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Approved Minutes — original pdf
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St., Boards & Commissions Room, in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon (Chair) Morgan Davis Tannya Oliva Martinez Mindy Morgan Avitia Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Danielle Bryant Mariana Krueger Gabriella Zeidan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on July 28, 2025. The July 28, 2025 minutes were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Bryant was off the dais. Commissioners Aslam, Kirsh Pozen, and Khawar were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 2. Update from the Budget Working Group regarding the steps the group has taken since its formation, including contact with Council members and planned next steps. Item 2 was taken up after item 3 without objection. Update by Chair Duhon. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion regarding a potential recommendation to promote safety, dignity, and equity in Restroom Access in City of Austin Facilities. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve the formation of an Austin Human Rights Resource Guide Working Group to gather resources, design, and identify printing methods for an Austin Human Rights Resource guide. The motion to approve the formation of an Austin Human Rights Resource Guide Working Group to gather resources, design, and identify printing methods for an Austin Human Rights Resource guide was approved on Chair Duhon’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Aslam, Kirsh Pozen, and Khawar were absent. WG Members: Bryant, Davis, Oliva Martinez, Morgan Avitia. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approval of JIC primary and alternate representatives – Duhon, Davis Approve a recommendation to promote safety, dignity, and equity in Restroom Access in City of Austin Facilities – Duhon, Morgan Avitia Update from the Human Rights Resource Guide Working Group – Bryant, Krueger Update from the Budget Working Group – Bryant, Duhon Update from the Community Dialogue Working Group – Duhon, Zeidan Approve updates to working group membership - Duhon, Davis Discussion regarding how the Human Rights Commission can use its resources to support the Equity Office in light of the Department of Justice investigation – Morgan Avitia, Duhon ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m. without …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia, Vice Chair Kergin Bedell Karly Jo Dixon Mikaela Frissell Faye Mills Amanda Marzullo Katy Jo Muncie Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson Roy Woody AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 including individuals that wish to share first-hand accounts regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system . APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on JULY 18, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Status update following the Gallatin/Kapadia) – Bailey Gray, Business Process Specialist. implementation of the Apricot Software – (Downey 3. Status of Austin Community Court operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services – (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) Jennifer Sowinski, Clinical Operations Manager; Chris Anderson, Court Operations Manager; and Robert Kingham, Court Administrator. ACTION ITEMS 4. Adopt meeting schedule for 2026 (Downey Gallatin/Kapadia) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator. 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 Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board, please contact Edna Staniszewski at (512) 974-1260 or at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov.
Agenda — original pdf
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025, 2:00 PM HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT’S LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E BEN WHITE, BLDG. 500 AUSTIN, TX 78741 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jolsna Thomas, Chair Mitchell Kreindler Farah Ahmed, Vice Chair 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 Matthew Chustz, 512-974-2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. The committee may go into a closed session under the Open Meetings Act, Section 551.071, of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from legal counsel on any item on this agenda. CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Special Called Meeting on September 9, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to certify the promotional eligibility list from the Austin Fire Department Battalion Chief written promotional examination administered on August 5, 2025, and assessment center administered on August 23, 2025, in accordance with the City of Austin’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Austin Firefighters Association, Article 16, Section 4. 3. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates and times. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing from the Civil Service Office regarding promotional examination processes, disciplinary hearings, and fitness-for-duty actions. 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 Matthew Chustz at the Human Resources Department, at 512-974-2859, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the City of Austin Firefighters’, …
Backup — original pdf
