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ITEM03 C15-2026-0006 LATE BACKUP APR13 SUPP — original pdf
ITEM03/1-SUPPORT ITEM03/2-SUPPORT ITEM03/3-SUPPORT ITEM03/4-SUPPORT ITEM03/5-SUPPORT ITEM03/6-SUPPORT
ITEM05 C15-2026-0001 LATE BACKUP APR13 SUPP — original pdf
Courtney Blanton To: me, Cc: Message Body · Tue, Nov 25 at 7:37 AM This looks good to us. You have our blessing. We are all good with the structure to go back where it was before. Happy Holidays! Courtney & Tom 2205 Quarry Garage rebuild • John Lohr To: Message Body Courtney, Tom, · Sun, Nov 23 at 2:20 PM As discussed, we are preparing to submit an application to allow our garage to be rebuilt in the same spot and same configuration as was there before the fire. If you could just a reply to this email to confirm y'all are good with that plan. I have attached a copy of our survey prior to the garage being demolished. The new structure would go right back in the same spot, same size, height, design etc. No plumbing, Let me know any questions. Thanks, John and Sally John L. Lohr mobile ITEM05/1-SUPPORT Garage rebuild 2205 Quarry Road • • • • John Lohr John and Sally, As your next door neighbors, Patrick and I are in support of your application to allow your garage to be rebuilt in the same spot and same configuration as was there before the fire! • • Hi John, • • I'm just letting you know that I also fully support your application to allow your garage to be rebuilt in the same spot and in the same configuration as was there before the fire. • • • • • I know Tracy has already spoken on my behalf, but sometimes attorneys or courts want signatures from both married parties. Patrick Parker 2203 Quarry Road --Tracy LaQuey Parker 2203 Quarry Road • • • • Hi John, • • I'm just letting you know that I also fully support your application to allow your garage to be rebuilt in the same spot and in the same configuration as was there before the fire. • • • • • I know Tracy has already spoken on my behalf, but sometimes attorneys or courts want signatures from both married parties. Patrick Parker 2203 Quarry Road ITEM05/2-SUPPORT Garage rebuild 2205 Quarry Road • John Lohr To: , Nov 22 at 7:27 PM Wells, Thanks to you and Leslie for chatting with me this morning. As discussed, we are preparing to submit an application to allow our garage to be rebuilt in the same spot and same configuration …
ITEM06 C15-2026-0009 LATE BACKUP APR13 SUPP — original pdf
ITEM06/1-SUPPORT Neighbor Letter of No Opposition Date: 3/30/2026 To: City of Austin Board of Adjustment QT South, LLC is the owner of the property located at 9509 E Parmer Lane. I am writing to express no opposition for Board of Adjustment Case No. C15-2026-0009. This case requests a variance to reduce the southeastern side setback requirement from 25 feet to 15 feet for the property located at 9419 E Parmer Ln, Austin, TX 78653. After reviewing the request and understanding the nature of the proposed development, I do not oppose the requested setback reduction. I do not believe the variance will negatively impact my property or the surrounding area. Please consider this letter as my formal statement of no opposition to the variance request. Sincerely, Signature: ______________________________ Printed Name: Robert Costello, Real Estate Project Manager, QT South, LLC Property Address: 9509 E Parmer Lane ITEM06/2-SUPPORT
ITEM07 C15-2026-0010 LATE BACKUP APR13 OPP — original pdf
ITEM07/1-OPPOSITION ITEM07/2-OPPOSITION
ITEM08 C15-2026-0005 LATE BACKUP APR13 OPP — original pdf
ITEM08/1 -OPPOSITION
ITEM08 C15-2026-0005 LATE BACKUP APR13 SUPP — original pdf
ITEM08/1-SUPPORT Heritage Association Steering Committee Letter of Support - BOA Case No. C15-2026-0005 Dear Chair and Members of the Board of Adjustment: On Monday, February 16, the Heritage Neighborhood Steering Committee met and voted unanimously to support the BOA appeal C15-2026-0005, concerning a proposed project at 205 E. 34th Street in the North University Neighborhood. The Heritage Neighborhood Association shares concerns regarding adherence to the North University Neighborhood Conservation Combining District (NCCD) and enforcement of City Code. This request is not about opposing development or density. The Heritage Neighborhood Association supports affordable housing in Austin. The proposed development at 205 E 34th Street has resulted in the demolition of existing affordable housing and the displacement of residents. This makes it especially important that new development comply with standards adopted by City Council, including the North University NCCD, and be subject to a complete and transparent review process. The reconsideration request raises several issues that were not addressed during the March 9 hearing: • • • • A Board member participated after receiving information about the case outside the public hearing process A required NCCD building orientation standard was not addressed The NCCD’s Floor Area Ratio (FAR) standard, which regulates building scale, was not evaluated under Part 7 of the NCCD, which sets a 0.4 FAR limit for a lot with the same zoning (SF-3-NCCD- NP) and use (three-unit residential) as the proposed project The proposed project’s layout raises questions about whether it can be constructed and used in a manner consistent with applicable zoning requirements, including requirements identified by City staff during the review process Accordingly, the Heritage Neighborhood Association respectfully requests that the Board grant reconsideration and sustain the appeal to ensure that the proposed project complies with applicable NCCD and City Code requirements. Sincerely, Laura Grim, President Heritage Neighborhood Association ITEM08/2-SUPPORT President: Charles d’Harcourt, Vice President: Bart Whatley, Treasurer: Bruce Fairchild, Secretary: Christopher Oakland April 13, 2026 Re: BOA Case No. C15-2026-0005 Dear Chair and Members of the Board of Adjustment, In the case regarding the building permit for the property at 205 E 34th Street, the Hancock Neighborhood Association membership has voted to support the appellant, particularly because: ● The project's floor-to-area ratio exceeds the 0.4:1 ratio set out by the North University Neighborhood Conservation Combining District for SF-3 properties (ordinance 040826-58, Part 7, site development standards table, "Max. FAR" line) ● The building permit applicant has …
Agenda — original pdf
- REGULAR MEETING OF THE AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026, AT 5:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINO DELCO DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board 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, contact Amanda Rohlich, (512) 974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MEMBERS: Joi Chevalier, Chair Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Andrea Abel Marissa Bell Beth Corbett Nitza Cuevas Kacey Hanson Seanna Marceaux Melody McClary Erin McDonald Natalie Poulos Andrew Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board Member roll call and introduction of new and existing board members. 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 Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Special Called Meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation. Presentation by Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager, Austin Climate Action & Resilience and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs, Travis County. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Presentation and discussion regarding Agricultural Evaluations, Nickolas Fritz, Land & Special Valuation Manager, Travis County Appraisal District. Report from Joint Sustainability Committee on March 25, 2026. Presentation and discussion regarding the working group to expand access to nutritious foods through improvement to existing materials and resources and explore alternate or expanded hours for existing resources. Presentation and discussion regarding the working group to participate in the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) application for funding for conservation easements as a regional partnership. Presentation and discussion regarding the working group to explore revenue generators such as sugar sweetened beverage tax, a surplus food donation requirement for events, and/or a percent conservation fund from all land purchases or new developments. Review Board Member Assignments. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Discuss and take possible action on the Joint Sustainability Committee liaison appointment. Discuss …
