COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION College Student Commission Recommendation Number: (2025MMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Renewing College Food Insecurity Grant Program WHEREAS, The College Student Commission passed Recommendation 20210122-3b: College Food Insecurity Grant Program in January 2021; and WHEREAS, The College Student Commission passed Recommendation 20230324-10: Continuing College Food Insecurity Grant Program in March 2023; and WHEREAS, there are over 100,000 college students in the City of Austin, living across all 10 council districts, including students at Austin Community College, Concordia University, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edwards University, and the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, the College Food Access Grant Program is designed to allow applicants to address food access in the manner that will best support their campuses through mini-grants; and WHEREAS, learning from student experiences is crucial to addressing food insecurity, and the program model is designed to facilitate student input in grant proposals; and WHEREAS, the College Food Access Grant Program was allocated $50,000 in direct support and $7,500 to support administration as part of the City of Austin's FY 2021-2022 Budget; and WHEREAS, the College Food Access Grant Program was allocated $100,000 in direct support and $7,500 to support administration as part of the City of Austin's FY 2023-2024 Budget; and WHEREAS, the Central Texas Food bank administered the College Food Access Grant program during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years, providing funding to 4 colleges; and WHEREAS, food insecurity continues to affect Austin-area college campuses with rising costs of food, housing, and other resources; and WHEREAS, throughout the previous periods, colleges experienced higher than expected use of food pantries funded by this program; and WHEREAS, this program was not renewed in the FY 2024-2025 budget, leaving food pantries on some campuses struggling to maintain an adequate supply of food; and WHEREAS, creating a more equitable and affordable city is an ongoing process, and current students are in need of immediate relief; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the College Student Commission recommends Austin City Council allocate $107,500 in ongoing funding for the College Food Access Grant Program for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION College Student Commission Recommendation Number: (2025MMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Designating Austin’s Public Libraries as “Book Sanctuaries” WHEREAS, the State of Texas has routinely been a national leader in the number of books banned from libraries and school curriculums throughout the state; and WHEREAS, as of October 2024, PEN America found 538 instances of book bans across Texas; and WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature passed the READER Act, HB 900, during the 88th Legislative Session, which requires school libraries to remove books based on vague standards; and WHEREAS, across the nation, book bans predominantly impact books written by or featuring characters who are members of minority groups or the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, books that have been banned throughout the state overwhelmingly deal with topics such as race, gender, and sexuality, as well as literature critical of authoritarian governments; and WHEREAS, access to knowledge and creative works, especially those that the government finds objectionable, is an essential facet of a free society; and WHEREAS, access to varying points of view is an essential aspect of higher education, where students of different backgrounds ought to be free to be exposed to diversity of thought. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the College Student Commission recommends that the Austin City Council designate Austin’s public libraries as “Book Sanctuaries” and guarantee that the city’s libraries will continue to offer for public access books that have been banned in K-12 and higher education curriculums or otherwise removed from libraries throughout Texas. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
REGULAR MEETING of the COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION April 25th, 2025, AT 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, Board and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 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 please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene by email at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512- 972-5003. Some members of the commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Mariama Mbacke, Austin Community College Elisha McGreggor, Austin Community College Andrew Lyons, Austin Community College Aidyn Ogle, Concordia University Lorian Lopez, Concordia University Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Halle Kocian, University of Texas at Austin Mariana Ponce, University of Texas at Austin Caleb Brizuela, Huston-Tillotson University Dominic Polidor, Huston-Tillotson University Prisca Dhital, Huston-Tillotson University Charlie Mossberger, St. Edward’s University Jake Hamerslough, St. Edward’s University 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 College Student Commission Regular Meeting from April 4, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Introduction of new commissioners and assignment to working groups. Presentation from City of Austin 3-1-1 department on services their department provides and how college students can utilize 3-1-1. Chair and Vice Chair Elections. Update on the College Student Commission bylaws meeting requirement. Discussion on the status of food pantries on all campuses; voting on recommendation. Discussion on banned books; voting on recommendation. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 7. 8. Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on if they were able to meet. Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on campus services. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Dr. Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at (512-972-5003), for …
