Joint Sustainability Committee Resolution on Climate Fee June 26, 2024 WHEREAS, it is the Joint Sustainability Committee’s responsibility to advise “on matters related to conservation and sustainability and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”, and WHEREAS, the greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal established by the Austin City Council in the Climate Equity Plan is to achieve “net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, utilizing a steep decline path followed by negative emissions” that translates to approximately 75% reduction in emission by 2030; and WHEREAS the Joint Sustainability Committee identified over $2.24 billion in one time costs and $96.14 million in ongoing expenses for implementing the Austin Climate Equity Plan and associated city plans; and WHEREAS increasing pressures on the city budget and utility rates will make funding the identified sustainability needs very difficult without a new source of revenue; and WHEREAS other cities have implemented dedicated fees to fund sustainability needs; and WHEREAS the City of Austin already utilizes dedicated fees to fund certain sustainability needs, including at Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery; and WHEREAS funding from existing fees is insufficient in magnitude to fund all existing need and existing fees can only be used to fund certain programs; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin City Council and the City Manager actively pursue establishing a new Green Fee to help fill the funding gap for implementing the Austin Climate Equity Plan and associated city plans, including: ● Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan ● Austin Strategic Mobility Plan ● Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan ● Water Forward ● Watershed Protection Strategic Plan ● Austin/Travis County Food Plan ● One Austin: Climate Resilience Action Plan ● Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan ● Urban Forest Plan This new fee should be structured to provide predictable revenue and should be paid by both residents and businesses.
Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Joint Sustainability Committee Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA June 26, 2024 Agenda Program Information Priority Climate Action Plan ● Emissions Inventory ● Implementation Grant Comprehensive Climate Action Plan ● Process ● Timeline ● How to Get Involved Climate Pollution Reduction Grant ● Funding across the US for regional and state climate planning our region’s efforts ● City of Austin Office of Sustainability leading ● Several deliverables due over four years ● Planning covers the 5 county region: Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell 3 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant March 2024 ● Deliverable 1: Priority Climate Action Plan ○ Completed March 1, a quick sprint ○ Focused list of near-term, high-priority, implementation-ready measures to reduce GHGs August 2025 Priority Climate Action Plan ● Submitted Mar 1 ● Regional GHG inventory ● GHG reduction measures ○ GHG analysis ○ Benefit/co-pollutant analysis ○ LIDAC benefits analysis ○ Workforce analysis ○ Funding analysis ○ Review of authority 2022 GHG Emissions in the Region Comprehensive methodology, results are representative of real emissions in the region Relatively low compared to others in Texas and even nationally ● Houston-Galveston - 31.5 MT CO2e ● Dallas-Fort Worth - 12.9 MT CO2e ● San Francisco Bay Area - 10.9 MT CO2e 2022 GHG Emissions in the Region GHG Emissions by County Legend Per Capita Emissions Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measures ● Key part of deliverable - identification of near-term, implementation-ready greenhouse gas reduction measures + analyses on each ● Input from staff in the region every two weeks ● Workshop, staff intake form, public survey ● Input from Community and Stakeholder Advisory group (30+ members) monthly Project Ideas Scoped Projects Community & Stakeholder Input Analysis ‘Long List’ of Measures GHG Reduction Impact Regional Scope LIDAC benefits Quick to Implement Not covered by other govts In PCAP Implementation Grant Application Advance to ‘Short List’ Priority GHG Reduction Measures Emission Reduction (MT CO2e) 2025-2030 2031-2050 TRANSPOR- TATION BUILDINGS AND ENERGY WATER AND LAND Implement Transportation Demand Management programs 860,806 725,426 Encourage and subsidize Renewable Diesel fuel (R99) availability 705,137 1,127,532 Install community solar and battery storage 50,357 132,429 Implement holistic building-wide upgrades to municipal buildings 27,214 47,236 Implement water conservation programs 34,224 99,379 Implement community-driven tree planting and forest restoration program 41,068 115,854 Cumulative Emissions Avoided by GHG Reduction Measure CPRG Implementation Grants Transportation Demand Management ● COA Transportation and Public Works + TxDOT, CapMetro, CARTS ● $47.85 million ● Mobility …
