DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, February 21, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Darilynn Cardona-Beiler Jennifer Franklin David Holmes Amy Mok Tania Ortega Ann Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:32 pm APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission January 17, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 01/17/24 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Lavigne and Shifferd were off the dais. Commissioner Major was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to prioritize community engagement with regards to the Convention Center expansion. The motion to approve Recommendation 20240221-002 to create a Convention Center Expansion Advisory Board was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Coufal’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Lavigne and Shifferd were off the dais. Commissioner Major was absent. 3. Approve a recommendation on the renewal of the Sixth Street Public Improvement District. Presentation by Donald E Jackson of the Economic Development Department. The motion to postpone this item to 3/20/2024 was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Lavigne and Shifferd were off the dais. Commissioner Major was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Commander Jeff Olson of the Austin Police Department on Downtown Command public safety trends. Presentation was given by Commander Jeff Olson, Downtown Area Command Unit, Austin Police Department. 5. Presentations by Commander Jeff Olson of the Austin Police Department (APD), William Manno of the Austin Center for Events, Brian Block of the Development Services Department, and Division Chief Stephen Truesdell of the Austin Fire Department (AFD) on South by Southwest Festival 2024 preparedness. Presentations were given by Commander Jeff Olson, Downtown Area Command Unit, Austin Police Department; Lieutenant Christopher Juusola, Austin Police Department; Brian Patterson, Fire Battalion Chief, Special Events; and Bill Manno, Program Manager, Office of Special Events. 6. Presentation on the status of Austin Light Rail by Peter Mullan, EVP Architecture and Urban Design, Lindsay Wood, EVP - Engineering and Construction, and Courtney Chavez, SVP - Equity and Community Partnership. Presentation was …
OUR MISSION The Red River Cultural District is a creative community providing authentic Austin experiences through diverse local music, art and food for every fan and guest. In an ever-changing ATX, our nonprofit seeks to preserve and grow Red River's creative, business, and music scene. As a community rooted in artists, musicians, performers, music venues, cultural institutions and small businesses, the District embodies the soul and heart of Austin. WHO is the RED RIVER Cultural District The District is managed by the Red River Merchant’s Association, a coalition of 50+ businesses including live music venues, food, hospitality, entertainment businesses and also the Austin Symphony Orchestra, First Baptist Church, German-Texan Heritage Society and Waterloo Greenway. The District was designated a State Cultural District in 2020 by the Texas Commision on the Arts and a local Cultural District by the City of Austin in 2013. RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • Conserve Austin's only walkable live music hub of over dozen independent music venues • Support thousands of local musicians and performers annually through direct financial support • Foster 1000+ music and service industry jobs in the district • Backbone to major tourism and economic generators including SXSW, ACL, Levitation, Oblivion Access, GTHS Oktoberfest and more RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • Local, State, and Federal Policy advocacy for live music ecosystem and small and local business assistance • Creative economy hub including opportunities for photographers, video production, designers, fashion, artists, and more • Destination for local and Texas music heritage • Industry Development Incubator RED RIVER Cultural District IMPACT • $200K in direct pandemic relief to music and service industry to 3,000 individuals served • Curb appeal, district identify and safety enhancements $1.5M+ improvements • FREE Signature Music Festivals Our premier all-ages district-wide festivals Free Week and Hot Summer Nights fuel community growth in the traditionally dog-days of summer and dead of winter. • Support with direct payment 500+ musicians, artists, and performers per festival over 3 days • Average 15,000+ attendees of locals and visitors • Leverage industry support and causes through partnerships • Average 15-25% first time performers during either fest Hot Summer Nights 2023 Highlights 30+ Million media impressions in July alone including the front page of the Austin Chronicle Total Participating Venues: 14 total (largest participation yet) Total Music Acts: 130 Our largest Hot Summer Nights Estimated total musicians supported: 400+ Estimated Attendance: 10,000+ Media Partners: Chronicle, …
