Community Investment Budget Fiscal Year 2025 Introductions Who is Equity Action? ● Equity Action is a non-profit (c4) focused on protecting and expanding Austin’s transformative justice efforts. What is the Community Investment Budget? ● In collaboration with dozens of community organizations, Equity Action facilitated a FY2025 Community Investment Budget prevent violence and overdoses, stabilize people and families living on the margins, address crises with appropriate first responders, create opportunity and ensure that the long-awaited Climate Equity Plan and Sustainable Food Plans are implemented starting FY25. History of CIB and other Community-Led Budget Initiatives Austin has a long history of community-based budgeting. ● For many years Communities of Color United organized and advocated for an annual People’s Budget. These community-driven spending priorities centered public health and equity. ● The first Community Investment Budget was FY22-23 and reflected input from the largest coalition ever coordinated to address unmet community needs. After voters rejected a ballot proposal to tie up $120M in additional police, we pressed the city to think about public safety in a new way -- well-maintained parks, housing, youth activities, living wages, an independent forensic lab, public health initiatives to keep people safe from the pandemic and more! ● This year we’re back because mental health first response, substance-related deaths, rehousing and housing stabilization, safe and well maintained parks, and workforce opportunity requires ongoing investment! Community Investment Budget Priorities Fiscal Year 2025 ● Crime survivor support, violence prevention ● Park maintenance, library materials ● Overdose prevention/NARCAN ● Mental health crisis response ● Sheltering/housing the unhoused ● Preventing eviction and stabilizing vulnerable families ● Re-entry assistance with jobs, housing for formerly incarcerated ● Resilience hubs in areas most vulnerable to extreme weather ● Workforce development & opportunity ● New sustainable food plan ● Implement climate equity plan and address water availability/cost Why is the CIB important? While Austin is considered one of the best cities in the country to live in for many people, we still have a long way to go to ensure that it is the best for everyone - regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, language and income. The CIB this year details spending priorities for 5.7% of the roughly $1.4 billion General Revenue budget. These funding recommendations address well established community needs, gaps in existing programs and services, and suggest ways to improve the safety and quality of life for Austinites across the city. …
Summary of Community Investment Budget and Endorsing Groups The City’s budget is a reflection of our values. Austin is a progressive city, but budget processes are by nature conservative. Each budget is built on the prior one, and such a process makes the city resistant to change, regardless of the priorities expressed by voters and those they elect to address the urgent needs of today. The undersigned organizations jointly urge the city to continue its commitment to AFSCME (4%) in the baseline and invest in the following priorities in community health, housing, affordability, sustainability and safety for FY24 totaling $79.5 million or 5.7% of this year’s roughly $1.4 billion General Revenue budget. ● Parent Support Specialists [$2.4M] ongoing ● Tenant Relocation Assistance Program [$1M] ongoing ● Emergency Rental Assistance, Eviction Defense, and Tenant Legal and Support Services [$10M] ● Forensic Nursing, Austin Health Department [$328K] ongoing ● Mental Health 1st Response [$4M] ongoing ● Library books/materials [$900K] ● Reentry navigators for jobs/housing formerly incarcerated [$1.4M] ongoing ● Workforce Development [$3.46M ] ● Office of Violence Prevention [$500K] ● Implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan [$1.335M] ● Improve rebates for residential and commercial landscape conversions [$400,000, Austin Water Utility Revenue] ● Increase Leak Detection Programs [$2.28M, Austin Water Utility Revenue] ● Park Maintenance and Safety [$2M] ongoing ● Tenant Education, Stabilization Support, and Community-based Agreement Support [$300K] ongoing ● Displacement Prevention Navigators [$1M] ongoing ● Fair Housing Education, Support, and Testing [$350K] ● Emergency Supplemental Assistance for Low Income Residents [$300K] ● Inclement Weather Response [$4.5M] ongoing Community Crisis Response [$2.3M] ongoing [$4M] ● Street Outreach Services, Case Managers, and Peer Support Specialists ● Strengthen Rapid Rehousing (RRH) and create a bridge to Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) [$8M] ● Service funding for Permanent Supportive Housing [$4M] ● Early Childhood Education and Development [$1.575M] ongoing ● Resilience Hubs [$15M] ● Harm Reduction Services and Infrastructure [$1M] ongoing ● Immigration Legal Services for Low Income Families [$250K] ● Equity Office [$800K] ongoing ● Family Stabilization Grant [$3M] ongoing ● Logistical Support For Austinites Seeking Abortion Care [$250K] ongoing ● Food Sovereignty and Food Systems-Related Funding [$850K] ● East Austin Performing Arts Funding [$850K] ● Austin Community-Owned Food Retail Initiative [$500K] ● Give the Resilience Office a budget [$1M] ongoing TOTAL REQUEST FOR NEW FUNDS: $79.5M (General Fund) $2,680,000 (AWU) Endorsing Organizations Alliance for Safety and Justice American Civil Liberties Union of Tx …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240703-004 Second by: Mariana Krueger Date: July 3th, 2024 Subject: Community Investment Budget proposal Motion by: David Sullivan RATIONAL: WHEREAS, marginalized communities in Austin are disproportionately threatened by food apartheid and insecurity, heat islands and limited access to green space, climate change and its resultant natural disasters, pollution and poor health, and housing instability and homelessness; WHEREAS, the City of Austin, to varying degrees, has acknowledged these inequities and pledged to curtail them, including through the implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan and the first-ever Austin/ Travis County Comprehensive Food Plan; WHEREAS, in order to achieve a more equitable city and see the fruition of these plans and other equity-oriented policies, the City must appropriately fund them with input from the community at- large; WHEREAS, Equity Action has organized a broad coalition of support for an FY2025 Community Investment Budget after public input, thorough research, and endorsements from more than 40 organizations and individuals, including the Sierra Club (Austin Regional Group), Black Lives Veggies, Austin Environmental Democrats, Save Our Springs Alliance, Fruitful Commons, Sunrise Movement Austin, and others; WHEREAS, the City Manager and his office will soon draft a proposed FY2025 budget for City Council’s approval; WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission may advise City Council on matters of environmental importance, including as they relate to funding initiatives related to the environment and intersecting issues; THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends that the City Manager’s office incorporates the entirety of the Community Investment Budget proposal into the forecasted, baseline FY2025 budget. Vote: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: 1 of 1
URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20240627-004 Seconded by: Richard Brimer Date: June 27, 2024 Subject: City of Austin Tree Canopy Ordinance Motion by: Melinda Schiera WHEREAS, the Urban Forestry Committee recognizes Council approved, on August 8, 2019, a Resolution declaring a climate emergency in the City, and WHEREAS, the Council approved, on September 30, 2021, the Austin Climate Equity Plan setting a goal of 50% Tree Canopy by 2050, and WHEREAS, Council re-affirmed its target of net-zero community-wide emissions by 2040 on February 15, 2024, and WHEREAS, current data shows 41% canopy cover city-wide based on satellite imagery captured in the summer of 2022, and WHEREAS, the payment rate to the Urban Forest Replenishment Fund (UFRF) was last set in 2010 and has not been updated since then, and WHEREAS, the tree canopy over East Austin is less than West Austin, and