Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 Urban Forestry Committeee The Committee mission statement is: May study, investigate, advise, report, and recommend actions, programs, or plans the Committee determines necessary or advisable for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal, or disposition of trees and shrubs and other landscaping in public parks, along streets, and in other public areas. Develop recommendations for urban forest plans for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in parks, along streets, and in other public area, and submit them to the Environmental Commission for review and appropriate action. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. • Review current tree removal and public complaint processes. • Review and recommend Austin’s tree canopy status and goals for 2050. • Define the term “ghost trees” and how they impact tree canopy management. • Review Heritage Tree administrative varaiance process. • Plan for upcoming year’s activities and goals. • Receive update on tree preservation numbers. • Update Committee on tree preservation incentives in the HOME code amendments. 2. Determine if the board’s actions throughout the year comply with the mission statement. The Committee’s actions throughout the year did comply with the mission of the Urban Forestry Committee. 3. List the board’s goals and objectives for the new calendar year. • Continue to work with City Staff on implementation to meet the City’s goal of 50% canopy cover by the year 2050 and focus on increasing canopy equity. • Move the 50% canopy cover date forward to 2040. Annual Review and Work Plan 2024 Page 2 • Coordinate with Parks and Recreation Department and Parks Board in efforts to improve canopy cover along trails. • Work more closely with non-profits (e.g., Treefolks) to increase the number of trees provided to schools, public parks, and individuals in efforts to reduce the heat island effect in urban areas. • Develop plans with City Staff to encourage developers to increase the use of butterfly gardens, micro-forests to improve biodiversity. Improve documentation of unpermitted tree removals. • • Calculate City of Austin canopy cover biennially. • Require Urban Forestry to double the existing canopy coverage in East Austin (east of Interstate I-35) by 2040. • Adjust the tree mitigation fund to account for …
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 2024XXXX-00X Date: Subject: City of Austin Tree Canopy Ordinance Motion by: Melinda Schiera Seconded by: WHEREAS, the Urban Forestry Committee recognizes Council approved, on August 8, 2019, a Resolution declaring a climate emergency in the City, and WHEREAS, the Council approved, on September 30, 2021, the Austin Climate Equity Plan setting a goal of 50% Tree Canopy by 2050, and WHEREAS, Council re-affirmed its target of net-zeros community-wide emissions by 2040 on February 15, 2024, and WHEREAS, current data shows 41% canopy cover city wide based on satellite imagery captured in the summer of 2022, and WHEREAS, the tree canopy over East Austin is less than West Austin, and there is a specific need to increase tree canopy on private land in East Austin, and WHEREAS, an expansive Tree Canopy mitigates the heat island effect, removes carbon from the air, improves community health be removing pollutants from the air, and improves biodiversity, and WHEREAS, feedback from Urban Landscape Architects to the Environmental Commission is that trees planted from site plan requirements are not surviving, THEREFORE, the Urban Forestry Committee recommends the Environmental Commission advise Council adopt the following actions to more aggressively expand, protect, and enhance the City’s Tree Canopy: 1. Set a goal of 50% city-wide canopy cover by 2040 instead of 2050. 2. Capture satellite imagery to calculate the city-wide canopy cover biennially instead of every four-years. 3. Require the City Arborist and the Development Services Department to document the number and scope of unpermitted removal of protected and heritage trees removed each year by address and actions taken. A report of these activities shall be presented to the Environmental Commission, Urban Forestry Committee, and Council annually. 1 of 3 4. Add fruit and nut bearing trees to the list of preferred trees that are appropriate for the Central Texas climate. Bennually update the list of preferred trees to adjust for changing climate. 5. Define a new category of protected trees, based on the breadth of the canopy in addition to the diameter as measured four and one-half feet above natural grade. 6. Improve incentive plans for developers to encourage retention of existing trees using non- financial incentives, development considerations, density, increased FAR, etc. 7. Require the Urban Forestry Department develop a plan to double the existing canopy coverage in East Austin (east of Interstate I-35) by 2040. This plan shall be presented to …
1. 2. 3. 4. URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2024 The Urban Forestry Committee convened in a REGULAR meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Brimer called the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Brimer Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mariana Krueger, Melinda Schiera Commissioners Absent: Colin Nickells PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Urban Forestry Committee Meeting of October 12, 2023 The minutes from the regular meeting on October 12th, 2023 were approved on Commissioner Schiera’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 3–0 vote. Commissioner Nickells was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing heritage tree administrative variance procedures – Jim Dymkowski, Division Manager, Community Tree Preservation, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Staff briefing on overall tree preservation numbers – Jim Dymkowski, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Staff update on drafted tree preservation incentives in HOME code amendments – Jim Dymkowski, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Emily King, Urban Forestry, Development Services Department Speakers: Bobby Levenski, Save our Springs Alliance (speaking on items 4 and 5) Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discuss ghost trees and how they are addressed in the current heritage tree ordinance– Richard Brimer Speakers: Bobby Levenski, Save our Springs Alliance Item conducted as posted. No action was taken. 6. Discuss Committee goals for the upcoming year – Mariana Krueger Speakers: Commissioner Krueger, on increasing food forests and native planting corridors Commissioner Schiera, on the growth of tree canopy and increasing tree review after planting Commissioner Brimer, on actionable items to protect tree canopy and incentives on compliance with existing regulations Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Schiera requested to meet to determine high-level priorities and action items for the committee. Commissioner Schiera requested making a recommendation to Council on increasing the inspections of trees after plantings Commissioner Krueger requested an agenda item to create package of recommendations to support food forests and community gardens at the Environmental Commission. Chair Brimer adjourned the meeting at 12 p.m. without objection.
