PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260323-3 Date: March 23, 2026 Subject: Austin Energy I-35 Cap Ex Relocation Motioned By: Nicole Merritt Seconded By: Stephanie Bazan Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board Recommends to Austin City Council to approve 15,368 sq. ft. of permanent Transmission Line use within parkland at Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach. Total Mitigation to be paid by Austin Energy is $2,414,240 We further recommend that PARD and Austin Energy provide financial support and restoration and recovery to the Food Forest and Community Garden and continue to engage them to return the impacted parkland to its use. We further recommend that PARD and Austin Energy proactively seek out additional community and neighborhood groups representing the area and engage them as key partners to understand impacts to the parkland resulting from this easement. Vote: The motion to approve this recommendation was approved on Board Member Merritt’s motion, Chair Bazan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Flowers, Board Members Abou-Emara, Orme and Taylor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns- Osterweil, Nicole Merritt and Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Kathryn Flowers, Luai Abou-Emara, Shelby Orme and Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260323-4 Date: March 23, 2026 Subject: Local Standards of Care Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Seconded By: Diane Kearns-Osterweil Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to adopt Local Standards of Care for City of Austin youth programs. Vote: The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to adopt Local Standards of Care for City of Austin youth programs was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Kearns-Osterweil’s second on an 8-0 vote. Board Members Abou-Emara, Orme and Taylor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt and Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Shelby Orme and Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260323-5 Date: March 23, 2026 Subject: Montopolis AISD ILA Motioned By: Stephanie Bazan Seconded By: Lane Becker Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to authorize negotiation and execution of an inter-local agreement between the City and Austin Independent School District (AISD) for parkland use at the athletic fields located at 400 Grove Boulevard. Vote: The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to authorize negotiation and execution of an inter-local agreement between the City and Austin Independent School District (AISD) for parkland use at the athletic fields located at 400 Grove Boulevard was approved on Chair Bazan’s motion, Board Member Becker’s second on an 8-0 vote. Board Members Abou- Emara, Orme and Taylor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt and Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Luai Abou-Emara, Shelby Orme and Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Austin Parks and Recreation.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20260323-6 Date: March 23, 2026 Subject: Fiscal Year 2026 – 2027 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Seconded By: Nicole Merritt Rationale: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board has taken into account both Board member and resident input, as well as input from Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) staff; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures will continue to grow significantly during the 2027 fiscal year, as it has the past several years; WHEREAS, the FY 2025-26 Enhancements Report identified a significant number of Austin Parks and Recreation enhancement requests that were not included in the FY26 Proposed Budget, representing substantial unmet operational, staffing, and infrastructure needs across the department; WHEREAS, APR security and emergency management needs remain unaddressed, with a request for a Security Division estimated at $2,788,155 annually and $300,000 in one-time funding to manage, train, and coordinate security and emergency management and conduct annual security audits across all APR assets; WHEREAS, significant aquatics infrastructure and staffing needs remain unfunded, including maintenance and staffing for Barton Springs Pool, Givens Pool, Montopolis Pool, Northwest Pool, and other facilities, representing millions of dollars in unmet need; WHEREAS, the Land Management Program remains critically underfunded, with a budget of only $828,000 and four FTEs overseeing the entire 10,300 acres under city management, and the FY26 budget process did not include the requested three additional FTEs and associated funding (~$1,203,056 annually and $49,000 one-time) needed in FY26 alone, with a further two FTEs (~$630,762 annually and $99,000 one-time) deferred to FY27; WHEREAS, according to a 2024 report by CoreLogic, Austin ranks fifth in number of homes with moderate or greater wildfire risk, with a reconstruction cost value of over $40 billion, and most city parkland natural areas remain unmanaged for ecosystem health and are threatened by heat, drought, disease, and wildfire, presenting safety risks to both park users and neighbors; 1 of 4 WHEREAS, the city does not yet have a comprehensive tree inventory that would allow for effective urban forest planning and maintenance, and a full citywide tree inventory remains unfunded despite a Council resolution directing it; the Urban Forest Mitigation Fund has $2.5M designated for parkland tree inventory but lacks full funding for the entire city; WHEREAS, APR's recreation centers and senior centers remain under-resourced in both programming and physical …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on FEBRUARY 23, 2026 at 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Bazan called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Ted Eubanks, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Nicole Merritt, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Luai Abou-Emara, Jennifer Franklin, Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor. Board Members Absent: Kathryn Flowers, Lane Becker. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bertha Rendon Ortiz - East Town Lake Citizens Neighborhood Association Kate Hainsworth - Off-leash dog issues APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of February 2, 2026. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board special called meeting of February 2, 2026 was approved on Board Member Merritt’s motion, Board Abou-Emara’s second on a 7-0 vote. Those abstaining were Chair Bazan and Board Member Taylor. Vice Chair Flowers and Board Member Becker absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance Team crews, who work tirelessly performing routine maintenance as well as repairs and renovations throughout the Austin park system. Charles Vaclavik, Operations and Maintenance Division Manager; Joe Diaz, Facility Process Manager; Nate Thayer, Parks Grounds Manager, South District; Merrideth Jiles, Parks Grounds Manager, Citywide Services; Albert Homann, Building Services Manager; Felix Padron, Parks Grounds Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation gave a presentation and answered questions on how APR works with non-profit partners to maintain parks, and additional resources needed by the O&M team. Page 1 of 5 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 23, 2026 The motion to approve letters of support for the Austin Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance Team crews, who work tirelessly performing routine maintenance as well as repairs and renovations throughout the Austin park system was approved on Board Member Eubanks’ motion, Board Member Villalobos’ second on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Flowers and Board Member Becker absent. 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to authorize a contract for a recreation management software system for Austin Parks and Recreation with the recommended vendor, RecTrac, LLC d/b./a Vermont Systems, for an initial term of two years with up to four two-year extension …
