BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20250401-005: FY 26 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS, the purpose of the Urban Transportation Commission is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation-related matters including: transportation energy conservation matters; grant applications; streets and highways; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety-related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation. WHEREAS, following the adoption of a biennial budgeting process in 2024, boards and commissions have been encouraged to “focus their discussions on programs and services based on current funding” and “reference materials from the previous year when drafting recommendations;” and WHEREAS, the Urban Transportation Commission previously adopted budget recommendations for FY 2025 in Recommendation No. 20240305-005; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that the Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) fund the following priorities for the FY 24-25 budget: D R A F T Officers to more efficiently ticket vehicles and implement the “alternative method(s) of enforcement” for illegal parking in bikeways, as required by City Council Resolution 20240404-040. Increase the capacity of the Living Streets program to build out an additional 72 activations during the upcoming fiscal year; ● Funding to purchase technology improvements for Transportation Mobility Service ● Work with the Austin Police Department to purchase 65 Meridian Archer movable street ● barricades and to enhance pedestrian safety; Motioned by: Seconded by: Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) D R A F T
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20250401-005: FY 26 Budget Recommendations WHEREAS, the purpose of the Urban Transportation Commission is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation-related matters including: transportation energy conservation matters; grant applications; streets and highways; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety-related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation. WHEREAS, following the adoption of a biennial budgeting process in 2024, boards and commissions have been encouraged to “focus their discussions on programs and services based on current funding” and “reference materials from the previous year when drafting recommendations;” and WHEREAS, the Urban Transportation Commission previously adopted budget recommendations for FY 2025 in Recommendation No. 20240305-005; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that the Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) fund the following priorities for the FY 2025-2026 budget: ● Increase the capacity of the Living Streets program to build out an additional 72 activations during the upcoming fiscal year; ● Funding to purchase technology improvements for Transportation Mobility Service Officers to more efficiently ticket vehicles and implement the “alternative method(s) of enforcement” for illegal parking in bikeways, as required by City Council Resolution 20240404-040; ● Work with the Austin Police Department to purchase additional Meridian Archer ● movable street barricades and to enhance pedestrian safety; and Increase the annual maintenance budget for Sidewalks and Urban Trails from $5.4 million to at least $7.5 million, providing staff discretion in which program to allocate the newly available funds. Motioned by: Commissioner Schumacher Seconded by: Commissioner Somers Date of Approval: 4/1/2025 Record of the vote: 7-0 Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number: 20250401-003: CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan WHEREAS, 23 USC 134(i)(2)(D) requires Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to develop Long Range Transportation Plans; WHEREAS, on January 27, 2025 The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) released its draft CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP); WHEREAS, the RTP states that the region is growing and that “the regional transportation system plays a key role in where this growth occurs” (p.8); WHEREAS, CAMPO wishes to reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMT) (p.75) and supports TxDOT’s Road to Zero goals; WHEREAS, vehicle miles traveled per capita, congestion levels, commute times, and crashes in our region have been increasing and the region is not meeting the safety targets recommended in the Texas Transportation Institute’s (TTI) Regional Traffic Safety Plan; WHEREAS, expanding highways leads to developmental sprawl, increases in traffic, air pollution, and per-capita vehicle miles traveled, while failing to relieve congestion; WHEREAS, the draft CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation Plan proposes adding over 3,000 new lane miles, a 26% increase in roadway capacity (p.57); WHEREAS, Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority’s (CTRMA) Mopac South project described in the RTP proposes to add four to seven lanes to Mopac between Enfield Road and Slaughter Lane, and TxDOT’s 183 expansion described in the RTP proposes to add one main lane and three frontage road lanes in each direction between SH 71 and SH 130; WHEREAS, Austin City Council Resolution 20241212-066 requested that CTRMA work with the City of Austin “to refine the proposal for the MoPac South project to align with the goals and intent of the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, including the Urban Trails Plan, the Austin Climate Equity Plan, the Watershed Protection Strategic Plan, and the Project Connect System Plan” and requested that the resulting project not increase vehicle miles traveled nor greenhouse gas emissions; WHEREAS, Council Member Ellis, the resolution’s sponsor and council-district representative of the project area, followed up with a letter requesting that the Mopac South project include no more than one additional lane in each direction; WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court requested that the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) produce an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with a thorough study of alternatives before moving forward with the project; WHEREAS as of the date of this resolution CTRMA has been unwilling to modify the project or commit to performing a full EIS; WHEREAS, the RTP acknowledges …
