MEETING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION February 9, 2026 ▪ 6:00 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/SHUDDE FATH CONFERENCE ROOM 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Electric Utility Commission maybe participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register to speak remotely, contact Nici Huff, at Nici.Huff@AustinEnergy.com or via phone at 512-972-8621. Members: Dave Tuttle, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Raul Alvarez Lauren Bellomy CALL TO ORDER Cesar Benavides Jonathon Blackburn Al Braden Chris Gillett AGENDA Chris Kirksey Cyrus Reed Joshua Rhodes PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. Approve the minutes of the Electric Utility Commission Regular Called Meeting on January 12, 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approval of a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings and payment to acquire the property interests needed for CKT961 Induction Reduction Project for the public use of mitigating an induced voltage by the Ausstin Energy Circuit 961 transmission line on the CapMetro Red Rail Line rail requiring the acquisition of a permanent access easement consisting of approximately 0.3293 acres (14,345 square feet) of a permanent access easement for the CKT961 Project out of the Rachael Saul Survey, Abstract No. 551, Williamson County, Texas, being a portion of Lot 1, Block A, Mustang Ranch Subdivision, a subdivision of record in Cabinet R, Slides 102-102, Plat Records, Williamson County, Texas from TREA SH Ranch, LLC, currently appraised at $119,432, subject to an increase in value based on updated appraisals, a Special Commissioner’s award, negotiated settlement, or judgement. The owner of the property is TREA SH Ranch, LLC. The property is located at 9400 W Parmer Lane, Austin, TX 78717. The general route of the project begins at the Jollyville Substation and ends at the Ashton Woods Substation. Funding: $119,432 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. 3. Recommend approval authorizing an amendment to a contract for continued cloud off-premise …
Posting Language ..Title Approve a resolution authorizing the filing of eminent domain proceedings and payment to acquire the property interests needed for CKT961 Induction Reduction Project for the public use of mitigating an induced voltage by the Ausstin Energy Circuit 961 transmission line on the CapMetro Red Rail Line rail requiring the acquisition of a permanent access easement consisting of approximately 0.3293 acres (14,345 square feet) of a permanent access easement for the CKT961 Project out of the Rachael Saul Survey, Abstract No. 551, Williamson County, Texas, being a portion of Lot 1, Block A, Mustang Ranch Subdivision, a subdivision of record in Cabinet R, Slides 102-102, Plat Records, Williamson County, Texas from TREA SH Ranch, LLC, currently appraised at $119,432, subject to an increase in value based on updated appraisals, a Special Commissioner’s award, negotiated settlement, or judgement. The owner of the property is TREA SH Ranch, LLC. The property is located at 9400 W Parmer Lane, Austin, TX 78717. The general route of the project begins at the Jollyville Substation and ends at the Ashton Woods Substation. Funding: $119,432 is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. ..De Lead Department Austin Financial Services. Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Energy. For More Information: Brandon Williamson, Austin Financial Services, 512-974-5666; Michael Gates, Austin Financial Services, 512- 974-5639; Amy Everhart, Austin Energy, Director, Local Government Issues (512) 322-6087; David Tomczyszyn, Austin Energy, VP Electric Systems Engineering and Technical Services, (512) 322-6821. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 9, 2026- To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The purpose of this project is to mitigate an induced voltage by the Austin Energy Circuit 961 transmission line on the Cap Metro Red Line rail. This project will take steps necessary to reduce the touch voltage to below a 25 volts a-c threshold. Reduction will be accomplished by installing an aboveground counterpoise wire on the transmission circuit. The City has attempted to purchase the needed property at 9400 W Parmer Lane, Austin, TX 78717. The City and property owner have been unable to agree on the terms of the acquisition. The Law Department is requesting authorization to file an action in eminent domain on behalf of the City, and to authorize the City to pay for the property interest in an amount determined by the appraisal, updated appraisal(s), a Special Commissioners’ award, …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize an amendment to a contract for continued cloud off-premise connection subscription services for Austin Energy with Equinix Inc. d/b/a Equinix, LLC, to increase the amount by $600,000 and to extend the term by up to three years for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $865,000. Funding: $117,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Austin Financial Services. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $117,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Procurement Language: Contract Amendment. MBE/WBE: This contract was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the goods and services required for this solicitation, there were insufficient subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Prior Council Action: July 18, 2024 - Council approved a contract for cloud cross connect subscription services with Equinix, Inc. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 9, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract is to provide Austin Energy with a reliable, dedicated connection between off-premise cloud providers and Austin Energy’s systems. These services support essential utility operations, including Oracle cloud connections, call center telephony, and Microsoft cloud services. The services are critical to Austin Energy’s data infrastructure as they ensure network connectivity and allow for redundancy that is necessary in disaster recovery situations and business continuity. The current contract expires on February 28, 2026, and continued services are required to maintain uninterrupted operations. Austin Energy previously pursued a short-term contract with the intent of requesting a competitive process for a multi-year contract. While further exploring that plan, Austin Energy Item 3 determined that consolidating multiple related connectivity services into a single contract would provide a more streamlined, efficient, and operationally beneficial approach. Without this contract, Austin Energy would not have a connection to off-premises cloud-based infrastructure, resulting in significant impacts to critical, customer-facing systems, such as telephony and billing, as well as other core utility operations. Contract Details: Contract Term …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize a contract for injury prevention services training and program development for Austin Energy with Capitol Medical Services, LLC, for an initial term of one year with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $300,000. Funding: $100,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Austin Financial Services. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $100,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Procurement Language: Austin Financial Services issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1100 DCM3039 for these services. The solicitation was published on June 30, 2025, and closed on August 12, 2025. Of the five offers received, the proposal submitted recommended contractor represented the best value to the City based on the solicitation’s evaluation criteria. