Wildlands for Water, Wildlife, and People Environmental Commission September 17, 2025 Environmental Resource Office (ERO) Wildland Conservation Division o Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) o Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP) Center for Environmental Research at Hornsby Bend Climate Protection Austin: A biodiversity hotspot Austin’s population has doubled every 20-25 years Austin Austin Metro 87,930 214,603 186,545 301,261 345,890 585,051 656,562 1,249,763 961,855 2,283,371 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 Austin’s Wildlands: A Unique Gift A 30-year, $250M+ commitment to protecting Austin’s unique landscapes A large-scale network of conservation lands that benefit water, wildlife, and people • 49,000 acres and growing Managed under goals of two programs: • Balcones Canyonlands Preserve • Water Quality Protection Lands Intentionally placed with Austin Water to ensure support and stewardship into the future Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Goal: Protect woodland and cave habitat for endangered species & species of concern Provides mitigation for habitat loss from energy, communication and transportation infrastructure Public areas of preserve include some of Austin’s favorite places: o Barton Creek o Mt. Bonnell o Bull Creek Helps to protect quality of our water supply in Lake Travis & Lake Austin watersheds 33,000+ acres (COA + partners) Habitat Conservation Plan sets targets for size/configuration of land in each macrosite Protection of 62 named caves The BCCP facilitates development. 1,500+ landowners/ developers 400+ infrastructure projects 12,000+ acres Water Quality Protection Lands Goal: Protect and restore native grassland savannas and creeks that provide the main source of water flowing from Barton Springs Actively manage land over ¼ of the recharge zone to protect groundwater Prescribed burn program carefully mimics natural fire cycle using highly trained wildland fire professionals Goal of 100,000 acres protected over Barton Springs Zone 12,000+ acres in fee 22,000+ acres in conservation easements Plus regulatory protection Wildland Conservation Ongoing Management Understand • • Intensive monitoring of endangered species and species of concern Vegetation transects • Oak wilt monitoring • • • • Invasive species monitoring/mapping Drought, winter storm impacts Live fuel moisture monitoring In-house and external research Protect • • • • Boundary patrols Fence construction and repair Facility management Invasive species management • Wildfire fuel mitigation • Conservation easement reviews Restore/Enhance • Grassland and forest restoration Prescribed fire Seed collection Nursery operations • • • • Oak wilt trenching • • Karst feature …
Austin Parks and Recreation Policies and Procedures Update for Concessions in City Parks System Environmental Commission Meeting September 17, 2025 Presenters: Idella Wilson, Contract Management Specialist IV Suzanne Piper, DBA, Chief Administrative Officer Commercial Visitor Services Policy for Concessions in City’s Parks System Purpose Establish Policies and Procedures intended to maintain the aesthetic and environmental quality of the Parks System, provide positive recreational experiences to park visitors, and ensure a financial return to the City from park concessions. Authority In accordance with City Code Title 8, the Austin Parks and Recreation Director has the authority and responsibility to execute policies and procedures for concessions in City of Austin parks in accordance with City policies and best practices. Supersedes Policy: • March 12, 1998, Adopted by Council Resolution 980312-25 Definitions Applicable Rules means the applicable provisions of City Code Title 8, the Park Use Rules, and these Policies and Procedures, as they may be amended from time to time. Concession means a business owned by a private citizen or a privately- owned business operating in the Parks System pursuant to an agreement between the City and the citizen or business or a permit issued by the Department. Examples include, but are not limited to, food and beverage stands, boat and watercraft recreation services, bicycle rentals, pushcarts, and souvenir stands. Legacy Concession means an existing Permanent Concession that: • Has been continuously owned and operated in the same park location by the same person or a Family Member for at least 30 years; • Has operated under the same or a similar name for the entirety of its existence; • Contributes to the City’s history and culture, as determined by the Department in its sole discretion; and • Has maintained the physical features of the Concession in good condition. Concessionaire means a private citizen or privately owned business operating a Concession. Parks System means all City of Austin parks, parkland, park amenities, facilities, buildings or bodies of water. Department means Austin Parks and Recreation. Director means the Director of the Department or designee. Permanent Concession means a Concession operating pursuant to an agreement between the City and the Concessionaire with a term of more than six months. Family Member means a biological or adoptive parent, biological or adoptive grandparent, spouse (husband, wife, domestic partner), child (biological, adopted, stepchild, foster, legal ward), sibling (biological, adopted, stepsibling), and parent, grandparent, or sibling of a …