Land Management DEGRADED LANDS Most natural areas have been degraded by ~150 years of fragmentation, overgrazing, cultivation, cutting, changes in species composition and hydrology, interruption of natural processes, and general neglect. Most have not been managed for ecosystem health and are vulnerable to extreme heat, drought, disease, and ultimately intense wildfire. 2019 WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS AUDIT Found that APR does not have the capacity to manage parkland natural areas and address wildfire risk. LAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND PLAN APR developed a land management plan to guide the restoration of natural areas to improve climate resilience and reduce wildfire risk and a program to implement it. austintexas.gov/LMP Walter E. Long Metro Park September 4, 2023 LAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM MISSION Restore parkland natural areas to mitigate risk and provide vital ecosystem services to Austin residents in perpetuity. WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? • Veg communities that are resilient to climate stressors • Primarily “timber” or “grass” fuel models = low prob of crown fire • High-reliability work groups • Public-private coordination and cooperation STRATEGY • • (long-term) Active ecological restoration (short term) Hazard fuel reduction GOALS • 500-1,000 acres of restoration and fuel • mitigation treatments per year Take action* on all lands in the land management plan by 2040 *This may mean no action in some places if no action is needed, but that should be an affirmative decision supported by thorough analysis, not a passive default. Onion Creek Wildlife Sanctuary RESTORATION ACTIVITIES Selective thinning and invasive species removal Targeted removal of small trees, brush, and invasive species to improve forest health, climate resilience, and park user safety Fuel mitigation Removal of hazard fuels to reduce wildfire intensity Prescribed fire Important land management and wildfire mitigation tool. austintexas.gov/parkrxfire Planting and seeding Improves climate resilience 4 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2020-2025 • Council-approved land management plan for 10,348 acres of natural area • 1,900+ acres (3 square miles) of restoration and fuel mitigation treatment in 32 parks • Engaged in a unified fashion to create joint work plans with numerous volunteer groups • Art + Restoration: Audio Wild, Really Small Museum Highlight: Restoring 50+ acres of remnant Blackland Prairie – the only remaining in Travis County. An almost- extirpated vegetation community of global significance. 5 HOW DO THEY DO IT? 4 FTEs with expertise in ecological restoration, wildland fire, forest ecology, research and monitoring, and project management. Contractors Other APR programs: Forestry, Safety, PARKnerships, Communications and …
M E M O R A N D U M O F U N D E R S T A N D I N G TO: FROM: Stuart Reilly General Manager, Austin Energy M.O.U. APR 25-006 Jesús Aguirre Director, Austin Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Austin Energy Capital Express Central at Lady Bird Lake FDU #; 3230 1107 K386; Project I.D.: 13180.017 DATE: Austin Energy is allowed to use the parkland located at Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach as part of the work site for the above referenced project, as indicated in Attachment “B” (Location Map). The parkland is to be used for Permanent Use. The requested area is: Permanent Use: 15,368 sq. ft. = $2,414,240 Total Parkland Mitigation Amount = $2,414,240 Austin Energy is in agreement to provide the following mitigation ($2,414,240) in return for use of the parkland after City Council has approved this request. The estimated Project Start Date is October 2026 The estimated duration of the construction on parkland 120 Calendar Days. Estimated Date of Final Completion (Restoration complete and accepted by Environmental Inspector and Austin Parks and Recreation; Parkland open for Public Use) is May 2027. Austin Energy commits to the following construction coordination measures: • Notice of construction will be provided at least 30 calendar days in advance of initial construction to Austin Parks and Recreation (APR). Austin Energy will endeavor to work with APR to accommodate Festival Beach events while complying with applicable Chapter 26 notification requirements. (Attachment C). • Austin Energy will work within the approved construction plan and will contact APR in advance regarding any modifications or extensions to parkland use. Austin Energy will avoid disrupting scheduled park events where feasible and will avoid construction on parkland during weekends whenever practicable, in coordination with APR and Community Partners. (Attachment D) • Austin Energy will not stage or store construction equipment or materials on parkland. • Austin Energy will ensure continuous access to the Festival Beach Community Garden and Festival Beach Food Forest throughout construction, with only short periods of restricted access at the Waller Street entrance for safety reasons; alternate access will remain available. (Attachment E). • On-site trees may not be pruned over 25%, in accordance with City of Austin code. Austin Energy pruning will follow arborist guidelines and Austin Energy’s vegetation management standards to ensure public and system safety. Transmission structure placement has been designed to minimize impacts …
ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET - SUMMARY Permanent Use - Overhead Easement Permanent Use - Driveway Permanent Use - Transmission Structure TOTAL = Calculated Fee $1,959,840 $441,600 $12,800 $2,414,240 Project: Requesting Dept AE-Cap Ex Central at Lady Bird Lake Austin Energy MOU # 25-006 Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Permanent Use Project: Requesting Department: AE-Cap Ex Central at Lady Bird Lake Austin Energy MOU # 25-006 Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach Adjacent COA Parcel 188233 Identified by requested area site geography Average Value per Square Foot. ($): $200.00 Calculated Based on Appraised Value of COA Parcel Requested Area (sq. ft.): 4,416 Submitted by Requesting Department/Entity Preliminary Mitigation Value ($): $883,200 Requested Area multiplied by the Value per Square Foot Disturbance Value (%): 50.00% Based on limitations on future development for that portion of parkland (see table below) Final Mitigation Value ($): $441,600 Preliminary Mitigation Value multiplied by the Disturbance Value Percentage of Fee 10% Comments Nominal effect on use and utility Example Uses Small subsurface water or sewer line DISTURBANCE VALUES 25% 35% 50% 65% 75% 90% 100% Subsurface or air rights that have minimal effect on use and utility Location along a property line or non usable land area Balanced use by both owner and easement holder Some impact on surface use and conveyance of ingress/egress rights Major impact on surface use and conveyance of future uses Severe impact on surface use and conveyance of future uses Permanently dedicated to installation Larger subsurface water or sewer line with minimal impacts on future development Water or sewer line, cable lines or other subsurface use with limited impacts on developable area Water or sewer line, cable lines with exceptions in the DOU allowing parklike amenities Pipelines or other limited surface impacts with maintenance requirements and limited development potential Pipelines, drainage easements, flowage easements that restrict future use Overhead electric, drainage easements, or other use with restrictions on future use ROW or other use with surface impact on parkland Areas within an existing easement or declaration of use are limited to the remaining eligible disturbance value. Adapted From: Right of Way Magazine "Easement Valuation" Sherwood, May/June 2006. Provided by City of Austin Office of Real Estate ATTACHMENT "A" - M.O.U. MITIGATION FEES CALCULATION WORKSHEET Permanent Use Project: Requesting Department: AE-Cap Ex Central at Lady Bird …