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=142496. MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were insufficient subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 9, 2025 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract is to establish and implement a comprehensive injury prevention training program for Austin Energy’s field employees involved in power generation, transmission, substation, and distribution tasks and activities. The injury prevention program will be available to approximately 400 Austin Energy employees that are considered “occupational athletes” due to the physical demands of their job duties. These employees routinely perform tasks requiring significant physical exertion, strength, stamina, agility, and coordination, such as lifting, climbing, pushing, pulling, and repetitive motions, putting them at risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Common work-related injuries for occupational athletes occur due to poor lifting technique, working postures, insufficient conditioning, and/or fatigue. Occupational …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize a contract for crane and heavy equipment operations training for Austin Energy with Crane Tech, LLC, for an initial term of one year with up to two one-year extension options in an amount not to exceed $375,000. Funding: $100,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. ..Body Lead Department Austin Financial Services. Client Department(s) Austin Energy. Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $100,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Procurement Language: Austin Financial Services issued a Request for Proposals solicitation RFP 1100 DCM3040 for these services. The solicitation was published on June 23, 2025, and closed on August 7, 2025. Of the six of offers received, the proposal submitted by the recommended contractor represented the best value to the City based on the solicitation’s evaluation criteria. A complete solicitation package, including a log of offers received, is available for viewing on the City’s website. This information can currently be found at https://financeonline.austintexas.gov/afo/account_services/solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=142840 . MBE/WBE: This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the service required for this solicitation, there was no subcontracting opportunity; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. For More Information: Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500. Respondents to the solicitation and their Agents should direct all questions to the Authorized Contact Person identified in the solicitation. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 9, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: This contract is to establish and implement a crane and heavy equipment operations training program for Austin Energy, including training designed to prepare participants for certification from the National Commission of the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). Services include experienced instructors to train employees in the operation of mobile cranes, gantry cranes, boom trucks, bucket trucks, digger derricks, skid steers, and other earth-moving equipment as well as providing NCCCO mobile crane certification preparatory classes and testing proctoring. This is a new contract. An evaluation team with expertise in this area evaluated the offers and scored Crane Item 5 Tech, LLC as the best …
Posting Language ..Title Authorize expenditures for annual renewals of professional dues and memberships in national and state associations and organizations related to the electric utility industry, in an amount not to exceed $510,000. Funding: $510,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Energy. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $510,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Energy. Prior Council Action: March 6, 2025 - City Council approved expenditures for annual renewals of professional dues and memberships in national and state associations and organizations related to the electric utility industry. For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director, Local Government Issues, 512-322-6087; Tammy Cooper, Deputy General Manager, Regulatory, Communications, Compliance, & Legal Services 512-505-3901. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 9, 2026 - To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: The following list identifies and describes professional membership organizations of which Austin Energy is a member. The list includes dues amounts for 2026. 1. Large Public Power Council (LPPC): an amount not to exceed $210,000 LPPC members are focused on providing reliable and affordable electricity for the customers and communities they serve across the country. LPPC consists of 25 of the nation’s largest public power systems, including Austin Energy, City Public Service Energy and Lower Colorado River Authority. LPPC provides forums where public power electric utility professionals exchange information and best practices. LPPC has several committees, task forces, and working groups that address a wide-range of issues including federal legislation, environmental rules and regulations, tax implications, cyber security, emerging trends, and electric and energy policy and regulation. LPPC hires professional consultants in each of these areas to assist the organization and its individual members. 2. American Public Power Association (APPA): an amount not to exceed $170,000 APPA is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. APPA represents public power before the federal government to protect the interests of the more than 49 million people that public power utilities serve, and the 93,000 people they employ. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. APPA provides an array of services to assist Austin Energy in fulfilling its mission to safely provide clean, affordable, and reliable service. APPA provides detailed analyses of federal legislation related to the electric utility industry, and a full array of advocacy, education, and …
Posting Language ..Title Approve an ordinance repealing Section 15-9-5 of City Code relating to deposit or bond for infrastructure improvements. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact. ..De Lead Department Austin Energy Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: For More Information: Amy Everhart, Director, Local Governmental Relations (512) 322-6087; Stephanie Koudelka, Acting Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (512) 322-6373 Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: February 9, 2026- To be reviewed by the Electric Utility Commission. Additional Backup Information: Section 15-9-5 of City Code, adopted in 2003, requires the director of the Electric Utility to assess a deposit or impose a bond requirement for 50% of the cost of infrastructure improvements or additions for loads over four megawatts, in addition to any contribution in aid of construction (CIAC) payment required by a service contract. Requiring only partial and not full recovery of costs is inconsistent with current policy. In 2014, Council adopted Resolution 20140612-057, which requires full cost recovery of line extensions from the requesting customer. Recent growth in large electric load development has raised concerns across the industry about cost allocation for infrastructure improvements and additions. Electric industry practice for large load customers is to impose a requirement for 100% of the cost of infrastructure improvements or additions. For example, the Texas Legislature adopted Senate Bill 6 in 2025 providing that large loads greater than 75 megawatts pay for the infrastructure necessary to serve them. Repealing this Code provision ensures consistency with current policy and allows Austin Energy to require 100% cost recovery. This repeal does not impact the utility’s authority to assess a deposit or other security as necessary. This action protects existing customers by requiring all customers, including large load customers, to pay for the costs to serve them. Item 7