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board DACC Service and Data Overview Board Packet – September 19, 2025 Community Services Community Services Program (CS) – Participants fulfill community service hour requirements through public space cleaning, beautification projects, graffiti abatement, and working at DACC’s Edgar Fincher III Program Garden, which donates all food and eggs to local providers who feed the homeless community. o Number of Community Services Requests Completed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 746 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 983 o Acreage of Work Completed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 24.06 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 25.39 Violet KeepSafe Storage Program (VKS) – Free storage located downtown with secure bins to store vital documents, family memories, clothing, bedding, and more. Operates 7:00am- 11:00am and 1:00pm-7:00pm, seven days a week. Program employs people with lived experience to improve service experience and create workforce opportunities. o Number of Active VKS Participants FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 588 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 616 o Number of Interactions with VKS Participants FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 27,270 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 24,390 Court Services Restorative justice and problem-solving court – Fine-only court with emphasis on alternative resolutions, and provides an immediate connection to onsite case managers, basic needs, and social service resources. DACC resolves Class C criminal offenses in catchment area, and Proposition B and State camping ban cases citywide. o Number of Cases Filed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 2,931 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 2,778 o Number of Cases Docketed FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 7,799 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 6,579 Clinical Diversion Program (CDP) – Dedicated case managers serve people engaging in Court Services to improve connection to case management and social services, while also improving appearance and case completion rates. o Number of CDP Clients: FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 361 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 284 o Number of Cases Resolved through Participation in CDP: FY 2025 (Oct. 2024-Aug. 2025): 459 FY 2024 (Oct. 2023 – Aug. 2024): 436 DACC Mobile Court Pilot – This Pilot, initiated by Council Resolution 20230816-016, is intended to connect people in the community with solutions for resolving cases while providing immediate connection to services and …
Backup — original pdf
APRICOT: MIGRATION, IMPLEMENTATION, ADVANCEMENT, AND BEYOND ADVISORY BOARD UPDATE SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 BAILEY GRAY, LCSW-S, MPAFF BUSINESS PROCESS SPECIALIST DATA MAXIMIZATION An effort to streamline, maximize, and prioritize our data as a department to successfully share our story and impact. In March 2024 we began exploring a new tool to enable the Homeless Services unit to track, input, and report data. A set of interview questions and a criteria matrix were developed with the Communication and Technology Management Department (CTM) Interviews were conducted with agencies who used one of the eight software's as their primary means of collecting, analyzing, and distributing data. Strengths: social service oriented, trusted by multiple community partners, scalable, long- term technical support, reporting capabilities, and experience with HMIS Weaknesses: potential integration issue, and no internal communication feature In Use By: The Other Ones Foundation, Family Eldercare, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, SAFE Alliance, Austin Public Health, Housing Authority of the City of Austin, and Texas Department of Public Safety WHY APRICOT? IMPLEMENTATION Goals: Storytelling, Specification, and Bring Under One Roof Amendment to existing Travis County EMS contract with Apricot, a product of Bonterra Impact Management. Spreadsheets incorporated during implementation: referrals, behavior plans, CF!V potential resident tour attendance, incentive provision, housed clients, and phone distribution 26-week timeline including 24 1:1 sessions with Bonterra Senior Solutions Consultant 5 custom reports built, including Performance Measures previously captured in eCourt Recurring Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) export set up for external reporting MIGRATION AND ROLL OUT 21,000 eCourt cases associated with the Homeless Services unit existed. Decision made to exclude records without engagement since January 2015 to ameliorate migration concerns. Three 4-hour training sessions offered by Apricot training team covered system navigation and key features 14,943 Client Records 101,304 Case Notes 7,874 Contact Information Records 14,910 Service Records 663 Housing Information Records We were ‘Dark’ from 6:00pm Tuesday, April 28th -8:00am Monday, May 5th ADVANCED SUPPORT Advanced Support Consulting (ASC) designed to provide clients with personalized consultation and in-product development Initial Contact Term included 54 ASC hours that expire on 09/30/2025 Integrated DPS Appointment tracking, Supervisor 1:1s, CDP and/or Mobile Court Reporting, outcome orientation with Housed Client Spreadsheet In progress: Intake Form