ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250521-004 Date: April 16, 2025 Subject: City’s FY 2025 – 2026 Budget Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Reduce risk by moving from pensions and post-employment healthcare to defined contribution. Description of Recommendation to Council Remove risk by changing our retirement programs from pensions and post-employment healthcare to defined-contribution programs. Remove risk by paying a third party to accept Austin’s existing pension and post-employment healthcare liabilities. Payment could be either a series of future annual payments or an immediate payment, using funds raised by General Obligations bonds. Rationale: The City of Austin currently promises pensions and post-retirement healthcare to its employees. That is, we specify benefits after they retire for as long as they live. This sounds nice, but the hard truth is that we do not know the financial future. We do not know the price today of those promises. Those promises have already created a gigantic problem. The 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the City of Austin says our unfunded actuarial accrued liabilities for the pension are $2,294,789,000. For post-employment benefits (which is mostly healthcare) it is $1,851.879,000. And that’s just the government side. The enterprises have an additional $2,610,485,000 in pension and post-employment liabilities. If we spent all of our property tax paying off the government liability, it would take 4 years. This gigantic problem may grow larger. Consider the data on page 56 of the 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for COAERS, the City of Austin Employee’s Retirement System. The current outstanding liabilities are calculated assuming a 6.75% return by their investments. If the return is just 1% less, the liabilities increase by 30%. 1 of 3 This problem hurts us right now. Page 34 of the 2024-25 budget says we paid $151,781,000 to pay down just 1/30th of the liability. Austin’s government charged a family of four more than $50 per month not to provide services, but just to pay down a tiny fraction of our $4 billion debt. Pensions and healthcare promises are dangerous. They crippled America’s car industry. They almost ended America’s steel industry. Multiple cities have declared bankruptcy due to the burdens of pension and healthcare. Detroit, Michigan, which was the fastest growing city in America in its heyday, went bankrupt due to pensions. Pension programs and healthcare promises can harm more than the City of Austin; they might harm our employees in the future who would be …
Regular Called Meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission May 21, 2025, 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the BOARD/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 Hernandez, 512-974-7644, nicole.hernandez@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: John Mc Nabb, Chair Zachary Bird Charles Curry Ramiro Diaz JC Dwyer Stephen Gonzalez Bob Libal Santiago Rodriguez Kenneth Standley CALL TO ORDER AGENDA 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. Approval of the minutes of the Regular meeting of the Bond Oversight Commission on February 19, 2025. Staff Briefings 2. Staff briefing from Capital Delivery Services on 2026 Bond 3. Staff briefing from the Austin Public Health on the bond programs DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Nicole Hernandez, Capital Delivery Department, at 512-974-7644, for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Bond Oversight Commission, please contact Nicole Hernandez at 512-974-7644.
Regular Meeting of the Environmental Commission May 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM Permitting And Development Center, Events Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Environmental Commission will be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, no later than noon the day before the meeting. The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Haris Qureshi Justin Fleury Mariana Krueger, Vice Chair Martin Luecke Hanna Cofer, Secretary Ashika Ganguly Annie Fierro Jennifer Bristol, Chair David Sullivan Richard Brimer Isabella Changsut CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 May 7, 2025 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.01 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Morrow) Location: 6505 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730 Council District: District 10 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov; Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Amend a Planned Unit Development Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on Austin Resource Recovery’s Road to Zero Waste – Ron Romero, Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Elizabeth Funk, Watershed Protection Department, at (512) 568-2244, Elizabeth.Funk@austintexas.gov, Watershed Protection Department, …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 7, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Bristol