BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20260325-022: Budget Proposal for Increased Funding for Austin Economic Development’s Family Child Care Educator Network Motioned by: Seconded by: WHEREAS, Access to affordable, high-quality child care is a foundational economic and social need for Austin families, particularly for low-income households and communities of color; and WHEREAS, Families in Austin choose home-based child care because providers share their culture and speak their home language, offer the most affordable care option, provide care during non-traditional hours including evenings, overnight, and weekends, and are trusted members of the community—making home-based providers an irreplaceable part of the child care landscape for many Austin families; and WHEREAS, the average cost of childcare in Austin is the highest in Texas at $26,000 annually for two children. WHEREAS, 85% of early childhood educators in Texas earn less than a living wage, with a median wage of $12.00 per hour; and WHEREAS, Early childhood educators employed by child care programs that accept subsidies earn less than their counterparts at programs that do not accept subsidies, creating a systemic penalty for providers who serve the City's most economically vulnerable children; and WHEREAS, Hispanic early childhood educators in Texas earn significantly less than White early childhood educators regardless of education, experience, or location, reflecting persistent racial wage inequities within the field; and WHEREAS, 7 in 10 full-time early childhood educators do not receive employer-provided health insurance, and half lack access to paid sick leave, leaving a workforce that cares for the City's youngest residents without basic economic protections; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin, through Austin Economic Development, currently administers a Family Child Care Educator Network (FCCE Network) that supports home-based childcare providers. Which focuses on child care provider well-being, economic sustainability, child care quality, and the well-being of children and families; and WHEREAS, the current operating budget of $150,000, includes $75K in funding from a Home Grown grant which will expire in FY2026-27 and $75,000 in City of Austin match funding which expires at the end of FY2025-2026 and funds critical network activities including a Network Coordinator position, financial relief grants to providers, peer mentorship, professional development, a home-based provider conference, and essential interpretation and translation services; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council consider the following actions: ● Increase funding for the Family Child Care Educator Network from $75,000 to its current …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-023 Budget Recommendation for Immigration and Legal Assistance Funding Motioned by: Seconded by: WHEREAS, under Section 2-1-148 of the Austin City Code, the Human Rights Commission is charged to secure for all individuals in the City freedom from discrimination based on national origin. Without access to legal counsel, immigrants face detention and deportation stripped of the constitutional protections of due process and the right to representation guaranteed under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments; WHEREAS, 55 percent of people facing deportation in immigration court lack legal counsel; arrests of immigrants with no criminal record surged 2,450 percent in 2025; and interior deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increased more than four and a half times compared to 2024, without a court hearing or right to appeal under the expanded expedited removal policy; and, WHEREAS, deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody reached a two-decade high in 2025, with more people dying in ICE detention than in the prior four years combined, due to medical neglect, denial of care, and conditions that constitute both a public safety and human rights crisis; and, WHEREAS, when immigrants cannot access legal counsel, they are less likely to report crimes and cooperate with local law enforcement, undermining public safety for all Austin residents; and, WHEREAS, American Gateways, Austin's largest nonprofit immigration legal services provider, receives approximately 100 calls per week from immigrants seeking legal assistance and serves low-income clients across 23 Central Texas counties at no or low cost, yet relies on insufficient and inconsistent public funding to meet this demand. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Joint Inclusion Committee urges the Austin City Council to allocate $750,000 per fiscal year from the General Fund to American Gateways as a designated recurring annual appropriation. Date of Approval: _____________________________________________ Record of the vote: _____________________________________________ Attest: _____________________________________________
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-024 Budget Proposal for Small Business Support: Advancing Human Rights Through Economic Opportunity Motioned by: Seconded by: WHEREAS, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes every person's right to free choice of employment, protection against unemployment, and remuneration sufficient to ensure an existence worthy of human dignity — rights that extend to the sustainability of small business ownership as a livelihood; and, (UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 23) WHEREAS, the Austin City Code charges the Human Rights Commission to promote equal treatment and opportunity for all residents, which includes equitable access to economic resources and protection from conditions that threaten the financial stability and dignity of Austin business owners and their employees; and, (Austin City Code § 2-1-148) WHEREAS, small businesses in the Austin metro area account for 48.1 percent of local employment, represent 99.8 percent of all businesses in Texas, and accounted for 84 percent of the state's annual job growth in 2024, making their economic resilience a matter of direct public and human rights concern; and, WHEREAS, job growth in the Austin-Round Rock area slowed to just 0.7 percent in 2025, the slowest pace of all major Texas cities, while rising commercial rents have forced the City to modify its Business Expansion Program to address accelerating small business displacement across Austin neighborhoods. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Joint Inclusion Committee urges the Austin City Council to allocate $25,000 to the City's Small Business Division to establish an economic impact fund providing grants and forgivable loans to Austin small businesses facing economic hardship. Date of Approval: _____________________________________________ Record of the vote: _____________________________________________ Attest: _____________________________________________
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-025: Budget Proposal for Increased Emergency Housing Assistance WHEREAS, the City of Austin is still facing a housing affordability crisis as data reports show that the overall median rent is now $1,624.00, with the median rent for a one bedroom at $1,405.00. Both of these figures, though a decrease from previous years and a trend in the right direction, are the second highest for any city in the state of Texas. WHEREAS, even though median rent has fallen in the past year, rental prices are still unsustainable; especially given that the cost of living for Austinites has continued to vastly increase due to national trends such as soaring healthcare costs, grocery bills, increases at the gas pump, and child and dependent care. WHEREAS, Eviction filings in Austin JP Courts reached a record high of 15,253 filings in a single year in 2025, an increase of 13% from 2024, and the State Legislature codified a bill in the last legislative session that has already weakened what little rights tenants already possess in the state of Texas. WHEREAS, per the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, eviction filings in Austin have soared to over 32% higher than the pre-pandemic average rate, with communities of color drastically more at risk of eviction in a state with some of the country’s weakest protections for renters. WHEREAS, a record 2.1 million renters, more than half of the state’s renter households, are “cost burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities per a recent Harvard University study. WHEREAS, the State of Texas shuttered its statewide rent relief program in the summer of 2023 leaving it up to municipalities to act on the growing rental crisis. Austin has stepped up to the plate, most recently in last year’s budget cycle with a renewal of the $8 million rental assistance and eviction support program through the City of Austin Housing Department’s “I Belong in Austin” program. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate at least another $8 million dollars in rental relief funds and explore all available means in order to create short, medium, and long term solutions for individuals at risk of eviction in Austin. Date of Approval: _____________________________________________ Record of the vote: _____________________________________________ Attest: _____________________________________________
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-003: Priorities, Focus Areas, Safeguards, Controls & Community Engagement for Social Services Funding WHEREAS, the Austin City Manager announced on December 17, 2025 a 10% retroactive cut to social service contracts1; and WHEREAS, these cuts impact social services, social service contracts and social service grants2; and WHEREAS, Kerri Lang, Director, Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence and Daniel Culotta, Assistant Director, Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence presented at the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meeting on February 26, 2026 asking for JIC’s input on prioritizing cuts and funding3; and WHEREAS, the following JIC member commissions had representatives in attendance at the February 26, 2026 meeting: • African American Resource Advisory Commission • Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission • Commission on Aging • Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission • Human Rights Commission • • Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities; and LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission WHEREAS, six of those seven member commissions met since then (all but the African American Resource Advisory Commission); and WHEREAS, the deadline for all commissions to submit budget recommendations is March 31, 2026 and member commissions have been focused on this effort which had already strained the resources of the JIC member commissions; and WHEREAS, reducing the amount of City funding already published and awarded: • Erodes the public confidence in the City’s ability to budget, • Puts the jobs of non-profit employees at risk, 1 Social Services Funding Update, December 17, 2025 2 Social Services Framework, Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence, page 5 3 Agenda Joint Inclusion Committee, Special Called Meeting, February 26, 2026 Page 1 of 3 • • • Jeopardizes the future of Austin’s non-profit organizations, Increases competition for non-City grants and philanthropic funding, Leaves Austin’s most vulnerable populations even more vulnerable; and WHEREAS, with the decrease in federal funding and increase in government persecution of marginalized communities, the numbers in the at-risk communities across all demographics are growing; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager, to direct the Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence to focus on the following Service Categories for funding social services: • Basic Needs - Food Access, Utility & Rent Assistance, Survivor Support, • Health Equity - Services prioritizing marginalized communities to address health disparities, • Community Planning - Stigma Index, Regional Planning contracts. …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-038: LGBTQ Legal Navigation and Community Safety Coordination WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ residents in Texas increasingly face confusion and risk due to evolving state policies and administrative requirements related to identity documents, civil rights protections, and access to services; and WHEREAS, timely access to accurate education, navigation support, and trusted referrals can prevent avoidable crises that may lead to housing instability, employment disruption, and disconnection from essential services; and WHEREAS, community stakeholders have identified a need for practical assistance including support with name and gender marker changes, tenant and workplace rights navigation, and connections to trusted nonprofit service providers; and WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors continue to report concerns about safety, harassment, and accessibility in public spaces, particularly during major community events and peak nightlife hours; and WHEREAS, community-based, non-enforcement safety strategies such as de-escalation training, bystander intervention, and coordinated safe-walk partnerships can reduce harm and strengthen community confidence; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Equity Office and Human Rights Division are positioned to coordinate civil rights education, community navigation, and harm-prevention programming across City departments and community partners; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee has identified coordinated legal navigation and community safety infrastructure as one of its highest priorities for the year; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to establish a pilot LGBTQ Legal Navigation and Community Safety Coordination Program. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends the creation of one full-time employee (FTE) LGBTQ Program Administrator or Manager position to lead, coordinate, and implement this program, and that this role be housed within the City’s Equity Office for cross-departmental coordination and community alignment. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this FTE would be the direct point of contact at the City of Austin for the LGBTQIA+ community, including responsibilities coordinating City services, supporting community education, facilitating navigation and referral pathways, and working with nonprofit and community-based organizations that provide related services. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that program activities may include: • Know-your-rights education and informational materials • Legal navigation and referral support, including assistance related to name and gender marker changes • Tenant, employment, and civil rights navigation resources • De-escalation and bystander intervention training • Coordination of community-based safety efforts such as safe-walk partnerships during major events and peak activity periods BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-039: Expansion of Mpox, STI, and Vaccination Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin has recognized the importance of integrated vaccination and prevention programs, including Hepatitis and Flu outreach, as essential components of LGBTQIA+ public health efforts; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has sustained the loss of $800,000 in funding for HIV, STI, and Mpox through 2025–2026 fiscal planning, and a failed city Tax Rate Election has further resulted in a loss of funding; and WHEREAS, community partners have reached out to the Joint Inclusion Committee expressing grave concern regarding the loss of federal, state, and city funding, which impacts vital health partners such as the KIND Clinic and other community providers that have relied on this city funding in previous years; and WHEREAS, Austin health departments and community health centers serving LGBTQIA+ residents, including community-based clinics and nonprofit providers, have demonstrated strong capacity and effectiveness in delivering culturally competent vaccination and prevention services; and WHEREAS, MPox continues to present an ongoing public health concern, particularly for LGBTQIA+ communities, and requires sustained vaccination, education, and outreach efforts rather than one-time emergency responses; and WHEREAS, recent reductions in federal and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health funding have placed increased pressure on local governments to maintain continuity of vaccination, STI, and HIV prevention programs; and WHEREAS, expanded local funding would support not only MPox vaccination efforts, but also broader STI and HIV prevention services that are critical to reducing long-term public health costs and preventing outbreaks; and WHEREAS, ensuring access to timely, accurate, and culturally competent preventive healthcare improves community health outcomes and reduces strain on emergency and acute care systems; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council approve an increase of up to $100,000 in funding to Austin Public Health to expand Mpox vaccination, STI prevention, and HIV prevention programs targeting at-risk and underserved populations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the expanded funding should support outreach, education, vaccination access, and prevention services delivered through trusted community-based providers and public health partners serving the LGBTQIA+ community. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the City of Austin restore the loss of $800,000 in general health and mental services funding from last year's fiscal budget, as referenced in the Commission’s March 2025 recommendation outlining subsidies for PrEP access …
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20260325-004): Expansion and Empowerment of the Community Liaison Office WHEREAS, the City of Austin has committed to equity-centered public safety strategies that prioritize trust-building, accessibility, accountability, and culturally competent engagement with historically marginalized and minoritized communities; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee, in coordination with the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission, the Asian American Quality of Life Commission, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission, the African American Quality of Life Commission, the Commission for Women, and other advisory bodies, has received consistent feedback from community members regarding gaps in communication, transparency, responsiveness, and trust in interactions with law enforcement; and WHEREAS, immigrant communities and other vulnerable populations have identified fear of retaliation, deportation consequences, language access barriers, and lack of anonymity as significant obstacles to engaging with law enforcement; and WHEREAS, strengthening and elevating the Community Liaison function from a primarily public information role to a core accountability and community engagement division within the Austin Police Department is necessary to ensure sustained trust-building, transparency, and culturally competent public safety practices; and WHEREAS, the proposal recommends structural elevation of the Community Liaison Office to report directly to the Chief of Police or a designated Assistant Chief, or alternatively to explore housing the function under the Office of Equity and Inclusion to ensure independence and public trust; and WHEREAS, the proposal further recommends assigning both a civilian liaison and a sworn officer liaison for each major minoritized community, including but not limited to LGBTQIA+, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Women, thereby providing residents the option to engage with either a civilian or sworn representative; and WHEREAS, formalizing liaison responsibilities within official job duties, performance evaluations, training structures, and reporting systems is necessary to ensure consistency, sustainability, and accountability; and WHEREAS, the establishment of dedicated public communication pathways, anonymous reporting options, language access services, and culturally appropriate outreach materials is essential to building durable community trust; and WHEREAS, meaningful reform requires measurable performance metrics, structured engagement with City Commissions and the Joint Inclusion Committee, and a formal feedback mechanism requiring written responses from APD leadership to commission-issued policy memos; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to allocate one-time implementation funding in the amount of $80,000 to support the expansion and elevation of the Community Liaison Office consistent with …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-040: Safe and Proud Austin Entertainment Corridor Life Safety Pilot Package WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ establishments and entertainment venues have been repeatedly targeted in acts of mass violence across the United States, including the 2016 attack at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, which resulted in 49 fatalities, and the 2022 attack at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries; and WHEREAS, federal and national law enforcement assessments have identified LGBTQIA+ gathering spaces as recurring targets of ideologically motivated violence; and WHEREAS, following the New Orleans Mardi Gras vehicle attack, the City of Austin moved rapidly to implement protective safety measures within the Sixth Street Entertainment District to mitigate risk in a high density corridor; and WHEREAS, it has now been more than one year since that incident, and recent violence on March 1 within proximity to Bettie Naylor Street demonstrates that high density LGBTQIA+ cultural corridors in Austin face comparable risk exposure; and WHEREAS, Bettie Naylor Street, historically recognized as Fourth Street between Congress Avenue and Rio Grande Street, serves as Austin's primary LGBTQIA+ cultural corridor and functions as a concentration of bars, coffee shops, entertainment venues, and affirming small businesses that draw high pedestrian volumes; and WHEREAS, adjacent affirming businesses on Lavaca Street and Colorado Street, including establishments such as The Iron Bear and Highland, are integral components of this corridor ecosystem and lie within close proximity to recent public safety incidents; and WHEREAS, consistency in public safety infrastructure deployment across entertainment districts is essential to equitable risk mitigation, municipal resilience, and liability management; and WHEREAS, targeted deployment based on documented risk exposure, concentration of historically targeted establishments, and proximity to recent violent incidents represents a tiered and defensible public safety approach; and WHEREAS, rapid intervention during the first minutes of a life threatening emergency, including severe bleeding events and sudden cardiac arrest, significantly increases survival outcomes; and WHEREAS, public safety best practices emphasize layered mitigation strategies including early notification, immediate hemorrhage control, defibrillation access, community CPR activation, and coordinated emergency response; and WHEREAS, the Austin Travis County EMS Chief Medical Officer requested funding for Community CPR Alerting and AED Deployment to Enhance Equity, including investment in the GoodSAM platform to improve cardiac arrest outcomes through real time scene awareness and verified responders, and alignment with this corridor safety pilot would strengthen equity focused cardiac survival …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-041: Housing Assistance Grants for LGBTQIA+ and Queer Artists WHEREAS, Austin’s artists and creative workers are central to the City’s cultural identity, economic vitality, and national reputation as a center for live performance and creative expression; and WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ and queer artists, including drag performers and nightlife creatives, contribute significantly to Austin’s arts and entertainment ecosystem while often facing heightened economic precarity, housing instability, and displacement pressures; and WHEREAS, rising housing costs continue to disproportionately impact artists and cultural workers, threatening the sustainability of Austin’s creative communities and cultural districts; and WHEREAS, housing instability among artists may result in the loss of culturally significant venues, performances, and creative spaces that contribute to neighborhood vitality, tourism, and small business activity; and WHEREAS, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (AACME), in coordination with housing and community development departments, provides existing infrastructure for arts support and community stabilization efforts; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to increase funding for existing housing stabilization and assistance programs by $200,000, with coordination through AACME and relevant housing departments to ensure effective outreach to artists and creative workers. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that, within the administration of expanded housing stabilization resources, outreach and prioritization strategies be developed to address the documented housing instability faced by LGBTQIA+ artists and creative workers, consistent with equity-focused implementation practices and existing City guidelines. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City coordinate with AACME and community partners to ensure accessible communication, culturally competent outreach, and clear application pathways for artists and creative workers who may not traditionally access housing assistance programs. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee requests reporting on utilization rates, artist participation, and displacement prevention outcomes associated with the expanded funding allocation to inform future cultural and housing policy decisions.