African American Resource Advisory Commission REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday April 1st, 2025 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 at the city of Austin Permitting and Development Center in Austin, Texas. Chair Horton called the African American Resources Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Daryl Horton, Chair Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Roger Davis Sophia Dozier Nelson Linder Justin Parsons Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kyron Hayes Mueni Rudd PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on March 4, 2024. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Davis’ motion, Commissioner Linder’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Harden, Jackson, Ross, and Smith were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 2. Briefing regarding the Housing and Urban Development Action Plan and how grants may impact the commission’s interests in FY2025-26. Briefing by Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, and Julie Smith, Community Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. Briefing by Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, and Julie Smith, Community Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation regarding American Gateways’ work supporting the immigrant community in Austin. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Withdrawn without objection. Presentation by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) regarding the ADL’s work locally in combatting antisemitism, hate and extremism. Presentation by Courtney Toretto, Director of Policy for the Central Division, and Kazique Prince, Board Member, ADL. Presentation by Courtney Toretto, Director of Policy for the Central Division, and Kazique Prince, Board Member, ADL. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Daryl Horton was elected as Chair on Vice Chair Eugene’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Harden, Jackson, Ross, and Smith were absent. Dr. Chiquita Eugene was elected as Vice Chair on Chair Linder’s motion, Commissioner Rudd’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Harden, Jackson, Ross, and Smith were absent. to serve as the African American Resource Advisory Nominate Commissioners Commission’s primary and alternate representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee. Justin Parsons and Alexandria Anderson were nominated as the primary and alternate representatives to the Joint Inclusion Committee on Vice Chair Eugene’s motion, Commissioner Hayes’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Linder was off the dais. Commissioners Harden, Jackson, Ross, and Smith were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Anderson …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, April 1, 2025 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Somers called the Urban Transportation Commission Meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Susan Somers, Chair Daniel Kavelman Heather Buffo Arlin Alvarez Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Spencer Schumacher Deshon Brown Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Scott Johnson APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on March 4, 2025. Minor edits were made to include Commissioner Alvarez in the list of commissioners absent at the March meeting. The minutes from the meeting of 3/4/2025 were approved on Chair Somer’s motion, Commissioner Kavelman’s second on a 7-0 vote; Commissioners Prasad and Jacobson absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding the 2016 Bond Corridor Construction Update. The commission received a presentation from Eric Bailey, Capital Delivery Services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on the CAMPO 2050 Regional Transportation 1 URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES (Tuesday, September 3, 2024) Plan. Public Speaker – Miriam Schoenfield The commission received a presentation from Cole Kitten, of the Transportation and Public Works Department. Amendment 1: Commissioner Brooks moved to amend the recommendation to change the 2nd to last Whereas clause to read “CAMPO did not use UrbanSIM in the same way” and Chair Somers seconded the motion. The motion was approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Prasad and Jacobson absent. Chair Somers moved to approve the recommendation and Commissioner Buffo seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Prasad and Jacobson absent. 4. Discussion and approval of a Right of Way Vacation for 6400 ½ Burleson Road. The Commission received a presentation from Christopher Bueckert, Transportation and Public Works. Chair Somers’ made a motion to approve the right of way vacation for 6400 ½ Burleson Road, and Commissioner Schumacher seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Prasad and Jacobson absent. 5. Discussion and approval of a Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget recommendation from the Urban Transportation Commission. Public Speaker – Adam Greenfield, Safe Streets Austin Commissioner Schumacher facilitated discussion on this recommendation. Amendment 1: Chair Somers moves to make an amendment to add a fourth bullet point to read “increase the annual …
REGULAR MEETING of the LIBRARY COMMISSION March 31, 2025 – 6 P.M. Menchaca Branch Library 5500 Menchaca Road AUSTIN, TEXAS This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Melissah Hasdorff Cristina Masters Mark Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Magen Davis Suchitra Gururaj Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig 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 Library Commission regular meeting on December 16, 2024. 2. 3. 6. 7. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing on City of Austin Bond Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, and Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION 4. Discussion of library-related bills in the current legislative session. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 5. Report from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group regarding advocacy and engagement to support the Austin Public Library DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and approval of the report and recommendations from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group regarding advocacy and engagement to support the Austin Public Library. Discussion and approval of a recommendation supporting additional funding to support Austin Public Library's service enhancements, including a 6% increase to the books and materials budget, 2 FTE social worker positions, menstrual equity supplies, enhanced law enforcement presence and one-time funds for site analysis and feasibility studies 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 …
