SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling at ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3568 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Melinda Avitia Harriett Kirsh Pozen Maryam Khawar Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Danielle Bryant Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Tannya Oliva Martínez AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on November 24, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Approve the formation of a working group to provide budget recommendations for the City of Austin FY2026-27 budget. Approve a recommendation to City Council regarding Austin Police Department’s involvement with United States Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Human Rights Resource Guide Working Group regarding progress on the working group goals. 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 Ryan Sperling at Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Ryan Sperling at 512-974- 3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number (20260202-003): Recommendation to City Council regarding Austin Police Department’s involvement with United States Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE): WHEREAS, The Human Rights Commission advises the City of Austin on policies that protect civil rights, prevent discrimination, and promote fair and equitable treatment of all Austinites; and WHEREAS, public safety depends on trust between the community and local law enforcement, especially for victims who must feel safe calling 911 and reporting crimes; and WHEREAS, civil immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), not our local police departments; and WHEREAS, when local law enforcement become involved in civil immigration matters, community members are less likely to seek help or report crimes due to fear; and WHEREAS, in January 2026, the Austin Police Department (APD) transferred a mother and her young child to ICE after responding to a disturbance call, raising widespread public concern about APD policies and practices; and WHEREAS, APD leadership has expressed that department policies related to ICE contact are under review; and WHEREAS, City legal guidance has acknowledged that Texas law under Senate Bill 4 limits the City’s ability to prohibit all cooperation with federal immigration authorities, but it does not require cities to expand local policing into civil immigration enforcement; and WHEREAS, Mayor Pro Tem Vela has stated that while a blanket prohibition on ICE contact is restricted by state law, the City retains discretion to adopt certain policies that prioritize public safety and community trust; and WHEREAS, such policies could include clear guidance which ensures that ICE notifications occur rarely, require supervisory approval, and be limited to cases involving serious or violent offenses; and WHEREAS, publicly available information shows that APD has contacted ICE numerous times in recent years based on administrative immigration warrants, raising concerns about consistency, transparency, and impacts on community trust; and WHEREAS, residents across Austin and Texas have expressed significant concern about the actions of ICE on civil liberties, including through public demonstrations and walkouts; and WHEREAS, research has shown that increased partnership between local police and federal immigration enforcement is associated with reduced crime reporting, weakened police– community relationships, and negative public safety outcomes; and WHEREAS, local government has a responsibility to protect civil liberties, maintain public trust, and act in the best interests of the people it serves; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, November 24, 2025 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St., Boards & Commissions Room, in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon Maryam Khawar Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam Danielle Bryant Morgan Davis Harriett Kirsh Pozen Tannya Oliva Martinez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on October 20, 2025. The minutes of the October 20, 2025 meeting were approved without objection on Commissioner Kirsh Pozen’s motion. Commissioner Bryant was off the dais. Commissioners Morgan Avitia, Krueger, and Zeidan were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations’ current homelessness response efforts and key metrics. Briefing by David Gray, Director, Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations. The presentation was made by David Gray, Director, Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action to amend the 2025 Annual Schedule to remove the December 2025 meeting. The 2025 Annual Schedule was amended to remove the December meeting on Commissioner Bryant’s motion, Commissioner Kirsh Pozen’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Morgan Avitia, Krueger, and Zeidan were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Human Rights Resource Guide Working Group regarding the status of the resource guide. Update by Commissioner Bryant. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Update working group membership – Duhon, Bryant Discussion on children in foster care and the pipeline – Aslam, Davis Human Rights Resource Guide Working Group Update – Bryant, Duhon ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting without objection at 6:58 p.m. 2
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number (20260202-01) Recommendation to City Council regarding Austin Police Department’s involvement with United States Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE): WHEREAS, The Human Rights Commission advises the City of Austin on policies that protect civil rights, prevent discrimination, and promote fair and equitable treatment of all Austinites; and WHEREAS, public safety depends on trust between the community and local law enforcement, especially for victims who must feel safe calling 911 and reporting crimes; and WHEREAS, civil immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), not our local police departments; and WHEREAS, when local law enforcement become involved in civil immigration matters, community members are less likely to seek help or report crimes due to fear; and WHEREAS, in January 2026, the Austin Police Department (APD) transferred a mother and her young child to ICE after responding to a disturbance call, raising widespread public concern about APD policies and practices; and WHEREAS, APD leadership has expressed that department policies related to ICE contact are under review; and WHEREAS, City legal guidance has acknowledged that Texas law under Senate Bill 4 limits the City’s ability to prohibit all cooperation with federal immigration authorities, but it does not require cities to expand local policing into civil immigration enforcement; and WHEREAS, Mayor Pro Tem Vela has stated that while a blanket prohibition on ICE contact is restricted by state law, the City retains discretion to adopt certain policies that prioritize public safety and community trust; and WHEREAS, such policies could include clear guidance which ensures that ICE notifications occur rarely, require supervisory approval, and be limited to cases involving serious or violent offenses; and WHEREAS, publicly available information shows that APD has contacted ICE numerous times in recent years based on administrative immigration warrants, raising concerns about consistency, transparency, and impacts on community trust; and WHEREAS, residents across Austin and Texas have expressed significant concern about the actions of ICE on civil liberties, including through public demonstrations and walkouts; and WHEREAS, research has shown that increased partnership between local police and federal immigration enforcement is associated with reduced crime reporting, weakened police–community relationships, and negative public safety outcomes; and WHEREAS, local government has a responsibility to protect civil liberties, maintain public trust, and act in the best interests of the people it serves; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the Human …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE HIV PLANNING COUNCIL MONDAY FEBRUARY 2ND, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, RM. 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 MEMBERS: Kelle’ Martin, Chair Marquis Goodwin, Vice Chair Kristina McRae-Thompson Joe Anderson Jr. Alicia Alston Liza Bailey Aran Belani Henry Chan Jeremy Caballero Judith Hassan Drew Kyler AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up no later than noon on 1/30/2026 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 on October 27th, 2025. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS 2. Members will declare conflicts of interest with relevant agenda items, service categories, and/or service standards. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Introductions/Announcements 4. Office of Support Staff Briefing 5. Administrative Agent Staff Briefing 6. Part B Staff Briefing DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Discussion of legislative responsibilities 8. Discussion of governing documents a. Bylaws b. Policy and Procedures c. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 9. Discussion of data binder request contents DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Discussion and approval of HIV Planning Council officer nominations a. Chair b. Treasurer COMMITTEE UPDATES 11. Care Strategies and Engagement Committee 12. Finance and Assessment Committee FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 13. 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.