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-xxx: Community Liaison Officer Program Pilot WHEREAS, the City of Austin has committed to community-centered public safety strategies that prioritize trust-building, accessibility, and culturally competent engagement with historically marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+ residents; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee and other City commissions have received consistent feedback from community members regarding the need for improved communication, responsiveness, and accountability in interactions with law enforcement; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and Austin Police Department have previously endorsed the Community Liaison Officer Expansion and Empowerment framework, which calls for strengthening and formalizing the Community Liaison function as a core community engagement strategy; and WHEREAS, Austin Police Department currently maintains liaison functions, and a pilot model incorporating both civilian coordination and sworn, uniformed officers may strengthen visibility, accessibility, and community trust; and WHEREAS, leadership within APD has indicated that initial implementation can be achieved primarily through internal realignment of existing personnel and currently vacant positions, without requiring a significant increase in overall staffing levels; and WHEREAS, successful implementation depends on assigning experienced and community- connected personnel, prioritizing liaison responsibilities within departmental operations, and establishing clear procedures, training, and data practices to support long-term program effectiveness; and WHEREAS, a phased pilot approach allows the City to evaluate effectiveness, community impact, and operational needs before considering broader expansion or long-term funding commitments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to allocate Phase One pilot funding to support initial implementation of the Community Liaison Officer Program Pilot. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the pilot model include both civilian coordination support and sworn, uniformed APD Community Liaison Officers, utilizing experienced personnel where feasible, with an emphasis on individuals who maintain established relationships with LGBTQIA+ and historically marginalized communities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin Police Department establish internal procedures to prioritize liaison responsibilities within assigned duties, ensuring sworn officers participating in the pilot are able to consistently fulfill community engagement, outreach, and responsiveness commitments associated with the role. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Phase One pilot funding support the following limited and targeted activities: • Designation and operational support of sworn LGBTQIA+ Community Liaison Officers utilizing existing APD personnel where feasible • Initial training and professional development related to cultural competency, de-escalation, and community engagement best practices • Development of basic public communication infrastructure, …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-043: Entrepreneurial Grants for LGBTQIA+ Businesses WHEREAS, local LGBTQIA+-owned businesses contribute significantly to Austin’s cultural identity, neighborhood character, tourism appeal, and economic vitality; and WHEREAS, small businesses owned by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs may face barriers to accessing capital and business development resources, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty and rising operating costs; and WHEREAS, City initiatives supporting historically underserved entrepreneurs have demonstrated success in fostering business stability, local job creation, and neighborhood economic resilience; and WHEREAS, responsible tools such as no-interest loans, technical assistance, and targeted entrepreneurial support can strengthen small business sustainability while maintaining fiscal prudence; and WHEREAS, continued and expanded support for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs aligns with the City’s commitments to inclusive economic development, small business resilience, and cultural district preservation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council expand and continue entrepreneurial support initiatives within existing City economic development programs to strengthen access to capital and technical assistance for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends allocating $200,000 to enhance no-interest loan capacity and related entrepreneurial assistance within the City’s existing small business support infrastructure. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that program implementation include targeted outreach and culturally competent engagement to ensure equitable access for LGBTQIA+-owned businesses, particularly small, locally owned, and community-serving enterprises that may face barriers to traditional financing. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee requests reporting on participation rates, loan performance, and business stabilization outcomes to evaluate program impact and inform future economic development strategies.
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-044: LGBTQ Entertainment District WHEREAS, the State of Texas, through directives to enforce roadway safety and pavement marking compliance, has required removal of decorative and message-based roadway art, including rainbow and culturally themed crosswalks, with potential risk to transportation funding for noncompliance; and WHEREAS, the rainbow crosswalk at West 4th Street and Colorado Street has served as a widely recognized marker of Austin’s LGBTQ cultural and entertainment district, signaling safety, belonging, and civic recognition for LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, the removal of highly visible cultural markers in public spaces may negatively affect community cohesion, cultural tourism, and small business activity within established neighborhood corridors; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin operates a Street Banner Program that provides a lawful and compliant framework for district identity markers, including over-street and street-pole banners, consistent with roadway regulations; and WHEREAS, the development of an LGBTQ Entertainment District, supported by culturally identifiable infrastructure, may strengthen economic activity, tourism, and small business vitality within the district; and WHEREAS, exploration of a Micro Public Improvement District (Micro-PID) or similar localized funding and maintenance structure may provide a sustainable mechanism for district identity infrastructure, programming, and long-term stewardship; and WHEREAS, community-centered public art and engagement processes improve representation, legitimacy, and long-term community ownership of civic cultural markers; and WHEREAS, timely execution of a compliant transition strategy is necessary to meet state- mandated deadlines and minimize disruption to community identity, tourism, and district economic activity; and WHEREAS, this effort aligns with the work of the Mayor’s Task Force on transitioning from decorative crosswalks to compliant public-space district markers and identity infrastructure; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to prioritize and establish a one-time LGBTQ Entertainment District Cultural Infrastructure Pilot to replace removed decorative crosswalk markers with compliant district identifiers, including banners, flags, wayfinding elements, and related identity infrastructure, with an initial focus on the West 4th Street corridor. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends allocating $120,000 in one-time funding for design, fabrication, and installation of district identity infrastructure, utilizing the City’s existing Street Banner Program and related standards where feasible. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the pilot include a structured community engagement and local artist process to develop culturally authentic district marker designs reflective of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community and broader …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION MARCH 25, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public 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 Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or Lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: William Ross Pumfrey, Chair Luis Figueroa Haksoon Andrea Low Cynthia Soliz Brittany Sharkey, Vice Chair Patrick Keel Wallace Lundgren District 5 – Vacancy District 1 – Vacancy William King Brian McGiverin AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel on any matter listed in this agenda. 1. The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel to discuss: A complaint filed by Andrew Rivera against T.C. Broadnax raising claimed violations of City Code Section 2-7-62 (I) (Standards of Conduct). PRELIMINARY HEARING 2. A complaint filed by Andrew Rivera against T.C. Broadnax raising claimed violations of City Code Section 2-7-62 (I) (Standards of Conduct). Page 1 of 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Called meeting on February 25, 2025. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 4. Update from Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process (Commissioners Low, Figueroa, and McGiverin). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Change in membership to the Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process (Commissioners Low, Figueroa, and McGiverin). 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 …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026, AT 6:30 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Building and Standards 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 Melanie Alley, 512-974-2679, dsdcredbsc@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Michael Francis, Vice Chair Harrison Brown Grant Gilker Jeffrey Musgrove Carrie Stewart, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) Mia Ibarra Raisch Tomlanovich Lisa Garza Myra Martinez AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission Regular meeting on February 25, 2026. PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s) The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: 2. Case Number: CL 2026-013540 Property address: 1704 Westover Road / Owner: Mary Elizabeth Nance Staff presenter: Erica Thompson Staff recommendation: Repair residential structure. 3. 4. 5. Case Number: CL 2026-013716 Property address: 2607 S IH 35 Service Road NB, aka Park West Inn / Owner: Park West Properties Inc. Staff presenter: Khary Dumas Staff recommendation: Obtain engineer’s report and repair commercial structures. Case Number: CL 2025-137508 Property address: 1505 Mearns Meadow Boulevard / Owner: Trieu Ngo Staff presenter: Courtney Britt Staff recommendation: Repair residential structure. Case Number: CL 2026-022122 Property address: 2112 E Cesar Chavez Street / Owner: Paulygamy Hotel LLC Staff presenter: Sheila Doyle Staff recommendation: Repair commercial structure. Returning Case(s) The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess or modify a civil penalty: 6. Case Number: CL 2025-082106 Property address: 4313 S 1st Street, aka …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION March 24, 2026 6:00 p.m. Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 Some members of the Resource Management Commission maybe participating by video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register contact Natasha Goodwin, at Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com or 512-322-6505. Members: Charlotte Davis, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Kamil Cook Trey Farmer CALL MEETING TO ORDER AGENDA GeNell Gary Joseph Gerland Harry Kennard Martin Luecke Raphael Schwartz Alison Silverstein Danielle Zigon PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 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 Resource Management Commission Meeting on February 17, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and recommend the Resource Management Commission’s priorities for the Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 Budget. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on the value of solar and the social cost of carbon components. 4. Discussion on proposed improvements to Austin Energy's EV charging and small battery incentive programs. 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 Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at (512) 322-6505 or Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Resource Management Commission, please contact Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at 512-322-6505 or Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com .