- REGULAR MEETING OF THE AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 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 Hilda Gutiérrez Kacey Hanson Seanna Marceaux Erin McDonald Natalie Poulos Matt Simon 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 Regular Meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Del Valle Food Co-op. Presentation by Donald Jackson, Austin Economic Development. Staff briefing regarding Women, Infant, and Children Program. Presentation by Clare Shellooe, Austin Public Health. 4. 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 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Report out from Joint Sustainability Committee on January 28, 2026. Report out from 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. Report out from the working group to participate in the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) application for funding for conservation easements as a regional partnership. Report out from 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 10. Discuss and take possible action …
Del Valle Food Co-op Staff Updates Austin Economic Development | 2.9.2026 Background ▪ Purpose: Support the development of a cooperative and/or non-profit grocery store in an underserved area of Austin. ▪ City Council Direction: “The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Spending Framework allocated $3.0 million ARPA funds to food assistance. Council also included direction to staff to consider using ARPA funds for planning, designing, and beginning operations of at least one new community-owned and/or community-controlled grocery store in an area lacking healthy food retail. City staff anticipate utilizing $500,000 of the $3.0 million ARPA funds dedicated for this planning, designing, and beginning of operations.” ▪ Work initiated in Winter 2022 with a consultant team led by Go Austin/Vamos Austin! (GAVA), Austin Co-op Business Association, and national experts in co-op and grocery development and business planning 2 Phase 1: Organizing and Business Planning Major Milestones ▪ Leadership Development ▪ Steering Committee + Board of Directors Elected ▪ Over 350 hours total in leadership trainings ▪ Multicultural leadership developed across 4 languages (Spanish, Pashto, Arabic, and English ▪ SC and Board arecommunity members who bring variety of lived experiences and expertise ▪ Community Organizing and Engagement ▪ Major engagement including community meetings, one-on-ones and house meetings, surveys, and block walking ▪ > 450 individuals engaged + 500 houses from block walking; 360 Pledged memberships ▪ Business Planning ▪ Completion of business plans for both pilot store and longer-term, full service grocery by Steering Committee, reviewed by City experts from CDFI sector ▪ Includes capital campaign plan, market study, co-op bylaws, financial pro-forma, and community engagement plan 3 Phase 2: Pilot Launch and Continued Planning ▪ Major Milestones for transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2 approved January 2025 ▪ Focus on Phase 2 is launch of a pilot store ▪ Current accomplishments: ▪ Identification of a store plan and model ▪ Acquiring store shell through “shipping container” model ▪ Hiring Staff ▪ Establishing vendor relationships ▪ Receiving additional competitive Healthy Food Financing Initiative grant (federal) ▪ Initial site encountered challenges, which have caused delays ▪ Next Steps: Working with City and County staff to identify other site and grant opportunities; Revising pilot plan if needed; Continuing Capital Campaign Plan for full-service store ▪ Goal to launch pilot program in 2026 4 Next Steps ▪ Working with City and County staff to identify other site and grant opportunities; Revising pilot plan if needed; …
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB February 2026 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates Milan Urban Food Policy Pact North American Regional Gathering City of Austin ACAR will co-host the first ever North and Central American gathering in March 2026. Opportunity for the Food Policy Board to join the Future of Food on March 12th City Staff Updates ● City staff provided another Memo to Council in November 2025 ● City staff will provide a next Memo in Spring 2026 ● City staff working to update the Food Plan Dashboard ● To be completed in Spring 2026 Food Plan Implementation Collaborative Contract ● City and County staff developed an Interlocal Agreement to support a Food Plan implementation collaborative (Strategy 9.1) ● City staff released an RFP for support of an implementation collaborative. The RFP has closed and staff have evaluated the proposals and selected a consultant. ● The contract was approved on the December 11th City Council. ● Woollard Nichols Tores (WNT) was selected as the Consultant. Food Plan Implementation Convening ● First Food Plan Implementation Convening occurred on May 9th, 2025 ● Food Plan webinar occurred on August 7th, 2025 ● WNT will be presenting to the Food Policy Board in March 2026 ● Future Implementation work will be led by WNT ● ●Public launch for the Collaborative is being scheduled for Summer 2026 ● City of Austin 2026 Bond Travis County Food Plan Updates Navigating Processes, Appointments ● Five County member seats are up for (re)appointments. County members, please reach out to me if you need support! ● Working toward a Court item to ask Commissioners Court to extend County terms from 2 to 4 years Thank You! www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 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 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddleston, D9 David Loignon, D10 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 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 January 12, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. 4. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports. Presentation by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Assistant Director, Austin Animal Services. Staff briefing on the Austin Animal Services Department 30-60-90-day horizon plan. Presentation by Monica Dangler, Director, Austin Animal Services. Staff briefing regarding an overview of the Austin Animal Services FY 26 budget. Presentation by Jason Garza, Assistant Director, Austin Animal Services. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. 6. Update from the Pet Friendly Policy Working Group regarding updates from previous meetings and legislative priorities. Update from the Strategic Plan Working Group regarding progress in most recent meeting. DICUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. Approve a list of legislative priorities to be supported by the commission for the upcoming legislative session. Approve the formation and membership of a Budget Working Group in creating budget recommendations for the FY27 budget. 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 …