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE HIV PLANNING COUNCIL MONDAY FEBRUARY 2ND, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, RM. 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 MEMBERS: Kelle’ Martin, Chair Marquis Goodwin, Vice Chair Kristina McRae-Thompson Joe Anderson Jr. Alicia Alston Liza Bailey Aran Belani Henry Chan Jeremy Caballero Judith Hassan Drew Kyler AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Discussion and approval of Reallocations for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Contracts 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 MEETING OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026, AT 10:00 A.M. AUSTIN HUMAN RESOURCES’ LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E BEN WHITE, SUITE 500 AUSTIN, TX 78741 Some members of the City of Austin Firefighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission may be participating by video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Matthew Chustz, 512-974- 2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. The committee may go into a closed session under the Open Meetings Act, Section 551.071, of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from legal counsel on any item on this agenda. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jolsna Thomas, Chair Mitchell Kreindler 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 from the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Special Called Meeting on December 5, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Discussion and action regarding the request of one or more Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services candidates to the Commission to appoint a three-member board for another mental or physical examination, as applicable, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.022(c), and City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 5.05. Discussion and action regarding the appointment of a physician, psychiatrist, or psychologist to examine an Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services’ Clinical Specialist-Field, Robert Kaminowitz, and to submit a report to the commission, department head, and the Clinical Specialist-Field, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.081, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Personnel Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 15.04. Discussion and election of Vice Chair of the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission in compliance with City of Austin Fire Fighters’, …
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Friday, December 5, 2025 FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’, AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025 The City of Austin Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 5202 E. Ben White Boulevard, Suite 500, in Austin, Texas. Chair Thomas called the City of Austin Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. Civil Service Commissioners in Attendance: Jolsna Thomas, Chair; Farah Ahmed, Vice Chair; and Mitchell Kreindler, Commissioner PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None Present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the City of Austin Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Special Called Meeting on September 19, 2025. The minutes from the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission special called meeting on September 19, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Ahmed’s motion, Commissioner Kreindler’s second on a 3-0 vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Austin Fire Department Fire Specialist written promotional examination administered on November 5, 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.034, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 7. The motion to approve the appeal of exam question 64 and to accept all answers as correct, was approved on Vice Chair Ahmed’s motion, Commissioner Kreindler’s second on a 3-0. 3. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Clinical Specialist-Communications written promotional examination administered on November 13, 1 CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Friday, December 5, 2025 4. 5. 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.034, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 7. The motion to approve the appeal of both exam questions 32 and 63 and to accept answers A & D as correct for both of the appealed exam questions, was approved on Commissioner Kreindler’s motion, Vice Chair Ahmed’s second on a 3-0. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Clinical Specialist-Field written promotional examination administered on November 13, 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section …
SPECIAL-CALLED MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1407 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Nicole Corona at 512- 974-3146 or nicole.corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Saira Khan Conners Ladner Marissa McKinney Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five 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 Design Commission regular meeting on December 15, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the update to the Downtown Density Bonus Program. Presentation by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard, Murkes, and Wittstruck. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the Design Commission’s strategy prioritizing urban design in Density Bonus Program projects in the City of Austin. Sponsors: Commissioners Howard and Wittstruck. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council two-way conversions downtown. Presented by Adam Greenfield, Safe Streets. Sponsors: Commissioners Carroll and Howard. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard & Nueces Street, located at 601, 607, 611, 619 West Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, 1809 Rio Grande Street, 1806 Nueces Street, 1801 Rio Grande Street, 604 West 18th Street and 1800 Nueces Street, complies with the Urban Design Guidelines for the City of Austin in accordance with Land Development Code § 25-2-586 (C)(1)(a)(ii). Presented by Leah Bojo, Drenner Group, PC, Justin Short, STG Design, and Chris Jackson, Fable Landscape Architecture. Approve a recommendation to City Council to recognize the Design Commission as an official stakeholder in the Density Bonus Program update process and recommend that the Design Commission and Staff advance council-requested updates to …
