Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 ___Environmental Commission__ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: Per section 2-1-144(F) of the City Code, the Environmental Commission may: 1) review and analyze the policies relating to the environmental quality of the city; (2) act as an advisory board to the city council, the city manager, and the department in their efforts to oversee the protection and integrity of the natural environment; (3) promote growth management and land use planning, minimize degradation of water resources, protect downstream areas, and promote recreation opportunities and environmental awareness; and (4) advise and recommend on any issue which the commission determines necessary or advisable for the enhancement and stewardship of the urban forest both public and private. (G) The commission shall: (1) assist the city council, the city manager, and the department in studying, promoting and enforcing environmental protection policies to assure the health, safety, welfare and quality of life of all citizens within the City's incorporated boundaries as well as those within its extraterritorial jurisdiction where the boundaries apply; and (2) oversee the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for the planting, maintenance, and replacement of trees in the City's jurisdiction, and revise the plan as necessary. When a portion of the plan has been developed and established, it shall be submitted to the city council for adoption before implementation. (H) The commission shall advise the city council, the city manager, and the department concerning policies, projects, and programs that affect the quality of life or have the potential to affect the environment, including those that relate to or affect: Annual Review and Work Plan 2024-2025 Page 2 (1) water quality: (a) watershed protection; (b) urban runoff; (c) innovative wastewater treatment; (d) regional wastewater treatment; (e) improvement and protection of the Colorado River and the Edwards Aquifer; and (f) wastewater irrigation; (2) growth management and land use planning: (a) municipal utility district review; (b) capital improvement project review; and (c) the comprehensive plan; (3) construction controls for erosion and sedimentation; (4) City environmental policies regarding monitoring and enforcement; (5) solid waste disposal plan alternatives; (6) watershed protection: (a) flood control; (b) erosion control; (c) water quality; and (d) utility management; (7) roadway planning; (8) beautification; (9) recreation resources; (10) public education on environmental matters; (11) hazardous waste materials management; (12) …
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250806-002 Date: August 6, 2025 Subject: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Location: 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: David Sullivan WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is requesting: • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within a Critical Water Quality Zone; • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a Critical Water Quality Zone that is in good floodplain health condition; • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 8 feet; • Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 8 feet. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the site is located in Walnut Creek Watershed, Suburban Classification Desired Development Zone; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that Staff recommends the variance with the following conditions: • Provide 1.55 acres of floodplain restoration • Provide 4.13 acres of floodplain mitigation • Pay $312,625.84 into the Riparian Zone Mitigation Fund • Place 4.74 acres of floodplain and 3.80 acres of environmentally sensitive land into conservation easement • Provide 0.63 acres of wildflower meadow in detention ponds • Provide an additional 0.62 acres of restoration within the conservation easement, outside of the floodplain THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the variance request with the following Environmental Commission conditions: • Dark Sky lighting for outdoor sport centers that also includes being on a timer that automatically goes off no later than 10:00 pm to reduce light pollution to adjacent neighborhoods. • Reduce leaching from the field as best as possible through retention structures and water quality • Utilized Blackland prairie mix in seeding along the roadway for restoration • Develop an emergency evacuation plan, with special attention given to participants who require ADA accommodation 1 VOTE 8-1 For: Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Jennifer Bristol, Martin Luecke, Annie Fierro, David Sullivan, Ashika Ganguly, and Rick Brimer Against: Mariana Krueger Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi Approved By: Jennifer Bristol, Environmental Commission Chair 2
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 6, 2025 The Environmental Commission convened in a Regular meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 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, Isabella Changsut, Justin Fleury, Annie Fierro, Martin Luecke, David Sullivan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Richard Brimer, Ashika Ganguly, Mariana Krueger Commissioners Absent: Hanna Cofer, Haris Qureshi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 2nd, 2025 and the Special Called Meeting on July 16th, 2025 The minutes of the Environmental Commission Regular Meeting on July 2, 2025 and Special Called meeting on July 16, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Sullivan’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Changsut and Ganguly were off the dais. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Name: RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022-0567C Applicant: Katherine Lauer, 9442 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Plaza I, Suite 340, Austin, TX, 78759 Location: 7401 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX Council District: District 1 Staff: Eric Brown, Environmental Scientist Senior, 512-797-3139 1 Eric.brown@austintexas.gov Watershed Protection Department and Mike McDougal, Environmental Policy Program Manager, 512-974-6380 mike.mcdougal@austintexas.gov Development Services Department Applicant request: Variance request is as follows: a. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-261(G) to allow floodplain modification within a CWQZ; b. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-263 to allow floodplain modification outside of a CWQZ that is in good floodplain health condition; c. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-341 to allow cut up to 8 feet; and d. Request to vary from LDC 25-8-342 to allow fill up to 8 feet. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommended with conditions Speakers: Eric Brown, WPD Mohamad Abdulkader, Amanda Swor, on behalf of the applicant Matt Price, Founder of RBI Liz Johnston, WPD John Clement, WPD Johnathon McGee, Garza A motion to close the public hearing passed on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. A motion to recommend the RBI Austin Youth Development Complex, SP-2022- 0567C, with conditions passed on Commissioner Bristol’s motion, Commissioner Sullivan’s second on an 8–1 vote. Commissioner Krueger voted against. Commissioners Cofer and Qureshi were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation of Development Assessment Report for 600 East Riverside Drive, located at 600 and 600 ½ East Riverside Drive, CD-2025-0001 …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN Wednesday, August 6, 2025, 12:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, call or email Christi Vitela, 512-974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on July 9, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the JIC meetings held in June and July 2025. 3. Discussion of the Get to Know Your Commission events. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the progress towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. 5. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve updates to the membership of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group. 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 Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792, or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 9, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, at The Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, Texas, Room 1401/1402. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women regular meeting to order at 12:20 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alexandria Anderson Angela Harris Diana Melendez Katrina Scheihing Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on May 7, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on May 7, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Melendez’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Bissereth, Shaik, and Zayan were absent. 