HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Date: March 4, 2026 Subject: FY 2026-27 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Vice Chair Evans Seconded By: Commissioner Taniguchi MOTION: Approve the recommendation to Council on a motion by Vice Chair Evans. Commissioner Taniguchi seconded the motion. Vote 9-0. Commissioner Larosche and Commissioner Grogan were absent. The motion passed. RECOMMENDATION WHEREAS the City of Austin Historic Landmark Commission was established in 1974 to promote historic preservation activities in Austin and advise the Austin City Council on matters related to historic preservation; and WHEREAS the purpose of the Historic Landmark Commission is to prepare and periodically revise an inventory of the structures and areas that may be eligible for designation as historic landmarks, most recently completed in 1984; prepare, review, and propose amendments to a citywide Historic Preservation Plan recently updated in 2024; and review requests to establish or remove a historic designation and make recommendations on the requests to the Land Use Commission; and WHEREAS the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan outlines historic preservation policies for the City of Austin to preserve and interpret historic resources in Austin for residents and visitors, with goals including 1) the inventory and protection of historic buildings, structures, sites, places, and districts in neighborhoods throughout the city; and 2) the retention of the character of locally designated historic districts and National Register districts by ensuring development is compatible with the historic character of the districts; and WHEREAS the City Council adopted the Equity-Based Preservation Plan, a historic preservation plan, as an element of the City’s comprehensive plan by ordinance on November 21, 2024; and WHEREAS the City Manager is directed to identify funding to implement the Plan, including but not limited to these near-term items: (1) Evaluation of historic preservation incentives and any changes needed to make them more effective, building on the exploration of TDR; (2) Ready access to professional archaeological and engineering expertise for City staff and the Historic Landmark Commission; (3) Two additional staff members for the Historic Preservation Office to assist with Plan 1 of 2 implementation; (4) A cultural mapping program to identify significant places, businesses, and other resources, prioritizing communities historically marginalized communities and neighborhoods where longtime residents face a high risk of displacement; and (5) Resources to develop a deconstruction program for demolished historic buildings to preserve and recycle materials in an environmentally-sensitive way. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Historic Landmark Commission recommends …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Historic Landmark Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live CURRENT COMMISSIONERS X BEN HEIMSATH, CHAIR (D-8) AB CARL LAROSCHE (D-6) X ROXANNE EVANS, VICE CHAIR (D-2) X TREY MCWHORTER (D-10) X JEFFREY ACTON (MAYOR) X TONYA PLEASANT-WRIGHT (D-1) X JAIME ALVAREZ (D-7) X JUDAH RICE (D-4) AB HARMONY GROGAN (D-5) X BAT TANIGUCHI (D-9) X KEVIN KOCH (D-3) APPROVED MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: 6:01PM 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. Karen Kocher spoke on the Barton Springs Bridge project. Jason Haskins spoke on the Barton Springs Bridge project. Ricca Keepers spoke on a project at 522 Sunny Ln. David Heymann spoke on the Barton Springs Bridge project. Bill Bunch spoke on the Barton Springs Bridge project. Ben Livingston spoke on the Barton Springs Bridge project. Charles E. Walker spoke on the Barton Springs Bridge project. Patricia Bobeck spoke on the Barton Springs Bridge project. Meghan King Namour gave updates on Preservation Austin. Asai Meyer spoke about transportation planning. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Historic Landmark Commission regular meeting on February 4, 2026. MOTION: Approve the minutes per passage of the consent agenda, on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Acton seconded the motion. Vote 9-0. The motion passed. PUBLIC HEARINGS/DISCUSSION ITEMS Historic Zoning 2. C14H-1987-0016 – 810 W. 10th St. Mayer-Howse House Council District 9 Proposal: Recommend ordinance cleanup via Commission-initiated historic zoning to Planning Commission and City Council. Applicant: Historic Landmark Commission City Staff: Kalan Contreras, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-2727 Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the proposed zoning change from general office- equitable transit-oriented development-equitable transit-oriented density bonus (GO- ETODDBETOD) district zoning to general office-historic landmark-equitable transit-oriented development-equitable transit-oriented density bonus (GO-H-ETOD-DBETOD) district zoning as a means of correcting the existing administrative record. MOTION: Recommend historic zoning per staff recommendation with the passage of the consent agenda, on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Acton seconded the motion. Vote 9-0. The motion passed. National Register Historic District Permit Applications 3. 4. HR-2025-145729 – 2100 Barton Springs Rd. WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT. No …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026, AT 6:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, EVENTS CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Environmental Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Nicole Corona, 512-974-3146, Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jennifer Bristol, Chair Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Mar Moretta-Urdiales Allison Morrison David Sullivan AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Special Called meeting on February 19, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Austin Watershed Protection’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY27 budget. Presentation by Albert Castro, Financial Manager, and Janae Spence, Assistant Director, Austin Watershed Protection. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Name: Circuit Of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development Amendment (PUD), C814- 2018-0122.03 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) Location: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, Austin, Texas Council District: 2 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, 512-535-8914, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.com Applicant request: The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #3. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nicole Corona at Austin Watershed Protection at 512-974-3146, Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Environmental Commission, please contact Nicole Corona, 512-974- 3146, Nicole.Corona@austintexas.gov.
SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026 The Environmental Commission convened in a special-called meeting on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Kreuger called the Environmental Commission meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Richard Brimer Justin Fleury Martin Luecke David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut Annie Fierro Mar Moretta-Urdiales PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Craig Nazor, bird-friendly building construction, watershed restoration, and tree planting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on February 4, 2026. The minutes from the Environmental Commission regular meeting on February 4, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Chair Bristol, Secretary Qureshi, and Commissioner Morrison were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Austin Youth River Watch’s mission and programming. Presentation by Melinda Chow and Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez, Co-Executive Directors, and Jasalyn Franco, Program Specialist, Austin Youth River Watch. The presentation was made by Melinda Chow and Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez, Co- Executive Directors, and Jasalyn Franco, Program Specialist, Austin Youth River Watch. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation, discussion, and action regarding a recommendation to Austin City Council on the creation, continuation, terminations, and status of a concession including issuance for a Request for Proposal for a concession in Town Lake Metropolitan Park for inclusion in the joint report between the Parks and Recreation Board and the Environmental Commission that is provided to City Council annually. Presentation by Karen Charles, Contract Management Specialist, and Denisha Cox, Contract Management Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation. There was a motion to approve the recommendation to Council to approve the 2025 concessions report, acknowledging that the reporting requirements were met, and additionally recommend that future joint reports include the following: • • Information from contractors detailing the environmental stewardship initiatives and accomplishments they achieved, in specific qualitative and quantitative terms, and specifically request detailed metrics regarding erosion control, streambed restoration, grassland maintenance, trash pick-up, water quality, and biodiversity Information regarding environmental equity in terms of access and concession usage Include concessions from parks other than Lady Bird Lake • • Delay the implementation of Phase II of the Parks Operations and Maintenance Agreements with the Trail Conservancy until the financial audit is finalized and made public, and until it …