called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jennifer Bristol, Mariana Krueger, Hanna Cofer, Richard Brimer, Justin Fleury, Ashika Ganguly, Haris Qureshi, Martin Luecke Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro Commissioners Absent: David Sullivan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Johnathon Coons, Camelback PUD update APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 23, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on April 23, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Sullivan was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion of the 2024 Watershed Protection Annual Report – Jorge Morales, Director, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. Discussion of the 2024 State of Our Environment Report – Liz Johnston, Interim Environmental Officer, Watershed Protection Department Item conducted as posted. No action taken. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 4. 5. Name: PSH – LifeWorks at Tillery, SP-2025-0031C.SH Applicant: 3423 Tillery LLC Location: 819 Tillery Street, Austin, TX, 78702 Council District: District 3 Staff: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, Development Services Department Applicant request: The applicant is seeking the removal of a Heritage tree with a single stem over 30 inches in diameter. Staff Recommendation: The request meets City Arborist approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2). The variance is recommended. Speakers: Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, DSD Conor Kenny, Developer of the site Liz Schoenfeld, Lifeworks (applicant) Nhat Ho, Civilitude, Civil Engineer with the project A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Lueke’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioner Sullivan was absent. Chair Bristol called for a recess at 7:53. Chair Bristol reconvened the meeting at 8:01. A motion to recommend the heritage tree removal request with conditions passed on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Bristol’s second, on an 8–1 vote. Commissioner Krueger voted against. Commissioner Brimer abstained. Commissioner Sullivan was absent. Name: McLemore Tract Multifamily Water and Wastewater Service Extension Request #6139 and 6140 Applicant: John Lewis, Development Associate, CWS Capital Partners, LLC Location: 10656 N FM 620 Rd, Austin, Texas 78726 Council District: Not applicable Staff: Kaela Champlin, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 974-3443, Kaela.Champlin@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Water and Wastewater Service Extension …
ITEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AGENDA COMMITTEE MEETING DATE: NAME & NUMBER OF PROJECT: NAME OF APPLICANT OR ORGANIZATION: May 21st, 2025 Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.03 Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Morrow) LOCATION: 6505 Bridge Point Pkwy, Austin, TX 78730 COUNCIL DISTRICT: 10 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STAFF: WATERSHED: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov; Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Water Supply Rural, Lake Austin and Coldwater Creek Watersheds REQUEST: Amend a Planned Unit Development STAFF RECOMMENDATION: STAFF CONDITION: Staff recommended with conditions. 1. This project shall comply with current PUD requirements, except for the following exceptions as proposed in the amendment: a. PUD amendment allows for an alternative access cart path to the dock district in exchange for the mechanized access (funicular). PUD notes will be added to clarify that once the cart path is constructed no other access will be permissible, including the previously approved funicular. b. The cart path will not impact critical environmental comply with and otherwise features (CEFs) environmental regulations. c. No additional cut will be allowed other than what is already provided by the approved PUD d. Changes to the allotments and allowable depths of fill will be allowed as proposed by this amendment. ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-86-023.03 – Camelback PUD Amendment #3 DISTRICT: 10 ZONING FROM / TO: PUD, to amend a previously approved land use plan, allowable uses, site development regulations, and request modifications to cut and fill requirements. ADDRESS: 6505, 6511 ½ and 6915 Bridge Point Parkway SITE AREA (Total): 143.04 acres PROPERTY OWNER: Loop 360 Land LP (Jonathan Coon) AGENT: Armbrust & Brown, PLLC (Richard T. Suttle, Jr.) CASE MANAGER: Nancy Estrada (512-974-7617, nancy.estrada@austintexas.gov) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The Staff recommendation is to grant the third amendment to planned unit development (PUD) district zoning, as shown in the Proposed PUD Amendment summary on page 3 of this report and as referenced in the replacement Exhibits C, D2, E, and G. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION ACTION: May 21, 2025: ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION ACTION / RECOMMENDATION: June 3, 2025: CITY COUNCIL ACTION: June 5, 2025: ORDINANCE NUMBER: ISSUES: The Shepherd Mountain Neighborhood Association, Lake Austin Collective, and the 2222 Coalition of Neighborhood Associations have submitted correspondence in support of the proposed Camelback PUD amendment. All correspondence is provided at the end of this report. C814-86-023.03 Page 2 On May 9, 2025, the applicant submitted a letter to modify the …
