008/2009 levels and national convention center attendance was generally declining in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas: Austin has never met its hotel room night goals (332K) listed in the consulting reports advocating for the 2002 convention center expansion. The 2018 number was 246K. Whereas: Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund revenue, which pays for prior and future convention center expansions, declined significantly during COVID-19 and has yet to stabilize - let alone return to pre- COVID levels. Whereas: Austin is currently paying for multiple Convention Center-related bonds, including the 2002 expansion (maturing in 2029), and the Austin Convention Center Enterprises Hilton Hotel bond – which is in jeopardy of defaulting while any convention expansion construction occurs. Whereas: Austin convention center expansion plans were conceived with pre-COVID-19 assumptions, not taking into account the increasing shift to hybrid gatherings. Whereas: A research team led by UT academics published findings in Nature Sustainability (Dec. 2021) concluding that the recent shift to hybrid conventions produced both environmental and inclusivity benefits as physical attendance dropped. Whereas: Total Central Business District room demand from 2018 was 2.8M, and total Convention Center room nights were 246,235, which indicates that even pre-COVID the Convention Center accounted for fewer than 9% of total Central Business District rooms. Whereas: In past years pre Covid 19, the Austin Convention Center drove a small part of the tourism economy, accounting for approximately 2% of the tourists who come to Austin. Whereas: The completion of the Fairmont which is connected to the Austin Convention Center added nearly 140,000 square feet of meeting room space, effectively expanding the convention center at no cost to taxpayers to accommodate larger events while increasing competition for smaller events, and the Marriott Downtown offers over 60,000square feet of meeting space, and is located across the street from the Convention Center with similar benefits and costs to the convention center. Whereas: San Antonio, Dallas and Houston all presently have larger convention facilities. In an already competitive market and with Austin's convention center attendance suffering from the pandemic, Austin will likely find it increasingly challenging to compete in an eroding market with ever-increasing supply and shrinking demand. Whereas: Dallas has recently announced a multi-billion-dollar convention expansion where they project their attendance to more than …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION May 2, 2022 WHEREAS, the City of Austin has become synonymous with the housing crisis facing the Proposal that the Austin City Council pay the Austin EMS Equitably with Public Safety Unions Date: Subject: Motioned by: Rebecca Bernhardt Seconded by: Rebecca Webber Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the City Council direct the City Manager’s Office to prioritize negotiations with the Austin EMS Association and offer substantial additional compensation as part of the union contract, in line with the cost of living in Austin, the compensation of credentialed staff with comparable workloads at Texas EMS agencies, and the compensation of sworn staff of the Austin Police Department and Austin Fire Department. United States and has become the least affordable housing market outside of California, surpassing notoriously expensive cities including Boston, Miami and New York City for cost of housing; yet, the current living wage of $15.00 per hour was established in 2018 and is outdated. The City of Austin’s Living Wage Working Group, which includes representatives from the City’s Department of Human Resources, has recommended a living wage of $22.00 per hour for 2022; WHEREAS, 26.4 percent of EMS sworn staff are considered low-income. Single parents will not stop being low-income until they reach 11 years of service with EMS if they have one child, 17 years of service if they have two children; WHEREAS, a great deal is made of the police labor shortage, the Austin EMS labor shortage is more severe. Austin EMS is currently operating at 75.3 percent of authorized sworn capacity. Austin EMS has lost 26 experienced medics to attrition so far during calendar year 2022; in all of calendar year 2019, Austin EMS lost 28 experienced medics to attrition; WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a long-time commitment to supporting a living wage; WHEREAS, Austin EMS cannot effectively recruit new sworn staff because of substandard wages. Although authorized for 30 medics, the December 2021 EMS Academy was only able to recruit 18 cadets. The March 2022 EMS Academy was able to recruit 17 cadets. At this rate, Austin EMS will be unable to fill its vacancies and Austin EMS will remain structurally understaffed and become increasingly understaffed into the foreseeable future, creating an increasing public safety crisis for city emergency health services; WHEREAS, Austin EMS has performed valiantly and faced unprecedented risks during the Covid-19 pandemic. Before vaccines were available, …
` PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES April 4, 2022 The Public Safety Commission convened a hybrid in person and videoconferencing meeting Monday, April 4, 2022 at City Hall 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Nelly Ramirez called the Board Meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Kathleen Hausenfluck Cory Hall-Martin Nelly Ramirez John Kiracofe Rebecca Bernhardt Amanda Lewis Rebecca Webber Rebecca Gonzales Absent: Commissioners Lane, Sierra-Arevalo, and Queen Austin Executive Liaison Present: Robin Henderson,and Rob Vires, Theresa Gardner Public Communications - Citizens signed up to speak: none 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Commissioner Ramirez called for any edits/corrections to the March 7, 2022 minutes and hearing none the minutes were deemed approved. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Update from Austin Police Department on actions from the Kroll Report and potential recommendation (sponsored by Commissioner Bernhardt and Ramirez) 4:04pm-4:31pm Speaker(s): -Joseph Chacon, Chief, Austin Police Department Chief Chacon provided an update to changes that have been made. With regards to recruitment, he stated that the incoming 144th and 145th Cadet Class saw increased rates of black cadets and female cadets. APD has committed to trying increase female officers by 30% by 2030. They are also working with James Joyce to set diversity metrics. APD is working to modify fitness testing and qualification criteria. APD has updated their policies around use of force. This includes adding language, definitions, and clarifying language around shooting at moving vehicles, firearm discharge situations, and response to resistance, de-escalation and duty to intervene. All 20 use of 1 force cases flagged by Kroll were previously reviewed by APD. Chief Chacon introduced the Force Review Unit, which is outside of the officer’s chain-of-command and reviews use of force cases who are trained to investigate these cases. Commissioner Bernhardt asked if there had ever been the opportunity for an all-female cadet class with all female trainers. Chief responded no, mostly based on class size and trainer availability. Commissioner Webber asked for clarifications around the Force Review Unit. Chief Chacon provided a brief history of the review process. The Force Review Unit has nine dedicated sergeants and one lieutenant who are receiving training to review these cases in a consistent, unbiased manner. Commissioner Gonzales requested that APD continue to provide updates on these recommendations on a monthly basis. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Public Safety Organizations Quarterly Report – Austin Fire Department (sponsors: Commissioner Hausenfluck and …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION May 2, 2022 WHEREAS, the City of Austin has become synonymous with the housing crisis facing the Proposal that the Austin City Council pay the Austin EMS Equitably with Public Safety Unions Date: Subject: Motioned by: Rebecca Bernhardt Seconded by: Rebecca Webber Recommendation: The Public Safety Commission recommends that the City Council direct the City Manager’s Office to prioritize negotiations with the Austin EMS Association and offer substantial additional compensation as part of the union contract, in line with the cost of living in Austin, the compensation of credentialed staff with comparable workloads at Texas EMS agencies, and the compensation of sworn staff of the Austin Police Department and Austin Fire Department. United States and has become the least affordable housing market outside of California, surpassing notoriously expensive cities including Boston, Miami and New York City for cost of housing; yet, the current living wage of $15.00 per hour was established in 2018 and is outdated. The City of Austin’s Living Wage Working Group, which includes representatives from the City’s Department of Human Resources, has recommended a living wage of $22.00 per hour for 2022; WHEREAS, 26.4 percent of EMS sworn staff are considered low-income. Single parents will not stop being low-income until they reach 11 years of service with EMS if they have one child, 17 years of service if they have two children; WHEREAS, a great deal is made of the police labor shortage, the Austin EMS labor shortage is more severe. Austin EMS is currently operating at 75.3 percent of authorized sworn capacity. Austin EMS has lost 26 experienced medics to attrition so far during calendar year 2022; in all of calendar year 2019, Austin EMS lost 28 experienced medics to attrition; WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a long-time commitment to supporting a living wage; WHEREAS, Austin EMS cannot effectively recruit new sworn staff because of substandard wages. Although authorized for 30 medics, the December 2021 EMS Academy was only able to recruit 18 cadets. The March 2022 EMS Academy was able to recruit 17 cadets. At this rate, Austin EMS will be unable to fill its vacancies and Austin EMS will remain structurally understaffed and become increasingly understaffed into the foreseeable future, creating an increasing public safety crisis for city emergency health services; WHEREAS, Austin EMS has performed valiantly and faced unprecedented risks during the Covid-19 pandemic. Before vaccines were available, …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION South Central Waterfront Advisory Board Date: May 2, 2022 Subject: 2022-2023 Budget Recommendation Description: SCWAB held a special called