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Conners Ladner Marissa McKinney PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on October 27, 2025. The minutes from the Design Commission regular meeting on October 27, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Howard’s motion, Commissioner Aradhyula’s second, on a 7- 0 vote. Commissioners Gelles and Murkes were off the dais. Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Khan were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of analysis on the Design Commission's recommendations and the final approved Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years. 1 The item was discussed. 3. 4. Discussion of the draft Urban Design Guidelines regarding the sections: Introduction, Core Principle A: Protect Pedestrians and Bicyclists from the Elements, and Core Principle B: Protect Sidewalk and Bikeway Users from Motor Vehicles. The motion to postpone the item indefinitely was approved on Commissioner Howard’s motion, Chair Salinas’ second, on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Khan were absent. Discussion of the timeline and obstacles of the update to the Urban Design Guidelines. Sponsors: Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners, and Commissioner Howard. The item was discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Discussion and action to select Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years to analyze outcomes. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. The motion to postpone the item indefinitely was approved on Commissioner Wittstruck’s motion, Chair Salinas’ second, on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Khan were absent. Discussion and action to select members for the Planning and Urban Design Working Group. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Howard. The motion to assign Commissioner Gelles to the Planning and Urban Design Working Group was approved on Chair Salinas’ motion, Commissioner Howard’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Meiners and Commissioner Khan were absent. COMMITTEE UPDATES 7. 8. Update from the representative of the Downtown Commission regarding the meeting on November 19, 2025. The update was given …
DDB Phase 1 – Program Format Austin Planning | Design Commission | 1/26/25 DDB Phase 1 Current Downtown Density Bonus Program Base Entitlements Sites have height and FAR limits set by their base zoning (e.g., CBD = 350ft of height & 8:1 FAR*) Participating in DDB Sites must meet gatekeeper requirements + community benefits in exchange for additional entitlements (i.e., height & FAR) Height & FAR Map Existing height & FAR map indicates additional height and FAR limits that can be achieved within each subdistrict Exceeding Height & FAR Map Sites can request Council approval to exceed allowed height and FAR limits *FAR limits do not apply to residential or mixed-use projects meeting SB840 standards 3 4 5 Proposed Amendment Approach Phase I: Create new zoning combining district(s) that include updated program requirements and regulations for Downtown Density Bonus Rezone Phase I geography into the new combining district through area-wide rezoning Phase II: Refine regulations, create additional combining districts as needed, and rezone the remainder of geography into the new combining districts Moving forward: Property owners would be able to request rezoning into higher intensity combining districts 6 Downtown Density Bonus Program – Phase 1 Create New Combining Districts (-DDB or similar) Every property within a combining district gets the same height in exchange for the same affordable housing (e.g., combining district 1 provides +100ft in exchange for 5% affordable units (or fee-in-lieu) while combining district 2 provides +400ft in exchange for 7% affordable units (or fee-in-lieu) ) Additional height is additive to the property’s base zoning height limit Define New Core Subdistrict in the Land Development Code Properties within subdistrict are eligible to rezone to the DDB Combining Districts Gatekeeper requirements or community benefits menu could be customized for each subdistrict Rezone properties within Core Subdistrict to new DDB Combining District Properties can add a fixed amount of height above their base height in exchange for participation in the DDB program If properties desire additional height, they can request rezoning into higher intensity combining districts 7 Program Heights Max. Height (?? ft) Height (?? ft) Base Height (350 ft) CBD by-right entitlements today Entitlements after DDB update and city-initiated rezoning Future max. entitlements to be requested via rezoning 8 Downtown Heights Current CBD Base Height …
Two-Way Street Conversions in Downtown Austin One Policy: Many Benefits 49% Fewer crashes 23% Less crime 39% Property value rise Two-Way Street Conversion: Evidence of Increased Livability in Louisville KY (Riggs & Gilderbloom (2015), Journal of Planning Education and Research 10-20% Increase in retail sales (Vancouver WA) "One-way streets should not be allowed in prime downtown retail areas. We've proven that." Rebecca Ocken, Executive Director, Vancouver WA Downtown Association “The design has facilitated a better response from police and fire.” “When we experience a problem, we are provided with more options to redirect traffic.” Wm. Todd Bailey, Police Chief, New Albany IN Less Congestion, Shorter Travel Times “Dozens of cities have reconfigured one-way streets into two-way streets as a means of bringing their downtowns to life.” Governing Magazine Two-Way Conversions: One Policy, Many Benefits ● Safer streets ● More walking and bicycling ● Healthier local businesses ● Faster emergency access ● Lower crime ● Higher property values ● Easier navigation and access Addressing Left-Turn Lanes & Transit Reliability ● Left-turn pockets ● Leading left-turn traffic signals ● All-way stops ● Prohibit left turns at certain intersections and/or at certain times Two-Way Conversions: Success Every Time in Austin 1992: First Street / E Cesar Chavez, Second Street (east of I-35) 2008: Cesar Chavez, Second Street 2015: Brazos Street 2017: 5th Street 2018: Colorado Street 2019: 16th, 17th, 18th Street “Sixth Street should be immediately converted to two-way traffic…" Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT) of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), 1991 “Just do it.” “15 minutes after you make the change [to two-way], people will be asking why you didn’t do it 25 years earlier.” Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak (2010)
