GoPurple Program I n c e n t i v e s a n d C o s t S h a r i n g f o r W a t e r R e u s e P r o j e c t s Katherine Jashinski, P.E., Supervising Engineer Water and Wastewater Commission September 17, 2025 GoPurple Program: Expanding Water Reuse Austin City Council Adoption on March 7th 2024 Code Changes for Onsite Water Reuse and Reclaimed Water Connections Affordability Strategies for Reuse Projects New community Benefit Charge increase ($0.15 per thousand gallons) to fund Reclaimed Water System expansion and Onsite Reuse programs Go Purple | AustinTexas.gov 2 Water Forward 2024 Strategies Utility-Side Water Loss Control • Production meter improvements • Expanded active leak detection programs • Additional analysis of smart meter data Customer Side Water Use Management • Expanded customer incentives for conservation • Use of smart meter data for customer-side leak identification, education, and outreach • Water use budgeting Native & Efficient Landscapes • New landscape ordinances & incentives • • Irrigation efficiency incentives Landscape conversion programs Non-Potable Reuse • Onsite Water Reuse Systems • Decentralized Reclaimed • Centralized Reclaimed Water Supply Storage Aquifer Storage and Recovery Decker Lake Off Channel Reservoir Potable Reuse Indirect Potable Reuse New Water Supplies Brackish Groundwater Desalination Strategies reliant on Colorado River and LCRA supplies 3 New Code Requirements for Large Development Projects Distance to reclaimed water main Code requirement ≤500 feet >500 feet Extend reclaimed water main for use in toilets/urinals, irrigation, and cooling towers Capture rainwater and condensate and treat for use in toilets/urinals, irrigation, and cooling towers Cost of code requirement per housing unit w/o incentives Cost of code requirement per housing unit w/ incentives $900-$4,400 $350-$4,000 $800-$7,100 $750-$6,000 Affordability Impact Study identified negative impact to housing costs from code requirements 4 Large Development Project GoPurple Pilot Incentives & Cost Sharing Type of Reuse Project Reclaimed water Rebate for Reclaimed Main Extension AW pays 50% of 251-500 feet or more up to $500K Onsite water N/A Rebate for Onsite Reuse Systems Expedited Building Permit Review Rebate N/A AW pays for 100% of voluntary installations up to $500K AW pays up to $36K for projects installing >250 feet of main AW pays up to $36K for projects installing onsite water reuse systems No Impact Fees for Non-potable Meters Developer pays fees for potable water …
Item 2 Water & Wastewater Commission: September 17, 2025 Council: October 9, 2025 Posting Language .Title Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance regarding water rates proposed by Aqua Texas, Inc., an investor-owned utility, for its Travis County customers located in the City’s corporate limits in Council Districts 5, 8, and 10. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: July 24, 2025 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20250724-20 suspending water and wastewater rates proposed by Aqua Texas, Inc. For More Information: Vicky Addie, Austin Water Program Coordinator, vicky.addie@austintexas.gov, 512-972-0332. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: September 17, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Council has the regulatory authority with exclusive original jurisdiction to review rates charged to water and wastewater customers within the City’s corporate limits who are served by non-City utilities. This includes the authority to determine that the rates are just and reasonable and that in all other respects, the rates meet State and local law. City Code Chapter 15-4 sets out the City’s process for reviewing non-City utility rate filings. Background/Introduction On June 20, 2025, Aqua Texas, Inc., an investor-owned utility, filed a Statement of Intent to Change Rates to increase water and wastewater rates for all its customers in the State of Texas, including those within the corporate limits of Austin. Aqua Texas, Inc., is proposing to consolidate its water and wastewater operations in Texas into one statewide system with uniform rates. Currently, the company operates over 440 water systems, 500 water treatment plants, more than 60 sewer treatment plants, and over 700 wells across Texas. Aqua Texas, Inc. provides water services to 76,000 customers and wastewater services to 25,300 customers. About 197 of these are drinking water customers located within Austin's full-purpose corporate limits in Council Districts 5, 8, and 10. The company has indicated that all impacted customers have received written notice regarding the proposed rate changes. Aqua Texas, Inc. is seeking to recover a total of $29.2 million in revenue requirements. The request pertains to all of the company's water and wastewater operations in Texas for the test year that ended on December 31, 2024. The total revenue requirement includes a proposed capital structure of 47.00% long-term debt and 53.00% common equity. The proposed return on equity is …
89th Texas Legislative Session Austin Water Outcomes Heather Cooke, Austin Water, Chief Administrative Officer Water and Wastewater Commission September 17, 2025 Key Dates 89th Sessions Regular Session (140 Days): 1/14/25 - 6/2/25 1st Special Session: 7/21/25 – 8/15/25 2nd Special Session: 8/15/25 - 9/4/2025 Additional Special Sessions – TBD by Governor 2 Historic Recurring Funding Pending Voter Approval HJR 7 (Harris/Perry) Dedicated $1 billion from sales tax Recurs annually 2027 – 2047 Can be suspended during disaster, restored when practicable 3 Texas Water Development Board Duties & Financing SB 7 (Perry/Harris) Texas Water Development Board to facilitate water conveyance project planning across the state Study adding wastewater to state water planning process New Water Supply Fund added projects: • Water and wastewater reuse • Out of state water purchases SB 1261 (Gerdes/Perry) Extends SWIFT loans to 40 years for State Water Plan projects costing over $750 million 4 Texas Water Development Board Other Financing SB 1967 (Hinojosa, J./Martinez) Expands projects eligible for Flood Infrastructure Fund funding to promote new water sources HB 500 (Bonnen/Huffman) $1.75 billion one-time new funding for Texas Water Development Board 5 Impact Fees SB 840 (Hughes) & SB 2477 (Bettencourt) Limits impact fees and oversized infrastructure cost sharing for conversion of commercial properties for residential use SB 1883 (Bettencourt/Buckley) Requires 2/3 approval of a governing body to increase impact fees Prohibits increases more often than every 3 years Independent financial audits required before impact fee increases SB 14 [89(2)] (Perry/Bell) Requires impact fee credits for conservation or reuse 6 Water Loss HB 29 (Gerdes/Perry) Water loss audit validation within 180 days of annual audit submittal Water loss mitigation plans due in 1 year Only applies to 6 municipal water utilities (over 150,000 connections) 7 Conservation & Drought HB 517 (Harris Davila, Button) Limits on property owner association fines for brown turf during temporary watering restrictions SB 2662 (Perry/Harris) Drought Contingency Plan model program updates 8 Safety & Operator Licensing SB 482 (Alvarado/Blanco) Increased penalties for harassment of utility workers during emergencies HB 1237 (Guillen/Zaffirini) Extends renewal period for TCEQ water & wastewater operator licenses 9 Next Steps Interim charges for committee hearings and reports: • House Natural Resources • Senate Water, Agriculture, Rural Affairs • House Environmental Regulation November 9, 2026: Bill Prefiling January 12, 2027: 90th Regular Session begins 10 Questions
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 17, 2025 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on September 17, 2025 at Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Commission Members in Attendance: Amanda Marzullo, William Moriarty (remote), Shwetha Pandurangi (remote), Jesse Penn (remote), Mike Reyes, Shannon Trilli, Vice Chair Marcela Tuñón, and Evan Wolstencroft (remote) Commission Members Absent: Chair Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Alex Navarro, and Alex Ortiz Vice Chair Tuñón filled in as Chair and called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 4:03 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers were registered. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the August 20, 2025 regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Trilli’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance regarding water rates proposed by Aqua Texas, Inc., an investor-owned utility, for its Travis County customers located in the City’s corporate limits in Council Districts 5, 8, and 10. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. Recommended on Commissioner Marzullo’s motion and Commissioner Trilli’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. 3. Recommend approval to authorize two contracts for lab supplies and lab chemicals for Austin Water with Midland Scientific Inc. and VWR International LLC d/b/a VWR International, each for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options in amounts not to exceed $5,000,000, divided between the contractors. Funding: $1,000,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water, funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Recommended on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Marzullo’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. 4. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for Wastewater Line Renewal and Spot Rehab Service Contract Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (2026 to 2028) for Austin Water with Santa Clara Construction, LTD., in the amount of $3,200,000 for a term up to three years for a total not to exceed $9,600,000. Funding: $3,200,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the extension options is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Recommended on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Marzullo’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. Page 1 of 2 5. Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing Austin Water to continue the …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 3rd, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Thank Commissioner Cofer for her service to the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 1404 East Riverside Drive, located at 1400 ½ and 1404 East Riverside Drive, CD-2025-0002 (District 3). Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group. Staff: Marcelle Boudreaux, Planning Department, and Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Presentation and possible recommendation on Staff’s response to Council Resolution 20241121-073, related to Bird-Friendly design – Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. 6. Staff briefing on Austin Water’s Wildlands – Sherri Kuhl, Environmental Resource Officer, and Justin Bates, Environmental Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water Staff briefing on a change to the Austin Parks and Recreation Concessions Policy to create Legacy Concessions – Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV, Austin Parks and Recreation – Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV, Austin …
