Tree Preservation Report Environmental Commission Urban Forestry Subcommittee Meeting September 16th, 2025 Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Preservation Inches Replanted for Mitigation Five Year Trend Thank you
REGULAR MEETING OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION September 16, 2025 6:00 p.m. Austin Energy Headquarters; 1st Floor; Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 Some members of the Resource Management Commission maybe participating by 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 their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register contact Natasha Goodwin, at Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com or 512-322-6505. Members: Charlotte Davis, Chair Paul Robbins, Vice Chair Trey Farmer GeNell Gary AGENDA Joseph Gerland Harry Kennard Martin Luecke Raphael Schwartz CALL MEETING TO ORDER Alison Silverstein Danielle Zigon Vacant PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Resource Management Commission Meeting on August 19, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval authorizing 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. 3. Discussion and recommendation on policy regarding Texas Gas Service Energy Efficiency Programs. 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 Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at (512) 322-6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Resource Management Commission, please contact Natasha Goodwin at Austin Energy, at 512-322-6505 or email Natasha.Goodwin@austinenergy.com . STAFF BRIEFING 4. Staff Briefing on Austin Water’s quarterly report on Water Management Strategy Implementation for Q2, Kevin Kluge, Water Conservation Division Manager, Austin Water. …
Posting Language ..Title Approve 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 in the amount of $4,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Water. ..De Lead Department Austin Water. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $4,000,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Wate. 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. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20250819-005 Recommendation on Texas Gas Service Conservation Proposal Pending Before the Railroad Commission of Texas WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service (TGS) has submitted a three-year energy conservation program proposal to the Railroad Commission of Texas for its Central-Gulf region; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed giving rebates paid by customers for standby generators that consume, not save energy; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed giving rebates paid by customers for gas ranges, which harm indoor air quality, while providing no proof that this appliance program saves energy or money; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed continuation of rebates for gas clothes dryers, tankless water heaters, and central furnaces, which do not pay back their investment in energy savings in Austin’s climate or in Residential settings; and WHEREAS, these proposed programs will cost ratepayers almost $5 million over the three-year proposal; and WHEREAS, TGS has not renewed its co-funding with Austin Energy for duct sealing and ceiling insulation, which have been shown to be some of the highest ROI energy savings programs; and WHEREAS, TGS has not, to date, fully complied with the legislative intent of the law granting the Railroad Commission of Texas the authority to regulate energy conservation programs run by gas utilities by: 1) failing to prove that all of its programs actually save energy; and 2) omitting program-specific energy and monetary savings in its filings; and WHEREAS, from about 1987 to about 1997 the City of Austin had an agreement with TGS to design and administer gas conservation programs, funded by TGS; and WHEREAS, TGS is continuing a long-standing pattern of funding energy conservation programs that are not cost effective; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission advise the City Council to ask its appropriate City staff to go on record with the Railroad Commission of Texas to oppose the current program proposals; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission is on record asking that any future franchise negotiations include a requirement that the company’s energy conservation program planning and administration be subcontracted to the City of Austin; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this recommendation be provided to the Market Oversight Section of the Railroad Commission of Texas in the most timely manner possible.