for external agencies, ICM waitlist, lobby sign-in, and additional Supervisor 1:1 HOUSED CLIENTS HEAT MAP REPORTING GRAPHIC EXAMPLE NEXT STEPS • Homeless Services Supervisory staff are building out training how-to • Apricot Contract …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (19, SEPTEMBER 2025) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 19, SEPTEMBER 2025, at 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lea Downey Gallatin called the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting to order at 8:12 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Vice Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia, and Mikaela Frissell Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Karly Jo Dixon, Amanda Marzullo, Dr. Josh Robinson, and Roy Woody PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING on JULY 18, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of July 18, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia’s motion, Board Member Mikaela Frissell’s second on an (7-0) vote. 1 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (19, SEPTEMBER 2025) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Status update the Galatin/Kapadia) – Bailey Gray, Business Process Specialist. implementation of following the Apricot Software – (Downey Update included the migration, implementation, advancement and beyond of the software program. 3. Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services – Jennifer Sowinski, DACC Clinical Operations Manager, Chris Anderson, DACC Court Operations Manager, and Robert Kingham, DACC Court Administrator. Update included Community Services requests completed, number of Violet Keepsake participants, court cases filed, court cases docketed, number of clients in Community Court’s Clinical Diversion Program, number of Walk-in Case Management interactions, and number of clients connected to housing. ACTION ITEMS 4. Adopt meeting schedule for 2026 (Downey Gallatin/Sontheimer) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC. After some discussion, Board chose to modify the date on March 20, 2026 to March 27, 2026. The 2026 Meeting schedule was adopted with the revised date in March with Board Member Amanda Marzullo’s motion, Dr. Anu Kapadia’s second on an (7-0) vote. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m. The minutes were approved at the November 21, 2025 meeting on Board Member Katy Jo Muncie’s motion, Board Member Josh Robinson’s second on a (6-0) vote. 2
Agenda — original pdf
Regular Called Meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission September 17, 2025, 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Nicole Hernandez, 512-974-7644, nicole.hernandez@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: John Mc Nabb, Chair Charles Curry, Vice Chair Zachary Bird Ramiro Diaz JC Dwyer Stephen Gonzalez Bob Libal Russell Korte Santiago Rodriguez Kenneth Standley CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of the minutes of the Regular meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission on August 20, 2025. Staff Briefings 2. Staff briefing from Austin Fire Department and Austin/Travis County EMS on Public Bond Projects. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on the 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force recent meeting items. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Nicole Hernandez, Capital Delivery Department, at 512-974-7644, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Bond Oversight Commission, please contact Nicole Hernandez at 512-974-7644.
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Armando Gonzales Bryce Laake-Stanfield Anita Carmichael Roberts Jose Reyes VACANT – D4 VACANT – D1 VACANT – D6 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of Aug 20, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and discussion by Shafina Khaki and Dr Lindsey Wilson on the function of the Department of Equity and Inclusion for the City of Austin. 3. Presentation and discussion by Patricia Morgan from Texas Veterans Network/Combined Arms on their services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Agenda — original pdf
SPECIAL MEETING of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, at 1:00 PM Virtual Meeting Members of the ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL may participate by video conference. Public comment will be allowed remotely via video conference or telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for participation. To register to speak, call or email AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov, (512) 974-7852. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Chair – Kristi-Anne Shaer, Vice Chair – Andrew Danziger, Taylor Davis, Bernardo Diaz, Heidi Schmalbach – Arts Commission Liaison. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve minutes of the Art in Public Places Panel Regular Meeting on September 8, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and Action of the recommended changes to Ordinance Chapter 7-2 per Resolution No. 20250306-029. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Art in Public Places Staff Briefing on Conservation, Current Projects, and Milestones. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact AIPP Program Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974- 7852 for additional information; TTY users' route through Relay Texas at 711.
