Reports and Updates Austin Animal Services | December 8, 2025 Monthly Reporting November 2025 Jason Garza, Assistant Director Animal Services November The live outcome rate for November was 92.54%. 407 animals were adopted 73 dogs and cats were returned to their owners November 1, 2025 1280 animals in the AAS inventory December 1, 2025 1077 animals in the AAS inventory 3 Animal Protection Field Data Field Return to Owner (RTO) Fencing Applications Impounded Injured Impounded Regular or Sick Rabies Specimens In-Field Owner Surrenders 18 5 20 70 42 0 Sent to Austin Wildlife Rescue 33 Positive Specimens 5 bats 6 decomposed bats 1 decomposed raccoon Exposure Reports 241 Activities Breakdown 17 wild sick 2 incidents 1 wild injured 21 sightings 1 encounter 2 wild speaks 1 observations 4 Wildlife Coyotes Coyote Related Activities 45 Volunteering Hours Overview Social Media Hours Per Activity M/L Dog Walking: 2,225.95 Small Dog Kennel Cleaning 358.20 Cat Kennel Cleaning 834.92 • 528 volunteers contributed 7,212.73 hours • 4 orientations, introducing 68 potential volunteers • 10 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 96 hours • 110 volunteers dedicated 331.42 hours to volunteer development and onboarding training • 22 individuals donated 44 hours toward group service, through dog-walking and cat care Facebook • 610,000 page views • 180,000 unique individuals Instagram • 498,000 page views • 61,000 unique individuals • 13,000 content interactions • 17,000 content interactions 5 Foster and Rescue In November, 15 different rescue partners pulled a total of 174 animals from the Austin Animal Center. Highest numbers pulled by rescues were APA (88) and Austin Humane Society (60) 340 different people/families fostered. As of December 3, there are 278 animals in foster care. 28 animals were a part of the Finder to Foster program. More than 102 animals were adopted directly from foster care. 124 new foster applications were processed. There are currently 1237 approved foster care providers. 6 Vet Services All 381 spay/neuter surgeries that were performed in November took place at AAC. 1,805 vaccinations were administered. 46 domesticated animals were euthanized in November. 40 for severe injury, neurological, congenital, suffering, or acute trauma reasons. 2 for court ordered euthanasia, 4 for aggression/public safety risk. 74 animals were transferred for medical reasons to rescue partners. 67 of these animals went to APA!. 22 were puppies and 21 were kittens. …
November 2025 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT 1 Austin Animal Services The live outcome rate for November was 92.54%. A total of 723 animals were brought to the shelter which included 321 cats and 356 dogs. A total of 407 animals were adopted. A total of 73 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). On November 1, there were 1280 animals within the ASO inventory. On December 1, there were 1077 animals within the ASO inventory. Animal Protection Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 18 animals to their owners in the field. Officers handed out 5 fencing assistance applications and implanted 6 microchip(s). Officers impounded 20 injured animals and 70 regular or sick animals. Officers delivered approximately 33 wildlife to Austin Wildlife Rescue. Officers submitted 42 specimens for rabies testing out of 241 exposure reports. We had 5 positive bats, 6 decomposed bats, and 1 decomposed raccoon. Wildlife Data does not include non-coyote wildlife. There were 45 total coyote related activities (Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints.) o 21 sightings, 17 wild sick, 1 encounter, 2 incidents, 2 wild speaks, 1 observation, 1 wild injured Volunteer 528 volunteers contributed 7,212.73 hours 4 orientations, introducing 68 potential volunteers 10 Community Service Restitution individuals to perform 96 hours 110 volunteers dedicated 331.42 hours to volunteer development and onboarding training 22 individuals donated 44 hours toward group service, through dog-walking and cat care Foster & Rescue In November, 15 different rescue partners pulled a total of 174 domestic animals from the Austin Animal Center. 340 different people/families fostered. As of December 3, there are 278 animals in foster care. More than 102 animals were adopted directly from foster care. In the month of November, 28 animals were a part of the Finder to Foster Program. 124 new foster applications were processed. (This number does not necessarily include walk-in / in person applications that were processed.) There are currently 1237 members (approved foster care providers) in the foster program’s 2 GivePulse group. Vet Services 381 spay/neuter surgeries were performed at AAC. 1,805 vaccinations were administered. 46 domesticated animals were euthanized in November. o 40 for severe injury, neurological, congenital, suffering, or …