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on June 4, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on June 4, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Melendez’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Bissereth, Shaik, and Zayan were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing regarding maternal health by Laura G. LaFuente, Assistant Director, Austin Public Health, Donna Sundstrom, Assistant Director, Austin Public Health, Fernanda Santos, 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 9, 2025 Epidemiologist, Austin Public Health, and Dr. Desmar Walkes, Health Authority and Medical Director, Austin Public Health. The presentation was made by Laura G. LaFuente, Assistant Director, Austin Public Health, Donna Sundstrom, Assistant Director, Austin Public Health, Fernanda Santos, Epidemiologist, Austin Public Health, and Dr. Desmar Walkes, Health Authority and Medical Director, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation regarding women’s mental health programs by Wendy Salazar, Practice Manager for Children and Family Services, Integral Care. The presentation was made by Wendy Amozurrutia-Salazar, Practice Manager, Integral Care. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Approve the Commission for Women 2024-2025 Annual Internal Report. The motion to approve the Commission for Women 2024-2025 Annual Internal Report as approved on Commissioner Melendez’s motion, Commissioner Scheihing’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Bissereth, Shaik, and Zayan were absent. 10. Approve changes to the scope of work and membership of the Recognition Working Group. Discussed. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the JIC regular called meeting held in June 2025. Withdrawn. 6. Discussion of the Get to Know Your Commission …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Commission for Women Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 6, 2025 The Commission for Women convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, TX. Chair Bullard called the Commission for Women regular meeting to order at 12:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Becky Bullard, Chair Rabia Shaik Shaimaa Zayan Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alexandria Anderson Diana Melendez Fernanda Veloz-Salas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on July 9, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on July 9, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Veloz Salas’ motion, Commissioner Melendez’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Bissereth, Harris, and Scheihing were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the JIC meetings held in June and July 2025. Discussed. 3. Discussion of the Get to Know Your Commission events. Discussed. 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 6, 2025 WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Quality of Life Working Group on the progress towards the completion of the Quality of Life Study. Commissioner Melendez provided an update. 5. Update from the Recognition Working Group regarding progress toward nominations, evaluation, and the 2025 event. Commissioner Melendez provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve updates to the membership of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group. The motion to approve the addition of Commissioners Shaik and Zayan to the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group was approved on Chair Bullard’s motion, Commissioner Melendez’s second on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Bissereth, Harris, and Scheihing were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Divine Mama Strength Approve the change in scope of work of the Recognition Working Group to have an event biannually instead of annually Discussion of a draft Recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison Program Discussion of Welcoming Week (September) Presentation by the Office of Equity and Inclusion (October) Chair Bullard adjourned the meeting at 12:34 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the September 3, 2025, meeting on Commissioner Scheihing’s motion, Commissioner Veloz Salas’ second, on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Tau and Commissioner Anderson were off the dais. Commissioner Melendez was absent. 2
REGULAR MEETING of the ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISSION TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025, 6:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Zoning and Platting 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. Registration no later than 2 PM the day of the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. For more information on public comment, please see the agenda section “Speaker Registration.” Please contact Ella Garcia, Staff Liaison, for questions regarding speaker registration at LandUseLiaison@austintexas.gov or by phone at 512-978-0821. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Hank Smith – Chair (District 8) Betsy Greenberg – Vice Chair (District 10) Ryan Puzycki – Secretary (District 7) Alejandra Flores – Parliamentarian (District 5) Luis Osta Lugo (Mayor’s Representative) Scott Boone (District 1) David Fouts (District 2) Lonny Stern (District 3) Vacant (District 4) Christian Tschoepe (District 6) Taylor Major (District 9) EXECUTIVE SESSION (No public discussion) The Zoning and Platting Commission will announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel on matters specifically listed on this agenda. The commission may not conduct a closed meeting without the approval of the city attorney. Private Consultation with Attorney – Section 551.071 Staff Liaison: Ella Garcia, 512-978-0821 Attorney: Jenna Schwartz, 512-978-0871 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first four 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 Zoning and Platting Commission regular meeting on July 15, 2025. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Conditional Use SPC-2024-0424A - Crow Bar; District 3 Permit: 523 Thompson Lane, Carson Creek, Suburban Watershed Location: Owner/Applicant: Crow Bar (Steve Gee) Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Element 5 Architecture; PLLC (Drew Randall) Conditional Use Permit for a Cocktail Lounge in the CS-1-CO Zone Recommended Randall Rouda, 512-974-3338, randall.rouda@austintexas.gov Development Services Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and action regarding the September 12, 2023, Planning Commission Recommendation to Council to establish a Regulatory Plan for the area generally bounded to the east by Capital of Texas Hwy 360, …
ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISION REGULAR CALLED MEETING TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025 The Zoning and Platting convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Zoning and Platting Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hank Smith David Fouts Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Betsy Greenberg Scott Boone Taylor Major Ryan Puzycki Christian Tschoepe Commissioners Absent: Alejandra Flores Luis Osta Lugo Lonny Stern 1 vacancy on the dais. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ryan Saunders: Loopholes in Austin’s noise ordinance affecting mixed-use developments and residential quality of life. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zoning and Platting Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. 1 The minutes from the meeting of Tuesday, July 1, 2025, were approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Fouts’ motion, Vice Chair Greenberg’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Flores, Osta Lugo, and Stern were absent. 1 vacancy on the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Zoning: C14-2025-0055 - 6512 McNeil ESS; District 6 6512 McNeil Drive, Walnut Creek, Rattan Creek Watersheds Location: Owner/Applicant: Extra Space Properties 127 LLC Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Masterplan Consultants (Crystal Lemus) I-RR to CS Staff Recommends CS-CO Sherri Sirwaitis, 512-974-3057, sherri.sirwaitis@austintexas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation of CS-CO for C14-2025-0055 - 6512 McNeil ESS; District 6, located at 6512 McNeil Drive, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Fouts’ motion, Vice Chair Greenberg’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Flores, Osta Lugo, and Stern were absent. 1 vacancy on the dais. 3. Zoning: C14-2025-0045 - 8234 Ferguson Cutoff; District 1 8234 Ferguson Cutoff, Walnut Creek Watershed Location: Owner/Applicant: AAA Auger Holdings Inc. (Kyle Rother) Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Civilitude LLC (Amy Nunnellee) I-RR to LI-CO Recommended Beverly Villela, 512-978-0741, beverly.villela@austintexas.gov Planning Department The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation of LI-CO for C14-2025-0045 - 8234 Ferguson Cutoff; District 1, located at 8234 Ferguson Cutoff, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Fouts’ motion, Vice Chair Greenberg’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Flores, Osta Lugo, and Stern were absent. 1 vacancy on the dais. 4. Rezoning: C14-2024-0006 - Greater Walnut Area Centralized Odor Control Facility Project - Loyola Facility; District 1 6101 and 6101 1/2 Loyola Lane, Walnut Creek Watershed Location: Owner/Applicant: City of Austin Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: City of Austin …