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 12, 2026 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 12, 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 Ann Linder, Vice Chair, D3 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 David Loignon, D10 Jennifer Daniel, D6 Jo Anne Norton, Parliamentarian, D7 Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Erin Ferguson, D8 Nancy Nemer, Travis County Commissioners Absent: Koby Ahmed, Mayor Ryan Clinton, Travis County Whitney Holt, D5 Sarah Huddelston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Robyn Katz Gonzalez – State of the Shelter Sandra Muller – No Kill Rochele Vickrey – New Staff Changes APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on December 8, 2025. The minutes from the Animal Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 8, 2025 were approved during the Animal Advisory Commission regular meeting on January 12, 1 2026 as amended by Chair Nilson on Vice Chair Linder’s motion, Commissioner Dulzaides’ second on an 8-0. Commissioners Ahmed, Clinton, Holt and Huddleston were absent. The amendment was to strike Parliamentarian Norton’s name from the Commissioners in Attendance Remotely. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports. Presentation by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. Presentation given by Rolando Fernandez, Interim Chief Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services and Jason Garza, Deputy Animal Services Officer, Austin Animal Services. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Presentation from Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Operations, Austin Pets Alive! regarding the quarterly reports and an update on the Barn Cats Program. Presentation given by Stephanie Bilbro, Director of Operations; Mara, Quality of Care Director; and Rory Adams, Director of Strategic Customer Service, Austin Pets Alive!. Final update on the recruitment process for the Austin Animal Services Director by Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager. Update given by Susana Carbajal, Assistant City Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a list of legislative priorities to be supported by recommendation for the upcoming legislative session. The motion to write a letter to Carrie Rogers, of the Austin Government Relations, to request an extension of time to compile and share legislative priorities until February 9, 2026 was approved on Chair Nilson’s motion, Vice Chair Linder’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Ahmed, Clinton, Holt and Huddleston were …
Legislation Priorities 2/9/2026 Agenda ● Review our ask ● Texas Spay/Neuter Pilot Program ● Review Legislation Priorities ● Review Suggestions for Future Consideration ● Motion to Submit Priorities and Commissioner Contacts ● Discuss Priorities/Suggestions ● Amend Motion to Remove/Change Priorities and/or Contacts ● Present/Consider Additional Priorities/Contacts ● Amend Motion with Additional Priorities/Contacts ● Vote to Submit the List to the COA Government Relations Office Our Ask December 4, 2025 email from Government Relations: Please let us know if there are any legislative items your board or commission wishes to bring forward for consideration by City Council in its adopted 2027 state and federal legislative programs by January 30, 2026. Our goal is to have a good working list by the end of January, and we will concurrently spend a couple of months working through the items, following up, and ultimately bringing forward items to the City Council for consideration. Note: Extension granted so we could vote on a list at our 2/9/2026 meeting 2025 Texas Spay/Neuter Pilot Program (TXSPN) Request supporting continued funding ● Managed by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) ● ● Grants will provide direct financial support for spay/neuter services for dogs and cats $13 Million paid out 2026-2027 ○ All counties eligible ○ Dogs and cats owned by or in the custody of Texas residents, rescue organizations, animal shelters and government entities ● Does not impact “Animal Friendly Program” that subsidizes spay/neuter via license plate revenue ● Austin/Travis County Impact: Potential Funding to continue successful spay/neuter events Of Note While legislative changes at the State level are best, if viability is not there, a carve out giving counties their own legal authority to implement change would be an acceptable alternative. Priority Legislation to Support ● Virtual Veterinary Care/Telemedicine in Texas ○ Promoted by the Texas Humane Legislation Network ○ 89th Session - Senate Bill SB1442; House Bill HB3364 ○ AAS Veterinarian Dr Debbie Elliott testified in favor of this bill ○ Austin/Travis County Impact: ■ Less stress on pets going into the office ■ Makes it easier for aging adults and people with disabilities to own/keep their pets ■ Increases access to care for people who rely on public transportation or live in rural areas ■ Pets may get care they won’t otherwise get Priorities, continued ● Ethical Pet Sales Bill ○ Promoted by the Texas Humane Legislation Network ○ Stop puppy mills ○ ○ …
Fiscal Year 2026 January 2026 Updates and Upcoming Events FREE Spay/Neuter Event February 26 – March 2, 2026 11580 Stonehollow Dr., Austin, TX 78758 Participants must live in Austin or Travis County. “Enduring Service” Program Launched! AAS partnered with the Rehabilitation and Reentry Division at Travis County State Jail to launch the Enduring Service initiative. Enduring Service pairs eligible AAS dogs with incarcerated Veterans to help train, enrich, and care for the dogs. This program will help develop transferable skills to increase chances of employment upon release for participating Veterans. 12 dogs have been successfully placed at TCSJ at this time. Adoption Event Be My Pawlentine! February 13 – 15, 2026 $14 Adoption fees! Craft station to make a valentine for your favorite shelter pet, volunteer or staff member! Volunteers onsite to match you with your next true love! Shout out! Staff, Volunteers, Community members & Fosters! Several staff members went above and beyond by staying at the shelter during the cold weather event to care for all the animals. They were supported by volunteers who helped provide enrichment and care. In preparation for the weather, Foster Coordinators were able to get almost 90 dogs and cats out the door and into foster applications were warm, received, and 50 adoptions took place that weekend despite the icy conditions! foster homes. 112 § 3-1-27 - Reporting by Animal Shelter (1) Number of impounded animals January 2026 (FY26) saw 705 domestic animals impounded at AAS. There was an 12.4% increase from December 2025 which brought in 627 domestic animals to the shelter. the This number excludes categories of wildlife, bird (wildlife), opossums, and reptile (wildlife). 3 3 2 (2) Number of animals euthanized a description of the animal, including age, species, and size, and the reason for euthanasia Animal Breed Dog Dog Kitten Reptile (Wildlife) Bird (wildlife) Spanish Mastiff American Pit Bull Terrier Domestic Shorthair Turtle Goose - Brant Reason Aggression Court Order Injured Injured Injured Mammal Bat - Unspecified Rabies Risk Mammal Bat - Unspecified Rabies Risk Mammal Bat - Unspecified Rabies Risk Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Mammal Cat Rabbit Cat Cat Dog Cat Cat Skunk - Striped Bat - Little Brown Myotis Raccoon Skunk - Striped Bat - Little Brown Myotis Domestic Long Hair Bunny Rabbit Domestic Shorthair Domestic Shorthair American Pit Bull Terrier Domestic Medium Hair Domestic Shorthair Puppy Labrador Retriever Cat Cat Cat Dog Cat American Shorthair Domestic …
Outcome vs. Intake FY 26 Information is from October 1, 2025 – January 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 1318 1664 2982 2026 1338 1854 3192 2026 20 190 210 2026 1218 82 243 94 40 2 195 1874 2026 656 258 367 42 13 2 1338