RESPONSE TO COUNCIL RESOLUTION 20241121-073 BIRD-FRIENDLYDESIGN REPORT 9/10/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Table of Contents Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 4 Overview of Bird Friendly Design .......................................................................................................... 5 Migration and Habitat in Austin............................................................................................................ 5 Glass and Building Design Elements ..................................................................................................... 6 Lighting Standards to Minimize Light Pollution .................................................................................... 9 Behavioral practices ............................................................................................................................ 10 Benchmarking Report on Bird Friendly Design in North America ....................................................... 11 New York City, NY ............................................................................................................................... 11 Madison, WI ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Portland, ME ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Berkeley, CA ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Toronto, ON ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Arlington County, VA........................................................................................................................... 14 Bird Friendly Design in Austin ............................................................................................................. 15 Austin Energy Green Building ............................................................................................................. 15 Lights Out Austin! ................................................................................................................................ 16 Site Specific Regulations ..................................................................................................................... 16 Glass and Lighting Requirements in Code ........................................................................................... 17 Case Studies of Bird Friendly Projects in Austin.................................................................................. 17 Considerations for New Construction ................................................................................................. 19 Co-Benefits of Bird Friendly Design .................................................................................................... 19 The 100/100/100 rule ......................................................................................................................... 21 Best Practices for Low-, Mid-, and High-Rise Buildings ...................................................................... 21 Feasibility of Bird Friendly Building in Austin ....................................................................................... 23 Cost Estimates ..................................................................................................................................... 23 Building Plan Review ........................................................................................................................... 25 Inspection and Compliance ................................................................................................................. 26 Education ............................................................................................................................................ 26 Stakeholder Engagement .................................................................................................................... 26 Boards and Commission ..................................................................................................................... 28 Staff Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 29 1. Land Development Code Amendment ............................................................................................ 29 9/10/2025 Response to 20241121-073 2. Austin Energy Green Building Program and Policy Updates ........................................................... 29 3. Residential Educational Campaign .................................................................................................. 30 Contributors: ..................................................................................................................................... 31 References:........................................................................................................................................ 32 Appendix A: Benchmarking Data and City Regulations ........................................................................ 33 Appendix B: Austin Energy Green Building Program Requirements ..................................................... 34 Appendix C: Stakeholder Engagement Plan ........................................................................................ 36 Appendix D: Bird Friendly Design for Residential ................................................................................. 37 9/10/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Executive Summary implementation, In response to City Council Resolution 20241121-073, staff conducted comprehensive research on bird- friendly building design including stakeholder engagement with developers, environmental organizations, and the public through virtual sessions, public tours of the Austin Airport IT building, and professional roundtable discussions in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The following analysis provides an overview of the impact that building collisions have on bird populations and how Austin can address the problem through assessing local case studies, cost feasibility, and regulatory frameworks from peer cities including New York, Madison, Portland, Toronto, Berkeley, and Arlington County, VA. The report explores how Austin's built environment and land development regulations present many opportunities for bird-friendly design implementation, including already existing regulatory mechanisms and programs like Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning and the Austin …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 3, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut, Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 20th, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 20th, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Fierro, Ganguly, and Qureshi were absent. Commissioner Krueger was off the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: The Clovis at McKinney Falls, SP-2024-0202D Applicant: Jake Brown; LDG Development, LLC Location: 6507 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, Texas 78744 Council District: N/A - Extra Territorial Jurisdiction Staff: Mohamad Abdulkader, Senior Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department; 512-974-6303; Mohamad.abdulkader@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 feet to 15 feet. 1 Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions Speakers: Mohamad Abdulkader, DSD J Segura, Engineer for the project A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Fierro, Ganguly, and Qureshi were absent. A motion to recommend the Clovis at McKinney Falls variance request with conditions passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Bristol’s second on a 7 –0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Fierro, Ganguly, and Qureshi were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts — Brent Bellinger, Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:23 pm without objection. 2
Bird Friendly Design in Austin Austin Watershed Protection Leslie Lilly City Staff Wa t e r s h e d P r o t e c t i o n Liz Johnston, Leslie Lilly, Elizabeth Funk Matt Hollon, Sean Watson A u s t i n E n e r g y G r e e n B u i l d i n g Garret Jaynes, Heidi Kasper D e v e l o p m e n t S e r v i c e s D e p a r t m e n t Farhana Biswas B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e s Kit Johnson, Nate Jackson A n i m a l S e r v i c e s Emery Sadkin P l a n n i n g Jordan Feldman 2 Resolution 20241121-073 • Came out of a recommendation from a working group and Resolution 20210902-050 on Lights Out Austin • Directs staff to: • Update on Light’s Out Austin • Explore integration of bird-friendly building techniques for new low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise buildings • Conduct a feasibility analysis on the potential impacts of these standards • Seek input from stakeholders, including developers, environmental organizations, and the public. 3 Migration and Habitat • Austin was designated a Bird City in 2023 • Austin within North America’s Central Flyway • Over 400 species of birds • Edwards Plateau and the Blackland Prairies habitat • Premier destination for birdwatchers throughout most of the year. • Birding generates more than $5 billion in annual ecotourism revenue in Texas ($279 billion nationwide) 4 The Problem Bird collisions have both local relevance and enormous impact. Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. In daytime, birds encounter reflective or translucent glass. In nighttime, birds encounter artificial sources of light. Birds fly to these confusing features, without seeing the glass barriers. The collision is deadly. An estimated 1 billion birds die every year. 5 Solutions Glass Strategies B i r d - f r i e n d l y d e s i g n i n c l u d e s : • reducing the use of glass • reducing glass exposure (using solar shading, external insect/solar screens, louvers, etc.) • incorporating bird-friendly signals (markers) in or on the glass • UV coating, glazing, and etched or …