public meeting on May 2, 2022 and considered recommendations to the City’s FY2022-23 proposed budget to be considered by City Council this summer. This resolution was adopted recommending to Council to include a dedicated community engagement process regarding the proposed Lady Bird Lake waterfront park and other open spaces included in the South-Central Waterfront area. Whereas, the community engagement on the South-Central Waterfront Plan was completed in 2017, and the community has not been formally engaged since, Whereas, the City Council is considering an application to amend the PUD at 305 South Congress which proposes to dedicate eight acres of parks and public spaces, including a Lady Bird Lake waterfront park with boardwalk, bat-watching area, reconstructed hike-and-bike trail, and spaces named the Great Lawn and Great Steps, Whereas, the proposed Blue Line Bridge being implemented with Project Connect will include possible pedestrian and bicycle access, SCWAB recommends to City Council to consider allocating funding for outreach and community engagement regarding the accessibility, programming, and operations of the Lady Bird Lake waterfront park and other open spaces included in the South-Central Waterfront area. Further this public engagement should include a discussion regarding the overall South Central Waterfront Vision Plan and the community benefits detailed therein. Record of the Vote: 6 Yes , 0 Nays Attest: Samuel Franco, Chair
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE SOUTH-CENTRAL WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022 AT 6:00PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR, AUSTIN, TX 78752 MEETING MINUTES Call to order by: Chair S. Franco at 6:20 PM Board Members: Ex Officios: ✓ Chair Samuel Franco (Design Commission) __Vice Chair Lynn Kurth (Mayor & District 9 Joint Appointee) ✓ Jeffrey Thompson (Planning Commission) ✓ Paul Byars (Trail Foundation) ✓ Ana Aguirre (Environmental Commission) ✓ Laura Cottam-Sajbel (Parks & Recreation Board) ✓ Karen Paup (Community Development Commission) __Jeff Seiden (Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Assn.) __Vacant (South River City Neighborhood Assn) __Sam Tedford (Housing & Planning Dept) __ Nazlie Saeedi (Austin Transportation Dept) __ John Guinan/Marek Izydorczyk (ORES) __ Rolando Fernandez (Financial Services Dept) ✓ Michele Van Hyfte(Downtown Austin Alliance) COA Economic Development Staff Liaisons: ✓ Margaret Shaw ✓ Aaron D. Jenkins ✓ Christine Maguire “✓ “Denotes who were in attendance 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (Discussion and Possible Action) a. Approval of the minutes of the South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) Meeting of December 15, 2021, and February 22, 2022 • Board Member J. Thompson made a motion to approve the December 15, 2021, and February 22, 2022 meeting minutes, Chair S. Franco seconded • The motion was approved [ 6 ayes, 0 nays] 2. NEW BUSINESS (Discussion and Possible Action) a. Discussion and Possible action on FY2022-23 City Budget Recommendations. • Board Member J. Thompson made a motion to table item 2A for later in the meeting, Chair S. Franco seconded • The motion was approved [6 ayes, 0 nays] • Board Member L. Cottam-Sajbel made a motion to send a recommendation to Council for 2022-2023 budget recommendations, Chair S. Franco seconded • The motion was approved [6 ayes, 0 nays] b. South Central Waterfront Advisory Board Elections • Board Member L. Cottam-Sajbel made a motion for Chair S. Franco to remain as Chair, Board Member J. Thompson seconded • The motion was approved [ 6 ayes, 0 nays] • Board Member L. Cottam-Sajbel made a motion to nominate J. Thompson as Vice Chair, Chair S. Franco seconded • The motion was approved [ 6 ayes, 0 nays] c. Greg Dutton of the Housing and Planning Department updated the Board on the progress of the South-Central Waterfront Regulating Plan. • The Board discussed and took no action. d. Christine Maguire of the Economic Development Department presented to the Board the …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING Monday, May 2, 2022 6:30PM Meeting Minutes Nicole E Merritt Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Sara Becker Boards Members in Attendance: Juan Vences-Benitez, Chair Krystal M Gomez, Vice Chair Karen J Crawford Joseph E Ramirez-Hernandez Rennison Lalgee Board Members not in Attendance: Glenn M Rosales Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Karen Reyes Staff in Attendance: CALL TO ORDER Sarah Williams, Acting Staff Liaison, Administrative Sr for the Health Equity Unit, Austin Public Health Chair Juan Vences-Benitez called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers registered 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 4, 2022 a. Motion to postpone by Aditi, seconded by Karen Crawford. All in favor, postponed to 2. NEW BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: June meeting a. U Visa Process i. Krystal and Karen Crawford met with the District Attorney to discuss how their office is overhauling their U Visa Process policies. They are trying to standardize best practice. ii. Kate and Karen met with Lt. Chomout about APD’s role in the U Visa process. They confirmed that they will not certify Class C’s because they do not investigate them. They will refer them to help. Also discussed the U Visa Review Panel. There was a change in policy within APD which created this Committee and made it impossible to review or re-consider decisions made in U Visa process. APD was hesitant to create review process because they lacked staff. COIA created a volunteer group to help them with these reviews for the last few years. APD confirmed in this meeting that they will be taking over this process and are currently working out details. 