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission September 17, 2025 — 4:00 pm Austin Water Headquarters Waller Creek Center 625 East 10th Street, Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc 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, call or email the board liaison Vicky Addie at 512-972-0332 or Vicky.Addie@austintexas.gov. To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Amanda Marzullo (District 3) CALL TO ORDER Mike Reyes (District 4) Evan Wolstencroft (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Alex Ortiz (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Chair (District 8) Marcela Tuñón, Vice Chair (District 9) Shannon Trilli (District 10) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the August 20, 2025 regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval of an ordinance regarding water rates proposed by Aqua Texas, Inc., an investor- owned utility, for its Travis County customers located in the City’s corporate limits in Council Districts 5, 8, and 10. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. 3. Recommend approval to authorize two contracts for lab supplies and lab chemicals for Austin Water with Midland Scientific Inc. and VWR International LLC d/b/a VWR International, each for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options in amounts not to exceed $5,000,000, divided between the contractors. Funding: $1,000,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water, funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. 4. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for Wastewater Line Renewal and Spot Rehab Service Contract Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (2026 to 2028) for Austin Water with Santa Clara Construction, LTD., in the amount of $3,200,000 for a term up to three years for a total not to exceed $9,600,000. Funding: $3,200,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the extension options is contingent upon available funding …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on July 16, 2025 at Waller Creek Center, 625 E 10th Street, Austin, Texas. Commission Members in Attendance: Chair Chris Maxwell-Gaines, William Moriarty (remote), Alex Navarro (remote), Alex Ortiz (remote), Shwetha Pandurangi, Mike Reyes, Vice Chair Marcela Tuñón, and Evan Wolstencroft Commission Members Absent: Amanda Marzullo, Jesse Penn, and Shannon Trilli Chair Maxwell-Gaines called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 4:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers were registered. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the July 16th, 2025 regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Vice Chair Tuñón’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to authorize a contract for a biogas membrane for Austin Water with EWT Holdings III Corp d/b/a Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, for a one-time purchase in an amount not to exceed $767,357. Funding: $767,357 is available in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Recommended on Commissioner Wolstencroft’s motion and Vice Chair Tuñón’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. 3. Recommend approval to authorize an amendment to a contract for continued supervisory control and data acquisition equipment, software installation, and support services for Austin Water with Control Panels USA, Inc., to increase the amount by $1,100,000 for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $3,200,000. Funding: $1,028,733 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water, funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Recommended on Commissioner Wolstencroft’s motion and Vice Chair Tuñón’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. 4. Recommend approval to authorize the negotiation and execution of a cost participation agreement with Lennar Homes of Texas Land & Construction, Ltd. for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $6,228,082.00 for costs associated with the design and construction of an oversized wastewater lift station, force main, and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5219R2 that will provide wastewater service to a proposed single-family development located at 13419 Gregg Manor Road. Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Recommended on Commissioner Wolstencroft’s motion and Vice Chair Tuñón’s second on an 8-0 vote with three absences. …
Item 3 Water & Wastewater Commission: September 17, 2025 Council: September 25, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize two contracts for lab supplies and lab chemicals for Austin Water with Midland Scientific Inc. and VWR International LLC d/b/a VWR International, each for an initial term of three years with up to two one-year extension options in amounts not to exceed $5,000,000, divided between the contractors. Funding: $1,000,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department(s) Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued a Request for Proposals solicitation (RFP) 2200 KMF3045 for these goods. The solicitation was issued on February 10, 2025, and closed on March 27, 2025. Of the 4 offers received, the recommended contractors submitted the best evaluated responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=141574 . MBE/WBE: This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: September 17, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contractors will provide laboratory chemicals and supplies for Austin Water. The laboratory chemicals and supplies provided by the contractors meet the standards prescribed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) approved testing methodology. The laboratories test the water quality of drinking water, raw surface water, wastewater, bio-solids, industrial waste samples, treatment chemical samples, and other environmental water samples. These are new contracts. The requested authorization is based on departmental estimates of future needs. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated these offers and scored Midland Scientific Inc. and VWR International LLC d/b/a VWR International as the best to provide these goods and services based on online website/URL and ordering (system and process), online catalog, experience and qualifications, price proposal, account and order reporting, customer and product support, local business presence, and small business presence. If these contracts are not secured, the City will lack a dependable source for laboratory chemicals and supplies. Item 3 …
Item 4 Water & Wastewater Commission: September 17, 2025 Council: September 25, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval to authorize a contract for Wastewater Line Renewal and Spot Rehab Service Contract Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (2026 to 2028) for Austin Water with Santa Clara Construction, LTD., in the amount of $3,200,000 for a term up to three years for a total not to exceed $9,600,000. Funding: $3,200,000 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the extension options is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Financial Services Department. Managing Department Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Austin Financial Services issued an Invitation for Bids solicitation IFB 6100 CLMC1127 for these services. The solicitation was issued on June 30th, 2025, and closed on July 31st, 2025. Of the six offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at: https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=142619 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 6.46% MBE and 1.27% WBE participation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: September 17, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract is for the repair and replacement of deteriorated wastewater mains throughout the city as needed including performing emergency repairs on wastewater mains and the wastewater collection system. In general, projects are larger or more complex than Austin Water crews can complete, but too small, isolated, or time sensitive to competitively bid as individual construction contracts. This is an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract which provides for an indefinite quantity of services for a fixed time, usually an initial term with extension options. They are commonly used when precise quantities of supplies or services, above a specified minimum, cannot be determined. IDIQ contracts help streamline the contract process and service delivery and allow the City the flexibility to add work as needs arise or change. As each project is defined, a specific work assignment will be assigned to the contractor who will complete the scope of work for the unit prices included in the contract. Work deadlines will be established for each work assignment. The wastewater collection system is essential for conveying wastewater to …
Item 5 Water & Wastewater Commission: September 17, 2025 Council: September 25, 2025 Posting Language ..Title Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing Austin Water to continue the GoPurple pilot incentive program and issue incentives on a pilot basis during Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for alternative onsite water reuse systems and reclaimed water connections for new commercial, mixed use and multi-family developments in the total aggregate amount of $4,000,000, not to exceed $1,500,000 per project for affordable housing projects exempt from the GoPurple reuse requirements and not to exceed $500,000 per project for all other projects. Funding: $4,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Water. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Prior Council Action: November 29, 2018 – City Council approved the Water Forward Plan on a 10-0 vote. December 11, 2019 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on first reading on a 7-4 vote. February 13, 2020 – City Council voted to approve the Land Development Code Revision directing Austin Water to establish a regulatory program and an incentive program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on second reading on a 7-4 vote. December 10, 2020 – City Council approved an ordinance establishing City Code Chapter 15-13 relating to treatment, monitoring and reporting regulations for Onsite Water Reuse Systems on a 10-0 vote. April 22, 2021 – City Council voted to initially approve the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2021 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 30, 2021 – City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2022 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. September 29, 2022 – City Council voted to reauthorize the Pilot Incentive Program for Onsite Water Reuse Systems for Fiscal Year 2023 for the installation of alternative Onsite Water Reuse Systems up to a total aggregate amount of $1,000,000 and not to exceed $500,000 for each project on a 10-1 vote. March 7, 2024 – City Council voted to reauthorize …