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Overview Austin Watershed Protection Overview ▪ Mission & Organizational Structure ▪ FY26 Operating and Maintenance(O&M) Budget Overview ▪ FY26 O&M Budget Program Activities ▪ Capital Improvement Program(CIP) Budget ▪ CIP Project Overview ▪ Resources 2 Mission & Organizational Structure Mission ▪ Austin Watershed Protection(AWP) protects lives, property, and the environment of our community by reducing the impact of flooding, erosion, and water pollution. ▪ AWP’s mission is achieved through services such as responding to/developing: ▪ Drainage issues ▪ Water pollution ▪ Storm drain item retrieval ▪ Integrated pest management ▪ Floodplain mapping ▪ Storm drain infrastructure. 4 Organizational Structure 5 AustinWatershed ProtectionTotal FTEs: 456.75OperationsFTEs: 182Modeling,Monitoring, and ComplianceFTEs: 89Office of the DirectorFTEs: 69Business EnterprisesFTEs: 61.25Project Design & DesignFTEs: 45.5Environmental Policy & ReviewFTEs: 10 AWP Budget Information FY26 AWP O&M BUDGET BY PROGRAM Total Budget - $127.9M Business Enterprises, $10,045,470 , 8% Environmental Policy and Review, $1,356,811 , 1% Transfers, $48,869,392 , 38% Modeling, Monitoring, and Compliance, $13,433,743 , 11% Office of the Director, $11,988,137 , 9% Project Design and Delivery, $6,858,186 , 5% Operations, $35,311,386 , 28% 7 Funding Sources ▪ Operations ▪ Drainage Utility Charge ▪ Based on the amount and percent of impervious cover ▪ Other Fees and Interest Income ▪ Site plans, subdivisions, MUD, PUDs; Permit Fees ▪ Capital Projects ▪ Cash transfer from operations ▪ GO Bonds ▪ Grants ▪ Tax Increment Financing ▪ RSMP and USCF Payments 8 FY26 Funds Sources and Expense Type FY26 Revenue by Funding Category Drainage Utlility Charge 95% Interest Income and other misc. revenue Development, licenses and permit Fees 4% $5,459,738 1% $887,176 FY26 Budget by Expense Category Personnel Contractuals Transfers 47% 28% 23% $36,026,186 $29,119,257 Non-CIP Capital Expenditures Commodities 3% $3,233,339 0% $157,000 Expense Refunds -$751,608 -1% $118,655,633 $60,078,951 9 AWP Program Activities Operating & Maintenance Activities ▪ Drainage Infrastructure Maintenance ▪ Trash and Debris Removal ▪ Land Management & Ponds Maintenance 11 Operating & Maintenance Activities ▪ Pollution Prevention & Response ▪ Floodplain Modeling & Development Review ▪ Environmental Policy and Planning ▪ Environmental Research and Data Analysis 12 Operating & Maintenance Activities ▪ Storm Event Monitoring ▪ Replenishing Creek Beds ▪ Community Education & Outreach 13 Capital Improvement Program Capital Improvement Program: Overview ▪ Projects in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) are major improvements to our infrastructure, facilities, and waterways. ▪ CIP projects have a higher price tag and longer lifespan than routine maintenance …
Acreage Use Zoning Jurisdition Green Building Water Quality Current Code 1,153 acres Iterim-Rural Residential I-RR Full-Purpose 100% GSI (starting in 2022) Existing PUD 1,153 acres Mixed Use PUD Full-Purpose 2 star 100% GSI + additional WQ treatement for asphalt trail Drainage Floodplain Modification Impervious Cover CWQZ 25-7-93 & 96 25-8-263 80% 25-8-91 & 92 Current code Current code 68% Current code CWQZ Development Critical Environmental Features (CEF) 25-8-261 & 262 specifies and limits trail crossings 25-8-281 & 282 Current code and as defined by wetland mitigation plan Restoration Required in some situations 14.36 acres of Blackland Prairie Restoration native restoration along asphalt trail as shown in Exhibit H Open Space Cut/Fill Current code 25-8-341 & 342 298 acres of public open space up to 20' in Planning Area 4 Construction on Slopes 25-8-301 current code Proposed Amendment 1,153 acres Mixed Use PUD Full-Purpose 2 star 100% GSI + additional WQ treatement for asphalt trail Modification to 25-7-93 & 96 to allow maintenance buildings associated with golf course Current code 68% current code Development allowed in the CWQZ associated with golf course and CWQZ crossing of race track (1:1 mitigation for crossing required) Current code and as defined by wetland mitigation plan Surplus wetland restoration 0.87 CEF / 0.56 CEF Buffer 14.38 acres of Blackland Prairie Restoration native restoration along asphalt trail as shown in Exhibit H Riparian restoration plan for 4.59 areas shown in Exhibit H 100 acres of open space (off site open space provided) up to 20' for Planning areas 4,5,6 For golf course - cut allowed within CWQZ outside EHZ up to XXX Admin variance for over 20ft to match grade in Planning area 4 Admin variance for up to 15 ft outside of Planning areas 4, 5, 6 w/ commensurate mitigation Allowed in Planning Area 8 with commensurate mitigation Admin variance for construction on slopes over 15% Landscape Requirements Current code additional 400 native trees planted minimum 2-in, native Central Texas seed stock, 1000 cubic feet of soil volume for each newly planted tree additional 400 native trees planted minimum 2-in, native Central Texas seed stock, 1000 cubic feet of soil volume for each newly planted tree Tree Protection IPM Current code Native tree species from Appendix F Native and adapted plants per Grow Green Central Texas Native seed stock Beneficial reuse of condensate water for irrigation Current code Required additional 1000 caliper inches of native …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: March 4, 2026 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Circuit of the Americas PUD Amendment #3, C814-2018-0122.03 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) LOCATION: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard COUNCIL DISTRICT: 2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, 512-535-8914, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.com Suburban Watershed, Dry Creek East Watershed, Desired Development Zone The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #3. Recommended with conditions. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment #3 C814-2018-0122.03 Austin Watershed Protection | March 4, 2026 COTA PUD C814-2018-0122 2 History of the Site 1940’s Lady Bird Lake ▪ Clearing and grading activities documented from 1940s on. ▪ Dam built in 1970s ▪ Site development permit for racetrack approved in 2011 ▪ Planned Unit Development (PUD) approved in 2020 1970’s 3 Existing Conditions Lady Bird Lake ▪ 1,153 acres ▪ Suburban Watershed, Dry Creek East ▪ Desired Development Zone ▪ Major Critical Water Quality Zones (CWQZ) ▪ 100-yr Floodplain ▪ Critical Environmental Features (CEF) ▪ Slopes in excess of 15% COTA PUD Wetlands Wetland Buffer CWQZ 100-yr Floodplain 4 5 Proposed Amendment ▪ 3rd Amendment ▪ Hotel / Convention Center in Planning Area 4 ▪ Golf Course in Planning Area 4, 5, & 6 ▪ Practice racetrack in Planning Area 8 ▪ Wetland Mitigation and Riparian Restoration 6 The COTA PUD Existing vs Proposed Lady Bird Lake Requirement Existing Proposed Green Building 2-star 2-star Water Quality Impervious Cover IPM 100% GSI + additional WQ treatment for asphalt trail 100% GSI + additional WQ treatment for asphalt trail 68% Required 68% Required 7 Green Building Basic Requirements Lady Bird Lake ▪ EV Charging Stations requirements ▪ Potable Water Use Reduction (for water features - 100% non-potable water supply) ▪ Bike Parking ▪ Energy Performance ▪ Additional requirements Link to Austin Energy Green Building Guides: Rating Documents 8 The COTA PUD Existing vs Proposed Lady Bird Lake Requirement Existing Proposed Drainage Current code Modification to 25-7-93 & 96 to allow structures associated with golf course Floodplain Modification Current code Current code CWQZ Defined Current code current code CWQZ Development specifies and limits trail crossings Development allowed in the CWQZ associated with golf course and CWQZ crossing of racetrack (1:1 mitigation for crossing required) Critical Environmental Features (CEF) Current code and as …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMISSION MEETING DATE: March 4, 2026 NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: Circuit of the Americas PUD Amendment #3, C814-2018-0122.03 NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) LOCATION: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard COUNCIL DISTRICT: 2 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: REQUEST: STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, 512-535-8914, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.com Suburban Watershed, Dry Creek East Watershed, Desired Development Zone The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #3. Recommended with conditions. ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-2018-0122.03 DISTRICT: 2 (Circuit of the Americas PUD Amendment #3) ADDRESS: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard ZONING FROM: PUD TO: PUD* *The applicant is requesting a PUD amendment to change conditions of the approved PUD zoning in Ordinance No. 20201001-042 and Ordinance No. 20231214-105 (Please see Applicant’s Request Letter – Exhibit C and Proposed Redlined PUD Exhibits – Exhibits D - K). SITE AREA: 1,153 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Circuit of the Americas, Inc. (Alyssa Epstein, Secretary) AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael J. Whellan) CASE MANAGER: Sherri Sirwaitis (512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Recommendation Pending PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD: February 23, 2026: ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION: March 4, 2026 PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: ORDINANCE NUMBER: C814-2018-0122.03 ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: 2 The Circuit of the Americas Planned Unit Development is a 1,153 acre property generally located east of State Highway 130 and north of FM 812 on Circuit of the Americas Boulevard. The PUD consists of a mixed-use development and is currently comprised of eight planning Areas with approximately 967 acres of commercial space (Areas 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8) and 186 acres of mixed use (Area 2). The land use plan includes 298 acres of open space that is dispersed throughout Areas 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 on the site. The CS, General Commercial Services District, is the baseline zoning district for the PUD. The property in question was annexed in 2012 through Ordinance No. 20121108-027. The site is surrounded by residential and commercial properties within the City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) that do not have zoning and are not part of an active or near-future neighborhood planning effort. Although there are residential uses within 540 feet of the project, the majority of the properties are not located within the City of Austin and are not subject to compatibility requirements. …