Project: Requesting Dept AE-Cap Ex Central at Lady Bird Lake Austin Energy MOU # 25-006 Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach ATTACHMENT " " - STAKEHOLDER LIST # 1 2 3 Organization Festival Beach Food Forest Fruitful Commons Festival Beach Community Garden APR Coordinator Christine Chute-Canal Christine Chute-Canal Contact Grace Gilker Jodi Lane Email gracegilker@gmail.com jodi@fruitfulcommons.org Amanda Ross Angelina Alanis admin@festivalbeachgarden.org
Project: Requesting Dept AE-Cap Ex Central at Lady Bird Lake Austin Energy MOU # 25-006 Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park at Festival Beach ATTACHMENT "C " - STAKEHOLDER LIST # 1 2 3 4 Organization Festival Beach Food Forest Fruitful Commons Fruitful Commons Festival Beach Community APR Coordinator Christine Chute-Canal Christine Chute-Canal Christine Chute-Canal Amanda Ross Contact Angelina Alanis Angelina Alanis Aly Tharp Brianne Lavroy Email contact@festivalbeach.org Angie@fruitfulcommons.org Aly@fruitfulcommons.org admin@festivalbeachgarden.org
ATTCHMENT "D" - CALENDAR OF EVENTS Date First Saturday Monthly First Saturday Monthly Time 9 - 11 am 9 - 11 am Event Title First Saturday Plant Walk(s) Volunteer Orientation Second Saturday Monthly 9 am - 12 pm Sept. - May, 8 am - 11 am June - August Second Saturday Workday(s) Tuesday & Thursdays Weekly 9 am - 12 pm Sept. - May, 8 am - 11 am June - August Community Workdays Sundays Weekly First Saturday in March April October 11 - 12 pm 9 am - 2 pm TBD TBD First Saturday in November 9 am - 2 pm November December TBD TBD Yoga in the Food Forest Its My Park Day Garden Social @ LadyBird Senior Residences Roots and Wings Fest Its My Park Day Friends of the Forest Feast Winter Fundraiser/ Forest Pa
This product is for informational purposes and may not have been prepared for or be suitable for legal, engineering, or surveying purposes. It does not represent an on-the-ground surveyand represents only the approximate relative location of property boundaries. This product has been produced by the City of Austin for the sole purpose of geographic reference.No warranty is made by the City of Austin regarding specific accuracy or completeness.23 February 2026bookspa04080Feet±LegendCommunity PartnerFestival Beach Community GardenFestival Beach Food Forest/Fruitful CommonsCommunity Partner AreaWALLERSTFLORESSTCLERMONTAVENIH35SVRDNBNASHHERNANDEZSRRDWALLERSTNIH35NBLBJWAYGUSGARCIADRARTDILLYDRGUSGARCIADRWALLER STNASH HERNANDEZ SR RDFLORES STCLERMONT AVEART DILLY DRE RIVERSIDE TO IH 35 NB RAMPLBJ WAYN IH 35 SVRD NBNASH HERNANDEZ TO IH 35 RAMPWALLER STGUS GARCIA DRFestival BeachCommunity GardenFestival Beach FoodForest/FruitfulCommons
PARKLAND DONATION, IMPROVEMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND PROGRAMMING AGREEMENT (Festival Beach Food Forest at Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach) This Parkland Donation, Improvement, Maintenance, and Programming Agreement (Festival Beach Food Forest at Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach) (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between FRUITFUL COMMONS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the CITY OF AUSTIN, TEXAS, a Texas home-rule municipal corporation, by and through its Parks and Recreation Department (“PARD") (the "City"). (Fruitful Commons and the City are each a Party and together, the Parties.) RECITALS The City is the owner of certain parkland property located at 2101 Jessie E. Segovia Street in Austin and identified as Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach, as shown on Exhibit A (the "Park"); and In 2014, the City Council adopted the Holly Street/Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach Vision Plan (the “Vision Plan™), which included direction to establish a food forest pilot program on two-thirds of an acre in the Park, on Festival Beach, with future phased expansion subject to City Council approval. The boundaries of the Festival Beach Food Forest are shown on Exhibit B and include the Parkland Improvements (the “Food Forest”); and The purpose of the Food Forest is to provide fresh, healthy food to the East Cesar Chavez and Holly neighborhoods; and The Festival Beach Food Forest, a project of Fruitful Commons, is committed to advancing the Austin Food Plan, Austin Climate Plan, and the PARD 2020-2030 Long Range Plan. The Festival Beach Food Forest began as a volunteer organization working under the fiscal sponsorship of Urban Patchwork, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to establish a food forest in the Park; and In 2015, the City entered into a Parkland Improvement Donation Agreement with Urban Patchwork to implement the Food Forest pilot program in accordance with the Vision Plan (“Phase 17); and Founders of the Festival Beach Food Forest worked with Urban Patchwork to implement Phase 1 of the Food Forest; and In 2020, Fruitful Commons became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the community leaders of The Festival Beach Food Forest shifted to Fruitful Commons as their fiscal sponsor; and In 2021, the City Council approved Resolution No. 20210729-115 directing the appropriate the Parks and Recreation Department) to partner with Fruitful City department (identified as Commons to plan, design, implement, and maintain Phase 2, a three-acre expansion of the Food Forest, including installation …
3/20/26, 10:44 AM City of Austin, TX - Report Creation IH 35 Cap Ex Central LBL AE Relocation Project Engagement VIEWS 12 PARTICIPANTS RESPONSES COMMENTS 2 0 4 Submit a Comment/Question Your input is important to us. If you have a question or comment, please don't hesitate to let us know using the form below: How will you resolve ongoing confusion around differences/ needs of the Festival Beach Community Garden and the Festival Beach Food Forest. They are two different spaces with different structures, memberships, site plans, and city points of contact. 3/12/2026 What measures will be taken to ensure that there is no damage or over-pruning/topping of the mature trees within the Festival Beach Community Garden during the installation of this transmission structure? 3/12/2026 Thank you for the question. The Land Development Code and Criteria Manual require that any tree pruned over 25% be mitigated for and Austin Energy has committed to no pruning over the 25% limitation for this project. 3/19/2026 What options are available to beautify the structure/space that will be impacted at Festival Beach Community Garden by the installation of this transmission structure directly at the entrance to Festival Beach Community Garden? 3/12/2026 https://publicinput.com/Reporting/ReportPreview/40979 1/1