November 2025 Place Assignment Nov 2025 Hours Nov 2025 Volunteer Count Total Hours Total Volunteer Count Community Cats Community Cat At-Home Projects 4.00 1 4.00 1 Community Cat Colony Care 277.42 20 277.42 20 Community Cat Trapping 282.92 17 282.92 17 Community Cats Admin 1.75 2 1.75 2 Total 566.08 24 566.08 24 Place Assignment October 2025 Oct 2025 Hours Oct 2025 Volunteer Count Total Hours Total Volunteer Count Community Cats Community Cat At-Home Projects 0.00 0 0.00 0 Community Cat Colony Care 372.75 24 372.75 24 Community Cat Trapping 431.17 21 431.17 21 Community Cats Admin 13.00 3 13.00 3 Total 816.92 33 816.92 33
Outcome vs. Intake FY 26 Information is from October 1, 2025 – November 30, 2025 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 683 988 1671 2026 651 910 1561 2026 -32 -78 -110 2026 512 35 158 57 23 2 123 910 2026 322 130 166 25 7 1 651
December 5, 2025 Chair Jessica Cohen Members of the Board of Adjustment City of Austin P.O. Box 1088 Austin, Texas 78746 RE: C15-2025-0041 Dear Board of Adjustment Members, The purpose of this letter is to clearly explain how Section 25-2-963 (Modification and Maintenance of Noncomplying Structures) has long been understood and applied. Our firm has worked on hundreds of site plans, subdivisions, and rezoning cases over several decades, and we have used this section of the Code many times under consistent guidance from City staff. The main issue centers on two different actions: 1. Demolition – Removing a structure or area without replacement (building it back). 2. Remove and Replace – Removing a structure or area and replacing it (rebuilding it), in the same permit. Based on our extensive permitting experience, the long-standing application of 25-2-963 has always been as follows: 1. Demolition: If a structure or area does not meet today’s rules (for example, it is in a setback, exceeds current impervious cover limits, or sits within a compatibility setback), and the owner chooses to Demolish without replacing it, then that structure or area is gone permanently. P . O . B O X 4 1 9 5 7 , A U S T I N , T E X A S 7 8 7 0 4 1 5 0 7 I N G L E W O O D S T . , A U S T I N , T E X A S 7 8 7 4 1 ITEM04/1-LATE BACKUP -OPPOSITION Once demolition without replacement occurs under a permit, the owner cannot return later with a new permit and try to rebuild what was demolished. 2. Remove and Replace: If a noncomplying structure or area is Removed and Replaced under the same permit, it may be rebuilt as long as the situation does not become more noncompliant than it already was. This approach has always been allowed and continues to be allowed today. We have applied this exact method on numerous projects over many years. Impervious Cover: Noncomplying impervious cover may be shifted around on a site within a single permit, as long as the total amount does not increase. Impervious cover can be removed in one place and added in another. This practice is consistent with City staff guidance, including the attached email from Christopher Johnson. Structures in Setbacks: If a legally built structure sits …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20251208-007: Urgent Funding for HIV/STI and Mpox Community Health Programs Following TRE Failure WHEREAS, Austin Public Health (APH), in collaboration with community-based organizations, has invested in HIV, STI, and Mpox (formerly monkeypox) prevention, testing, treatment, and outreach efforts throughout the City of Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, despite these efforts, the region continues to face a substantial HIV burden, with Travis County reporting 6,189 people living with diagnosed HIV (PLWH) in 2024 — a 6% increase since 2020 — and 214 new HIV diagnoses in 2024, 71% among men who have sex with men (MSM), concentrated in ZIP codes 78704, 78741, and 78744 (APH HIV Surveillance Report 2025); and WHEREAS, the proportion of individuals achieving viral suppression in Travis County remains below the national goal of 90%, at only 65% in 2024; and WHEREAS, sexually transmitted infections continue to rise across Austin and Travis County, with 2024 data showing 13,482 cases of chlamydia, 5,927 cases of gonorrhea, and 1,143 cases of syphilis — including the highest rate of congenital syphilis in a decade (APH STD Program Annual Report 2025); and WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Texas continues to experience elevated rates of Mpox infections, with Austin-Travis County recording 125 confirmed cases since 2022 and more than 12,000 JYNNEOS vaccines administered locally; and WHEREAS, the November 4, 2025 Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Tax Rate Election failed to pass, eliminating funding planned for full-time equivalent (FTE) positions within APH that were intended to fill service gaps left by prior federal cuts; and WHEREAS, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission affirms that the most effective use of available funds is through established community-based partners who provide culturally competent, trusted care to the populations most affected; and WHEREAS, without immediate funding, the City risks significant interruptions to prevention and treatment programs that protect public health and advance equity for LGBTQ Austinites and other disproportionately impacted residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission urges the Austin City Council to immediately allocate a minimum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) in the revised FY 2025 City Budget to sustain HIV, STI, and Mpox prevention, testing, and treatment programs. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that this allocation be directed to community-based partners rather than …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025, AT 11:00 A.M. AUSTIN HUMAN RESOURCES’ LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E BEN WHITE, SUITE 500 AUSTIN, TX 78741 Some members of the City of Austin Firefighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service 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 Matthew Chustz, 512-974-2859, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. The committee may go into a closed session under the Open Meetings Act, Section 551.071, of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from legal counsel on any item on this agenda. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jolsna Thomas, Chair Mitchell Kreindler AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Farah Ahmed, Vice Chair 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 from the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Special Called Meeting on September 19, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Austin Fire Department Fire Specialist written promotional examination administered on November 5, 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.034, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 7. 3. 4. 5. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Clinical Specialist-Field written promotional examination administered on November 13, 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.034, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 7. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services Clinical Specialist-Communications written promotional examination administered on November 13, 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.034, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission …
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 MINUTES FOR THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 The Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Building 500, Austin, TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Jolsna Thomas, Chair Mitchell Kreindler, Commissioner Commissioners Absent: Farah Ahmed, Vice Chair Staff in Attendance: Jaclyn Gerban, Assistant City Attorney Nathan Brown, Assistant Director Matthew Chustz, M&CS Manager Cyndi Gordon, Civil Service Coordinator Rogue Huitron, Civil Service Coordinator Meca Thompson, Civil Service Coordinator Abby Varela, MCS Coordinator CALL TO ORDER Chair Thomas called the meeting to order at 2:04 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Special Called Meeting on September 9, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on September 9, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Kreindler’s motion, Chair Thomas’ second on a 2-0 vote. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action to certify the promotional eligibility list from the Austin Fire Department Battalion Chief written promotional examination administered on August 5, 2025, and assessment center administered on August 23, 2025, in accordance with the City of Austin’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Austin Firefighters Association, Article 16, Section 4. The motion to certify the promotional eligibility list from the Austin Fire Department Battalion Chief written promotional examination administered on August 5, 2025, and assessment center administered on August 23, 2025, in accordance with the City of Austin’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Austin Firefighters Association, Article 16, Section 4, was approved on Commission Kreindler’s motion, Chair Thomas’ second on a 2-0 vote. 3. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates and times. Discussion was held regarding future meeting dates and times. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Report from the Civil Service Office regarding promotional exam processes, disciplinary hearings, and fitness-for-duty actions. Matthew Chustz, Municipal and Civil Service Manager, delivered the briefing to the Commission with Civil Service Coordinators, Cyndi Gordon, Rogue Huitron and Meca Thompson. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Thomas and Commissioner Kreindler requested an item on the next agenda for discussion and action to approve future meeting dates and times. ADJOURNMENT …