1. Karen will forward summary notes from the meeting. 2. Will ask APD to give a briefing at a future meeting about their updates to the U Visa process. iii. Received a request from a local attorney to talk to the Travis County Attorney’s office because they have had applications pending for over a year. There are children aging out because of the long wait times and they cannot get any response from the office. 1. Commission can ask if they will come to a future meeting for a briefing on the current process and wait times. 2. Vice-Chair Krystal will email Lucio Del Toro to ask for clarification as to why the wait times are so high. 3. Karen will reach out to …
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 David.Alcorta@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5042. \ contact David Alcorta by register please email COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING APRIL 29, 2022 AT 3PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Lira Ramirez, University of Texas at Austin (Chair) Pete Cervantes, St. Edwards University (Co-Chair) Tatum Owens, University of Texas at Austin (Secretary) Andrea Danburg, Austin Community College Justin Parker, Austin Community College Isaiah Smith, Austin Community College Todd Clayton, Huston-Tillotson University Kennedy Fears, Huston-Tillotson University Esther Heymans, St. Edwards University Ethan Tobias, St. Edwards University Edwin Bautista, University of Texas at Austin 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. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. ANNOUNCEMENTS & COMMISSION UPDATES The commission’s staff liaison and commission leadership will have the opportunity to share any pertinent announcements relevant to Commission business. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Speaker – Cap Metro Sam Sargent from Cap Metro Government Affairs will be speaking regarding recent bus service issues. b. Election – Chair The commission will elect a Chair to serve beginning May 1st. c. Election – Co-Chair The commission will elect a Co-Chair to serve beginning May 1st. d. Election – Secretary The commission will elect a Secretary to serve beginning May 1st. e. Recommendation – An Obligation to Reform Progressive Neoliberal “Affordable” Housing in the City of Austin Part 1 of 2 The commission will discuss and consider passage of a recommendation proposed by Commission Bautista. f. Recommendation – An Obligation to Reform Progressive Neoliberal “Affordable” Housing in the City of Austin Part 2 of 2 The commission will discuss and consider passage of a recommendation proposed by Commission Bautista. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Working Group Updates Updates from the Housing, Mental Health & Accessibility, Transportation, Civic Engagement & Outreach, and Sustainability working groups. c. Campus Reports & Community and …
College Student Commission Recommendation 20220429- Draft: An Obligation to Reform Progressive Neoliberal “Affordable” Housing in the City of Austin Part 1 of 2 Authored By: Commissioner Edwin Bautista (UT Austin) WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes that housing is a human right1 and does not condone its financialization2 nor its commodification3; and, WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes the term “progressive neoliberalism” to describe the dominant political-economic paradigm of the past half-century and defines it as a synthesis of identity-based social movements and various financial sectors that represents an effort to render capitalism palatable, celebrating virtues such as racial diversity and female empowerment while nevertheless supporting economic expansion and financialization that exacerbates inequality4; and, WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes that contemporary mixed-income housing developments mask poverty through neoliberal policy tied to market based incentives and therefore creates a need for alternative means to affordable housing that are independent of the market5; and, WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes that the City of Austin is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis6, increasing the risk of displacement7 and creating financial hardships8 among vulnerable low-income populations including college students9 and the college workforce community10; and, WHEREAS, the median family income (MFI) in the City of Austin, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development, is $110,300 and increased more than 10% from $98,900 in 202111; and, 1 https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=373015 2 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0924051920923855 3 https://www.statesman.com/story/business/2022/04/19/american-campus-communities-austin-tx-sold-ny- blackstone/7366553001/?csp=chromepush 4 https://www.jacobinmag.com/2021/10/texas-hyperreactionary-neoliberalism-capitalism-keep-austin-weird 5 https://digital.library.txstate.edu/bitstream/handle/10877/12258/WILLIAMS-THESIS-2020.