BACKGROUND & RESEARCH BRIEF Austin Energy EV Managed Charging and Home Battery Storage Programs: The Case for Top-Decile National Competitiveness Prepared for Austin Resource Management Commission | February 2026 Executive Summary The bottom line: Austin Energy current incentives for electric vehicle managed charging and home battery storage are dramatically weaker than leading national programs or even the open deregulated Texas market that is available just a few miles from Austin — and dramatically weaker than what Austin own adopted climate plans require. This brief documents the gap, provides national comparisons, and supports a City Council resolution directing Austin Energy to benchmark these programs and bring them into the top ten percent nationally. EV Managed Charging: Austin Energy's Power Partner EV program pays enrolled customers approximately $35 per year after the first year. Comparable leading programs pay over $1,000 per year in equivalent consumer value. Austin Energy program, as currently structured, is not competitive and fails to adequately incentivize off-peak or renewable-aligned charging. Home Battery Storage: Austin Energy's forthcoming battery pilot program, based on preliminary parameters, would deliver an implied payback period of approximately 45 years — compared to 5–8 years available in the deregulated Texas competitive retail market, and 5–7 years available under the ConnectedSolutions program in Massachusetts. This gap makes Austin Energy's program nearly irrelevant as a driver of battery adoption. Why it matters: Transportation is rapidly becoming Austin's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Distributed battery storage and smart EV charging are among the most powerful tools available to integrate renewable energy, avoid costly peaker plant dispatch, and reduce air pollution. Austin has both the policy mandate and the utility infrastructure to lead — but only if the incentives are commensurate with the ask. 1. Austin's Adopted Climate & Utility Commitments The Austin Climate Equity Plan (2021) Adopted unanimously by City Council in September 2021, the Austin Climate Equity Plan establishes the following binding community-wide goals directly relevant to this resolution: • Net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, with a strong interim emphasis on cutting emissions by 2030. • 40% of vehicle miles traveled electrified by 2030, with EV ownership that is "culturally, geographically, and economically diverse." • An equitably distributed mix of charging infrastructure to support rapid EV adoption. • Explicit recognition that transportation is the primary source of local air pollution and the fastest- growing source of GHG emissions. Note: Austin first adopted a Community Climate …
Energy Efficiency Services - Commercial and Multifamily Enrollment Pipeline Program Location Name Installation Address Council District Measures Est. kWh Savings Est. $ Incentive Multifamily Income Qualified Bridge at Henly 6107 E RIVERSIDE DR UNIT CLUB Multifamily Income Qualified Bridge at Asher 10505 S IH 35 SVRD NB CH Multifamily Income Qualified Ashford Costa Brava 6407 SPRINGDALE RD UNIT 1 Multifamily Income Qualified LUPINE TERRACE 1137 GUNTER ST Multifamily STONEY RIDGE APARTMENTS 3200 S 1ST ST UNIT 1 Multifamily Income Qualified ELM RIDGE 1190 AIRPORT BLVD Multifamily Mackenzie Point Apartments 1044 CAMINO LA COSTA UNIT 10 Multifamily Lantana Hills Apartments 7601 RIALTO BLVD UNIT TC 3 5 1 1 3 1 4 8 Duct Sealing and Remediation, Lighting, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, Supplemental Measure, HVAC Tune-Up, Water Saving Devices ECAD Incentive, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up, Water Saving Devices Attic Insulation, Duct Sealing and Remediation, Lighting, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up Attic Insulation, ECAD Incentive, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up, Water Saving Devices Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up Attic Insulation, ECAD Incentive, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up, Water Saving Devices Attic Insulation, Duct Sealing and Remediation, Lighting, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up Attic Insulation, Duct Sealing and Remediation, Lighting, Smart PPT Eligible Thermostat, HVAC Tune-Up 364,850 $ 257,648 428,247 $ 208,074 159,331 $ 120,818 140,753 $ 109,086 197,212 $ 104,928 111,909 $ 96,101 37,591 $ 86,116 307,352 $ 75,902 Rebate Fact Sheet - Energy Efficiency Services February 2026 Rebate Program Enrollment Property Information Commercial Rebates 1350310 Customer or Property TRAVIS PARK PRESERVATION LLC Property Address Year Built * 1100 E OLTORF ST UNIT 2 AUSTIN, TX 78704 Total Number of Rentable Units N/A Building Total Square Feet 168363 Rebates and Estimated Annual Savings Est. Kilowatt (kW) Reduction Est. Kilowatt- hours (kWh) Reduction Est. $/kW Rebate per Tenant Unit Measure ** Chillers Commercial Supplemental Measure Payment Reflective Roof Coating Solar Screen/Solar Film 2.4 39.5 86.2 46.5 13,106 0 132,630 54,524 $625 $370 $413 $627 Total Rebate $1,500 $14,610 $35,615 $29,133 Total *** 174.5 * Year built may not include major renovations ** Fact sheets include final inspection information, and some values may have changed since original proposal. *** Assumes 100% Occupancy $80,858 200,260 $2,035 Date (Year) Measure Rebate Amount Energy Efficiency Rebates in Past 10-Years N/A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026, AT 6 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Planning 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 2 p.m. on the day of the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, please use the QR code or link at the end of this document. If you have questions regarding speaker registration, please contact Ella Garcia, Staff Liaison, at LandUseLiaison@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-978-0821. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Alice Woods, Chair (District 2) Casey Haney, Vice Chair (Mayor’s Representative) Felicity Maxwell, Secretary (District 5) Imad Ahmed, Parliamentarian (District 6) Anna Lan (Mayor’s Representative) Vacant (Mayor’s Representative) Chris Gannon (District 1) EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS: Nadia Barrera-Ramirez (District 3) Brian Bedrosian (District 4) Adam Powell (District 7) Peter Breton (District 8) Danielle Skidmore (District 9) Joshua Hiller (District 10) Jessica Cohen, Chair of Board of Adjustment TC Broadnax, City Manager EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) Candace Hunter, A.I.S.D. Board of Trustees Richard Mendoza, Director of Transportation and Public Works The Planning Commission will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, according to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on the agenda. The Commission may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071. Staff Liaison: Ella Garcia, 512-978-0821 Attorney: AJ Urteaga, 512-974-2386 Page 1 of 9 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first four speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Plan Amendment: NPA-2023-0014.04 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 2 Location: 4302, 4304 ½, & 4316 Nuckols Crossing Road, Williamson Creek Watershed; Southeast Combined (Franklin Park) Neighborhood Planning Area Owner/Applicant: Katherine Barnidge Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: LOC Consultants Civil Division (Sergio Lozano-Sanchez, …
From: Sergio Lozano < > Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 4:53 PM To: Meredith, Maureen <Maureen.Meredith@austintexas.gov> Cc: Joshua Jose < >; Harden, Joi <Joi.Harden@austintexas.gov>; Thomas, Eric <Eric.Thomas@austintexas.gov>; LandUseLiaison <LandUseLiaison@austintexas.gov>; Estrada, Nancy <Nancy.Estrada@austintexas.gov>; Kate Walker < > Subject: Re: SECNPT Postpone Request - NPA-2023-0014.04 and C14-2025-0065 Afternoon Maureen I have spoken to the client regarding the postponement, and we are okay with the hearing being moved to May 12th. Should there be any changes or required information, we are at your leisure. Regards, Sergio Lozano-Sanchez, P.E. Principal LOC Consultants Civil Division, Inc 2211 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd. Ste. 107 Austin, TX 78741 Phone: (512) 524-0677 Good evening, Maureen. Thank you for your response. 02 NPA-2023-0014.04 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 21 of 4 I guess the best option we have available to us in light of the circumstances is May 12th. Thank you. Ana Maureen and Nancy, Please see the attached letter from the Contact Team regarding NPA-2023-0014.04 and C14-2025-0065, which includes a postponement request. Thanks, John Sirman 02 NPA-2023-0014.04 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 22 of 4 02 NPA-2023-0014.04 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 23 of 4 02 NPA-2023-0014.04 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 24 of 4