Water Management Strategy Implementation REPORT Resource Management Commission September 16, 2025 Second Quarter 2025, April - June August 2025 Contents 2 First Quarter Summary Notes Regarding Data Water Conservation Updates Water Loss Reduction Updates Reclaimed Water and Onsite Reuse Updates Conservation Outreach Updates Water Supply Project Updates Water Use and GPCD Second Quarter Summary The second quarter of the year (April – June) transitions from the drier winter to one of the wettest months of the year in May. Implementation efforts also transition to meet changing conditions and environments. Landscape water conservation expands for existing and new homes. Increased leak detection for small-diameter pipes. Additional reclaimed customers and usage, while approving onsite reuse permits for future development. Expanded public outreach with springtime messaging. Planning for the aquifer storage and recovery project continued, as well as an emergency implementation plan for indirect potable reuse. Water Conservation Updates Council approved Uniform Plumbing Code with 3 local amendments that implement the Water Forward 2018 Landscape Transformation strategy: • Irrigation pressure reduction components • Limitation of the size of automatic irrigation systems • Requirement of laundry to landscape plumbing Residential landscape rebates – 140% increase over 2024 year to date Staff completed water efficiency audits on 6 City of Austin facilities; immediate action at one facility lowered irrigation consumption by 88% and total use by 21% 4 Water Conservation Metrics Residential Rebate Programs Approved Rebates 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 5 Drought Survival Tools Irrigation Upgrades Rainwater Harvesting Rebates WaterWise Landscape WaterWise Rainscape Other Residential Programs Q2 2024-Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Water Conservation Metrics Commercial Rebate Programs Approved Rebates 5 4 3 2 1 0 6 Bucks for Business Other Commercial Programs Q2 2024-Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Water Conservation Metrics Compliance Assessments Number of Compliant Commercial Facilities Number of Compliant Commercial Facilities 3,200 3,180 3,160 3,140 3,120 3,100 3,080 3,060 3,040 3,020 7 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Landscape Irrigation Assessment Cooling Tower Assessment Vehicle Wash Assessment Q2 2024-Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Q2 2024-Q1 2025 Q2 2025 Water Conservation Strategy Milestones 2025 Milestones Commercial Incentives Progress Pilot an increased rebate for commercial water use audits. Identify opportunities for CII facility owners/managers to benefit from the My ATX Water alerts and information. Landscape transformation Coordinate with COA Development Services Department to …
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 Resource Management Commission September 16th, 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 meters …
Second Natural Gas Utility Policy Briefing Resource Management Commission Paul Robbins August 19, 2025 There Are Other Gas Utility Issues Besides High Rates 1. High Fuel Costs 2. Taxes & Fees 3. Low-Income Assistance 4. Greenwashing– Faulty Programs for Conservation & Renewable Natural Gas Three Reasons for High Fuel Prices 1. Rising Support Costs 2. Securitization 3. Gas Exports “Securitization” Winter Storm Uri Surcharge Legalized Piracy • $3.5 Billion Financed Over 16 Years • $1.11/MCF Surcharge • ≈ $38/Year/Residential Austin Customer • ≈ $608 Over 16-Year Payoff U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas Competes on World Market Taxes & Fees • ≈ 3% for State Fees • 5% for City of Austin Franchise Fee • No Cap on Amount Low-Income Assistance 2024 Austin Energy – $20.1 Million Austin Water – $17.4 Million Austin Watershed Protection – $1.2 Million Total City of Austin Utilities – $38.7 Million (1.5% of Gross Revenue) Texas Gas Service – $200,000 (For Entire Central-Gulf Region) Gas Companies are Greenwashing Clean Energy Efficiency of the Direct Use of Natural Gas From Atmos RMC June Presentation y c n e i c i f f E y g r e n E Direct Use of Natural Gas Source Energy Extraction, Processing, Transportation 100 MMBTUs Water Heater Efficiency Generation No Losses X 90 MMBTUs 90 MMBTUs 52 MMBTUs ERCOT Energy Electric Mix Source Energy Extraction, Processing, Transportation Generation Line Loss Water Heater Efficiency 100 MMBTUs 89 MMBTUs 54 MMBTUs 52 MMBTUs 48 MMBTUs ERCOT Electric Mix With Heat Pump Water Heater ERCOT Energy Electric Mix Source Energy Extraction, Processing, Transportation Generation Line Loss Heat Pump Water Heater 100 MMBTUs 89 MMBTUs 54 MMBTUs 52 MMBTUs 91 MMBTUs- 233 MMBTUs TGS gives rebates way in excess of the national average. Conservation Total Resource Benefit/Cost Test Total Lifetime Investment vs. Lifetime Monetary Savings = Gas Dryer With Moisture Sensor • Between $200 and $300 to save –– 50¢/Year (Gas-to-Gas change-out). • No other gas utilities give rebates for dryer stubs except One Gas. • Payback of 666 Years at Higher Rebate Level. Tankless Water Heaters • $4,150 to $5,050 for New Tankless Installation