Reports and Updates Reports and Updates Austin Animal Services | February 9, 2026 Updates and Upcoming Events January 2026 Monica Dangler, Director Upcoming Events For AAS and the Community Adoption Event Be My Pawlentine! February 13 – 15, 2026 $14 Adoption fees! Craft station to make a valentine for your favorite shelter pet, volunteer or staff member! Volunteers onsite to match you with your next true love! FREE Spay/Neuter Event February 26 – March 2, 2026 11580 Stonehollow Dr., Austin, TX 78758 Participants must live in Austin or Travis County. 3 3 Thank you! Staff, Volunteers, Community Members & Fosters! Several staff members went above and beyond by staying at the shelter during the cold weather event last month to care for all the animals. They were supported by volunteers who helped provide enrichment and care. In preparation for the weather, Foster Coordinators were able to get almost 90 dogs and cats out the door and into warm, foster homes. foster applications 112 were received, and 50 adoptions took place that weekend icy conditions! despite the 4 Enduring Service Partnership Program Launched in January AAS has partnered with the Rehabilitation and Reentry Division at Travis County State Jail to launch the Enduring Service initiative. Enduring Service pairs eligible AAS dogs with incarcerated Veterans to help train, enrich, and care for the dogs. This program will help develop transferable skills to increase chances of employment upon release for participating Veterans. 9 dogs have been successfully placed at TCSJ at this time. 5 30-60-90 Day Horizon Plan January 2026 Monica Dangler, Director Horizon Plan 30-60-90 days Action items to launch in the next 30 days New Programming Dog's Day Out Paw-jama Party Enhance Staffing Recruit and onboard 6 Vet Technicians Kennel cleaning time study Develop plan for re-opening intake Improvements to shelter database Volunteer access Gather Feedback Develop action plans with staff and stakeholders Community Engagement Increased frequency of press releases Daily social media presence Create a monthly in- shelter event calendar with success metrics Process Improvement Pathway planning to assist animals’ movement Establish guidelines for kitten transfers Evaluation and plea process for large dogs to rescues 7 7 Monthly Reporting January 2026 Jason Garza, Assistant Director § 3-1-27 - Reporting by Animal Shelter Number of impounded animals January 2026 (FY26) saw 705 domestic animals impounded at AAS. There was an 12.4% increase from December 2025 which brought in 627 domestic animals …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AUSTIN TRAVIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2026, AT 2:30 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARD & COMMISSION ROOM, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the [Commission Name] 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 remotely, contact Daniela Romero, participation by daniela.romero@austintexas.gov or Juanita Jackson at Juanita.jackson@austintexas.gov. telephone. To to speak register CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS OR COMMISSIONERS: Natalie Poindexter, Chair Enrique Lin Shiao, Vice Chair Jawad Ali Chris Crookham Cara Dahlhausen Jacob Whitty Martha Lujan William Rice EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Adrienne Sturrup, Director, Austin Public Health Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin/Travis County Public Health Authority Ana Almaguel, Division Director, Travis County Health & Human Services Perla Cavazos, Deputy Administrator, Central Health AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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. Approve the minutes of the Public Health Commission Regular Meeting on January 7th, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation by One Voice regarding work on food insecurity. Presentation by Sam Woollard, Peter Arellano and Lynne Skinner. Receive updates from commissioners on assigned action items. Discussion of draft recommendation “Bridging Public Health Funding” created by Commissioner Chris Crookham. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Discuss and approve goals for the 2026 fiscal year. Approve a recommendation to Travis County Council titled “Harm Reduction Outreach Expansion”. 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 contact Daniela Romero at Austin Public Health, at daniela.romero@austintexas.gov, or Juanita Jackson at Juanita.jackson@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Public Health Commission, please contact Daniela Romero at daniela.romero@austintexas.gov or Juanita …
Presentation to Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission February 4, 2026 This presentation is a high-level preliminary representation of the information gathered in our survey. This is not a formal or complete public reporting of our findings. Coalition to Assess Federal Funding Impact SVP Austin One Voice Central Texas United Way of Greater Austin Austin Community Foundation St. David’s Foundation Sooch Foundation Austin Public Health Travis County Central Health I Live Here, I Give Here Nonprofit Austin at ACC Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission Also sponsored by: Georgetown Health Foundation, Austin Together and Mission Capital Current Funding Landscape • Instability in ALL levels and areas of funding • Individual donors concerned about possible recession • Businesses are pulling back and revising community giving plans to meet new federal policy mandates • Governments are facing tightened budgets (and related cuts) • Foundations are overwhelmed with demand • Volunteerism is not keeping up About the Survey • January 27 – Federal Grants Frozen • One Voice Central Texas (OVCT) quickly surveyed members • February 18 – Gathering of cross-sector organization leaders • July 1 – First Coalition meeting • Split into teams: 1) Survey Design 2) Communications Plan 3) Analytics • October 1 – Survey opened • Coalition members worked together with shared messaging to distribute survey via email, social media • November 21 – Survey closed • Initially almost 100 responses, after de-duplication and clean up, a solid 82 Service Areas 70% served the combined geographic region (TC+ MSA+ Broader Region) Snapshot of Respondents ANNUAL INCOME RANGE Total # Served 180,313 Total # Employed 6,391 Total # Employees Supported by Federal Funds 1,374 Primary Focus Areas Majority (37) Human Services, followed by Education (17) Secondary Focus Areas Federal Funding Profile RECEIVE DIRECT OR INDIRECT FEDERAL FUNDING?* IF NO FEDERAL FUNDS, WILL YOU BE IMPACTED INDIRECTLY? *Only 1/3 of respondents received federal funds before 2025. Those Indirectly Impacted Say… “Larger organizations who are impacted by loss of federal funds will need more support from the general public. Smaller organizations like ours will be faced with donors who have already maxed out: Our donations will be down, and that will impact our ability to do our work.” “When our fellow nonprofits, who once COULD qualify for government funding no longer can, or that funding no longer exists, the other funders (individual, foundations, corporate) become their primary funding source. Competition for dollars gets steeper.” “We …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Austin Travis County Public Health Commission Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX] Bridging Public Health Funding: This recommendation seeks to address the public health inequities exacerbated by the construction of Interstate 35, which divided communities and reenforced segregation. With public health funding at risk across the country, we recommend that a portion of tax revenues generated from businesses and activities on Cap and Stitch elements be dedicated to Austin Public Health to address the direct and indirect health inequities caused by Interstate 35. WHEREAS the City of Austin 1928 Master Plan designated then East Avenue as the dividing racial line between East and West Austin. WHEREAS Interstate 35 later replaced East Avenue, serving as a reinforced physical barrier between East and West Austin. WHEREAS Interstate 35 traffic and congestion have exacerbated health disparities of those living in East Austin, leading to less access to quality care and healthy foods, increased rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and