Planning Commission: March 24, 2026 NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET NEIGHORHOOD PLAN: South Austin Combined (Westgate) CASE#: NPA-2025-0030.01 DATE FILED: August 21, 2025 PROJECT NAME: Ben White PC DATE: February 24, 2026 March 24, 2026 ADDRESS/ES: 2217 W Ben White Blvd SVRD EB DISTRICT AREA: 5 SITE AREA: 16,443 sq. ft. OWNER/APPLICANT: RPS Family Enterprises LP AGENT: Keepers Land Use Planning (Ricca Keepers) CASE MANAGER: Maureen Meredith PHONE: (512) 974-2695 STAFF EMAIL: Maureen.Meredith@austintexas.gov TYPE OF AMENDMENT: Change in Future Land Use Designation From: Neighborhood Node To: Mixed Use Activity HUB/Corridor Base District Zoning Change Related Zoning Case: C14-2025-0104 From: CS-NP To: CS-1-NP (building footprint) NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN ADOPTION DATE: November 6, 2014 CITY COUNCIL DATE: TBD ACTION: PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: March 24, 2026 – (action pending) 04 NPA-2025-0030.01 - Ben White; District 51 of 28 Planning Commission: March 24, 2026 February 24, 2026 – Postponed to March 24, 2026 at the request of Staff on the consent agenda. [D. Skidmore – 1st; B. Bedrosian – 2nd] Vote: 12-0 [One vacancy on the dais]. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff supports the Applicant’s request for Mixed Use Activity HUB/Corridor. BASIS FOR STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION: Staff supports the Applicant’s request for the Mixed Use Activity HUB/Corridor character district because the property is located along E. Ben White Blvd highway where this land use is appropriate. The property is also located near the major highway interchange of W. Ben White Blvd and South Lamar Blvd. The applicant proposes to rezone the footprint of an existing building to CS-1 for the sale of alcoholic beverages that are primarily to-go and not for on-site consumption. Below are sections of the plan that staff believe supports the applicant’s request. 2 04 NPA-2025-0030.01 - Ben White; District 52 of 28 Planning Commission: March 24, 2026 3 04 NPA-2025-0030.01 - Ben White; District 53 of 28 Planning Commission: March 24, 2026 LAND USE DESCRIPTIONS: EXISTING LAND USE: Neighborhood Node - Neighborhood Node districts contain restaurants, shops, offices, and multi-family housing. The form of these areas is similar to Neighborhood Transition districts but with more commercial activity. Neighborhood Nodes have a 4 04 NPA-2025-0030.01 - Ben White; District 54 of 28 Planning Commission: March 24, 2026 similar mix of uses as Mixed Use Hubs, but primarily serve residents in the neighborhood. Building heights range from one to two stories (although many locations are zoned for greater height). PROPOSED LAND USE: Mixed Use Activity HUB/Corridor …
To: From: Date: Subject: MEMORANDUM Alice Woods, Chair Planning Commission Members Nancy Estrada, Planner Principal, Austin Planning March 18, 2026 C14-2024-0147 – 1405 East Riverside Drive Staff Postponement Request Staff requests a postponement of the above referenced rezoning case from the March 24, 2026, Planning Commission hearing to April 28, 2026. Traffic analysis information is being provided for staff to review. 06 C14-2024-0147 - 1405 East Riverside Drive; District 91 of 1
To: From: Date: Subject: MEMORANDUM Alice Woods, Chair Planning Commission Members Nancy Estrada, Planner Principal, Austin Planning March 18, 2026 C14-06-0117(RCT) – 1317 and 1405 East Riverside Drive Restrictive Covenant 2008008550 Staff Postponement Request Staff requests a postponement of the above referenced case from the March 24, 2026, Planning Commission hearing to the April 28, 2026, hearing. This restrictive covenant case is associated with rezoning case C14-2024-0147 – 1405 East Riverside Drive. 07 C14-06-0117(RCT) - 1317 and 1405 East Riverside Drive; District 91 of 1
To: From: Date: Subject: MEMORANDUM Alice Woods, Chair Planning Commission Members Nancy Estrada, Planner Principal, Austin Planning March 18, 2026 C14-72-299(RCT) – 1317 and 1405 East Riverside Drive Restrictive Covenant 4355-1773 Staff Postponement Request Staff requests a postponement of the above referenced case from the March 24, 2026, Planning Commission hearing to the April 28, 2026, hearing. This restrictive covenant case is associated with rezoning case C14-2024-0147 – 1405 East Riverside Drive. 08 C14-72-299(RCT) - 1317 and 1405 East Riverside Drive; District 91 of 1
Imagine Austin Update Austin Planning | March 24, 2026 AGENDA ▪ Why Updating Imagine Austin Matters ▪ Overview of the Past Six Months ▪ Project Goals and Scope ▪ Advisory Groups ▪ Imagine Austin Plan Framework ▪ Imagine Austin Implementation ▪ Project Timeline 2 Why Updating Imagine Austin Matters ▪ Provides a guiding framework Turning community, Council, and department priorities into actionable programs ▪ Cross-departmental alignment and collaboration Breaking down silos so departments can work together more easily and effectively ▪ Provides a strong foundation for decision making Guides choices with up-to-date policies and alignment across citywide plans ▪ Strengthens how the City operates Building a more proactive city 3 Overview of the Past Six Months AUG 28, 2025 SEP - NOV 2025 NOV 20, 2025 NOV 2025 - PRESENT Resolution Adopted Consultant Selected and Onboarded City Council Reallocated $1.5M of IA’s $3M Budget Project Rescoping Phase • Refined scope based on reduced project budget • Identified staff tasks and internal responsibilities 4 Project Goals ▪ Develop a Place Types map to support consistent land use planning throughout Austin that helps achieve citywide goals while recognizing the needs of different communities. ▪ Create regular engagement opportunities with the community. ▪ Update policies to provide clear guidance for current and future planning and decision-making. ▪ Refine the plan document for clearer organization and to be more user-friendly. ▪ Strengthen alignment between Imagine Austin and other citywide strategic plans to provide clearer direction and consistency. 5 Project Scope CONSULTANT LED CITY STAFF LED Project Support Existing Conditions and Future Trends Assessment Task 0 Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Engagement Vision and Goals Task 4 Priority Programs and Policies Land Use Goals and Policies Task 5 Place Types Palette and Methodology Place Types Map Task 6 Task 7 Task 8 Task 9 Plan Alignment Implementation Document Design Task 10 Plan Writing 6 Imagine Austin Community Working Group Evaluation and Selection Process ▪ Applications: ~360 applications ▪ Evaluation Committee comprised of seven departments ▪ Austin Communications and Engagement ▪ Austin Development Services ▪ Austin Housing ▪ Austin Planning ▪ Austin Public Health ▪ Austin Watershed Protection Final Working Group ▪ 45 members - aimed to reflect City of Austin demographics as closely as possible ▪ Duration: 5-6 meetings – Spring 2026 to Summer 2027 ▪ Goal: Support with the creation of the Place Types Map and policy revisions 7 Demographic Breakdown of Working …
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 10, 2026 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026 The Planning Commission convened in a regular on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Woods called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Alice Woods Casey Haney Felicity Maxwell Imad Ahmed Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Brian Bedrosian Peter Breton Chris Gannon Joshua Hiller Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adam Powell Anna Lan Danielle Skidmore Ex-Officio Members Absent: TC Broadnax Jessica Cohen Candace Hunter Richard Mendoza 1 Vacancy on the Dais 1 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 10, 2026 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Philip Wiley - Mobility oriented development APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Planning Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, and Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The minutes from the meeting of Tuesday, January 27, 2026, and Tuesday, February 10, 2026, were approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Bedrosian’s motion, Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez’s second, on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Lan was off the dais. 1 vacancy on