Strategic Advocacy Working Group Report Background The Library Commissioners expressed a desire to be better equipped to advocate for issues of importance to the Austin Public Library (APL) with their Council Members and other City of Austin Boards and Commissions during important City Council meetings and efforts such as the budgeting and bond approval process. A special Strategic Advocacy Working Group was asked to research and identify the Commission's next steps. This document, structured as a guide, results from this working group's research. Working Group Scope The Library Commissioners seek ways to better advocate for APL and strategically connect with City Council members and other Commissioners to support the library's financial and collaborative efforts. List of Resources to Commissioners General ● Boards and Commissions ○ Website, https://www.austintexas.gov/department/boards-and-commissions/boards ○ Boards and Commissions Information Center, https://www.austintexas.gov/department/boards-and-commissions-information-center ○ Workbook, https://www.austintexas.gov/department/workbooks ○ Contact: stephanie.hall@austintexas.gov ● City Council ○ City Information Center, https://www.austintexas.gov/department/city-council/council/council_meeting_info_center .htm ○ General guidelines on public hearings and communications with City Council (Ordinance No. 20240926-112) ○ Participate in a City Council Meeting https://www.austintexas.gov/services/participate-city-council-meeting ○ How to Register to Speak (bilingual), https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=437389 ● Budget Process ○ 2025-26: https://publicinput.com/budget25-26 ○ FY 2024-25 Unmet Needs Report, https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Finance/Financial%20Transparency/P roposed%20Budget/FY25%20Unmet%20Needs%20Report.pdf ● Speak Up Austin: online home for community engagement, https://publicinput.com/Hub/Index/1178#events ● 2026 Bond Election ○ 2026 Bond Election Advisory Task Force, https://www.austintexas.gov/content/2026-bond-election-advisory-task-force ○ 2026 Bond Program Update Memo, https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=443881 1 ○ Article on Community Impact, https://communityimpact.com/austin/south-central-austin/government/2025/01/13/austin-l ooks-to-2026-for-next-major-bond-vote-more-than-1b-in-approved-debt-unspent/ ○ Specific to Library Commissioners ● Library Commission Website, https://www.austintexas.gov/content/library-commission ● Library Commission Bylaws, https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=387465 ● Austin Public Library Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan, https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=404379 Important Dates for Library Commission Commissions & Boards Annual Budget 2026 Bond Cycle October 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting Public input sessions (pending presentation from APL Team) November ● 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting ● Intercommission Social (informal gathering) December 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting Public input sessions January 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting February 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting March 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting April 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting Community Budget Conversations Community Budget Conversations ● Community Budget Conversations ● Budget Survey ● Community Budget Conversations ● Budget Survey 2 May June July 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting Budget Survey 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting City Council Community (District) Meetings 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting ● City Council Community (District) Meetings ● City Manager's Proposed Budget Released August 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting September 4th Monday: Library Commission Meeting Recommendations The …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes December 16, 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 16 DECEMBER 2024 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Austin Central Library, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair, Sheila Mehta, Vice- Chair, Melissah Hasdorff, , Mark Smith, Magen Davis, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Christina Masters Commission Members Absent: Steve DeRosa, Kezia Frayjo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the November 18, 2024, regular meeting. The minutes from the regular meeting on November 18, 2024, were approved on a motion by Commissioner Herrera Moreno, seconded by Commissioner Smith, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner DeRosa and Frayjo absent. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Library Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION ITEMS December 16, 2024 2. Presentation by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation, regarding The Library Foundation programs and services. The presentation was made by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 3. Presentation by Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association, regarding Austin History Center Association programs and services. The presentation was made by Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 4. Discussion of the December APL Report covering public programming highlights, and facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The report was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 5. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. Commissioner Herrera Moreno provided an update. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS School Partnerships Library Legislative Advocacy in February ADJOURNMENT Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m. without objection.