Item 12. Festival Beach Food Forest DRAFT Recommendation — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: XXXXXXXX-XXX: Supporting Food Plan Implementation through Urban Agriculture Coordination and Festival Beach Restoration WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest is a volunteer-led permaculture food forest developed in partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department beginning in 2014, sponsored by 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Fruitful Commons; and WHEREAS, in 2021 the Austin City Council approved expansion of the Festival Beach Food Forest to approximately three acres to support community food production, ecological restoration, and climate resilience on public parkland; and WHEREAS, a wastewater pipeline relocation associated with the Texas Department of Transportation Interstate 35 Capital Express Project has impacted the approved Phase 2 expansion area of the Festival Beach Food Forest, resulting in the removal of 92 trees and shrubs and the loss of approximately $550,000 in public and community investment, including $375,000 in volunteer labor; and WHEREAS, despite quarterly coordination meetings over 18 months, community stewards were notified of the wastewater pipeline relocation only two weeks before construction was scheduled to begin, highlighting gaps in communication and coordination between City departments, infrastructure projects, and community partners stewarding food-producing landscapes on public land; and WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent Festival Beach Community Garden are also expected to be impacted by a proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation associated with the Interstate 35 Capital Express Project, for which Austin Energy has agreed to provide $2,414,240 in parkland mitigation funding for permanent use of parkland, pending approval by the Austin City Council on April 23, 2026; and WHEREAS, the combined impacts of the wastewater pipeline relocation and the proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation represent cumulative disruptions to the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent community food production spaces, compounding the loss of established plantings, volunteer investment, and community use of public land; and WHEREAS, community-scale food production projects such as the Festival Beach Food Forest advance goals of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan by increasing local food production, climate resilience, and community stewardship of public land; and WHEREAS, in 2025 the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board adopted Recommendation 20250210-003 urging the City to establish an interdepartmental coordination mechanism, including a dedicated staff role, to support urban agriculture and implementation of the Food Plan across departments; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate and Resilience Office previously proposed a budget enhancement to create an Urban Agriculture Program Manager position to coordinate Food …
Item 13. Del Valle Food Co-op DRAFT Recommendation — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: XXXXXXXX-XXX: Support for Del Valle Food Co-Op Rezoning and Fee Relief WHEREAS, the Austin‑Travis County Food Plan, adopted by Austin City Council in October 2024, calls for expanding access to nutritious and affordable food for all residents, prioritizes community‑led solutions, and emphasizes strengthening food markets and retail outlets in underserved areas; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co‑Op is a community‑driven initiative launched in 2023 to establish a neighborhood grocery store in East Austin — a location with limited retail access to healthy foods — with the goal of improving food accessibility, reducing transportation barriers, and providing a walkable, community‑centered food retail option; and WHEREAS, the project received a $500,000 allocation from the City of Austin through the American Rescue Plan Act, representing a public investment in equitable food access and local economic development; and WHEREAS, the co‑op has been developed through strong, ongoing collaboration with community partners including Go Austin Vamos Austin (GAVA) and Austin Cooperative Business Association (ACBA), with community organizing and outreach central to designing a store that reflects local needs, priorities, and lived experience; and WHEREAS, Phase I activities have been completed, including business planning, creating a market study, cooperative incorporation, governance development, and hiring operational leadership, demonstrating readiness for next-phase site planning and implementation; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co‑Op has established over 40 paid member‑owners and has secured additional membership pledges, reflecting sustained local support and community engagement; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co-Op has identified a development site at 5807 Ross Road to serve East Austin residents; and WHEREAS, the selected site is within an area identified in a 2023 market feasibility study as having strong potential to support a neighborhood grocery store; and WHEREAS, the selected site also meets key feasibility criteria, including access to utilities, location outside of the floodplain, proximity to public transportation, and accessibility to surrounding neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the site must be rezoned from SF-6 (Townhouse & Condominium Residence) to LR (Neighborhood Commercial) or an equivalent commercial designation that permits a neighborhood- scale grocery store to proceed; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co-Op has secured site control through a lease agreement with the property owner, including authorization to pursue rezoning and an option to purchase the property; and WHEREAS, the standard rezoning process is estimated to cost $10,000 or more, including application fees, planning or legal …
Item 3. Agricultural Evaluations TCAD — original pdf
Nickolas Fritz, Land & Special Valuation Manager To qualify for agricultural evaluation, a property must show: • Agricultural use for 5 of the preceding 7 years • Agriculture is the land's primary use • Degree of intensity generally accepted in the area • Current intensity guidelines are generally designed around larger traditional operations. However, the law does not allow TCAD to deny a qualifying use solely on the basis of acreage. A small, intensive commercial operation that meets the degree-of-intensity test can qualify, regardless of size. • Commercial intent — production for sale, not hobby or personal use Application deadline: April 30 annually (Form 50-129) Land Inside Austin City Limits • Standard 5-of-7 year history becomes a continuous 5-year requirement — no gaps allowed • One missed year inside city limits can break the qualification, whereas it would not outside the city limits • Alternate path: land that does not receive city services comparable to surrounding properties may qualify. This is rarely applicable in Austin proper. • Consistency of documented use is critical — off-season gaps in visible activity matter more inside city limits Both mixed produce and cover cropping are recognized agricultural activities under Texas Tax Code §23.51. Mixed Produce Farms • Qualifies under irrigated or dry cropland categories • Must demonstrate commercial sales — receipts, Schedule F, and buyer documentation are key Both mixed produce and cover cropping are recognized agricultural activities under Texas Tax Code §23.51. Cover Cropping • Explicitly listed as a qualifying activity in Tax Code §23.51 when part of a normal commercial crop rotation • Cannot stand alone as the primary qualifying use — must support an active commercial operation TCAD currently has no formal mixed produce intensity classification — but the legal framework fully supports creating one. • The Chief Appraiser has full statutory authority to establish intensity standards for any agricultural use type. • The Comptroller's framework explicitly supports small intensive operations and does not allow acreage alone to be disqualifying. • TCAD has discussed a mixed produce class for several years — limited demand has slowed formal development. • Engagement from Austin's food community is exactly the kind of input that moves this forward through the Ag Advisory Board. A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement — permanently recorded in the deed — that restricts development or commercial use of land for conservation purposes. It is governed in Texas by …
Recommendation 20260413-011 - Support Food Plan Implementation through Urban Ag Coordination and Festival Beach Restoration — original pdf
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number20260413-011: Supporting Food Plan Implementation through Urban Agriculture Coordination and Festival Beach Restoration WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest is a volunteer-led permaculture food forest developed in partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department beginning in 2014, sponsored by 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Fruitful Commons; and WHEREAS, in 2021 the Austin City Council approved expansion of the Festival Beach Food Forest to approximately three acres to support community food production, ecological restoration, and climate resilience on public parkland; and WHEREAS, a wastewater pipeline relocation associated with the Texas Department of Transportation Interstate 35 Capital Express Project has impacted the approved Phase 2 expansion area of the Festival Beach Food Forest, resulting in the removal of 92 trees and shrubs and the loss of approximately $550,000 in public and community investment, including $375,000 in volunteer labor; and WHEREAS, despite quarterly coordination meetings over 18 months, community stewards were notified of the wastewater pipeline relocation only two weeks before construction was scheduled to begin, highlighting gaps in communication and coordination between City departments, infrastructure projects, and community partners stewarding food-producing landscapes on public land; and WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent Festival Beach Community Garden are also expected to be impacted by a proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation associated with the Interstate 35 Capital Express Project, for which Austin Energy has agreed to provide $2,414,240 in parkland mitigation funding for permanent use of parkland, pending approval by the Austin City Council on April 23, 2026; and WHEREAS, the combined impacts of the wastewater pipeline relocation and the proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation represent cumulative disruptions to the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent community food production spaces, compounding the loss of established plantings, volunteer investment, and community use of public land; and WHEREAS, community-scale food production projects such as the Festival Beach Food Forest advance key goals of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, including expanding access to land for community-based food production (Goal 1), increasing equitable access to nutritious and culturally relevant food (Goal 6), and strengthening community leadership, participation, and decision-making in the food system (Goal 9); and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board has consistently advanced this priority, adopting Recommendations 20240318-007 in 2024 and 20250210-003 in 2025, both of which urge the City to establish an interdepartmental coordination mechanism, including a dedicated staff role, to support …