Local Standards of Care Austin Parks and Recreation | March 23, 2026 State of Texas Human Resource Code Ch. 42 exempts municipalities of Child Care Licensure through annual adoption of standards of care by ordinance after a public hearing. The programs operated by the City are recreational in nature and are not licensed by the state of Texas as certified day care programs or facilities. The Standards of Care are intended to be minimum standards by which the City of Austin will operate the City’s Youth Programs. 2 Facility, Health and Safety Texas HHS – Chapter 746 (Licensed Child-Care Centers) City of Austin – Ordinance (Youth Recreational Programs) 30 sq ft per child, annual safety inspections, food preparation requirements, emergency preparedness, fire prevention, first- aid and AED, and restroom supervision Annual safety inspections, food preparation requirements, emergency preparedness, fire prevention, first-aid and AED, and restroom supervision Guidelines for participation when illness or injury exists, above 101 temperature or communicable disease Guidelines for participation when illness or injury exists, above 100.4 temperature accompanied by signs of illness Physical Environment Health Standards Medical Standards Authorization to administer medication expires after one year, must be secured Medication authorization form, secured 1-week supply 3 Staff Qualifications Texas HHS – Chapter 746 (Licensed Child-Care Centers) City of Austin – Ordinance (Youth Recreational Programs) Age 18 years or older with HS diploma or equivalent (16-18 if supervised) 18 years or older (15-17 if supervised) Required Certifications CPR, AED, First Aid and basic water rescue or equivalent for aquatic supervision CPR, AED, First Aid and basic water rescue or equivalent for aquatic supervision Training Requirements Orientation to child-care center, pre- service and annual training, transportation safety, and water safety Meet established annual youth programs training requirements in addition to COA and APR required trainings. 4 Supervision Ratios Texas HHS – Chapter 746 (Licensed Child-Care Centers) City of Austin – Ordinance (Youth Recreational Programs) Age Range Infants through 13 years 5 – 13 years Staff to Child Ratios Swimming & Wading Pool Ratios 1 per 22 (ages 5) 1 per 26 (ages 6-13) 1 per 10 (ages 5) 1 per 12 (ages 6-13) 1 per 12 (ages 5-9) 1 per 15 (ages 10-13) 1 per 8 (ages 5-7) 1 per 12 (ages 8-13) Programs Designed for Participants with a Disability Inclusive programs with reasonable modifications per ADA, no reduced ratio requirements 1 per 4 (ages 5–12) 1 per …
City of Austin Council Meeting Backup: March 26, 2026 File ID: 26-1307 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING LOCAL STANDARDS OF CARE FOR YOUTH RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS OPERATED BY AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION AND AUSTIN ARTS, CULTURE, MUSIC; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. AUTHORITY. The Council adopts these local standards of care for Austin Parks and Recreation’s and Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment’s youth recreational programs pursuant to Texas Human Resources Code Section 42.041 (Required License) and the City’s home-rule authority. PART 2. DEFINITIONS. In this ordinance: (1) ACTIVITY LEADER means a person responsible for the direct care or supervision of participants. The term excludes a person whose primary duties include administration, clerical support, food preparation, or facility maintenance. (2) DEPARTMENTS means Austin Parks and Recreation and Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. (3) DIRECTOR means the director of Austin Parks and Recreation or Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. (4) DIRECTORS means both directors. (5) DESIGNEE means a person appointed by the director to act on the director’s behalf. (6) (7) FACILITY means a building or improvement operated or used by the departments in conducting a recreational program. PARTICIPANT means a child aged five to 13 years old who is enrolled in a recreational program and is under the supervision of department staff. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Draft 3/11/2026 Page 1 of 7 COA Law Department City of Austin Council Meeting Backup: March 26, 2026 File ID: 26-1307 (8) RECREATIONAL PROGRAM means a fee-based children’s program or activity offered and supervised by the departments that requires a participant to enroll or register to participate. (9) VOLUNTEER means a person assisting without remuneration in the care or supervision of participants. 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 PART 3. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION. 47 48 49 50 51 (A) The departments will operate recreational programs in compliance with appropriate state law, this ordinance, and the departments’ rules adopted by this ordinance. (B) The directors or their designees will administer the programs. 52 PART 4. PROGRAM RULES; MONITORING. 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 …
AISD Inter-local Agreement Montopolis Youth Sports Complex Parks and Recreation Board | March 23, 2026 Background AISD is in the process of a modernization project of Travis Early College High School (TECHS) located at 1211 E. Oltorf Street, Austin, Texas 78704 Construction impedes the use of its athletic fields and the high school will receive upgrades to their athletic fields Estimated to complete Q3 2028 The City and AISD share a mutual interest in the benefits that participating in team sports provide. 2 Contract Terms and Conditions The City shall: AISD shall: Establish one year contract term with five additional 12-month renewal options. Establish facility field use/times and maintenance roles and responsibilities for AISD. Be responsible for utilities related to the Facilities. Be responsible for providing staff supervision for students while the students are on City property. Will reimburse to the City the actual cost to repair any damages to the premises or equipment being provided directly caused by AISD's occupancy. Be responsible, at its expense, for maintenance of the infield and turf meeting APR’s Standard Levels of Care for Athletic Complexes. 3 Board Action Recommend that the City Council authorize the negotiation and execution of an agreement between the City of Austin and AISD and to waive utility and field use fees. Austin City Council – March 26
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Date: Subject: Fiscal Year 2026 – 2027 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Seconded By: Rationale: WHEREAS, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board has taken into account both Board member and resident input, as well as input from Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) staff; WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Board recognizes the demand for Parks and Recreation facilities, maintenance, programming, and safety measures will continue to grow significantly during the 2027 fiscal year, as it has the past several years; WHEREAS, the FY 2025-26 Enhancements Report identified a significant number of Austin Parks and Recreation enhancement requests that were not included in the FY26 Proposed Budget, representing substantial unmet operational, staffing, and infrastructure needs across the department; WHEREAS, APR security and emergency management needs remain unaddressed, with a request for a Security Division estimated at $2,788,155 annually and $300,000 in one-time funding to manage, train, and coordinate security and emergency management and conduct annual security audits across all APR assets; WHEREAS, significant aquatics infrastructure and staffing needs remain unfunded, including maintenance and staffing for Barton Springs Pool, Givens Pool, Montopolis Pool, Northwest Pool, and other facilities, representing millions of dollars in unmet need; WHEREAS, the Land Management Program remains critically underfunded, with a budget of only $828,000 and four FTEs overseeing the entire 10,300 acres under city management, and the FY26 budget process did not include the requested three additional FTEs and associated funding (~$1,203,056 annually and $49,000 one-time) needed in FY26 alone, with a further two FTEs (~$630,762 annually and $99,000 one-time) deferred to FY27; WHEREAS, according to a 2024 report by CoreLogic, Austin ranks fifth in number of homes with moderate or greater wildfire risk, with a reconstruction cost value of over $40 billion, and most city parkland natural areas remain unmanaged for ecosystem health and are threatened by heat, drought, disease, and wildfire, presenting safety risks to both park users and neighbors; 1 of 4 WHEREAS, the city does not yet have a comprehensive tree inventory that would allow for effective urban forest planning and maintenance, and a full citywide tree inventory remains unfunded despite a Council resolution directing it; the Urban Forest Mitigation Fund has $2.5M designated for parkland tree inventory but lacks full funding for the entire city; WHEREAS, APR's recreation centers and senior centers remain under-resourced in both programming and physical capacity, including unmet needs for summer camp …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 BYLAWS OF THE Parks and Recreation Board ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Parks & Recreation Board. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose and duties of the board are as follows: (A) The board shall advise city council and the city manager regarding: the acquisition, development, improvement, equipment, programming, and maintenance of all land and facilities managed by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Austin; the purchase of additional land be managed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. (B) The board shall outline a general plan of development for land, facilities, and programs. The board may submit the plan to the Planning Commission and the City Manager for detail development, and the City Manager may then submit the plan to the City Council for approval as may be required by Code. (C) The board shall promote close cooperation between the City and all private members of the public, institutions, and agencies interested in or conducting recreational activities, so that all recreational resources within the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest general public welfare. (D) The board shall perform other duties as prescribed by the City Code or as directed by the City Council. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity or speak on behalf of the board except through the action of a majority of the board in which the board identifies who is authorized to speak and identifies the actions the individual board member is authorized to take or topics on which the individual board member is entitled to speak. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD 2026 MEETING SCHEDULE (4th Monday of each month, except May and December, and May 18th at 6:00 p.m.) January 26, 2026 February 23, 2026 March 23, 2026 April 27, 2026 May 19 18, 2026 – Permitting and Development Center June 22, 2026 July 27, 2026 August 24, 2026 September 28, 2026 October 26, 2026 November 23, 2026
2026 Bond Program Update Austin Parks and Recreation | March 23, 2026 Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director Alyssa Tharrett, RA, NCARB, Project Management Supervisor Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) Schedule We Are Here August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 Departments Present to Working Groups BEATF Mtg 8.25.25 Scoring Matrix Shared with BEATF & Departments BEATF Mtg 9.22.25 BEATF Mtg 10.27.25 BEATF led Listening Sessions BEATF Mtg 11.17.25 City Matrix scores provided GIS Map BEATF Mtg 12.15.25 Working Group Closed Meetings Bond Capacity Update Phase III Survey Staff Initial Proposal 2 BEATF Mtgs 1.12.26 1.26.26 Working Groups Present to BEATF Phase III Open House Events BEATF Mtgs 2.9.26 2.23.26 BEATF Mtgs 3.9.26 3.23.26 BEATF Mtg 4.13.26 4.27.26 BEATF recommen- dation to Mayor and City Council 5.4.26 2 $410 million bond package recommended Parkland Acquisition 2025 Key Milestones July 31, 2025 Memo to Mayor and Council with Initial Project Request List – 2026 Bond Development Update for Parks and Recreation projects $3.87 billion total city bond package recommendation August thru December 2025 Internal Project Review Board reviewed and prioritized citywide bond projects / programs Austin Parks and Recreation presented to Bond Election Advisory Task Force (BEATF) Parkland and Open Space Working Group Austin Parks and Recreation Bond Proposition July 31, 2025 APR Staff Bond Recommendation Building Renovation & Replacements Recreation & Senior Center Improvements Parkland Infrastructure Aquatics Parkland Improvements $85M $100M $55M $40M $60M $70M TOTAL $410M 3 2026 Key Milestones January 14, 2026 Financial Services recommends a maximum $750M 2026 bond package at the Audit and Finance Committee January 21, 2026 Memo to Mayor and Council with 2026 Bond Initial Draft Staff Project Recommendation $140 million bond package recommended for Parks and Recreation projects $700 million total city bond package recommendation Austin Parks and Recreation Bond Proposition Jan. 21, 2026 (CDS) Staff Initial Recommendation Building Renovation & Replacements Parkland Acquisition Recreation & Senior Center Improvements Parkland Infrastructure Aquatics Parkland Improvements $55M $40M $10M $5M $15M $15M TOTAL $140M 4 2026 Key Milestones February 9, 2026 BEATF parkland and open space working group (BEATF WG) presents recommendations to entire BEATF $180 million initial bond package recommended for Parks and Recreation projects February 17 thru 28, 2026 Five community …
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE March 2026 Recreation Services Division – Mexic -arte Showcase Totally Cool Totally Art th The teen art program, Totally Cool Totally Art, celebrated their 25 Mexic-arte Museum showcase on February 19. Participants from 10 recreation centers and their families gathered downtown to celebrate their accomplishments and appreciate great art. – Adaptive Prom McBeth Recreation Center McBeth Recreation Center held its annual Adaptive Prom on Saturday, March 21, welcoming approximately 100 adults with disabilities for a night of celebration. The event featured music by CJ the DJ with an evening of dancing in a fun and inclusive social environment. Facility Check -In Kiosk Pilot The reservations and RecTrac team set up and trained staff at Northwest Recreation Center with the new kiosk's that are being rolled out. This new kiosk solution allows patrons at our facilities to self-scan when checking -in to facilities. Natural Resources Division Aquatic Division Aquatic Maintenance Continuing to prepare facilities for the summer season. Murchison now has restroom partitions installed, and deck drain covers replaced. Barton Springs Spring cleaning will extend into spring break due to delays caused by the skimmer removal project, current estimated reopening of March 21, 2026. As of March 10, five pipe sections have been successfully removed, significantly improving progress -related delays. despite multiple weather Deep Eddy Sp rin g cle a n in g sch e d u le d fo r 03/28–04/11, sta ff will re p a in t d e ck sign s, h a n d ra ils, a n d o th e r fixtu re s, d e e p cle a n th e fa cility, se rvice e q u ip m e n t, a n d co m p le te ge n e ra l gro u n d s wo rk. Instructional Swim Programming, Marketing and Public Pools ISP is ra m p in g u p fo r th e sp rin g b re a k su rge , with 131 a p p lica n ts a n d co u n tin g, re giste re d fo r Life gu a rd cla sse s. No rth we st is n e a rin g su b sta n tia l co m p le tio n a n d will b e tu rn e d ove r …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026, AT 9:30 AM AUSTIN HUMAN RESOURCES, LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E. BEN WHITE BLVD., SUITE 500, AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Municipal Civil Service Commission may be participating by videoconference. EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items) The Commission will announce it will go into closed session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel, or to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. If necessary, the Commission will go into closed session, as permitted by law, regarding any item on this agenda. 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 Matthew Chustz, 512-974-2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kevin Mullen, Chair Mellissa Rogers Vacant AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair John Umphress The first ten (10) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on March 9, 2026. HEARING 2. 3. 4. Conduct a hearing in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Waleed Ibrahim regarding their Discharge from Austin Convention Center. Deliberate in open session or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Waleed Ibrahim regarding their Discharge from Austin Convention Center. Action and approval on the appeal filed by Waleed Ibrahim regarding their Discharge from Austin Convention Center. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Discussion and review of the Municipal Civil Service Rules and procedural voting requirements. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates, times, and locations. EXECUTIVE SESSION 7. Receive legal counsel regarding the Municipal Civil Service Rules and procedural voting requirements. (Private consultation with legal counsel – Section 551.071 of the Government Code). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed …
MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday March 9, 2026 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026 The Municipal Civil Service Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 500, in Austin, Texas. Chair Kevin Mullen called the Municipal Civil Service Commission meeting to order at 9:34 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kevin Mullen, Chair Kavita Gupta, Vice Chair John Umphress PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Municipal Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting on February 23, 2026. The minutes from the Municipal Civil Service Commission regular meeting on February 23, 2026, were approved on Vice Chair Gupta’s motion, Commissioner Umphress’s second on a 3-0 vote. HEARING 2. Conduct a hearing in open or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Endaisa Rivera regarding their Discharge from Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. No hearing was conducted. The appeal filed by Endaisa Rivera regarding their Discharge from Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services was withdrawn by the appellant prior to the start of the hearing. 3. Deliberate in open or closed session, pursuant to 551.074 of the Texas Government Code (personnel exception), on the appeal filed by Endaisa Rivera regarding their Discharge from Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. No deliberation was held. 1 MUNICIPAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Monday March 9, 2026 4. Action and approval on the appeal filed by Endaisa Rivera regarding their Discharge from Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. No decision was rendered, as the appeal filed by Endaisa Rivera regarding their Discharge from Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services was withdrawn prior to the hearing. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and possible action regarding the nomination of Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee. The motion to nominate Kevin Mullen as Chair of the Municipal Civil Service Commission to the Austin City Council Audit and Finance Committee was approved on Vice Chair Gupta’s motion, Commissioner Umphress’s second on a vote of 3-0. 6. Discussion and review of the Municipal Civil Service Rules and procedural voting requirements. The motion to postpone this item to the March 26, 2026, regular meeting of the Municipal Civil Service Commission was approved on Chair Mullen’s motion, Vice Chair Gupta’s second on a vote …
Municipal Civil Service Commission 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule January 12, 2026 January 26, 2026 July 13, 2026 July 27, 2026 February 9, 2026 August 10, 2026 February 23, 2026 August 24, 2026 March 9, 2026 September 14, 2026 March 23, 2026 September 28, 2026 April 13, 2026 April 27, 2026 May 11, 2026 June 8, 2026 June 22, 2026 October 12, 2026 October 26, 2026 November 9, 2026 December 14, 2026 2026 MCSC Meeting Schedule Approved on September 8, 2025
REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026, AT 6 P.M. AUSTIN CENTRAL LIBRARY, 4TH FLOOR DIRECTOR’S CONFERENCE ROOM 710 WEST CESAR CHAVEZ STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission may be participating via video conference. 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 Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Sara Gore Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Holly Sabiston AGENDA The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on February 23, 2026. DISCUSSION 2. Discussion on the updates to the Library Commission Bylaws. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 3. Approval of a recommendation supporting Austin Public Library’s FY27 budget. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. 5. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library’s Innovate Program by Will Harlan, Innovate Supervisor. Staff briefing on March 2026 Austin Public Library Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Laura Polio at Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov.
BYLAWS OF THE Library Commission ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Library Commission. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose and duties of the board are as follows: To make recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. § 2-1-150 ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity or speak on behalf of the board except through the action of a majority of the board in which the board identifies who is authorized to speak and identifies the actions the individual board member is authorized to take or topics on which the individual board member is entitled to speak. (E) A 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. (F) At each meeting, each board member shall sign an attendance sheet (or if participating virtually via videoconference, send an email as provided by City Code Section 2-1-24(D)) 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 the sheet results in the member being counted as absent and his/her votes are not counted. (G) A member who seeks to resign from the board shall submit a written resignation to the chair of the board, the staff liaison, or the city …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes February 23, 2026 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, February 23, 2026 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Little Walnut Creek Branch Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Sara Gore Melissah Hasdorff Holly Sabiston Edward Selig Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Pamela Carlile Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Andrea Herrera Moreno Commissioners Absent: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Library Commission Meeting Minutes February 23, 2026 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on December 15, 2025. The December 15, 2025, minutes were approved on a motion by Commissioner Selig, seconded by Commissioners Hasdorff and Gore. The motion passed on a 9-0 vote. DISCUSSION 2. Discussion of items for inclusion in a recommendation supporting Austin Public Library’s FY27 budget, including potential elements such as increased funding for library collections, expanded community support resources, safety and security resources and bond development engagement. The Commission discussed potential items for inclusion in a recommendation supporting the Austin Public Library FY27 Budget. Chair Infante Huerta appointed a working group, of which she will serve as a member, along with Commissioners Sabiston, Gore, and Selig, to draft the FY27 budget recommendation. The working group will present a draft recommendation at the March Commission meeting. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing on the February APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Security ADJOURNMENT Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m. without objection.