PLANNING COMMISSION SITE PLAN CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REVIEW SHEET CASE NUMBER: PROJECT NAME: SPC-2024-0424A Crow Bar PC DATE: August 5, 2025 ADDRESS: COUNCIL DISTRICT: NEIGBORHOOD PLAN: Upper Boggy Creek WATERSHED: 523 Thompson Lane 3 Carson Creek (Suburban) OWNER: AGENT: Crow Bar (Steve Gee) 3116 S Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704 Element 5 Architecture; PLLC, Drew Randall (512) 473-8228 1212 Chicon St., Unit 101 Austin, TX 78702 CASE MANAGER: Randall Rouda Randall.rouda@austintexas.gov (512) 978-3338 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit for a cocktail lounge use within an existing building. The proposed cocktail lounge area is 5,867 square feet total (4,048 sq. ft. within an existing building and 1,819 sq.ft. of outside area). No construction is proposed with this site plan. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit. The site plan will comply with all requirements of the Land Development Code requirements. PROJECT INFORMATION: AREA: 5,867 sq. ft. footprint (indoor and outdoor) on a 23,910 sq. ft. site EXIST. ZONING: CS-1-CO / I-RR (As the use is entirely located on the CS-1-CO portion of the property, Zoning Analysis is limited to that area) ALLOWED F.A.R.: 2:1 MAX. BLDG. COVERAGE: 95% MAX. IMPERVIOUS CVRG: 95% REQUIRED PARKING: N/A PROPOSED ACCESS: Thompson Lane EXISTING F.A.R.: 0.24:1 EXISTING BLDG. CVRG: 24% EXISTING IMPERVIOUS CVRG: 63.1% PROVIDED PARKING: 17 SUMMARY COMMENTS ON SITE PLAN: Land Use: The lot is zoned CS-1-CO/I-RR (Commercial-Liquor Sales with a Conditional Overlay / Interim Rural Residence). 02 SPC-2024-0424A - Crow Bar; District 31 of 7 SPC-2024-0113A 2 The existing building is 4,048 square feet with a 1,398 square-foot patio and 421 sq.ft. canopy for a total area of 5,867 square feet. Cocktail Lounge use is a conditional use in the CS-1 base zoning district. There are no schools, churches, or hospitals within 300 feet of the subject site. Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit request. Environmental: The site is located in the Carson Creek Watershed and subject to the Suburban Watershed regulations. There were no Environmental review comments. No construction is proposed with this Land Use application. Transportation: Parking spaces are located on-site. All Transportation comments have been cleared. Access to the site will be from Thompson Lane. SURROUNDING CONDITIONS: Zoning/ Land Use North: South: West: East: CS / General Retail LI-CO / Vacant/Parking/Auto-Oriented LI, Vacant I-RR, General Retail / Indoor Sports and Recreation NEIGHBORHOOD ORGNIZATIONS: Austin Neighborhoods Council Del Valle Community …
Zoning and Platting Commission Recommendation Request that Council initiate an area regulatory plan WHEREAS, the area of Austin generally bounded to the east by Capital of Texas Highway 360, to the south by the shoreline of Lake Austin, to the west by FM 620, and to the north by Boulder Lane and Bull Creek is one of the nation's riskiest areas for uncontrolled wildfire; and WHEREAS, the general boundaries include recently annexed geographies that lack city services, infrastructure and planning; and WHEREAS, the general boundaries have amongst the highest population growth rates in the city; and WHEREAS, the insurance industry has identified this area as high risk or uninsurable; and WHEREAS, this is a critical time to expand safe and affordable housing opportunities; and WHEREAS, the city's most valuable resources for climate resiliency occupy this region; and WHEREAS, the lack of a regulatory plan could result extreme loss of human life and catastrophic financial disaster. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Zoning & Platting Commission encourages the Austin City Council to initiate a generalized regulatory plan to evaluate roadway capacities, to evaluate and ensure the safe delivery of city services such as fire evacuation, to evaluate and plan sustainable capacity along the WUI corridor including affordable housing and missing middle housing, to evaluate and plan the city's preserve lands, and strategic acquisitions. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ 03 Zoning and Platting Commission Recommendation August 5, 20251 of 1
ZONING & PLATTING COMMISSION RULES OF PROCEDURE As amended by the Zoning & Platting Commission on February 18, 2025 ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS (A) Legal Authority & Jurisdiction. (1) The Zoning & Platting Commission (hereafter “Commission”) derives its legal authority from the Texas Local Government Code, Chapters 211 and 212, and the City of Austin’s Land Development Code (Title 25). (2) The Commission serves as the Land Use Commission for matters within its jurisdiction under LDC § 25-1-188, which include: (a) Control over platting and subdividing land within the corporate limits of the City and extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City; (b) Make recommendations to City Council regarding proposed zoning changes; and (c) Other functions, as established by ordinance, including but not limited to review and approval of applications for conditional use site plans and environmental variances. (3) The Commission may request that the City Manager provide relevant information and staff support in relation to its functions. (B) Rules of Procedure. (1) These Rules of Procedure (“Rules”) establish standards and guidelines for the conduct of public hearings and the resolution of cases before the Commission. In the event of a conflict with City Code or other applicable law, the Code or other law supersedes these Rules. (2) Applicants and other interested parties should familiarize themselves with these Rules before filing an application or testifying on a case to the Commission. For information regarding membership, terms, and other requirements relating to the operating and structure of the Commission, please consult the Commission’s bylaws and City Code Chapter 2-1. 04 Zoning and Platting Commission Revised Rules of Procedure1 of 8 ARTICLE II. OFFICIAL ACTS AND RECORDS (A) Announcement of Official Acts. (1) The Secretary, who shall be selected by the Commission, shall prepare for the Commission all letters of transmittal to the City Council for Commission approval and shall sign all documents required for Commission action relative to zoning plan changes, special permits, and subdivision plans. Letters to the Council shall be signed by the Chair of the Commission and posted online. (2) In the absence of the Secretary, the Chair, Vice Chair, or other member selected by the Commission may perform functions assigned to the Secretary under these rules. (B) Official Records. (1) The official records of the Commission shall be its adopted minutes and electronic recordings of its meetings. (2) The official records of the Commission shall constitute a public record …
August 4, 2025 City of Austin Zoning & Platting Commission, As president and general manager of Callahan’s General Store, a family-owned/operated business at 501 Bastrop Highway, we are eager to welcome Crow Bar (523Tthompson Lane) as a potential new business neighbor. Their presence will create an opportunity to provide Austin-area residents and visitors a unique and positive Southeast Austin experience. Sincerely, Charley Wilson President, CEO & General Manager Callahan’s General Store 02 SPC-2024-0424A - Crow Bar; District 3 1 of 3 02 SPC-2024-0424A - Crow Bar; District 3 2 of 3 02 SPC-2024-0424A - Crow Bar; District 3 3 of 3
Amend the August 5th, 2025 Zoning and Platting Commission recommendation as follows: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Zoning & Platting Commission recommends that Council request a staff evaluation of real-world fire-safety performance across all housing types—including single-family homes, middle housing, and large-scale multifamily developments—to guide the regulating plan; and to direct staff to develop actionable recommendations to strengthen building fire resistance and prevent fire spread within the plan area. 03 Tschoepe Amendment1 of 1