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Timothy Stostad, Chair Luis Osta Lugo Blaine Campbell, Vice-Chair Kurt Lockhart Michael Francis Jeffrey S. Musgrove Christopher Sokol Raisch Tomlanovich Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) 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 26, 2025. 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: Page 1 2. Case Number: CL 2025-036193 Property address: 1211 E 52nd Street / Owner: Yellow 52 Investments LLC Staff presenter: Courtney Britt Staff recommendation: Repair residential structure 3. Case Number: CL 2025-002177 Property address: 2423 Town Lake Circle, Apt. 213 (aka Mesh Apartments) / Owner: FBZ Town Lake Circle III LLC Staff presenter: Jason Henley Staff recommendation: Repair commercial structure. 4. Case Number: CL 2024-158389 Property address: 3117 Garwood Street (aka 3119 Garwood Street) / Owners: Manuel A Ramirez & Susana R Ramirez & Roy Ramirez Staff presenter: Gavin Peka Staff recommendation: Repair …
REGULAR MEETING BUILDING and FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS AGENDA Wednesday April 23, 2025 @ 1:30 am- In Person/WebEx Permitting Development Center; Conference Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Ellis); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes), Chris Gannon (Pool) Jim Rumbo(Alter), Alison Satt(Madison) Oren Mitzner (Qadri) Paredes-Juarez (Vela) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the Minutes from Regular Called Meeting from January 29, 2025 2. DISCUSSION- Review of the recent 2024 Technical code adoption 3. DISCUSSION and ACTION- Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Building and Fire Board of Appeals. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS- ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via videoconference Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Division) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Primary Representative: Justin Parsons Alternate Representative: Alexandra Anderson Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Commission for Women Diana Melendez Becky Bullard Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Vacant 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on MARCH 26TH, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Briefing on the Austin Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association and the 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals, August 5-8, 2025 by Sgt. Michael Wilmore-Crumrine (he/him). DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. Discussion on reappointment of Primary and Secondary Representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee, before the end of …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 23, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Patrick Keel Brian McGiverin Jordan Preddy Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low Mary Kahle Luis Figueroa William King Adam Materne Brittany Sharkey Amy Casto William Ross Pumfrey AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on March 26, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Conduct Annual Election of Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary). Discussion and decision on the continuation and membership of existing working groups, and consideration of any new working groups needed. 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. 4. 5. 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 Brian Molloy against Jesus Garza raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-7 (Ethics & Financial Disclosure), Section 2-7-74 (Financial Disclosure by Candidates). 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 …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT April 23, 2025 at 6 pm City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Shelby Orme Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Marissa Bell Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Vacant Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the March 26th, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee DISCUSSION 2. 2026 Bond Development Process – Eric Bailey and Marcus Hammer, Capital Delivery Services Department; Braden Latham-Jones, Office of Climate Action and Resilience 3. I-35 Cap and Stitch Updates – Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department 4. Update from the Electric Utility Commission on the Solar for All Program – Kaiba White, Electric Utility Commission DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Recommendations for Climate and Sustainability in the 2026 Bond 6. Recommendation on the I-35 Cap and Stitch 7. JSC officer elections for the 2025-2026 term FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES March 26, 2025 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Anna Scott, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Heather Houser, Christopher Campbell, Marissa Bell, Lane Becker, Rodrigo Leal, Melissa Rothrock, Yure Suarez Board Members Absent: Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Amy Noel, Chris Crookham, Alberta Phillips, Diana Wheeler City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Braden Latham-Jones, Michelle Marx CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:29 pm. Public Communication • Adam Greenfield on item 2, in favor of the Austin Core Transportation Plan. Suggestion to convert all remaining one-way streets to two-way streets. Also in support of protected bike lanes, bus lanes, trees. • Scott Johnson speaks in favor of low-carbon concrete and residential landscape incentive program. • Zenobia Joseph speaking in opposition to light rail plans on civil rights grounds. 1. Approval of minutes from the February 26th, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Qureshi motion, Scott second, passes on a 10-0 vote (Suarez off dais). DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Austin Core Transportation Plan Update – Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department. • Qureshi – does this change transit routing? Marx – CapMetro has provided info on routing that has been incorporated into the plan. • White – should JSC consider recommendation to maximize one-way to two-way conversions. Marx – not a panacea for improving safety. With tight intersection spacing in East Downtown, allows for signal coordination to reduce speeds. Context dependent – would work in places with wide streets, widely spaced intersections. 3. CapMetro Sustainability Updates – David Carr, CapMetro • Qureshi – can you comment on lack of electric buses on new rapid routes? Carr – Proterra bankruptcy has affected commissioning of new buses. New Flyer buses in service now. Charging infrastructure still being installed – especially in-route charging. • White – why is CapMetro backing away from electric bus purchases? Carr – very expensive. MetroRapid costs being covered by grants and other sources. Range performance capabilities aren’t there yet. • Carr – issues with a lack of parts and service from Proterra. New company has taken over – CapMetro pause until they catch up with servicing and parts. Nationwide issue. • Rothrock - can charging infrastructure be shared? Carr – theoretically, yes. New buses use …