there is a specific need to increase tree canopy on private land in East Austin, and WHEREAS, an expansive Tree Canopy mitigates the heat island effect, removes carbon from the air, improves community health by removing pollutants from the air, and improves biodiversity, and WHEREAS, feedback from Urban Landscape Architects to the Environmental Commission is that trees planted from site plan requirements are not surviving, THEREFORE, the Urban Forestry Committee recommends the Environmental Commission advise Council adopt the following actions to more aggressively expand, protect, and enhance the City’s Tree Canopy: 1. Set a goal of 50% city-wide canopy cover by 2040 instead of 2050 with a particular emphasis on racial equity and and reducing heat island effects in East Austin (that is, land East of I-35 within the city limits). 1 of 3 2. Capture satellite imagery to calculate the city-wide canopy cover biennially instead of every four years and use this data to inform methods for achieving 50% canopy cover by 2040. 3. Require the City Arborist and the Development Services Department to document the number and scope of unpermitted removal of protected and heritage trees removed each year by address and actions taken. A report of these activities shall be presented to the Environmental Commission, Urban Forestry Committee, and Council annually. 4. Add fruit and nut-bearing trees to the list of preferred trees that are appropriate for the Central Texas climate. Bennually update the list of preferred trees to adjust for changing climate. 5. Define a new category of protected trees, based on the breadth of …
NEW NO CHANGE REVISED ELIMINATED 3 2 / 0 3 / 0 1 I T E S Y T L B S A E F I I / 4 2 1 0 2 0 / T E S G N C R P I I / 4 2 2 0 4 0 / T E S S S E R G O R P G N C R P I I 4 2 / 1 3 / 5 0 I T E S T M R E P DRAWING INDEX ISSUE ARCHITECTURAL TITLE SHEET & SITEPLAN GENERAL NOTES SURVEY TREE PRESERVATION TREE FLARE TYPE I DRIVEWAY DETAILS DEMOLITION PLAN CONSTRUCTION & ROOF PLAN FINISH & POWER PLAN REFLECTED CLNG PLAN BUILDING ELEVATIONS BUILDING ELEVATIONS WINDOW & DOOR SCHEDULE PROJECT SCHEDULE PROJECT SCHEDULE INTERIOR ELEVATIONS INTERIOR ELEVATIONS INTERIOR ELEVATIONS INTERIOR ELEVATIONS STRUCTURAL GENERAL NOTES GENERAL NOTES FOUNDATION DETAILS FOUNDATION DETAILS FRAMING DETAILS FRAMING DETAILS FRAMING DETAILS FOUNDATION/PIER LAYOUT PLAN FRAMING AND LATERAL BRACING PLAN R E B M U N T E E H S A0.00 A0.01 A0.02 A0.03 A0.04 D2.00 A2.00 A2.10 A2.20 A3.00 A3.01 A6.00 A6.01 A6.02 A7.00 A7.01 A7.02 A7.03 S0.0 S0.1 S1.0 S2.0 S3.0 S3.1 S4.0 S4.1 S4.2 EXISTING OVER HEAD UTILITY LINES @ 653.4' EXISTING OVER HEAD UTILITY LINES @ 654.4' FINISH GRADE @ SOD AREA METAL EDGING DECOMPOSED GRANITE SIZE: FINE TO 1/4" PARTICLE SIZE 1 1/2" LAYERS, EACH LAYER COMPACTED 90% W/TOP LAYER MIN. 75% DUST FINES ADD STABILIZER PER MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS CLASS II AGGREGATE BASE (REFER TO SOILS REPORT FOR COMPACTION RATE IF AVAILABLE COMPACTED SUBGRADE GEOTEXTILE FABRIC " 3 " 4 WEST 32ND STREET (50') S70º43'00" E 63.85' EXISTING NO PARKING SIGN EXISTING FIRE HYDRANT K L A W . C N O C G N T S X E I I 34" HACKBERRY TO BE REMOVED RE: 2024-039448TP 1358 HIGH ADJ GRADE 621.4' " 0 - ' 5 1 LOT 4 621 15' CLEARANCE FROM CLOSEST O/H ELECTRIC WIRE NEW FRONT PORCH TO REPLACE EXTG FRONT PORCH 25' BUILDING LINE EXISTING STOP SIGN EXISTING WATER VALVES EXISTING OVER HEAD UTILITY LINES; TYP EXISTING OVER HEAD UTILITY LINES @ 657.4' 7500 LADLE LANE AUSTIN, TX 78749 WWW.RESTRUCTURESTUDIO.COM CONSULTANTS STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: ARCH CONSULTING ENGINEERS, PLLC 2579 WESTERN TRAILS BLVD, SUITE 230 AUSTIN, TX 78745 512-328-5353 | WWW.ARCHCE.NET CONTRACTOR: MERIDIAN CUSTOM HOMES P.O. BOX 161060 - AUSTIN, TX 78716 512-809-9840 | WWW.MCHAUSTIN.COM …