ZONING AND PLATTING COMMISION REGULAR CALLED MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025 The Zoning and Platting convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, in Austin, Texas. Chair Smith called the Zoning and Platting Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hank Smith Betsy Greenberg David Fouts Luis Osta Lugo Christian Tschoepe Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alejandra Flores Ryan Puzycki Lonny Stern Commissioners Absent: Scott Boone Taylor Major PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Zoning and Platting Commission regular meeting on July 15, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of July 15, 2025, were approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Flores’ motion, Commissioner Tschoepe’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Boone and Major were absent. 1 PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Conditional Use SPC-2024-0424A - Crow Bar; District 3 Permit: 523 Thompson Lane, Carson Creek, Suburban Watershed Location: Owner/Applicant: Crow Bar (Steve Gee) Agent: Request: Staff Rec.: Staff: Element 5 Architecture; PLLC (Drew Randall) Conditional Use Permit for a Cocktail Lounge in the CS-1-CO Zone Recommended Randall Rouda, 512-974-3338, randall.rouda@austintexas.gov Development Services Department The motion to approve Staff’s recommendation of a conditional use permit for a cocktail lounge in the CS-1-CO Zone for SPC-2024-0424A - Crow Bar; District 3, located at 523 Thompson Lane, was approved on the consent agenda on Commissioner Flores’ motion, Commissioner Tschoepe’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Boone and Major were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and action regarding the September 12, 2023, Planning Commission Recommendation to Council to establish a Regulatory Plan for the area generally bounded to the east by Capital of Texas Hwy 360, to the south by the north shoreline of Lake Austin, to the west by 620, and to the north by Boulder Lane and Bull Creek. (Sponsored by Vice Chair Greenberg and Commissioner Tschoepe) The motion to approve and transmit to the Austin City Council the recommendation that is regarding the September 12, 2023, Planning Commission Recommendation to Council to establish a Regulatory Plan for the area generally bounded to the east by Capital of Texas Hwy 360, to the south by the north shoreline of Lake Austin, to the west by 620, and to the north by Boulder Lane and Bull Creek was approved with the following friendly amendment on motion by Vice Chair …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY AUGUST 5, 2025, AT 5:00 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOM 1405 6310 Wilhemina Delco Drive AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register please call or email the staff liaison in advance at (512)-974-3428 or Natalie.Leone@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Monday August 4, 2025, with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Vacant – (District 2) Arlin Alvarez-(District 3) Susan Somers, Chair-(District 4) Daniel Kavelman, Parliamentarian -(District 5) Kevin Chen- (District 6) Varun Prasad- (District 7) Justin Jacobson- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair- (District 9) Joshua Sorin – (District 10) Deshon Brown- (Mayoral Appointee) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Transportation Commission REGULAR MEETING on July 1, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the Cap Metro Bike Share Expansion. Presenters: Michael Kimbro & Jacob Barrett, Transportation and Public Works with JD Simpson, CapMetro 3. Discussion on Emergency Response Management Presenter: Kimmi McMinn & Dan Valbracht, Austin Transportation and Public Works 4. Discussion on Autonomous Vehicles Presenter: Kristin Bray, Austin Transportation and Public Works DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and approval of Urban Transportation Commission comment to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles on Autonomous Vehicles Rules adoption. Facilitator: Susan Somers 6. Discussion and possible action regarding an appointment to the Downtown Commission (one vacancy). Facilitator: Susan Somers COMMITTEE UPDATES 7. Update from Commissioner Prasad from the Joint Sustainability Commission regarding actions taken at the July 23, 2025, meeting. 8. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the July 15, 2025, meeting. 9. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 1, 2025 URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 1, 2025 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 6310 Whilemina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Somers called the Board Meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Susan Somers, Chair - (District 4) Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair - (District 9) Arlin Alvarez - (District 3) Daniel Kavelman, Parliamentarian - (District 5) Kevin Chen - (District 6) Justin Jacobson - (District 8) Commissioners in Attendance Virtually: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Varun Prasad - (District 7) Joshua Sorin – (District 10) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Carlos Soto APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on June 3, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 5/6/2025 were approved on a motion from Chair Somers, and a second from Vice Chair Schumacher on a 9-0 vote, with Commissioner Brown absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the state legislative update and implications for the City's transportation and mobility programs. The commission received a presentation from Carrie Rogers, Government Relations Officer for Intergovernmental Relations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion on and adoption of the Urban Transportation Commission Annual Report. On a motion from Chair Somers, and a second from Vice Chair Schumacher, an amended report was approved with a 9-0 vote. Amendment 1 – approved with a 9-0 vote on a motion from Commissioner Kavelman, and a second from Chair Somers. 1 URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Amendment 2 – approved with 9-0 on a motion from Vice Chair Schumacher and a second from Commissioner Buffo. 4. Discussion and approval of a recommendation regarding National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) lane widths. On a motion from Vice Chair Schumacher, and a second from Commissioner Kavelman, the recommendation was approved with a 9-0 vote. COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the June 2, 2025, meeting. The commission received an update from Commissioner Kavelman. 6. Update from Commissioner Buffo from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the June 17, 2025, meeting. The commission received an update from Commissioner Buffo. 7. Update from Chair Somers from the Community Advisory Committee for Austin Transit Partnership Board regarding actions taken at the June 12, 2025, meeting. The commission received …
Bikeshare Update Urban Transportation Commission August 5, 2025 Jacob Barrett, Program Manager, TDM Michael Kimbro, Program Manager, Shared Mobility Services Agenda • Bikeshare Partnership • System overview • Ridership • August Fare Adjustment • Bikeshare Expansion • Ridership Propensity • Market Typologies • 2025 Expansion Station Locations • Next Steps 2 Bikeshare Partnership • 3-year interlocal agreement between the City and CapMetro. • Both parties contribute financially • Both parties will create monthly and annual reports CapMetro • Ensure grant-funded activities meet the terms of 3rd Party Agreements. • Conduct branding, marketing, advertising • Manage Bikeshare vendor contract, software, and associated agreements • Operations, maintenance, and planning City of Austin • Reimburse CapMetro for grant-related expenses • Own program equipment and inventory • Design, permitting, and construction* • Ensure access to bikeshare during special events *CapMetro responsible for design, permitting, construction of Bikeshare pads within their ROW or when constructing in coordination with another CapMetro capital project. 3 Map of Existing Bikeshare Stations System Overview • 100% e-bike fleet (475 bikes) • All new, all-electric fleet installed in 2024 • 73 existing stations • 1 electrified station (station charges bikes) • Construction of 1 additional electrified station underway • Access the program via the CapMetro Bikeshare or the Transit app 4 Ridership Ridership has been increasing by 10% each month. Highest ride day: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, during SXSW (with 2003 trips) Top performing station: Perry-Castañeda Library, with more than 30k trips this year. Today, top-performing stations are in West Campus and top users of the system are UT students. 5 August Fare Adjustment Price Pay-as-you-ride 1-Day Pass 31-Day Pass Annual Pass Student (18 & Over) Discount Current $1.09 + $0.23/min $12.99 (60 mins) + 4.33 per 30 min $11 (60 mins) + $4.33 per 30 min $86.60 (60 mins) + $4.33 per 30 min $12 (60 mins) + $4.33 per 30 min New (August 1st) $2.50 + $0.25/min $10 (30 mins) + $0.25/min $25 (30 mins) + $0.25/min $150 (30 mins) + $0.25/min 50% off Annual Pass (Mins) refers to the included time per ride before assessing Overage Fees • • Simplified the overage fees ($4.33 per 30 min vs. $0.25/min) • Made 1-Day and 31-Day pass logical. The 31-Day pass now costs more than the 1-Day pass. • More closely aligned Annual Pass and Student Discount with industry best practice. 6 Ridership Propensity High Ridership Public Need Combined …