City Arborist Program Tree Report Environmental Commission Urban Forestry Subcommittee Meeting June 27, 2024 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist City Arborist Program Tree Report: Preservation City Arborist Program Tree Report: Inches Replanted for Mitigation City Arborist Program Tree Report: Dead, Diseased, Imminent Hazard Removals (Site Plan and stand-alone Tree Permit only)
City Arborist Program Tree Report Environmental Commission Urban Forestry Subcommittee Meeting June 27th, 2024 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist 1 City Arborist Program Tree Report: Preservation City Arborist Program Tree Report: Inches Replanted for Mitigation City Arborist Program Tree Report: Dead, Diseased, Imminent Hazard Removals (Site Plan and stand-alone Tree Permit only) 5
REGULAR CALLED MEETING BUILDING and FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS Wednesday June 26, 2024 @ 1:30 PM- In Person Permitting Development Center; Conference Room 1401-1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Ellis); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes) Gary Wilks(Kelly); Jim Rumbo(Alter), Alison Satt(Madison) Oren Mitzner (Qadri) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the Minutes from Regular Called Meeting from May 22, 2024 2. DISCUSSION- 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) by Austin Code. 3. DISCUSSION- 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) 4. DISCUSSION- 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface (IWUI) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS- ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES May 22, 2024 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and City Hall. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Charlotte Davis, Alice Woods, Christopher Campbell, Haris Qureshi Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Melissa Rothrock, Diana Wheeler, Kaiba White, Yure Suarez, Rodrigo Leal, Anna Scott, Jon Salinas, Amy Noel Board Members Absent: Larry Franklin, Heather Houser, Stephanie Bazan City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala and Zach Baumer CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Charlotte Davis called the meeting to order at 6:06 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 1. Kayla Reese – speaking in support of parks being added to Environmental Investment 2. Mike Cannatti – speaking in support of parks being added to Environmental Investment Plan recommendations. Plan recommendations. 3. Scott Johnson – speaking in support of battery electric technology. 1. Approval of minutes from the April 30th special called meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Maxwell-Gaines motions to approve, Campbell seconds, passes 12-0 with Woods abstaining. 3. Staff update to the response to the council resolution 20240215-025 ‘Environmental Investment Plan’ – Zach Baumer and Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Sustainability • Qureshi asks how to disseminate info to the public? o Share memo. • What could be funding mechanism for climate fee? o Need council support to even have direction, then come up with options • White: Questioning Decker infrastructure as setting stage for new thermal generation • Leal: Question around why “other” category o A gap now, but TPW will seek funding in the future. • Campbell: Is there going to be discussion around priorities? o Next steps from council • Noel: What did we learn? o Hard to compare projects that meet different goals. i.e. water vs carbon o Most funding comes down in silos. In this case – we did things a different way. E.g. land acquisition, city facilities; would require departmental collaborations + thinking beyond budget cycles. • White: Where is ARR fleet electrification. Should take advantage of if funding is available. o Charging network needed first, not enough time to assess fleet cost. • Davis: Estimates – did they line up with JSC? o Not really. Very rough estimates. More work needed to be refined. 2. Recommendation in support of staff response to council resolution 20240215-025 ‘Environmental Investment Plan’. • No 4. Update from the Electric Utility Commission on the Austin Energy Resource Planning Process – …
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also 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 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 Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Logan Schugart Christopher H. Sokol Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) Edward Selig Timothy Stostad, Chair Blaine Campbell, Vice-Chair Michael Francis Luis Osta Lugo Joseph Benigno CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission regular meeting on April APPROVAL OF MINUTES 24, 2024. PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s) The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: 2. Case Number: CL 2024-027512 Property address: 713 Vargas Road / Owner: Fred Urias & Petra Ramos Urias Page 1 Staff presenter: Courtney Britt Staff recommendation: Repair single-family residential structure. 3. Case Number: CL 2024-054444 Property address: 5916 N. Lamar Boulevard / Owner: 5916 N Lamar Investor, LLC Staff presenter: David Downing Staff recommendation: Repair commercial structure. 4. Case Number: CL 2024-022470 Property address: 6307 Clubway Lane / Owner: Ramona Hipolito Roman Staff presenter: Latasha Paterno Staff recommendation: Repair single-family residential structure. 