Wildlands for Water, Wildlife, and People Environmental Commission September 17, 2025 Environmental Resource Office (ERO) Wildland Conservation Division o Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) o Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) Center for Environmental Research at Hornsby Bend Climate Protection Austin: A biodiversity hotspot Austin’s population has doubled every 20-25 years Austin Austin Metro 87,930 214,603 186,545 301,261 345,890 585,051 656,562 1,249,763 961,855 2,283,371 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 Austin’s Wildlands: A Unique Gift A 30-year, $250M+ commitment to protecting Austin’s unique landscapes A large-scale network of conservation lands that benefit water, wildlife, and people • 49,000 acres and growing Managed under goals of two programs: • Balcones Canyonlands Preserve • Water Quality Protection Lands Intentionally placed with Austin Water to ensure support and stewardship into the future Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Goal: Protect woodland and cave habitat for endangered species & species of concern Provides mitigation for habitat loss from energy, communication and transportation infrastructure Public areas of preserve include some of Austin’s favorite places: o Barton Creek o Mt. Bonnell o Bull Creek Helps to protect quality of our water supply in Lake Travis & Lake Austin watersheds 33,000+ acres (COA + partners) Habitat Conservation Plan sets targets for size/configuration of land in each macrosite Protection of 62 named caves The BCCP facilitates development. 1,500+ landowners/ developers 400+ infrastructure projects 12,000+ acres Water Quality Protection Lands Goal: Protect and restore native grassland savannas and creeks that provide the main source of water flowing from Barton Springs Actively manage land over ¼ of the recharge zone to protect groundwater Prescribed burn program carefully mimics natural fire cycle using highly trained wildland fire professionals Goal of 100,000 acres protected over Barton Springs Zone 12,000+ acres in fee 22,000+ acres in conservation easements Plus regulatory protection Wildland Conservation Ongoing Management Understand • • Intensive monitoring of endangered species and species of concern Vegetation transects • Oak wilt monitoring • • • • Invasive species monitoring/mapping Drought, winter storm impacts Live fuel moisture monitoring In-house and external research Protect • • • • Boundary patrols Fence construction and repair Facility management Invasive species management • Wildfire fuel mitigation • Conservation easement reviews Restore/Enhance • Grassland and forest restoration Prescribed fire Seed collection Nursery operations • • • • Oak wilt trenching • • Karst feature …
Austin Parks and Recreation Policies and Procedures Update for Concessions in City Parks System Environmental Commission Meeting September 17, 2025 Presenters: Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV Suzanne Piper, DBA, Chief Administrative Officer Commercial Visitor Services Policy for Concessions in City’s Parks System Purpose Establish Policies and Procedures intended to maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide positive recreational experiences to park visitors, and ensure a financial return to the City from park concessions. Authority In accordance with City Code Title 8, the Austin Parks and Recreation Director has the authority and responsibility to execute policies and procedures for concessions in City of Austin parks in accordance with City policies and best practices. Supersedes Policy: • March 12, 1998, Adopted by Council Resolution 980312-25 Definitions Applicable Rules means the applicable provisions of City Code Title 8, the Park Use Rules, and these Policies and Procedures, as they may be amended from time to time. Concession means a business owned by a private citizen or a privately- owned business operating in the Parks System pursuant to an agreement between the City and the citizen or business or a permit issued by the Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, food and beverage stands, boat and watercraft recreation services, bicycle rentals, pushcarts, and souvenir stands. Legacy Concession means an existing Permanent Concession that: • Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person or a Family Member for at least 30 years; • Has operated under the same or a similar name for the entirety of its existence; • Contributes to the City’s history and culture, as determined by the Department in its sole discretion; and • Has maintained the physical features of the Concession in good condition. Concessionaire means a private citizen or privately owned business operating a Concession. Parks System means all City of Austin parks, parkland, park amenities, facilities, buildings or bodies of water. Department means Austin Parks and Recreation. Director means the Director of the Department or designee. Permanent Concession means a Concession operating pursuant to an agreement between the City and the Concessionaire with a term of more than six months. Family Member means a biological or adoptive parent, biological or adoptive grandparent, spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner), child (biological, adopted, stepchild, foster, legal ward), sibling (biological, adopted, stepsibling), and parent, grandparent, or sibling of a …
BRIEFING SUMMARY SHEET DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT CASE NUMBER: CD-2025-0002 REQUEST: Presentation of a Development Assessment Report for 1404 E. Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD), located at 1400 ½ and 1404 East Riverside Drive, within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed in District 3. DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The applicant has submitted a development assessment for an approximately 2.62-acre mixed use project located on the north side of East Riverside Drive, with frontage onto Lady Bird Lake, approximately 500 feet east of the intersection of East Riverside Drive and IH-35 frontage road (see Case Map – Exhibit A). The property in question is currently undeveloped and was previously the Acton Business School property, zoned ERC-CMU. It is located within the Waterfront Overlay combining district (WO), the WO East Riverside subdistrict. It is designated as “Specific Regulating District” on the Future Land Use Map in the East Riverside/ Oltorf Combined Neighborhood Plan. The property is located within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed, which is classified as an Urban Watershed. The proposed PUD is in an area that includes the 100-year floodplain and Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ). The current alignment of the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 runs alongside the property on East Riverside Drive. The proposed PUD consists of a development proposing 381 residential units. The project will include an amendment to the approved Acton School Redevelopment site plan (SP-2021-0451C), which permits 222 multifamily units, inclusive of 15 on-site affordable units, and includes 44% of site area for parkland dedication (see Development Assessment Application Letter – Exhibit B). The applicant states that they are seeking CS, general commercial services, district zoning and site development regulations for the PUD. The PUD seeks to remove the maximum height limitations established in the Waterfront Overlay, East Riverside subdistrict, which will allow a height maximum of 180 feet for the site. Further, the PUD proposes to allow a maximum of 65% impervious cover. The PUD proposes a maximum FAR of 4:1. In the Applicant summary, there is a note that they seek to establish the baseline at 2:1 FAR for purposes of complying with the development bonus as it applies to Development Bonuses (Chapter 25-2, Subchapter B, Article 2, Division 5, Subpart B, Section 2.5); the applicant notes they seek to retain the already approved 15 on-site affordable units and will comply with Development Bonuses for any additional requirements (see PUD Land Use Plan – Exhibit C). The envisioned …