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y 6 https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/central-texans-open-up-about-the-affordability-crisis-in-austin/269-9215788c-8826-4cce- 8666-483eecf9ee72 7 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2022/04/18/housing-program-set-help-low-income-austin-families-own-home/7318882001/ 8 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/12/17/austin-college-students-struggle-rising-rental-costs/8640704002/ 9 https://www.statesman.com/story/news/politics/county/2019/08/08/austin-city-council-gives-preliminary-nod-to-controversial- domain-on-riverside/4508362007/ 10 https://rebusinessonline.com/priced-out-adding-affordable-units-to-student-housing/ 11 https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/whispers/federal-income-numbers-for-austin-are-up-by-about-11-percent/ 1 WHEREAS, in March 2022, the median price home price in the City of Austin was more than $645,000, an increase of 21.9% compared to previous year12 while the appraised median market value for all homes in Travis County increased by 53.6% and has risen 78% since 202013; and, WHEREAS, in March 2022, the median rent in the City of Austin was more than $1,500, a 32% year-over-year increase14; and, WHEREAS, a report by HousingWorks15 stated almost half of renters in the City of Austin are “cost burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing, hindering their ability to pay for food, transportation and other necessities; and, WHEREAS, research studies show that students facing housing insecurity have lower GPAs, poorer health, and higher rates of depression and anxiety than those who do not face this issue16; and, WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes …
College Student Commission Recommendation 20220429- Draft: An Obligation to Reform Progressive Neoliberal “Affordable” Housing in the City of Austin Part 2 of 2 Authored By: Commissioner Edwin Bautista (UT Austin) WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes the University of Texas at Austin cost of attendance for a Texas resident, which includes tuition, housing and basic living expenses, is over $30,000 a year1; and, WHEREAS, a 2019 Memorandum to City of Austin Staff written by Root Policy Research regarding college student effect on rental housing prices also stated that “student housing developments have higher average rents than conventional developments even after accounting for the larger average size of student rentals: $2.29 average rent per square foot for student rentals compared to $1.53 per square foot for conventional.”2; and, WHEREAS, the College Student Commission recognizes the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) was created by Ordinance No. 040826-56 and codified into city code in 20043 as a development incentive that includes an affordable housing component4 (S.M.A.R.T. Housing); and, WHEREAS, UNO and its associated guidelines intend to facilitate the development of a dense residential district adjacent to the University of Texas flagship campus, thereby reducing transient student traffic and parking near the campus; and, WHEREAS, “S.M.A.R.T. Housing is designed to stimulate the production of affordable housing for residents of Austin that is Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably Priced, and Transit- Oriented and compliant with the City of Austin’s, Austin Energy Green Building standards.”5 WHEREAS, UNO has been one of the City of Austin’s most successful densification programs to that extent as it has produced hundreds of on-site “affordable” housing units and more than 15,000 bedrooms in the West Campus neighborhood6; and, WHEREAS, UNO has allowed the West Campus neighborhood to become one of the densest7 and fastest developing neighborhoods in the City of Austin8; and, 1 https://onestop.utexas.edu/managing-costs/cost-tuition-rates/cost-of-attendance/ 2 https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Housing/Memo%20on%20Student%20Effect.pdf 3 https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=1OMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA41&lpg=PA41&dq=west+campus+design+guidebook&source=bl& ots=1Nq770gzXj&sig=ACfU3U353hZCKV1Dc72amJ4okJhJF1HtKw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiU_rz95vP0AhW8KDQIHQjIAC84 ChDoAXoECAoQAw#v=onepage&q&f=true 4 https://rebusinessonline.com/priced-out-adding-affordable-units-to-student-housing/ 5 https://www.austintexas.gov/department/development-incentives-and-agreements 6 https://thedailytexan.com/2018/03/19/west-campus-area-has-nearly-doubled-in-size-over-past-20-years/ 7 https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2018/10/25/18-story-tower-sprouts-in-austins-densest.html 8 https://austin.towers.net/west-campus-remarkable-growth-charted/ 1 WHEREAS, the close proximity of the West Campus neighborhood to the future light rail route proposed by Capital Metro (Orange Line)9 supports the case for increasing the allowable building density by expanding the Inner West Campus Subdistrict; and, WHEREAS, the amendments made to UNO in 2014 and 2019 increased the minimum percentage of units designated as S.M.A.R.T. Housing to 20%, extended the term to “a period not less than 40 years” and lowered the tiered MFI levels10; and, WHEREAS, currently under UNO, …