GoPurple Program I n c e n t i v e s a n d C o s t S h a r i n g f o r W a t e r R e u s e P r o j e c t s Katherine Jashinski, P.E., Supervising Engineer Water and Wastewater Commission September 17, 2025 GoPurple Program: Expanding Water Reuse Austin City Council Adoption on March 7th 2024 Code Changes for Onsite Water Reuse and Reclaimed Water Connections Affordability Strategies for Reuse Projects New community Benefit Charge increase ($0.15 per thousand gallons) to fund Reclaimed Water System expansion and Onsite Reuse programs Go Purple | AustinTexas.gov 2 Water Forward 2024 Strategies Utility-Side Water Loss Control • Production meter improvements • Expanded active leak detection programs • Additional analysis of smart meter data Customer Side Water Use Management • Expanded customer incentives for conservation • Use of smart meter data for customer-side leak identification, education, and outreach • Water use budgeting Native & Efficient Landscapes • New landscape ordinances & incentives • • Irrigation efficiency incentives Landscape conversion programs Non-Potable Reuse • Onsite Water Reuse Systems • Decentralized Reclaimed • Centralized Reclaimed Water Supply Storage Aquifer Storage and Recovery Decker Lake Off Channel Reservoir Potable Reuse Indirect Potable Reuse New Water Supplies Brackish Groundwater Desalination Strategies reliant on Colorado River and LCRA supplies 3 New Code Requirements for Large Development Projects Distance to reclaimed water main Code requirement ≤500 feet >500 feet Extend reclaimed water main for use in toilets/urinals, irrigation, and cooling towers Capture rainwater and condensate and treat for use in toilets/urinals, irrigation, and cooling towers Cost of code requirement per housing unit w/o incentives Cost of code requirement per housing unit w/ incentives $900-$4,400 $350-$4,000 $800-$7,100 $750-$6,000 Affordability Impact Study identified negative impact to housing costs from code requirements 4 Large Development Project GoPurple Pilot Incentives & Cost Sharing Type of Reuse Project Reclaimed water Rebate for Reclaimed Main Extension AW pays 50% of 251-500 feet or more up to $500K Onsite water N/A Rebate for Onsite Reuse Systems Expedited Building Permit Review Rebate N/A AW pays for 100% of voluntary installations up to $500K AW pays up to $36K for projects installing >250 feet of main AW pays up to $36K for projects installing onsite water reuse systems No Impact Fees for Non-potable Meters Developer pays fees for potable water …
BRIEFING SUMMARY SHEET DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT CASE NUMBER: CD-2025-0002 REQUEST: Presentation of a Development Assessment Report for 1404 E. Riverside Planned Unit Development (PUD), located at 1400 ½ and 1404 East Riverside Drive, within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed in District 3. DEPARTMENT COMMENTS: The applicant has submitted a development assessment for an approximately 2.62-acre mixed use project located on the north side of East Riverside Drive, with frontage onto Lady Bird Lake, approximately 500 feet east of the intersection of East Riverside Drive and IH-35 frontage road (see Case Map – Exhibit A). The property in question is currently undeveloped and was previously the Acton Business School property, zoned ERC-CMU. It is located within the Waterfront Overlay combining district (WO), the WO East Riverside subdistrict. It is designated as “Specific Regulating District” on the Future Land Use Map in the East Riverside/ Oltorf Combined Neighborhood Plan. The property is located within the Lady Bird Lake Watershed, which is classified as an Urban Watershed. The proposed PUD is in an area that includes the 100-year floodplain and Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ). The current alignment of the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 runs alongside the property on East Riverside Drive. The proposed PUD consists of a development proposing 381 residential units. The project will include an amendment to the approved Acton School Redevelopment site plan (SP-2021-0451C), which permits 222 multifamily units, inclusive of 15 on-site affordable units, and includes 44% of site area for parkland dedication (see Development Assessment Application Letter – Exhibit B). The applicant states that they are seeking CS, general commercial services, district zoning and site development regulations for the PUD. The PUD seeks to remove the maximum height limitations established in the Waterfront Overlay, East Riverside subdistrict, which will allow a height maximum of 180 feet for the site. Further, the PUD proposes to allow a maximum of 65% impervious cover. The PUD proposes a maximum FAR of 4:1. In the Applicant summary, there is a note that they seek to establish the baseline at 2:1 FAR for purposes of complying with the development bonus as it applies to Development Bonuses (Chapter 25-2, Subchapter B, Article 2, Division 5, Subpart B, Section 2.5); the applicant notes they seek to retain the already approved 15 on-site affordable units and will comply with Development Bonuses for any additional requirements (see PUD Land Use Plan – Exhibit C). The envisioned …
