REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION June 10, 2024, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory 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, contact Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Parliamentarian, Travis County Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Amanda Bruce, D10 Laura Hoke, Mayor 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 Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on May 13, 2024. 1. 2. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. 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. (512) 974-2562 or Please contact Eric Anderson, Office of eric.anderson@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Animal Advisory Commission, please contact Eric Anderson at (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov. the City Clerk at
Information is from October 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024 Information compiled via ASO Power BI dashboards. Difference of outcomes - intakes Outcome Year (fiscal) Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total Dog Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total RTO/RTO Adopt SNR (former SCRP) RTO/RTO Adopt 2024 3626 3686 7312 2024 3537 3301 6838 2024 -89 -385 -474 2024 2015 110 750 70 44 1 311 3301 2024 2314 534 609 58 20 2 3537
May 2024 Animal Services Report May 2024 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT Animal Services News The live outcome rate for May was 95.70%. A total of 1,439 animals were brought to the shelter which included 888 cats, 509 dogs, 14 wild animals, 7 birds, 10 guinea pigs, 8 rabbits, and 2 ferrets. A total of 546 animals were adopted (155 adult dogs, 138 puppies, 141 kittens, and 112 adult cats). A total of 80 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). On May 1, there were 993 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (519 onsite, 470 in foster, and 2 at a vet clinic On June 1, there were 1,367 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (705 onsite, 660 in foster, and 4 at a vet and 1 at Austin Pets Alive!). clinic and 1 at Austin Pets Alive!). Animal Protection Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 42 animals to their owners in the field. Officers handed out 23 fencing assistance applications and implanted 7 microchip(s). Officers impounded 208 injured animals and delivered approximately 146 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. Officers entered 280 rabies exposure reports and submitted 17 specimens for rabies testing. We had 3 rabies positive bats, 1 rabies positive fox and 1 decomposed bat. 70 total coyote related activities o 33 Wild Sick o 1 Wild Speak o 1 Wild Injured o 28 Sightings o 3 o 3 Encounters Incidents Out of 70 coyote related reports, 35 reports fell within the reported behavior types. Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints. o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 1/3 (33%) of encounters reported. An encounter involved a coyote “coming at caller aggressively”. Unable to contact caller. An encounter involved a person reporting and putting nothing in the memo. Unable to contact caller. An encounter involved two coyotes following caller and pet. o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 2/3 (67%) of incidents reported. An incident involved a coyote taking an unsupervised chihuahua. An incident involved a coyote biting a dog who ran up to the coyote in the greenbelt. An incident involved a coyote biting a 35-pound dog. May 2024 Animal Services Report Out of 70 related activities, 35 fell …
BYLAWS OF THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is the Board of Adjustment. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. (A) The purpose of the Board of Adjustment is to: 1. 2. 3. 4. Hear and decide a request for a variance from the requirements of Chapter 25-2 (Zoning), except as otherwise provided by the Code; Hear and decide an appeal of an administration action under Chapter 25-2 (Zoning); Hear and decide on a request for a variance from the requirements of airport zoning regulations under Section 241.034, Local Government Code; and Perform other duties prescribed by ordinance or state law. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) The Board of Adjustment is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. The council may appoint any number of alternate members to serve in the absence of a regular member. A member that was appointed to the Board of Adjustment may be removed by the council for cause on a written charge after a public hearing. Board members serve for a term of two years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. A vacancy on the Board of Adjustment shall be filled for the unexpired term. An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. A regular board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a "rolling" twelve month timeframe automatically vacates the member's position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of a board member's immediate family member, active military service or the birth or adoption of the board member's child for 90 days after the event. The board member must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the next regular meeting of the board. Failure to notify the liaison before the next regular meeting of the board will result in an unexcused absence. At each meeting, each board member shall sign an attendance sheet which indicates that the member does not have a conflict of interest with any item on that agenda, or identifies each agenda item on which the member has a conflict of interest. Failure to sign …