the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Plan Amendment: NPA-2025-0031.01 - 8701 N Mopac Multifamily; District 10 Location: 8701 North Mopac Expressway Service Road NB, Shoal Creek Watershed; North Shoal Creek Neighborhood Planning Area Owner/Applicant: Mopac Atrium Investments, LLC, a Texas limited liability company Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Dubois Bryant & Campbell, LLP (David Hartman) Commerce to Mixed-Use Activity HUB/Corridor Staff postponement request to March 24, 2026 Maureen Meredith, 512-974-2695, maureen.meredith@austintexas.gov Austin Planning The motion to approve Staff’s postponement request to March 24, 2026, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Bedrosian’s motion, Commissioner Barrera- Ramirez’s second, on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Lan was off the dais. 1 vacancy on the dais. 3. Rezoning: Location: C14-2025-0088 - 8701 N Mopac Multifamily; District 10 8701 North Mopac Expressway Service Road NB, Shoal Creek Watershed; North Shoal Creek Neighborhood Planning Area Owner/Applicant: Mopac Atrium Investments, LLC Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Dubois Bryant & Campbell, LLP (David Hartman) CS to LI-PDA Staff postponement request to March 24, 2026 Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov Austin Planning The motion to approve Staff’s postponement request to March 24, 2026, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Bedrosian’s motion, Commissioner Barrera- Ramirez’s second, on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Lan was off the dais. 1 vacancy on the dais. 2 PLANNING …
From: Sergio Lozano < > Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 4:53 PM To: Meredith, Maureen <Maureen.Meredith@austintexas.gov> Cc: Joshua Jose < >; Harden, Joi <Joi.Harden@austintexas.gov>; Thomas, Eric <Eric.Thomas@austintexas.gov>; LandUseLiaison <LandUseLiaison@austintexas.gov>; Estrada, Nancy <Nancy.Estrada@austintexas.gov>; Kate Walker < > Subject: Re: SECNPT Postpone Request - NPA-2023-0014.04 and C14-2025-0065 Afternoon Maureen I have spoken to the client regarding the postponement, and we are okay with the hearing being moved to May 12th. Should there be any changes or required information, we are at your leisure. Regards, Sergio Lozano-Sanchez, P.E. Principal LOC Consultants Civil Division, Inc 2211 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd. Ste. 107 Austin, TX 78741 Phone: (512) 524-0677 Good evening, Maureen. Thank you for your response. 03 C14-2025-0065 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 21 of 4 I guess the best option we have available to us in light of the circumstances is May 12th. Thank you. Ana Maureen and Nancy, Please see the attached letter from the Contact Team regarding NPA-2023-0014.04 and C14-2025-0065, which includes a postponement request. Thanks, John Sirman 03 C14-2025-0065 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 22 of 4 03 C14-2025-0065 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 23 of 4 03 C14-2025-0065 - 4302 Nuckols Crossing; District 24 of 4
CASES: NPA-2025-0030.01_2217 W Ben White Blvd SVRD EB C14-2025-0104_2217 W Ben White Blvd SVRD EB From: Danielle Lipford Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:27 AM To: Meredith, Maureen <Maureen.Meredith@austintexas.gov>; Estrada, Nancy <Nancy.Estrada@austintexas.gov>; Brandon Gonzales < Karl Burkett < >; Ricca Keepers < Subject: Withdrawal of rezoning opposition Good Morning Maureen and Nancy, With the new addition of the gate at Ben White, we would like to formally withdraw our opposition to the rezoning. We appreciate your understanding and diligence in this matter. Best, Danielle Danielle Lipford Office Coordinator | Maldonado-Burkett, LLP 2312 Western Trails Blvd., Suite C-303, Austin, TX 78745 O: 512-916-1386 | D: 830-515-4651 www.maldonado-burkett.com 04 NPA-2025-0030.01 - Ben White; District 51 of 1
CASES: NPA-2025-0030.01_2217 W Ben White Blvd SVRD EB C14-2025-0104_2217 W Ben White Blvd SVRD EB From: Danielle Lipford Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 8:27 AM To: Meredith, Maureen <Maureen.Meredith@austintexas.gov>; Estrada, Nancy <Nancy.Estrada@austintexas.gov>; Brandon Gonzales < Karl Burkett < >; Ricca Keepers < Subject: Withdrawal of rezoning opposition Good Morning Maureen and Nancy, With the new addition of the gate at Ben White, we would like to formally withdraw our opposition to the rezoning. We appreciate your understanding and diligence in this matter. Best, Danielle Danielle Lipford Office Coordinator | Maldonado-Burkett, LLP 2312 Western Trails Blvd., Suite C-303, Austin, TX 78745 O: 512-916-1386 | D: 830-515-4651 www.maldonado-burkett.com 05 C14-2025-0104 - Ben White; District 51 of 1
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C14-2025-0104 – Ben White DISTRICT: 5 ADDRESS: 2217 West Ben White Boulevard Service Road Eastbound ZONING FROM: CS-NP TO: CS-1-NP SITE AREA: 2,672 square feet out of 0.4865 acres PROPERTY OWNER: RPS Family Enterprises LP (Robert P. Stern) AGENT: Keepers Land Planning (Ricca Keepers) CASE MANAGER: Nancy Estrada (512-974-7617, nancy.estrada@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant commercial – liquor sales – conditional overlay – neighborhood plan (CS-1-CO-NP) combining district zoning. The Conditional Overlay would prohibit the following use permitted in CS-1 base district zoning: Adult-Oriented Businesses. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: March 24, 2026: CITY COUNCIL: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: On November 18, 2025, City of Austin staff sponsored a virtual community meeting to provide an opportunity for the neighborhood plan contact team, nearby residents, property owner, and any other interested parties to discuss the proposed rezoning and the neighborhood plan amendment request. 05 C14-2025-0104 - Ben White; District 51 of 20 C14-2025-0104 Page 2 CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The subject rezoning area consists of a 2,672 square foot building footprint within a 0.4865 acre property. The site is currently developed with an existing business, Big Chill Daiquiris To Go, a beverage establishment for off-premise consumption. The rezoning area is situated along the Eastbound West Ben White Boulevard Service Road. The intersection of South Lamar Boulevard and West Ben White Boulevard, two major arterials, is approximately 0.5 miles to the west. The site is located within the Lamar & Ben White Activity Center, as identified on the Growth Concept Map in the Image Austin Comprehensive Plan. Development along this area is generally characterized by diverse commercial uses, highlighting access to Ben White Boulevard, such as personal improvement services, medical services, automotive repair services, limited restaurants, many with drive-through use, and office uses (CS-NP; CS-1-NP; LO-NP; GR-NP). There is a private easement to the west of the property that extends south to Western Trails Boulevard, where the commercial zoning transitions into single family residences. Please refer to Exhibits A (Zoning Map) and B (Aerial View). The current use of the subject property is considered non-conforming. The Applicant is seeking to rezone the building footprint (2,672 square feet) on the property to the commercial-liquor sales (CS-1) base district in order to bring the existing use into conformance with land use regulations in the Code. The lot has frontage onto the service road to West Ben White Boulevard, …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-2008-0087.02 (South Shore PUD Addition) DISTRICT: 3 ADDRESS: 1705 and 1717 South Lakeshore Boulevard; 1712 East Riverside Drive ZONING FROM: ERC-CMU TO: PUD (add approximately 1.4 acres to the PUD and increase maximum building height to 180 feet). SITE AREA: Approximately 1.4 acres (approximately 60,984 square feet) PROPERTY OWNER: Grayco SS Land 2011, LP and Morrison-Moore Properties, Ltd. AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael J. Whellan) CASE MANAGER: Jonathan Tomko (512) 974-1057, jonathan.tomko@austintexas.gov STAFF RECOMMEDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant a second amendment to planned unit development (PUD) zoning, which would add approximately 1.4 acres to the PUD and increase maximum building height to 180 feet, with the following condition as outlined by Austin Parks and Recreation: • Parkland dedication requirements in effect at the time of site plan submittal apply to any proposed development on the tract, as described by City Code Title 25-1, Article 14 (Parkland Dedication). For a summary of the basis of Staff’s recommendation, please see the