Recommendation 20260414-012 - Support for Del Valle Food Co-Op Rezoning and Fee Relief — original pdf
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20260414-012: Support for Del Valle Food Co-Op Rezoning and Fee Relief WHEREAS, the Austin‑Travis County Food Plan, adopted by Austin City Council in October 2024, calls for expanding access to nutritious and affordable food for all residents (Goal 6), prioritizes community‑led solutions, and emphasizes strengthening food markets and retail outlets in underserved areas; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co‑Op is a community‑driven initiative launched in 2023 to establish a neighborhood grocery store in East Austin — a location with limited retail access to healthy foods — with the goal of improving food accessibility, reducing transportation barriers, and providing a walkable, community‑centered food retail option; and WHEREAS, the project received a $500,000 allocation from the City of Austin through the American Rescue Plan Act, representing a public investment in equitable food access and local economic development; and WHEREAS, the co‑op has been developed through strong, ongoing collaboration with community partners including Go Austin Vamos Austin (GAVA) and Austin Cooperative Business Association (ACBA), with community organizing and outreach central to designing a store that reflects local needs, priorities, and lived experience; and WHEREAS, Phase I activities have been completed, including business planning, creating a market study, cooperative incorporation, governance development, and hiring operational leadership, demonstrating readiness for next-phase site planning and implementation; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co‑Op has established over 40 paid member‑owners and has secured additional membership pledges, reflecting sustained local support and community engagement; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co-Op has identified a development site at 5807 Ross Road to serve East Austin residents; and WHEREAS, the selected site is within an area identified in a 2023 market feasibility study as having strong potential to support a neighborhood grocery store; and WHEREAS, the selected site also meets key feasibility criteria, including access to utilities, location outside of the floodplain, proximity to public transportation, and accessibility to surrounding neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Cooperative Property is currently zoned townhouse and condominium residence (SF-6) district, a zoning designation which does not allow the use of this property as a grocery store; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co-Op has secured site control through a lease agreement with the property owner, including authorization to pursue rezoning and an option to purchase the property; and WHEREAS, the standard rezoning process is estimated to cost $10,000 or more, including …
Item 11. Festival Beach Food Forest Restoration, Aly Tharp — original pdf
April 13, 2026 Food Policy Board Presentation Founded 2019MissionWe support neighborhood leaders and organizations to grow food,strengthen communities, and foster stewardship of the natural commonsVisionEvery neighborhood has green spaces that reconnect people to food,nature, and each other AUSTIN TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD PLAN Fruitful Commons supports Food Plan Strategies: Currently engaged as “Network Weaver” for Food Plan Implemenation Collaborative Expand access to nutritious andculturally relevant food in fooddistribution programs and foodretail locations for residents ofAustin-Travis County experiencingfood insecurity or facing barriers tofood access...GOAL 6: ACCESSExpand community food production,preserve agricultural lands, andincrease the amount of farmlanddedicated to regenerative foodproduction long-term in Austin-Travis County.GOAL 1: LANDDevelop community education,empowerment, and infrastructure tosupport effective implementation ofthe food plan as measured byincreased funding, data collection,partnerships, and communityparticipation in a local food systemnetwork.GOAL 9: EMPOWER FISCALLY SPONSORED PROJECTS Onion Creek Park Neighborhoods Alliance Memorial Garden Orchard Project TREE CARE MINI GRANT PROJECTS UT Microfarm WorkdayInstalling IrrigationSDF Garden Tree PlantingSt. John OrchardExpandedLabyrinth CommunityGardenPEASEl Buen SamaritanoCenter for MaximumPotential BuildingSystems Food ForestAlamo CommunityGardenKealing Middle SchoolAustin DiscoverySchoolSalvation ArmyFestival BeachCommunity GardenFestival BeachFood Forest 2025 MINI GRANT RECIPIENTS Fifth Annual Cohort of Urban Canopy Champions! Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort will be open July 15-August 31. Festival Beach Community GardenFestival Beach Food ForestFriends of Grand MeadowIslamic Center of Greater AustinJollyville ElementaryKalpulli Texas QuetzalcoatlOdom ElementaryOnion Creek Park Neighborhoods AlliancePartners for Education Agriculture andSustainability (PEAS)Rebuilding Broken CommunitiesThe Salvation Army AustinUrban Roots Festival Beach Food forest FESTIVAL BEACH FOOD FOREST FBFF expanded from 3/4 acre to 3 acres in 2022-2024 and will continue to grow in 2026 TXDOT CAPITAL EXPRESS PROJECT FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SURVEY “Festival Beach Community Garden and Festival Beach Food Forest onWaller Street, between Clermont and Flores Streets, were added as Section4(f) resources for constructive use analysis, as they would be directlyacross from temporary construction staging areas. No direct impactswould occur at these Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park facilities.“ WASTEWATER PIPELINE UTILITY RELOCATION Approved by Parks Board, Nov. 2024 - Board was misinformed that pipeline “would not” directly impact food forest; no public comments given Approved by Austin City Council, Jan. 2025; no public comments given First notification to FBFF & Fruitful Commons - January 6, 2026 - via Rifeline, TxDOT Community Liaison contractors Estimated $550K loss, including city-funded plantings & $375K in-kind community labor COMMUNITY RAPID RESPONSE COMMUNICATION AT AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL, BOARD & COMMISSION MEETINGS: Water & Wastewater Commission - 1/14/26 Parks & Recreation Board - 2/2/26, 2/23/26, 3/23/36 Environmental Commission …
Item 12. Festival Beach Food Forest DRAFT Recommendation - UPDATED — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: XXXXXXXX-XXX: Supporting Food Plan Implementation through Urban Agriculture Coordination and Festival Beach Restoration WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest is a volunteer-led permaculture food forest developed in partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department beginning in 2014, sponsored by 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Fruitful Commons; and WHEREAS, in 2021 the Austin City Council approved expansion of the Festival Beach Food Forest to approximately three acres to support community food production, ecological restoration, and climate resilience on public parkland; and WHEREAS, a wastewater pipeline relocation associated with the Texas Department of Transportation Interstate 35 Capital Express Project has impacted the approved Phase 2 expansion area of the Festival Beach Food Forest, resulting in the removal of 92 trees and shrubs and the loss of approximately $550,000 in public and community investment, including $375,000 in volunteer labor; and WHEREAS, despite quarterly coordination meetings over 18 months, community stewards were notified of the wastewater pipeline relocation only two weeks before construction was scheduled to begin, highlighting gaps in communication and coordination between City departments, infrastructure projects, and community partners stewarding food-producing landscapes on public land; and WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent Festival Beach Community Garden are also expected to be impacted by a proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation associated with the Interstate 35 Capital Express Project, for which Austin Energy has agreed to provide $2,414,240 in parkland mitigation funding for permanent use of parkland, pending approval by the Austin City Council on April 23, 2026; and WHEREAS, the combined impacts of the wastewater pipeline relocation and the proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation represent cumulative disruptions to the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent community food production spaces, compounding the loss of established plantings, volunteer investment, and community use of public land; and WHEREAS, community-scale food production projects such as the Festival Beach Food Forest advance goals of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan by increasing local food production, climate resilience, and community stewardship of public land; and WHEREAS, in 2025 the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board adopted Recommendation 20250210-003 urging the City to establish an interdepartmental coordination mechanism, including a dedicated staff role, to support urban agriculture and implementation of the Food Plan across departments; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate and Resilience Office previously proposed a budget enhancement to create an Urban Agriculture Program Manager position to coordinate Food …
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Item 2. Staff Briefing on Food Plan - April 2026 — original pdf