W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Nueces Street | Austin, TX Downtown Density Bonus Program Application Package TABLE OF CONTENTS APPLICANT SUMMARY LETTER DOWNTOWN DENSITY BONUS APPLICATION VICINITY PLAN & NEARBY TRANSIT FACILITIES EXHIBIT NEARBY OPEN SPACE EXHIBIT SITE PLAN FLOOR PLANS EXTERIOR ELEVATION PLANS GREAT STREETS PLANS AND EXHIBIT CIRCULATION EXHIBIT DEVELOPMENT BONUS COMMUNITY BENEFITS CALCULATION DESIGN COMMISSION PROJECT REVIEW APPLICATION URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES MATRIX December 16, 2025 Via Electronic Delivery Ms. Lauren Middleton-Pratt Planning Department City of Austin 1000 E 11th Street Austin, TX 78702 Re: W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard & Nueces Street – Downtown Density Bonus Program (“DDBP”) Application and Summary of Compliance with the City of Austin’s Urban Design Guidelines for a hotel and residential tower project located at 601, 607, 611, 619 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 1809 Rio Grande St and 1806 Nueces St, 1801 Rio Grande Street, 604 W 18th Street and 1800 Nueces Street (the “Property”). Dear Ms. Middleton-Pratt: On behalf of the property owners, The 1806 Group LP, Jack Brown Family II Limited Partnership, Triple Play Properties LTD and Scott Sayers (“Owners”), please accept this letter and supporting documentation as a true and complete submittal application for the Downtown Density Bonus Program (“DDBP”) for the property located on the block bounded by W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the north, Rio Grande Street to the west, Nueces Street to the east and W. 18th Street to the south in Austin, Texas. The project consists of a full-block development comprising a 37-story hotel/condominium building and a 34-story residential building, with the existing alley retained between the two structures. The northern building will include 287 hotel keys, 61 residential units and approximately 4,903 SF of pedestrian-oriented uses (retail/restaurant) at the ground floor. The southern building will have 318 residential units and approximately 6,515 SF of retail. The Property is located within the Northwest subdistrict of the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP) and is zoned General Commercial Services (“CS”), General Commercial Services – Mixed Use (“CS- MU”), (“GO”) and (“DMU-CO”). The Property is expected be entitled to a floor-to-area ratio (“FAR”) of 5:1 after rezoning to Downtown Mixed-Use – Conditional Overlay (DMU-CO), via zoning cases C14-2025-0090 and C14-2025-0093 that are currently in review. The eastern half of the Property is located within the DDBP and is eligible to participate in the program up to a maximum of 3:1 FAR. The …
context map • the surrounding 9 blocks • key neighborhoods/ districts • core transit corridors • public transportation STATION AT ~24TH STREET BUS STOP FUTURE LIGHT RAIL Overall Context Plan BUS STOP STATION AT 15TH STREET 0 45’ 90’ 180’ The information shown is based on the best information available and is subject to change without notice.MLK & Nueces01.21.2026 technical site plan • dimensional control for coa great streets • integration of planting ar- eas, vehicular drop-offs, etc. Overall Technical Plan COA Great Streets Compliance 0 10’ 20’ 40’ The information shown is based on the best information available and is subject to change without notice.MLK & Nueces01.21.2026
enlargement technical site plan (NORTH) • dimensional control for coa great streets • integration of planting areas, vehicular drop-offs, etc. Enlarged Technical Plan (North) 0 7.5’ 15’ 30’ The information shown is based on the best information available and is subject to change without notice.MLK & Nueces01.21.2026
enlargement technical site plan (south) • dimensional control for coa great streets • integration of planting areas, vehicular drop-offs, etc. Enlarged Technical Plan (South) 0 7.5’ 15’ 30’ The information shown is based on the best information available and is subject to change without notice.MLK & Nueces01.21.2026
illustrative level 1 site plan • interior uses fused with exterior uses Illustrative Overall Site Plan The information shown is based on the best information available and is subject to change without notice.MLK & Nueces01.21.2026w. 18th StreetNueces streetmartin luther king jr. blvd.rio grande street illustrative level 1 site plan - activated - any day • interior uses fused with exterior uses • exterior spaces activated • landscape lighting would include the following: - AE CObra-head streetlights - gfci outlets at trees for seasonal, festive lighting - southwest park would likely have small, integrat ed bollards in the \ landscape to illuminate - potential festoon / feature lighting in the alley Illustrative Overall Site Plan - Activated The information shown is based on the best information available and is subject to change without notice.MLK & Nueces01.21.2026w. 18th StreetNueces streetmartin luther king jr. blvd.rio grande streetpublic alleyrio grande streetNueces street illustrative level 1 site plan - activated - farmers market in alley • interior uses fused with exterior uses • exterior spaces activated • specialty programming, i.e. farmer’s market • landscape lighting would include the following: - AE CObra-head streetlights - gfci outlets at trees for seasonal, festive lighting - southwest park would likely have small, integrat ed bollards in the landscape to illuminate - potential festoon / feature lighting in the alley Illustrative Overall Site Plan - Activated The information shown is based on the best information available and is subject to change without notice.MLK & Nueces01.21.2026w. 18th StreetNueces streetmartin luther king jr. blvd.rio grande streetpublic alleyrio grande streetNueces street coa and daa history, interest, and focus on alley activation Downtown Austin - Alley Activation! 0 10’ 20’ 40’ The information shown is based on the best information available and is subject to change without notice.MLK & Nueces01.21.2026 conceptual rendering of alley activation - farmer’s market Conceptual Rendering - Activated Alley - Farmer’s Market The information shown is based on the best information available and is subject to change without notice.MLK & Nueces01.21.2026 MLK & Nueces thank you. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD. row centerline front of median curb drive lane 4 bike racks, (8 bikes) drive lane 2 benches trashcan streetlight row centerline front of median curb drive lane drive lane RIGHT OF WAY PROPERTY LINE trashcan streetlight 2 benches l planting zone patio zone planting zone a t n e m e p p u s l e n …