RECOMMENDATION DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Recommendation Number: 20240320-002 Immediate and future funding for the Red River Cultural District WHEREAS, On February 9, 2024, City Council approved a resolution directing the City Manager to return to Council with an Economic and Cultural District Framework, identifying funding and support for Red River Cultural District, and WHEREAS, The Red River Cultural District is the Austin’s largest geographically contiguous collection of live music venues hosting local and touring artists from a diverse range of backgrounds and a wealth of genres, from hip-hip to Latin to LGBTQIA+ to independent rock and more; and WHEREAS, other designated Austin Cultural Districts have received recent funding in amounts ranging from $120,000 to $300,000; and WHEREAS, Austin’s live music industry is a primary driver of tourism; and WHEREAS, Austin’s live music venues face dramatically escalating rent and operating costs; and WHEREAS, the Red River Cultural District produces two annual festival which are completely free and open to the public, and on February 15, 2024 City Council passed a resolution directing the City Manager to investigate ways to preserve accessible, inclusive, open-to-the-public events and to identify opportunities for the City to support and promote community events NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Downtown Commission recommends that Austin City Council to allocate immediate and future funding to the Red River Cultural District consistent with amounts allocated to other Cultural Districts, through its managing entity, Red River Merchants Associaiton. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number 20240320-003: Downtown Vehicle Safety Mitigation Plan FY 2025 Budget Recommendation The Downtown Commission recommends that the Austin City Council appropriate funding in the amount of $518,291.19 purchase 65 Meridian Archer movable street barricades and associated equipment and training as shown on the attached Quote from to Meridian Rapid Defense Group Sales LLC and thereby equip the Austin Police Department and Transportation and Public Works Department with sufficient barricades to enhance pedestrian safety for Downtown activities and events. Motioned By: ________________________ Seconded By: __________________________ Date of Approval: March 20, 2024 Attest: Christine Maguire, Commission Executive Liaison, Economic Development Department __________________________________________ Vote: ___-___ For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Vacant:
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION (Downtown Commission) Recommendation Number: (20230315-5) Recommendation for Anti-Graffiti Policy WHEREAS graffiti is a crime under the laws of the State of Texas; and WHEREAS Title 7 of the Texas State Penal Code §28.08 addresses offenses against property, including graffiti. A person commits an offense if, without the effective consent of the owner, the person intentionally or knowingly makes markings, including inscriptions, slogans, drawings, or paintings, on the tangible property of the owner with paint, an indelible marker, or an etching or engraving device. WHEREAS Title 7 of the Texas Penal Code §30.05 addresses criminal trespass. With notice, a person commits an offense if he enters or remains on or in property, including an aircraft or other vehicle, of another without effective consent or he enters or remains in a building of another without effective consent; and WHEREAS Title 3, of the Texas Penal Code §12.43 establishes penalties for repeat and habitual misdemeanor offenders. WHEREAS graffiti is a public nuisance; and WHEREAS graffiti defaces private, business and public property leaving the property owner and the taxpayer to bear the burden of remediation and adversely affecting citizens, communities, businesses and property values; and WHEREAS vandals risk their lives and potentially the lives of others when tagging or attempting to tag property; and WHEREAS the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing estimates the graffiti problem costs our nation $12 billion annually; and WHEREAS graffiti is a growing and ever more costly problem in the City of Austin per the following examples; 1) Austin Parks and Recreation Department spends $546,000, Building Services contracts with a third party for $437,325 for graffiti abatement, and while other departments neither track instances of graffiti nor costs associated with abatement, they periodically conduct graffiti abatement in the course of their other work thus drawing time and resources away from their primary service; and TXDoT and CTRMA together incur costs of more than $150,000 annually abating graffiti through just the central sections of IH35 and MoPac Loop 1; and Graffiti on private property in Austin costs individuals and businesses significant expense; and The Downtown Austin Alliance abated 26,485 instances of graffiti and stickers/posters in the Austin Downtown Public Improvement District in 2022 through a third party vendor 2) 3) 4) requiring the expenditure of significant funds that could be utilized better elsewhere; and Tagging of traffic signage creates public safety hazards and the signs must be discarded because abatement …
City of Austin Historic Resource Survey of Downtown Downtown Commission March 20, 2024 1. Survey Boundary 2. Project Schedule & Status 3. Scope and Methodology 4. Frequently Asked Questions 5. Opportunities for Input 6. Questions Survey Boundary Survey Boundary: Downtown Austin and Adjacent Neighborhoods - HHM will survey both parcels with CAD dates of 1979 or earlier and parcels with no known date - Excludes local historic districts and recently surveyed areas - Estimated maximum of 1,553 parcels Map illustrating the survey boundary and excluded areas. Project Schedule & Status Project Schedule Task Task 1. Project Initiation/Project Plan and Schedule Task 2a. Draft Fieldwork Methodology Task 2b. Final Fieldwork Methodology Task 3. Fieldwork and Community Coordination Task 4a. Draft Research Design Task 4b. Final Research Design Task 5. Research & Community Input Task 6. First Draft Survey Report and Contexts for City Task 7. Second Draft Survey Report and Contexts for Public Task 8. Final Survey Report and Contexts Deadline Friday, October 13, 2023 Friday, November 17, 2023 Friday, December 15, 2023 Friday, March 29, 2024 Friday, May 10, 2024 Friday, June 7, 2024 