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Library Commission Recommendation Number: [20260323-003]: Support for Austin Public Library FY27 Budget Date of Approval: March 23, 2026 Recommendation: Support for Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2027 with continued and sufficient funding to ensure equity across all branches and support service enhancements. This includes an increase to the books and materials budget, sustained security and law enforcement presence, sustained funding for technology initiatives such as hotspot lending, and one-time funds for site analysis and feasibility studies to meet the goals of the Council-approved Strategic Plan. Description of Recommendation to Council: Requesting the Austin City Council to approve the proposed Austin Public Library budget for FY2027. The Library Commission also supports a one-time $200,000 increase to the books and materials budget, sustained funding for library security staff and the law enforcement partnership with Travis County, and $350,000 in one-time funding for feasibility studies related to upcoming library facilities projects. Furthermore, we recommend sufficient FY27 funding to ensure equitable digital access across all 21 library branches by expanding the hotspot lending program, modernizing infrastructure and service standards, and investing in comprehensive technology training for both library staff and the diverse Austin community. Rationale: The Austin Public Library Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan, adopted by the City Council in March 2023, remains the roadmap for meeting the needs of our growing city. To implement this plan and maintain high-quality service, the Library requires stable, ongoing investment. Data from 2025 highlights the massive scale of community reliance on these services: APL welcomed 3 million visitors and gained 100,000 new cardholders, bringing the monthly average to 356,000 active cardholders. This growth is supported by a dedicated community, including an average of 169 volunteers each month. While physical circulation remains strong at 3.73 million items, digital circulation has now surpassed it at 4 million items. The rising costs of e-book licenses, inflation, and the growth of the Austin population have strained the collection. The Library Commission has heard from the public regarding complaints about hold time and material availability. The robust use of the Austin Public Library, as indicated by the statistics above, necessitates an increase in funding to support the same level of service patrons have come to expect and the growing digital needs of the Austin community. Therefore, we support a one-time $200,000 increase to the books and materials budget, in addition to an annual percentage increase in line …
APL Innovate An overview Welcome! I’m W ill. Today I’ll review: - Who is APL Innovate? - Who do we serve? - What do we have? Who we are APL Inno va te is a d ig ita l m a ke rs p a c e . W e p ro vid e the p ub lic with fre e c la s s e s a nd a c c e s s to c re a tive te c hno lo g ie s . Our values In a d d itio n to lib ra ry va lue s , o ur te a m e s p e c ia lly up ho ld s : • ne ig hb o rly c o lla b o ra tio n • unq ue nc ha b le c urio s ity • p a s t-t he -ho rizo n e xp lo ra tio n • a nd a ne ve r-e nd ing d rive to p us h the lim its o f wha t lib ra rie s c a n p ro vid e the p ub lic . Who Do We Serve The upcoming and established artists, the newly -minted and time - tested coders, and more. In other words: you! Our Partners Our partners and patrons make APL Innovate what we are. Our Partners We’ve proudly partnered with local artists and visionaries, Austin Public Access and the Austin Film Society, and various local community organizations. What we offer • Working space • Hardware and software • Equipment • 3D Printing • Educational programming Working Space • Inno va tio n La b ⚬ Dro p in • Inno va tio n S tud io ⚬ Re s e rva tio n o nly Hardware • Lab ⚬ 8 M3 iMa c s ⚬ 8 Pre c is io n De lls • Stud io ⚬ 2 Ma c Pro s Software From Adobe to Audacity! Equipment Camera Kits, Laptops, Studio Microphones, 3D Printing Pens, and more! Available to COA employees or to patrons in the Studio. 3D Printing 3 MakerBot Method X 3D printers. And, eventually, a path to 3D printing for the public. Educational Programs Our regular menu of programs: • Intro to Ableton • Intro to GarageBand • Intro to Digital Media • Intro to 3D …
Highlights & Updates Report Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries March 2026 Public Services Highlights AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights Highlights Lunar New Year at Spicewood Springs The Spicewood Springs Branch hosted a vibrant 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 28. Guests enjoyed hands‑on activities including crafts, calligraphy, games, red envelopes, and a Lucky Magnets workshop with Rita Wang. The Texas Dragon/Lion Dance Team performed a lively Lion Dance, with the program interpreted in Chinese Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese to support multilingual access. Library staff also highlighted the Centennial program to attendees, helping connect the community with ongoing Austin Public Library initiatives. Author Event: The Future Book On March 3, Austin Public Library, in coordination with the Texas Book Festival and First Light Books, conducted a family-oriented author program at the Austin Public Library Special Events Center to mark the release of The Future Book by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris. The program featured structured activities including dramatic readings, musical components, stage presentations, author photo stations, and hands-on engagement areas. The event delivered a coordinated literary experience for families and demonstrated the Library’s ongoing collaboration with local organizations to advance youth literacy and community participation. 3 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights Centennial Planning Updates The Austin Public Library Centennial celebration has launched! A press release was issued on February 16, officially announcing the campaign to the public, accompanied by a kickoff video featuring Van and Director Terrell that was shared on the APL Instagram page. At the same time, the Centennial main landing page at library.austintexas.gov/100 went live, providing campaign information and a listing of upcoming Centennial‑themed programs. Additionally, the APL Adventure Book, which is part of the system‑wide Centennial Celebrations, was introduced on March 2. This free, passport‑style booklet, available in English and Spanish, highlights every APL location with checklists, historical notes, and a unique stamp at each branch to encourage exploration and learning about APL’s history and neighborhoods. Participants were also invited to find Page B. Turner, APL’s mascot, at four locations to earn a prize. Digital versions were made available through Beanstack, with related challenges active from March 2 through December 31, 2026. Special Events Updates For February 2026, the Central Library Special Events team hosted 16 events with an estimated total attendance of 2,550. The month’s activity included 14 rentals, 1 co‑sponsorship (Headwaters School – Civil Rights Day on 2/4), 1 …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20260323-3 Date: 03/23/2026 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library FY27 Budget Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2027 with continued and sufficient funding to ensure equity across all branches and support service enhancements. This includes an increase to the books and materials budget, sustained security and law enforcement presence, sustained funding for technology initiatives such as hotspot lending, and one-time funds for site analysis and feasibility studies to meet the goals of the Council-approved Strategic Plan. Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting the Austin City Council to approve the proposed Austin Public Library budget for FY2027. The Library Commission also supports a one-time $200,000 increase to the books and materials budget, sustained funding for library security staff and the law enforcement partnership with Travis County, and $350,000 in one-time funding for feasibility studies related to upcoming library facilities projects. Furthermore, we recommend sufficient FY27 funding to ensure equitable digital access across all 21 library branches by expanding the hotspot lending program, modernizing infrastructure and service standards, and investing in comprehensive technology training for both library staff and the diverse Austin community. Rationale: The Austin Public Library Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan, adopted by the City Council in March 2023, remains the roadmap for meeting the needs of our growing city. To implement this plan and maintain high-quality service, the Library requires stable, ongoing investment. Data from 2025 highlights the massive scale of community reliance on these services: APL welcomed 3 million visitors and gained 100,000 new cardholders, bringing the monthly average to 356,000 active cardholders. This growth is supported by a dedicated community, including an average of 169 volunteers each month. While physical circulation remains strong at 3.73 million items, digital circulation has now surpassed it at 4 million items. The rising costs of e-book licenses, inflation, and the growth of the Austin population have strained the collection. The Library Commission has heard from the public regarding complaints about hold time and material availability. The robust use of the Austin Public Library, as indicated by the statistics above, necessitates an increase in funding to support the same level of service patrons have come to expect and the growing digital needs of the Austin community. Therefore, we support a one-time $200,000 increase to the books and materials budget, in addition to an annual percentage increase in line with previous years. The need for facility …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 23, 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Human Rights 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 at ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3568 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) Harriett Kirsh Pozen Maryam Khawar Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Mindy Morgan Avitia Lila Igram Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Tannya Oliva Martínez AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on February 23, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity & Inclusion. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation for the FY2026-27 Budget for Health Equity and Healthcare Access. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Approve a recommendation on strengthening and formalizing funding, staffing, reporting, and commission engagement for the City’s Anti-Hate infrastructure during the upcoming budget cycle. Approve a recommendation to support youth transitioning out of foster care through housing stability, targeted services, and legislative advocacy. Approve a budget recommendation for increased emergency housing assistance. Approve a budget recommendation for increased funding for Austin Economic Development’s Family Childcare Educator Network Program Approve a recommendation regarding a budget proposal for small business support, advancing human rights through economic opportunity. Approve a budget recommendation for immigration legal assistance funding. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2026 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on February 23, 2026, at 301 W. 2nd St., Boards & Commissions Room, in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon (Chair) Gabriella Zeidan (Vice Chair) Mariana Krueger Mindy Morgan Avitia Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam Morgan Davis Lila Igram Maryam Khawar Tannya Oliva-Martínez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission Special Called meeting on February 2, 2026. The February 2, 2026 minutes were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Kirsh Pozen was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation providing an update on American Gateways’ successes and requesting prioritization of immigration funds in next year’s budget. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. 1 The presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. 3. Update regarding discussions and actions at the recent Joint Inclusion Committee meetings. Update by Commissioner Oliva-Martínez DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve updates to working group membership. There was a motion by Chair Duhon, seconded by Vice Chair Zeidan, to add Commissioner Khawar to the Human Rights Resource Guide Working Group. The motion was approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Kirsh Pozen was absent. There was a motion by Vice Chair Zeidan, seconded by Commissioner Krueger, to add Commissioner Davis to the Human Rights Resource Guide Working Group. The motion was approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Kirsh Pozen was absent. Without objection, Vice Chair Zeidan left the FY2026-27 Budget Recommendation Working Group. 5. Approve a nomination for the Human Rights Commission’s alternate representative on the Joint Inclusion Committee. Commissioner Lila Igram was approved as the Human Rights Commission’s alternate representative on the Joint Inclusion Committee on Chair Duhon’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Kirsh Pozen was absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Budget Working Group regarding its progress on formulating budget recommendations for the FY2026-27 budget. Update by Commissioner Khawar. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Recommendation regarding Festival Beach Food Forest and how the City of Austin can make renumeration for the damages caused by poor communication and the placement of water main directly through Phase 2 of their project. – Krueger, Morgan Avitia Budget WG Update – Duhon, Zeidan …
Economic Mobility Austin Equity & Inclusion Our Time Together • Economic Mobility Overview • Quality-of-Life Studies: Key Connections • Building the Economic Mobility Index • Turning the Index Into Action • Upcoming Event 2 What Drives Economic Mobility Economic mobility is shaped by our systems, policies, and investments — not just individual effort. Mobility includes building wealth and long-term stability for future generations. Education, health, housing, childcare, and strong social conditions enable families to thrive. In Austin, persistent disparities limit opportunities, but a person’s future shouldn’t be determined by their neighborhood or systemic barriers. Beyond Wages Quality of Life We Shape Systems 3 Quality-of-Life Studies: Key Connections High-Level Themes Financial Progress & Economic Outcomes • Deeply affordable housing • • Utility assistance and energy relief Job pipelines and employment access programs Quality of Life & Well-Being • Pop-up clinics in high-need areas • Culturally competent healthcare training • Inclusive planning processes for older adults Opportunities & Access Teen job search portal • • Strengthen multilingual outreach • Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies Families, Communities, & Systems • Neighborhood safety audits • Greening and beautification initiatives • Strengthen family-support systems through childcare access and wraparound services 4 Definition Economic mobility addresses systems to improve unfair conditions that influence whether individuals, families, and communities can prosper over time and across generations. It means access to opportunities and resources needed for basic needs, financial security, and a dignified, high quality of life — regardless of race, place, gender, or ability. 5 Economic Mobility Index Human-centered, place-based tool for understanding conditions that shape residents’ ability to thrive in Austin. Visualizes neighborhood- level disparities as defined by economic mobility. Focuses on underlying conditions to guide service delivery and decision- making using data and community insights. Provides a common lens to support coordination, planning, and shared outcomes—without replacing existing tools. 6 Our Approach: Identifying Levers National Frameworks & Local Tools • Drivers of Poverty • Social Vulnerable Index • Justice 40 • Neighborhood Prosperity Dashboard etc. Hybrid Engagement Process • Quality of Life Studies • CoA Commissions • Internal & External Stakeholders • Every Texan Peer Cities Review 10 cities similar in: • State • Size • Demographics • Product CoA Levers of Economic Mobility • 3 Themes • 6 Sub-themes • 18 Levers of Economic Mobility 7 Building the Index Together Early childhood foundations shape mobility • Indicator: Enrollment in early education (public …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number (20260323-004): Recommendation on Strengthening and Formalizing Funding, Staffing, Reporting, and Commission Engagement for the City’s Anti-Hate Infrastructure During the Upcoming Budget Cycle WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission is charged with advising and consulting with the City Council on matters involving discrimination and promoting equal opportunity in the City of Austin; WHEREAS, the City of Austin has previously recognized the need for coordinated local action to respond to hate crimes and hate incidents, most recently through Resolution No. 20250724-122, which directed the City Manager to establish a comprehensive plan outlining programs and resources to respond to hate crimes and to expand the We All Belong initiative into a more formal city-led structure; WHEREAS, the July 24, 2025 resolution called for, among other things, establishment of an Intergovernmental Committee on Hate Crimes, quarterly meetings, a multilingual and accessible hate crimes web portal, a community notification and engagement program, stronger transparency and accuracy in hate-crime reporting data, and an annual hate crimes report; WHEREAS, the City’s October 8, 2025 staff response confirmed that oversight of the We All Belong initiative shifted to the Human Rights Division of Austin Equity and Inclusion effective October 1, 2025, and that implementation would require significant cross-department coordination among Austin Equity and Inclusion, the Austin Police Department, Austin Police Oversight, Austin Public Health, and other City partners; WHEREAS, the same staff response further acknowledged that the City intended to recruit only a part- time employee to lead stakeholder engagement and data analysis, while staff recommended establishing a full-time position to sustain and expand the work, indicating that the current staffing and administrative structure may not yet match the expanded mandate established by Council; WHEREAS, the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 adopted City budget includes $150,000 for the We All Belong anti- hate campaign and reflects a broader Human Rights Division budget of $1,435,358, but that division is also responsible for numerous other issue areas, including immigrant affairs, ADA compliance and accessibility, LGBTQ+ advocacy, anti-human trafficking, veterans’ affairs, and related human-rights functions; WHEREAS, Austin’s population is estimated at 993,588 as of July 1, 2024, meaning the City’s identified dedicated anti-hate allocation of $150,000 represents approximately $0.15 per resident; WHEREAS, New York City operates a formal Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes with a citywide interagency structure and a documented $3 million baseline enhancement, and with a population of approximately 8.478 million residents as …