5. Case Number: CL 2024-052138 Property address: 309 Camperdown Elm Drive / …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN COMMISSION June 26, 2024, TIME: 5:30 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Downtown 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 register, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. telephone. To CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris (Chair) David Carroll (District 1) Tania A. Ortega (District 2) Liz Coufal (District 3) Ralph E. Ishmael, Jr. (District 4) Darilynn Cardona-Beiler (District 5) Taylor Major (District 6) Mike Lavigne (District 7) VACANT (District 8) Kimberly Levinson (District 9) Sania D. Shifferd (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER VACANT (Design Commission) David Holmes (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) VACANT (Historic Landmark Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music Commission) AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission May 15, 2024 meeting. 2. Presentation on the Downtown Austin Plan by Chad Sharrard and Jill Amezcua, Austin 3. Presentation on the Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy by Matthew Schmidt, Economic Development Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. 5. Approve a recommendation to Council to update the Downtown Austin Plan and create an overseeing department charged with implementing the elements of the updated plan. STAFF BRIEFING Planning Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. Update on Creative Combining District and Development Bonus Program to enhance the development and preservation of live music venues and creative sector businesses, and to initiate a specific Red River Cultural District subdistrict. 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 …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 15, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Taylor Major CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:33 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission April 17, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 04/17/24 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Major’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Carroll, Ortega and Shifferd were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to postpone this item to the next Downtown Commission meeting on 06/26/2024 was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Major’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Carroll, Ortega and Shifferd were absent. 3. Discussion and approval of a Recommendation on dockless micromobility regulations and transportation-related rule making. A motion to approve Recommendation 20240515-003 failed on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Major’s second on a 4-1 vote. Those members voting aye were: Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Coufal, Levinson and Major. Voting nay was: Chair Harris. Abstaining was: Commissioner Lavigne. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Carroll, Ortega and Shifferd were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 4. Presentation on Street Impact Fees in the downtown Austin area by Nathan Aubert, Supervising Engineer, Austin Transportation Department. Presentation was given by Nathan Aubert, Supervising Engineer, Austin Transportation Public Works Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Officer Elections Downtown Plan Staff Presentation ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:38 pm without objection.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): UPDATE TO THE DOWNTOWN AUSTIN PLAN WHEREAS in 2005, the Austin City Council passed a resolution calling for the adoption of a Downtown Austin Plan (Original DAP); and WHEREAS in 2011 the City Council adopted the Original DAP; and WHEREAS in 2010, Austin’s Downtown population was estimated to be 9,343, by 2020 it had grown to 13,041, and now is estimated to be 15,360; and WHEREAS in 2010, there were 4,675 dwelling units Downtown, by 2020 approximately 9,343 dwelling, and now it is estimated that there are more than 10,300 dwelling units; and WHEREAS there is 7.2 million square feet of construction underway with an additional 14.3 million square feet of space planned for Downtown, including more than 3,000 additional dwelling units; and WHEREAS additional residential, office and hotel developments are likely to occur throughout Downtown over the next 10 years; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was drafted to provide Austin with a roadmap for addressing the anticipated challenges facing Downtown over the subsequent 10 years; and WHEREAS the COVID 19 Pandemic caused an unforseen shift in how Austinites and visitors use and experience Downtown presenting an array of challenges and opportunities; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was intended as both a vision for Downtown as well an action plan to encourage Downtown to become more economically vibrant, livable, walkable, mobile, inclusive, diverse, and culturally alive; and WHEREAS that Original DAP’s 10-year lifecycle ended in 2021; and WHEREAS because of the complexity and breadth of the Original DAP, numerous departments within the City of Austin are charged with accomplishing various aspects of the plan including Transportation and Public Works, Economic Development (+Urban