Friday, August 9, 2024 Friday, October 18, 2024 Monday, January 6, 2025 Friday, February 28, 2025 Survey Status: Downtown Austin and Adjacent Neighborhoods - 1,989 resources surveyed as of March 15, 2024 - City Directory research complete for all historic-age resources not previously designated - Occupant research underway - Evaluation of significance and potential eligibility underway Map illustrating survey completed to date as of March 15,2024 Scope and Methodology Survey Preparation and Prior Data Integration The GIS-based survey forms will be prepopulated with locational points, County Appraisal District data, and prior designation data, and prior survey data prior to fieldwork. Map illustrating prior historic designations intersecting with the survey area. Reconnaissance-Level Field Documentation In the field, surveyors will take photographs and gather basic information about each resource’s form, architectural style, materials, and alterations. Example: Reconnaissance-Level Survey Form for 4512 Avenue D from the North Hyde Park Survey Intensive-Level Documentation After completing fieldwork, surveyors will integrate historic research and compile additional documentation for potential individual landmarks and/or individual NRHP-eligible resources. Example: Intensive-Level Survey Form for 905 E. 2nd Street from the East Austin Survey Historic District Analysis For potential historic districts, summary forms will document district-level trends. Example: Historic District Summary form for Swedish Hill from the East Austin survey. Historic District Analysis Documentation of historic districts …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION | MARCH 20, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Community-Based Process 26 working group members 1,100 working group hours 300+ people involved Icons from the Noun Project: Community by Gan Khoon Lay, focus group by mikicon, committee by Adrien Coquet Community-Based Process “Being part of the working group was a great experience mainly because the members had diverse backgrounds, but the same goal. It was a rare learning experience.” Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people access knowledge, resources, and decision-making power • Streamline and explain historic review and designation processes • Support craftspeople, commissioners, and staff • Engage new partners and audiences San …
REGULAR MEETING of the EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MARCH 20, 2024, 9:00 A.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM #1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Early Childhood Council 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 Caitlin Oliver, Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health, at 512-972-6205 or Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Cathy McHorse, Chair Alice Navarro Corie Cormie Choquette Hamilton Maggie Jaime Casie Schennum Leonor Vargas John Green-Otero, Vice Chair Brianna Menard Eliza Gordon Tom Hedrick Cynthia McCollum Ellana Selig AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers to register 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Early Childhood Council Regular Meeting on February 14, 2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Updates from Caitlin Oliver, Austin Public Health, regarding a planning grant from Home Grown to build a comprehensive network for local child care home providers and SX6 FBCC Workgroup Tour of Family Based Homes on April 20 DISCUSSION ITEMS Updates from the Quality-of-Life Study Workgroup regarding the vendor approval timeline Discussion about ECC officer nominations process Presentation from Margo Kinneberg, Senior Projects Manager at United Way for Greater Austin (UWATX), regarding the Austin Children’s Funding Project Workgroup DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion to approve a recommendation regarding early childhood investments for the FY 2024-25 City budget Discussion to appoint an ECC member to serve as liaison to the Success By 6 (SX6) Coalition Leadership Team 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. or Please Caitlin.Oliver@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on …
1. 2. 3. 4. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 20, 2024 – 11:00 A.M. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1203 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the committee may participate 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 the board liaison at (512) 974-3393 or preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Raymond Castillo, Chair Tara Dudley Ben Heimsath 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Preservation Plan Committee’s regular meeting on February 21, 2024 Approve the minutes of the Preservation Plan Committee’s special called meeting on February 28, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS Midpoint update from Concept Development & Planning (CD&P) and City staff on community outreach and engagement around the Equity-Based Preservation Plan, Feb. 6 to date Review final meeting plan and draft boards for Nuts & Bolts Open House on March 28 Discuss outreach and activities for block party on April 20 Review upcoming outreach about the draft plan (board and commission briefings, tabling at community events) Discuss categories in the implementation matrix spreadsheet that will be added to the preservation plan as a quick reference for prioritization, partners, and alignment with other adopted plans 5. 6. 7. 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 the board liaison at the Historic Preservation Office at (512) 974-3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Preservation Plan Committee, please contact Cara Bertron at (512) 974-1446.