9/15/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Staff Recommendations In response to City Council's directive to provide recommendations on specific City Code amendments or guidelines for bird-friendly building design, staff conducted comprehensive research including stakeholder engagement, case study analysis, cost feasibility assessment, and review of existing regulatory mechanisms and review processes. This analysis encompassed the current Austin Energy Green Building program requirements, successful local projects such as the Austin Airport IT building, and best practices from other cities around the country. Based on this evaluation, staff recommends the following three-pronged approach to address bird-friendly design while balancing environmental protection with practical implementation considerations: 1. Land Development Code Amendment Staff recommend amending Austin's code to establish mandatory bird-friendly design standards for new construction. The proposed amendment would include: Primary Requirements: • New commercial and multifamily buildings exceeding 10,000 square feet must meet bird-safe design performance standards for the first 100 ft of facade as measured by a Material Threat Factor (MTF) rating of 20 or less. Although American Bird Conservancy recommends a MTF of 30 or less, the staff recommendation targets a MTF of 20 due to the overwhelming impact that window collisions have on hummingbird populations, an important pollinator species that is at less of a risk for window collision with a 20 MTF rating. • Implementation of dark sky lighting compliance standards including fully shielded fixtures, exterior and Interior lighting on timers for after midnight and during peak migration. lighting temperatures below 3000K, and directional lighting requirements to reduce light pollution and minimize bird disorientation Additional Provision: • Incorporation of a waiver mechanism for deeply affordable housing projects to ensure housing affordability goals are not compromised (specific criteria and process developed in coordination with Austin Planning staff) 2. Austin Energy Green Building Program and Policy Updates Staff recommend coordinating with Austin Energy to implement progressive enhancements to existing green building frameworks: Future COA Green Building Policy Update: Require bird-friendly design feasibility studies that include cost analysis and evaluation of potential high-risk areas, with risk area definitions to be established within the ordinance Future Austin Energy Green Building Requirements: including simplified Update program requirements for bird-friendly design, potentially requirements and/or decoupling lighting requirements from glass treatments based on project feedback and implementation data
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250917-004 Date: September 17, 2025 Subject: Bird Friendly Design Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Mariana Krueger WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission and the Bird Friendly Design working group supported Resolution No. 20241121-073 that was adopted by Council on November 21, 2024; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin was named a Bird City in Feb. 2023; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that over 400 species of birds reside or migrate through Travis County every spring and fall, with endangered species and species of concern utilizing the Central Flyway and geological way finders of the Balcones Escarpment, Colorado River and Blackland Prairie during migration, as well as during nesting and wintering seasons; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin benefits from the annual $5.5 billion generated from birdwatching and bird tourism in Texas; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes city staff has met with stakeholders, reviewed the policies and codes implemented in other cities, and studied how bird-friendly design standards can best fit within the City’s code; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends Council initiate the findings and recommendations of staff as listed with the following addition. 1. In addition to commercial and multifamily buildings, the Environmental Commission recommends all City buildings be required to follow the guidelines and set an example for non-public buildings. VOTE 8-0 For: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Annie Fierro, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Abstain: None Absent: Isabella Changsut and Ashika Ganguly Approved By: Jennifer Bristol, Chair
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 17, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Annie Fierro, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Haris Qureshi Commissioners Absent: Isabella Changsut, Ashika Ganguly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Craig Nazor, on mowing of Grow Zones Corbin Graham, Travis County Landfill concerns APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 3rd, 2025. The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 3, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Changsut and Ganguly were absent. Commissioner Qureshi and Luecke were off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Thank Commissioner Cofer for her service to the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 3. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 1404 East Riverside Drive, located at 1400 ½ and 1404 East Riverside Drive, CD-2025-0002 (District 3). Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group. Staff: Marcelle Boudreaux, Planning Department, and Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department 1 Speakers: Marcelle Boudreaux, Planning Amanda Swor, speaking on behalf if the applicant Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer (WPD) Cliff Schaefer, KW, Landscape architect Sam Pheiffer, Kimley-Horn, Civil Engineer Axel Weisheit, Ziegler Cooper Item conducted as posted. No action taken. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Presentation and possible recommendation on Staff’s response to Council Resolution 20241121-073, related to Bird-Friendly design – Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department. Speakers: Leslie Lilly, WPD Craig Nazor, Sierra Club Roy Wayley Garrett Jaynes, Austin Energy Green Building A motion to recommend staff’s recommendations with an additional recommendation passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on an 8–0 vote. Commissioners Ganguly and Changsut were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. Staff briefing on Austin Water’s Wildlands – Sherri Kuhl, Environmental Resource Officer, and Justin Bates, Environmental Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 6. Staff briefing on a change to the Austin Parks and Recreation Concessions Policy to create Legacy Concessions – Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV, Austin Parks and Recreation Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Sullivan requested an …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner VACANT Ofelia Zapata Appointment District 1 District 2 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Appointment District 7 District 8 Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) District 3 Michael Nahas Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed District 4 District 5 District 6 Aaron Gonzales (Chair) District 9 Aditi Joshi Jake Randall District 10 Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on August 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Presentation regarding collaborative partnerships to support economic opportunity. Presentation by Christy Moffett, Director of Economic Development & Strategic Investments, Travis County. Discussion regarding potential overlap in work between the Economic Prosperity Commission and other city boards and commissions, as related to approved recommendations. Discussion regarding a potential report on large enterprise employers within the City of Austin that are or are not participating in the summer youth internship program, including feedback from commissioners. Discussion regarding vacancies on the Economic Prosperity Commission and how the commission can encourage people to apply. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Economic Prosperity Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with other boards or commissions, identify policies or City needs that no current board or commission appears to address, evaluate the level of members’ and the community’s engagement, and identify potential bylaw amendments to improve or address any of the foregoing. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Gonzales called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (Chair) Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Zain Pleuthner Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rodrigo Cantu Aditi Joshi Michael Nahas Shakeel Rashed PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on July 16, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Joshi’s motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Randall, Ponder, and Zapata were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Hold a public hearing to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Economic Prosperity Commission’s stated purposes and duties and its success in fulfilling those purpose and duties. No speakers present. Withdrawn without objection. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation regarding the history of the partnership between Workforce Solutions Capital Area and the City of Austin, the new infrastructure academy, and workforce development programs in peer cities. Presentation by Yael Lawson, COO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Presentation by Yael Lawson, COO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Discussion reviewing peer city actions, local events, and news articles related to the commission’s working groups. Withdrawn without objection. Update from Chair Gonzales regarding his Economic Opportunity Committee presentation on July 18th and the 2024-25 annual report. Discussed. Discussion regarding commissioner attendance and feedback received at district budget town halls. Discussed. Discussion regarding planned and finished external speaker presentations at working group meetings. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Economic Prosperity Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with other boards or commissions, identify policies or City needs that no current board or commission appears to address, evaluate the level of members’ and the community’s engagement, and identify potential bylaw amendments to improve or address any of the foregoing. Discussed. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. 10. 11. …