Emergency Management Presented by Kimmi McMinn and Dan Valbracht August 5, 2025 TPW Emergency Management Emergency Management (EM) Program Team • Kimmi McMinn • Arabella Walker Operational Response Groups • Street and Bridge Operations (SBO) • Arterial Management Division (AMD) • Signs and Markings Division (SMD) • Urban Forestry Division (UF) Support Function Groups • Public Information Office (PIO) • Data and Technology Services (DTS) • Logistics • Human Resources and Safety • Finance 2 TPW Emergency Management Activations (Estimated past 12 months) • 3 winter weather this season • 3 severe weather (debris, asst to WPD) • Special events (ACL, F1, SXSW, VIP visits) Scale of Response • EOC activations, DOC activations, Situational Assessment Teams Actions Taken • Road treatment • Debris clearing • Lane/road closures • Sign replacement • Signal repairs for signals in flash or dark • Generator deployment for signals City-wide coordinated efforts • EOC activations, coordination calls 3 TPW Emergency Management Technology Solutions TPW Emergency Response Technology • Emergency On-Call Contact Dashboard • Current Road Conditions Dashboard • Mapping of Critical Assets and Facilities • Signal Status Dashboard • 3-1-1 Customer Service Requests and Workorder Management Systems • Centralized Emergency Response Communications Tool 4 TPW Emergency Management Current Priorities COA Wildfire Planning: • Coordination with HSEM and AFD/APD • Trailer and traffic device preparations in progress • Determining trailer staging areas • Dry run deployment evaluation Winter Weather Preparations: • TPW Operational Plan Updates • Department Tabletop Exercise • New Equipment, Liquid Application Systems (LAS) • Equipment training and field exercise 5 TPW Emergency Management Planning Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Updated TPW COOP plan inclusive of all functions since TPW’s creation Overarching plan will be developed Quarterly exercises and reviews will be performed Development of a singular guiding document to include appendices on: fire evacuation, winter weather, flood response, and debris management 6 Coordinated Citywide Efforts Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (HMAP) Coordination with HSEM and H2O Partners COA Common Operating Picture Coordinating with AFD/ARR/HSEM on debris management platform Exploring opportunities for inclusion in the VEOCI city-wide application Monthly Coordination Meetings HSEM/Regional Emergency Management CAPCOG Mass Care Coordination TPW prioritizes the clearing of priority routes for access to shelters and other sites 7 TPW Future Plans (FY26) Incident Command System (ICS) Training • Industry Standard Emergency Management structure • Used by public safety entities (APD, AFD, EMS, and HSEM) • Training …
Autonomous Vehicle Update Urban Transportation Commission August 5, 2025 Kristin Bray| Business Process Consultant Texas Legislative Update • Currently: Texas Transportation code 545.452 – cities cannot regulate or permit AVs. • SB 2807 effective September 1, 2025. Rules to be finalized and effective at a later date. • Gives the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) authority to permit AV companies. • Requires permits for any commercial use of autonomous vehicles. • Can suspend, revoke, or cancel permits. • As part of the application AV companies must provide the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) a First Responder Plan that includes: • How to communicate with fleet support staff. • How to safely remove the vehicle from the road and tow. • How to recognize the AV is in autonomous mode. DMV Proposed Rules • DMV has published proposed rules related to AVs in the Texas Register on 7/25/25. • Automated Motor Vehicles, Ch. 220 Updates • Adjudicative Practice & Procedure, Ch. 224 Updates • 30 days for public comment ending on 8/25/25 at 5 p.m. • City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office is submitting comments on behalf of all City departments to the State. Autonomous Vehicle Operation Phases Mapping Testing Deployment • The vehicle is driven by a person across the intended area of operations, collecting data. • Data compiled into a detailed map. • The vehicle drives itself in AV mode. • A safety driver may be present in tests as a precaution. • Vehicle accepts commercial passengers and operates on the roadway, fully autonomous. Current AV Operations in Austin Deployed Waymo Jaguar i-Pace 100+ Zoox Toyota Highlander ~20 Zoox Robotaxi – Not yet in Austin 0 Tesla Model Y ~20 VW ADMT ID. Buzz ~12 Avride Hyundai IONIQ 5 ~40 AV Safety Working Group The City has been proactive by establishing the AV Safety Working Group to: • Prepare and train for incidents, • Facilitate communication, • Collect data and standardize documentation. Data for Geofences Infrastructure & Events • Hospitals • Fire Stations • EMS Stations • Police Stations • Special Events • Schools & School Zones Emergencies An email is automatically sent from our Computer- Aided Dispatch system. Our expectation is an exclusion zone of 1,000 feet for one hour. AVs & Citations The City of Austin can cite AVs for moving violations. But not by giving them a ticket. APD can register complaints with the court for …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, August 5, 2025 URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, August 5, 2025 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 6310 Whilemina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Schumacher called the Commission Meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair - (District 9) Justin Jacobson - (District 8) Commissioners in Attendance Virtually: Susan Somers, Chair - (District 4) Daniel Kavelman, Parliamentarian - (District 5) Kevin Chen - (District 6) Joshua Sorin – (District 10) Deshon Brown- (Mayoral Appointee) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on July 1, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 7/1/2025 were approved on a motion from Chair Somers, and a second from Vice Chair Schumacher on a 6-0 vote, with Commissioners Buffo, Alvarez, Chen, & Prasad absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the Cap Metro Bike Share Expansion. The commission received a presentation from Michael Kimbro & Jacob Barrett, Transportation and Public Works with JD Simpson, CapMetro 3. Discussion on Emergency Response Management The commission received a presentation from Kimmi McMinn & Dan Valbraht, Transportation and Public Works 4. Discussion on Autonomous Vehicles The commission received a presentation from Kristin Bray, Transportation and Public Works 1 URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, August 5, 2025 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion on and approval of Urban Transportation Commission comment to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles on Autonomous Vehicles Rules adoption. On a motion from Vice Chair Schumacher, and a second from Chair Somers, the item was postponed indefinitely with a 7-0 vote, with Commissioners Buffo, Alvarez, & Prasad absent. 6. Discussion and possible action regarding an appointment to the Downtown Commission (one vacancy). On a motion from Vice Chair Schumacher, and a second from Commissioner Chen, the item was postponed to the September 2, 2025 meeting with a 7-0 vote, with Commissioners Buffo, Alvarez, & Prasad absent. COMMITTEE UPDATES 8. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the July 15, 2025, meeting. The commission received an update from Vice Chair Schumacher. 9. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the July 7, 2025, meeting. The commission received an update from Commissioner Kavelman. 10. Update from Chair Somers from the City Council …
Regular Meeting of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 5:30PM African American Cultural and Heritage Facility 912 E 11th St Austin, Texas 78702 Some members of the African American Resource Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in-person, call or email Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Daryl Horton, Chair Alexandria Anderson Sophia Dozier Kyron Hayes Nelson Linder Antonio Ross Greg Smith CALL TO ORDER Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Roger Davis Joi Harden Antony Jackson Justin Parsons Mueni Rudd Emmy Weisberg AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on June 3, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing by Ann Eaton, Assistant Director, Economic Development Department regarding funding priorities and project updates by the Economic Development Department that impact the African American community. Staff briefing from David Alcorta, Paraprofessional, Communications and Public Information Office (CPIO) and Houmma Garba, Community Engagement Consultant, CPIO regarding CPIO’s and Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s (HSEM) new emergency language access plan. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discuss and approve the date, time, location and subjects of a 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Retreat. 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 Nekaybaw Watson at Office of City Clerk Department, at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the African American Resource Advisory Commission please contact Nekaybaw Watson at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov.