Climate Fee Joint Sustainability Committee Rohan Lilauwala, Climate Project Manager Office of Sustainability June 26, 2024 1 What are we really trying to achieve? ● Austin is a leader in climate action, one of only four major US Cities with the most aggressive climate goal (net-zero by 2040), and one only five that centers equity. ● Community members, organizations, activists, stakeholders, and City Council are pushing to make progress on climate and environmental goals. ● Creating and passing plans (like the Austin Climate Equity Plan) with no budget and funding plan sets us up for failure. ● Council Resolution No. 20240215-025 forced us to have a conversation around what projects should be priorities and how could pay for them. 2 What are we really trying to achieve? Status Quo: Identify Projects, then Find Money ● Too many projects, hard to prioritize, hard to categorize ● Maybe we find money, maybe we don’t ● No matter how much money is found, stakeholders are unhappy because everything won’t be funded and the process is unclear 3 What are we really trying to achieve? Status Quo: Identify Projects, then Find Money Climate Fee: Have Money, then Identify and Spend on Projects ● Too many projects, hard to prioritize, hard to categorize ● Maybe we find money, maybe we don’t ● No matter how much money is found, stakeholders are unhappy because everything won’t be funded and the process is unclear ● We have a set $ amount to spend and that’s clear to everyone ● Generate project ideas, analyze them, ● prioritize and fit into the budget allowed Some don’t get what they want, but stakeholders feel heard, spending and process is transparent 4 Portland Clean Energy Fund ● Funded by a 1% gross receipts tax on large retailers, approved by voters in 2018 with 65% in support, with support of community-based organizations. ● Portland Clean Energy Fund supports clean energy projects and job training, rooted in climate and environmental justice. ● Guided by the PCEF committee,charged with evaluating the effectiveness of the program in achieving the goals laid out in the Climate Investment Plan. 5 Portland Clean Energy Fund ● Expects to raise $750 million by 2028, spending plan passed in 2023, and features: ○ Planting 25,000 trees in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods to increase tree canopy. ○ Adding energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies in new and redeveloped affordable multifamily housing. ○ Making schools …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024 __________Joint Sustainability Committee_____________ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. The JSC passed the following recommendations over the last year: - July 26, 2023 o 20230726-7 Recommendation of Proposal to Preserve the Independence of the Offices of Sustainability, Resilience, Equity, and Civil Rights o 20230823-6 Recommendation on Multifamily Composting Ordinance o 20230927-010 Recommendation for accelerating implementation of the Austin - August 23, 2023 - September 27, 2023 Climate Equity Plan - December 13, 2023 - January 24, 2024 o 20231213-007 Recommendation for support of Austin Energy Resource Planning o 20240124-002 Recommendations on amendments to the Ausitn Climate Equity Plan on telework and disposal rate goals - February 28, 2024 o 20240228-013 Recommendation on supporting Pro-Climate Food Choices in the Austin Food Plan o Approved amendment to bylaws to add a member from the Austin Travis County Public Health Commission to the Joint Sustainability Committee. o 20240228-015 Recommendation for Support of the goals of the Great Streets Initiative that contribute to the Green Infrastructure Resolution. o 20240228-017 Recommendation for Environmental Impact Study for Parking in Austin - March 27, 2024 - April 30, 2024 o 20240228-014 Recommendations for City of Austin FY25 Budget o 20240327-006 Recommendations on the FY 24-25 Budget o 20240430-002 Recommendation for Environmental Investment Plan Funding 2. Determine if the board’s actions throughout the year comply with the mission statement. (If any of the board’s actions were outside the scope of the mission statement, the report should explain the non-compliance issues.) All of the Joint Sustainability Committees actions complied with its mission statement. 3. List the board’s goals and objectives for the new calendar year. (Make sure the goals and objectives fall within the mission statement of the board/commission.) 1. Oversee and contribute to the implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by working with all city departments, city management and the Austin City Council to evaluate and expand efforts to reduce emissions within City operations and in the community 2. Monitor and advise on effective communication of progress to implement the Austin Climate Equity Plan via the Dashboard, with an emphasis on increasing the level …