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY City of Austin Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Presented by Christy Copeland Moffett, MSSW Travis County EDSI, Planning & Budget Office September 17, 2025 AGENDA Workforce/Job Creation Small Business Long-term Economic Planning 2 Travis County Economic Development & Strategic Investment • Located in the Planning & Budget Office • Areas of Responsibility: • Economic & Strategic Planning • Investments Management • Public Improvement Districts • Community & Strategic Engagement • Corporations Economic Development & Strategic Investments Travis County Economic Development - Travis County Financial Transparency V2 3 WORKFORCE & JOB CREATION TCHHS Workforce Development Funding Overview County Goals: Community Goal: Travis County allocated $2,608,238 for a continuum of adult education and workforce development services for Travis County residents in the Workforce Development issue area àHelp individuals improve workplace skills, obtain employment, & succeed in the workplace (succeed in the workplace includes retaining employment, advancing in employment, & increasing earnings and access to benefits); and àHelp employers secure a skilled workforce Support the Hire Local Plan by improving economically disadvantaged residents’ access to better economic opportunities Source: https://www.wfscapitalarea.com/community-workforce-plan-2/ 5 TCHHS Workforce Development Investments Program YouthBuild American YouthWorks Career Expressway Capital IDEA Educational Pathways Foundation Communites Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP) Goodwill Industries of Central Texas Workforce and Education Services LifeWorks Gateway Skillpoint Alliance Adult Education Todos Juntos Learning Center Workforce and Education Readiness Continuum—Travis County (WERC TC) Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board TOTAL Funding Level $229,850.00 $829,840.00 $229,850.00 $129,850.00 $329,850.00 $339,840.00 $209,158.00 $200,000.00 $2,608,238.00 6 TCHHS Portfolio Strengths • Broad low-income population targeting • County-wide geographic access • Some service types we’ve funded before • Vendors that have been County contractors before • Support to existing services as well as program expansion • Collaborative programs with a prime contractor and one or more subcontractors • Brand new contractors for the County • Smaller and/or newer nonprofits 7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS • 8 Active Agreements • 2 Completed Agreements • $97,057,725 total rebated/abated to date for active agreements • 14,662 jobs created or retained by companies with active agreements to date • $24,960,949,945 total capital investment made by companies with active agreements to date • Compliance for 4 agreements completed jointly with the City of Austin 8 SMALL BUSINESS 9 TCTX Thrive 1.0 program • Budget: $10 million allocated from the CARES Act • Program: Business coaching and reimbursement grants of up to $40,000 • …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 15, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 17th, 2025. The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Valdez Sanchez called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Chair) Zain Pleuthner Aditi Joshi Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aaron Gonzales Rodrigo Cantu Jake Randall Ofelia Zapata PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on August 20, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Zapata’s motion, Commissioner Gonzales’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Nahas and Rashed were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding collaborative partnerships to support economic opportunity. Presentation by Christy Moffett, Director of Economic Development & Strategic Investments, Travis County. The presentation was made by Christy Moffett, Director of Economic Development & Strategic Investments, Travis County. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 15, 2025 3. 4. 5. Discussion regarding potential overlap in work between the Economic Prosperity Commission and other city boards and commissions, as related to approved recommendations. Discussion was held. Discussion regarding a potential report on large enterprise employers within the City of Austin that are or are not participating in the summer youth internship program, including feedback from commissioners. Discussion was held. Discussion regarding vacancies on the Economic Prosperity Commission and how the commission can encourage people to apply. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Economic Prosperity Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with other boards or commissions, identify policies or City needs that no current board or commission appears to address, evaluate the level of members’ and the community’s engagement, and identify potential bylaw amendments to improve or address any of the foregoing. The commission survey responses were read out by Chair Gonzales and approved on Commissioner Zapata’s motion, Vice Chair Valdez-Sanchez’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Nahas and Rashed were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Identify working groups and their structure – Commissioner Joshi ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 7:44 pm. The …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday September 17, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Nelly Paulina Ramírez CALL TO ORDER 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 regular called meeting on August 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Downtown Austin Strategic Initiative (DASI). Presentation by Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager, Austin City Manager’s Office. 3. Update from the Public Safety Commission representative regarding the Austin Police’s response to questions about their process with regards to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Public Safety Commission’s future discussions regarding this topic. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Downtown Commission Boundary Expansion. 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 Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792.
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Called Meeting Minutes Wednesday August 20, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday August 20, 2025, at Austin City Hall Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Nelly Paulina Ramírez CALL TO ORDER Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on July 16, 2025. 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The minutes from the meeting of July 16, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second, on a 10-0 vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin, regarding possible downtown site developments. The presentation was made by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. 3. Presentation by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, regarding Austin Texas Musicians. The presentation was made by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, Austin Texas Musicians and Frances Ferguson, Community Member and Member of the Austin Presbyterian Church. 4. Presentation by Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy, regarding the Cypress and Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy. The presentation was made by Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Homelessness Response 24-Hour Oasis Access. The motion to approve the recommendation was made by Vice Chair Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Shifferd. The following amendment was made by Commissioner McDaniel and seconded by Chair Ishmael. The amendment was to move the move the last Whereas clause on page 1 to the top of page 2 and add the first Whereas clause on page 2 to the end of page 1 and strike the words “on Friday and Saturday nights.” The amendment was approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal abstained. The Recommendation to Council regarding Homelessness Response 24-Hour Oasis Access was approved as amended on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal abstained. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:21 p.m. was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner McDaniel’s second a 10-0 vote. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: ___________________: DOWNTOWN COMMISSION BOUNDARY EXPANSION WHEREAS the Austin Council on August 14, 2024, passed Resolution 20240814-028 calling for an update to the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP); WHEREAS the purpose of the Downtown Commission, as spelled out in its Bylaws is to advise the City Council and city staff regarding policies and projects impacting downtown Austin; serve as stewards for the Downtown Austin Plan and, as such: serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan and offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed Downtown Commission (DTC) of the City of Austin is charged with stewarding the DAP; and WHEREAS the City of Austin Planning Department by memo in response to City Council Resolution No.20240814-028 recommended that the current boundaries of the Downtown Austin Plan be expanded; and WHEREAS the Planning Staff noted that: • A renewed vision of Downtown should account for its immediate needs while acknowledging the regional context of its relationship to surrounding areas. • Planning Staff recommended the development of a District Plan • Broadening the DAP update to a District Plan with a larger geography would acknowledge the regional nature of the urban core in the city and create intentionality in planning for it. WHEREAS Planning Staff recommended that the proposed District Plan include the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) area to the north, Downtown, and the South-Central Waterfront area to the south, bordered by Lamar Boulevard to the west and I-35 to the east, and would be referred to as the Center City / Central District Plan Area. WHEREAS the current boundaries of the Downtown Commission as set forth in the Bylaws as being Martin Luther King, Kr. Boulevard to the north, Interstate Highway 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and Lamar Boulevard to the west; and WHEREAS there currently exists a South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) charged with providing continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South- Central