Design), Parks and Recreation, Planning (+Historic Preservation); and WHEREAS responsibility for implementing the various elements of the Original DAP is spread among numerous departments with little centralized control, oversight or accountability; and WHEREAS the charter of the Downtown Commission explicitly states that its charge is to oversee the implementation of the DAP; and WHEREAS the charge of other City of Austin Boards and Commissions intersect with their respective departments without engagement of the Downtown Commission whose charge is specific to the DAP; and WHEREAS significant progress has occurred in accomplishing some of the goals of the Original Dap, elements of that Original DAP are still not realized, viable or relevant; and WHEREAS new challenges and …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT June 26th, 2024 at 6pm Room 1407, Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Committee 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, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Electric Utility Commission) Charlotte Davis, Vice Chair (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Diana Wheeler (Urban Transportation Commission) Haris Qureshi (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Vacant (Community Development Commission) Larry Franklin (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Amy Noel (Economic Prosperity Commission) Chris Maxwell-Gaines (Water & Wastewater Commission) Stephanie Bazan (Parks & Recreation Board) Jon Salinas (Design Commission) Vacant (City Council) Alice Woods (Planning Commission) Rodrigo Leal (Mayor’s Representative) Anna Scott (Mayor’s Representative) Heather Houser (Mayor’s Representative) Yureisly Suarez (Mayor’s Representative) Christopher Campbell (Mayor’s Representative) Vacant (Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission) For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc 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. Approval of minutes from the May 22, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommendation of investments the City should fund as part of council resolution 20240215-025 ‘Environmental Investment Plan’. 3. Recommendation in support of a ‘Climate Fee’ as outlined in the staff response to council resolution 20240215-025 ‘Environmental Investment Plan’. DISCUSSION 4. Update on regional climate planning efforts as part of the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program – Mali Calvo and Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Sustainability 5. Climate Fee Best Practices and Case Studies – Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Sustainability 6. Joint Sustainability Committee Annual Report – Kaiba White 7. Update from the Resource Management Commission on amendments to bylaws to include advising Council on natural gas utility matters – Charlotte Davis FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to …
Downtown Austin Plan Implementation Update June 26, 2024 Content About the Plan Downtown Density Bonus Program Great Streets Program Austin Core Transportation Plan Palm District Plan Austin Economic Development Corp. Cultural & Business Incentives District Development & Support Historic Preservation Fund About the Downtown Austin Plan Adopted in December 2011 109 recommendations for implementation were included in the plan. – In 2018, 75% (82) recommendations were partially complete or underway. – 19% (21) were completed or ongoing. – 6% (6) were not yet initiated. Active tracking was paused in 2018 due to focus on rewriting the Land Development Code, the pandemic, and staffing shortages. 3 Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) June 2013, City Council adopted an ordinance to create the DDBP Since 2018, 37 projects have taken advantage of this program To date, ~$13M fees-in-lieu paid, ~$32.8M pending* 81 affordable housing units created, 721 proposed* *Includes Rainey Subdistrict 5 Floor-to-Area Ratios Floor-to-Area Ra�o 17 13.9 11.1 10 14 13 13 15 15 15 15 15 9.5 11.92 13.12 15.71 20 20 21 23 22 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 29 35 32 62 East 14th & Lavaca THC 4th and Colorado Block 32, Ph. 2 Block 32, Ph.1 Block 32 Aggregated 5th + Trinity Hotel 410 E 5th Street 506 West Residen�al Block 150 Stonelake | 5RR 307 E 2nd 80 Rainey / Rainey Tower 617 Colorado 17th and Guadalupe Apartments 9092 Rainey The East Tower 4th & Brazos 3rd and Brazos 321 W. 6th Street River Street Residences 415 Colorado 17th Street Condos Hanover Republic Square 44 East Travis County Courthouse 17th Street Hotel The Republic 91 Red River 300 Colorado Block 71 (UT System Property) 6th + Guadalupe 0 5 10 15 20 30 35 40 6 Building Heights Height (Ft.) 399 400 417 142 192 242 220 325 326 724 755 770 668 705 709 540 586 586 515 602 565 564 569 570 515 499 451 450 455 80 Rainey / Rainey Tower 617 Colorado 17th and Guadalupe Apartments 0.00 62 East 14th & Lavaca THC 4th and Colorado Block 32, Ph. 2 Block 32, Ph.1 Block 32 Aggregated 5th + Trinity Hotel 410 E 5th Street 506 West Residen�al Block 150 Stonelake | 5RR 307 E 2nd 9092 Rainey The East Tower 4th & Brazos 3rd and Brazos 321 …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 26, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Chair Michael Lovins Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams Edward Espinoza Adam Materne Alysa Nuñez District 4 – Vacancy William Ross Pumfrey Mary Kahle Jacob Loehr Amy Casto CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on April 24, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 2. Staff briefing regarding updates to the City Council Candidate Forum Planning. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: Approve the City Council Candidate Forum Event Schedule. 3. 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 Lizette Benitez, Caroline Webster at the Law Department, at (512) 974-2268 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Ethics Review Commission, please contact Caroline Webster at (512) 974-1353. For the 2024 meeting schedule, agendas, and additional information about the Commission, see: Ethics Review Commission | AustinTexas.gov ERC STANDARD PUBLIC …