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250331-7 Date: 03/31/2025 Recommendation Subject: Support for Austin Public Library FY26 Budget Motioned By: Commissioner Davis Seconded By: Commissioner Selig Support for Austin Public Library's proposed budget for FY2026 with additional funding to support Austin Public Library's service enhancements, including an increase to the books and materials budget, social worker positions, menstrual equity supplies, enhanced law enforcement presence, and one-time funds for site analysis and feasibility studies Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting the Austin City Council approve the proposed Austin Public Library budget for FY2026. Additionally, increased funding is asked for an increase of 6% to the books and materials budget, the addition of two FTE social worker positions, funds to continue the law enforcement partnership with Travis County, ongoing funding to provide menstrual equity supplies, and $1.5 million for feasibility studies of new and expanded facilities. Rationale In FY 2023, the Austin Public Library completed a year-long strategic planning process to shape the work of the library for years to come. Input was provided for the plan through a community survey that received more than 5,400 responses, pop-up community events in 20 locations throughout Austin, as well as a series of surveys, workshops, and listening sessions with APL staff and external community stakeholders. The Austin Public Library Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan, adopted by the City Council in March 2023, lays out new strategic goals for the Austin Public Library, aligned with the City of Austin’s Imagine Austin 30-year strategic plan and the SD28 5-year strategic plan. To implement this City Council-approved Strategic Plan, Austin Public Library needs one-time funding of $1.5 million for feasibility studies for new and expanded facilities to meet the infrastructure objectives contained in the strategic planning process completed in 2023. The proposed Austin Public Library budget includes a 3% increase for materials, which include digital materials, subscriptions, and databases. Austin’s population growth and the increased cost of all materials, especially e-books, which represent a fast-growing share of APL’s circulation and require expensive licenses, have put a strain on the materials budget. These proposed increases are necessary to keep up with inflation, but do not represent a growth budget and may lead to a reduction of e-resources and increased patron wait times to access materials. An additional 3% increase for a total of 6% to the books and materials budget would help close the gap to prevent the library from …
Austin Public Library 2026 Bond Proposal Updated Presentation, March 2025 library.austintexas.gov Agenda • Our Story: Values, History, and Previous Bonds • Current and Future Library Needs • Technical Criteria JB0 Our Core Values Who We Serve – We Welcome Everyone What we Provide – We safeguard access to information resources and spaces. How We Do It – We provide excellence in service and build trust through integrity, accountability, and teamwork History: A Century of Service 1926 – First Austin Public Library established by Grace Delano Clark. Opens with 500 donated volumes in rented space. 1928 Bond – First Permanent buildings - $150,000 1933 – First permanent Central Library building opens at 401 W. 9th St. (current Austin History Center Building). First branch opens – George Washington Carver Branch. 1934 – First APL Summer Reading Program 1933-1951 – Austin Public Library services and facilities racially segregated. 1951 – First Austin Public Library Bookmobile launches 1956-1968 – 12 new branches and locations added 1972 Bond – New Central Library (current John Henry Faulk building) and 4 new branches - $6 M 1979 – New Central Library opens 1980–1992 – Multiple branches open or are relocated/expanded JB0 History, continued: 1992 Bond - New branches and renovations - $8M 1998 Bond - Expansion, renovations, and tech improvements - $13M 2004 – Daniel Ruiz Branch grand opening; most recent all-new branch 2006 Bond – Funding approved for a new central library – $125 M 2010 – New Twin Oaks Library opens; most recent branch building 2012 Bond - Library Facility improvements - $13.4 M 2017 – New Austin Central Library opens at 710 W Cesar Chavez St. 2018 Bond – Library Infrastructure Improvements - $34.5 M 2023 – City Council Approves APL Strategic & Facilities Plan 2018 Bond, Proposition B – Libraries, Museums and Cultural Centers $128,000,000 for community and cultural facilities, libraries, museums, and cultural and creative arts facilities, and land acquisitions. Department Allocations Library Proposition B Site/Civil Projects History Center & Archival Repository Complex Interior Renovation Projects Roof Replacement & System Upgrades $34.5M $1.8M $16.5M $8.1M $8.1M Economic Development Libraries PARD Total Voter-Approved $27,000,000 $34,500,000 $66,5000,000 $128,000,000 2018 Bond EDD Parks Library 2018 Bond Project Overview The 2018 Library Bond Program is $34.5M. Proposition B provided funding for: • Rehabilitation and renovations to multiple branch libraries. • The first phase of the conversion of Faulk Library for the Austin History Center Campus. APL …