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment #3 C814-2018-0122.03 Austin Watershed Protection | March 4, 2026 COTA PUD C814-2018-0122 2 History of the Site 1940’s Lady Bird Lake ▪ Clearing and grading activities documented from 1940s on. ▪ Dam built in 1970s ▪ Site development permit for racetrack approved in 2011 ▪ Planned Unit Development (PUD) approved in 2020 1970’s 3 Existing Conditions Lady Bird Lake ▪ 1,153 acres ▪ Suburban Watershed, Dry Creek East ▪ Desired Development Zone ▪ Major Critical Water Quality Zones (CWQZ) ▪ 100-yr Floodplain ▪ Critical Environmental Features (CEF) ▪ Slopes in excess of 15% COTA PUD Wetlands Wetland Buffer CWQZ 100-yr Floodplain 4 5 Proposed Amendment ▪ 3rd Amendment ▪ Hotel / Convention Center in Planning Area 4 ▪ Golf Course in Planning Area 4, 5, & 6 ▪ Practice racetrack in Planning Area 8 ▪ Wetland Mitigation and Riparian Restoration 6 The COTA PUD Existing vs Proposed Lady Bird Lake Requirement Existing Proposed Green Building 2-star 2-star Water Quality Impervious Cover IPM 100% GSI + additional WQ treatment for asphalt trail 100% GSI + additional WQ treatment for asphalt trail 68% Required 68% Required 7 Green Building Basic Requirements Lady Bird Lake ▪ EV Charging Stations requirements ▪ Potable Water Use Reduction (for water features - 100% non-potable water supply) ▪ Bike Parking ▪ Energy Performance ▪ Additional requirements Link to Austin Energy Green Building Guides: Rating Documents 8 The COTA PUD Existing vs Proposed Lady Bird Lake Requirement Existing Proposed Drainage Current code Modification to 25-7-93 & 96 to allow structures associated with golf course Floodplain Modification Current code Current code CWQZ Defined Current code current code CWQZ Development specifies and limits trail crossings Development allowed in the CWQZ associated with golf course and CWQZ crossing of racetrack (1:1 mitigation for crossing required) Critical Environmental Features (CEF) Current code and as defined by wetland mitigation plan Current code and as defined by wetland mitigation plan 9 10 The COTA PUD Existing vs Proposed Lady Bird Lake Requirement Existing Proposed Restoration 14.36 acres of Blackland Prairie Restoration 14.38 acres of Blackland Prairie Restoration native restoration along asphalt trail as shown in Exhibit H native restoration along asphalt trail as shown in Exhibit H Open Space 298 acres of public open space Riparian restoration plan for areas shown in Exhibit H Surplus wetland restoration 0.87 CEF / 0.56 CEF Buffer 100 …
COTA PUD AMENDMENT #3 Environmental Commission March 4, 2026 PROJECT OVERVIEW • 1,000+ key hotel resort • Golf course • Mid-size conference center (3.5x smaller than downtown CC) • Possible secondary racetrack • Flexible uses for future development at COTA PROJECT IMPACT • $925 million total development costs; $650 million in hard construction costs • $10 billion in total economic activity over 30 years • Hundreds of million in tax revenues going to the City budget • Experience developing in environmentally sensitive areas (Chula Vista, CA) PROJECT IMPACT • Economic anchor in Del Valle and the Eastern Crescent • 1,000s of jobs over project life from construction to operation • Labor peace agreement with hospitality union = first large- scale, privately-owned union hotel in Austin ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS & SUPERIORITY Water Quality & Water Forward Habitat Mitigation & Restoration Trees Open Space 100% green stormwater infrastructure 14.38 acres of Blackland Prairie Restoration 400 new native trees planted (min. 2-in caliper) 100 acres of on-site open space in PUD, with likely add’l 100+ acres for golf course Development Standards AEGB 2-Star Green Building Standard 38,332 sf of enhanced WQ treatment for asphalt trails 4.59 acres of riparian restoration Additional 1,000 caliper inches of native trees Minimum 14 acres if off-site dedication is selected 68% impervious cover maximum Condensate for irrigation; Onsite Water Reuse System (OWRS) 37,897 sf of new CEF 24,393 sf of new CEF buffer 1,000 cubic feet of engineered soil volume for every new tree ~$2 million of improvements (off-site parkland) Integrated Pest Management Comprehensive native restoration along asphalt trail Certified arborist hired on-site to oversee landscaping and tree establishment
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation 20260403-003: C814-2018-0122.03 Circuit of the Americas Planned Unit Development Amendment #3 WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant, Armbrust & Brown, PLLC, is requesting an amendment to a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD); and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Suburban Watershed, Dry Creek East Watershed, and the Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that staff recommends this Planned Unit Development amendment. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Environmental Commission recommends the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) PUD Amendment #3 with the following conditions: Staff Conditions: • An additional 0.87 acres of wetland Critical Environmental Feature (CEF) and 0.56 wetland CEF buffer will be restored above what is minimally required for mitigation • AC condensate and Rainwater will be used for irrigation • 4.59 acres of riparian restoration will be completed • An additional 1000 caliper inches of trees planted in addition to the 400 trees required Environmental Commission Conditions: • Restrict administrative cut/fill approvals to 15’ throughout the PUD • Remove the “fee in lieu” option for parkland • Require each cut/fill approval exceeding 15’ to be reviewed and specifically approved by the Environmental Commission throughout the PUD • Maintain existing requirement for 298 acres of open space in Area 8, including two soccer fields, related amenities, and public access easement • Require construction within the 25-year flood zone to meet current City Code requirements • Require COTA to dedicate 11.38 acres to the City within the PUD • Retain existing Affordable Housing requirements. • Maintain existing bicycle infrastructure requirements • Maintain 30’ easement to parkland • Work with CapMetro to establish bus lines to COTA facilities from downtown Austin and the airport • Prevent construction within Critical Water Quality Zone (CWQZ) without specific approval of the Environmental Commission . • Maintain a 200-foot buffer for CWQZs per City Code • Prohibit CWQZ buffer averaging • Prohibit illuminated signs • Prohibit mobile homes within the PUD • Prohibit short-term rentals within the PUD • Require noise mitigation action be taken around any practice tracks (including, but not limited to, racetracks, kennels, aviation facilities), or any other facilities whose normal operation may exceed noise limits specified in the City’s noise ordinances • Prohibit operation of practice tracks and aviation facilities between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. local time • Erect acoustic monitors around racetracks, kennels, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 The Environmental Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Krueger called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 06:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Haris Qureshi, Secretary Richard Brimer Justin Fleury Martin Luecke Allison Morrison Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Sullivan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting on February 19, 2026. The minutes from the Environmental Commission Special Called Meeting on February 19, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Secretary Qureshi’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Sullivan was off the dais. Chair Bristol and Commissioners Changsut, Fierro, and Moretta-Urdiales were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation on Austin Watershed Protection’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget, Programs, and Projects Overview and approve recommendations for their FY27 budget. Presentation by Albert Castro, Financial Manager, and Janae Spence, Assistant Director, Austin Watershed Protection. 1 The motion to approve the recommendation to Council to support Austin Watershed Protection’s budget, programs, and projects was approved on Secretary Qureshi’s motion, Vice Chair Kruger’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Chair Bristol and Commissioners Changsut, Fierro, and Moretta-Urdiales were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3. Name: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Planned Unit Development Amendment (PUD), C814- 2018-0122.03 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Michael Whellan) Location: 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, Austin, Texas Council District: 2 Staff: Leslie Lilly, 8914, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.com Applicant request: The applicant proposes to amend a previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD). This is amendment #3. Staff Recommendation: Recommended with conditions The public hearing was conducted, and a motion to close the public hearing was approved on Commissioner Luecke’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Chair Bristol and Commissioners Changsut, Fierro, and Moretta-Urdiales were absent. Program Manager, Environmental Conservation 512-535- There was a motion to recommend the project Circuit of the Americas Planned Unit Development Amendment, C814-2018-0122.03, located at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, to Council, with Staff conditions and the following conditions: • Restrict administrative cut/fill approvals to 15’ throughout the PUD • Remove the “fee in lieu” option for parkland • Require each cut/fill approval exceeding 15’ to be reviewed and specifically approved by the Environmental Commission throughout the PUD • …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026, AT 12:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission for Women 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 remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2792. telephone. To to speak register CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Alicia Ramirez AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan 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 Commission for Women regular meeting on February 4, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding women’s wellness by Noor Collective. 