basis of recommendation section below. PLANNING COMMISSION / OTHER COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: Environmental Commission: The motion to recommend approval of the South Shore Planned Unit Development Amendment with conditions to Austin City Council was made on Commissioner Qureshi’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Krueger, and failed on a 5-1-1 vote. Those voting aye were Commissioners Luecke, Krueger, Qureshi, Morrison, and Sullivan. Commissioner Brimer voted nay. Commissioner Fleury abstained. Commissioners Bristol, Changsut, Fierro, and Moretta-Urdiales were absent. Parks and Recreation Board: The motion to recommend to Austin City Council to not approve the South Shore Planned Unit Development Amendment was approved on Board Member Franklin’s motion, Board Member Eubanks’ second on a 7-2 vote. Those voting aye were Board Members Abou-Emara, Eubanks, Franklin, Kearns-Osterweil, Merritt, 09 C814-2008-0087.02 - South Shore PUD Addition; District 31 of 9 C814-2008-0087.02 2 Orme and Taylor. Those voting nay were Chair Bazan and Board Member Villalobos. Board Members Becker and Flowers absent. March 10, 2026: Postponed at the request of the applicant to March 24, 2026, Planning Commission meeting March 24, 2026: Case is scheduled to be heard by Planning Commission CITY COUNCIL ACTION: TBD ORDINANCE NUMBER: N/A ISSUES: As a condition of approval, Austin Parks and Recreation believes it is reasonable to require a PUD to comply with City Code Title 25-1, Article 14 (Parkland Dedication), which states that parkland dedication requirements in effect at the time of …
Affordability Impact Statement South Lakeshore Boulevard ERC Amendment Case number: C20-2025-006 Initiated by: Resolution No. 20250605-079 Date: 3/24/2026 Proposed Regulation The proposed ordinance would amend City Code to remove the 1.437‑acre South Lakeshore Tract, located at South Lakeshore Boulevard and East Riverside Drive, from the East Riverside Corridor (ERC) Regulating Plan. The site is currently a commercial property, and the proposed change would not result in the displacement of any existing multifamily housing. This change would allow the tract to be incorporated into the South Shore District Planned Unit Development (PUD). The resolution directs the City Manager to process the necessary code amendments and return with a draft ordinance for Council consideration alongside the PUD amendment. The amendment would add approximately 1.4 acres to the existing PUD, increase the allowable height on the tract to 180 feet, modify the Waterfront Overlay, and vest the additional acreage under the 2007 Parkland Dedication fees. These changes would enable redevelopment of the site at a higher intensity than currently allowed under the ERC Regulating Plan. The applicant is proposing a high‑density, mixed‑use development directly adjacent to the planned Project Connect light‑rail line. The site’s location along a future high‑capacity transit corridor may support reduced transportation costs for future residents by improving access to frequent transit service. The applicant is not proposing on‑site affordable housing. Under the PUD regulations, the applicant must pay a fee‑in‑lieu for any gross floor area exceeding 125,240 square feet at the rate specified in Section 2.5.6, In Lieu Donation. Fee‑in‑lieu contributions support the City’s affordable housing programs but do not produce income‑restricted units on the site. Overall, the proposed amendments are expected to have a neutral impact on housing affordability. The project would increase the supply of market‑rate housing in a high‑opportunity, transit‑oriented location, while fee‑in‑lieu payments would contribute to the City’s affordable housing funding. 1 10 C20-2025-006 - Amendment to the East Riverside Corridor (ERC) Regulating Plan; District 31 of 2 Land Use/Zoning Impacts on Housing Costs The proposed changes would have neutral impacts on housing costs: • Removing the tract from the ERC Regulating Plan and incorporating it into the South Shore District PUD allows greater height than currently permitted, but no citywide land-use changes are proposed. • The project would add high‑density housing adjacent to the planned Project Connect light‑rail line, increasing market-rate housing supply and reducing transportation costs for future residents. Impact on Development Cost …
ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REVIEW SHEET C20-2025-006 Amendment: C20-2025-006 Amendments to the East Riverside Corridor Regulating Plan (ERC): Conduct a public hearing and consider a recommendation to amend the ERC Regulating Plan to remove the property located at 1705 and 1717 South Lakeshore Boulevard and 1712 East Riverside Drive from the ERC Regulating Plan and to change the boundary of the ERC Regulating Plan. Background and summary of proposed code amendment: This amendment was initiated by the City Council under Resolution No. Resolution No. 20250605-079. Council Sponsors: Mayor Kirk Watson, Council Member Ryan Alter, Council Member Zohaib ''Zo'' Qadri, Council Member José ''Chito'' Vela, Council Member José Velásquez. On February 25, 2010, the City Council adopted the ERC as an amendment to the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan. The ERC Plan establishes a long-term vision to transition existing low-density, auto-oriented commercial uses into a pedestrian, and bicycle-friendly, mixed-use urban district. A core objective of the plan is to advance high-quality development and create vibrant places where people can live, work, shop, and recreate within walking distance. In May 2013, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 20130509-039 which created the ERC zoning district and established the East Riverside Corridor Regulating Plan (ERC Regulating Plan) and its associated planning area boundary. Council also adopted Ordinance No. 20130509-042 rezoning approximately 228 acres within the East Riverside Corridor to ERC. The approximately 1.437-acre property at 1705 and 1717 South Lakeshore Boulevard and 1712 East Riverside Drive (collectively, the “South Lakeshore Tract”), located adjacent to the South Shore District Planned Unit Development (PUD), was included within the ERC Regulating Plan boundary at that time. The property owner intends to submit a PUD amendment application to modify existing development regulations within the South Shore District PUD and incorporate the South Lakeshore Tract into the PUD. Because the property lies within the ERC Regulating Plan boundary, a Code amendment is required to remove the tract from the ERC Regulating Plan to allow its inclusion in the PUD. This amendment will provide for consistent and cohesive development regulations within the South Shore District PUD. The current ERC Regulating Plan includes several figures that depict the subject property. See Exhibit “A”. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends APPROVAL of the proposed Code Amendment to amend the East Riverside Corridor Regulating Plan to remove the property located at 1705 and 1717 South Lakeshore Boulevard and 1712 East Riverside Drive from the following figures as depicted by …
From: David Hartman Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 2:48 PM To: Estrada, Nancy <Nancy.Estrada@austintexas.gov> Cc: Garcia, Ella <Ella.Garcia@austintexas.gov>; Harden, Joi <Joi.Harden@austintexas.gov>; Thomas, Eric <Eric.Thomas@austintexas.gov> Subject: RE: C14-95-0170(RCA) - Barton Skyway RC Amendment External Email - Exercise Caution Good afternoon: Please postpone for 60 days, to May 12 PC meeting. Thanks all. David Hartman Partner DuBOIS BRYANT & CAMPBELL 303 Colorado, Suite 2300 O Austin, TX 78701 D :(512) 457-8000 M :(512) 685-3409 F :(512) 297-5640 :(512) 457-8008 bio vcard Confidentiality Notice This communication and any accompanying documents are confidential and privileged. They are intended for the sole use of the addressee. If you receive this transmission in error, you are advised that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action in reliance upon this communication or any attached document is strictly prohibited. Moreover, any such disclosure shall not compromise or waive the attorney-client or other privileges as to this communication or otherwise. If you have received this communication in error, please contact me by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message and any attached documents. 11 C14-95-0170(RCA) - 1301, 1301 ½ S Mopac Expy Svrd NB and 2976 Barton Skwy RC Amendment; District 81 of 1