1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director March 2025 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights ……………………………………………………………….…………………………………….……………….1 Facilities Updates ……………………………………………………………………..……………………………………4 APL Data & Numbers ..…………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 HIGHLIGHTS APL Celebrates Black History Month Austin Public Library was proud to celebrate Black History Month with a variety of engaging programming and community connection. The Cepeda Branch Library hosted a special collage storytelling workshop with Women & Their Work artist Moria Small. Attendees brought personal items of significance and combined them with materials provided to create meaningful collages. Using a camera, they captured their finished pieces and had the opportunity to print them as keepsakes. This hands-on experience allowed patrons to showcase their stories in a creative and personal way, making for a unique and engaging library program. Ruiz Branch hosted a program celebrating Sam Gilliam and his Drape series of art. To emulate that style, participants tried their hand at tie dye! There were kids, tweens, teens, and adults participating- truly an all-ages experience. Southeast Branch Library hosted youth participants for Crafternoon: All Ages Black History Month Edition, featuring crafts inspired by artists Augusta Savage and Jacob Lawrence. Participants enjoyed exploring clay and collage, as well as learning about the lives of these incredible black artists. APL Hosts NASA!! SXSW went to infinity and beyond March 8th and 9th by bringing Nasa House to APL with a free, no- badge-required event welcoming local families and SXSW attendees alike. Visitors explored 40 hands-on exhibits, interactive demonstrations, and immersive installations over two days and across four floors of the Central Library. Talks and screenings ran throughout both days, featuring NASA scientists, engineers, and communicators discussing the latest in space exploration and innovation. Partner additions included a Snoopy appearance, space-themed Crayola coloring sheets and materials, a LEGO Education free-build area, and Google Arts & Culture programming. We were excited to see a large turnout from bilingual and multi-generational families, kids dressed in astronaut costumes, and wide engagement from the Austin media and influencer community. Overall, nearly 23,000 people joined the fun! First Austin Poet Laureate Announced Austin Public Library has selected local poet and theater artist Zell Miller III as the City’s first ever Poet Laureate. The Austin Poet Laureate Program was established by the Austin City Council last year to be administered by Austin Public Library. The goals of the program include promoting poetry, literacy, and the literary arts in the Austin community; …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes March 31, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 31 MARCH 2025 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the Menchaca Branch Library, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair, Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair, Magen Davis, Edward Selig, Pamela Carlile, Kezia Frayjo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mark Smith, Sara Gore Commissioners Absent: Andrea Herrera Moreno, Suchitra Gururaj, Melissah Hasdorff PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the December 16, 2024, regular meeting. The minutes from the regular meeting on December 16, 2024, were approved on a motion by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Vice Chair Mehta, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Selig abstaining and Commissioners Herrera Moreno, Suchitra Gururaj and Hasdorff absent. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Library Commission Meeting Minutes March 31, 2025 STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing on City of Austin Bond Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, and Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, and Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Public Library. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 3. Staff briefing of the March APL Public Programming Highlights, and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. DISCUSSION 4. Discussion of library-related bills in the current legislative session. Commissioner Smith provided information on library-related bills in the current legislative session. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 5. Report from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group regarding advocacy and engagement to support the Austin Public Library. Commissioner Smith provided the Final Report and Recommendations from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group regarding advocacy and engagement to support the Austin Public Library. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion and approval of the report and recommendations from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group regarding advocacy and engagement to support the Austin Public Library. A motion to approve …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MARCH 29th AT 9:30 A.M. CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOMS #1401 & 1402 6310 WILHELMINA DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 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 Gunjen Mittal, 512- 972-6104, gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Bob Libal Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Meghna Roy Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Shweta Padmanabha Azeem Edwin Yohana Saucedo The first 10 speakers signed up 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. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Office. 1. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs 2. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and Anti- displacement Prevention Efforts. 3. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Maintain and Expand the Annual Contracts into a Five-Year Term for Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services. 4. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand Equity and Inclusion Trainings. 5. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Support Supplies for Strengthening Protections and Rights of Immigrant Students. 6. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Allocate Funding for Printing and Distributing "Know Your Rights" Red Cards at Austin Public Library Locations. 7. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Increase Funding for The Family Stabilization Grant Program to $3 Million and Maintain its Funding as Part of the City’s Base Budget. 8. Approve the budget recommendation for reallocation of the Quality of Life Study funds for the FY 2025-26. 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. TTY users route …
Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementation Advisory Commission Community Interest Announcement The Mueller Team will host a ceremonial opening of the Roger Lavon Taylor, Sr. Plaza. Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM. 3925 Berkman Drive, Austin, TX 78723 A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Jill Fagan 512-974-7829
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025032901: Development of the Immigrant Affairs Office WHEREAS, the City of Austin values inclusivity and recognizes the immense economic, social, and cultural contributions that people of all national origins and immigration statuses have made to this country1; and WHEREAS, the City Council declared Austin a Welcoming City through Resolution No. 20140320-049 to demonstrate that the City strives to include and support immigrants in all aspects of our city; and WHEREAS, we continue to hear appreciation for the creation of the Immigrant Affairs position, along with recognition that the scope of work required is too vast for one person to manage alone; and WHEREAS, the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office would ensure that the needs of Austin's immigrant community are recognized, supported, and effectively addressed, which would allow for stronger community engagement, more responsive services, as well as better coordination across city departments to close existing gaps; and WHEREAS, a comprehensive budget plan focused on expanding staff, services, and infrastructures will promote the immigrant community’s economic mobility, human services (health care/food/legal services), education, and civic participation; and WHEREAS, ensuring immigrant inclusivity will build stronger educated communities that can contribute to economic growth, creative potential, and innovation throughout Austin and its society; and WHEREAS, in Austin, more than 18% of the population are foreign-born2; and WHEREAS, Austin’s immigrant population comes from over 120 different countries3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, more than 85 languages are spoken throughout the City, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, According to “Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX,” a report on the state of immigrant affairs at the City states that Austin has made consistent improvements and has scored highly in areas such as Government Leadership, Community Collaboration, and Legal Support; the same report also highlights areas where the City falls short in achieving a “Government That Works for All,” identifying key gaps in Civic Participation, Livability, and Job Opportunities5; and WHEREAS, research indicates that immigrant integration policies lead to favorable outcomes for both native and foreign-born residents of a city5; and 1 CITY OF AUSTIN 2025 Federal Legislative Agenda 119th Congress 2 https://www.census.gov 3 Austin Population Change and Demographic Trends 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX Report WHEREAS, the report …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025032902: Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and for Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Equity Office provides leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for all Austinites by working across City departments and with major institutions, non-profits, and grassroots organizations to advance racial equity; and WHEREAS, the inaugural Equity Mini Grant Fund was established in 2018 in response to Ordinance 20170913-001, which directed the Equity Office, to develop a funding framework for quality-of-life initiatives by allocating $75,000 to the Equity Mini Grant Fund; and WHEREAS, the Equity Office successfully implemented a more approachable and accessible granting framework, awarding the first round of grants in April 2018, and has since expanded its grant programs, including the Reentry Services Grant, which supports organizations transforming outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals through The Hub Award ($200,000 for 501(c)(3) non-profits providing wrap- around services) and The Spoke Award ($50,000 for direct service providers); and WHEREAS, additional funding opportunities, such as the Reimagining Public Safety Grants and potential future grants focused on immigrant and refugee support, underscore the City’s commitment to addressing systemic inequities through community-driven solutions; and WHEREAS, the Equity Mini Grant Fund has played a critical role in supporting grassroots and volunteer- led efforts addressing significant challenges, including COVID-19 recovery, public safety, homelessness response, and immigrant inclusion, demonstrating its value as a flexible and responsive funding mechanism; and WHEREAS, the FY25 Equity Mini Grant Fund prioritizes support for grassroots efforts organizing community-centered solutions in the areas of immigrant inclusion, solidarity with unhoused people, and anti-displacement/displacement prevention, recognizing these as urgent and critical equity issues in Austin; and WHEREAS, since the inception in 2018, the Equity Mini Grant Fund has supported 87 organizations with a total of $1,495,000 in funding, growing from an initial $75,000 in total grants to $450,000 in FY24-25; however despite this growth, the fund remains insufficient to fully address the scale and scope of community needs; increasing the fund to $600,000 would enable great investment in grassroots initiatives working to address systemic inequities; and WHEREAS, an expansion of the Equity Mini Grant Fund would provide additional unrestricted funding at various award levels ($10,000, $20,000, and $30,000), enabling a broader and deeper investment in community-driven initiatives that address disparities and uplift historically marginalized communities; THEREFORE, …