Camelback PUD Amendment #3 6505 Bridgepoint Parkway C814-86-023.03 Sean Watson Environmental Program Coordinator Watershed Protection C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T Camelback Planned Unit Development (PUD) C814-86-023.03 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 1 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R S H E D P R O T E C T I O N D E P A R T M E N T 2 Background • 1 4 3 . 0 6 7 6 a c r e s o f l a n d , u p t o 2 8 9 r e s i d e n t i a l u n i t s • Wa t e r S u p p l y Ru r a l , Au s t i n F u l l P u r p o s e J u r i s d i c t i o n • L a ke Au s t i n a n d C o l d C r e e k Wa t e r s h e d s • D r i n k i n g Wa t e r P ro t e c t i o n Z o n e • P ro p o s e d r ev i s i o n t o a n ex i s t i n g P U D w i t h 6 4 s i n g l e f a m i l y h o m e s • N u m e ro u s C E F s ex i s t o n s i t e • C o u n c i l D i s t r i c t 1 0 C I T Y O F A U S T I N W A T E R …
Austin Resource Recovery Road to Zero Waste Assistant Director Ron Romero About Austin Resource Recovery Our Mission We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. Our Vision Driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Curbside Collection for Trash, Recyclables and Compost Brush, Bulk and HHW On Demand Services Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center (RRDOC) Residential Services Citywide Services • Litter Abatement • Street sweeping is provided for major roads, residential streets and bike lanes • Circular Business Services • Commercial Compliance Unit • Construction and Demolition Recycling Ordinance • Special Events Ordinance • Universal Recycling Ordinance • Zero Waste Business Rebate Business Services Community Programs • Austin Reuse Directory • Fix-It Austin • Generation Zero • MoveOut ATX • Zero Waste Block Leaders Questions
Water Management Strategy Implementation REPORT First Quarter 2025, January – March Water and Wastewater Commission May 21, 2025 Contents 2 First Quarter Summary Notes Regarding Data Water Conservation Updates Water Loss Reduction Updates Reclaimed Water and Onsite Reuse Updates Conservation Outreach Updates Water Use and GPCD Water Supply Project Updates First Quarter Summary The sustainability of Austin’s water supply is critical to the City’s future. This is the first quarterly report on implementation of water management strategies in the 2024 Water Conservation and Water Forward Plans. Austin Water has committed to this regular reporting to provide the latest information for stakeholders to understand our progress. In the first quarter of Calendar Year 2025, Austin Water initiated many bedrock tasks of water management strategies, including this new process of reporting. Notes Regarding Data Quarterly reporting of strategy implementation is a groundbreaking effort undertaken by Austin Water. Several important metrics require both explanation and development. Some metrics will be available in future quarterly reports. Quarterly Data – All quarterly data should be considered preliminary and draft, subject to adjustment and revision at the end of the year and included in the annual report. Historical Data – Where possible, 2024 quarterly metrics are included for reference with the 2025 first quarter metrics. Not all metrics have historical data. Yield of Strategies – Estimated volumetric yields from strategies are included in the Water Conservation Plan (2029 and 2034) and the Water Forward Plan (2030). Austin Water is working to identify the volumetric yields of strategies as they are being implemented and report them in future reporting. 4 Water Conservation Updates New single family residential irrigation inspections started in October 2024 3 Commercial/Institutional water audits conducted with pre-approved Bucks for Business applications Commercial water audit training: 2 staff members were certified and local utilities are working to bring the training to Central Texas WaterWise Landscape and Rainscape applications increased by 900% and 350% respectively between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025 5 Water Conservation Metrics Residential Rebate Programs Approved Rebates 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 6 Drought Survival Tools Irrigation Upgrades Other Residential Programs Rainwater Harvesting Rebates WaterWise Landscape WaterWise Rainscape Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q4 2024 Q1 2025 Water Conservation Metrics Commercial Rebate Programs Approved Rebates Approved Rebates 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20250521-002 Date: May 21, 2025 Subject: Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.03 Location: 6505 Bridge Point