W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Nueces Street Design Commission January 26, 2026 1 Neighborhood Context 2 Current Zoning and Use • • Zoning Application #1: • CS (General Commercial Services) and CS-MU (General Commercial Services – Mixed Use) to DMU-CO (Downtown Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay) Zoning Application #2: • GO (General Office) and DMU-CO (Downtown Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay) to DMU-CO (Downtown Mixed Use – Conditional Overlay) • Surrounded by DMU, ETOD, UNO overlay districts • Currently used as retail buildings and multifamily residences 3 Project Compliance 1. Compliance with LDC §25-2-586 (C)(1)(b): Compliance with Great Streets Standards 2. Compliance with LDC §25-2-586 (C)(1)(c): Minimum Austin Energy Green Building 2-Star Rating 3. Compliance with LDC §25-2-586 (C)(1)(a): Substantial Compliance with Urban Design Guidelines 4. Review Community Benefits Calculation Austin Energy Green Building 3-Star Rating Affordable Housing Fee-in-lieu 4 Downtown Density Bonus Location 5 Downtown Density Bonus Location 66 Site & Project Facts Address: Boulevard, Lot Size: 601, 607, 611, 615, 619 W Martin Luther King Jr 1801 and 1809 Rio Grande Street, 1800, 1802, 1806 Nueces Street and 602, 604 W 18th Street 41,829 SF (North Tower) 41,309 SF (South Tower) DMU Zoning Entitled Height: 120’ Proposed Height: 433’-6” (North Tower) 406’-6” (South Tower) DMU Zoning Entitled FAR: 5:1 Requested DDBP FAR: Overall Site FAR Average: 20:1 10:1 7 8 Southwest Corner Pocket Park Areas for Improvement: • • • • AW.4 Buffer Neighborhood Edges. PZ.2 Contribute to an Open Space Network PZ.4 Incorporate Open Space into Residential Development PZ. 12 Use Plants to Enliven Urban Spaces 9 Northeast Entry Areas for Improvement: • • • • PS.1 Protect the Pedestrian Where the Building Meets the Street. PS.4 Reinforce Pedestrian activity B. 3 Accentuate Primary Entrances B. 7 Create Buildings with Human Scale 10 Southwest Entry Areas for Improvement: • • • • PS.1 Protect the Pedestrian Where the Building Meets the Street. PS.4 Reinforce Pedestrian activity B. 3 Accentuate Primary Entrances B. 7 Create Buildings with Human Scale 11 Southeast Entry Areas for Improvement: • • • • PS.1 Protect the Pedestrian Where the Building Meets the Street. PS.4 Reinforce Pedestrian activity B. 3 Accentuate Primary Entrances B. 7 Create Buildings with Human Scale 12 Alley at Nueces Areas for Improvement: • • • • PS.6 Enhance the Streetscape PS. 7 Avoid Conflicts between Pedestrians and Utility Equipment PS. 13 Install Pedestrian-Friendly Materials at Street …
A. PROJECT INFORMATION PROJECT NAME PROJECT T YP E Infrastructure Private project PROJECT LOCATIO N/ ADDR ESS PROJECT LOCATIO N/ ADDR ESS City building & site Other Density Bonus A PPLICANT PROPE RT Y O WN ER A PPLICANT MAILI NG A DDRESS PROPE RT Y O WN ER MAI LING AD DR ESS A PPLICANT TELEP HONE N UM BE R PROPE RT Y O WN ER TEL EPHONE NUMBER PROJECT START DATE PROJECT CO MPL E TION DATE A PPLICANT’S ARCHI TE CT A PPL IC ANT’S ENGI NEER Page 8 Design Commission - Project Review Application 1. Indi cate if propo se d Pro jec t is re q u ir e d by City Ordinance to be reviewed by the Design Commiss ion . 2. D escribe the r ec omm end atio n t h at yo u a re requesting from the Desig n Com mission. 3. Current De sig n P hase o f Pro jec t ( D e s ign C o mmission prefers to see pro jec ts right aft er ap proved conceptual, sc he m atic, d esign d ev e lo pm e nt ) . 4. Is thi s Proje ct su bjec t to Site Pl an an d /o r Zonin g application ap provals? Will it b e p rese nt e d to Plann ing Commission and/o r City Co uncil? I f s o , wh en? 5. D o es t his P roj ect c om ply with L an d D ev e l opment Code Subchapter E? List specific ally an y Alternative E quiva lent Comp lianc e r equ est if any. Ple ase refer to website for Alternate Equivalent Com plia nce ( AEC) requirements. Page 9 Design Commission - Project Review Application B. PROJECT BACKGROUND 6. Prov ide proj ec t b ackgro u nd inc lu d ing go als , scope, building/planning type, and sc hedule. Broadly addre ss e ach of the “Shar ed Value s fo r Ur ban A re as ” t hat are listed on Page 6 o f the Ur ban Design Guidelines . 7. Has this proje ct c ondu cted co m mu n it y/ s t ak eholder out reach? If so, please provide do c ume ntation to d emonstrate …
MEMORANDUM Date: To: From: Subject: Meeting Date: Applicant: Working Group Members Present: 01/16/2026 City of Austin Design Commission Planning and Urban Design Working Group Downtown Density Bonus Program review of the W Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. & Nueces Street project 01/14/2026, 12:00 – 1:15 p.m., Virtual Teams Meeting Leah M. Bojo, Drenner Group, PC Nkiru Gelles, Marissa McKinney, Brendan Wittstruck Please note this Memorandum is for discussion purposes only and represents input from the Planning and Urban Design Working Group to the applicant. It is not a recommendation from the Design Commission. The applicant is requesting to participate in the Downtown Density Bonus Program (“DDBP”) to exceed the maximum FAR allowed administratively and obtain a maximum of 20:1 FAR for the DDBP half and 10:1 overall Project FAR. The western half, located outside of the DDBP area, will remain at 5:1 maximum FAR. The gross site area for the Property is 41,829 SF (North) and 41,309 SF (South), resulting in a base entitlement of 209,145 SF (North) and 516,365 SF (South). The overall Project FAR of 10:1 will allow for an additional 207,415 SF (North) and 204,623 SF (South). Per Section 25-2-586-Downtown Density Bonus Program, the first Gatekeeper Requirement states: (a) To receive bonus area, the director must determine that the project substantially complies with the Urban Design Guidelines. i. ii. The applicant must submit to the director a schematic level site plan, building elevations, and other drawings, simulations or other documents necessary to fully describe the urban design character of the project and relationship of the project to its surroundings. The Design Commission shall evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the project complies with the Urban Design Guidelines and the director shall consider comments and recommendations of the Design Commission. Urban Design Guidelines Area-Wide Urban Guidelines Create Dense Urban Development Create Mixed-Use Development AW.2 AW.1 Compliance (Y/N) Comment Y Y 1 Density is maximized There is high variety of uses including retail, cultural, hotel, and condo. Limit Developments which Close Downtown Streets AW.3 Y Further Information Req. N N/A Y N/A Further Information Req. Y N/A No streets are being closed, including the alley, which is appreciated. The urban fabric to the west of this project is far less dense and much lower in height. It appears as though there is some articulation on the western side but it does look very bare in the elevations with a …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Design Commission Recommendation Number: 20260202-006: Completion of Updates to the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines WHEREAS, the City of Austin Urban Design Guidelines, created in 2000 as a set of recommendations that promote urban design standards reflective of Austin’s planning goals and policies and shared values, have not been revised since 2009 and are in need of a substantive update to address today’s development context, support current best practices in urban design, provide more clarity and predictability for applicants, improve objectivity and consistency in interpreting design guidelines, and broader applicability across the city’s urban corridors and centers, and WHEREAS, the Design Commission is chartered to offer policy recommendations regarding specific issues on urban design and participate in developing design guidelines, and WHEREAS, to receive density bonus area, the director must determine that projects seeking to participate in the Density Bonus Program substantially comply with the Urban Design Guidelines; and the Design Commission shall evaluate and make recommendations regarding whether the project complies with the Urban Design Guidelines; and the director shall consider comments and recommendations of the Design Commission, and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 20210902-046 directed the City Manager to “initiate an inclusive and robust multi-phased stakeholder process for updating the Urban Design Guidelines” and to “provide the necessary support and resources to the Commission to achieve the multiple phases of the update, including preparation, creation and finalization of the guidelines and ensure appropriate review by relevant City departments and boards and commission before returning to city council for approval upon completion of this work” in September 2021. WHEREAS, the Planning Department provided a memo to Council extending the response deadline for Resolution No 20210902-046 to November 21, 2024, following initial Commission-led stakeholder meetings with subject-matter experts, and . WHEREAS, the Urban Design Guidelines Working Group of the Design Commission responded to staff comments from relevant city departments and delivered a working draft of the updated guidelines to the Design Commission liaison staff in May 2025 and was not informed until December 2025 that staff had concerns over the draft language. WHEREAS, the Design Commission has requested but has not received these new written comments on the working draft of the updated guidelines from staff and thus has not had the opportunity to refine the draft to address staff comments. WHEREAS, Council Resolution No. 20210902-046 cites the needs for design recommendations for architecture, site …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 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 January 5, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and a request for the prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 26-27 budget. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co- Executive Director, American Gateways. 3. Discussion of community concern around interactions between Austin Police with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Budget Working Group regarding areas of support and deadlines for the submission of budget recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a list of budget priorities for each commissioner’s district. 6. Approve the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ alternative representative for the Joint Inclusion Committee. 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 Nekaybaw Watson at Austin City Clerk’s Office Department, at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs please contact Nekaybaw Watson at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Ortega called the meeting to order at 6:41pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Melissa Ortega Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adrian De La Rosa Canan Kaba Diane Kanawati Meghna Roy Yohana Saucedo Caroline Solis Commissioners Absent: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Alondra Johnson, Vice Chair Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on December 1, 2025. 1 The minutes of the December 1st, 2025, regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved during the January 5th, 2026, regular meeting on Commissioner Kanawati’s motion, Commissioner Joshi’s second on a 9-0 vote. Chair Dorantes, Vice Chair Johnson, and Commissioner Lincoln-Goldfinch were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the upcoming programs and services for immigrant support and a recap of Welcoming Week 2025. Presentation provided by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Rocio Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Manager and DACA Liaison Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. The presentation was made by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Rocio Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Manager and DACA Liaison Officer. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ primary representative for the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to approve Commissioner Diane Kanawati as the primary representative for the Joint Inclusion Committee was approved on Commissioner Ortega’s motion, Commissioner Joshi’s second on a 9-0 vote. Chair Dorantes, Vice Chair Johnson, and Commissioner Lincoln-Goldfinch were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve the appointment of an alternate representative for the Joint Inclusion Committee. Human Rights Framework Presentation including milestones, expected outcomes, and commission feedback. – Joshi, Ortega Update from the Budget Working Group, Quality of Life Study Working Group, and U-Visa T-Visa Working Group. – Ortega, Joshi ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 7:26p.m. on Commissioner Ortega’s motion. 2