AARAC Staff Update Economic Development Department (EDD) Ann Eaton, Assistant Director August 5, 2025 Agenda • Mission & Vision • Department Overview & Core Pillars • EDD Executive Leadership • Key Initiatives & Milestones • Pillars of Work • Q&A C I T Y O F A U S T I N Mission and Vision The Economic Development Department supports and recruits businesses to Austin through all divisions. Our mission is to promote a competitive, sustainable, and equitable economy for all. C I T Y O F A U S T I N 3 Economic Development Department's Executive Leadership Economic Development Leadership Team Anthony Segura Interim Director Economic Development Department Ann Eaton Assistant Director Workforce Development & Business C I T Y O F A U S T I N Economic Development Department's Overview & Core Pillars Overview & Core Pillars The Economic Development Department (EDD) works across three core pillars to strengthen Austin's economy and foster inclusive growth: 1. Global Business Expansion: Drive job growth and attract investments that support sustainable local industries. Small Business: Empower entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources, networking, and financial support. 2. 3. Workforce Development & Child Care: Expand workforce training and childcare access to improve economic mobility and quality of life for Austin residents. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Economic Development Department’s Pillars of Work Global Business Expansion Division Global Business Expansion Division The Global Business Expansion Division drives local job growth and investment. • Business Expansion Program: Attracting new businesses and supporting local expansion, including international ventures. • Place-Based Economic Development: Create affordable commercial spaces for small businesses, nonprofits, and creatives in underserved neighborhoods. • Industry Sector Development: Identifying and fostering industries with growth potential and living wage jobs. Key programs include: • Business Expansion Program • Place-Based Enhancement Program • Economic Resilience Lab • Six Square Contract C I T Y O F A U S T I N Small Business Division Small Business Division The Small Business Division is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives, and non- profits. Key services include: • Classes and Coaching: Industry-expert-led business classes and personalized, no-fee coaching to turn plans into action. • Networking and Events: Signature events like Small Business Fundamentals Week, Austin Small Business Week, and Exploring Entrepreneurship panels to support Austin’s start-up ecosystem. • Research/Resources: Comprehensive resources including a small business directory, business intelligence …
African American Resource Advisory Commission Minutes June 3, 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 3, 2025 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility at 912 E 11th St, in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Anderson called the African American Resources Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 5:46 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Daryl Horton, Chair Alexandria Anderson Roger Davis Sophia Dozier Nelson Linder Justin Parsons Emmy Weisberg Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Joi Harden Kyron Hayes Mueni Rudd Greg Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on May 6, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Dozier’s second, on an 11-0 vote. Vice Chair Eugene and Commissioners Jackson and Ross were absent. 1 African American Resource Advisory Commission Minutes June 3, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Presentation regarding how the commission can support Huston-Tillotson University. Presentation by Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University. Presentation by Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University. Presentation regarding American Gateways’ work supporting the immigrant community in Austin. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Discussion regarding subjects discussed at recent Joint Inclusion Committee meetings relating to the African American Resource Advisory Commission. Update on Joint Inclusion Committee meetings subjects by Commissioners Parsons and Anderson. Discussion regarding scheduling, procedures, and topics to discuss at a potential commission retreat. Discussed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Presentation from Mission Accomplished regarding updates on actions being taken at Colony Park. Presentation from Dr. Wilson – Director – Office of Equity and Inclusion Presentation from City Demographer regarding demographic data disclosure for each commissioner’s district. Chair Horton adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m. without objection. 2
African American Resource Advisory Commission Minutes August 5, 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 5, 2025 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility at 912 E 11th St, in Austin, Texas. Chair Horton called the African American Resources Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 5:41 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Daryl Horton, Chair Roger Davis Nelson Linder Justin Parsons Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alexandria Anderson Sophia Dozier Joi Harden Kyron Hayes Mueni Rudd Greg Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on June 3, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Parsons’ motion, Commissioner Linder’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Davis and Rudd were off the dais. Vice Chair Eugene and Commissioners Jackson, Ross, and Weisberg were absent. 1 African American Resource Advisory Commission Minutes August 5, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing by Ann Eaton, Assistant Director, Economic Development Department regarding funding priorities and project updates by the Economic Development Department that impact the African American Community. Staff briefing provided by Ann Eaton, Assistant Director, Economic Development Department. Staff briefing from David Alcorta, Paraprofessional, Communication and Public Information Office (CPIO) and Houmma Garba, Community Engagement Consultant, CPIO regarding CPIO’s and Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s (HSEM) new emergency language access plan. Staff briefing postponed until September 2, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and approve the date, time, location and subjects of a 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Retreat. Discussed no action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS SXSW’s impact on Black Austinites and how the commission can support them in improving engagement. Community Powered ATX’s impact on Black Austinites and how the commission can support them in improving engagement. Updates from the previous JIC meetings and informational clinics. Chair Horton adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m. without objection. The minutes of the August 5, 2025 regular meeting were approved during the September 2, 2025 regular meeting on Commissioner Linder’s motion, Commissioner Parson’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Anderson and Rudd were off the dais. Commissioners Jackson and Ross were absent. 2
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Monday, August 4, 2025, 4:00 PM Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Public Safety Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, call or email Christi Vitela, 512-974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Angel Carroll Enrique Duran II Kimberly Hidrogo David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on July 7, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department. 3. 4. Discussion of the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget and impact on public safety departments. Update on the 89th Texas Legislature and impacts on public safety. Presentation by Carrie Rogers, Intergovernmental Relations Officer, Austin Office of Intergovernmental Relations. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATION 5. Training Academy Working Group recommendation to the Public Safety Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding implementation, tracking, and transparency of recommendations made for Austin Police Department’s Cadet Training Academy. 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 Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk Department, at 512-974-2792 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Public Safety Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at (512-974- 2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov).