BOA fees are as follows (effective October 1, 2023): There is a reduced Residential Homestead Fee if the Liaison can verify in the Appraisal District’s website that it is the Homestead of the Homeowner listed on both the application & Appraisal District website. The reduced Residential Homestead fee does not apply to Commercial OR Sign variances, Interpretation or Appeal requests. Additional AE fee of $262 + AE Fee, will apply to all Variances and Special Exceptions other than Parking Variances only. Commercial and Residential (not homestead) Variance base fee $3,455.00 Basic Notification Fee $ 261.90 4% Tech Surcharge Fee $ 148.68 AE fee + $ 262.00 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ TOTAL fee $4,127.58 Special Exceptions Commercial & Residential (not homestead) Variance base fee $3,455.00 Basic Notification Fee $ 261.90 4% Tech Surcharge Fee $ 148.68 AE fee + $ 262.00 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ TOTAL fee $4,127.58 Residential (homestead) Variance base fee $ 500.00 Basic Notification Fee $ 261.90 4% Tech Surcharge Fee $ 30.48 AE fee + $ 262.00 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ TOTAL fee $1,054.38 Special Exceptions Residential (homestead) Variance base fee $ 500.00 Basic Notification Fee $ 261.90 4% Tech Surcharge Fee $ 30.48 AE fee + $ 262.00 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ TOTAL fee $1,054.38 Zoning Interpretations & Appeals Commercial and Residential Variance base fee $2,552.00 Basic Notification Fee $ 261.90 4% Tech Surcharge Fee $ 112.56 AE fee + $ 262.00 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ TOTAL fee $3,188.46 Commercial Sign variances Variance base fee $3,455.00 Basic Notification Fee $ 261.90 4% Tech Surcharge Fee $ 148.68 AE fee + $ 262.00 ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ TOTAL fee $4,127.58
A COMMUNITY GUIDE TO THE CITY OF AUSTIN'S BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: Practical Tips for Zoning Variances, Special Exceptions and Administrative Appeals Approved by the Board of Adjustment, on April 13, 2015, and prepared in collaboration with the City Law Department and Development Services Department. Chair Vice Chair Boardmembers: Don Leighton-Burwell, Melissa Hawthorne, Brooke Bailey Jessica Cohen Ada Corral William Hodge Rahm McDDaniel Darryl Pruett Veronica Rivera Yasmine Smith Michael Von Ohlen Legal Advisors: Lee Simmons Steven Maddoux Staff Support: Elaine Ramirez Diana Ramirez - Common examples of hardship include restraints, unusually if they are wants to preserve topographical lot shapes. Trees may constitute required them. lots with steep slopes, small lot area, or irregular or if an applicant to be preserved a hardship, - Personal troubles hardship. focus primarily circumstances, with neighbors, An applicant cannot be the sole basis for finding a but should may mention on characteristics such factors, itself. such as financial of the property or difficulties A hardship cannot be self-created. - An applicant based on conditions for a permit or site plan cannot claim a hardship for creating. that he or she is responsible - For example, if a structure is designed in a manner that fails to comply with regulations, hardship. Or, if a landowner pieces, hardship. the structure's subdivides he or she can't rely on their irregular shape to prove a a lot into irregular a non-compliance isn't A hardship where it's located. must be unique to the property, not general to the area - If steep slopes then neither hardship by itself. or small lots are common to a particular condition is sufficiently unique to constitute area, a - If a lot is entitled automatically relaxes small lots, then of a hardship. evidence the understanding area, development regulations. certain lot amnesty," under city code to "small which regulations for development be relied on as lot size alone should not with was approved of minimum lot Small lot amnesty that, with the exception would meet other site development - The City's example, regulations alone cannot be the hardship. cannot request a height variance and For an applicant BOA Community Guidebook -10 variance, different "hardship." the criteria kinds of situation exception and don't necessarily can be tailored require to address of for a special a showing In 2011, the City of Austin adopted a special exception designed periods required summarize followed to address of time …
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT RULES OF PROCEDURE Approved by the Board of Adjustment on February 11, 2019 ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS (A) Legal Authority & Jurisdiction. (1) The Board of Adjustment (“BOA” or “Board”) is a sovereign board established by the City Council pursuant to Subchapter A of Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code (“Chapter 211”). The BOA derives its authority from state law, as well as City Code § 2-1-111 (Board of Adjustment) and Chapter 25-2 (Zoning). (2) As stated in Chapter 211 and the City Code, the BOA’s primary functions are to hear and decide: Requests for variances from site development regulations adopted under Chapter 25-2, Subchapter C (Use and Development Regulations) and from certain sign regulations under Chapter 25-10 (Sign Regulations); Requests for special exceptions from site development regulations, where expressly authorized by Code; and (c) Appeals of administrative decisions made in the enforcement and administration of City zoning regulations and decisions made in the enforcement of Chapter 211. (B) Rules of Procedure. (1) These Rules of Procedure (“Rules”) establish