9 – 1 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PERMITS IN NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICTS JULY 3, 2024 PR-2024-026690; GF-2024-043975 WILLOW-SPENCE NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT 900 SPENCE STREET PROPOSAL Demolish a ca. 1915 contributing building. ARCHITECTURE The 1985 Willow-Spence National Register Historic District Nomination describes the property as a one-story wood-frame house with a hipped roof. A porch supported by wooden columns is located across the eastern three-fifths of the front facade.1 The Historic Resources of East Austin National Register Nomination describes the building as an exemplar of the pyramidal cottage style.2 RESEARCH The house at 900 Spence Street, originally addressed as 810 Spence Street, was built in 1915 by Alfred and Caroline Johnson. Alfred Johnson worked as an engineer at the Southland Ice Company. The Johnsons lived in the home for twenty years, after which time it became a rental. Martha Ann “Mattie” Speir purchased the house after the death of her husband, Nace, in 1943. She took in renters for extra income and lived in the home until her death in 1957. Bastrop natives Bernardino Casarez Romo and Santos Selvera Romo purchased the house in 1957. Married in 1945, the Romo family had 8 children; Bernardino Romo served on the Palm School PTA board. Bernardino Casarez Romo worked as an upholsterer when the family moved into 900 Spence Street around 1959. The Romos retained ownership together until Bernardino Romo’s death at age 97 in 2017, and Santos Romo kept the house until her death in 2021. PROPERTY EVALUATION The property contributes to the Willow-Spence National Register district. Designation Criteria—Historic Landmark 1) The building is more than 50 years old. 2) The building appears to retain high integrity. 3) Properties must meet two criteria for landmark designation (LDC §25-2-352). Staff has evaluated the property and determined that it may meet two criteria for landmark designation: a. Architecture. The building is a good example of the National Folk style. b. Historical association. The property does not appear to have significant historical associations; however, the house’s occupancy history is a good example of the settlement patterns of the district. c. Archaeology. The property was not evaluated for its potential to yield significant data concerning the human history or prehistory of the region. d. Community value. The property was not evaluated for its ability to possess a unique location, physical characteristic, or significant feature that contributes to the character, image, or cultural identity of the …
June 28, 2024 Historic Landmark Commission of the City of Austin City Hall - Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701 Email: preservation@austintexas.gov Re: Opposition to PR-2024-033568, Agenda Item No. 10: 1409 Alta Vista Ave. National Register District Permit Application for “Total demolition” by South River City Citizens Neighborhood Association (“SRCC”) To the Historic Landmark Commission: Please find the following resolution passed by SRCC at its June 18, 2024, general membership meeting concerning the above-referenced item on the agenda for your July 3, 2024 meeting. —----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Whereas the Travis Heights-Fairview Park National Register Historic District (the “District”) has been recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior; Whereas the property at 1409 Alta Vista (the “Property”), constructed in 1926, is considered a contributing and protected property within the District; Whereas the application to the National Park Service for certification of the District makes numerous references to the importance of the “landscape,” “tree canopy,” and “dense vegetation” (see page 11) and use of design traditions espoused by Andrew Jackson Downing and Frederick Law Olmstead (see page 13); Whereas the Property has seven significant trees that are integral to the character of the Property, the context of the street and neighborhood, and the nature of the District; Whereas demolition of the existing structure on the Property and the proposed construction of two to three densely-packed structures could damage or compel removal of the significant or heritage trees; Whereas the Historic Landmark Commission of the City of Austin is reviewing application number H-2023-043027 to proceed with demolition and new construction on the Property; Whereas, the District contains many examples of new additions to contributing