Civil Service Commission 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule January 5, 2026 February 2, 2026 March 2, 2026 April 6, 2026 May 4, 2026 June 1, 2026 August 3, 2026 October 5, 2026 November 2, 2026 December 7, 2026 2026 CSC Meeting Schedule Approved on September 9, 2025
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION THURSDAY. DECEMBER 4TH, 2025 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Technology 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 Dan Martinez at (512)974-3510 or dan.martinez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Steven Apodaca, Chair Ibiye Anga Nicholas Eastwood Suzanna Heritage Milena Pribic Brian AM Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Benjamin Combee Rachel Frock Keith Pena-Villa Thomas Rice The first ten speakers signed up to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting 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 Technology Commission Regular meeting on October 8th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Presentation by AT&T on their affordable home internet programs (Paige Johnson, AT&T) Presentation by Charter on their affordable home internet programs (Ned Munoz, Charter Communications) 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation by Dr. Sharon Strover on data insights and findings from their latest report on public surveillance. (Dr. Sharon Strover, Director of the Technology and Information Policy Institute, Moody School of Communications at UT Austin) Presentation from the Travis County Amateur Radio Emergency Service on local radio management and emergency response (Glenn Meter, Emergency Coordinator, Travis Country Amateur Radio Emergency Services) Presentation from Digital Lift on their digital equity train the trainer program (Kami Griffiths, Executive Director, DigitalLIFT) Update on commission sunsetting review report from the Audit and Finance Committee (Steven Apodaca, Chair, Technology Commission) WORKING GROUP UPDATE 8. 9. Planning updates from the Artificial Intelligence & Public Surveillance working group on their discussion with AI stakeholders and resulting actions from the group’s recommendation Update from the town hall listening session working group regarding their planning meeting with the district 2 and 3 offices. 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 …
Boards & Commissions Report Technology Commission October 15, 2025 Resolution 20241212-133 directed the City Manager, in coordination with the City Clerk’s Office, to establish a sunset review process for governance bodies, enabling regular and staggered evaluations of their scope and duties. An initial framework update was presented to the Audit and Finance Committee on February 19, 2025, after which the Committee instructed staff to finalize a consistent and transparent review model. A proposed framework was formally introduced on July 16, 2025, and the Committee approved a pilot implementation, requesting preliminary findings by October 15, 2025. This report summarizes the pilot's results, including an overview of the body under review, legal considerations, self-evaluations by members and staff liaisons, community feedback, and an initial staff recommendation. Technology Commission Report Highlights October 15, 2025 Executive Summary Objective To conduct an evaluation of the scope and duties of the Technology Commission using a predetermined multi-step framework. What We Found In its capacity to review and make recommendations to the City Council on technology and telecommunication issues, including equity, access, performance, affordability, and allocation of resources, the Commission met routinely in 2025. They made seven formal recommendations that they identified as closely aligned to the Commission's core mission. The Commission held public hearings on August 13 and September 10, 2025, to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Technology Commission's stated purposes and duties and its success in fulfilling those purposes and duties. They had a total of eight members of the public register to provide feedback in person. Several speakers were former commissioners sharing historical perspectives on the Commission. Additionally, there were leaders from technology nonprofits and advocacy groups who provided expert testimony, reinforcing alignment with the 2023 Digital Needs Assessment. The Chair noted this “participation underscores the Commission’s unique role in connecting City policy, community priorities, and technology equity.” The Technology Commission does not have any legal mandates or statutory obligations that would prevent modifications or changes in the purpose and function of the body. What We Recommend The Technology Commission routinely meets, maintains membership, and acts in accordance with their Council directives and bylaws. We recommend the Commission continue as directed. IA Austin Technology Commission 2 City Manager's Office | City Clerk's Office Technology Commission Mandate § 2-1-107 - The Commission shall advise the City Council regarding issues that include: (1) community technology; (2) …