standards, guidelines, and requirements for: (a) the conduct of public hearings and the resolution of cases before the BOA; (b) applications for variances or administrative appeals; and processing of applications for variances and administrative appeals filed with the Development Services Department; and notification to the BOA of the filing of an application for a variance and administrative appeals. (a) (b) (c) (d) BOA Rules of Procedure – Page 1 of 16 (2) In the event of a conflict with City Code, Chapter 211 or other applicable law, the Code, Chapter 211 or other law supersedes these Rules. (3) Applicants should familiarize themselves with these Rules before filing an application or presenting a case to the BOA for decision. For more detailed information regarding Board and the rules for variances, special exceptions, and appeals, see the Board of Adjustment Community Guidebook, at: https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Planning/Applicati ons_Forms/Board_of_Adjustment_Guidebook__July_2015_.pdf ARTICLE II. REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUESTING BOARD ACTION (A) Complete Application Required. All requests to the BOA shall be filed on an application form provided by the staff liaison. The staff liaison shall determine if an application is complete before accepting it for filing. (B) Timing of Submittal & Other Application Requirements. (1) Variances & Special Exceptions. (a) Except as provided in Paragraph (B)(1)(b), below, an application for a variance or special exception may be filed at any time provided that the Development Services …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, June 10, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA ADDENDUM Some members of the 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, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson VACANT Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA ADDENDUM District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Commissioner Dereca Sims VACANT Yuri G Barragán Brigitte Bandit Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair DISCUSSION ITEMS 12. Discussion on rescheduling Austin's PRIDE Month and its associated events and planning from August to June. 13. Discussion of the commission's next area of focus and shot and long-term goals Page 1 of 4 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 two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please get in touch with Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission, please get in touch with Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. Page 2 of 4
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 13, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on May 13, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Amanda Bruce, D10 Luis Herrera, D6 Laura Hoke, Mayor’s Appointee Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Paige Nilson, D4 Lotta Smagula, D1 Larry Tucker, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Nancy Nemer, Parliamentarian, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Heather Myers – Vote of No Confidence, Urgent Placement List, Euthanasia, Community Engagement Caroline Clay – Foster/Adoption Barriers Rochelle Vickery – Trap-Neuter-Return Pat Valls-Trelles – General 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on February 12, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of May 13, 2024, with the following correction were approved on Commissioner Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Holt’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Hoke and Tucker abstained. The correction was to revise Item 12 to read: “Commissioner Bruce began providing an update that was truncated by loss of quorum.” STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services, and Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Commissioner Smagula requested that a breakdown of the inventory from April to May with the number of cats and dogs be provided by Animal Services staff. Staff briefing on the progress of the Finder to Foster program. The presentation was made by Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS A motion to take up Item 6 next was made by Commissioner Nilson, seconded by Commissioner Huddleston, and accepted without objection. 6. Discussion of animal cruelty investigations including the deceased dogs found in South Boggy Creek. A presentation was made by Lieutenant Michael Burgeson, Austin Police Department, Detective Christian Esquivel, Austin Police Department, and Robert Escamilla, Austin Police Department. A motion to make the PowerPoint presentation a part of the record was made by Commissioner Nilson, seconded by Commissioner Smagula, and approved on a 12-0 vote. Discussion of the Austin Animal Center "Urgent Placement List" Memorandum and Matrix. Discussed. 1. 3. 4. 2 5. Discussion of the implementation of Ordinance No. 20240201-002 …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: c Ramirez, Elaine " C15-2024-0015 1306 Rockcliff Rd. Friday, June 7, 2024 9:03:56 AM You don't often get email from c . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Please add my letter to the packet so the board members can access prior to June 10 hearing. I will be attending the hearing in hopes of answering any questions as needed. Good morning Elaine! Thanks in advance, ~ Chris Renner 1306 Rockcliff Rd. C15-2024-0015 RE: 1306 Rockcliff Rd. Board of Adjustments Members, My name is Chris Renner, and I’m the homeowner of the property under review. I greatly appreciate the Board’s May 13 unanimous decision recognizing the numerous hardships our property faces in terms of compliance with the LA zoning regulations, including the unanimous approval of our 25’ to 0’ reduced shoreline setback. In reconsideration of our front setback, I’ve provided additional information and photos to David Chace our agent outlining the very specific hardship of our existing garage alignment in relation to the adjacent property along with providing NEW design renderings. My neighbor’s garage is 20’ from the front property line and 5’ from the side. My current garage has a 38’ setback and is angled directly towards my neighbor, creating a very awkward approach (see aerial photos). I apologize for not providing this information sooner, and would greatly appreciate and support the Reconsideration request to amend the May 13 BOA condition as it’s been currently outlined in the Reconsideration packet (to reduce the front setback to 20’ along the front facade of the house for approximately 96ft for the purpose of correcting the alignment and location of the garage in relation to the adjacent neighbor). I’ve spoken to the HOA as well as numerous neighbors about our request and nobody has any issue with this. Our request is specifically in keeping with neighborhood aesthetics (aligning my garage with my neighbor’s garage), and that *not* doing so would reflect a unreasonably unequal application of the applicable zoning standards on an otherwise ITEM02/1-LATE BACKUP overly regulated substandard lot. I will be attending the June 10 Reconsideration Hearing in person and will be available to answer any questions you may have at that time. Thank you in advance for your support, ~ Chris Renner 1306 Rockcliff Rd. ( CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240610-xxx (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommended Changes to Membership in Bylaws WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that every voice within the city is heard and valued and that all residents have equitable representation in their local government; and WHEREAS, board members appointed by the City Council serve four-year terms, while board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court serve two-year terms, even though both City Council members and County Commissioners are elected for four-year terms; WHEREAS, the 7 Board positions that are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the City Council are all currently nominated by the mayor may not adequately represent the diverse needs and interests of all districts within the City of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Austin City Council to modify Section 2-1-170(A) in the City’s Code of Ordinances to increase ATCFPB membership to 17 members, and Section 2-1-170(A)(1) to read “The City Council shall consist of 11 members, nominated by each council member and the mayor and appointed by the city council.”; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the responsible party increase the terms for board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners court to 4 years to correspond to their elected terms. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240610-xxx (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommendation to approve the proposed Austin-Travis County Food Plan WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, in June 2021, the City Council passed resolution 20210610-039 directing the development of a five-year food plan for Austin-Travis County and in December 2022, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to formally join the planning process to ensure the plan would be inclusive of all Travis County residents; and WHEREAS, the Food Plan was created by a deeply engaged community throughout the process, with 4,332 individuals engaged in planning meetings and events and 3,010 hours of committed community participation, with 34% of participants identified as struggling to meet basic needs, 87% of participants residing within City of Austin boundaries, and 11% multilingual engagement in a language other than English; and WHEREAS, the proposed Food Plan consists of strategies to address food security, public health, land access and local agriculture, sustainability, and economic growth; and WHEREAS, approving and implementing this Food Plan will create a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food system in Austin and Travis County. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Austin City Council to approve the proposed Food Plan, and commit to its successful implementation by also approving Resolution Number 20240318-7 to hire a full-time employee dedicated to this purpose. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20240610-xxx (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommendation to approve the proposed Austin-Travis County Food Plan WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, in June 2021, the City Council passed resolution 20210610-039 directing the development of a five-year food plan for Austin-Travis County and in December 2022, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted to formally join the planning process to ensure the plan would be inclusive of all Travis County residents; and WHEREAS, the Food Plan was created by a deeply engaged community throughout the process, with 4,332 individuals engaged in planning events and 3,010 hours of committed community participation, with 34% of participants identified as struggling to meet basic needs, 13% of participants residing in areas of Travis County outside of the City of Austin boundaries, and 11% multilingual engagement in a language other than English; and WHEREAS, the proposed Food Plan consists of strategies to address food security, public health, land access and local agriculture, sustainability, and economic growth; and WHEREAS, approving and implementing this Food Plan will create a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable food system in Austin and Travis county. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board strongly encourages the Travis County Commissioners Court to approve the proposed Food Plan, and commit to its successful implementation by also approving Resolution Number ??? (does the county resolution have a similar numbering system?) to hire a full-time employee dedicated to this purpose. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Briefing June 10th, 2024 Agenda ● Introductions ● What is a Food System? ● What is a Food Plan and why are we doing it? ● How did we create the Plan? ● Who participated in the Planning Process? ● Overview of Vision and Objectives ● Overview of the Goals and Strategies ● Next Steps 2 2 Some Food for Thought Food Production: Where our food comes from, including everything from farming to ranching Food Processing & Distribution: What happens to food from where it is grown to when it reaches your plate, including how food is moved and processed. Food Markets & Retails: Where food is sold, purchased, or provided cost-free. Food Consumption & Access: How we eat our food, who struggles to get enough food, and what impact our consumption has on our health. Post-Consumption & Food Waste: What happens to the parts of food we don’t eat and the impact of food waste on the environment. Food Justice: How systemic racism & colonization impact how the food system works — or doesn’t work — for each member of our community. 4 Creating a Food Plan What is a Food Plan & why do we need one? ● A Food Plan sets clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system ● The Food Plan builds on several other initiatives made by the County, City, and communities to tackle key food system issues. ● The Food Plan centers equity and the lived expertise of those most impacted by the current food system 6 6 Background and Authority ● On June 2021, Austin City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process ● Travis County Commissioners Court approved formal participation in the plan in fall 2022 Link to full resolution 7 7 Project Timeline Phase 0: Planning for the Plan Phase 1: Vision Development Phase 2: Goal & Strategy Development We are here Phase 3: Review and Ground truthing September 2021 - January 2023 March - August 2023 September 2023 - February 2024 February - Summer/Fall 2024 ● ● ● ● Building Community Awareness 📰 Release of State of the Food System Report 📚 Onboarding Planning Consultant⭐ Recruitment of Community Teams🚀 ● Website launch 📶 ● World Cafes ☕ ● ● ● ● Listening Sessions & Tabling at events …
Community Investment Budget The City’s budget is a reflection of our values. Austin is a progressive city, but budget processes are by nature conservative. Each budget is built on the prior one, and such a process makes the city resistant to change, regardless of the priorities expressed by voters and those they elect to address the urgent needs of today. Austin’s budget process even fails to account for predictable expansion of important programs due to population growth (e.g. more parks require more park services.) Incrementally, we demand that city departments address housing, health and safety in new ways where the old ways have failed, and prioritize population appropriate service expansion guided by equity and sustainability across all departments. The undersigned organizations jointly urge the following priority investments in community health, housing, affordability, sustainability and safety for FY24 totaling $76.3 million or 5.5% of this year’s roughly $1.4 billion General Revenue budget. We further ask that items marked “ ongoing ” be funded in the baseline budget to be released by the City Manager. In recognition of the need for equitable resource support we ask that BIPOC led & served organizations be prioritized. ● Parent Support Specialists [$2.4M] ongoing ● Tenant Relocation Assistance Program [$1M] ongoing ● Emergency Rental Assistance, Eviction Defense, and Tenant Legal and Support Services [$10M] ● Forensic Nursing, Austin Health Department [$328k] ongoing ● Mental Health 1st Response [$4M] ongoing ● Library books/materials [$900k] ● Reentry navigators for jobs/housing formerly incarcerated [$1.4M] ongoing ● Workforce Development [$3.46M ] ● Office of Violence Prevention [$500k] ● Implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan [$1.335M] ● Improve rebates for residential and commercial landscape conversions [$400,000, Austin Water Utility Revenue] ● Increase Leak Detection Programs [$2.28M, Austin Water Utility Revenue] ● Park Maintenance and Safety [$2M] ongoing ● Tenant Education, Stabilization Support, and Community-based Agreement Support [$300k] ongoing ● Displacement Prevention Navigators [$1M] ongoing ● Fair Housing Education, Support, and Testing [$350k] ● Emergency Supplemental Assistance for Low Income Residents [$300k] ● Inclement Weather Response [$4.5M] ongoing ● Community Crisis Response [$2.3M] ongoing ● Street Outreach Services, Case Managers, and Peer Support Specialists [$4M] ● Strengthen Rapid Rehousing (RRH) and create a bridge to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) [$8M] ● Service funding for Permanent Supportive Housing [$4M] ● Early Childhood Education and Development [$1.575M] ongoing ● Resilience Hubs [$15M] ● Harm Reduction Services and Infrastructure [$1M] ongoing ● Immigration Legal …