vs. $1,600- $1,850 for Tank Unit (2021 dollars). • Requires Regular Scale Cleaning • Claims of Increased Lifetime May Be Exaggerated • No Payback. In fact, it will cost $2,800 to $3,800 more over life. • Expensive • Scale Cleaning • Freeze Damage Efficient Furnaces Built for Northern Climates • …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. City of Austin, Permitting & Development Center, Room 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling at (512) 974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Seonhye “Sonny” Sin, Chair Sarah Chen Zachary Dolling Hugh Li Pierre Nguyễn Alpha Shrestha Hanna Huang Kuo Yang Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Xiyi Chen Hailey Easley Ahmed Moledina Sabrina Sha Nayer Sikder Nirali Thakkar AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on August 19, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding the Central Texas Food Bank’s outreach to Asian Americans, the impact of the cancellation of federal grants, and other areas affecting Asian Americans. Presentation by Beth Corbett, Vice President of Government Affairs, and Anurita Mittra, Vice President of Network Services, Central Texas Food Bank. 3. Discussion regarding which commission recommendations passed in the FY2025-26 budget. 4. Discussion exploring how commissioners could receive better and more expansive training. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the City Manager’s Office Meeting Working Group regarding the fall meeting with the City Manager Office. 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 Ryan Sperling, Office or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. the City Clerk 974-3568 (512) of at For more information on the …
Urban Forest Replenishment Fund S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 5 Presentation Over view • Tree Ordinance • Urban Forest Replenishment Fund • Programs Tree Ordinance Origins Austin's first tree ordiance Invest tree mitigation 1983 Early 2000's Mid-late 2000's 2010 Collect tree mitigation Heritage tree ordinance Tree Ordinance in Practice Preserve trees on site Replant Mitigation fee *Find out more here: Environmental Criteria Manual section 3.5.4: Mitigation Urban Forest Replenishment Fund Payments to the UFRF may be used for: Off-site tree planting and maintenance Promoting tree care and preservation Urban forest conservation Enforcement of City tree protection and mitigation regulations Urban Forest Replenishment Fund • Special Revenue Fund • Managed by the Urban Forester • Budget approved by City Council annually • Fluctuating revenues • Supports multiple programs Programs • Urban Forest Grant • Urban Forest Funding Portal • Contracts Urban Forest Grant • Public facing grant program • Operated by the Urban Forest Program • Goal: The Urban Forest Grant strengthens Austin’s urban forest by funding stewardship activities like tree planting, tree care, education, and disease control projects. Urban Forest Funding Portal • Internal COA program • Operated by the Urban Forest Program • Goal: The UFFP makes funds available to City of Austin departments to support City of Austin projects, including tree planting, education, disease control, inventorying, and other related efforts. Contracts • NeighborWoods • Ready, Set, Plant! • Certified Arborist Prep Canopy Cover Heading 41% Canopy Cover 39K Acres of new canopy needed to meet 50% canopy cover goal. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d9ba0b99c60b4b8395414a09c4533949 Emily King Urban Forester emily.king@austintexas.gov Follow Nature in the City for events, updates, job postings, and more! facebook.com/NatureCityATX instagram.com/NatureCityATX
Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Minutes August 19, 2025 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 19, 2025 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the City of Austin, Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Sin called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Seonhye “Sonny” Sin, Chair Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Hanna Huang Alpha Shrestha Nayer Sikder Kuo Yang COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Sarah Chen Sarah Xiyi Chen Zachary Dolling Hailey Easley Hugh Li Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on July 15, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of July 15, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Huang’s motion, Vice Chair Jambulapati’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Xiyi 1 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Minutes August 19, 2025 Chen, Sikder and Yang were off the dais. Commissioners Moledina, Nguyễn, and Sha were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing from Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Office of Equity and Inclusion regarding the current priorities of the Office of Equity and Inclusion as they relate to Asian Americans in Austin. Briefing provided by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Office of Equity and Inclusion. Staff briefing from Rick Ramirez, Deputy Officer, Intergovernmental Relations Office regarding newly signed laws from the 89th Texas Legislative session that impact Asian Americans Austinites. Briefing provided by Rick Ramirez, Deputy Officer, Intergovernmental Relations Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion about Austin Police Department’s crimes Against Asian Austinites data. Discussed. Discussion regarding a potential Recommendation to Council to revamp the Community Liaison Office. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Approve the dissolution of the Asian American Resource Center Working Group. The motion to approve the dissolution of the Asian American Resource Center Working Group was approved on Commissioner Huang’s motion, Commissioner Shrestha’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Moledina, Nguyễn, and Sha were absent. Approve the creation of an Asian American Resource Center Working Group focused on providing input and recommendations on the programming and projects at the Asian American …
Central Texas Food Bank Update Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission September 16, 2025 CTFB | About Central Texas Food Bank Who We Are • We are the largest hunger-relief organization in Central Texas and only member food bank of Feeding Texas and Feeding America in the area. • Founded in 1981, CTFB provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 250 nonprofit community partners and direct- service programs, serving about 93,000 people every week. • Headquartered in Austin, CTFB serves 21 counties in Central Texas. CTFB | AAQOLAC 09.16.25 Food Insecurity Trends Central Texas Food Insecurity Trends 800,000 18.2% 16.4% 600,000 n o l i t a u p o P d n a s e t a R y t i r u c e s n I d o o F 19.0% 18.0% 17.0% 16.0% 15.0% 14.0% 13.0% 12.0% 11.0% 10.0% 14.0% 14.3% 437,158 458,497 612,472 537,696 400,000 200,000 0 2022 Food Insecure Population 437,158 Food Insecurity Rate 14.0% 2023 458,497 14.3% 2024 537,696 16.4% 2025 612,472 18.2% CTFB | AAQOLAC 09.16.25 Food Access Community Needs Assessments • 16 community events, convening 440+ community stakeholders • 190 stakeholders interviewed across 20+ sectors • 1,990 neighbors experiencing food insecurity surveyed • 166 focus group participants Completed In progress Launching CTFB | CNA Overview Data Collection - Surveys • Engagement Strategy Informed by Kickoff Event feedback • 415 neighbor survey respondents o 80% experience food insecurity ▪ 47% are highly food insecure 58% respondents have received charitable food assistance in the past 3 years Asian: 4.3% Middle Eastern or Nort h African: 1.1% American Indian or Al aska Nativ e: 0.6% Native Hawai ian or other Pacific Islander: 0.4% Unspecified: 2.1% CTFB | CNA Overview Data Collection – Focus Groups and Stakeholder Interviews • Informed by Kickoff Event feedback • 6 focus groups, 37 participants, 4 languages Population Champion/Organizer Asian Population Austin Asian Community Health Initiative (AACHI) Burmese Refugee Community Refugee Collective East Austin Community Dream Together 2030 Latino Neighbors CTFB Unhoused Population Trinity Center “General Population” CTFB • 15 stakeholder interviews, 41 participants, representing 13 sectors CTFB | Central Texas Regional Food Summit - Data Central Texas Regional Food System Council Strengthening the local food system is critical to increasing access to food and supporting regional: • Health and Nutrition • Environment and Sustainability • Community Well-Being • Economy Vitality Complete interest form to learn …
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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Recommendation No. 20250916-003 Recommendation on Texas Gas Service Conservation Proposal Pending Before the Railroad Commission of Texas WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service (TGS) has submitted a three-year energy conservation program proposal to the Railroad Commission of Texas for its Central-Gulf region; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed giving rebates paid by customers for standby generators that consume, not save energy; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed giving rebates paid by customers for gas ranges, which harm indoor air quality, while providing no proof that this appliance program saves energy or money; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed continuation of rebates for gas clothes dryers, tankless water heaters, and central furnaces, which do not pay back their investment in energy savings in Austin’s climate or in Residential settings; and WHEREAS, these proposed programs will cost ratepayers almost $5 million over the three-year proposal; and WHEREAS, TGS has not renewed its co-funding with Austin Energy for duct sealing and ceiling insulation, which have been shown to be some of the highest ROI energy savings programs; and WHEREAS, TGS has not, to date, fully complied with the legislative intent of the law granting the Railroad Commission of Texas the authority to regulate energy conservation programs run by gas utilities by 1) failing to prove that all of its programs actually save energy; and 2) omitting program-specific energy and monetary savings in its filings; and WHEREAS, from about 1987 to about 