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB April 2026 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates City Staff Updates ● City staff will provide City Council with a Memo in April 2026 ● City staff have started updating the Food Plan Dashboard, to be completed April 2026 ● Travis County Commissioners Court proclamation about the Milan Pact Award tentatively scheduled for April 28th ● Funding from the MUFPP Award will be released via a RFA in fall 2026 Food Plan Implementation Convening ● The Implementation Collaborative is being led by WNT ● Public launch for the Collaborative is scheduled for June 2026 ○ Action: ■ Take the Survey and get on the listserve ■ Consider how the Collaboratives priorities could relate to the Food Policy Board’s Working Groups City of Austin 2026 Bond ● Results from Phase 3 Community Engagement: ○ Housing and transportation remain top priorities. ○ ○ ○ ■ Across all engagement methods, these categories emerged as the most consistent and widely supported, with additional support for quality-of-life investments such as parks, recreation, and community facilities. Community members support bond outcomes, with concerns about cost and implementation. ■ While most respondents indicate support for the bond and its potential benefits, there are notable concerns regarding overall financial impact and the City’s ability to deliver projects effectively. Preference for improving existing infrastructure. ■ Respondents consistently favor reinvestment in existing facilities and systems over new construction, particularly for core services. Different engagement methods surface different types of input. ■ Survey and voting activities highlight broad priorities, while written comments emphasize areas of concern, including transparency, process, and alignment with community needs. City of Austin 2026 Bond - Summary City of Austin 2026 Bond - Next Steps ● March – April 2026: Working Groups present and discuss initial recommendations with full BEATF ● May 4, 2026: BEATF finalizes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council ● May 8, 2026: City staff provides recommendations, integrating feasibility and funding considerations ● May 19, 2026: City Council work session to discuss proposed bond package ● August 6, 2026: City Council Meeting – consideration of an ordinance to call for a bond election and set ballot language ● November 3, 2026: Bond election Travis County Food Plan Updates (No updates) Thank You! www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Animal Advisory 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, contact Nekaybaw Watson at nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Jennifer Daniel, D6 Erin Ferguson, D8 Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddelston, D9 David Loignon, D10 Julie Maron, D3 Nancy Nemer, Travis County JoAnn Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Erin Van Landingham, D1 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular meeting on March 9, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports. Presentation by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Assistant Director, Austin Animal Services. Staff briefing regarding deceased animal recovery services. Presentation by Amy Slagle, Assistant Director, Austin Resource Recovery. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Quarterly report from Animal Pets Alive! Presentation given by Mara Hartsell, Quality of Care Director, Austin Pets Alive! DICUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Approve the reprioritization of the legislative priority list sent to the Austin Government Relations Office in February. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding pet friendly housing policies in public funded housing developments. Approve the election of Chair. Approve the election of Vice Chair. Approve the election of Parliamentarian. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please email or call Nekaybaw Watson at Austin …
Item 1: Draft Minutes for March 9, 2026 — original pdf
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 9, 2026 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Nilson called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Dr. Paige Nilson, Chair, D4 Jennifer Daniel, D6 Erin Ferguson, D8 David Loignon, D10 Erin Van Landingham, D1 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Koby Ahmed, Mayor Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Whitney Holt, D5 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Commissioners Absent: Ryan Clinton, Travis County Sarah Huddleston, D9 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Robyn Katz Gonzalez – State of Animals in ATX Rochelle Vickery – Thanks to Pat Valls Trelles and Amy, Animal Control Response Concerns Julie Oliver- Capital Improvements in Bond and ADA Compliance within the Shelter Suzie Chase- Austin Pets Alive! Area Wide Adoption Event APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on February 9, 2026. The minutes of the February 9, 2026, regular meeting of the Animal Advisory Commission was approved during the March 9, 2026, regular meeting on Commissioner Ferguson’s 1 motion, Commissioner Loignon’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Clinton, Huddelston, and Norton were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports. Presentation by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Assistant Director, Austin Animal Services. Presentation given by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Assistant Director, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Approve the addition of new members to the Budget Working Group. Withdrawn. Approve a FY27/FY28 Budget Recommendation to Council to convert two animal care positions to regular full-time employees from temporary employees. The motion to approve a FY27/FY28 Budget Recommendation to Council to convert two animal care positions to regular full-time employees from temporary employees was approved as amended on Chair Nilson’s motion, Commissioner Loignon’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Clinton, Huddleston, and Norton were absent. The amendment was to insert “WHEREAS, Austin Animal Services has, as one of the six priorities in the strategic plan as staff and volunteers with a specific goal to “enhance working conditions and build skilled support staff,” under the third WHEREAS statement. Approve a FY27/FY28 Budget Recommendation to Council to provide funding in the general budget for two dog …
Item 2: Austin Animal Services March Data Report — original pdf
Animal Services Office Statistical Report – March2024-2026 March2026 Intake March2025 Intake March2024 Intake March2026 Adoptions March2025 Adoptions March2024 Adoptions March2026 RTOs March2025 RTOs March2024 RTOs March2026 Animals Euthanized March2025 Animals Euthanized March2024 Animals Euthanized March2026 Total Live Release Rate March2025 Total Live Release Rate March2024 Total Live Release Rate March2026 Animal Vaccinations Vaccinations administered in March2026 – 1908 March2025 Animal Vaccinations March2024 Animal Vaccinations March2026 Spayed/Neuter at AAC March2025 Spayed/Neutered at AAC March2024 Spayed/Neutered at AAC March2026 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster March2025 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster March2024 Animal Deaths at AAC/Foster March2026 Animals Transferred: Includes 62 cats that went to AHS for SNR/TNR services March2025 Animals Transferred March2024 Animals Transferred March2025 Animal Lost, Stolen or Missing March2024 Animals Lost, Stolen or Missing March2023 Animals Lost, Stolen or Missing March2025 SNR Program – 62 cats, as noted above March2024 SNR Program March2023 SNR Program March2025 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO March2024 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO March2023 Intact Animals Adopted/RTO
Item 2: Austin Animal Services March Outcome and Intake — original pdf
Outcome vs. Intake FY 26 Information is from October 1, 2025 –March 31, 2026 Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Outcome Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Difference of outcomes - intakes Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats - Outcomes Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing SNR (former SCRP) Total Dog - Outcomes Adoption RTO/RTO Adopt Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total 2026 2195 2408 4603 2026 2174 2520 4694 2026 -21 112 91 2026 1591 112 335 123 48 0 311 2520 2026 1065 399 633 62 15 0 2174
Item 2: Austin Animal Services Presentation — original pdf
Reports and Updates Austin Animal Services | April 13, 2026 30-60-90 Day Horizon Plan Monica Dangler, Director Accomplishments on the Horizon! Completed action items in the past 30 days Process Improvement Met with Doobert about foster management program Programs and Socials Developed marketing plan Created quarterly promo and events calendar Enhance Staffing Adjusted Animal Care Tech schedules to better meet business needs Feedback Met with groups of dog and cat volunteers Develop plan for re-opening intake Trying out different strategies Improvements to shelter presence Collaborating with volunteers for social strategy Updated the Lost & Found page on shelter website Became current with reporting data to Petco Love & Best Friends to apply for grants and compare national data 3 What does the horizon plan look like for April? 30 Community Engagement • Implement Marketing plan • Event calendar website built, but not yet updated Enhance Staffing • Continue interviewing for vacant vet techs positions • Analyze kennel cleaning study results Process Improvement • Continue work on pathways and transfer protocols • Maddie’s Fund Clinic Consultation for efficiency and S/N • Develop communication strategy for kennel space protocol on Socials 4 What does the horizon plan look like for April? 30 Foster Program • Weekly foster posts • Identify 3 dogs for foster every day • Daily foster emails • Launch Dog Day Out to 3 days a week • Develop accountability plan Develop plan for reopening intake • Ongoing process • Work with APA on community-based solutions 5 60 What does the horizon plan look like for April? Foster Program • Weekly foster posts • Identify 5 dogs for foster every day • Daily foster emails • Implement foster management tools • Offer Dog Day Out program 5 days a week Shelter and Process Improvements • Develop communication strategy for kennel space protocol on Socials • Continue recruitment for Vet Tech openings Social Presence • Update language and tone on socials • Implement Newsletter • Implement plan for socials Develop plan for reopening intake • Reduce wait-time for intake 6 What does the horizon plan look like for April? 90 Open Intake Planning • Open intake for all stray animals Foster Program • Identify 7 dogs for foster every day • Offer Dog Day Out program 7 days a week • Implement foster management tools Shelter Database • Evaluate volunteer module for effectiveness and potential future enhancements • Explore allowing …