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday September 17, 2025, 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Nelly Paulina Ramírez CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on August 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Downtown Austin Strategic Initiative (DASI). Presentation by Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager, Austin City Manager’s Office. 3. Update from the Public Safety Commission representative regarding the Austin Police’s response to questions about their process with regards to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Public Safety Commission’s future discussions regarding this topic. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Downtown Commission Boundary Expansion. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792.
Item #1 Draft Meeting Minutes August 20, 2025 — original pdf
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Called Meeting Minutes Wednesday August 20, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday August 20, 2025, at Austin City Hall Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Nelly Paulina Ramírez CALL TO ORDER Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on July 16, 2025. 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The minutes from the meeting of July 16, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second, on a 10-0 vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin, regarding possible downtown site developments. The presentation was made by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. 3. Presentation by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, regarding Austin Texas Musicians. The presentation was made by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, Austin Texas Musicians and Frances Ferguson, Community Member and Member of the Austin Presbyterian Church. 4. Presentation by Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy, regarding the Cypress and Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy. The presentation was made by Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Homelessness Response 24-Hour Oasis Access. The motion to approve the recommendation was made by Vice Chair Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Shifferd. The following amendment was made by Commissioner McDaniel and seconded by Chair Ishmael. The amendment was to move the move the last Whereas clause on page 1 to the top of page 2 and add the first Whereas clause on page 2 to the end of page 1 and strike the words “on Friday and Saturday nights.” The amendment was approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal abstained. The Recommendation to Council regarding Homelessness Response 24-Hour Oasis Access was approved as amended on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal abstained. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:21 p.m. was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner McDaniel’s second a 10-0 vote. …
Item #4 Draft Recommendation - Downtown Commission Boundary Expansion — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: ___________________: DOWNTOWN COMMISSION BOUNDARY EXPANSION WHEREAS the Austin Council on August 14, 2024, passed Resolution 20240814-028 calling for an update to the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP); WHEREAS the purpose of the Downtown Commission, as spelled out in its Bylaws is to advise the City Council and city staff regarding policies and projects impacting downtown Austin; serve as stewards for the Downtown Austin Plan and, as such: serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan and offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed Downtown Commission (DTC) of the City of Austin is charged with stewarding the DAP; and WHEREAS the City of Austin Planning Department by memo in response to City Council Resolution No.20240814-028 recommended that the current boundaries of the Downtown Austin Plan be expanded; and WHEREAS the Planning Staff noted that: • A renewed vision of Downtown should account for its immediate needs while acknowledging the regional context of its relationship to surrounding areas. • Planning Staff recommended the development of a District Plan • Broadening the DAP update to a District Plan with a larger geography would acknowledge the regional nature of the urban core in the city and create intentionality in planning for it. WHEREAS Planning Staff recommended that the proposed District Plan include the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) area to the north, Downtown, and the South-Central Waterfront area to the south, bordered by Lamar Boulevard to the west and I-35 to the east, and would be referred to as the Center City / Central District Plan Area. WHEREAS the current boundaries of the Downtown Commission as set forth in the Bylaws as being Martin Luther King, Kr. Boulevard to the north, Interstate Highway 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and Lamar Boulevard to the west; and WHEREAS there currently exists a South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) charged with providing continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South- Central Waterfront Plan moves towards implementation and to provide 15 recommendations to the city council regarding plan implementation; and WHEREAS the South-Central Waterfront is bounded by South First Street on the west, Blunn Creek to the east, Lady Bird Lake on the north, and East Riverside Drive and East Bouldin Creek on the south; and WHEREAS SCWAB has met once in 2025; …
Agenda — original pdf