Austin Population Change and Demographic Trends Joint Inclusion Committee June 26, 2024 Austin’s population has been doubling every 20 to 25 years. Recent growth has been at a slower rate. 1,137,983 961,855 974,447 Period of greatest growth 656,562 Period of fastest growth since 1900 251,808 National Ranking: 73rd 67th 56th 42nd 27th 16th 14th 11th 10th Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Censuses 1870 – 2020; 2022 Vintage Census Bureau Population Estimates; 2025, 2030 CoA Projections. 2 1,250,000 1,000,000 750,000 500,000 250,000 .974 million 4,428 0 Diversity has always been a part of Austin’s growth history. 900000 800000 700000 600000 500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0 First time Hispanics were broken out from White. Black population split into “free” and “slave”. Initially measured simply as “Chinese”. “Mexican” included in Other Race. White Hispanic Black 1850 628 1860 2505 1870 2813 1880 7407 1900 1890 10956 16414 22366 27928 38209 73025 114652 161806 184859 232324 287166 353706 385271 452994 1940 1930 1950 1960 1990 2020 1970 1980 2010 2000 1910 1920 American Indian & Alaska Native Asian & Pacific Islander Population 9 10 1 8 2 14 22 27 29 4 40 10 107 39 184 170 622 1,003 1,756 1,967 2,002 3,642 14,141 31,421 49,560 86,381 1 989 1615 3587 3610 5822 7478 6921 14861 17667 24413 29845 42118 55824 66738 60760 66002 5014 9868 36623 64766 106868 200579 277707 312448 Asian & Pacific Islander Population American Indian & Alaska Native Black Hispanic White Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Historical Census 1790-1990; Texas Demographic Center 1980-2000; data.census.gov 2010-2020 3 Race & Ethnicity Questions on the Census through History White Black Asian American Indian or Alaska Native Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Another Hispanic Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/interactives/what-census-calls-us/ 4 Where do Austinites come from? Place of Birth, 2022 Total Population Hispanics Asians Born in Texas Born in other US State Native born, outside US Born in Another Country 48% 32% 2% 18% 58% 13% 2% 27% 19% 18% 2% 61% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-Year Estimates Note: Figures in red represent a decrease since 2012, in blue an increase since 2012. 5 Components of Population Change, Austin Metro Area, 2022-2023 Drivers of Growth Migration continues to be a major component of growth to the Austin metro area. Migration from other parts of Texas and other states made up 45% of the growth in the Austin metro area between July …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: 20240626-005: UPDATE TO THE DOWNTOWN AUSTIN PLAN WHEREAS in 2005, the Austin City Council passed a resolution calling for the adoption of a Downtown Austin Plan (Original DAP); and WHEREAS in 2011 the City Council adopted the Original DAP; and WHEREAS in 2010, Austin’s Downtown population was estimated to be 9,343, by 2020 it had grown to 13,041, and now is estimated to be 15,360; and WHEREAS in 2010, there were 4,675 dwelling units Downtown, by 2020 approximately 9,343 dwelling, and now it is estimated that there are more than 10,300 dwelling units; and WHEREAS there is 7.2 million square feet of construction underway with an additional 14.3 million square feet of space planned for Downtown, including more than 3,000 additional dwelling units; and WHEREAS additional residential, office and hotel developments are likely to occur throughout Downtown over the next 10 years; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was drafted to provide Austin with a roadmap for addressing the anticipated challenges facing Downtown over the subsequent 10 years; and WHEREAS the COVID 19 Pandemic caused an unforseen shift in how Austinites and visitors use and experience Downtown presenting an array of challenges and opportunities; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was intended as both a vision for Downtown as well an action plan to encourage Downtown to become more economically vibrant, livable, walkable, mobile, inclusive, diverse, and culturally alive; and WHEREAS that Original DAP’s 10-year lifecycle ended in 2021; and WHEREAS because of the complexity and breadth of the Original DAP, numerous departments within the City of Austin are charged with accomplishing various aspects of the plan including Transportation and Public Works, Economic Development (+Urban Design), Parks and Recreation, Planning (+Historic Preservation); and WHEREAS responsibility for implementing the various elements of the Original DAP is spread among numerous departments with little centralized control, oversight or accountability; and WHEREAS the charter of the Downtown Commission explicitly states that its charge is to oversee the implementation of the DAP; and WHEREAS the charge of other City of Austin Boards and Commissions intersect with their respective departments without engagement of the Downtown Commission whose charge is specific to the DAP; and WHEREAS significant progress has occurred in accomplishing some of the goals of the Original Dap, elements of that Original DAP are still not realized, viable or relevant; and WHEREAS new challenges and opportunities have arisen in downtown since …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES June 26, 2024 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and the Permitting and Development Center. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Charlotte Davis, Haris Qureshi, Jon Salinas, Chris Maxwell-Gaines Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Heather Houser, Anna Scott, Alice Woods, Rodrigo Leal, Diana Wheeler, Yure Suarez Board Members Absent: Larry Franklin, Amy Noel, Christopher Campbell, Kaiba White, Melissa Rothrock, Stephanie Bazan City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala and Zach Baumer CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Charlotte Davis called the meeting to order at 6:16 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION • Kathy Mitchell – On behalf Community Investment Budget. Includes support for Climate Equity Plan + Food Plan. Looking for JSC endorsement before August. 1. Approval of minutes from the May 22nd meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Davis correction – on item 2, reflect that no action was taken. • Maxwell-Gaines motions to approve, Qureshi second, passes 10-0. 2. Recommendation of investments the City should fund as part of council resolution 20240215-025 ‘Environmental Investment Plan’. • Item struck from agenda 4. Update on regional climate planning efforts as part of the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program – Mali Calvo, Office of Sustainability • Qureshi - will we be doing county-specific workshops? Do we have ideas on how o We’re doing outreach to different municipal/county governments. • How are we pursuing funding for four measures not applied for a grant? o We’re opportunistic, looking for funding where available. Supporting EPA Community change grant for trees + AE Solar for all. 5. Climate Fee Best Practices – Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Sustainability • Qureshi – in support of progressive rather than regressive taxation • Salinas – what is the large retailer fee in Portland? o 1% surcharge on companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenue and more than $500,000 in revenue in Portland • Leal - Is Legal department looking into more comprehensive fee approaches? o Unclear at the moment • Woods – are these on utility bills? o Yes • Scott – could projects with revenue/savings be compatible with a climate fee? o Yes, but there could be other revenue streams (green bank, revolving funds) that those projects could fund • Maxwell-Gaines – could hotel tax fund this? Or other tourist taxes fund this? o Potential pushback from hospitality industry • Salinas – is there revenue from micromobility? …
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Board Meeting Approved Minutes The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals met in a Regular Meeting on June 26, 2024 Board Member, Schumann called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Ben Abzug, Ron Buys, Aubrey Brasfield, Allison Satt, Oren Mitzner, Jim Rumbo and Alan Schumann Board Members Not in Attendance: Gary Wilks and Ashley Juraska Staff in Attendance: Rick Arzola (DSD) and Marty Starrett (DSD) June 26, 2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. The minutes from the May 22, 2024, regular called meeting were approved as written. Board member Mitzner made a motion to accept the minutes as written, Vice Chair Brasfield second the motion. Motion passed 7-0. Board member Wilks and Juraska were absent. DISCUSSION: 2. 2024 International Property Maintenance Code- Austin Code- Austin Code Supervisor Moses Rodriguez presented to the board the 2024 Local amendments proposed changes to the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). In his presentation, staff highlighted infestation to include scorpions and bed bugs as part of their rodent infestation, which was not included previously. Also included in the amendment of major changes is upgrading from 60 amps to 100 amps for single family dwellings only if the electrical system is defective or damaged. Cooling facilities, to maintain a room temperature of at least 15 degrees cooler than the outside temperature but not higher than 85 degrees in each occupiable room. Not having these changes would be considered an unfit structure for human occupancy and would be considered a hazard for the occupants of that structure and or to the public. The property owner shall then provide an action plan for repairs to the code official within two days of the initial notice. In concerns of these changes with affordability, board inquired as to what is defined as a damaged electrical system for it to be upgraded, staff for now does not have a definition but it would be a case-by- case situation. Austin Code will take the IPMC Code amendments to the Building and Standard commission for recommendation and hope to have council approved at the September 12 date with a January 1, 2025 implementation. 2024 International Fire Code- Austin Fire- Austin Fire engineer Ben Flick addressed the board on significant changes 2024 International Fire code and changes to the 25-12 local amendments. These changes are to address the changing technology that has …
AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT 2024 International Fire Code Adoption 2024 International Fire Code L o c a l A m e n d m e n t A d o p t i o n The Our Mission Goes Beyond Our Name is the cornerstone of the Austin Fire Department. A leader in the fire service, AFD is on the cutting-edge of technology and training. A leader in the fire service, the Austin Fire Department protects lives and property through extensive fire prevention and safety education efforts, in addition to a quick and effective response to emergencies. 2 Proposed Adoption In accordance with ICC latest publication, Austin Fire Department is on track to implement the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) on January 1, 2025. 3 Coordinate and Clarify Goal: To clarify previously adopted local amendments with changing technology and published code and coordinate changed or outdate references to other adopted codes and standards. Reasons for amendments: 1. To support operating procedures for Operations, both in and outside of structures 2. Clarification purposes 3. Provide higher level of safety for properties utilizing hazardous materials 4 2024 IFC Significant Changes • Chapter 2 § 202 Definitions • Flammable Gas Definition - A material which is a gas at 68°F or less at 14.7 psia subdivided as follows: • 1. Category 1A. A gas that meets either of the following: • 1.1. A gas which is ignitable at 14.7 psia when in a mixture of 13% or less by volume with air; or • 1.2. A gas with a flammable range at 14.7 psia with air of not less than 12%, regardless of the lower limit, unless data shows compliance with Category 1B. • 2. Category 1B. A gas which meets the flammability criteria for Category 1A, is not pyrophoric or chemically unstable, and meets one of more of the following: • 2.1. A lower flammability limit of more than 6% by volume of air; or • 2.2. A fundamental burning velocity of less than 3.9 inches/second. • The limits specified shall be determined at 14.7 psi and a temperature of 68°F in accordance with ASTM E681. Where not otherwise specified, the term “flammable gas” includes both Category 1A and 1B. • Occupiable Roof – an exterior space on a roof that is designed for human occupancy, other than maintenance and repair, and which is equipped with a means of egress system meeting requirements …
2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) The IPMC is a model code intended to establish minimum standards for structural conditions, lighting, ventilation, sanitation, and fire safety. The IPMC is administered by local building code officials nationwide with local amendments that are approved by City Council. Purpose of Presentation To provide an overview of the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) amendment process and share major proposed changes Background The City of Austin will adopt the International Code Council (ICC)’s 2024 IPMC updates from the current 2021 IPMC The DSD Code Compliance Division established an internal amendment committee to draft proposed amendments to the code Purpose of proposed changes is to ensure public safety and maintain consistency with other city codes 2024 IPMC Adoption Timeline Review Phase #1 (Internal) October 2023 – December 2023 Stakeholder Engagement March 25, 2024 – May 2024 Legal Review July 2024 Implementation – January 1, 2025 Review Phase #2 (Internal) December 2023 – February 2024 Building and Standards Commission – June 26, 2024 City Council Hearing – September 12, 2024 Primary Goal The proposed amendments aim to ensure public safety when unsafe or hazardous conditions are found on a property by requiring: • 100 amps minimum for a single family dwelling. • Cooling Facilities Primary Goal The proposed amendments aim to ensure public safety when unsafe or hazardous conditions are found on a property by requiring: • 100 amps minimum for a single family dwelling. • Cooling Facilities Major Changes in the 2024 IPMC Draft The following language was added as section 603 Cooling Facilities 603.7 Cooling Facilities Required. (1) Air conditioning. (A) An owner shall: (i) provide, and maintain, in operating condition, refrigerated air equipment capable of maintaining a room temperature of at least 15 degrees cooler than the outside temperature, but in no event higher than 85° F. in each habitable room; (ii) maintain all air conditioning systems, including air conditioning unit covers, panels, conduits, and disconnects, properly attached, and in operating condition. (B) The required room temperatures shall be measured 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor near the center of the room and 2 feet (610 mm) inward from the center of each exterior wall (C) It is a defense to prosecution under this paragraph that at least one habitable room is 85° F, if the outside temperature is over 110° F.” 111.1.3 - Structure unsafe for human occupancy. A structure is …
AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code Adoption 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code L o c a l A m e n d m e n t A d o p t i o n Our Mission Goes Beyond Our Name is our cornerstone As a leader in the fire service: We are on the cutting-edge of technology and training. We protect lives and property through extensive fire prevention and safety education efforts, in addition to a quick and effective response to emergencies. 2 Proposed Adoption In accordance with ICC latest publication, Austin Fire Department is on track to implement the 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and local amendments 30 days following City Council adoption, tentative date mid-October 2024. 3 Coordinate and Clarify Goals: Clarify previously adopted local amendments with changing technology and published code. Adjust requirements based on challenges and successes of initial implementation of the IWUIC. Reasons for amendments: 1. To support operating procedures for Wildfire Operations. 2. Formalize WUI Proximity Zones to clarify structure hardening requirements. 3. Align requirements with current wildfire research. 4. Clarification purposes and formalizing 2015 WUIC interpretations. 4 2024 IWUIC Significant Changes Significant Changes to IWUIC model code: • 104 Determination of Compliance (COA amendments refer to Fire Code) • Outlines requirements for technical opinions, reports, and alternative materials, design and methods • 503.2 Ignition-resistant building material. Reorganized and clarified. • 504.5.1 Flashing. Additional requirements above International Residential Code. • 504.10, 505.10, 506.5 Vents • Performance and Prescriptive requirements • 1/8” max. mesh openings, in alignment with current COA regulation 5 Wildland An area in which development is essentially nonexistent including but not limited to grassland, pastures and farmland, shrub-covered and treed areas, easements, unmitigated parkland, and other natural surfaces that are not regularly maintained. • Wildland is no longer defined as 40 acres or 750 acres. • Wildland mapping will reflect approximately 10 acres, to be specified within Fire Protection Criteria Manual. • Expands examples of wildland types and includes easements. • Compared to the model code, the amendment does not exempt roads, railroads, power lines or similar facilities from being wildland. • Additional guidance will be included in the Fire Protection Criteria Manual. 6 Proximity Zone Section 302.4 The designation given to a structure to determine the enhanced ignition resistant construction required to reduce the effects of a wildfire on the structure. The proximity zone is …
RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20240626-010: Affordable Child Care WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for the close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees and task forces to increase and sustain equity, diversity and inclusion in the city. WHEREAS, for decades, families in Austin and Travis County have struggled to find affordable, quality child care and after school and summer programming for children birth to high school graduation (henceforth referred to as “child care”); and WHEREAS, child care is the highest expense for families after housing in Travis County, and one year of child care costs more than one year of tuition at the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, the current waiting list for families with low income who need child care subsidies has more than 4,600 children on it, enrollment is closed, and there is now a 2-year waiting list period; and WHEREAS, child care costs are out of reach for many families in Austin and Travis County. While families cannot afford the current prices, child care tuition rarely covers the true cost of providing a high-quality program. Costs for quality child care programs (including paying staff a living wage) have increased but families cannot afford to pay more; and WHEREAS, the child care and out-of-school time workforce, predominantly women of color, earns less than a living wage resulting in high turnover (over 30% annually) and under-staffed programs serving fewer children and cutting hours. Turnover hurts children and creates stress for families; and WHEREAS, families rely on affordable quality child care to participate in and complete education, training programs, or the workforce; and WHEREAS, child care and out of school time challenges particularly impact individuals and communities of color that have been historically excluded from economic prosperity: • 81% of children under age 6 receiving child care subsidies in Travis County are Black, Hispanic, or non-white/multi-racial • The share of Travis County children under age 6 in working families who have parents working nontraditional hours is 47.1% Black and 42.1% Hispanic • The child care workforce in Texas is overwhelmingly female and 62% are either Black or Hispanic; and WHEREAS, a local investment in affordable quality child care and out of school time programs will result in better outcomes for children, greater workforce participation, family economic stability and a …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a REGULAR meeting on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26TH, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Julie Glasser Early Childhood Council: Leonor Vargas Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Serita Fontanesi or Antonio Ross PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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. Kathy Mitchell, shares about the Community Investment Budget which 44 organizations have signed and requests that the JIC endorse. 100% community based budget that was developed months in advance and does not represent a coalition of vendors. Kathy shares that the budget process may be conservative and that she is available to return to the JIC to present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson 1 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on MAY 29th, 2024. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER MORGAN DAVIS’ motion, COMMISSIONER JENNIFER POWELL’s second, on a 9-0 vote. (Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commission’s Serita Fontanesi or Antonio Ross). STAFF BRIEFING 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Staff briefing on 2024 updates of City of Austin Demographics by Lila Valencia, City Demographer. Lila Valencia presents and shares updates to the Commission. COMMISSIONERS AMANDA AFIFI, RICHARD BONDI, and JENNIFER POWELL discuss follow up questions regarding SOGI, housing, and disability data in 1hr:12mins:20secs of the recording. Update on adding the Commission on Veterans Affairs to the Joint Inclusion Committee. No new updates at this time; waiting to hear an update from the City’s Audit and Finance Committee’s meeting on the July 23rd. Update on email communications about possible collaboration with the College Student Commission. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI shares that students are breaking for the summer, and that the JIC could readdress the discussion in the fall. Update …
BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 26, 2024 BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, June 26, 2024 The BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 26 June 2024, at the CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PDC), 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE, ROOM 1405, in Austin, Texas. CHAIR TIMOTHY STOSTAD called the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION (BSC) Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Timothy Stostad, Vice Chair Blaine Campbell, Commissioners: Michael Francis, Luis Osta Lugo, Logan Schugart, Edward Selig. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Christopher Sokol. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one appeared before the Commission for Public Communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on April 24, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of April 24, 2024 were approved on COMMISSIONER SCHUGART’S motion, COMMISSIONER OSTA LUGO’s second, with no objections. COMMISSIONER SELIG was off dais. COMMISSIONER BENIGNO was absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Conduct a public hearing and consider an appeal regarding case number CL 2024-027512; Property address: 713 Vargas Road. COMMISSIONER OSTA LUGO moved to close the public hearing with no objections. COMMISSIONER CAMPBELL moved to adopt the findings of fact, conclusions of law and adopt staff’s recommendation to demolish the one-story portion of the residential structure with exception that timeframe be amended to 90 days while maintaining fencing to 1 1. BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 26, 2024 secure demo site; and, removal of electrical service from its current location and repair of the electrical system (which may include a construction loop) within 45 days, subject to a $70 per week penalty on the 46th day, COMMISSIONER OSTA LUGO second. The motion passed on an 7-0 vote. COMMISSIONER BENIGNO was absent. Conduct a public hearing and consider case numbers CL 2024-054444; Property address: 5916 N Lamar Boulevard. COMMISSIONER FRANCIS moved to close the public hearing, COMMISSIONER SCHUGART’s and COMMISSIONER SELIG’S second, with no objections. COMMISSIONER SCHUGART moved to adopt the findings of fact, conclusions of law and adopt City staff’s recommendation for repair of the commercial structure within 45 days, with a civil penalty of $1000 per week beginning on the 46th day from the date the order is mailed and continuing until compliance is achieved, VICE CHAIR CAMPBELL’S second. The motion carried on a 6-0 vote. COMMISSIONER OSTA LUGO was off dais. COMMISSIONER BENIGNO was absent. …