Waterfront Plan moves towards implementation and to provide 15 recommendations to the city council regarding plan implementation; and WHEREAS the South-Central Waterfront is bounded by South First Street on the west, Blunn Creek to the east, Lady Bird Lake on the north, and East Riverside Drive and East Bouldin Creek on the south; and WHEREAS SCWAB has met once in 2025; …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: ___________________: DOWNTOWN COMMISSION BOUNDARY EXPANSION WHEREAS the Austin Council on August 14, 2024, passed Resolution 20240814-028 calling for an update to the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP); WHEREAS the purpose of the Downtown Commission, as spelled out in its Bylaws is to advise the City Council and city staff regarding policies and projects impacting downtown Austin; serve as stewards for the Downtown Austin Plan and, as such: 1) serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan, and 2) offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed; and WHEREAS the current boundaries of the Downtown Commission are set forth in the Bylaws as being Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the north, Interstate Highway 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and Lamar Boulevard to the west; and WHEREAS the current DAP boundaries are concurrent with the Downtown Commission boundaries; and WHEREAS the City of Austin Planning Department by memo in response to City Council Resolution No.20240814-028 recommended that the current boundaries of the Downtown Austin Plan be expanded; and WHEREAS the Planning Staff noted that: • A renewed vision of Downtown should account for its immediate needs while acknowledging the regional context of its relationship to surrounding areas. • Planning Staff recommended the development of a District Plan • Broadening the DAP update to a District Plan with a larger geography would acknowledge the regional nature of the urban core in the city and create intentionality in planning for it. WHEREAS Planning Staff recommended that the proposed District Plan include Downtown, the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) area to the north, and the South-Central Waterfront area to the south, bordered by Lamar Boulevard to the west and I-35 to the east, and would be referred to as the Center City / Central District Plan Area. WHEREAS there currently exists a South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) charged with providing continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South- Central Waterfront Plan moves towards implementation and to provide recommendations to the city council regarding plan implementation; and WHEREAS the South-Central Waterfront is bounded by South First Street on the west, Blunn Creek to the east, Lady Bird Lake on the north, and East Riverside Drive and East Bouldin Creek on the south; and WHEREAS SCWAB has met once in 2025; …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: 20250917-004: DOWNTOWN COMMISSION BOUNDARY EXPANSION WHEREAS the Austin City Council on August 14, 2024, passed Resolution 20240814-028 calling for an update to the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP); WHEREAS the purpose of the Downtown Commission, as spelled out in its Bylaws is to advise the City Council and city staff regarding policies and projects impacting downtown Austin; serve as stewards for the Downtown Austin Plan and, as such: 1) serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan, and 2) offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed; and WHEREAS the current boundaries of the Downtown Commission are set forth in the Bylaws as being Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the north, Interstate Highway 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and Lamar Boulevard to the west; and WHEREAS the current DAP boundaries are concurrent with the Downtown Commission boundaries; and WHEREAS the City of Austin Planning Department by memo in response to City Council Resolution No.20240814-028 recommended that the current boundaries of the Downtown Austin Plan be expanded; and WHEREAS the Planning Staff noted that: • A renewed vision of Downtown should account for its immediate needs while acknowledging the regional context of its relationship to surrounding areas. • Planning Staff recommended the development of a District Plan • Broadening the DAP update to a District Plan with a larger geography would acknowledge the regional nature of the urban core in the city and create intentionality in planning for it. WHEREAS Planning Staff recommended that the proposed District Plan include Downtown, the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) area to the north, and the South-Central Waterfront area to the south, bordered by Lamar Boulevard to the west and I-35 to the east, and would be referred to as the Center City / Central District Plan Area. WHEREAS there currently exists a South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) charged with providing continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South- Central Waterfront Plan moves towards implementation and to provide recommendations to the city council regarding plan implementation; and WHEREAS the South-Central Waterfront is bounded by South First Street on the west, Blunn Creek to the east, Lady Bird Lake on the north, and East Riverside Drive and East Bouldin Creek on the south; and WHEREAS SCWAB has met once in …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Called Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 17, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Austin City Hall Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Nkiru Gelles Nancy Pollak Nelly Paulina Ramírez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on August 20, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of August 20, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Buchta’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Carroll was absent. 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 17, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Downtown Austin Strategic Initiative (DASI). Presentation by Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager, Austin City Manager’s Office. The presentation was made by Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager, Austin City Manager’s Office and Roberto Treviño, Deputy City Manager Advisor, Austin City Manager’s Office. 3. Update from the Public Safety Commission representative regarding the Austin Police’s response to questions about their process with regards to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Public Safety Commission’s future discussions regarding this topic. Commissioner Ramírez provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Downtown Commission Boundary Expansion. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Downtown Commission Boundary Expansion was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Carroll was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Briefing on the update to the Great Streets Master Plan Briefing on the 6th Street Engineering Report Valet Permitting Process ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Peveto’s motion, Vice Chair Levinson’s second a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Carroll was absent. The minutes were approved at the October 15, 2025, meeting on Commissioner Peveto’s motion, Vice Chair Levinson’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner McDaniel was off the dais. Commissioners Coufal and Pollak were absent. 2
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Armando Gonzales Bryce Laake-Stanfield Anita Carmichael Roberts Jose Reyes VACANT – D4 VACANT – D1 VACANT – D6 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of Aug 20, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and discussion by Shafina Khaki and Dr Lindsey Wilson on the function of the Department of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Austin. 3. Presentation and discussion by Patricia Morgan from Texas Veterans Network/Combined Arms on their services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 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 Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, September 17, 2025 The COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR Meeting on WEDNESDAY, September 17, 2025, at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752. Chair Michael Mcinerney called the COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS MEETING to order at 7:03pm CST. Commissioners in Attendance: Michael Mcinerney Armando Gonzales Jose Reyes Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amber Schleuning Christopher Wilson Bryce Laake-Stanfield Anita Carmichael Roberts Commissioners Absent: William Dahlstrom Staff in Attendance: Jesus Simental – Veterans Administrator, Office of Equity and Inclusion PUBLIC COMMUNICATION – GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. The minutes from the meeting of 8/20/2025 were approved on Commissioner Bryce Laake-Stanfield motion, second by Christopher Wilson on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner William Dahlstrom was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and discussion by Shafina Khaki and Dr Lindsey Wilson on the function of the Department of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Austin. 3. Presentation and discussion by Patricia Morgan from Texas Veterans Network/Combined Arms on their services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 4. Participation by the Veterans Commission in the parade, homelessness initiative by Commissioner Bryce Laake-Stanfield, presentations by local universities veterans’ offices. ADJOURNMENT END: 8:17 PM 5. Chair Michael Mcinerney made the motion to adjourn, Jose Reyes second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner William Dahlstrom was absent. The minutes were approved at the 15 October 2025 meeting on Commissioner Bryce Laake- Stanfield’s motion, Armando Gonzales second on a 6-0 vote, William Dahlstrom and Anita Roberts were absent. .