Item 2 Water & Wastewater Commission: September 17, 2025 Council: October 9, 2025 Posting Language .Title Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance regarding water rates proposed by Aqua Texas, Inc., an investor-owned utility, for its Travis County customers located in the City’s corporate limits in Council Districts 5, 8, and 10. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: July 24, 2025 – Council approved Ordinance No. 20250724-20 suspending water and wastewater rates proposed by Aqua Texas, Inc. For More Information: Vicky Addie, Austin Water Program Coordinator, vicky.addie@austintexas.gov, 512-972-0332. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: September 17, 2025 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Council has the regulatory authority with exclusive original jurisdiction to review rates charged to water and wastewater customers within the City’s corporate limits who are served by non-City utilities. This includes the authority to determine that the rates are just and reasonable and that in all other respects, the rates meet State and local law. City Code Chapter 15-4 sets out the City’s process for reviewing non-City utility rate filings. Background/Introduction On June 20, 2025, Aqua Texas, Inc., an investor-owned utility, filed a Statement of Intent to Change Rates to increase water and wastewater rates for all its customers in the State of Texas, including those within the corporate limits of Austin. Aqua Texas, Inc., is proposing to consolidate its water and wastewater operations in Texas into one statewide system with uniform rates. Currently, the company operates over 440 water systems, 500 water treatment plants, more than 60 sewer treatment plants, and over 700 wells across Texas. Aqua Texas, Inc. provides water services to 76,000 customers and wastewater services to 25,300 customers. About 197 of these are drinking water customers located within Austin's full-purpose corporate limits in Council Districts 5, 8, and 10. The company has indicated that all impacted customers have received written notice regarding the proposed rate changes. Aqua Texas, Inc. is seeking to recover a total of $29.2 million in revenue requirements. The request pertains to all of the company's water and wastewater operations in Texas for the test year that ended on December 31, 2024. The total revenue requirement includes a proposed capital structure of 47.00% long-term debt and 53.00% common equity. The proposed return on equity is …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Gonzales called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (Chair) Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Zain Pleuthner Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rodrigo Cantu Aditi Joshi Michael Nahas Shakeel Rashed PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on July 16, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Joshi’s motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Randall, Ponder, and Zapata were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Hold a public hearing to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Economic Prosperity Commission’s stated purposes and duties and its success in fulfilling those purpose and duties. No speakers present. Withdrawn without objection. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation regarding the history of the partnership between Workforce Solutions Capital Area and the City of Austin, the new infrastructure academy, and workforce development programs in peer cities. Presentation by Yael Lawson, COO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Presentation by Yael Lawson, COO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Discussion reviewing peer city actions, local events, and news articles related to the commission’s working groups. Withdrawn without objection. Update from Chair Gonzales regarding his Economic Opportunity Committee presentation on July 18th and the 2024-25 annual report. Discussed. Discussion regarding commissioner attendance and feedback received at district budget town halls. Discussed. Discussion regarding planned and finished external speaker presentations at working group meetings. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. 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. Discussed. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. 10. 11. …
9/15/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Staff Recommendations In response to City Council's directive to provide recommendations on specific City Code amendments or guidelines for bird-friendly building design, staff conducted comprehensive research including stakeholder engagement, case study analysis, cost feasibility assessment, and review of existing regulatory mechanisms and review processes. This analysis encompassed the current Austin Energy Green Building program requirements, successful local projects such as the Austin Airport IT building, and best practices from other cities around the country. Based on this evaluation, staff recommends the following three-pronged approach to address bird-friendly design while balancing environmental protection with practical implementation considerations: 1. Land Development Code Amendment Staff recommend amending Austin's code to establish mandatory bird-friendly design standards for new construction. The proposed amendment would include: Primary Requirements: • New commercial and multifamily buildings exceeding 10,000 square feet must meet bird-safe design performance standards for the first 100 ft of facade as