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner VACANT Ofelia Zapata Appointment District 1 District 2 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Appointment District 7 District 8 Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) District 3 Michael Nahas Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed District 4 District 5 District 6 Aaron Gonzales (Chair) District 9 Aditi Joshi Jake Randall District 10 Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on August 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Presentation regarding collaborative partnerships to support economic opportunity. Presentation by Christy Moffett, Director of Economic Development & Strategic Investments, Travis County. Discussion regarding potential overlap in work between the Economic Prosperity Commission and other city boards and commissions, as related to approved recommendations. Discussion regarding a potential report on large enterprise employers within the City of Austin that are or are not participating in the summer youth internship program, including feedback from commissioners. Discussion regarding vacancies on the Economic Prosperity Commission and how the commission can encourage people to apply. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Economic Prosperity Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with other boards or commissions, identify policies or City needs that no current board or commission appears to address, evaluate the level of members’ and the community’s engagement, and identify potential bylaw amendments to improve or address any of the foregoing. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City …
Agenda — original pdf
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission September 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on September 3rd, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Thank Commissioner Cofer for her service to the Environmental Commission – Liz Johnston, Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 1404 East Riverside Drive, located at 1400 ½ and 1404 East Riverside Drive, CD-2025-0002 (District 3). Applicant: Amanda Swor, Drenner Group. Staff: Marcelle Boudreaux, Planning Department, and Leslie Lilly, Environmental Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Presentation and possible recommendation on Staff’s response to Council Resolution 20241121-073, related to Bird-Friendly design – Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Watershed Protection Department. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. 6. Staff briefing on Austin Water’s Wildlands – Sherri Kuhl, Environmental Resource Officer, and Justin Bates, Environmental Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water Staff briefing on a change to the Austin Parks and Recreation Concessions Policy to create Legacy Concessions – Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV, Austin Parks and Recreation – Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV, Austin …
20250916-004: Bird Friendly Design Staff Report and Recommendations — original pdf
RESPONSE TO COUNCIL RESOLUTION 20241121-073 BIRD-FRIENDLYDESIGN REPORT 9/10/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Table of Contents Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 4 Overview of Bird Friendly Design .......................................................................................................... 5 Migration and Habitat in Austin............................................................................................................ 5 Glass and Building Design Elements ..................................................................................................... 6 Lighting Standards to Minimize Light Pollution .................................................................................... 9 Behavioral practices ............................................................................................................................ 10 Benchmarking Report on Bird Friendly Design in North America ....................................................... 11 New York City, NY ............................................................................................................................... 11 Madison, WI ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Portland, ME ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Berkeley, CA ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Toronto, ON ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Arlington County, VA........................................................................................................................... 14 Bird Friendly Design in Austin ............................................................................................................. 15 Austin Energy Green Building ............................................................................................................. 15 Lights Out Austin! ................................................................................................................................ 16 Site Specific Regulations ..................................................................................................................... 16 Glass and Lighting Requirements in Code ........................................................................................... 17 Case Studies of Bird Friendly Projects in Austin.................................................................................. 17 Considerations for New Construction ................................................................................................. 19 Co-Benefits of Bird Friendly Design .................................................................................................... 19 The 100/100/100 rule ......................................................................................................................... 21 Best Practices for Low-, Mid-, and High-Rise Buildings ...................................................................... 21 Feasibility of Bird Friendly Building in Austin ....................................................................................... 23 Cost Estimates ..................................................................................................................................... 23 Building Plan Review ........................................................................................................................... 25 Inspection and Compliance ................................................................................................................. 26 Education ............................................................................................................................................ 26 Stakeholder Engagement .................................................................................................................... 