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE NUMBER: C14H- 1987-0016 HLC DATE: March 4, 2026 PC DATE: March 24, 2026 CC Date: APPLICANT: Historic Landmark Commission (owner-supported) HISTORIC NAME: Mayer-Howse House WATERSHED: Shoal Creek ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 810 W. 10th Street ZONING CHANGE: GO-ETOD-DBETOD to GO-H-ETOD-DBETOD COUNCIL DISTRICT: 9 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the proposed zoning change from general office- equitable transit-oriented development-equitable transit-oriented density bonus (GO-ETOD- DBETOD) district zoning to general office-historic landmark-equitable transit-oriented development- equitable transit-oriented density bonus (GO-H-ETOD-DBETOD) district zoning as a means of correcting the existing administrative record. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: architecture and historical associations HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: November 23, 1987 – public hearing occurs. February 4, 2026 – Reinitiate historic zoning (11-0). March 4, 2026 – Recommend historic zoning (10-0). PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: 1988 minutes unavailable. CITY COUNCIL ACTION: 1988 ordinance unavailable. CASE MANAGER: Kalan Contreras, 512-974-2727 DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The building appears to have been regulated as a landmark since the late 1980s: it has received a City of Austin Landmark medallion and has filed Certificates of Appropriateness for work done on the property exterior. However, the building’s original paper landmark casefile is largely missing, with original copies of the HLC, PC, and Council minutes and ordinance apparently lost before the era of digitization. Thus, the Historic Preservation Office seeks to correct this administrative oversight in obtaining a new valid ordinance for its designation. NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District, Austin Neighborhoods Council, City of Austin Downtown Commission, Downtown Austin Alliance, Downtown Austin Neighborhood Assn. (DANA), Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, Historic Austin Neighborhood Association, Homeless Neighborhood Association, Old Austin Neighborhood Association, Preservation Austin, Shoal Creek Conservancy BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: See original 1987 application in backup. The building is associated with German American businessman Ernst Mayer and his wife, Mary Mayer. Mayer was a highly skilled tailor by profession in Austin from 1892 through 1927; there were brief periods within this timeframe when he ran saloons in downtown Austin. Ernst Hayer died in Austin in August 1934, and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. It is also associated with Carrie Howse, who appears to have worked in banking at a time when women did not typically work in the finance industry. The house’s architecture is a unique intact example of a hall-and-parlor cottage whose ornate trim speaks to the railroad’s construction in Austin. PARCEL NO.: 0208000814 12 C14H-1987-0016 - Mayer-Howse House Ordinance Cleanup; District 91 …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE NUMBER: C14H-2025-0122 HLC DATE: February 4, 2026 PC DATE: March 24, 2026 CC Date: TBD APPLICANT: Terri Myers, Preservation Central, Inc. HISTORIC NAME: Dr. O.H. and Thelma Elliott House WATERSHED: Boggy Creek ADDRESS OF PROPOSED ZONING CHANGE: 2207 East 22nd Street ZONING CHANGE: SF-3-NP to SF-3-H-NP (Upper Boggy Creek: Blackland NPA) COUNCIL DISTRICT: 1 STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Grant the proposed zoning change from family residence- neighborhood plan (SF-3-NP) to family residence-historic landmark-neighborhood plan (SF-3-H- NP) combining district zoning. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LANDMARK DESIGNATION: Community value, architecture, and historical associations HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION ACTION: Recommend historic zoning (11-0). PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: CASE MANAGER: Kalan Contreras, 512-974-2727 NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS: Austin Independent School District, Austin Neighborhoods Council, Blackland Neighborhood Assn., Del Valle Community Coalition, East Austin Conservancy, Friends of Austin Neighborhoods, Homeless Neighborhood Association, Overton Family Committee, Preservation Austin, Upper Boggy Creek Neighborhood Planning Team DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The 2016 East Austin Historic Resource Survey recommends the building as eligible for inclusion as a contributing building in potential local and National Register historic districts. BASIS FOR RECOMMENDATION: § 25-2-352(3)(c)(i) Architecture. The property embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized architectural style, type, or method of construction; exemplifies technological innovation in design or construction; displays high artistic value in representing ethnic or folk art, architecture, or construction; represents a rare example of an architectural style in the city; serves as an outstanding example of the work of an architect, builder, or artisan who significantly contributed to the development of the city, state, or nation; possesses cultural, historical, or architectural value as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian or vernacular structure; or represents an architectural curiosity or one-of-a-kind building. The O.H. and Thelma Mitchell Elliott House, built in 1954, clearly embodies the distinguishing characteristics of a recognized architectural style. Built by carpenter and contractor Arthur Parks, it is an intact example of the Ranch style, one of the most popular and enduring architectural styles for residential buildings in American history. It also provides a window into the development of East Austin during the 1950s: as an exemplar of up-and-coming stylistic trends in a historically segregated 13 C14H-2025-0122 - O.H. and Thelma Mitchell Elliott House1 of 80 part of East Austin, the home’s contemporary design demonstrates that, in spite of the systemic inequalities in land use and services rampant in segregation-era Austin, new neighborhoods marketed to Black professionals …
ART WORKS Art and community in Mart, Texas A SOCIAL WORK PRECURSOR Thelma Mitchell Elliott, MSSW '54 RENACER IN OAXACA Partnerships for maternal health THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN | STEVE HICKS SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK FALL 2018 Art Works, p. 2 13 C14H-2025-0122 - O.H. and Thelma Mitchell Elliott House68 of 80 "IN A SENSE, MY PARENTS WERE LUCKY THAT THEIR INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE WAS DISMISSED AS SOMETHING 'PUERTO RICANS DO.' DURING OUR COUNTRY'S PAINFUL PERIOD OF LEGALLY ENFORCED RACIAL SEGREGATION, OTHERS WERE NOT SO LUCKY." FROM THE DEAN I t was my father’s aspiration to forge a future for his children that led to his enlistment in the U.S. Army. In 1956, after the Korean War, his assignment took us from a small town in Puerto Rico to a new home in Richmond, Virginia. My father was a dark-skinned biracial Puerto Rican (white father, black mother), and my mother was white. Their interracial marriage was rather typical in the island, and I didn’t think much of it. Years later I understood that their marriage was rather remarkable in the mainland. I asked my mother one day about their arrival in Virginia, a state where “miscegenation” was actually a felony. She replied matter-of-factly, “Oh, as soon as people heard your father and me speaking Spanish, they brushed it off. To them we were foreigners, and they thought that’s what ‘they’ do.” In a sense, my parents were lucky that their interracial marriage was dismissed as something “Puerto Ricans do.” During our country’s painful period of legally enforced racial segregation, others were not so lucky. Many fought, in many ways, for the end of legalized segregation. I have shared in other communications that our building used to house a junior high school that led desegregation in Austin. This issue brings you the story of Thelma Mitchell Elliott, a graduate from our program and one of the Precursors, the first generation of black students that desegregated the university in the early 1950s. Despite the Civil Rights Act of 1964, segregation and discrimination against people of color and vulnerable populations persist — we see it in police shootings of African American men; detention and separation of asylum-seeking families; the consequences of eating, barbecuing or doing ordinary things “while black.” Social workers fight against these acts daily with our profession’s variegated skills and tools. Sometimes, as you will read in this issue, this …