3. Presentation by Mama Sana Vibrant Woman regarding FY 2026-2027 budget recommendations. 4. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and a request for the prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 2026-2027 budget. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Budget Working Group and discussion of possible recommendations. 6. Update from the Recognition Working Group on the progress towards the event. 7. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the progress of the Quality of Life Study on Austin’s Women and Girls. 8. Update from the Maternal Health Working Group and discussion of their scope of work. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATION 9. Recommendation by the Budget Working Group regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. 11. Approve an update to the membership of the Maternal Health Working Group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the …
Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 4, 2026 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Tau called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Alicia Ramirez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Shaimaa Zayan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women Regular Meeting on January 7, 2026. The minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on January 7, 2026 were approved on Vice Chair Tau’s motion, Commissioner Anderson’s second on a 6 – 0 vote. Commissioner Shaik was off the dais. Chair Bullard and Commissioners Bissereth, Melendez and Veloz Salas were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 2. 3. Update from the Maternal Health Working Group and discussion of their scope. The update was given by Commissioner Anderson. Update from the Budget Working Group and discussion of possible recommendations. The update was given by Commissioner Anderson. 1 FUTURE ITEMS Noor Collective Presentation American Gateways Presentation Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (AACME)- Creative Reset Staff Briefing Mama Sana Presentation Recognition Working Group Update Budget Working Group Update and Possible Action regarding Budget Recommendations Maternal Health Working Group Update and Membership Update Quality of Life Working Group Update CRCSM Working Group Update Vice Chair Tau adjourned the meeting at 12:18 p.m. without objection. 2
Commission for Women Maternal Working Group Mission: 3/4/2026 The Commission on Women’s Maternal Health Working Group is dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and high-quality maternal healthcare for all women. We work to identify systemic barriers, elevate community voices, and recommend policies and practices that improve outcomes for mothers and families across every stage of pregnancy and postpartum care. Vision: The Commission on Women’s Maternal Health Working Group is committed to shaping data-informed policies, strengthening healthcare systems, and fostering cross-sector collaboration to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity while promoting long-term wellness for women and families.
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission for Women Recommendation Number: 20260304-010: Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Recommendation Date of Approval: March 4, 2026 Recommendation: Organization: Mama Sana Vibrant Woman Subject: Maternal Health & Housing Stabilization Description of Recommendation to Council (1 of 2): Being a City of Austin partner since 2016, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman delivers culturally responsive maternal health to Black and Latinx communities. As needs continue to rise and the cost of living in Central Texas increases, funding for Mama Sana Vibrant Woman’s maternal health services was cut by 10% in FY26, and its rental assistance support was eliminated entirely. We strongly urge the City Council to restore and sustain the previous funding level of $900,000— $500,000 dedicated to housing stabilization and $400,000 to maternal health services. This is a critical stabilization strategy to prevent future family displacement, protect maternal health outcomes, and avoid far greater downstream public costs. Rationale: • Housing Stability: In 2025, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman served 288 households. They distributed $666,759 in rental assistance, directly preventing eviction. Research confirms that housing instability during pregnancy increases rates of low birth weight, preterm delivery, maternal mental health issues, and NICU admissions. • Proven Partnership with the City of Austin: Mama Sana Vibrant Woman has a strong track record of reasonably administering City funds, effectively collaborating with sister organizations, and responding quickly to emerging community needs. • Equity-Focused Intervention: Black and Latinx mothers in Austin experience disproportionately maternal morbidity and housing insecurity. In 2025, they supported 477 children. Mama Sana Vibrant Woman’s services directly counteract those disparities. Alignment with Commission for Women Mission/Vision/Values: Mama Sana Vibrant Women work aligns with the Commission for Women’s vision and values of recommending programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront women in social, economic, and vocational pursuits. These programs ensure Black and Latinx mothers remain safely housed, supported in their health, and connected to competent care—advancing a more just and inclusive Austin for families and mothers. To continue to cut funding from this organization will contradict the City’s commitments to prioritize women’s quality of health, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls. Organization: American Gateways Subject: Immigration Legal Services, Deportation Defense and Citizenship Support Description of Recommendation to Council (2 of 2): As a longstanding City of Austin partner, American Gateways provides high quality, low cost and free legal services to low income immigrants …
Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 4, 2026 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women Meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Alexandria Anderson Alicia Ramirez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Angela Harris Diana Melendez Rabia Shaik Shaimaa Zayan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Shan Schaffer- TX Access to Abortion + Healthcare APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women Regular Meeting on February 4, 2026. The minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on February 4, 2026 were approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Ramirez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth and Scheihing were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding women’s wellness by Noor Collective. Withdrawn without objection. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 3. 4. Presentation by Mama Sana Vibrant Woman regarding FY 2026-2027 budget recommendations. The presentation was made by Cherelle VanBrakle, Co-Executive Director of Development, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and a request for the prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 2026-2027 budget. The presentation was made by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Items 5, 9, and 10 were taken up together. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Budget Working Group and discussion of possible recommendations. Update was given by Commissioner Anderson. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 9. Recommendation by the Budget Working Group regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. Commissioner Anderson provided a final update and read the recommendation into the record. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 Budget as follows was approved on Chair Bullard’s motion, Commissioner Anderson’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Ramirez was off the dais. Commissioners Bissereth and Scheihing were absent. “Organization: Mama Sana Vibrant Woman Subject: Maternal Health & Housing Stabilization Description of Recommendation to Council (1 of 2): Being a City of Austin partner since 2016, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman delivers culturally responsive maternal health care to Black and Latinx communities. As needs continue to rise and the cost of …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026, AT 5:00 P.M. CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 WEST SECOND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Natalie Leone, 512-974- 3428, natalie.leone@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Susan Somers, Chair Daniel Kavelman, Parliamentarian Deshon Brown Heather Buffo Kevin Chen Nathan Fernandes Justin Jacobson Varun Prasad Joshua Sorin Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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 Urban Transportation Commission Regular meeting on 2/3/2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Transit Enhancement Program Update. Presentation by Max Schwartz, Program Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. Austin Core Transportation Plan Update. Presentation by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, and Cole Kitten, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. Austin Transportation and Public Works Services and Budget Update. Presentation by Richard Mendoza, Director, Austin Transportation and Public Works. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Approve a recommendation regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-20727 budget of Austin Transportation and Public Works. Approve proposed changes to Urban Transportation Commission By-laws. COMMITTEE UPDATES 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Update from Commissioner Chen from the Downtown Commission regarding actions taken at the February 18, 2026, meeting. Update from Commissioner Prasad from the Joint Sustainability Committee regarding actions taken at the February 25, 2026, meeting. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the February 17, 2026, meeting. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the February 2, 2026, and March 2, 2026, meetings. Update from Chair Somers from the City Council Mobility Committee regarding actions taken at the February 12, 2026, meeting. Update from Chair Somers from the Community Advisory Committee of the Austin Transit Partnership Board regarding actions taken …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HIV PLANNING COUNCIL CARE STRATEGIES AND ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOM 1203 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the HIV PLANNING COUNCIL may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: Join the meeting now Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone or Teams. 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 to speak, call or email the Office of Support, (737)-825-1684 or hivplanningcouncil@austintexas.gov CURRENT HIV PLANNING COUNCIL CARE STRATEGIES AND ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Joe Anderson Jr., conflicted Alicia Alston Jeremy Caballero Aran Belani Kristina McRae-Thompson Marquis Goodwin, conflicted AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up no later than noon on 3/2/2026 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 HIV Planning Council regular meeting of the Care Strategies and Community Engagement committee on February 3rd, 2026 CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS 2. Members will declare conflict of interest with relevant agenda items, service categories, and/or service standards. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Introductions/Announcements 4. Office of Support Staff Briefing DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Discussion of 2026 Resource Guide 6. Discussion of 2026 Service Standards 7. Discussion of Care Strategies and Engagement Committee Chair nominations FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 8. Discussion of workplan calendar and social calendar ADJOURNMENT Indicative of action items 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. TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For More Information on the HIV Planning Council, please contact Rashana Raggs at (737)-825-1684.
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026, 4:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote remotely, contact Christi Vitela at participation by christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2792. telephone. To to speak register CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Enrique Duran II Denise L Eger Daniel Godwin Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Kimberly Hidrogo David Holmes Yasmine Smith Michael Sierra-Arévalo AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 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 Public Safety Commission regular meeting on February 2, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Presentation by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 3. 4. 5. Discussion regarding the mental health first response system with Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services and Integral Care. Discussion regarding APD 911 Emergency Communications Division budget and potential consolidation of the emergency 911 call center with input from Equity Action, United Workers of Integral Care, and VOCAL TX. Discussion regarding community feedback at the Public Safety Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Christi Vitela at the Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Public Safety Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at the Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-2792 …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, February 2, 2026 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 2, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Enrique Duran II Denise Eger Daniel Godwin Michael Sierra-Arévalo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kimberly Hidrogo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 5, 2026. The motion to approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on January 5, 2026, was approved on Commissioner Bernhardt’s motion, Commissioner Duran’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Smith was off the dais. Commissioner Holmes was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire. Presentation by Tom Vocke, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire. The presentation was made by Tom Vocke, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, February 2, 2026 5. 4. 3. Discussion of community concern around interactions between Austin Police with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Discussed. The presentation was made by Lisa Davis, Police Chief, Austin Police and Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. from Homeless Strategy Office on Update initiatives. Presentation by David Gray, Director, Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations. The presentation was made by David Gray, Director, Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations and Janet Pichette, Austin Emergency Management. inclement weather response and new Presentation regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget, including Public Safety Department allocations, 5-year forecast process, and the budget process. Presentation by Kerri Lang, Director, Austin Budget and Organizational Excellence. The presentation was made by Kerri Lang, Director, Austin Budget and Organizational Excellence. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding inclement weather response and a decentralized intake model. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council regarding inclement weather response and a decentralized intake model was made by Commissioner Bernhardt and seconded by Commissioner Sierra Arévalo. The motion to amend was made by Vice Chair Ruttan and seconded by Commissioner Duran. The amendment was to strike the first “Now Therefore Be It Resolved” paragraph leaving only the second with an addition of “and report back …
RESOLUTION NO. 20250813-018 WHEREAS, the City's emergency communication operations present many challenges, due in part to the extensive intergovernmental and interagency cooperation required to execute such functions in a city which spans multiple counties and criminal jurisdictions; and WHEREAS, the 2019 Dispatch Equity and Optimization Study, developed at the request of Council in the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget process, identified substantial inefficiencies, including challenges with collaboration across departments and outdated and needlessly segregated computer systems; and WHEREAS, the integration of emergency communications functions has been successful elsewhere in Texas, most notably in the North Texas Emergency Communications Center, an integrated emergency telecommunications center serving the cities of Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, and Farmers Branch; and WHEREAS, the City should explore all avenues to provide excellent service and response times for Austin residents while minimizing strain on public safety employees and City resources; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: The City Manager is directed to study the manner by which the City could establish a Joint Emergency Communications Department (JEC) combining the functions of 911 and emergency dispatch through the Austin Police Department (APD), Austin Fire Department (AFD), and Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department (EMS). Page 1 of 2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: This integration shall maintain the independence of APD's, AFD's, and EMS' sworn personnel, operational command structures, and agency-specific operational standards while enabling all departments to operate collaboratively. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Manager is further directed to develop a strategic plan for integrating the listed emergency communications functions into a JEC by the end of fiscal year 2025-2026, including a technical and operational feasibility assessment, cost analysis, and an implementation timeline, with recommendations presented to Council. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Manager is further directed to consider the effectiveness of non- emergency crime reporting online and via phone and report to Council on the possibility of consolidating non-emergency crime reporting into the JEC. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Manager is further directed to consult with all relevant external stakeholders, including employee unions, intergovernmental partners, licensing agencies, and community groups, in developing the strategic plan for the JEC. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Manager is further directed to return to Council to present the JEC strategic plan at or before the Work Session on December 9,2025. ADOPTED: August 13 , 2025 ATTEST: 413#d/+ Erika Bra?y City Clerk …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Public Safety Commission Recommendation Number: 20260302- 006: Budget Recommendations for FY26–27 Budget Date of Approval: Recommendation: WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission is tasked with reviewing public safety agency budgets and providing recommendations to the Austin City Council; WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission has discussed topics with Austin Fire, Austin Police, Austin-Travis County EMS, additional city departments, and community organizations that coordinate with our public safety departments; WHEREAS, throughout the course of those discussions various departments have expressed programmatic and departmental needs; WHEREAS, the Budget and Organizational Excellence FY26–27 presentation provided updated FY26 amended baseline budgets and FY27 planned budgets for public safety departments; WHEREAS, several of the public safety departments’ identified unmet needs and programmatic priorities remain outstanding or require sustained funding to maintain operational performance; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Public Safety Commission recommends allocation of funds and use of all available means to incorporate the following public safety priorities into the FY26–27 Budget: • Extreme Weather Preparedness: Funding for decentralized intake, surge staffing, and coordinated emergency shelter operations to ensure shared situational awareness across Austin Emergency Management, Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations and other public safety agencies during cold weather and other climate-driven activations. • Emergency Communications: Fund 911, dispatch, and EMS communications staffing and technology modernization to improve reliability and response throughput, with performance metrics reported quarterly. • Sexual Assault Reporting & Coordinated Response (CSCRM): Ensure financial support for civilian staffing and civilian overtime, survivor navigation services, interagency data integration, and quarterly public reporting dashboards tracking case timelines and outcomes. • C4 Project (ATCEMS): Sustain funding to support continuous 24/7 staffing, technology infrastructure, data systems, and interagency coordination required to maintain service continuity. • Counsel at First Appearance: Stabilized funding to ensure uninterrupted operations and long-term sustainability. Funding should support 24 hour services as well as additional lawyers for full staffing. • Urban Wildfire Prevention: Funding for wildfire mitigation, prevention staffing, and equipment. Support Community Wildfire Protection Plan implementation, community outreach, equipment readiness, and evacuation planning and training with an emphasis on traditionally underserved areas and populations with civilian staffing where possible. • Trauma & Violence Reduction: Sustain and expand programs that address high-acuity violence, including victim services coordination, data-driven prevention, and public availability of readily accessible data. • Traffic Safety & Vision Zero: Support funding to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes and improvement in data collection and availability for …
FY26 Enhancements Report — NOT INCLUDED (Unfunded) Items for Public Safety & Related Departments1 Austin Emergency Management Department- Priority Title Brief Description Austin Emergency Management-02 Planned Events Budget Austin Emergency Management-04 Austin Emergency Management-05 Disaster Funding and Cost Recovery Program- Vendor Fees and Labor FTE for Community Engagement Specialist- Language Access Austin Emergency Management-06 GATRRS Planner FTE The Department is requesting an investment for responding to an increasing volume of planned special events due to growth in Austin. The current response budget is $19,270, but the annual cost to respond to planned events is $47,367, which are not eligible for federal reimbursement and have occurred consistently for the past five years. The Department is requesting an investment for managing disaster preparedness, response, and the FEMA Public Assistance program. HSEM does not have a budget for the labor or vendor costs to manage the cost recovery process with state and federal governments, although five percent of the vendor costs are reimbursable as part of Category administrative costs. The Department is requesting a Community Engagement Specialist-Language Access FTE to migrate a temporary position to a full-time permanent role. This position was developed from an audit and led the coordination and development of the Citywide Emergency Language Access Plan, fulfilling the ongoing process of its implementation. The Department is requesting an FTE to effectively manage and operationalize the Greater Austin-Travis County Regional Radio System (GATRRS). While the Radio Shop Handles the technical aspects, HSEM has been the primary lead for its operational implementation. Annualized Ongoing Funding One-Time Funding $47,637 $0 $1,888,295 $0 $123,367 $3,000 $114,745 $12,000 Austin Fire Departme nt Priority Title Brief Description Annualized Ongoing Funding One-Time Funding 1 https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/BOE/Budget/FY26_Enhancements_Report.pdf The Department is requesting investment in staffing for two aerial ladder trucks that currently lack crews, noting that the last such crew was added in 1995. The Department is requesting an investment to cover increased personnel costs from rising over time rates and unfunded personal holidays. The Department is requesting an investment to increase the personnel line for civilian overtime and temporary hires, noting no increase in civilian FTE funding for eight years. The Department is requesting an investment to implement an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system at the Public Safety Wellness Center to improve medical record tracking and security. The Department is requesting funding for professional development and Fire Ground Officer trainings to ensure safe, effective emergency scene management and skill …
Incident and Response Data Austin-Travis County EMS | FY26 Q1 Wesley Hopkins | Chief of Staff Incidents, Patient Contacts, Transports January 2021 – January 2026 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 1 2 - n a J 1 2 - b e F 1 2 - r a M 1 2 - r p A 1 2 - y a M 1 2 - n u J 1 2 - l u J 1 2 - g u A 1 2 - p e S 1 2 - t c O 1 2 - v o N 1 2 - c e D 2 2 - n a J 2 2 - b e F 2 2 - r a M 2 2 - r p A 2 2 - y a M 2 2 - n u J 2 2 - l u J 2 2 - g u A 2 2 - p e S 2 2 - t c O 2 2 - v o N 2 2 - c e D 3 2 - n a J 3 2 - b e F 3 2 - r a M 3 2 - r p A 3 2 - y a M 3 2 - n u J 3 2 - l u J 3 2 - g u A 3 2 - p e S 3 2 - t c O 3 2 - v o N 3 2 - c e D 4 2 - n a J 4 2 - b e F 4 2 - r a M 4 2 - r p A 4 2 - y a M 4 2 - n u J 4 2 - l u J 4 2 - g u A 4 2 - p e S 4 2 - t c O 4 2 - v o N 4 2 - c e D 5 2 - n a J 5 2 - b e F 5 2 - r a M 5 2 - r p A 5 2 - y a M 5 2 - n u J 5 2 - l u J 5 2 - g u A 5 2 - p e S 5 2 - t c O 5 2 - v o N 5 2 - c e D 6 2 - n a J Incidents …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Public Safety Commission Recommendation Number: 20260302- 006: Budget Recommendations for FY26–27 Budget Date of Approval: March 2, 2026 Recommendation: WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission is tasked with reviewing public safety agency budgets and providing recommendations to the Austin City Council; WHEREAS, the Public Safety Commission has discussed topics with Austin Fire, Austin Police, Austin-Travis County EMS, additional city departments, and community organizations that coordinate with our public safety departments; WHEREAS, throughout the course of those discussions various departments have expressed programmatic and departmental needs; WHEREAS, the Budget and Organizational Excellence FY26–27 presentation provided updated FY26 amended baseline budgets and FY27 planned budgets for public safety departments; WHEREAS, several of the public safety departments’ identified unmet needs and programmatic priorities remain outstanding or require sustained funding to maintain operational performance; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Public Safety Commission recommends allocation of funds and use of all available means to incorporate the following public safety priorities into the FY26–27 Budget: • Extreme Weather Preparedness: Funding for decentralized intake, surge staffing, and coordinated emergency shelter operations to ensure shared situational awareness across Austin Emergency Management, Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations and other public safety agencies during cold weather and other climate-driven activations. • Emergency Communications: Fund 911, dispatch, and EMS communications staffing and technology modernization to improve reliability and response throughput, with performance metrics reported quarterly. • Sexual Assault Reporting & Coordinated Response (CSCRM): Ensure financial support for civilian staffing and civilian overtime, survivor navigation services, interagency data integration, and quarterly public reporting dashboards tracking case timelines and outcomes. • C4 Project (ATCEMS): Sustain funding to support continuous 24/7 staffing, technology infrastructure, data systems, and interagency coordination required to maintain service continuity. • Counsel at First Appearance: Stabilized funding to ensure uninterrupted operations and long-term sustainability. Funding should support 24 hour services as well as additional lawyers for full staffing. • Urban Wildfire Prevention: Funding for wildfire mitigation, prevention staffing, and equipment. Support Community Wildfire Protection Plan implementation, community outreach, equipment readiness, and evacuation planning and training with an emphasis on traditionally underserved areas and populations with civilian staffing where possible. • Trauma & Violence Reduction: Sustain and expand programs that address high-acuity violence, including victim services coordination, data-driven prevention, and public availability of readily accessible data. • Traffic Safety & Vision Zero: Support funding to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injury crashes and improvement in data collection …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 2, 2026 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 2, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Enrique Duran II Denise Eger Kimberly Hidrogo Michael Sierra-Arévalo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Daniel Godwin Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission Regular Called Meeting on February 2, 2026. The minutes from the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on February 2, 2026 were approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Sierra-Arévalo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Smith was off the dais. Commissioners Bernhardt and Holmes were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Presentation by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, March 2, 2026 3. 