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, July 7, 2025 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, July 7, 2025 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Tim Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Angel Carroll Enrique Duran II Kimberly Hidrogo David Holmes Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos Soto – Community Advancement Network Rubén Rivera Clemente – Harassment APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on May 5, 2025. The minutes were approved at the July 7, 2025, meeting on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Smith abstained. Commissioners Nguyễn, Orr, and Sierra-Arévalo were absent. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on June 2, 2025. The minutes were approved at the July 7, 2025, meeting on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Nguyễn, Orr, and Sierra-Arévalo were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve the Public Safety Commission 2024-2025 Annual Internal Report. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, July 7, 2025 The motion to approve the Public Safety Commission 2024-2025 Annual Internal Report was approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Nguyễn, Orr, and Sierra-Arévalo were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department and update on the Automated License Plate Reader Program. Presentation by Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department. The presentation was made by Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department. 4. 5. Chair Ramírez requested the most recent Berry Dunn Report. Commissioner Bernhardt requested the next quarterly update include attrition rates for each of the academies and progress towards the 30 by 30 goal. Vice Chair Ruttan asked if the increases in Kidnapping/Abduction (100) and Drug/Narcotic Offenses (35A, 35B) and Pornography/Obscene Material (370) could be attributed to changes in enforcement patterns or whether it was a random variation. Discussion of bylaw amendment process, current bylaws, and potential changes. Discussed. Discussion of sexual assault data with Austin Police Department Sex Crimes Unit, Austin- Travis County Sexual Assault Response & Resource Team (SARRT), The …
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION Recommendation 20250804-006: Date: August 4, 2025 Subject: Motioned by: Seconded by: Implementation, tracking and transparency of recommendations made for Austin Police Department’s Cadet Training Academy D RAFT WHEREAS, The Austin Public Safety Commission is tasked with reviewing public safety agency budgets and providing policy recommendations to the Austin City Council; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin in conjunction with Austin community members developed a comprehensive plan for reimagining public safety; and WHEREAS, in 2018, multiple former cadets from the Austin Police Academy notified the Austin Police Department of academy curricula they believed was strongly focused on dominance, aggression, and violence in keeping with a “warrior” approach to policing; and WHEREAS a 2020 lawsuit against the City of Austin, the Austin Police Department, and the chief of the Austin Police detailed at least 8 cadets fell ill in APD academy training as a result of policy violations and improperly implemented “Stress Reaction Training,”; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution 66, the work of the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force, and the 2020 Strategic Plan of the APD Training Academy articulate the goal of realizing an Austin Police Academy that transparently addresses issues of racial and gender equity, emphasizes de-escalation tactics that minimize the use of force, and moves away from a regimented, paramilitary culture into an academy which incorporates community partnerships and current evidence-based strategies for the learning of current and future officers; and WHEREAS, on November 12, 2020, the City of Austin’s Office of Police Oversight (OPO), in consultation with the City Manager's Office, retained Kroll Associates, Inc. to review and evaluate the Austin Police Department on the extent to which forms of racism, bigotry, and discrimination are present in the protocols, practices, and behaviors of the APD, beginning with an assessment of the APD training academy; and WHEREAS, Kroll’s assessment of the APD Training Academy recommended: 1. The APD academy shift away from stress-oriented military-style curricula toward a resiliency- based approach supported by adult learning and student-centered instructions 2. That adoption of a “guardian” approach that emphasizes service to the community 3. That APD become an evidence-based learning organization that rigorously tests changes to its training and shares research findings with Academy staff to continually improve Academy curricula; and WHEREAS, Kroll’s assessment recommended several measures for immediate implementation, including (but not limited to): 1. Hiring and onboarding a Training Supervisor to work with the Division Manager in …
Austin Fire Rob Vires | Chief of Staff | Public Safety Commission Quarterly Presentation FY25 Q3 Central Texas Flooding Response • AFD’s first deployment was on July 4, sending three rescue swimmers to serve with the Texas Task Force 1 helicopter search and rescue team (HSART) to perform water rescues in San Angelo, Kerrville and Seguin. • During July 5-8, AFD deployed additional units and personnel, including: • On July 5 and 6, one battalion chief, a rescue truck and an AFD boat were assigned to assist ESD 1 with water rescue and search efforts. • Six additional personnel to augment Texas Task Force 1 • One Engine for drone assistance to Williamson County • Four Engines to Marble Falls/Burnet County to assist search and rescue • One Battalion Chief to Texas Department of Emergency Management to assist with communications infrastructure • Two-person drone team to Liberty Hill and Leander • During July 8-9, AFD sent a battalion chief and six units per day in support of search efforts in Marble Falls. Texas Task Force 1 performing search and rescue. Photos courtesy of AFD Public Information Office. FY25 Q3 | AUSTIN FIRE | PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION QUARTERLY PRESENTATION 2 Emergency Response Time Trends As the City of Austin grows – and the demand for fire services increases – response times continue to increase. 