Pkwy, Austin, TX 78730 Motion by: Mariana Krueger Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting to amend a Planned Unit Development to provide an option for a Cart Path and Off-site Surface Access in lieu of the funicular (mechanized access) to reach the Dock (D) District. The 15-foot-wide cart path would run from the Mixed Residential (MR) District, across the Preserve Open Space (P-OS), to a connecting point on the adjacent property to the south as depicted on the proposed PUD Land Use Plan; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Water Supply Rural, Lake Austin and Coldwater Creek Watersheds; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: This project shall comply with current PUD requirements, except for the following exceptions as proposed in the amendment: a. PUD amendment allows for an alternative access cart path to the dock district in exchange for the mechanized access (funicular). PUD notes will be added to clarify that once the cart path is constructed no other access will be permissible, including the previously approved funicular. b. The cart path will not impact critical environmental features (CEFs) and otherwise comply with environmental regulations. c. No additional cut will be allowed other than what is already provided by the approved PUD. d. Changes to the allotments and allowable depths of fill will be allowed as proposed by this amendment. e. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Environmental Commission conditions: 1. Dark skies/ bird friendly lighting is used throughout the property including along the cart path and dock space. 2. All areas disturbed in the construction of the cart path shall be replanted with native plants with a management plan. VOTE 8-0 1 For: Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Isabella Changsut, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Against: None Recuse: None Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Justin Fleury Approved By: Attest: Elizabeth Funk, Environmental Commission Liaison 2
Capital Delivery Services Capital Delivery Services Public Improvement Bond Program Public Improvement Bond Program Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan Bond Oversight Commission Update Bond Oversight Commission Update Marcus Hammer, Assistant Director Marcus Hammer, Assistant Director Capital Delivery Services Capital Delivery Services May 21, 2025 May 21, 2025 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 AGENDA • CDS Overview • What is a General Obligation Bond Program? • Improved Bond Development Process • Staff Work Completed to Date • Guiding Principles, Technical Criteria, & Scoring Matrices • Progress to Date & Upcoming Milestones “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 2 Created in 2023 with the goal of reducing project delivery time Who we are • Engineers • Architects • Project managers • Community Engagement Our partners • Consultants • Contracting teams • City asset owners • Community members • Mayor & Council Role in 2026 Bond Program One City – One Team – One Approach to effectively and efficiently deliver quality public projects. • Convene asset owner departments to develop needs assessment • Guide the process to ensure projects are vetted and scopes/schedules/budgets are accurate and realistic • Coordinate projects across departments to achieve mutual benefits What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Typical Bond Projects: • Flood and Erosion Control Improvements • New or Replacement City Facilities • Rehabilitation of Existing Facilities • Housing Infrastructure/Housing Projects • Street and Thoroughfare Improvements o Sidewalks o Traffic Signals • Park and Recreation Facilities • Public Safety Facilities (Fire/EMS/Police) • Land Purchase 4 What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Types of work NOT included: • Routine operations and maintenance activities o Potholes o Minor street repair o Landscaping maintenance o General building maintenance Improvements for short term leased space • • Code enforcement initiatives • Employee salaries (including police & fire) • AE/AW Capital Projects typically funded by using debt are funded via AE and AW revenue bonds, not General Obligation debt and thus are not for the 2026 GO Bond Program City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach to Capital Delivery 5 Improved Bond Delivery Process for 2026 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Council calls for Bond Election (Aug) Bond Election (Nov) BEATF Meetings, Council, and Public Engagement HOW WE’VE …