Item 3: Austin Resource Recovery Presentation — original pdf
Deceased Animal Recovery Services Austin Resource Recovery | April 13, 2026 Background Deceased animal collection provided daily, including some holidays Animals are collected from the rights-of way and the Austin Animal Center Employees assigned to north and south zones of city for collection Program does not collect livestock. Contact the county in which you reside for livestock removal: Travis County: (512) 974-0845 Williamson County: (512) 832-7000 2 Collection Process Residents contact Austin 311 via phone, online, or through app to create service request Requests completed within 24 hours of being created Domestic animals are scanned for microchips Microchip information is provided to Animal Services for pet owner notification 3 Metrics Over 6000 calls per year are processed for dead animal collection. Non-domestic animals (deer, opossum, squirrels, etc.)are largest category collected 4 Pet Search Requests All pet searches require department staff to check collection records Austin Resource Recovery received a total of 47 requests for FY25 Outcome will be provided to Animal Services to respond to resident requests 5 Cross Department Collaboration ARR collects deceased animals from the Austin Animal Center 3x per week Austin Watershed Protection retrieves deceased animals found in waterways and creates requests for ARR collection through 311 Parks and Recreation creates a service request through 311 for collection of deceased animals All other City departments create a service request through 311 for collection of deceased animals found on City property 6 Questions? Amy Slagle, Assistant Director Amy.Slagle@austintexas.gov Austin Resource Recovery
Item 4: Austin Pets Alive! Quarterly Report — original pdf
Monthly & Quarterly Report on License Agreement March 2026 This report is in agreement with the terms outlined in Section 8.4 of the License Agreement between the City of Austin and Austin Pets Alive!, with a focus on APA!’s impact on Travis County through our partnership with Austin Animal Services. Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) remains the City of Austin’s largest partner in lifesaving, specializing in animals with medical and behavioral needs beyond the municipal shelter’s capacity. Since 2011, this partnership with Austin Animal Services (AAS) has helped sustain Austin as the largest No Kill city in the United States. APA! Monthly Partnership Impact: In March 2026 alone, 163 animals were transferred directly from AAS, and 78 additional animals were diverted from entering AAS through APA!’s PASS program and direct community intake. These combined efforts reduced strain on the City’s municipal shelter while ensuring vulnerable animals received timely intervention. AAS DIRECT TRANSFERS Cat Behavior Cat Bottle Baby Cat Maternity/Nursing Cat Medical Cat Space Dog Behavior Large/Medium Dog Behavior Small Dog Bottle Baby Dog Maternity/Nursing Dog Medical Dog Parvo Dog Space Large/Medium Dog Space Small TOTAL AAS DIRECT TRANSFERS Cat Born in Care Dog Born in Care TOTAL AAS ANIMALS Travis - PASS Travis - Parvo Owner-Surrender Travis - Stray/Abandoned TOTAL TRAVIS CO. DIVERSIONS 1 33 3 20 0 10 3 0 38 49 5 1 0 163 0 2 165 41 18 19 78 TOTAL AAS/TRAVIS CO. INTAKES 243 1 of 5 © 2026 Austin Pets Alive! APA! Transfers from AAS as % of Annual Goal APA! must: (a) Select a sufficient number of animals from the At-Risk List so that at the end of each year of the Term, APA! will have selected from the At-Risk List 12% of the total number of animals taken in by AAS during the preceding year. APA! Transfer Requirement for FY26: 1,360 Animals AAS Dog & Cat Intake Total in FY26: 769 Animals As of the end of March 2026, APA! has taken 57% of the total animal number required for the fiscal year. This quarter (Q2) accounts for 24% of that total. In March alone, 12% of the annual transfer goal was met (163 animals). An average of 113 animals each month accomplishes our annual target. APA!’s total number of pulled animals (769) puts us ahead of schedule for our annual goal. For APA! to reach its target, it will need to pull …
Recommendation 20260413-006: Austin Pet Friendly Housing — original pdf
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Animal Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260413-006]: Austin Pet Friendly Housing WHEREAS, Housing barriers remain one of the leading causes of pet relinquishment and families living in affordable or subsidized housing often face the greatest barriers to keeping companion animals, forcing many residents to choose between stable housing and keeping their pets; WHEREAS, 1506 pets were surrendered to Austin Animal Services in FY25 alone, in addition to an untrackable number of abandoned pets due to open intake hurdles, with conservatively $50 dollars per day being spent to maintain large dogs, and 2,500 existing publicly funded affordable housing units and approximately 49,800 subsidized housing units in Austin, making efforts to mitigate these impacts not just the compassionate choice, but the fiscally responsible one; WHEREAS, Austin Animal Services has as one of its six priorities Open Intake with a specific goal to “remove barriers to pet ownership through resources and policy change,” making it critical to identify upstream solutions that preventatively and proactively address the number of animals being surrendered to the shelter’s care or end up as homeless strays; WHEREAS, Pet-inclusive housing supports family stability, promotes public health, and reduces animal shelter intake by preventing unnecessary pet relinquishment due to housing restrictions; and that these policies are especially important for residents of affordable housing, who are disproportionately impacted by restrictive pet policies; WHEREAS, Austin has long been recognized as a national leader in animal welfare and implementing pet-inclusive housing standards in publicly funded developments would further demonstrate the City’s commitment to keeping families and their companion animals together; WHEREAS, Several states have recently adopted legislation addressing these barriers and creating models for pet-inclusive housing policy, including: 1. Nevada law requires that tenants in housing developed or rehabilitated with public affordable housing funds must be allowed to keep pets, while still permitting reasonable rules regarding sanitation, vaccination, leash requirements, and nuisance prevention. (Justia) 2. Colorado enacted legislation requiring affordable housing developments that receive public financing to permit residents to keep dogs or cats regardless of breed or size, while allowing reasonable management policies and modest limits on deposits or fees. (rentgrace.com) 3. California lawmakers have also advanced legislation aimed at ending blanket prohibitions on pets in rental housing and requiring landlords to provide reasonable justification for denying tenants the ability to keep companion animals, acknowledging that housing restrictions significantly limit access to housing for pet-owning families. (californiaglobe.com) NOW, THEREFORE, BE …
Item 2: Updated Austin Animal Services Presentation — original pdf
Reports and Updates Austin Animal Services | April 13, 2026 41 Dogs sitting in crates or in non-public areas that are available to adopt or foster. 27 days The average number of days available dogs spend in crates or non-public areas. 2 Any animal that is one foot or longer will have an adoption fee ONLY $5 !! Adopt now while this deal lasts!! 3 30-60-90 Day Horizon Plan Monica Dangler, Director Accomplishments on the Horizon! Completed action items in the past 30 days Process Improvement Met with Doobert about foster management program Programs and Socials Developed marketing plan Created quarterly promo and events calendar Enhance Staffing Adjusted Animal Care Tech schedules to better meet business needs Feedback Met with groups of dog and cat volunteers Develop plan for re-opening intake Trying out different strategies Improvements to shelter presence Collaborating with volunteers for social strategy Updated the Lost & Found page on shelter website Became current with reporting data to Petco Love & Best Friends to apply for grants and compare national data 5 What does the horizon plan look like for April? 30 Community Engagement • Implement Marketing plan • Event calendar website built, but not yet updated Enhance Staffing • Continue interviewing for vacant vet techs positions • Analyze kennel cleaning study results Process Improvement • Continue work on pathways and transfer protocols • Maddie’s Fund Clinic Consultation for efficiency and S/N • Develop communication strategy for kennel space protocol on Socials 6 What does the horizon plan look like for April? 30 Foster Program • Weekly foster posts • Identify 3 dogs for foster every day • Daily foster emails • Launch Dog Day Out to 3 days a week • Develop accountability plan Develop plan for reopening intake • Ongoing process • Work with APA on community-based solutions 7 60 What does the horizon plan look like for April? Foster Program • Weekly foster posts • Identify 5 dogs for foster every day • Daily foster emails • Implement foster management tools • Offer Dog Day Out program 5 days a week Shelter and Process Improvements • Develop communication strategy for kennel space protocol on Socials • Continue recruitment for Vet Tech openings Social Presence • Update language and tone on socials • Implement Newsletter • Implement plan for socials Develop plan for reopening intake • Reduce wait-time for intake 8 What does the horizon plan …