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE Wednesday, February 21, 2024 – 11:00 A.M. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1203 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the committee may participate 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 the board liaison at (512) 974-3393 or preservation@austintexas.gov. Raymond Castillo, Chair COMMITTEE MEMBERS: x abs Tara Dudley x Ben Heimsath DRAFT MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 7, 2022 September 20, 2023 October 25, 2023 November 15, 2023 January 17, 2024 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. November 15, 2023 minutes were approved at the Committee’s January 17, 2024 meeting. MOTION: Approve the minutes from December 7, 2022, September 20, 2023, October 25, 2023, and January 17, 2024 by Castillo, Heimsath seconding. Vote: 2-0 DISCUSSION ITEMS Feb. 13 community kickoff recap and discussion About 100 attendees Lightning talk speakers shared varied and diverse stories ATXN filmed the event; send video to all commissioners and promote widely when available properties Discussion of Nuts & Bolts Open House (March), Block Party (April), and Preservation & Friends event (May) Nuts & Bolts Open House Thursday, March 28, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Baker School in Hyde Park Geared towards historic property owners and professionals who work with historic Preservation Austin, Economic Development Department, Development Services Department, and the Architectural Review Committee have been invited to table The committee recommended inviting the Texas Historical Commission to table Block Party Saturday, April 20, 12-4 p.m. in the Rogers Washington Holy Cross Historic District Free event coordinated with Preservation Austin’s Homes Tour May event Date, time, and format TBD The committee discussed a panel Panel could be televised on KLRU Strong moderator important Hold at non-City owned site When May event is finalized, CD&P will produce a postcard/graphic with all events to share with stakeholders and community members 8. Review of other outreach and engagement around the draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan Board and commission briefings ongoing AISD …
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE Wednesday, February 28, 2024 – 6:00 P.M. Windsor Park Branch Library, Meeting Room #1 5833 Westminster Drive Austin, Texas 78723 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 the board liaison at (512) 974-3393 or preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: X abs X Raymond Castillo, Chair Tara Dudley Ben Heimsath DRAFT MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None posted for approval 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. event Recap of Feb. 13 community kickoff event for the Equity-Based Preservation Plan Attendees introduced themselves and shared what they enjoyed about the kickoff Review criteria for success for the preservation plan Use criteria 2 and 10 to inform outreach and engagement Are some criteria more valuable than others? Should they be weighted? Are any criteria dealbreakers? Are any criteria redundant? Balance attention to specific criteria with a big-picture view Discuss process for reviewing and revising the preservation plan in summer 2024 Revisions will happen in June and July The Preservation Plan Working Group and Preservation Plan Committee will revise the plan Revision goals include prioritization of actionable items, categorizing types of actions, adding recommendation metrics to measure progress, and identifying recommendations that can be easily implemented Use an equity lens in revisions, including the historical timeline and the existing landscape of designated historic resources Preview City-hosted events for the preservation plan in March, April, and May Three monthly events remaining Lots of presentations at existing meeting Community Ambassadors and mini-grant Partner Organizations are continuing their outreach and engagement Important to engage a wide range of stakeholders in draft plan review Communicate that preservation isn’t a zero-sum game Review volunteer opportunities for committee members and Preservation Plan Working Group members around preservation plan outreach Volunteer opportunities include flyer distribution, helping at City-hosted events, and co-presenting at meetings Staff will share a survey link FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Adjourn the meeting on a motion by Castillo, Heimsath seconding. Vote: 2-0. The City of Austin …
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, March 20, 2024 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1406 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 Amber Schleuning Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Michael Mcinerney AGENDA CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christopher “Cam” Wilson, Chair Kevin Lenau, Vice Chair William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Curtis Wyman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 21, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of February 2. Discussion from Commissioner Marc Balch on his talk with the Veterans Administration on what they are doing for veteran outreach and solicit them to speak at the Veterans Affairs Commission meeting. 3. Discussion on results and findings from Commissioner Maria Brown-Spence on a list of nonprofits from I Live Here I Give Here Amplify Austin nonprofit. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and vote on resubmitting request for study to understand real-world needs of Travis County-based veterans. 5. Discussion and vote on joining the Joint Inclusion Committee. 6. Discussion, amend, and vote on resubmitting a recommendation to create a department of Veteran Affairs and Military Affairs. 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.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION ON VETERANS AFFAIRS Recommendation Number: 20240320-004: RECOMMENDED STUDY TO UNDERSTAND REAL-WORLD NEEDS OF TRAVIS COUNTY-BASED VETERANS WHEREAS, Texas has the largest veteran population in the United States and Travis County has a veteran population of 56,000+/-; and WHEREAS, veterans are not a monolith and possess a diverse sets of needs, senses of identity, and challenges; and WHEREAS, there remains a great opportunity to better understand the diversity of current needs and estimate future needs for Travis County-based veterans so to design programs, policies, and budgets that are informed by this real-world understanding of evolving needs of this population; and WHEREAS, Travis-county does not currently possess a sufficiently deep understanding of its veterans and thus lacks an ability to make data-driven decisions for and with this dynamic and cherished population; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Veterans Affairs encourages the Austin City Council to commission a small study (to include surveys and qualitative research) to better understand the nuanced needs, perceptions, challenges, and barriers facing Travis County-based veterans today, across all demographics. Date of Approval: March 20, 2024 Record of the vote: For: Not Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Christopher ‘Cam’ Wilson – Chair, Commission on Veteran Affairs
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Veterans Affairs Recommendation Number: 20240320-006 WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to be a national leader and community model in bridging the military-civilian divide by intentionally reintegrating those who have served as well as their families into our communities with purpose; WHEREAS, the Council passed Ordinance No. 20130214-043, creating the Commission on Veterans Affairs to serve as an advisory board to the city council concerning the wellbeing of military veterans in the Austin area; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs has found that Veteran employment, housing, education, training, family counseling, PTSD/mental health, healthcare, and VA benefits counseling are dispersed throughout Austin placing access to vital services out of reach for many with limited economic and transportation resources; and WHEREAS, City Council has previously recognized the great need for veteran support services, passing Resolution No. 20170622-035 directing the City Manager to draft a business plan to establish a Veterans Resource Center; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs passed Recommendation No. 20200115-B003 encouraging City Council to create a Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. The Commission's intent is to consolidate all veterans and military-related matters "internal' and "external" under one office. Currently, Veteran's initiatives and programs are dispersed within the City of Austin. The office would serve to engage the Veteran's community by attending local VFW, American Legion, and Disabled Veterans of America post meetings. The Veteran's office must work in partnership with the Travis County Veteran Service office. WHEREAS, City Council has previously recognized the need to provide veterans services, passing Resolution No. 20211209-057 directing the City Manager to explore the establishment of a Veterans and Military Affairs Office. The City Manager's report findings identified the need to create an additional Program Manager II position at an annual cost of $127,000 a year. The City of Austin has a funded vacant Veterans Program manager position under the Civil Right Office and a funded Veterans Consultant position under the Human Resources Department. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED. that the Commission on Veteran Affairs recommends the creation of a Veterans and Military Affairs office. It is recommended that the Program manager II position identified in the report to establish a Veterans and Military Office by the City managers, the current vacant Veterans Program Administrator position under the Office of Civi I Rights, and the Veteran Services Consultant under the Human Resource Department all be placed under a newly …
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission March 20, 2024 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 Peter Einhorn Mariana Krueger Melinda Schiera Hanna Cofer AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Colin Nickells Jennifer Bristol, Secretary Kevin Ramberg, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Perry Bedford, Vice Chair 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. 1 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on March 6, 2024 Presentation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District with a Density Bonus – April Geruso of the City of Austin Planning Department. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consider a recommendation on the budget recommendations from the Joint Sustainability Committee – Presented by Haris Qureshi and David Sullivan, Environmental Commission Members COMMITTEE UPDATES Update from the Urban Forestry Committee on adding a discussion on ghost trees to the March 28th agenda – Richard Brimer Update from the South Central Waterfront Advisory Board on the status of the Combining District & Density Bonus Program and Planned Unit Development applications – David Sullivan 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 …