Austin Public Health 2012 and 2018 Bond Projects Update May 2025 Filip Gecic, Austin Public Health Kalpana Sutaria, Capital Services Delivery Agenda • Department Overview • APH Bond Funding History • APH Completed Projects Austin Public Health: The Heart Mission: To prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all. Low-cost vaccinations Health screenings Infant & maternal health Birth and death certificates Diabetes education and prevention classes Food truck, restaurants, pool and water feature inspections Mosquito testing and abatement Rent assistance, food pantries, job application support Austin Public Health: Centers of Service Mission:To prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all. 14 WIC Clinics 6 Neighborhood Centers 2 Shots for Tots and Big Shots Clinics + Weekly Mobile Clinics Sexual Health Clinic Refugee Services Clinic Mom's Place Lactation Support Center Office of Vital Records Bond History- Austin Public Health • Austin Public Health has received less than 1% of the City Bond Appropriation since 1998. Voters Authorized Bond Election Year Sum of APH Appropriation 1998 2000 2006 2010 2012 2013 2016 2018 2020 2022 $339,740,000 $163,400,000 $567,400,000 $90,000 $306,648,000 $65,000,000 $720,000,000 $925,000,000 $460,000,000 $350,000,000 $11,148,000 $16,000,000 Grand Totals $3,897,278,000 $27,148,000 Bond Appropriated Funds (1998 – 2022) Blue Shaded Area - $3,897,278,000 All other city departments. Orange Shaded Area - $27,148,000 Austin Public Health Funding Less than 1% APH Projects Completed With Past Bond Funding *Dove Springs Health Center *Montopolis Recreation Public Health Center *Women’s & Children’s Center *Betty Dunkerly & Animal Center Improvements *Parking Expansion at 2 APH sites 2012 Bond Projects • Parking Lot Expansion at Far South and Montopolis APH Sites (2016) • Betty Dunkerley Campus Infrastructure Improvements / Animal Center Kennel Addition (2017) • Women and Children’s Shelter Repairs and Expansion (2018) • Montopolis Recreation and Community Center - Joint Project with Parks and Recreation Department (2020) 2012 Proposition 17 Austin Public Health BOND BALANCES Voter-approved $11,145,000 Appropriated $11,145,000 Encumbered $26,658 Spent $11,082,260 Committed $11,108,918 Available Data thru Q4 FY 2024 $36,082 Parking Lot Expansion Project Scope Parking expansion at two APH Sites Drainage management Landscaping Budget $906,000 – constructed in-house by PWD Far South – Existing 21 parking spaces, 19 added, new total 40 Montopolis – Existing 13 parking spaces, 13 added, new total 26 Status – Completed in 2016 Parking Lot Expansions Betty Dunkerley Campus Project Scope Resolve drainage issues Improve campus road Construct additional sidewalks and trails Expand …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 21, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Krueger called the Environmental Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Mariana Krueger, Richard Brimer, Annie Fierro, Ashika Ganguly, Martin Luecke, Haris Qureshi, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Isabella Changsut Commissioners Absent: Jennifer Bristol, Hanna Cofer, Justin Fleury PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 7, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on May 7, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Qureshi’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury were absent. Commissioner Ganguly was off the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: Camelback PUD Amendment #3, C814-86-023.01 Applicant: Armbrust & Brown, L.L.P (Amanda Morrow) Location: 6505 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730 Council District: District 10 Staff: Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, (512) 535-8914, Leslie.lilly@austintexas.gov; Sean Watson, Environmental Program Coordinator, (512) 963-2167, Sean.Watson@austintexas.gov Applicant request: Amend a Planned Unit Development Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions 1 Speakers: Sean Watson, WPD Johnathon Coons, Applicant Leslie Lilly, WPD Allison __ , Kimley-Horn Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist, DSD A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second, on a 10–0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury was absent. A motion to recommend the Camelback PUD Amendment #3 with conditions passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 8–0 vote. Commissioners Bristol, Cofer, and Fleury was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on Austin Resource Recovery’s Road to Zero Waste – Ron Romero, Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery Item conducted as posted. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Krueger adjourned the meeting at 7:51 pm without objection. The minutes were approved at the June 4, 2025 meeting on Commissioner Cofer’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Ganguly were absent. 2