Item 6: Draft Recommendation to Council regarding pet friendly housing policies — original pdf
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Animal Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260413-006]: Austin Pet Friendly Housing WHEREAS, Housing barriers remain one of the leading causes of pet relinquishment and families living in affordable or subsidized housing often face the greatest barriers to keeping companion animals, forcing many residents to choose between stable housing and keeping their pets; WHEREAS, 1506 pets were surrendered to Austin Animal Services in FY25 alone, in addition to an untrackable number of abandoned pets due to open intake hurdles, with conservatively $50 dollars per day being spent to maintain large dogs, and 2,500 existing publicly funded affordable housing units and approximately 49,800 subsidized housing units in Austin, making efforts to mitigate these impacts not just the compassionate choice, but the fiscally responsible one; WHEREAS, Austin Animal Services has as one of its six priorities Open Intake with a specific goal to “remove barriers to pet ownership through resources and policy change,” making it critical to identify upstream solutions that preventatively and proactively address the number of animals being surrendered to the shelter’s care or end up as homeless strays; WHEREAS, Pet-inclusive housing supports family stability, promotes public health, and reduces animal shelter intake by preventing unnecessary pet relinquishment due to housing restrictions; and that these policies are especially important for residents of affordable housing, who are disproportionately impacted by restrictive pet policies; WHEREAS, Austin has long been recognized as a national leader in animal welfare and implementing pet-inclusive housing standards in publicly funded developments would further demonstrate the City’s commitment to keeping families and their companion animals together; WHEREAS, Several states have recently adopted legislation addressing these barriers and creating models for pet-inclusive housing policy, including: 1. Nevada law requires that tenants in housing developed or rehabilitated with public affordable housing funds must be allowed to keep pets, while still permitting reasonable rules regarding sanitation, vaccination, leash requirements, and nuisance prevention. (Justia) 2. Colorado enacted legislation requiring affordable housing developments that receive public financing to permit residents to keep dogs or cats regardless of breed or size, while allowing reasonable management policies and modest limits on deposits or fees. (rentgrace.com) 3. California lawmakers have also advanced legislation aimed at ending blanket prohibitions on pets in rental housing and requiring landlords to provide reasonable justification for denying tenants the ability to keep companion animals, acknowledging that housing restrictions significantly limit access to housing for pet-owning families. (californiaglobe.com) NOW, THEREFORE, BE …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026, AT 5:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities 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, contact Nekaybaw Watson, Nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Conor Kelly, Chair Lisa Chang, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano DeLawnia Comer-HaGans Elizabeth Slade Mickey Fetonte Lynn Murphy Alejandro San Martin Kristen Vassallo CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on March 13, 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing from the Urban Design Division of Austin Planning regarding updates to the Great Streets program and accessibility improvements. Presentation given by Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Austin Planning. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Savvy Tech regarding PDF and online document accessibility. Presentation by Benjamin Chen, technical lead, AIMRobotics, Jaxsen Day, digital disability researcher, University of Texas, and Katherine Chen, CEO, AIMRobotics. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Approve the election of Chair Approve the election of Vice Chair Approve an alternate for the Joint Inclusion Committee. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nekaybaw Watson or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. Austin City Clerk’s Office, 512-974-2562 at at For more information on the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, please contact Nekaybaw Watson at nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov.
Item 1: Draft minutes for 3.13.26 — original pdf
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Kelly called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Conor Kelly, Chair Gabriel Arellano Alejandro “Alex” San Martin Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang, Vice Chair Delawnia Comer-HaGans Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade Commissioners Absent: Mickey Fetonte Kristen Vassallo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Melinda Crockom – Vision Loss in Older Adults and San Antonio’s Disability Festival Maggie Moore – Long COVID Collective APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Regular Meeting on February 13, 2026. The motion to approve the minutes of the February 13, 2026, regular meeting of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities was approved on Chair Kelly’s motion, 1 Commissioner San Martin’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Slade was off the dais. Commissioners Fetonte and Vassallo were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Levers of Economic Mobility. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Presentation given by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Camancho Activity Center’s accessibility and guided group programs. Presentation by Ryan Eaker, Nature Based Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation and Athan Bernal, Nature Based Program Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation. Presentation given by Ryan Eaker, Nature Based Supervisor, Austin Parks and Recreation and Jessica Gilzow, Nature Based Programs Manager, Austin Parks and Recreation. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation from Clear the Air ATX regarding the impact of Long COVID on the disability community, and ways the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities can support Long COVID awareness efforts. Presentation by Katie Drackert, Founder, Clear the Air ATX, Naveen Farrani, Member, Clear the Air ATX and Michael Brode, UT Post COVID Clinic Medical Director, University of Texas. Presentation given by Katie Drackert, Founder, Clear the Air ATX and Michael Brode, UT Post COVID Clinic Medical Director, University of Texas. 5. Update from Joint Inclusion Committee representative regarding the budget priorities that the commission could consider. Update given by Commissioner Chang. DISCUSSION …
Item 2: Austin Planning Great Streets Presentation — original pdf
Great Streets Program Update Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Austin Planning | April 10th, 2026 Alignment with the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilites The Great Streets Program advances accessibility by prioritzing inclusive, pedestrian-friendly street design that aligns with the Committee's mission to improve mobility and access for people with disibilities. ▪ Accessible Seating Options ▪ Combination of two-seat and single-seat benches support users with different mobility and comfort needs. ▪ Clear Zones (Pedestrian Through Zones) ▪ Sidewalks are designed to maintain unobstructed pathways wide enough to allow two wheelchair users to pass comfortably. ▪ ADA-Compliant Design Features ▪ Incorporation of ramps, smooth pavement materials, and curb cuts to improve navigation for wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges. 2 Great Streets Overview: History ▪ Early 2000s ▪ City Council adopted the Downtown Design Guidelines, Great Streets Plan Standards, and Great Streets Development Program. ▪ 2003 ▪ City Council dedicated a portion of the parking meter revenue to Great Streets. ▪ 2014 ▪ City Council established Great Streets as a Downtown Density Bonus Program gatekeeper requirement. ▪ An Update to the Great Streets Plan and Standards is needed. ▪ The Update includes an existing conditions analysis. 3 Existing Conditions Analysis ▪ Completed inventory of Great Streets elements ▪ Condition of Great Streets elements ▪ Highest scoring streetscape elements ▪ Light poles ▪ Bike racks ▪ Trees ▪ Lowest scoring streetscape elements ▪ Benches ▪ Trash receptacles ▪ Recycling receptacles Top Scoring Great Streets Element: Trees Low Scoring Great Streets Element: Trash Receptacles 4 Great Streets Update Goals ▪ Align the program with other initiatives ▪ Holistic conversations around right of way ▪ Focus on the entirety of the Central Business District experience ▪ Modernization and clarification of the standards ▪ Create champions for the program ▪ Work flexibility and conflict resolution into the standards ▪ Ensure continued and consistent funding and accountability 5 Community Engagement Overview ▪ July 2025 to April 2026 ▪ Gather feedback from residents, employees, and visitors about how they experience downtown streets and what they would like to see moving forward ▪ Our outreach included: ▪ Online survey - 328 participants ▪ Open house - 75 attendees ▪ Stakeholder meetings ▪ Imagine Austin Speaker Series Event ▪ Almost 1,000 comments from all engagement ▪ This input will form the recommendations for the Update and define the priorities, challenges, and shared values that will guide future …