Technology Commission Meeting Empowering Opportunity OUR NATIONAL IMPACT Charter is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator providing superior high-speed internet, video, mobile, and voice services under the brand name Spectrum to more than 31 million customers across 41 states. We’re driving innovation and growing economies from coast to coast and in communities big and small. From 2020-2024 alone, Charter invested nearly $47 billion in infrastructure and technology – contributing significantly to the U.S. economy. All data as of December 31, 2024, unless otherwise noted.. NEARLY 57M MORE THAN 31M HOMES PASSED ACROSS 41 STATES BROADBAND INTERNET CUSTOMERS MORE THAN APPROXIMATELY 900,000 MILES OF NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE 95,000 EMPLOYEES NEARLY $47B INVESTED IN U.S. INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGY 2020-2024 NEARLY 500M IP DEVICES CONNECTED TO OUR NETWORK Empowering Opportunity in Texas OUR IMPACT IN TEXAS Nearly 3.5 Million Customers Served Nearly 1.1 Million Mobile Lines 15,700 Employees $328 Million Paid in Taxes & Fees in 2024* Nearly $1.8 Billion 2024 Capital Investment* We have more employees in Texas than in any other state. Our 100% U.S.-based workforce includes 15,700 people in Texas. We have large employment centers (500+ employees) in: • Austin • Coppell • Dallas • El Paso • Harlingen Irving • • McAllen • Pharr • San Antonio Expanding Access Unbiased Local News In 2024 alone, Charter extended its network to reach and additional 336,000 homes and businesses in Texas, including 57,000 new locations reached through our rural construction initiative. Spectrum News 1 Texas and the Spectrum News App provide 24/7 news, political, sports, and weather coverage as well as In Focus public affairs programming. Spectrum News is ranked consistently among the country’s most unbiased media outlets. All data as of December 31, 2024, unless otherwise noted. | *1/1/24 – 12/31/24 Superior Products & Services OUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES Spectrum Internet Spectrum’s hybrid fiber network delivers gigabit speeds and reliable service with no contracts, no modem fees, and no data caps. Spectrum Voice Spectrum Voice offers unlimited calling to the U.S. and its territories, Canada, and Mexico. Spectrum Mobile Spectrum Mobile’s approximately 10 million mobile lines deliver fast, affordable, and reliable mobile service– including nationwide 5G with no extra fees. Spectrum TV Spectrum offers cable and streaming video packages to meet different viewing preferences and budgetary needs. Customers who subscribe to a traditional cable package can receive programmers’ direct-to-consumer apps at no additional cost, a value up to $80 …
Local Radio Support for Emergency Communications Glenn Meter W5MTR Emergency Coordinator Travis County ARES 12/4/2025 AGENDA • Local Amateur Radio Emergency Service Organizations • Served Agencies • Why Amateur Radio • Local Infrastructure • Request: spread awareness • Greater Austin/Travis County Regional Radio System Amateur Radio Organizations • Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) • Serve non-government agencies • Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) • Government continuity • Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) • Support Department of Defense • All citizen volunteers • Many operators ”wear multiple hats” • Train on national Incident Command System (ICS) ICS used to coordinate response across multiple agencies • • Response escalates as needed: Local -> County -> Region -> State -> National • Communications falls under Logistics section • We connect people in the field with the command post • Activate when called. No self-deployments. ARES Served Agencies • Travis County: • Emergency response communications • National Weather Service: • SKYWARN (weather) nets (“ground truth”) • Military: • Critical Infrastructure (w/MARS) • Capital Area of Texas Regional Advisory Council (CATRAC): • Hospital emergency comms • Red Cross & Austin Disaster Relief Network: • Shelter, response communications • National Multiple Sclerosis Society • MS-150 (Houston & Austin -> LaGrange -> College Station) • Ride to the River (San Antonio) • Austin Runner’s Club • Decker Challenge Why amateur radio • Amateur radios work without • Internet • Phones • Comms include • Voice • Data (e-mail, forms) • “Party line” (one to many) • Monitor the event, self-regulate the flow of information: • Hold “regular” traffic for “priority” and “emergency” traffic • Inter-operable: • By law, amateur radio cannot be encrypted • Anyone with an amateur radio (and license) can communicate with each other (* with band support, etc.) Why amateur radio • When cell phone and satellite communications keep improving • Comms stay up during SXSW, ACL, F1, etc. • Cells on wheels (COWs) deployed more quickly after disasters • Snowpocalypse: lost power for a week, still had cell service • Cell phones: • Cell phone service not as reliable outside of urban areas, major highways • Starlink: • Requires terrestrial internet to reach the ground stations • Each satellite covers ~10 mile radius • Urban areas can get congested/overloaded during land-based internet outages • Performance degrades in bad weather WHEN – “When all else fails” • Accidents • Backhoes and cables are …