1997 the City of Austin had an agreement with TGS to design and administer gas conservation programs, funded by TGS; and WHEREAS, TGS is continuing a long-standing pattern of funding energy conservation programs that are not cost effective; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission advise the City Council to ask its appropriate City staff to go on record to oppose future program proposals that are not cost effective, including initial program proposals made to the Commission with the Railroad Commission of Texas to oppose the current program proposals; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission is on record asking that any future franchise negotiations include a requirement that the company’s energy conservation program planning and administration be subcontracted to the City of Austin; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this recommendation be provided to the Market Oversight Section of the Railroad Commission of Texas in the most timely manner possible. Date of Approval: September …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Resource Management Commission Revised Recommendation No. 20250916-003 Recommendation on Texas Gas Service Conservation Proposal Pending Before the Railroad Commission of Texas WHEREAS, Texas Gas Service (TGS) has submitted a three-year energy conservation program proposal to the Railroad Commission of Texas for its Central-Gulf region; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed giving rebates paid by customers for standby generators that consume, not save energy; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed giving rebates paid by customers for gas ranges, which harm indoor air quality, while providing no proof that this appliance program saves energy or money; and WHEREAS, TGS has proposed continuation of rebates for gas clothes dryers, tankless water heaters, and central furnaces, which do not pay back their investment in energy savings in Austin’s climate or in Residential settings; and WHEREAS, these proposed programs will cost ratepayers almost $5 million over the three-year proposal; and WHEREAS, TGS has not renewed its co-funding with Austin Energy for duct sealing and ceiling insulation, which have been shown to be some of the highest ROI energy savings programs; and WHEREAS, TGS has not, to date, fully complied with the legislative intent of the law granting the Railroad Commission of Texas the authority to regulate energy conservation programs run by gas utilities by 1) failing to prove that all of its programs actually save energy; and 2) omitting program-specific energy and monetary savings in its filings; and WHEREAS, from about 1987 to about 1997 the City of Austin had an agreement with the predecessor of TGS to design and administer gas conservation programs, funded by the predecessor of TGS; and WHEREAS, TGS is continuing a long-standing pattern of funding energy conservation programs that are not cost effective; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Resource Management Commission advise the City Council to ask its appropriate City staff to go on record to oppose future program proposals that are not cost effective, including initial program proposals made to the Commission with the Railroad Commission of Texas to oppose the current program proposals; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission is on record asking that any future franchise negotiations include a requirement that the company’s energy conservation program planning and administration be subcontracted to the City of Austin; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this recommendation be provided to the Market Oversight Section of the Railroad Commission of Texas in the most …
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ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISION REGULAR CALLED MEETING TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 The Zoning and Platting Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Zoning and Platting Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hank Smith Alejandra Flores Ryan Puzycki Lonny Stern Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Betsy Greenberg Scott Boone David Fouts Taylor Major Christian Tschoepe Commissioners Absent: Luis Osta Lugo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zoning and Platting Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of Tuesday, September 2, 2025, were approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Stern’s motion, Parliamentarian Flores’ second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Osta Lugo was absent. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Rezoning: Location: Owner/Applicant: Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: C14-2025-0084 - Howard Lane Rezoning; District 7 2315 West Howard Lane, Walnut Creek Watershed Ishtel Heating Air & Refrigeration Inc. (Ishtel Uddin) Encon, LLC (Diane Bernal) GR to CS Recommended Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation of CS for C14-2025-0084 - Howard Lane Rezoning, located at 2315 West Howard Lane, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Stern’s motion, Parliamentarian Flores’ second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Osta Lugo was absent. C14-2025-0070 - McNeil Rezone; District 6 7221 McNeil Drive, Rattan Creek Watershed 3. Rezoning: Location: Owner/Applicant: Roy L. Wyatt III & Luke Hogan Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Land Answers, Inc. (Tamara Mitchell) CS-CO to CS-1 for Tract 1 and CS-CO for Tract 2 Staff Recommends CS-1-CO for Tract 1 and CS-CO for Tract 2 Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation of CS-1-CO for Tract 1 and CS-CO for Tract 2 for C14-2025-0070 - McNeil Rezone, located at 7221 McNeil Drive, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Stern’s motion, Parliamentarian Flores’ second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Osta Lugo was absent. C8S-77-234(VAC) - Byrd Subdivision; District 2 4. Subdivision Vacation: Location: Owner/Applicant: Agape Christian Ministries Austin, Inc. (Lawrence Wilkerson) Agent: Request: 7809 Peacefull Hill Lane, South Boggy Creek BGE, Inc. (Megan Reynolds) The applicant is proposing a full sybdivision vacation. There is already a replat that is in review, pending the outcome of this vacation. Recommended Nick Coussoulis, 512-978-1769, nicholas.coussoulis@austintexas.gov Development …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the URBAN RENEWAL BOARD September 15, 2025, REGULAR MEETING 6:00 pm STREET JONES BUILDING, ROOM 400A 1000 EAST 11TH ST, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702 Some members of the Urban Renewal Board may be participating by videoconference and a quorum will be present at the location identified above. 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 Hunter Maples, (512) 974-3120 or hunter.maples@austintexas.gov. The Urban Renewal Board reserves the right to go into closed session to discuss any of the items on this agenda as permitted by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Byron Davis Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, or who signed up prior to the meeting being called to order if speaking in person, 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 Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on August 18, 2025 1 of 3 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Pleasant Hill Collaborative and Rally Austin, including project status and anticipated timeline (Pleasant Hill Collaborative) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Discussion and approval of a recommendation to City Council proposed by the URB regarding the requested Urban Renewal Plan amendment for 1201 E 11th St. Discussion and approval of an amendment extending the license agreement between the Urban Renewal Agency and DiverseArts Discussion and approval of an amendment extending the license agreement between the Urban Renewal Agency and Capitol View Arts Discussion and authorization of Chair Escobar to amend Exclusive Negotiation Agreement language to move necessary items to Phase A-2, as needed 7. Discussion and approval of new member to stakeholder working group, as recommended EXECUTIVE SESSION 8. 9. Discuss legal matters related to …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION September 15, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd St., Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the 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, contact Ryan Sperling, Office of the City Clerk, at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Appointment Kitty McLeod, Vice Chair (she/they) District 1 Commissioner Mariana Krueger (she/her) KC Coyne, Chair (they/them) Steven Rivas (he/him) Brigitte Bandit (they/she) Jerry Joe Benson (he/him) Asher Knutson (he/him) J. Scott Neal (he/him) Garry Brown District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 Appointment District 9 District 10 VACANT Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/ella) Mayor Alexander Andersen (he/him) Morgan Davis (he/him) Taylor Treviño (she/her) VACANT Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission's regular meeting of August 18, 2025. Page 1 of 4 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding the City’s Fertility Assistance Program and In vitro fertilization benefit gaps. Presentation by Selena Xie. 3. Update on LGBTQIA+-related bills in the special session of the Texas state legislature. Presentation by Miriam Laeky, Government Affairs Director, Equality Texas. 4. Discussion regarding the state of transgender rights in Texas and how the commission can respond in Austin. 5. Discussion regarding a potential survey to engage the community about areas of concern regarding the pillars included in the commission’s 2024-2025 annual report. 6. Discussion regarding the results of Austin Pride 2025. 7. Discussion on the formulation of budget recommendations for the FY2026-27 budget. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve the formation of a working group to formulate budget recommendations for the City of Austin FY2026- 27 Budget. 9. Approve changes to commission working group membership. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 10. Update from the Community Safety Working …