Item 3: Savvy Tech PDF Accessibility Presentation — original pdf
Accessible Documents, Accessible City AIMRobotics + City of Austin Mayor’s Committee Katherine Chen, AIMRobotics Jaxsen Day, Digital Disability Research, UT Austin Benjamin Chen, AIMRobotics Opening Remark The City of Austin website https://www.austintexas.gov/ serves as a central hub for accessing city services, public records, and government information. Users can complete tasks like paying bills, applying for permits, reporting issues, and accessing property or development data. It also provides updates on city programs, departments, and community resources, along with tools and information for residents, businesses, and visitors. It is very essential to make it accessible for people with disability which ~2–3% of the population is blind or has low vision to get the same amount of information. That is 20K-30K Austinian. Today we are going to focusing on public PDF files’ accessibility which can be found on https://www.austintexas.gov/ An Austin boutique builder and his vision-impaired daughter story Our review of one of City’s PDF Forms ● Link to the PDF form: Amnesty Certificate of Occupancy Application ❏ Wrong Reading order - confusing ❏ No title for the file - confusion when multiple files are opened, they don't know which one is for which ❏ Table content: redundant reading, Reduces comprehension and increase confusion Impact: confusing and can not fill in the required data Our Review of the converted accessible html file ● Link to Full accessible format: https://www.aimrobotics.us/product-demo ❏ The form is tagged very well, and everything is working as expected. ❏ Provides a fully accessible experience when used with a compatible screen reader and browser combination. Impact: Was able to understand the form and fill in the data without any issue. What Is an Accessible PDF? Accessibility ≠ Just Opening a File ● It’s about how content is structured and navigated What Accessible PDFs Enable ● Navigate by headings and sections ● Follow content in the correct order ● Understand images and tables ● Complete forms independently Common Failure Points ● Scanned/image-only documents ● Incorrect reading order ● Missing tags ● Tables without structure Non-accessible PDF Example Blind user doesn’t know message behind image Blind user cannot navigate to link Blind user cannot understand table clelarly One option: Use HTML (web pages) instead of PDFs ● Built for accessibility from the start ● Content is easier to navigate and read ● Works better with screen readers ● Adapts to different devices and zoom levels Why PDFs are harder ● Designed for …
Play video — original link
Play video
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026, AT 3:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the College Student 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, contact Abrianna Citta, 210-232-4773, abrianna.citta01@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Andrew Lyon, Chair, Austin Community College Elisha Mac Gregor, Austin Community College Sage Zuniga, Austin Community College Mekides Guta, Concordia University Lorian Lopez, Concordia University Aidyn Ogle, Concordia University Aidan Cournoyer, University of Texas at Austin Carson Domey, University of Texas at Austin Kritika Ramesh, University of Texas at Austin Caleb Brizuela, Vice Chair, Huston-Tillotson University Camila Colin, St. Edward’s University Caroline Schilling, St. Edward’s University 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 College Student Commission Regular meeting on March 6, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion on recommendations 20260306-002 and 20260306-003 updates. Discussion on election procedures for April 24th College Student Commission meeting. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 4. 5. 6. Update from TRANSPORTATION working group on their priorities. Update from MENTAL HEALTH working group on their priorities. Update from HOUSING working group on their work around student housing availability. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Dr. Chiquita Eugene at the Youth Initiatives Office, at chiquita.eugene@austintexas.gov or (512-972- 5003) to request service or for additional information. For more information on the College Student Commission, please contact Dr. Chiquita Eugene at (512-972-5003).
Draft minutes — original pdf
COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Friday, March 6, 2026 COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026 The College Student Commission convened in a Regular meeting on 6, March, 2026, at 301 W 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Lyons called the College Student Commission Meeting to order at 3:09 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Andrew Lyon, Carson Domey, Mekides Guta, Sage Zuniga Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aidan Cournoyer, Lorian Lopez, Elisha MacGregor, Caroline Schilling PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the College Student Commission Regular Meeting on January 9, 2026 The minutes from the College Student Commission regular meeting on January 9, 2026 were approved on Commissioner Domey’s motion, Commissioner Zuniga’s second on a 8- 0 vote. Commissioners Brizuela, Colin, Ogle, and Ramesh were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Approve a recommendation to Council on 6th Street Micromobility Lanes. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council to improve 6th Street micromobility lanes was approved on Commissioner Zuniga’s motion, Commissioner Guta’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioners Brizuela, Colin, Ogle, and Ramesh were absent. Approve a recommendation to Council on the UNO (University Neighborhood Overlay) Amendments and Student Housing. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council approve UNO updates and conduct a Citywide Student Housing Needs Assessment was approved on Commissioner Domey’s motion, Commissioner Guta’s second on a 8-0 vote. Commissioners Brizuela, Colin, Ogle, and Ramesh were absent. 1 COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Friday, March 6, 2026 WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from Transportation working group regarding their priorities. The update was given by Chair Lyons. Update from Mental Health working group regarding their priorities. The update was given by Chair Lyons. Update from Housing working on their work around student housing availability. The update was given by Chair Lyons. Chair Lyons adjourned the meeting at 3:33 p.m. without objection. 2
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZERO WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Zero Waste Advisory 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, contact Gustavo Valle, 512-974-4350, Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov. CURRENT [BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS]: Gerry Acuna, Chair Ian Steyaert, Vice Chair Melissa Caudle Michael Drohan CALL TO ORDER Caitlin Griffith John L. Harris Ali Ishaq Iris Suddaby AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Seth Whaland Vacant Vacant The first 5 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. 2. Approve the minutes of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Regular meeting on February 11, 2026. Approve the minutes of the Special Called Zero Waste Advisory Commission meeting on March 25, 2026. ACTION ITEMS 3. 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. Discussion and action to recommend for approval of the amended administrative rules for Drop Off and Curbside Services. STAFF BRIEFINGS 5. 6. 7. Staff briefing regarding the one-year update of the On Demand Bulk Collection program by Samuel Gilbert and Donald Hardee, Litter Abatement and Diversion Facilities Division Managers of Austin Resource Recovery. Staff briefing regarding the Proposed Department Rule Amendments for Drop Off and Curbside Services, by Jason McCombs, Strategic Initiatives Division Manager of Austin Resource Recovery. Staff briefing on the status of Austin Resource Recovery Operational and Administrative projects by Richard McHale, Director of Austin Resource Recovery. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Gustavo Valle email Recovery Department, Gustavo.Valle@austintexas.gov …
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Item 004 - Drop Off and Curbside Services Administrative Rule Changes RCA Draft — original pdf