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. VIRTUAL MEETING Some members of the Art in Public Places Panel 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 Art in Public Places Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7852. CURRENT PANEL MEMBERS: Kristi-Anne Shaer, Chair Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison Camille Jobe Andrew Danziger, Vice Chair Bernardo Diaz Lindsey Millikan 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 Art in Public Places Panel Regular meeting on January 5, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Art in Public Places Program, including Conservation, Current Projects and Milestones. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from January 26, 2026, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. Discussion of the Art in Public Places Panel retreat in 2026. Discussion of the Palmer Events Center Art in Public Places Project Mid-Design. Presentation by Amy Landesberg, Art in Public Places Artist and Ryan Runcie, AIPP Coordinator, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the NESC Garage Façade Art in Public Places Project Artist Selection. Presentation by Rebecca Rende, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the 2026-2028 Art in Public Places Pre-Qualified Texas Public Artist Pool Request for Qualifications. Presentation by Rebecca Rende, AIPP Coordinator Senior, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment. 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, …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION JANUARY 28, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review 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 Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or Lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: William Ross Pumfrey, Chair Luis Figueroa Haksoon Andrea Low Claire Reynolds Brittany Sharkey, Vice Chair Patrick Keel Wallace Lundgren District 5 – Vacancy District 1 – Vacancy William King Brian McGiverin 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 Ethics Review Commission Regular Called meeting on December 10, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Set and adopt the revised regular meeting calendar of the Ethics Review Commission for the months of July, November, and December 2026. Declare a vacancy in the office of secretary and hold emergency election to fill the vacancy. Adopt the new bylaws template. Page 1 of 2 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 Lizette Benitez or Caroline Webster at the Law Department, at (512) 974-2268, to request service or for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Ethics Review Commission, please contact Caroline Webster at (512) 974-1353. For the 2024 meeting schedule, agendas, and additional information about the Commission, see: Ethics Review Commission | AustinTexas.gov. ERC STANDARD PUBLIC COMMUNICATION INSTRUCTIONS NOTICE Regarding Public Communication Sign-in required: If appearing in person at the …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026 AT 6:30 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, EVENTS CENTER, ROOM 1406 & 1407 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 Kaela Champlin, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@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 Regular Meeting on December 3, 2025 and the Special Called meeting on January 7, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Amend the 2026 Environmental Commission meeting schedule. Recommendation related to Item 64 on the January 22, 2026 Austin City Council Agenda, for a public hearing and consideration of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-10 (Sign Regulations) to authorize larger signs in the public right-of-way that include electronic images, lights, and off-premises advertising. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. Name: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 Applicant: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC Location: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Council District: Not applicable. Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Wastewater Service Extension Revision Staff Recommendation: Not Recommended 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 Kaela Champlin at Austin Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. …
2026 Environmental Commission DRAFT Meeting Schedule Permitting and Development Center (PDC) Events Center Room 1405, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 6:00 pm January 21 • • February 11 February 4 • February 25 February 18 • March 4 • April 1 (first day of Passover) • April 15 • May 6 • May 20 • June 3 • June 17 • July 1 • July 15: retreat? • August 5 • August 19 • September 2 • September 16 • October 7 • October 21 • November 4 • November 18 • December 2
. RECOMMENDATION TO AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL Environmental Commission Recommendation Number: 20260128-003, Related to Item 64 on January 22, 2026 Austin City Council Agenda, for a public hearing and consideration of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 25-10 (Sign Regulations) to authorize larger signs in the public right-of-way that include electronic images, lights, and off-premises advertising. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission has not been presented to or asked to comment on City Code Chapter 25-10 amendment authorizing larger signs in the public right-of-way that include electronic images, lights, and off-premises advertising, and; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Urban Watershed and Lady Bird Lake Watershed; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission is opposed to the suggested code change for the following reasons; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission feels amending the code would undermine the US Supreme Court decision that upheld the City ordinance that prevents advertising companies from digitizing their off-site-billboards; and WHEREAS, this code amendment, that would support 50 signs of 8ft or less, to be dispersed around the downtown area is against the climate and sustainability goals as it would increase the use of energy and carbon footprint; and WHEREAS, this code amendment will increase light pollution which is in opposition to the Bird City goals of reducing light pollution especially during spring and fall migrations seasons. Light pollution is also detrimental to children’s health; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission feels that these signs are unnecessary given the advancements in smart phone technologies that offer a myriad of wayfinding apps, geofencing and other marketing tools available to the user and businesses; and WHEREAS, there has been limited public engagement on this code change, including not involving all relevant boards and commissions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Environmental Commission opposes amending Code 25- 10. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: . For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________ Jennifer Bristol, Chair
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA Commission Meeting Date: January 28, 2026 Name & Number of Project: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 Name of Applicant: Andrew Milam, Parkside Homes LLC Location: 1107 Castle Ridge Road, Austin, Texas 78746 Council District: Not applicable. Austin 2-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Project Filing Date: October 20, 2025 AWP Environmental Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov Watershed: Barton Creek Watershed, Barton Springs Zone, Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone, Drinking Water Protection Zone Request: Wastewater Service Extension Revision Staff Determination: Not Recommended MEMORANDUM To: From: Jennifer Bristol, Chair, and Members of the Environmental Commission Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, Austin Watershed Protection Date: December 1, 2025 Subject: 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 Service Extension Requests (SERs) located in the Drinking Water Protection Zone and outside of the City of Austin’s full purpose jurisdiction require Council approval and review by the Environmental Commission. Austin Watershed Protection (AWP) staff have completed the review for 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater SER #6290 and do not recommend approval of the request. The applicant previously received an approved SER (SER #5845) for this property that has expired before the improvements could be made. SER #6290 is identical to the original request (SER #5845). The Environmental Commission recommended against approval on September 4, 2024 and the Water and Wastewater Commission’s motion to approve the SER failed on September 11, 2024. Council approved the SER on October 10, 2024. AWP staff did not recommend approval of the original request for the same reasons described in this memo. Site Overview The site consists of one tract of approximately 2.85 acres, located at 1107 Castle Ridge Road. The site is in the City of Austin’s Two-Mile Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), the Barton Creek Watershed, the Barton Springs Zone, and the Drinking Water Protection Zone. It is also within the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone and is subject to the Save Our Springs (SOS) Ordinance. Request Summary The applicant is proposing to subdivide the 2.85-acre lot into three single family residences for homes with driveways and a fire truck turnaround entrance. There is an existing structure on the center lot that will be replaced. The SER is requesting three Living Unit Equivalents (LUEs). A site plan has not been submitted to the City of Austin. Date: Subject: December 1, 2025 1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 Impacts …
1107 Castle Ridge Road Wastewater Service Extension Request #6290 Austin Watershed Protection Department | January 28, 2026 What is a Service Extension Request? A service extension request is an application for City water or wastewater service from a property owner or developer. Required when: a property is more than 100 feet from accessible water/wastewater system or existing infrastructure isn't adequate for the proposed project demands May involve the construction of a new line/associated facility or upgrades to existing lines/facilities. Applicant pays for the associated infrastructure, as outlined in the service extension request. 2 What is a Service Extension Request? A Service Extension Request requires Council approval if property: is in Drinking Water Protection Zone and is outside of the City's full purpose jurisdiction Environmental Commission and Water & Wastewater Commission make recommendations for support or denial. No conditions can be put on Service Extension Requests. 3 Background A Service Extension Request was approved by Council for this property in 2024 and has since expired. AWP staff recommended against approval of the original request for the same reasons described in this presentation September 4, 2024 - Environmental Commission recommended against approval September 11, 2024 – Water & Wastewater Commission motion to approve failed for lack of enough votes October 10, 2024 – Council approved the wastewater service extension request This request is identical to the original service extension request. 4 Request Summary Wastewater Service Request 1107 Castle Ridge Road 2.85 acres 2-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction Barton Creek Watershed (Barton Springs Zone) Located in the Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone Drinking Water Protection Zone Subject to Save Our Springs Ordinance. 5 Service Extension Request #6290 Site Location Austin City Limits Austin extraterritorial jurisdiction Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone Edwards Aquifer Contributing Zone 6 Imagine Austin Growth Concept Map 7 Proposed Development Intended Uses 3 Living Unit Equivalents Subdivide 2.85-acre lot into three single family residences with driveways and a fire truck turnaround entrance Existing structure will be removed and replaced Site plan has not been submitted. 8 Proposed Wastewater Extension Construct 760 ft of gravity wastewater main from existing 8” gravity wastewater main in Whitemarch Valley Walk Extend north to & through the subject tract to Castle Ridge Road. 9 Alternative Wastewater Service Texas …