properties; Whereas, the District contains many examples of Accessory Dwelling Units (“ADUs”) added to an original contributing home; Whereas, such new additions and ADUs illustrate square footage enlargement alternatives to full demolition and new construction; Whereas, the recent Home Options for Mobility and Equity (H.O.M.E) Initiative passed by the Austin City Council in December 2023 and May 2024 provides Preservation and Sustainability Bonuses to property owners who retain the original home; Therefore, be it resolved that SRCC, through vote of its general membership on June 18, 2024, opposes the release of the demolition permit proposed under application number HR-2023-043027, unless and until the owner of the Property can demonstrate plans to adequately protect the trees on the Property and preserve the façade of the contributing …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: CLIFTON LADD Larosche, Carl - BC; McWhorter, Trey - BC; bc-jamie.alvarez@austintexas.gov; Castillo, Raymond - BC; Rubio, JuanRaymon - BC; Evans, Roxanne - BC; Heimsath, Ben - BC; Featherston, Witt; Grogan, Harmony - BC; Dudley, Tara - BC; Koch, Kevin - BC Historic Preservation Office; Susan Armstrong Fisher HLC 7-3-24 meeting, agenda item 10: 1409 Alta Vista (PR-2024-033568) Monday, July 1, 2024 10:33:29 AM External Email - Exercise Caution I am writing to oppose the issuance of a demolition permit for 1409 Alta Vista (PR-2024-033568). I am Co-chair of the South River City Citizens (SRCC) Historic Preservation Committee and a resident of the Travis Heights - Fairview Park National Register Historic District. Thank you for this opportunity to comment. The SRCC approved a resolution regarding this home, which will be provided to you separately. Because of technical difficulties last month, I was unable to speak virtually at that meeting, though I had signed up and was on the line when my name was called. What follows is substantively what I had intended to say, had the system worked as it should have. I will not be able to attend in person or virtually on July 3. Thank you for considering my comments in your decision. The Travis Heights - Fairview Park National Register Historic District includes 353 acres of the South River City Citizens neighborhood area. It includes the core of the neighborhood and many of the oldest homes in the neighborhood. The district was approved in July 2021, because it meets the required eligibility criteria for protection on the National Register. I urge you to disapprove the application for demolition of 1409 Alta Vista. Alta Vista is one of the most important streets in the National Register District. For example, the 2024 Preservation Austin historic homes tour featured the Mabel Davis home at 1308 Alta Vista, just a block away from this home proposed for demolition. Both the house and the separate but associated garage are identified as contributing structures in the National Register Historic District listing. As such, they would need separate applications for a demolition permit. 1409 Alta Vista is a beautiful one-story craftsman home built in approximately 1926. I appreciate the staff review of this home, though I believe the property may meet the three required designation criteria for historic landmark status, including community value. I encourage you to evaluate this further. …
From: To: Subject: Date: Historic Preservation Office Case GF 24-073048 - 4200 Wilshire Parkway Friday, June 28, 2024 6:02:31 AM You don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Hello. I am writing to offer my support for the construction at 4200 Wilshire Parkway (Case GF 24-073048). I am a neighbor, living at 4101 Lullwood Rd. We have seen the plans and appreciate the attention to honoring the history of the neighborhood. We think the new home will be a great addition to the neighborhood. Take care, Trent 512-924-3478 CAUTION: This is an EXTERNAL email. Please use caution when clicking links or opening attachments. If you believe this to be a malicious or phishing email, please report it using the "Report Message" button in Outlook. For any additional questions or concerns, contact CSIRT at "cybersecurity@austintexas.gov".