Building Digital Access Through Capacity & Connection Strengthening Communities via Collaboration, Training, & Resources Prepared for the Austin Technology Commission 12/4/2025 About digitalLIFT (formerly Community Tech Network) VISION A world where people are empowered to use technology to thrive in connected communities. MISSION Our mission is to provide essential training and resources to communities impacted by the digital divide. History of digitalLIFT ▪ Established in 2008 as a nonprofit in San Francisco and expanded to Central Texas in 2017 ▪ Focused solely on digital inclusion ▪ Programs and services include: • Basic/intermediate digital literacy training for low-income adults of all ages • Develop curriculum specifically for adult learners • Training for trainers and managers • Program set-up and management support ▪ Training and curriculum offered in 10+ languages: • English, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese dialects), Spanish, Tagalog, Japanese, Korean, Lao, Russian, Burmese, Farsi and Vietnamese Our Legacy of Impact digitalLIFT is making a difference, one partnership at a time. More than 92,709 hours of training delivered Over 200 partner organizations served nationwide 6,475+ devices distributed 15,000+ learners supported The LIFT Model in Texas Partnering With Purpose, Powered By Community Texas Partners Workforce & Capacity Building Training Pathways Managers Digital Navigators Classroom Trainers Multilingual Curriculum & Workshops ● 10+ languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, et al ○ Accessible formats & culturally adapted ○ Basic digital skills curriculum is available for Android, Apple, Chromebooks and Windows in a range of languages. ● Customized vs Licensed ○ digitalLIFT can develop customized curriculum for use with the agency's designated device and programmatic needs. ○ Translation services are available. ● Classroom, 1:1, Workshops (Virtual/Hybrid/In person) ○ Workshop themes: Core Skills, Telehealth, Jobs, Cybersecurity, Everyday Tasks. ● Train-the-Trainer courses on adult learning principles and instructional techniques ● Manager-focused courses on supervising Digital Navigators, managing volunteers, assessing community needs, strategy and program design, program planning, and program outreach and implementation ● Specialized modules on Digital Equity and Aging, Libraries, Healthcare, and Accessing Public Benefits ● Free courses: ○ Digital Navigator Overview ○ Teaching Internet Safety Free Resources ● Digital Equity 101 - eBook ● Digital Navigator Overview - Course ● Teaching Internet Safety & Responsibility - Course ● Internet Safety - Classroom Curriculum English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog ● Lunch & Learn Webinar Series - Monthly ● Day of Equity Webinar Series - 9 Oct 25 ● Playlist of past webinars The Community Voice What Our Partners Are …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025, AT 12:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2792. telephone. To to speak register CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Becky Bullard, Chair Alexandria Anderson Vanessa Bissereth Angela Harris Diana Melendez AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jocelyn Tau, Vice Chair Katrina Scheihing Rabia Shaik Fernanda Veloz Salas Shaimaa Zayan The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on October 1, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission for Women regular meeting on November 5, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the Texas Legislature’s Bathroom Bill and Abortion Pill Ban. 4. Update on an SBA Grant through the Better Business Bureau for Women’s Entrepreneurship DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the Office of Community Liaison. 6. Formation of a working group to focus on maternal health in the Austin area. 7. Approve changes to the Commission for Women 2026 regular meeting schedule. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 8. Update from the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Working Group regarding their November 2025 meeting. 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 Christi Vitela at the Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Christi Vitela at 512-974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