26 Boards and Commission ..................................................................................................................... 28 Staff Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 29 1. Land Development Code Amendment ............................................................................................ 29 9/10/2025 Response to 20241121-073 2. Austin Energy Green Building Program and Policy Updates ........................................................... 29 3. Residential Educational Campaign .................................................................................................. 30 Contributors: ..................................................................................................................................... 31 References:........................................................................................................................................ 32 Appendix A: Benchmarking Data and City Regulations ........................................................................ 33 Appendix B: Austin Energy Green Building Program Requirements ..................................................... 34 Appendix C: Stakeholder Engagement Plan ........................................................................................ 36 Appendix D: Bird Friendly Design for Residential ................................................................................. 37 9/10/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Executive Summary implementation, In response to City Council Resolution 20241121-073, staff conducted comprehensive research on bird- friendly building design including stakeholder engagement with developers, environmental organizations, and the public through virtual sessions, public tours of the Austin Airport IT building, and professional roundtable discussions in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The following analysis provides an overview of the impact that building collisions have on bird populations and how Austin can address the problem through assessing local case studies, cost feasibility, and regulatory frameworks from peer cities including New York, Madison, Portland, Toronto, Berkeley, and Arlington County, VA. The report explores how Austin's built environment and land development regulations present many opportunities for bird-friendly design implementation, including already existing regulatory mechanisms and programs like Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning and the Austin …
20250917-001: DRAFT Minutes from 9/3 EVC meeting — original pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 3, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut, Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 20th, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on August 20th, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Fierro, Ganguly, and Qureshi were absent. Commissioner Krueger was off the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: The Clovis at McKinney Falls, SP-2024-0202D Applicant: Jake Brown; LDG Development, LLC Location: 6507 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, Texas 78744 Council District: N/A - Extra Territorial Jurisdiction Staff: Mohamad Abdulkader, Senior Environmental Review Specialist, Development Services Department; 512-974-6303; Mohamad.abdulkader@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill 8 feet to 15 feet. 1 Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions Speakers: Mohamad Abdulkader, DSD J Segura, Engineer for the project A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Fierro, Ganguly, and Qureshi were absent. A motion to recommend the Clovis at McKinney Falls variance request with conditions passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Bristol’s second on a 7 –0 vote. Commissioners Cofer, Fierro, Ganguly, and Qureshi were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation on Austin’s reservoirs monitoring and management efforts — Brent Bellinger, Conservation Program Supervisor, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Bristol adjourned the meeting at 8:23 pm without objection. 2
20250917-004: Staff Presentation Bird Friendly Design — original pdf
Bird Friendly Design in Austin Austin Watershed Protection Leslie Lilly City Staff Wa t e r s h e d P r o t e c t i o n Liz Johnston, Leslie Lilly, Elizabeth Funk Matt Hollon, Sean Watson A u s t i n E n e r g y G r e e n B u i l d i n g Garret Jaynes, Heidi Kasper D e v e l o p m e n t S e r v i c e s D e p a r t m e n t Farhana Biswas B u i l d i n g S e r v i c e s Kit Johnson, Nate Jackson A n i m a l S e r v i c e s Emery Sadkin P l a n n i n g Jordan Feldman 2 Resolution 20241121-073 • Came out of a recommendation from a working group and Resolution 20210902-050 on Lights Out Austin • Directs staff to: • Update on Light’s Out Austin • Explore integration of bird-friendly building techniques for new low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise buildings • Conduct a feasibility analysis on the potential impacts of these standards • Seek input from stakeholders, including developers, environmental organizations, and the public. 3 Migration and Habitat • Austin was designated a Bird City in 2023 • Austin within North America’s Central Flyway • Over 400 species of birds • Edwards Plateau and the Blackland Prairies habitat • Premier destination for birdwatchers throughout most of the year. • Birding generates more than $5 billion in annual ecotourism revenue in Texas ($279 billion nationwide) 4 The Problem Bird collisions have both local relevance and enormous impact. Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. In daytime, birds encounter reflective or translucent glass. In nighttime, birds encounter artificial sources of light. Birds fly to these confusing features, without seeing the glass barriers. The collision is deadly. An estimated 1 billion birds die every year. 5 Solutions Glass Strategies B i r d - f r i e n d l y d e s i g n i n c l u d e s : • reducing the use of glass • reducing glass exposure (using solar shading, external insect/solar screens, louvers, etc.) • incorporating bird-friendly signals (markers) in or on the glass • UV coating, glazing, and etched or …