measured by a Material Threat Factor (MTF) rating of 20 or less. Although American Bird Conservancy recommends a MTF of 30 or less, the staff recommendation targets a MTF of 20 due to the overwhelming impact that window collisions have on hummingbird populations, an important pollinator species that is at less of a risk for window collision with a 20 MTF rating. • Implementation of dark sky lighting compliance standards including fully shielded fixtures, exterior and Interior lighting on timers for after midnight and during peak migration. lighting temperatures below 3000K, and directional lighting requirements to reduce light pollution and minimize bird disorientation Additional Provision: • Incorporation of a waiver mechanism for deeply affordable housing projects to ensure housing affordability goals are not compromised (specific criteria and process developed in coordination with Austin Planning staff) 2. Austin Energy Green Building Program and Policy Updates Staff recommend coordinating with Austin Energy to implement progressive enhancements to existing green building frameworks: Future COA Green Building Policy Update: Require bird-friendly design feasibility studies that include cost analysis and evaluation of potential high-risk areas, with risk area definitions to be established within the ordinance Future Austin Energy Green Building Requirements: including simplified Update program requirements for bird-friendly design, potentially requirements and/or decoupling lighting requirements from glass treatments based on project feedback and implementation data
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: 1) serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan, and 2) offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed; and WHEREAS the current boundaries of the Downtown Commission are set forth in the Bylaws as being Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the north, Interstate Highway 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and Lamar Boulevard to the west; and WHEREAS the current DAP boundaries are concurrent with the Downtown Commission boundaries; 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 Downtown, the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) area to the north, 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 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 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; …
89th Texas Legislative Session Austin Water Outcomes Heather Cooke, Austin Water, Chief Administrative Officer Water and Wastewater Commission September 17, 2025 Key Dates 89th Sessions Regular Session (140 Days): 1/14/25 - 6/2/25 1st Special Session: 7/21/25 – 8/15/25 2nd Special Session: 8/15/25 - 9/4/2025 Additional Special Sessions – TBD by Governor 2 Historic Recurring Funding Pending Voter Approval HJR 7 (Harris/Perry) Dedicated $1 billion from sales tax Recurs annually 2027 – 2047 Can be suspended during disaster, restored when practicable 3 Texas Water Development Board Duties & Financing SB 7 (Perry/Harris) Texas Water Development Board to facilitate water conveyance project planning across the state Study adding wastewater to state water planning process New Water Supply Fund added projects: • Water and wastewater reuse • Out of state water purchases SB 1261 (Gerdes/Perry) Extends SWIFT loans to 40 years for State Water Plan projects costing over $750 million 4 Texas Water Development Board Other Financing SB 1967 (Hinojosa, J./Martinez) Expands projects eligible for Flood Infrastructure Fund funding to promote new water sources HB 500 (Bonnen/Huffman) $1.75 billion one-time new funding for Texas Water Development Board 5 Impact Fees SB 840 (Hughes) & SB 2477 (Bettencourt) Limits impact fees and oversized infrastructure cost sharing for conversion of commercial properties for residential use SB 1883 (Bettencourt/Buckley) Requires 2/3 approval of a governing body to increase impact fees Prohibits increases more often than every 3 years Independent financial audits required before impact fee increases SB 14 [89(2)] (Perry/Bell) Requires impact fee credits for conservation or reuse 6 Water Loss HB 29 (Gerdes/Perry) Water loss audit validation within 180 days of annual audit submittal Water loss mitigation plans due in 1 year Only applies to 6 municipal water utilities (over 150,000 connections) 7 Conservation & Drought HB 517 (Harris Davila, Button) Limits on property owner association fines for brown turf during temporary watering restrictions SB 2662 (Perry/Harris) Drought Contingency Plan model program updates 8 Safety & Operator Licensing SB 482 (Alvarado/Blanco) Increased penalties for harassment of utility workers during emergencies HB 1237 (Guillen/Zaffirini) Extends renewal period for TCEQ water & wastewater operator licenses 9 Next Steps Interim charges for committee hearings and reports: • House Natural Resources • Senate Water, Agriculture, Rural Affairs • House Environmental Regulation November 9, 2026: Bill Prefiling January 12, 2027: 90th Regular Session begins 10 Questions