infectious disease, poor maternal health outcomes, and increased socioeconomic inequities. WHEREAS Interstate 35 creates chronic stressors such as traffic noise, heat, and pollution, leading to poor mental health and stress of those living nearby. WHEREAS City Council has touted Cap and Stitch as a once in a generation opportunity to repair the physical divide created by Interstate 35 and assist in repairing over 100 years of segregation. WHEREAS City Council has welcomed the creation of new public spaces for civic participation and unlocking long-term economic and community benefits, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Public Health Commission recommends that City Council: Reserve and dedicate a percentage of tax revenues generated from businesses and activities that take place on the Cap and Stitch elements of Interstate 35 to a public health fund to be used by Austin Public Health to intentionally address the various health inequities that Interstate 35 has directly and subsequently inflicted upon the residents of Austin, specifically in East Austin and other areas where East Austin residents have been pushed to. These dedicated funds generated from a once in a generation opportunity that aims to repair the harm created by the interstate are a concrete action that . City Council can take to ensure steps are made to truly address these health inequities while also providing a sustainable funding source for Austin Public Health. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: (Add the number …
AUSTIN TRAVIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION Wednesday, January 7th, 2025 AUSTIN TRAVIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 The Austin Travis County Public Health Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, at 301 West 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Natalie Poindexter called the Austin Travis County Public Health Commission Meeting to order at 2:32 pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Natalie Poindexter, Chair Jawad Ali Chris Crookham Cara Dahlhausen Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None Enrique Lin Shiao, Vice Chair William Rice Martha Lujan Jacob Whitty Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Larry Wallace, Jr Ex-Officio and Staff in Attendance: Adrienne Sturrup, Direcor, Austin Public Health Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin/Travis County Public Health Authority Daniela Romero, Staff, Austin Public Health Juanita Jackson, Staff, Austin Public Health Ex-Officio and Staff in Attendance Remotely: Perla Cavazos Ana Almaguel Ex-Officio and Staff Absent: NONE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None Megan Cermak, Director of Public Health Strategy, Policy and Disaster Response, Central Health APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Austin Travis County Public Health Commission regular meeting on January 7th, 2026. The minutes for the regular meeting of November 5th, 2025, were approved on Commissioner William Rice’s motion, Commissioner Chris Crookham second on a 5-0 vote. (Abstaining: Commissioner Jawad Ali, Off-Dais: Vice Chair Enrique Lin Shiao & Commissioner Martha Lujan, Absent: Commissioner Larry Wallace, Jr.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Received updates from commissioners on assigned actions items. The Commission reviewed the status of several ongoing projects and action items. UT & Harm Reduction, Commissioner Dahlhausen and Commissioner Whitty: Item has hit a wall with UT due to lack of response from them. Item is being tabled for now but will revisit in the future. “Cap & Stitch” Project, Commissioner Crookham: A draft is being developed to advocate for using tax revenue from the project to address public health funding gaps. Commissioner aims to complete a draft recommendation by next month’s meeting. Sexual Health Funding Recommendation, Commissioner Whitty: A draft recommendation is in progress. Commissioner is waiting on specific data and fiscal information from APH to justify the requested dollar amounts. Capital Metro/Del Valle Transportation, Commissioner Martha Lujan: Currently waiting for a response from CapMetro. Goal is to coordinate a multi-agency meeting in addition to scheduling a presentation from CapMetro on a future agenda. 3. Discussed revised Harm Reduction Outreach Expansion recommendation. Commissioners expressed general support for the …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Austin Travis County Public Health Commission Recommendation Number: 20260204-006 Harm Reduction Outreach Expansion: This recommendation seeks to prevent overdoses in the Austin, Travis County area through outreach programs and peer support specialists that provide life-saving services directly to high- risk populations using awarded opioid abatement funds. This recommendation directly addresses priorities identified by Travis County Health and Human Services and community members including outreach, peer support capacity, and reducing the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. WHEREAS Travis County declared opioid overdoses as a public health crisis in 2022 and extended the declaration in 2024 to stay in e(cid:431)ect until October 1, 2026. WHEREAS The City of Austin has declared a need for increased e(cid:431)orts to address the opioid overdose crisis in RESOLUTION NO. 20220616-053. WHEREAS Travis County recorded more than 400 accidental drug-related deaths in 2023. In 2024, Austin-Travis County reported 1,058 EMS calls and dispatches and 831 emergency department visits due to drug overdoses, highlighting the current crisis. WHEREAS Travis County has received three opioid abatement fund disbursements over the course of the next 15 years aiming to prevent, treat, or reduce overdoses and opioid use. WHEREAS an increased capacity for community outreach was identified and presented as a priority in 2024, facilitated by Travis County Health and Human Services, in collaboration with Austin-Travis County community providers WHEREAS harm reduction outreach e(cid:431)orts focused on opioid overdose prevention help expand access to life-saving interventions such as naloxone distribution and training, connection to community services and peer support, especially among high-risk populations such as unhoused individuals, who may face significant barriers to care due to stigma, social determinants of health, and other challenges. WHEREAS peer recovery support services is the best practice associated with improved health outcomes, increased likelihood to engage in recovery services, and reduction in stigma around substance use. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Public Health Commission recommends that Travis County Health and Human Services: 1. Invest opioid abatement funds for organizations that provide Harm Reduction to expand outreach programs in Travis County. 2. Renew and increase existing opioid abatement–funded harm reduction contracts totaling $525,000 that expire September 30, 2026, and allocate additional funds to create new contracts so organizations can hire sta(cid:431) and expand and maintain outreach e(cid:431)orts. 3. Prioritize awarding opioid abatement funds to support and expand outreach for organizations that provide Harm Reduction that employ individuals with lived …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER ADVISORY BOARD WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center 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 Michelle Rojas, 512-974-3771, Michelle.Rojas@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Angelica Navarro (D-8), Chair Hilario “Larry” Amaro (D-10), Member Lynda Quintana (D-6), Member Noemi Castro (D-2), Member Raul “Roy” Reyna (D-1), Member Alexander “Al” Duarte (D-7), Member Selma Sanchez (D-9), Member John Estrada (D-3), Member Vacant (D-4), Member Cynthia “Cy” Herrera (D-5), Member Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz (Mayor), Vice Chair AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center regular meeting of January 7, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on January and February programs, marketing and outreach efforts, signature event planning, and staffing updates. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment & Michelle Rojas, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Manager, Austin Arts Culture, Music and Entertainment DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Update on Phase 2 Construction Project. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Heidi Tse, Capital Delivery Project Manager, Austin Capital Delivery Services Discussion on FY26-27 budget priorities regarding building operations, programming, and event planning. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presentation by community members on their experience with Cultural Arts funding. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Luis Ordaz, Hector Ordaz of Proyecto Teatro, Raquel Rivera of SUREM Dance, and Guicha Gutierrez of CasaCostura Presentation by past participants on their experience with the ESB MACC Latino Arts Residency Program. (Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz) Presenter(s): Luis Ordaz, Hector Ordaz of Proyecto Teatro and Dr. Roen Salinas of Aztlan Dance Company DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Presentation and recommendation by Iván Dávila, Chair …
ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2026 EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026 MINUTES The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center convened in a Regular meeting on January 7, 2026, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. (Some members of the ESB-MACC Advisory Board participated via videoconference.) Chair Navarro called the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Angelica Navarro, Lillian “Lily” Zamarripa-Saenz, Hilario “Larry” Amaro, Noemi Castro, Alexander “Al” Duarte, John Estrada, Raul “Roy” Reyna, Selma Sanchez. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Cynthia “Cy” Herrera (arrived at 6:34 p.m.), Lynda Quintana. Board Members Absent: Anthony Martinez. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Mateo Hernandez, Teatro Vivo Board Member, reported on Teatro Vivo’s collaboration with the MACC on the production of La Pastorela. He noted that the event had a strong turnout, reaching more than 160 audience members, and that attendees expressed their gratitude for a bilingual performance that was culturally relevant to Latine communities. Mr. Hernandez shared that this year’s performance was designed as a participatory experience, inviting the audience to actively become a part of the story. He concluded by thanking MACC staff, AARC Staff, and Board Member Amaro for their support and contributions to the success of the production. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center regular meeting of November 5, 2025. The minutes from the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center regular meeting of November 5, 2025, were approved as amended on a motion by Board Member Duarte and a second by Vice Chair Zamarripa-Saenz. Amendments included revisions to Discussion Item 5, clarification of terminology from “Mexican American” to “Mexican- American.” The motion passed on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Herrera and Martinez absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on November, December, and January programs, marketing and outreach efforts, and updates on signature event planning. Erik Granados, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Coordinator, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment, gave a briefing on Casa de la Cultura programming. 1 ESB-MACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 7, 2026 Olivia Tamzarian, ESB-MACC Culture and Arts Education Marketing & Outreach Representative, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment, reported on Youth and Family Education programs; Caminos Teen Leadership programming; current and upcoming marketing and outreach efforts; signature events; collaborations; the Latino/a/e Artist Access …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER Phase 2 Improvements MACC Advisor y Board Update Heidi Tse Capital Delivery Project Manager February 4, 2026 Estimated Completion Late Spring 2026 The Re-opening may occur sometime between the project’s substantial completion and final completion. Substantial Completion (contractual term) is when the facility is deemed ready to be occupied by the owner, but other minor work still needs to be completed by the contractor. The exact date or alignment of the Re-opening will not be known until construction has significantly progressed. Must achieve TCO at a minimum. The anticipated project completion timeline is: 1. Target Substantial Completion: 11/03/25 11/19/25 12/2025 Late 2/2026 or 3/2026 2. Target Re-opening Late Spring 2026 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) grants temporary, conditional use of a building for stocking or furnishing before all construction work is fully completed. MACC full building TCO on 1/23/2026 Certificate of Occupancy (CO) that proves a structure is habitable based on its legal use and type of property and meets all building codes. Targeted for Late February – March 2026 TCO vs CO Substantial Completion (Contract Promised Date 9/11/25) : 1. Create Punchlist of work to be remediated • Begin generating official Punchlist with each design discipline for conformity of design intent from December 2025 - January 2026 Items to complete: • January 2, 2026 – 3,335 January 29, 2026 - 1,699 • • • Completed ~50% 2. Provide Training for MACC staff on building systems. • Begin December 2025 - January 2026 Theatrical Rigging System (116133) Food Service Equipment (114000) Fire Suppression (211313) Heat Tracing (220533) Electric Water Heaters (223333) Direct Digital Control System for HVAC (230923) Water Treatment for Hydronic Systems (232500) Access Control System (281300) Video Surveillance System (282300) Network Lighting Controls (260943) Scheduled for 2/2 Multi-Purpose and Classroom A-V Systems (274120) 2/1 Project Milestones Updates • Ceremonial Groundbreaking: December 10, 2022 • GMP 1 (Site Work) Notice to Proceed issued: August 28, 2023 • GMP 2 (Building / Landscape) Notice to Proceed issued: March 7, 2024 • Steel “Topping Out”: September 11, 2024 • Target Major Construction Ends: February 2025 • Target Stocking: Late February 2026 • Target Staff Move-In: March 2026 • Target Grand Re-Opening: Late Spring 2026 Emergency Project • The The pipe has deteriorated to the point that 6” steel ductile is peeling off as layers with the 2” insulation. The picture indicates rust and stress …