CITY OF AUSTIN AGENDA DATE: XX RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION AGENDA ITEM NO.:XX PAGE: 1 of 2 *** DRAFT *** SUBJECT: Approve amendments to administrative rules to City Code Chapter 15-6 (Solid Waste Services) relating to curbside and drop off service. AMOUNT & SOURCE OF FUNDING: n/a FISCAL NOTE: No fiscal impact REQUESTING DEPARTMENT: Austin Resource Recovery FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Gena McKinley, Deputy Director, 512-974-2192; Richard McHale, Director, 512-974-1997 PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: In 2012, City Council amended Chapter 15-6 of the City of Austin Code of Ordinances to require all Austin Resource Recovery proposed rules to be approved, modified, or disapproved by City Council [Ordinance 20120628-12]. BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: On March 25, the Climate, Water, Environment and Parks Committee was briefed by memorandum with no action taken. On April 8, 2026 the Zero Waste Advisory Commission (ZWAC) voted X-X -X. PURCHASING LANGUAGE: n/a MBE / WBE: n/a BACKGROUND Austin Resource Recovery’s Administrative Rules outline the implementation, administration, and enforcement of City of Austin Code and operating requirements of the department. In 2012, Austin City Council amended Chapter 15-6 of the City of Ausitn Code to require all Austin Resource Recovery proposed rules be approved, modified, or disapproved by City Council in accordance with Ordinance 20120628-12. ARR posted the proposed rules amendment to Speak Up Austin and opened public comment from 08/15/2025 through 09/15/205. Forty-eight responses were received from 28 individuals. Staff responses to public comment are attached. AMENDMENT *** DRAFT *** CITY OF AUSTIN AGENDA DATE: XX RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION PAGE: 2 of 2 AGENDA ITEM NO.:XX *** DRAFT *** This amendment includes new guidelines for dropping off material at drop-off locations in alignment with department practices. A new limit for brush drop off is proposed: six cubic yards per person per day. This limit is introduced to mitigate large brush loads dropped off by commercial contractors at Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant. Hornsby Bend is not designed to process large commercial loads that contain commercial debris and other trash material that damage City equipment. Residents may continue to drop off brush below this new limit, including those who are not ARR customers. The 6 cubic yard per person per day is a reasonable limit for average household to drop off brush. Additionally, the rules propose requiring all users of the brush drop off facility to pay a fee starting October 1, 2026. The fee will be …
Item 005 - On Demand Collection Presentation — original pdf
On-Demand Services: Brush, Bulk and Household Hazardous Waste Samuel Gilbert, Division Manager- Litter Abatement Donald Hardee, Division Manager- HHW-RRDOC Austin Resource Recovery April 1, 2026 Brush, Bulk and HHW then and now: In January 2025 Austin Resource Recovery began city wide collection of Brush, Bulk and Household Hazardous Waste material through an appointment-based service model. This allows for: Three(3) collections per year per service Customers scheduling at their convenience Collections completed off service day to increase the curb access Previous Model Customer notifications sent by mail for upcoming brush and bulk collections Brush and Bulk collection twice annually. Collections generally six months apart Limited diversion of revenue generating bulk recyclables Appointments for HHW drop-off only with no curbside collections. 2 Brush and Bulk On-Demand Appointments CY25 Brush and Bulk On Demand Monthly Appointments • Brush- 14,146 calendar year appointments • Bulk- 52,442 calendar year appointments 3 CY25 Brush and Bulk On-Demand Tonnage Appointment based servicing has caused a decrease in the tonnage collected for both Brush and Bulk landfilled. The tons of recyclables diverted has increased. 4 Operational Costs, Revenue, Diversion, Mileage Category Metric Brush CY25 Operational Costs, Revenue, and Diversion CY24 $121,668 $107,844 Overtime $92,671 $134,405 Fuel Costs $283,105 $205,656 Overtime $152,854 $183,254 Fuel Costs Disposal Costs $258,199 $172,080 $21,485 Revenue 334 Tons Diverted $140 198 Difference ($13,824) ($41,734) ($77,449) $30,400 ($86,119) $21,345 136 Bulk Bulk Fuel savings in Brush With on-demand, ARR has experienced changes by program: • Overtime savings in Brush and Bulk • • Reduced landfill cost in Bulk Increased fuel costs in Bulk • Increased revenue from diversion efforts • Brush collection experienced a significant decrease in miles driven, bulk collection showed an increase in total miles. Of the increase in bulk mileage, 22% is related to diversion related materials. Calendar Year Mileage Comparison Category Brush Bulk CY24 140,844 160,176 CY25 Difference 97,110 192,033 (43,734) 31,857 5 HHW On-Demand Program Performance The launch of the On-Demand program has helped to increase participation in HHW disposal services with almost 2,000 more residents requesting service in calendar year 2025 over the previous 12 months. HHW Calendar Year 2025 Data HHW Drop-off HHW On-Demand HHW Program Participation CY2024 vs CY2025 40,000 36,000 32,000 28,000 24,000 34,050 35,921 CY 2024 CY 2025 Total Year Participation Participation Total Disposal Cost Total Collected (lbs) Disposal Cost/lb Personnel Cost Waste/HH (lbs) Disposal Cost/HH Personnel Cost/HH …
Item 006 - Proposed Department Rule Amendments for Drop Off and Curbside Services Presentation — original pdf
Rule Amendments: Drop Off & Curbside Services Austin Resource Recovery | April 2026 What are administrative rules? Administrative Rules assist a Department of the City of Austin in the implementation, administration, and enforcement of City of Austin Code and operating requirements of the Department. Austin Code § 15-6-3(B) requires ARR to present proposed rule changes to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission for consideration and recommendation to City Council. City Council will approve, modify or disapprove of the proposed rule.” Department Administrative Rules are online at: library.municode.com/TX/Austin 2 Austin Resource Recovery Rule Amendment Process August September Oct - Nov Mar - Apr May Present Proposed Department Rule Amendment to ZWAC Proposed Rule Posted to Speak Up Austin. 30 Day Minimum Staff Review of Public Comments Present Rule Amendments to ZWAC & CWEP for consideration Council Consideration of Department Rule Amendment 3 Current Identified Department Rule Amendments Residential Services Rule Revisions 1. 2. 3. 4. Single Family Residential Collection Services (4.1 & 4.2) Placement of Carts for Collection (6.1) Extra Trash (6.3) Drop Off Services (5.8), Trash, Recycling, Organics, Bulk, HHW Collection Guidelines (7.1, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9) Small Multi-family Residential Collection Services (New section 4.3); Commercial Collection Services (Existing 4.3, moved to 4.4) 4 Rule Amendment Highlights 5.6 6.3 7.1 Reuse and Recycling Drop Off Locations - Modified intake procedures at Hornsby Bend - A new limit of 6 cubic yards per person, per day - Brush drop off open to Austin residents and non-residents - All brush drop off users will be charged a fee at the site, starting October 2026 7.5 7.6 7.7 On-Demand Bulk Collection Guidelines - Aligns rules with on-demand program On-Demand Brush Collection Guidelines - Aligns rules with on-demand program On-Demand Household Hazardous Waste Collection Guidelines - Aligns rules with on-demand program Extra Trash, Recycling, and Composting - Clarifies extra trash rules and extra trash fees - Extra Recycling collection at no cost - Sets15 bag limit for yard trimmings Curbside Trash Guidelines - Sets standards for allowable size and collection of extra trash 5 6 Administrative Rules Update 3 Comment Summary and Staff Response This document includes public comments to ARR’s latest round of Administrative Rules updates. Some comments have been edited and combined for clarity. Direct quotes are put in quotation marks. Bulk Comment Staff Response Please provide guidance on what to do with small amounts of construction waste. One idea is that …
Item 007 - ARR Operations and Administrative Projects Update — original pdf
To: Zero Waste Advisory Commission From: Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery Date: April 8, 2026 Subject: Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Reuse Warehouse After a two-year search for a suitable location, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is proceeding with the acquisition of 9201 Metric Boulevard for the Reuse Warehouse. The Purchase and Sale Agreement was executed on January 29, 2026, for $4.4 million. The City completed all due diligence on March 24, 2026, including appraisal, environmental assessments, building condition review, title review, and survey, with no issues identified. The acquisition was approved by Council on March 26, 2026, on consent. ARR anticipates closing on the facility in the coming weeks with opening planned for late summer or early fall 2026. Textiles and Clothing On-Demand Collection Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) has added Textile and Clothing collection as part of the on-demand program. Customers can request up to three collections per year at their convenience. Acceptable items will include clothing, blankets, linens, and curtains. Social media posts were made announcing that scheduling is now available; additional information can be found on ARR’s website. There are no additional resources planned for this expansion. 2026 Update on Impact of the HOME Initiative on the Department The City of Austin HOME initiative is a land use policy intended to reduce barriers to building accessory dwelling units on residential lots. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) has added 232 new addresses on 61 existing trash routes from February 2025 through February 2026. The impact of these new additions have been absorbed as part of overall department operations. The department will continue to monitor these changes are how they impact route lengths, street congestion, and parking access. Potential policy changes may be needed to restrict parking on collection days and allow for the sharing of carts at properties with 2 to 4 dwelling units. Fix-It Clinic A Fix-It Clinic will be on May 2 at the Carver Library from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Residents can bring broken household items and learn to fix them with guidance from skilled coaches. There will be a drop-off period the week leading up to the clinic, for those who need something fixed but are unable to attend the event. Learn more, volunteer or register at austintexas.gov/fix-it Fix-it Clothing Swap and Mending Events Community members can bring clean, gently used clothing to swap with the community. If they have …