Regular Called Meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission September 17, 2025, 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Nicole Hernandez, 512-974-7644, nicole.hernandez@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: John Mc Nabb, Chair Charles Curry, Vice Chair Zachary Bird Ramiro Diaz JC Dwyer Stephen Gonzalez Bob Libal Russell Korte Santiago Rodriguez Kenneth Standley CALL TO ORDER AGENDA 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 the minutes of the Regular meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission on August 20, 2025. Staff Briefings 2. Staff briefing from Austin Fire Department and Austin/Travis County EMS on Public Bond Projects. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on the 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force recent meeting items. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Nicole Hernandez, Capital Delivery Department, at 512-974-7644, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Bond Oversight Commission, please contact Nicole Hernandez at 512-974-7644.
FIRE/EMS PROGRAM UPDATE September 17, 2025 Austin Capital Delivery Services Department EMS / FIRE RENOVATIONS PROGRAM HIGH LEVEL PROJECT STATUS 1. EMS 1 –SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION JUNE 9, 2025 2. EMS 5 –SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION JUNE 20, 2025 3. EMS 7 / FIRE 8 –SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION MAY 12, 2025 4. EMS 10 / FIRE 25 –SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION JUNE 13, 2025 5. EMS 13 / FIRE 23 –SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION MAY 13, 2025 City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 2 EMS 1 Renovated Station with AIPP artwork CURRENT STATUS SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION - JUNE 9,2025 RENOVATION SIZE ORIGINAL BUILDING AREA: 3,260 SF TOTAL RENOVATED STATION AREA : 5,094 SF SCOPE AND JUSTIFICATION FOR RENOVATION The facility was renovated and enlarged to meet the service needs of the community which has experienced increasing call volume. The project added a vehicle bay for a 2nd ambulance and expanded the living quarters to house a supervisor and personnel for the 2nd ambulance. In addition, upgrades were made to meet current ADA and fire code requirements and provide adequate bathrooms for gender equality. The project is targeted to achieve LEED Silver certification. Pre-renovation Photo City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 3 EMS 5 CURRENT STATUS SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION - JUNE 20, 2025 RENOVATION SIZE ORIGINAL BUILDING AREA: 3,280 SF TOTAL RENOVATED STATION AREA: 7,834 SF Completed Renovation SCOPE AND JUSTIFICATION FOR RENOVATION AIPP artwork Pre-Renovation Photo The facility was renovated and enlarged to meet the service needs of the community to address increased call volume. The project added a vehicle bay for a 2nd ambulance and expanded living quarters to house a supervisor and personnel for the 2nd ambulance. In addition, upgrades were made to meet current ADA and fire code requirements and provide adequate bathrooms for gender equality. The project is targeted to achieve LEED Silver certification. City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach 4 EMS 7 / FIRE 8 Renderings of Proposed Renovation and AIPP Artwork CURRENT STATUS SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION - May 12, 2025 RENOVATION SIZE ORIGINAL BUILDING AREA: 9,290 SF TOTAL RENOVATED STATION AREA: 9,824 SF SCOPE AND JUSTIFICATION FOR RENOVATION The pre-renovated facility had significant structural integrity issues affecting the overall stability of the station. In addition to addressing the structural issues, the renovation expanded the size of the facility …
Bond Oversight Commission REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, September 17, 2025 The Bond Oversight Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair John McNabb called the Bond Oversight Meeting to order at 2:07 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: John McNabb, Chair Charles Curry, Vice Chair Ramiro Diaz Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Zachary Bird JC Dwyer Russell Korte Santiago Rodriguez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Bond Oversight Commission Regular meeting on August 20, 2025. The minutes were approved at the September 17, 2025, with the following amendments on Bond Oversight meeting on Commissioner Currys’s motion, Commissioner Diaz’s second on a (7-0) vote with Commissioners Rodriguez and Korte off the dais and Commissioners Libal and Standley absent. The amendments were: future agenda items A presentation on the Capital Budget and the Capital Improvement Plan. A presentation on the new system being developed (or already implemented) by Capital Projects, which may be used to track the progress of capital project 1 Staff Briefings 2. Staff briefing from Austin Fire Department and Austin/Travis County EMS on Public Bond Project. • The presentation was made by Eric Jakubauskas, Stephen White Austin/Travis County EMS and Thayer Smith, Assistant Fire Chief DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on the 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force recent meeting items. • Members who serve on both the Bond Oversight Commission and 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) gave an update on what the BEATF has been doing and information/presentations they have had to date. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Request to get the ongoing projects left from 2016/2018 Bond and the Ballot Language Chair McNabb adjourned the meeting at 2:33 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the October 15, 2025, meeting on Commissioner Diaz’s motion and Commissioner Standley’s second on a (9-0) vote. 2
SPECIAL MEETING of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, at 1:00 PM Virtual Meeting Members of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL may participate by video conference. Public comment will be allowed remotely via video conference or telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item 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 participation. To register to speak, call or email AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-7852. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Chair – Kristi-Anne Shaer, Vice Chair – Andrew Danziger, Taylor Davis, Bernardo Diaz, Heidi Schmalbach – Arts Commission Liaison. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on September 8, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and Action of the recommended changes to Ordinance Chapter 7-2 per Resolution No. 20250306-029. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Art in Public Places Staff Briefing on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones. 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 contact AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974- 7852 for additional information; TTY users' route through Relay Texas at 711.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Special Meeting The Art in Public Places Panel convened a special meeting on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, virtual special meeting. Chari Kristi-Anne Shaer called the meeting to order at 1:05 PM. Panel Members in Attendance: Chair – Kristi-Anne Shaer, Vice Chair – Andrew Danziger, Taylor Davis, Bernardo Diaz, Heidi Schmalbach – Arts Commission Liaison. Staff in Attendance: Program Manager: Jaime Castillo, AIPP Senior Coordinators: Rebecca Rende, AIPP Coordinators: Jieun Beth Kim and Brittany Hutchens. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on September 8, 2025. AIPP Panel Chair, Kristi-Anne Shaer, postponed approval of minutes to the October 6, 2025 regular meeting. DISCUSSION ITEMS AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and Action of the recommended changes to Ordinance Chapter 7-2 per Resolution No. 20250306-029. Heidi Schmalbach made a motion to approve the changes to the Ordinance Chapter 7-2 provided the intent of the language does not change with special attention to 7-2-6 CAPITAL PROJECT COST CALCULATION defining capital cost vs construction cost. Capital project costs include soft and hard costs when calculating the 2% allocation unless listed as a deduction. Bernie Diaz seconded with a request to add language stating the public art field standard across the country is to include soft and hard costs when calculating the percent for art programs. Revised Motion to approve the changes to the Ordinance Chapter 7-2 provided the intent of the language does not change with special attention to 7-2-6 CAPITAL PROJECT COST CALCULATION defining capital cost vs construction cost. Capital project costs includes soft and hard costs when calculating the 2% allocation unless listed as a deduction. The public art field standard across the country is to include soft and hard costs when calculating the percent for art programs. Motion passes 5-0-0. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Art in Public Places Staff Briefing on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 4. Chair Kriti-Anne Shaer adjourned the Meeting at 2:05 PM. The minutes were approved at the October 6, 2025, Art in Public Places Panel Meeting on the motion of Bernardo Diaz; seconded by Taylor Davis. Motion passed on a 5-0-0 vote with two vacancies.