84,473 86,641 89,541 89,563 81,973 86,636 87,935 92,612 89,797 Incident Volume 103,626 109,280 110,304 108,750 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 89,101 FY25 YTD *incomplete year: Jan 1-July 18 8:41 8:43 8:51 9:00 9:13 Response Time Standard: 8 minutes Response Times 9:35 9:24 9:12 9:58 10:28 9:55 10:28 10:32 10:26 120,000 70,000 11:00 10:00 9:00 8:00 7:00 6:00 5:00 4:00 3:00 2:00 1:00 0:00 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 Q2 | AUSTIN FIRE | PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION QUARTERLY PRESENTATION FY25 YTD *incomplete year: Jan 1-July 18 3 Facility Improvement Projects Recently Completed Projects: • • • • Station 8 – Completed May 12, 2025 Station 20 – Completed May 12, 2025 Station 21 – Driveway replacement completed May 13, 2025 Station 29 – Completed May 12, 2025 Station 25 Projects Nearing Completion: • Station 23 • • All units and crews have returned as of May 17, 2025 Renovations complete pending a small number of warranty items • Station 25 • …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: T.C. Broadnax, City Manager Ed Van Eenoo, Chief Financial Officer Eddie Garcia, Assistant City Manager FROM: Kerri Lang, Director, Budget and Organizational Excellence Chief Joel G. Baker, Austin Fire Department DATE: July 28, 2025 SUBJECT: Proposed Adjustments to Fire Staffing Model The purpose of this memorandum is to provide additional context to the proposed adjustment to the fire staffing model as included in the FY 2026 Budget. It is important to note that the proposal does not recommend rescinding the four-person staffing model. Rather, it is the intent to maintain the four- person staffing model while providing flexibility to maintain continuous operations and avoiding unnecessary service reductions or excessive overtime. A draft of the recommended changes to the existing four-person staffing ordinance is attached for your reference. Current Staffing Model. Austin Fire Department’s operations staffing model is designed to ensure that an adequate number of sworn personnel are scheduled and available to provide fire/emergency response 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Austin Fire operates three firefighter shifts across a 19-day work period. Each shift is scheduled on-duty for 24 hours and then off-duty for 48 hours. The department currently has 54 fire stations across the city, with 50 engines and 17 specialized apparatuses strategically assigned at these stations. In total, the department has 67 firefighting units. Four firefighters are currently required to staff each unit on each shift. With a total of 67 firefighting units, the department must staff 268 positions for each of the three firefighter shifts. The Department currently assigns 355 firefighters to each shift, which is 87 firefighters (32%) above the required 268 positions to meet four-person staffing levels. The current staffing model allows for 25% of firefighters to be absent from their scheduled shift before the Department needs to begin backfilling absent positions—often using overtime—to ensure four-person staffing on each apparatus. High Absentee Rate. Over the past several years, Austin Fire has begun to experience significant increases in the rate of firefighters absent from their scheduled shifts, with the absentee rate reaching 39% in FY 2023 and remaining above 36% since FY 2022. Although the Department schedules 87 more firefighters than the minimum of 268 firefighters required per shift, the number of firefighters actually in attendance for their scheduled shift is frequently less than the number of personnel …
Austin Fire Rob Vires | Chief of Staff | Public Safety Commission Quarterly Presentation FY25 Q3 Central Texas Flooding Response • AFD’s first deployment was on July 4, sending three rescue swimmers to serve with the Texas Task Force 1 helicopter search and rescue team (HSART) to perform water rescues in San Angelo, Kerrville and Seguin. • During July 5-8, AFD assisted with additional units and personnel, including: • On July 5 and 6, one Battalion Chief, a rescue truck and an AFD boat were assigned to assist ESD 1 with water rescue and search efforts. • On July 7 deployed Six additional personnel to augment Texas Task Force 1 (Urban Search and Rescue team) • On 8 July deployed one Battalion Chief to Texas Department of Emergency Management to assist with communications infrastructure • On 11 July deployed One Boat Team to Childress, Tx. • Drone teams were sent to Liberty Hill, Leander, and Williamson County. • During July 8-9, AFD sent a Battalion Chief and six units per day in support of search efforts in Marble Falls. Texas Task Force 1 performing search and rescue. Photos courtesy of AFD Public Information Office. FY25 Q3 | AUSTIN FIRE | PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION QUARTERLY PRESENTATION 2 Emergency Response Time Trends As the City of Austin grows – and the demand for fire services increases – response times continue to increase. 84,473 86,641 89,541 89,563 81,973 86,636 87,935 92,612 89,797 Incident Volume 103,626 109,280 110,304 108,750 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 89,101 FY25 YTD *incomplete year: Jan 1-July 18 8:41 8:43 8:51 9:00 9:13 Response Time Standard: 8 minutes Response Times 9:35 9:24 9:12 9:58 10:28 9:55 10:28 10:32 10:26 120,000 70,000 11:00 10:00 9:00 8:00 7:00 6:00 5:00 4:00 3:00 2:00 1:00 0:00 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 Q2 | AUSTIN FIRE | PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION QUARTERLY PRESENTATION FY25 YTD *incomplete year: Jan 1-July 18 3 Facility Improvement Projects Recently Completed Projects: • • • • Station 8 – Completed May 12, 2025 Station 20 – Completed May 12, 2025 Station 21 – Driveway replacement completed May 13, 2025 Station 29 – Completed May 12, 2025 Station 25 Projects Nearing Completion: • Station 23 • • All units and crews have returned as of May 17, 2025 Renovations complete pending a small number …
City of Austin 89th State Legislature: Post-Session Briefing Public Safety Commission Government Relations Office Agenda 01 Introduction 02 Special Session 03 89th Regular Session: Public Safety Bills 04 89th Regular Session: Other City Bills 1 89th First Special Session Quick Overview of Upcoming Special Session Before Regular Session Recap 2 89th First Special Session: Basics • 89th First-Called Special Session Began July 21, 2025 • Special Sessions cannot last more than 30 days. They can adjourn early. • Only topics within the Governor’s call may be considered. • However: • Governor can add additional items to the call at any time. • Legislators can still file any bill – it does not have to be on the call to be filed. • Governor can call for additional special sessions. 3 89th First Special Session: Items on Call Flood Warning Systems Flood Emergency Communications Natural Disaster Preparation & Recovery Cut Property Taxes & Expenditure Caps Protect Children From THC Regulate Hemp- Derived Products Ban Taxpayer- Funded Lobbying Police Personnel Records Water Project Incentives Redistricting Title Theft & Deed Fraud Relief Funding For Hill Country Floods Eliminate Staar Test Protect Unborn Children Protect Human Trafficking Victims Protect Women’s Spaces Attorney General Election Powers State Judicial Department 4 89th Regular Session Overview 5 89th Regular Session: Overarching Issues • Many recurring issues: pre-emption on elections, guns, historical markers and inclusion programming • Land use and Housing • Efforts to reduce city funding and limit use of debt • Firefighters pension and collective bargaining • Water future • Homelessness Successfully stopping or amending negative legislation is just as – if not more – impactful to the City as passing positive legislation. 6 89th Session: By the Numbers Stat Bills and Joint Resolutions Filed 9,014 (88th Session: 8,345) Bills & Joint Resolutions Sent to Governor 1,231 (88th Session: 1,259) Tracked by IGRO / Assigned to Departments 1,499 (88th Session: 978) % of Bills Sent to Governor Bills Vetoed by the Governor 14% of Filed Bills & JRS Sent to Governor* 26 (88th Session: 76) *Veto Period Ended June 22 7 89th Regular Session Key Passed Public Safety Legislation 8 89th Regular Session: Key Public Safety Bills Passed HB 2802 (Bucy / Schwertner) SB 777 (Hughes / Lujan) Austin Firefighters Retirement Fund Reform Austin Firefighters Collective Bargaining HB 33 (McLaughlin / Flores) Active Shooter Response SB 1164 (Zaffirini / Moody) Emergency Mental Detention Criteria SB 2570 …