4. The presentation was made by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services. Discussion regarding the mental health first response system with Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services and Integral Care. The presentation was made by Stephen White, Assistant Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Angela Carr, Division Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Marisa Malek, Director of Crisis Services and Justice Initiatives, Integral Care, Kedra Priest, Practice Administrator, Integral Care, Michael Chancellor, Assistant Chief, Austin Police. Discussion regarding APD 911 Emergency Communications Division budget and potential consolidation of the emergency 911 call center with input from Equity Action, United Workers of Integral Care, and VOCAL TX. The presentation was made by Aloki Shah, President, United Workers of Integral Care, Savannah Lee, Director of Policy and Operations, Equity Action, Mel LeBlanc, Austin Campaign Manager, VOCAL TX. 5. Discussion regarding community feedback at the Public Safety Commission. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. The motion to approve the Recommendation Number: 20260302- 006: Budget Recommendations for FY26–27 Budget passed on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Hidrogo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Smith abstained. Commissioners Bernardt and Holmes were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Austin City Auditor’s Office Updates on Audits pertaining …
Public Safety Commission Backup March 2, 2026 FY 26 Budget and number of positions for each Public Safety Communication Divisions Police Communications Division: Total $20.8 million; 3 Sworn positions and 222 Civilian positions • • • Police Communications: $4.3 million; 3 Sworn positions and 26 Civilian positions o 1 – Police Commander o 1 – Police Lieutenant o 1 – Police Sergeant o 12 – Emergency Communications Supervisors o 3 – Emergency Communications Assistant Managers o 1 – Background Investigator o 1 – IT Supervisor Senior o 3 – IT Support Specialists o 1- Training Supervisor o 1 – Training Specialist o 2 – Scheduling Coordinators o 2 – Administrative Specialists Emergency 9-1-1: $8.0 million and 104 Civilian positions o 70 – 911 Call Taker I o 34 – Call Taker II Dispatch Center: $8.5 million and 92 Civilian positions o o o o 3 – Dispatcher 20 – Dispatcher I 18 – Dispatcher II 51 – Dispatcher III Fire Communications Division: $9.1 million and 50 Sworn positions o o o o o 1 – Fire Battalion Chief 2 – Fire Captains 10 – Fire Lieutenants 11 – Fire Specialists 26 - Firefighters Emergency Medical Services Communications Division: $8.7 million and 60 Sworn positions o o o o o 1 – EMS Division Chief 5 – EMS Commanders 11 – EMS Captains 35 – EMS Clinical Specialists 8 – EMS Medic
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION March 2, 2026 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music Commission may be participating virtually. 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 Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Pedro Carvalho – Vice Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Clarissa Cardenas, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Penny Jo Pullus, Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission meeting on February 2, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Live Music Fund collections by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment , Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (AACME). 3. Staff briefing on FY24 Austin Live Music Fund final reports by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, AACME. 4. Staff briefing on Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) live music performances/booking by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, and Greg Gonzalez, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, AACME. 5. Staff briefing on AACME funding programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 6. Staff briefing on The Creative Reset Phase II by Candice Cooper, Interim Chief Administrative Officer and Marion Sanchez, Acting Public Information & Marketing Manager, AACME. 7. Staff briefing on AACME department objectives and goals for 2026 by Candice Cooper, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, AACME. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. Austin Convention Center Project and benefits to Hotel Occupancy Tax and creative community following presentation by Riley Triggs, Project Manager, Austin Convention Center and Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, AACME. 9. Downtown Commission update on priorities and recent actions by Parliamentarian Silva. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. FY26-27 budget recommendations following presentation by Chair Medicharla. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities …
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | March 2, 2026 FY24 Live Music Stats ▪ 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) ▪ 136 signed agreements so far out of 136 total grant agreements (100%) ▪ 136 completed Grant Agreement Orientations so far out of 136 total awardees (100%) ▪ 136 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent so far to awardees (100%) ▪ 136 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (100%) ▪ 113 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (83%) ▪ 63 final payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (46%) 2 FY26 AACME Funding Programs $24.6 Million available 1,607 applications ~680 grants will be awarded 3 Funding Programs: Feedback Loop ▪ Internal Retrospective Meetings – City Staff/Leadership, The Long Center ▪ 1:1 Meetings / Focus Groups ▪ Application Experience Survey ▪ Application Experience Survey Open until March 6th! ▪ All 2,000+ in the AACME Pipeline ▪ Commissioner Perspectives Survey ▪ Emailed to you directly, and linked here. ▪ Open until March 16th! 4 Austin Live Music Fund Austin Live Music Fund • $5,000 - $70,000 • Music Industry (musicians, independent promoters, venues) $7 Million 1,117 Eligibility Forms 809 Applications Submitted ~380 Awards anticipated 995 Eligible 122 Ineligible 242 awards at $20k 120 awards at $5k 22 awards at $70k 5 Funding Programs: Ineligibility Reasons Detailed Breakdown for Austin Live Music Fund (122 Ineligible) Does Not Qualify By Definition Live Music Venue Does Not Qualify By Definition Indepedent Promoter Independent Promoter tied to venue Insufficient evidence (Live music venue) Insufficient evidence (Independent Promoter) Insufficient evidence (Professional Musician) Operating budget under $60k (LMV) Lives outside MSA Full time City of Austin employee Under age 18 2% 6% 4% 8% 24% 24% 5% 6% 3% 3% Yes nonprofit 13% On Non-Complaint List 1% 6 Creative Space Assistance Program Creative Space Assistance Program • $60,000 • Commercial creative spaces $1.6 Million 138 Eligibility Forms 64 Applications Submitted ~25 Awards anticipated 72 Eligible 66 Ineligible 7 Funding Programs: Ineligibility Reasons Detailed Breakdown for CSAP (66 Ineligible) Owned or operated by a government agency or public authority. 9% Applicant is a full-time City of Austin employee. 3% Space is not currently open to the public for business. 2% Public does not gather to experience art at the creative space. 21% Space does not have …
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER REDEVELOPMENT Austin is the 13th largest city in the country. But the Austin Convention Center is only the 61st largest. 2 Once the redevelopment is complete, we expect the Austin Convention Center to be around the 35th largest in the country. 3 The redeveloped Austin Convention Center will be larger than: Charlotte Fort Worth Baltimore Nashville Kansas City Pittsburgh Once complete, Austin’s new competitive set will include: San Antonio Boston Seattle Philadelphia Denver Project Overview Rentable Square Footage Total Budget $1.66B Annual Economic Impact $750M+ Construction Schedule April 2025-December 2028 EXISTING CONVENTION CENTER 365,000 SF NEW CONVENTION CENTER 620,000 SF + 140,000 SF in the future Funding HOT*, Convention Center Revenues, PFZ* *HOT: Hotel Occupancy Tax, PFZ: Project Financing Zone Our Partners Construction Schedule 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 3rd St. Electrical 3 R Red Line Station Chilled Water Loop AE Demo We are here Excavation Building Construction Closed April 2025 Open March 2029 PROJECT GOALS Austin City Council Resolution NO. 20210610-096 The City Council seeks to work with the prime architecture firm capable of delivering a world class design befitting a city of Austin’s size and prominence. The Convention Center design shall incorporate the most innovative ideas in programming and placemaking and shall aim to create a civic building that draws and serves Austinites as well as visitors. The City council affirms its intention that the convention Center be, like its companion civic building to the west, the Austin Central Library, a landmark of great distinction, a bustling and vital public gathering place, and a point of pride for the community. Uniquely Austin Sustainability ACC will be the world’s First Zero Carbon Certified Convention Center powered by 100% renewable energy and built with low-impact materials. Art in Public Places SCALE $17.7M TOTAL INVESTMENT Austin’s largest single investment in public art to date ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRATION 10 artists selected during schematic design of building for architecturally- integrated art Additional AIPP artwork will follow more traditional procurement timeline PRESENTING Outdoor Event + The Warehouse • Enhance Connections and Movements • Flexible Event & Gathering Places • Abundant Shade & Comfort • Reflect History of the Site and Materials • Extension of Warehouse District Scale E H T A G R THE BAC K YAR D FESTIVA L D A N E M O R P TH EWAREHOUS E E DISPLAY DROP- OFF BACKYARD PROMENAD E WAREHOUS E EXHAL …