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: 20250917-004: DOWNTOWN COMMISSION BOUNDARY EXPANSION WHEREAS the Austin City 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: 1) serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan, and 2) offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed; and WHEREAS the current boundaries of the Downtown Commission are set forth in the Bylaws as being Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the north, Interstate Highway 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and Lamar Boulevard to the west; and WHEREAS the current DAP boundaries are concurrent with the Downtown Commission boundaries; 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 Downtown, the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) area to the north, 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 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 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 …
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY City of Austin Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Presented by Christy Copeland Moffett, MSSW Travis County EDSI, Planning & Budget Office September 17, 2025 AGENDA Workforce/Job Creation Small Business Long-term Economic Planning 2 Travis County Economic Development & Strategic Investment • Located in the Planning & Budget Office • Areas of Responsibility: • Economic & Strategic Planning • Investments Management • Public Improvement Districts • Community & Strategic Engagement • Corporations Economic Development & Strategic Investments Travis County Economic Development - Travis County Financial Transparency V2 3 WORKFORCE & JOB CREATION TCHHS Workforce Development Funding Overview County Goals: Community Goal: Travis County allocated $2,608,238 for a continuum of adult education and workforce development services for Travis County residents in the Workforce Development issue area àHelp individuals improve workplace skills, obtain employment, & succeed in the workplace (succeed in the workplace includes retaining employment, advancing in employment, & increasing earnings and access to benefits); and àHelp employers secure a skilled workforce Support the Hire Local Plan by improving economically disadvantaged residents’ access to better economic opportunities Source: https://www.wfscapitalarea.com/community-workforce-plan-2/ 5 TCHHS Workforce Development Investments Program YouthBuild American YouthWorks Career Expressway Capital IDEA Educational Pathways Foundation Communites Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP) Goodwill Industries of Central Texas Workforce and Education Services LifeWorks Gateway Skillpoint Alliance Adult Education Todos Juntos Learning Center Workforce and Education Readiness Continuum—Travis County (WERC TC) Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board TOTAL Funding Level $229,850.00 $829,840.00 $229,850.00 $129,850.00 $329,850.00 $339,840.00 $209,158.00 $200,000.00 $2,608,238.00 6 TCHHS Portfolio Strengths • Broad low-income population targeting • County-wide geographic access • Some service types we’ve funded before • Vendors that have been County contractors before • Support to existing services as well as program expansion • Collaborative programs with a prime contractor and one or more subcontractors • Brand new contractors for the County • Smaller and/or newer nonprofits 7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS • 8 Active Agreements • 2 Completed Agreements • $97,057,725 total rebated/abated to date for active agreements • 14,662 jobs created or retained by companies with active agreements to date • $24,960,949,945 total capital investment made by companies with active agreements to date • Compliance for 4 agreements completed jointly with the City of Austin 8 SMALL BUSINESS 9 TCTX Thrive 1.0 program • Budget: $10 million allocated from the CARES Act • Program: Business coaching and reimbursement grants of up to $40,000 • …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250917-004 Date: September 17, 2025 Subject: Bird Friendly Design Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Mariana Krueger WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission and the Bird Friendly Design working group supported Resolution No. 20241121-073 that was adopted by Council on November 21, 2024; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin was named a Bird City in Feb. 2023; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that over 400 species of birds reside or migrate through Travis County every spring and fall, with endangered species and species of concern utilizing the Central Flyway and geological way finders of the Balcones Escarpment, Colorado River and Blackland Prairie during migration, as well as during nesting and wintering seasons; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City of Austin benefits from the annual $5.5 billion generated from birdwatching and bird tourism in Texas; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes city staff has met with stakeholders, reviewed the policies and codes implemented in other cities, and studied how bird-friendly design standards can best fit within the City’s code; and THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends Council initiate the findings and recommendations of staff as listed with the following addition. 1. In addition to commercial and multifamily buildings, the Environmental Commission recommends all City buildings be required to follow the guidelines and set an example for non-public buildings. VOTE 8-0 For: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Annie Fierro, Justin Fleury, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Abstain: None Absent: Isabella Changsut and Ashika Ganguly Approved By: Jennifer Bristol, Chair