Capital Delivery Services Public Improvement Bond Program Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan Joint Sustainability Committee Update Eric Bailey Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 AGENDA • CDS Overview • What is a General Obligation Bond Program? • Improved Bond Development Process • Staff Work Completed to Date • Guiding Principles, Technical Criteria, & Scoring Matrices • Progress to Date & Upcoming Milestones “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 2 Created in 2023 with the goal of reducing project delivery time Who we are • Engineers • Architects • Project managers • Community Engagement Our partners • Consultants • Contracting teams • City asset owners • Community members • Mayor & Council Role in 2026 Bond Program One City – One Team – One Approach to effectively and efficiently deliver quality public projects. • Convene asset owner departments to develop needs assessment • Guide the process to ensure projects are vetted and scopes/schedules/budgets are accurate and realistic • Coordinate projects across departments to achieve mutual benefits What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Typical Bond Projects: • Flood and Erosion Control Improvements • New or Replacement City Facilities • Rehabilitation of Existing Facilities • Housing Infrastructure/Housing Projects • Street and Thoroughfare Improvements o Sidewalks o Traffic Signals • Park and Recreation Facilities • Public Safety Facilities (Fire/EMS/Police) • Land Purchase 4 What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Types of work NOT included: • Routine operations and maintenance activities o Potholes o Minor street repair o Landscaping maintenance o General building maintenance Improvements for short term leased space • • Code enforcement initiatives • Employee salaries (including police & fire) • AE/AW Capital Projects typically funded by using debt are funded via AE and AW revenue bonds, not General Obligation debt and thus are not for the 2026 GO Bond Program City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach to Capital Delivery 5 Improved Bond Delivery Process for 2026 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Council calls for Bond Election (Aug) Bond Election (Nov) BEATF Meetings, Council, and Public Engagement HOW WE’VE DONE BONDS IN THE PAST: Project Proposals RFP’s/RFQ’s Project Planning to develop scope, schedule, budget Design Construction WHAT WE’RE DOING NOW: Needs Assessment and Project Evaluation Project Planning to develop scope, …
2026 Bond Development Update Joint Sustainability Committee - 4.23.25 Resolution 20240718-093 Resolution 20240718-093 was approved in July 2024. Staff was directed to bring two items to Council. 1. A comprehensive bond package that funds and addresses climate, infrastructure, and any other public improvements for the purpose of conducting an election no later than November 2026, and 2. A comprehensive climate implementation program of which one component is a climate bond proposition contained in the comprehensive bond package. Funding for this implementation program shall not be limited to general obligation bonds but should include grants, fees, utilities, general fund, cost sharing, etc. 2 OCAR’s Role ● Lead ● Advise ● Coordinate 3 How OCAR is supporting the bond process ● Lead: Developed a list of GO bond eligible projects that support climate action ○ Environmental Investment Plan ○ Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program ● Advise: Subject Matter Expert (SME)- Supporting Asset Owner Departments ○ Answering Questions ○ Developing Criteria ○ Advising Departments ● Coordinate: Participating in cross-departmental bond development working group. 4 Definitions Sustainability: Actions that avoid, reduce, or capture greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Resilience: Actions that increase our ability to prepare for, withstand, and recover from shocks and stressors related to climate change. Climate Equity & Resilience Framework Climate Equity Plan — Mitigation Resilience & Climate Adaptation Actions that avoid, reduce, or capture greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Actions that increase our ability to prepare for and recover from shocks and stressors related to a changing climate. Sustainable Buildings, Energy Generation, and Water Demand Transportation Electrification Natural Systems Regional Collaboration & Green Jobs Climate and Environmental Data, Research, & Modeling Long Range Planning Recovery & Economic Resilience Materials, Purchasing, Food and Product Consumption Mass Transit, Planning, Land Use, and Housing Social Infrastructure and Community Preparedness Green Infrastructure (creeks, rivers, trees, landscape) Utility Infrastructure (water, power, drainage) Equity and Affordability Strategies for consideration 1. Projects funded by a bond (that meet all the criteria for voter approved bonds) which directly address climate change (reducing GHG emissions or adapting to a changing climate). Example: Land purchase to protect water quality, ecosystem protection, and carbon sequestration. 2. Integration of principles, policies, and approaches to reduce GHG emissions and increase resilience to a changing climate into Departmental Bond Proposals. Example: New library is built, achieves LEED Platinum certification, has solar + batteries to serve the community in times of need. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number 20250423-006: I-35 Cap-and-Stitch WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee and the Office of Climate Action and Resilience have identified billions of dollars of needed investments to meet the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, there is not currently sufficient funding from taxes, financing, grants or other sources to meet all needed local climate investment needs; and WHEREAS, climate investments will already be competing with all other community needs (such as pools, senior centers, and libraries) when bonds are put forward to voters in 2026; and WHEREAS, capping and stitching segments of I-35 won’t advance the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan because this strategy won’t reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS, capping and stitching segments of I-35 won’t reduce local air pollution at the regional or neighborhood level;1 and WHEREAS, capping and stitching segments of I-35 will require a tremendous amount of concrete and steel, both of which contain embedded greenhouse gas emissions from their production, resulting in increase in Austin greenhouse gas footprint; and WHEREAS, the large fans that will be installed to run when traffic is stopped under the caps (which is likely to be often), will require energy to run and will increase the city’s greenhouse gas footprint; and WHEREAS, the ongoing cost of maintaining the caps will be a perpetual drain on already-tight city finances, forcing more trade-offs that will likely reduce funding availability for climate projects; and 1 Neighborhood level air pollution could be improved if longer sections of the highway were capped and the air from inside the tunnel was captured and vented high into the air, but this would still contribute to the region’s air pollution. WHEREAS, air pollution is well-known to be elevated beyond healthy levels within 500-1,000 feet of major roadways, especially busy highways like I-35; and WHEREAS, the “park” resulting from capping the segment of I-35 between Cesar Chavez St and 4th St would be adjacent to 8 lanes of traffic on one side and 20 lanes on either end, making this a high-risk area for children, the elderly and anyone with respiratory or cardiac conditions; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin owns or can purchase better quality and better situated land at a more affordable price that will better suit the needs of the community, compared to capping and stitching segments of I-35; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Nayer Sikder Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Becky Bullard Early Childhood Council: Alice Navarro Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs: Philip Reichert or Curtis Wyman PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JANUARY 22, 2025. 1 The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s JANUARY 22ND, 2025 MEETING were approved at the FEBRUARY 26th, MEETING on COMMISSIONER BECKY BULLARD’s motion, COMMISSIONER MORGAN DAVIS’ second, on a 10-0 vote. (Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs: Commissioners Phillip Reichert or Curtis Wyman) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions. Updates on member commission’s budget workgroups. Discussion on member Commissions FY26 Budget Recommendation’s topics and progress. Updates on member commissions’ budget recommendation topics; including funding updated quality of life studies, communicating with the arts commission, and supporting the Paramount Theatre. Discussion on maintaining quorum in the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissioners through the FY2025-26 Budget Recommendation writing period by using the City’s holdover period. Updates include attendance at member commissions. Discussion on updates from the Commission on Aging on the Age Friendly Action Plan as it relates to the JIC. Updates include a change in the vocabulary of the plan. The word initiatives will be used to allow for an addendum to the plan when the Commission on Aging’s …
African American Resource Advisory COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250304-004 Date: March 4, 2025 Subject: Austin Public Library Black Literature Expansion Motioned By: Commissioner Smith Seconded By: Commissioner Linder Recommendation $1.5M Description of Recommendation to Council It is essential for the City of Austin to increase the budget of the Austin Public Library beyond the zero- based budget by $1.5M to support a meaningful investment in African American literature within the library's collection. This investment would not only benefit the African American community but also underscore Austin's dedication to embracing diversity and promoting equitable access to valuable literary resources. African American Literature would recommend including but not limited to playwrights, books on tape and digital, hardcopy, movies. including documentaries, and hosting black authors, playwriters and poets to come speak at the APL. Rationale: The current political climate is having a detrimental impact on youth and young adults who seek to connect with and learn from their cultural heritage through literature. This issue is particularly evident in the realm of African American authors and their works, which shed light on the struggles and experiences of African American communities. Public libraries are an integral part of our society, nurturing the minds of future generations. As Public Schools continue to reclaim their library autonomy it is vital Austin Public libraries expand their catalog to educate and inspire all individuals through the power of cultural reading. Public libraries serve as a vital resource for African American communities, offering summer reading programs and access to culturally specific literature and media. Therefore, the insufficient amount of African American literature in Austin Public Libraries would be a disservice to African Americans residing within the city limits and to all who have the curiosity to embrace diversity and learn from their stories. Investing in culturally significant African American literature would be a positive step for the Austin Public Library system, reinforcing Austin's commitment to inclusivity and diversity by addressing challenging topics such as institutional racism and implicit bias. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recommendation $200,000 Description of Recommendation to Council $120K Bowling Center Bowling equipment at Millennium is more than 50 years old having been received from Bergstrom AFB. (Unique opportunity because of the closure of Highland Lanes) It needs major 1 of 3 upgrades and repair to compete with market competitors. Total renovation cost is $400K. A contribution of $120K would allow the Millennium to complete Phase I, adding lane lighting and bumpers to …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701) Vice-Chair RICHARD BONDI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Early Childhood Council: Alice Navarro Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Sonny Sin Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lisa Chang Commission on Veterans Affairs: Curtis Wyman PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA 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 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025. Action Postponed. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions, including submitting the form for each budget recommendations. Discussion on reappointment to the Joint Inclusion Committee, before the end of April, by emailing the Chairs of Member Commissions, and the staff liaisons, to sponsor an agenda item. Discussion on supporting Joint Inclusion Committee’s Member Commissions’ budget recommendations by following up with appointing Council Members or Mayor (i.e., following up with appointing Council Members regarding the creation of the Native American and Indigenous Community Commission.) Discussion on upcoming April 16 Fair Housing Conference & Resource Hub and how the opportunity relates to the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Member Commissions’ priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. 9. Discussion and possible action on a Joint Inclusion Committee’s budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year Budget 25-26 regarding Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards …
Presentation to Joint Inclusion Committee Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association - Austin 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals August 5-8, 2025 proudtobeyourfriend.org Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association-Austin • LGPOA founded 2009 • Service, Education, Protection • First and only of its kind in Texas • 171 active, over 65 associate members • Why did we form? • It was a different time in the early 2000’s • Lawrence V. Texas – 2003 • We’ve always been a part of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community • Marched in Pride in uniform • It Gets Better Video (2012) (second police department in U.S. to do so) Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association-Austin • Murder of Monica Loera (January 22, 2016) • Brought community partners together to improve the relationship with the community • Department wide training • Policy changes • Public Information Office adopted GLAAD media model • Victim neutral affidavit • Search protocol • Change how we document in our reports • Training for every cadet class since 2016 • Engaging the transgender, gender non-conforming, gender non-binary, gender-fluid community • LGBTQIA+ intimate partner violence & sexual assault (first in Texas to do so) • Pulse Night Club Vigil on Fourth Street (June 13, 2016) City of Austin – Trans Inclusive Benefits Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association-Austin • First Pride car in Texas (2016) • I Am Like You Campaign (2018) • Attack of gay couple in downtown Austin (Hate Crime, January 23, 2019) • Officer Matthew Nonweiler’s relationship with bars helped solve case • Lauched SafePlace Program (August 7, 2019) • Pride patch (2021) – 1st in Texas; 1st in nation to use Progress Pride flag • Stop the Bleed Program (2023 & 2024) • Corporal Nonweiler & Detective Dawson 4th WORLD LGBTQI+ CONFERENCE FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSIONALS A one-of-a-kind conference For nearly a decade, this conference has provided a forum for LGBTQI+ criminal justice professionals, educators, and human rights advocates from all over the world to come together to discuss current challenges and meaningful solutions. This event provides valuable learning and networking opportunities, explores ideas for strengthening engagement with LGBTQI+ communities and building collaborations, and helps to identify strategies to ultimately lead to better policing practices and more inclusive agencies and communities. How/why did it come to Austin? The conference will help to Bridge the Gap between the LGBTQI+ community and the criminal justice profession so anyone, …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701) Vice-Chair RICHARD BONDI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Early Childhood Council: Andrea McIllwain Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Sonny Sin Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lisa Chang Commission on Veterans Affairs: Curtis Wyman PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA 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 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025. Action Postponed. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions, including submitting the form for each budget recommendations. Discussion on reappointment to the Joint Inclusion Committee, before the end of April, by emailing the Chairs of Member Commissions, and the staff liaisons, to sponsor an agenda item. Discussion on supporting Joint Inclusion Committee’s Member Commissions’ budget recommendations by following up with appointing Council Members or Mayor (i.e., following up with appointing Council Members regarding the creation of the Native American and Indigenous Community Commission.) Discussion on upcoming April 16 Fair Housing Conference & Resource Hub and how the opportunity relates to the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Member Commissions’ priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. 9. Discussion and possible action on a Joint Inclusion Committee’s budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year Budget 25-26 regarding Translation and Interpretation Services for …