REGULAR MEETING of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26TH, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Joint Inclusion Committee 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 Alejandra Mireles (Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Primary Representative: Serita Fontanesi Alternate Representative: Antonio Ross Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Melissa Ortega Rebecca Austen Jose Caceres Leonor Vargas Amanda Afifi (Chair) Eliza Gordon Ivana Neri Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Melissa Taylor Jennifer Powell VACANT 1 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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 COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on MAY 29th, 2024. Staff briefing on 2024 updates of City of Austin Demographics by Lila Valencia, City Demographer. STAFF BRIEFING 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on adding the Commission on Veterans Affairs to the Joint Inclusion Committee. Update on email communications about possible collaboration with the College Student Commission. Update from Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission, regarding Austin & Travis County Food Plan. Discuss Joint Inclusion Committee’s Annual Review and Report. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Conduct officer elections for the Vice Chair. Approve Joint Inclusion Committee’s FY26 Budget Townhalls dates and meeting locations. Approve the creation of a Workgroup to investigate the involvement of Indigenous People and/or Native Americans to afford the group a voice in the City of Austin. Approve endorsing the Commission for Women’s Recommendation 20240605-005 supporting affordable …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a REGULAR meeting on WEDNESDAY, MAY 29TH, 2024, at 3:07 P.M. CST in the CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega or Jose Caceres Commission for Women: Rebecca Austen Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Serita Fontanesi or Antonio Ross Early Childhood Council: Leonor Vargas or Eliza Gordon PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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. None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Charles Curry Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on APRIL 24th, 2024. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER MORGAN DAVIS’ motion, COMMISSIONER JENNIFER POWELL’s second, on a 7-3 vote. (Absent: African 1 3. 4. 6. American Resource Advisory Commission’s Serita Fontanesi or Antonio Ross; Early Childhood Council’s Leonor Vargas or Eliza Gordon; and LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission’s Jerome J. Benson or Lira Ramirez). DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Share updates regarding the JIC May 7th FY25 Budget Recommendation follow up meeting with City departments. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI shares that the Commission on Aging is following up with Housing Department regarding conversations held during May 7th meeting for budget recommendations. COMMISSIONER AMANDA AFIFI shares that past budget cycles have had more time like the May 7th for the Commissioners to follow up with budget recommendations. COMMISSIONER JENNIFER POWELL shares that next year the conversation with City department leaders could also occur before budget recommendations are made. Update on Commission on Veteran’s Affairs joining the Joint Inclusion Committee. COMMISSIONERS RICHARD BONDI and AMANADA AFIFI recap email communication with the Office of the City Clerk and waiting to confirm that the amended bylaws will be presented to the City’s Audit and Finance Committee for approval at its next meeting on July 23, 2024. Discuss Poet Laureate signature document in support of …
RECOMMENDATION Commission for Women Recommendation Number 20240605-005: Affordable Child Care WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, for decades, families in Austin and Travis County have struggled to find affordable, quality child care and afterschool and summer programming for children birth to high school graduation (henceforth referred to as “child care”); and WHEREAS, child care is the highest expense for families after housing in Travis County, and one year of child care costs more than one year of tuition at the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, the current waiting list for families with low income who need child care subsidies has more than 4,600 children on it, enrollment is closed, and there is now a 2-year waiting list period; and WHEREAS, child care costs are out of reach for many families in