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Environmental Commission March 20, 2024 History Combining District Density Bonus Program - Bonus Program Opt-in Requirements - Fees-in-Lieu - Additional On-Site Community Benefits Timeline & Ways to Provide Feedback South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 3 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Directed Planning Staff to create regulations supporting implementation of the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan. Increased development only available through the Density Bonus Maximize community benefits: affordable housing, open space, and Maximize infrastructure investments: new streets, parks, bikeways, Program. public art, etc. and trails. Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. 4 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown. Support Project Connect transit investment. Allow entitlements significant enough to achieve required infrastructure and community benefits. Ensure entitlements meet market demand to account for increased costs and avoid continual requests to amend the code. Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. 5 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a connected, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use district where “thousands more Austinites can live, work, and play.” 6 Updates / Changes since Council Resolution The SCW regulations will be implemented by: – Council adoption of an optional set of regulations and bonus program through the creation of a Combining District and a Density Bonus Program (spring 2024). – City-initiated rezoning of properties in the district (summer 2024). – Subsequent rezonings and code amendments will be required to add additional properties at a later date. Regulation review will occur sooner than 5 years to account for updated details from Project Connect and citywide density bonus analysis. 7 District Boundary New parcels added that are affected by Project Connect light rail alignment. Project Connect Rail Alignment 8 Combining District Components General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) Development Standards (What can be built and where) Design Standards (How it will look) Definitions 9 Density Bonus Components Procedures/Requirements “Gate Keeper” Requirements – Affordable Housing – Environmental Protection – Improved Streetscape and Built Environment In-Lieu Fees and Dedications Onsite Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 10 Streets and Light Rail 11 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums Project Connect Rail Alignment 12 Critical Water Quality Zones 13 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240320-003 Date: March 20, 2023 Subject: Budget Recommendations from the Joint Sustainability Committee Motion by: WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the Joint Sustainability Committee has considered these items based on requests for input from the Austin City Council, WHEREAS, these items all would contribute to more sustainable growth and environmental benefits for Austin. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the following budget items, as recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee. Second by: (est. $150,000) 1. One (1) Climate Equity Plan Project Manager be added to the Office of Sustainability. 2. $320,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for: a. A Community Engagement Specialist (1 FTE) to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting the full suite of City of Austin sustainability incentives (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, landscape and green infrastructure programs), with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. (est. $120,000) b. $200,000 for grants, contracts, and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. 3. Regarding the Sustainable Purchasing Plan: a. $125,000 be allocated to hire a sustainable purchasing contractor and/or purchase needed software and databases to develop a Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products, materials and services purchased by the city; b. A full-time Sustainable Purchasing Director position should be added to the Purchasing Department. If an FTE is determined to be infeasible in this budget cycle, a temporary Sustainable Purchasing Director position should be established and funded. (est. $170,000) 4. $200,000 be allocated to the Office of Sustainability for a Pro-Climate Food Education and Incentive Program. These funds should be spent on a multi-lingual public education and marketing campaign to promote pro-climate/pro-health plant-based meat, dairy and egg alternatives, and identification of opportunities to provide effective incentives for 1 of 3 proclimate/pro-health foods at local restaurants and grocery stores. The Office of Sustainability and Austin Public Health should work together on the public education and marketing campaign. 5. $150,000 be allocated to the Office of the City Engineer division of Austin Transportation and Public Works Department for: a. Field pour demonstrations using concrete containing a total cementitious content that is 50% or more decarbonized relative to a national ordinary Portland cement average embodied carbon intensity …