REGULAR MEETING of the ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Zoning and Platting Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than 2 PM the day of the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. For more information on public comment, please see the agenda section “Speaker Registration.” Please contact Ella Garcia, Staff Liaison, for questions regarding speaker registration at LandUseLiaison@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-978-0821. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Hank Smith, Chair (District 8) Betsy Greenberg, Vice Chair (District 10) Ryan Puzycki, Secretary (District 7) Alejandra Flores, Parliamentarian (District 5) Luis Osta Lugo (Mayor’s Representative) Scott Boone (District 1) David Fouts (District 2) Lonny Stern (District 3) Vacant (District 4) Christian Tschoepe (District 6) Taylor Major (District 9) EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Zoning and Platting Commission will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The commission may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 Staff Liaison: Ella Garcia, 512-978-0821 Attorney: Jenna Schwartz, 512-978-0871 Page 1 of 6 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first four 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 Zoning and Platting Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. PUBLIC HEARINGS C14-2025-0084 - Howard Lane Rezoning; District 7 2315 West Howard Lane, Walnut Creek Watershed 2. Rezoning: Location: Owner/Applicant: Ishtel Heating Air & Refrigeration Inc. (Ishtel Uddin) Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Encon, LLC (Diane Bernal) GR to CS Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov Planning Department C14-2025-0070 - McNeil Rezone; District 6 7221 McNeil Drive, Rattan Creek Watershed 3. Rezoning: Location: Owner/Applicant: Roy L. Wyatt III & Luke Hogan Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Land Answers, Inc. (Tamara Mitchell) CS-CO to CS-1 for Tract 1 and CS-CO for Tract 2 Staff …
ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISION REGULAR CALLED MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 The Zoning and Platting convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Zoning and Platting Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hank Smith Betsy Greenberg Ryan Puzycki Lonny Stern Christian Tschoepe Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Scott Boone David Fouts Commissioners Absent: Alejandra Flores Taylor Major Luis Osta Lugo 1 Vacancy on the Dais. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zoning and Platting Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of Tuesday, August 19, 2025, were approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Puzycki’s motion, Vice Chair Greenberg’s second, on 1 a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Flores, Osta Lugo, and Major were absent. 1 vacancy on the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Rezoning: Location: Owner/Applicant: Doug Wehmeier Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: C14-2025-0075 - Wehmeier 3.0; District 5 7400 Albert Road, Williamson Creek Watershed Bennett Consulting, Rodney K. Bennett DR to SF-3 Recommended Nancy Estrada, 512-974-7617, nancy.estrada@austintexas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve SF-3 for C14-2025-0075 - Wehmeier 3.0, located at 7400 Albert Road, was approved on the consent agenda on Secretary Puzycki’s motion, Vice Chair Greenberg’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Flores, Osta Lugo, and Major were absent. 1 vacancy on the dais. 3. PUD Amendment: Location: C814-04-0187.03.SH - Goodnight Ranch PUD Amendment #3; District 2 East side of Old Lockhart Road between Nuckols Crossing Road and Capitol View Drive except Lot 3, Block J, of Goodnight Ranch Phase 2, Onion Creek Watershed Owner/Applicant: Austin Goodnight Ranch, L.P. Agent: Request: City of Austin Planning Department City-initiated PUD Amendment #3 to amend conditions of zoning, and waivers or modifications to City Code requirements, related to the development of Goodnight Ranch PUD. Staff Postponement Request to October 21, 2025 Nancy Estrada, 512-974-7617, nancy.estrada@austintexas.gov Planning Department Staff Rec.: Staff: The motion to approve Staff’s postponement request to October 21, 2025, was approved on the consent agenda on Secretary Puzycki’s motion, Vice Chair Greenberg’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Flores, Osta Lugo, and Major were absent. 1 vacancy on the dais. 2 4. Site Plan SP-2022-0567C - RBI Austin Youth Development Complex; District 1 (Environmental Variance): Location: Owner/Applicant: Home Plate Properties (Teri Durden) Agent: Request: 7401 Loyola …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C14-2025-0084 - Howard Lane Rezoning DISTRICT: 7 ADDRESS: 2315 West Howard Lane ZONING FROM: GR TO: CS SITE AREA: 0.36 acres (15,725 sq. ft.) PROPERTY OWNER: Ishtel Heating Air & Refrigeration (Ishtel Uddin) APPLICANT/AGENT: Encon, LLC (Diane Bernal) CASE MANAGER: Sherri Sirwaitis (512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Staff recommends CS, General Commercial Services District, zoning. ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: September 16, 2025 CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: 02 C14-2025-0084 - Howard Lane Rezoning; District 71 of 13 C14-2025-0084 ISSUES: 2 On January 29, 2024, a code violation was filed for this property for an Enterprise Violation - case number ECV 2024-010063, for an unpermitted commercial development of site (please see Exhibit C). CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The property under consideration is a 25,284 sq. ft. lot that contains a warehouse that fronts onto W. Howard Lane and backs up to Daisy Lane, thus allowing access from both streets. There are construction sales and services businesses to the north (ABC Heating and Air Services Supply Co Inc.) in the county and to the west (Demolition Excursion Alliance LLC, Bartlett Tree Experts) zoned CS and CS-1-CO respectively. The lots to the east contain another construction sales and services use (Best Insulation) that was recently rezoned to CS, a vehicle storage use (Eagle Towing) and an office/warehouse use (Jorgenson) zoned LI. There is a manufactured home to south fronting Daisy Drive with LI zoning. In this request, the applicant is asking to rezone the property from GR to CS to bring the existing use into conformance with land use regulations in the Code. BASIS OF RECOMMENDATION: 1. The proposed zoning should be consistent with the purpose statement of the district sought. General Commercial Services district is intended predominately for commercial and industrial activities of a service nature having operating characteristics or traffic service requirements generally incompatible with residential environments. 2. The proposed zoning should allow for a reasonable use of the property. CS zoning would allow for a fair and reasonable use of the site because the proposed zoning will bring the existing air conditioning repair business/Construction Sales and Services use into conformance with land use regulations in the Code. 3. The proposed zoning should promote consistency and orderly planning. The CS zoning district would be consistent with the zoning in this area because there is commercial and industrial zoning surrounding this tract of land. There is …