June 27, 2024 City of Austin P.O Box 1088 Austin, Tx 78767 Subject Property: 7304 Knox Lane Dear City of Austin, Please see the attached documentation and application for the relocation of 7304 Knox Lane primary residence. In reference, to the attached Exhibits A, B, and C, that support and reveal the owner’s longstanding communication with the current neighborhood. In fact, over the years the petitioner has stayed in close communication with the neighborhood’s Mr. Charlie Galvin and the rest of the NWACA Board, refer to Exhibit B, email communication. On May 1, 2024 during the HLC meeting Mr. Hector Rivero, communicated that as a resident of the neighborhood he was not aware of this project. So, the petitioner postponed being placed on the agenda for June until Mr. Rivero’s questions were answered. After multiple attempts to schedule a time to meet with him and the neighborhood we did not hear back. Yet, the owner has over the years already met with the leadership and has a longstanding relationship with this neighborhood. The owner has kept the NWACA Team up to date and communication is also placed in the newsletter. We are asking the Historic Land commission to grant us the ability to relocate this house and help another family. Please refer to Exhibit A, in reference to the subdivision that was reviewed and processed by the City of Austin Staff and does meet the City of Austin’s code requirements. In Exhibit C, please find the contractor who has signed an affidavit communicating a successful relocation is possible. We look forward to working with you on these lots. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information. Sincerely, Ricca Keepers, MUP Keepers Land Planning Exhibit A Exhibit B Exhibit C AFFIDAVIT OF KEVIN WOODWORTH STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF TRAVIS § § § BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, a notary public in and for the State of Texas, on this day personally appeared Kevin Woodworth known to me, and who, after being by me duly sworn on oath stated: “My name is Kevin Woodworth, I am over the age of 21 years, I have personal knowledge of the facts stated herein, which are all true and correct, and am fully competent to make this Affidavit. I am President of Blue Moon Builders. I have contracted with the owner of the property located at 7304 Knox Lane, …
From: To: Cc: Subject: Date: Fahnestock, Sam Re: Knox Lane Development: July 3 Meeting Tuesday, July 2, 2024 12:43:28 PM ; External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern: My name is Christopher Spandikow. My wife, twin 8-year old children, and I live at 7219 Running Rope. I completely agree with Mr Fitzhugh’s assessment provided in his email. I won’t repeat those same points here. Instead, I’ll offer my proof-point. My family also has not been in contact with Mr. Jimmy Nassour even though we live right next to the Fitzhugh and across from the Knox property. I respectfully recommend the committee to not take Mr. Nassour’s word on topics going forward, but would instead suggest that the committee seek proof of all of his claims. Thank you for your consideration and service. Best Regards, Christopher Spandikow Good morning, Mr. Fitzhugh, On Thu, Jun 27, 2024 at 9:18 AM Fahnestock, Sam <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> wrote: Thank you for writing your concerns. I will upload your comments for the Commission to review ahead of the meeting. Thank you, Sam Fahnestock Planner II | he/him City of Austin | Planning Department P: (512) 974-3393 E: sam.fahnestock@austintexas.gov 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas > From: Champe Fitzhugh < Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 1:38 PM To: Historic Preservation Office <Preservation@austintexas.gov>; Fahnestock, Sam <Sam.Fahnestock@austintexas.gov> Cc: Jack Richards < Betsy Clements < Subject: Knox Lane Development: July 3 Meeting >; > ; ; ; Some people who received this message don't often get email from . Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution To whom it may concern: My name is Champe Fitzhugh, and I live with my wife and our 3 boys at 7221 Running Rope. We are directly across the street from the entrance to the short Knox Lane cul-de-sac which ends at the Knox property. At the July 3 meeting, it is my understanding that Mr. Jimmy Nassour intends to speak. Apparently Mr. Nassour represented that he has had several meetings with nearby residents regarding his plan to redevelop the historic Knox property. If that is the case, and I do not believe it is, those meetings did not involve us, despite our being directly impacted by the proposed plans. The development “plans” continue to experience mission creep. Mr. Nassour now apparently proposes 20 ADUs rather than the original single-family home project. Of course all of his plans have …