Building Comprehensive Networks Initiative Home Grown will be accepting applications for the third cohort of our Building Comprehensive Networks Initiative. The Building Comprehensive Networks initiative seeks to support state and local governments and their partners as they build or expand upon publicly-financed comprehensive networks to support home-based child care (HBCC) providers. Comprehensive networks are the connective tissue that joins individual HBCC providers to each other and to system infrastructure, including funding and policy. Regardless of the entity type, comprehensive networks are durable infrastructure that are positioned to tackle the big issues facing our home- based child care sector: quality; sustainability; provider well-being; and connecting providers and families to additional services. Overview of the Building Comprehensive Networks Initiative Benefits: government partners participating in the Home Grown initiative are eligible for: ● Flexible planning grants of $20,000 to support implementation planning ● Support of an expert Planning Navigator from Home Grown ● Monthly Learning Community with fellow states and local government agencies on topics including: the Network Benchmarks and Indicators, provider leadership & leadership team; theory of change; comprehensive network hub structure/model; programs & tools; evaluation. ● Access to guidance documents and resources, including implementation plans, compendium of programs and tools, evaluation toolkit, and more. ● Upon successful completion of the planning period, opportunity to apply for additional implementation funds. Timeline ● November- December, 2023: information sessions to help government agencies and partners assess whether this initiative is a fit for them and determine if they wish to apply and participate. ○ Please register for and attend one of the following: ■ Wednesday, November 15th, 11:00am-12:00 pm Eastern ■ Friday, December 1st, 12:00-1:00pm Eastern ○ Participants will receive an application after attending an information session ● January 15, 2024: applications due to Home Grown ● February 5, 2024: partner selection announced ● March 1, 2024: signed MOUs due; receipt of $20,000 planning grant upon signature ● March-October 2024: implementation planning; support from Planning Navigators; ● November 2024: submit application to Home Grown for implementation funds (up to Learning Community meetings $75,000 per year for two years) ● January 2025- December 2026: implementation period (contingent on approval) Interested to learn more? Register for one of the information sessions: November 15th or December 1st. Or email karen@homegrownchildcare.org with any questions.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20240320-06: Budget Recommendation Regarding Current Early Childhood Investments WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 31% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 90% of the children in households with low income under age 6 are children of color; and WHEREAS, decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the world because children born into poverty and children of color are disproportionately born early, at low- birth-weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, current City investments in early childhood programs align with the goals and strategies of the Austin/Travis County Success By 6 Strategic Plan – a robust, data-driven community strategic plan designed to coordinate efforts, improve child and family outcomes as well as build more efficient and coordinated systems for equitable access; and WHEREAS, the federal, state, and local economic recovery funds invested in early childhood systems and programs are expiring in 2024, including essential worker wage stipends for the early childhood workforce; and WHEREAS, Child Care Scholarship programs through Workforce Solutions Capital Area are at capacity, enrollment is closed, no new funding is available at this time, and as of March 2024, the estimated amount of time a family applying for a scholarship at that time will likely remain on a waitlist before they could expect to be outreached for enrollment is 24 months; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s recently announced Infrastructure Academy is intended to expand the region’s skilled trade sector and access to child care is an obstacle for the existing workforce, including the skilled trades; and WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Council has had input from Success By 6, The Children’s Funding Project Workgroup, and GAVA, all calling for significantly increased local government investment in the Childcare sector, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin maintain all current investments in early childhood programs and infrastructure, including but not limited to: ● APH Staff: $171,000 for 2 FTE staff focused on early childhood programs and services ● Social Service Contracts: $13,352,165 to six agencies to provide early childhood services, including early childhood education, infant and early childhood services, and early childhood education quality improvement, for a 12-month term through March 30, 2025, and four 12-month extension options ● …