Convention Center + Public Benefit Austin Convention Center + AACME March 2, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections for Culture How HOT Revenue Supports Arts and Culture in Austin ▪ HOT funds come from visitors who stay in hotels ▪ HOT funds do not come from local property taxes ▪ State law allows up to 15% each for Cultural Arts + Historic Preservation (30% cap total) ▪ Austin is already at the cap ▪ The only way to grow the cultural allocation is to grow the base HOT revenue 3 Tourism Funding + The Creative Economy More visitors in Austin More hotel stays More Hotel Occupancy Tax collections More Cultural/Music/Heritage Funding 4 What Cultural Funding Supports Today ▪ Annually, the City receives $50+ million in requests for HOT funding: ▪ 2024: $22M in grants awarded to 532 artists & cultural organizations ▪ 2023: $16M in grants awarded to 673 artists & cultural organizations ▪ 2021: $5.7M in grants awarded to 356 artists & cultural organizations ▪ 2020: $11M in grants awarded to 361 artists & cultural organizations ▪ 2019: $11M in grants awarded to 361 artists & cultural organizations ▪ Grant funds flow to: ➢Music + Live Music Fund ➢Heritage Preservation projects ➢Cultural Arts Grants ➢Creative business support ➢Festivals + event production ➢Public art initiatives 5 Benefits to Austin & the Creative Community What are the risks of not completing the Convention Center? ▪ Losing potentially millions in: o Cultural funding tied to visitor revenue o Sales tax revenue ▪ Thousands of lost jobs in the hospitality industry, including local restaurants, retail, and other entertainment venues ▪ nearly $18 million in Art in Public Places (AIPP) opportunities would cease to exist if construction is stopped 7 Beyond the Revenue: Additional Benefits ▪ HOT revenue supports: ➢ Artists ➢ Local entertainment venues, retail, restaurants ➢ Local business, including creative sector ➢ Nonprofits ➢ Community cultural organizations ➢ Residents + tourists (access/experience) ▪ What are other community benefits? ➢ Affordable or subsidized event and meeting space for community groups, cultural organizations, and creative practitioners. ➢ Increased programming partnerships, including festivals, showcases, and creative industry events. ➢ Expanded tourism activity, which supports local performers, vendors, hospitality workers, and cultural venues. ➢ Long-term stabilization for cultural funding streams ➢ Public art opportunities at the Convention Center site ➢ Increased national profile for Austin’s creative sectors ➢ Spillover visitation to events, museums, venues, districts 8 Kick …
MUSIC COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20260302-010 Date: 3/2/2026 Subject: Music Commission FY26-27 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Commissioner Silva Seconded By: Vice-Chair Carvalho Recommendation As Austin continues to grow and evolve, the Music Commission recommends the following FY 2026–2027 budget priorities to advance inclusive development while strengthening the sustainability and long-term growth of Austin’s musicians, music industry professionals, venues, and broader ecosystem. Music Commission FY26–27 Budget Recommendations As Austin continues to grow and evolve, the Music Commission recommends the following FY 2026–2027 budget priorities to advance inclusive development while strengthening the sustainability and long-term growth of Austin’s musicians, music industry professionals, venues, and broader ecosystem. Strengthen the Austin Live Music Fund & HOT Investments Allocate resources for ongoing program evaluation, impact measurement, and stakeholder engagement to refine award strategies. ● Ensure funding structures prioritize broad inclusion and access. Allocate dedicated funding to implement community-based outreach strategies that expand awareness of City grants, programs, and economic opportunities across the City’s diverse diaspora. ● Fund partnerships with community radio, hyperlocal media outlets, and culturally specific organizations to promote City music programs. Conduct fiscal impact study on HOT revenue fluctuations in FY26-27 (SXSW downsizing, Convention Center renovation, tourism shifts etc.). Develop risk mitigation strategies and alternative funding reserves to protect music funding during downturns. Fund all staff salaries for the City’s Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) from the General Fund. · Allocate resources to explore and pilot new funding streams, including Public-private partnerships, Sponsorship frameworks, Philanthropic collaborations, Development incentives. Allocate seed funding to launch pilot initiatives. Creative & Cultural District Implementation ● Provide continued funding and staff capacity to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of creative and cultural district tools that enable creative businesses to benefit from new land use and planning incentives. Increase Visibility of Music Venues Citywide Fund a citywide marketing and branding initiative focused on venues within and outside of downtown. ● Develop digital mapping tools highlighting venues across all council districts. ● Support neighborhood-based promotional campaigns. ● Partner with Visit Austin and local organizations to expand promotional reach. Music Heritage Markers Program ● Establish a funded partnership program with Preservation Austin to create music history markers in all 10 council districts. Include interactive and digital storytelling components linking historic artists to current venues and neighborhoods. Invest in promotional and wayfinding signage in central music districts to highlight live music destinations. Establish funding to expand AACME website information on …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026, AT 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd ST AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs 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 Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Caroline Solis AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Azeem Edwin Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Meghna Roy Yohana Saucedo 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 Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on February 2, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Quality-of-Life Study Working Group regarding progress with the Institutional Review Board, data collectors, and study practices. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a Recommendation to Council to expand and strengthen eviction prevention programs to protect housing stability. 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council to establish a dedicated funding framework for a universal immigration representation model. 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council to prioritize filling the Immigrant Affairs Manager position to strengthen city coordination and leadership. 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council to fund comprehensive equity and inclusion trainings across city departments. 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council to re-instate and fund the Family Stabilization Grant. 8. Approve a Recommendation to Council to maintain and increase funding support for American Gateways’ Immigrant Legal Services to ensure ongoing community access to representation. 9. Approve a statement of concern regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Dorantes called the meeting to order at 6:38pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Azeem Edwin Diane Kanawati Caroline Solis Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adrian De La Rosa Canan Kaba Meghna Roy Commissioners Absent: Alondra Johnson, Vice Chair Aditi Joshi Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Melissa Ortega Yohana Saucedo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ana Maria Rea - Mama Sana Vibrant Woman Alicia Torres - Policy Package 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on January 5, 2025. The minutes of the January 5, 2026, regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved during the February 2, 2026, regular meeting on Commissioner Kanawati’s motion, Commissioner Edwin’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Johnson, and Commissioners Joshi, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Ortega, and Saucedo were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and its request for the prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 26-27 budget. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. The presentation was given by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. 3. Discussion of a community concern around interactions between Austin Police with U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Budget Working Group regarding areas of support and deadlines for the submission of budget recommendations. Update was provided by Chair Dorantes and Commissioner Kanawati. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a list of budget priorities for each commissioner’s district. Withdrawn. 6. Approve the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ alternative representative for the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to approve Commissioner Edwin as the Joint Inclusion Committee alternate for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved on Commissioner Edwin’s motion, Commissioner Kanawati’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Johnson and Commissioners Joshi, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Ortega, and Saucedo were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve budget recommendations for FY 27 Budget. Approve a draft statement about board concerns for Immigration and Custom Enforcement. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 8:04 on Chair Dorantes’ motion. 2