Austin and Travis County. While families cannot afford the current prices, child care tuition rarely covers the true cost of providing a high-quality program. Costs for quality child care programs (including paying staff a living wage) have increased but families cannot afford to pay more; and WHEREAS, the child care and out-of-school time workforce, predominantly women of color, earns less than a living wage resulting in high turnover (over 30% annually) and under-staffed programs serving fewer children and cutting hours. Turnover hurts children and creates stress for families; and WHEREAS, families rely on affordable quality child care to participate in and complete education, training programs, or the workforce; and WHEREAS, child care and out of school time challenges particularly impact individuals and communities of color that have been historically excluded from economic prosperity: • 81% of children under age 6 receiving child care subsidies in Travis County are Black, Hispanic, or non-white/multi-racial • The share of Travis County children under age 6 in working families who have parents working nontraditional hours is 47.1% Black and 42.1% Hispanic • The child care workforce in Texas is overwhelmingly female and 62% are either Black or Hispanic; and WHEREAS, a local investment in affordable quality child care and out of school time programs will result in better outcomes for children, greater workforce participation, family …
FOR APPROVAL: JIC FY26 Budget Engagement & Recommendation Process Meeting Date Method & Location FY25 Approved in August & FY26 Kickoff FY26 Kickoff Saturday 9/7 @10 am – 2 pm PDC (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr; 78752) Tentative District(s) All Notes Town Hall #1 Wednesday 10/2, @6 Town Hall #2 Town Hall #3 Town Hall #4 Town Hall #5 Wednesday 10/16 @6 Wednesday 10/23 @6 (regular JIC meeting date – special called meeting?) Wednesday 11/6 @6 Wednesday 11/20 @11 am – 1 pm George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center (5801 Ainez Drive, 78744) Virtual Northwest Recreation Center (2913 Northland Drive; 78757) Gus Garcia Recreation Center (1201 East Runberg Lane; 78753) Virtual Staff Briefings: September - January Tuesday, 12/10 @11 am – 1 pm Virtual Saturday 12/4 @10 am – 2 pm Saturday 2/1 @10 am – 2 pm PDC (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr; 78752) PDC (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr; 78752) Tuesday, 5/13 @11 am – 1 pm Virtual Pre-Write Commissioner- Department Meeting Writing JIC Collaboration optional Writing JIC Collaboration optional Post-Write Commissioner- Department Meeting D2 D3 D5 D8 All D7 D10 D6 D4 D1 D9 All All All All All In Person sessions: Supervised Children’s Activities & Cake
Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy Economic Development Department June 26, 2024 History City of Austin and Economic and Cultural Districts • The City of Austin lacks a holistic approach to the recognition and development of Economic and Cultural Districts • Specific “District” Planning/Policy’s Recognized include: Small Area Planning Historic District Designation Public Improvement Districts C I T Y O F A U S T I N Prior District Council Actions • Resolution No. 20071213-058 establishes the African American Cultural Arts District, the City of Austin’s first Cultural District • Resolution No. 20110825-067 establishes the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor • Resolution No. 20131017-036 establishes the Red River Cultural District • Resolution No. 20230702-128 establishes the South Shore Cultural District C I T Y O F A U S T I N Souly Austin is a place-based economic development program focused on creating and retaining strong, vibrant, culturally rich and diverse neighborhood business districts throughout Austin through the development of Merchants Associations. Souly Austin Program Purpose: Program Details • 2014 Program began with a focus of forming Neighborhood Business District Merchant Associations • $362,500 annual allocation (2015) • 6 Neighborhood Business District Merchant Associations formed to date • Intent to onboard 2 new districts during 2019 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Purpose Purpose • Framework aims to leverage economic benefits of concentrated activity in defined districts. districts in Austin. • Districts serve as tourist attractions, offering diverse experiences. • Framework provides guidance for organizing and resourcing economic and cultural • Well-defined districts support thriving commerce and cultural preservation. • Unified management, branding, programming, and improvements amplify economic impact and foster synergy among stakeholders. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Defining Districts Economic and Cultural District Definition • Economic and Cultural districts (ECDs) are compact areas (¼ to 1 ½ mile) rich in creative, cultural, and commercial assets. • ECDs contain concentrations of creative, cultural, entertainment, heritage, or commercial assets that contribute to neighborhood supportive commerce • ECDs make use of a variety of economic, value capture, and focused regulatory tools • ECDs are typically stewarded by district management entities independent of the City of Austin. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Types of Districts • Economic - Contain a high proportion of commercial, entertainment, or cultural uses that help anchor …