Commission Recommendation Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation 20250521-003: Language Access Programs for Entrepreneurs WHEREAS the City of Austin has demonstrated a commitment to fostering economic and community potential by supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, including women and minority business owners, through initiatives that reduce economic exclusion and bolster job creation; WHEREAS individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), defined by the federal government as those who do not speak English as their primary language and have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English, comprise 10% of Austin's population; WHEREAS 24% of all new Austin businesses are founded by immigrants, who are 24.1% more likely to start a business than U.S.-born residents; WHEREAS 15% of Austin businesses are owned by immigrants, reflecting the city's cultural and economic diversity. Despite their entrepreneurial drive, LEP business owners face significant barriers in navigating regulatory processes, securing funding, and accessing critical business resources; WHEREAS Council Resolution 20131017-038 (2013) directed the City Manager to establish a universal translation and interpretation service protocol, culminating in the 2022 Language Access Policy. However, this policy primarily serves individuals rather than addressing the distinct needs of LEP business owners; WHEREAS Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs, underscoring the importance of equitable access to city resources for all entrepreneurs; WHEREAS immigrant entrepreneurs, who constitute 18% of Austin’s population, are twice as likely to be self-employed but face higher business failure rates due to language barriers, limited professional networks, and lack of access to capital and regulatory information; WHEREAS investing in Limited English Proficiency entrepreneurs strengthens Austin’s economy, increases resilience during economic downturns, expands the tax base, and creates jobs; WHEREAS the Economic Development Department’s Community Navigator Program, which provided critical business support services, ended in December 2024, leaving a gap in resources for immigrant business owners; WHEREAS popular programs for English-speaking entrepreneurs, such as the BizAid Business Orientation, have not been offered in Spanish in the past 12 months due to a lack of awareness among existing and new limited english proficiency businesses. BizAid Business is an introductory class designed to equip aspiring business owners with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the complex landscape of city, state, and federal regulations, as well as gain insights into the City of Austin's development process for commercial properties; WHEREAS immigrant-owned businesses in Texas employ over 635,000 workers and …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250521-004 Date: May 21, 2025 Subject: City’s FY 2025 – 2026 Budget Motioned By: Chair Nahas Seconded By: Commissioner Pleuthner Recommendation The Budget of the City of Austin should respect renters as the equal of homeowners. Description of Recommendation to Council Require that the City of Austin 2025-26 Budget respect renters as "Typical" residents of Austin. Require that the City of Austin 2025-26 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" add a line for the average tax per rental unit, which includes the property tax and all other taxes and annual fees on rental properties. Require that the City of Austin 2025-26 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" rename the line "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT" to "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (homeowner)" and add a line for "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (renter)", which includes the average taxes and fees paid per rental unit. Require that the City of Austin 2025-26 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" include a calculation of "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (renter)" for the previous budget, Fiscal Year 2023- 24, and compute a percentage increase from Fiscal Year 2023-24 to Fiscal Year 2025-26. Require that the City of Austin 2025-26 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" use the bottom half of the page to hold a table of "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT" for Austin residents at all income levels. Rows should be by household income for every 10th percentile, from bottom 10% to top 10%. City Staff should estimate what proportion of each income bracket are homeowners and renters and assign an average (mathematical mean) property tax weighted by that proportion, based on properties that income bracket would rent or own. City Staff may have more detailed knowledge. They should investigate if residents in the bottom 10th percentile of income uses the average (mathematical mean) of the bottom 10th percentile of residential Austin Energy usage, residential Austin Water usage, etc.. Rationale: The City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's “Taxpayer Impact Statement” refers to a ““Typical” Resident Ratepayer” who pays property tax with a homestead exemption and, therefore, must be a homeowner. The 2024-25 budget claims that this “Typical” Austin resident owns a house worth $524,082. 1 of 2 In fact, the City of Austin actually has a majority of renters. The U.S. Census Bureau for the time period 2017-2021 reports that only 44.7% of the housing units in Austin are owner-occupied. A household owning a property worth $524,082 is likely in the top 25th percentile of income for the …