EMMA S. BARRIENTOS MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER Phase 2 Improvements MACC Advisor y Board Update Heidi Tse Capital Delivery Project Manager February 4, 2026 Estimated Completion Late Spring 2026 The Re-opening may occur sometime between the project’s substantial completion and final completion. Substantial Completion (contractual term) is when the facility is deemed ready to be occupied by the owner, but other minor work still needs to be completed by the contractor. The exact date or alignment of the Re-opening will not be known until construction has significantly progressed. Must achieve TCO at a minimum. The anticipated project completion timeline is: 1. Target Substantial Completion: 11/03/25 11/19/25 12/2025 Late 2/2026 or 3/2026 2. Target Re-opening Late Spring 2026 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) grants temporary, conditional use of a building for stocking or furnishing before all construction work is fully completed. MACC building additions TCO on 1/23/2026 MACC existing building TCO Stocking only. Certificate of Occupancy (CO) that proves a structure is habitable based on its legal use and type of property and meets all building codes. Targeted for Late February – March 2026 TCO vs CO Substantial Completion (Contract Promised Date 9/11/25) : 1. Create Punchlist of work to be remediated • Begin generating official Punchlist with each design discipline for conformity of design intent from December 2025 - January 2026 Items to complete: • January 2, 2026 – 3,335 January 29, 2026 - 1,699 • • • Completed ~50% 2. Provide Training for MACC staff on building systems. • Begin December 2025 - January 2026 Theatrical Rigging System (116133) Food Service Equipment (114000) Fire Suppression (211313) Heat Tracing (220533) Electric Water Heaters (223333) Direct Digital Control System for HVAC (230923) Water Treatment for Hydronic Systems (232500) Access Control System (281300) Video Surveillance System (282300) Network Lighting Controls (260943) Multi-Purpose and Classroom A-V Systems (274120) Project Milestones Updates • Ceremonial Groundbreaking: December 10, 2022 • GMP 1 (Site Work) Notice to Proceed issued: August 28, 2023 • GMP 2 (Building / Landscape) Notice to Proceed issued: March 7, 2024 • Steel “Topping Out”: September 11, 2024 • Target Major Construction Ends: February 2025 • Target Stocking: Late February 2026 • Target Staff Move-In: March 2026 • Target Grand Re-Opening: Late Spring 2026 Emergency Project • The The pipe has deteriorated to the point that 6” steel ductile iron is peeling off as layers with the 2” insulation. The picture indicates …
“Briefing by community members on their experience with Cultural Arts funding.” Luis Ordaz Gutierrez, Executive Director of ProyectoTEATRO Dr. Roen Salinas, Executive Director of Aztlan Dance Company Raquel Rivera, Executive Director of Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico de TX. Brief History of Austin’s Cultural Funding Programs 2020: Pause and Redesign 2020: Pause and Redesign 2023 Reset 2020: Pause and Redesign FY2025-2026 FY2025-2026 Closing
City of austin’s Cultural arts funding -------------------------------- Briefing by community artists on their experience with the city’s fuding programs Advisory Board Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz Presenters: Dr. Róen Salinas | Aztlan Dance Company Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez | ProyectoTEATRO Hector Ordaz Gutiérrez | ProyectoTEATRO Raquel Rivera | SUREM & Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklórico Brief history 40+ years of cultural arts funding • HOT Tax funding source • Long standing cultural contractors include all LARP artists to date • Institutionalized and systemic underfunding of non-white artists since programs were rolled out in the late 70s / early 80s. Issues are rooted in inequitable funding eligibility qualifications, budget matrices that favor white socioeconomic levels, and language accessibility barriers for non-english speaking artists. 1 2020: Funding distribution for Latino arts published 40+ years inequitable distribution All City of Austin cultural arts funding programs are frozen per 3rd party consultant recommendation. Research recommends: • More program outreach and accessibility communities. • Equal representation in the distribution of the cultural art funding • Priority to vulnerable communities that had been historically left out • Ability to apply in other languages other than english for BIPOC 2015-2021: Latino community only receives 9% of entire city funding. Pause, redesigning, and reset 2020 and beyond New Funding levels are proposed as: • Thrive for large organizations • Elevate for medium organizations • Nexus for small organizations or emerging artists With new funding matrices, less challenging applications, fewer eligibility requirements and… The opportunity to apply in 7 languages other than english! Latino artist can finally apply in Spanish! 3 Issues and challenges for spanish-speakers The start of a series of language accessibility issues Inaugural 2023 reset launch of new programs: • Negligent Translation errors; deadline to allow for Spanish speakers to receive application support. No contracts in spanish available. City moves to extend 2024 2nd Cycle of New Fudning programs: • Negligent Translation errors, community, poor attempts at supporting spanish speakers. Hispanic Quality of LIfe makes recommendation → No outreach to Latino 2025 3rd Cycle of New Fudning programs: • Negligent Translation errors, confusing eligibility process, lack of spanish language replies, still no contracts in spanish. 4 5 Community ask Moving forward 1. Appropriate outreach to Latino community regarding funding programs 2. Human translations of all documents in the process 3. Oversight of spanish-language process in its entirety 4. Contracts in Spanish 5. Metrics and data regarding distribution amounts of cultural …
esb-macc latino arts residency program -------------------------------- Briefing by past participants on their experience with the macc’s residency program from 2008-2021 Advisory Board Sponsors: Navarro, Zamarripa-Saenz Presenters: Dr. Róen Salinas | Aztlan Dance Company Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez | ProyectoTEATRO Hector Ordaz Gutiérrez | ProyectoTEATRO Javier Jara | Los Bohemios Perdidos Juan Oyervides | Past MACC Advisory Board Chair 2008 grand opening & the first years A phase of trial and error driven by community feedback • Difficulty for artists and arts organizations to access the MACC for rehearsals, performances, and classes. Rental rates too expensive for community artists. High rates comparable to private event spaces for quinces and galas . • Operating hours were the same as city recreation centers; closing at 5PM during the week and 6PM on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays. • Staff aggressions towards community artists. The community spoke out and these issues catalyzed the creation of the LARP program. 2 Latino arts residency program larp The following 4 arts organizations led the inaugural 2013 LARP cohort 3 larp Feedback & Recommendations Inaugural cohort shared these recommendations to improve LARP: MACC Facility: Most spaces at the MACC were not appropriate for artists’ creative process nor performances. It was evident that artists’ were not part of the design and build-out of any of the rooms throughout the cultural center. Remodeling recommendations were made to 5 spaces. Policies and Procedures: Operation procedures hindered the standard creative process of arts organizations. LARP programs clashed with ESB-MACC programs. Calendar process was implemented by LARPers. Hours of Operation did not align with a cultural center. Rehearsal hours were granted till 10PM and Performance nights were granted till 11PM. Staff: PARD Staff did not have the experience to support and maintain the MACC’s technical inventory nor the LARP program itself. • Tech Coordinator was created • LARP coordinator was created • PT assisted in tech trainings for MACC staff • Tech equipment inventory was created 4 Multipurpose auditorium→ Performance auditorium • Install risers to correct audience sightlines • Paint curved wall black in lieu of wall removal • Install raised Tech booth • Install lighting grid + dimmer controls • Install choir mics • Install acoustic panels (shells) • Install speakers for front of house sound R r RR Rr Rr rr multi-use “Black box”→ Performance Black box • Paint all silver aluminum walls black R r RR Rr • Shift lighting grid & …
Coalition for Austin’s Arts and Spanish- Language Theatre From Access to Incubation Strengthening LAAP to Support Emerging Artists A partnership between the ESB-MACC and CAAST Who We Are Coalition of Spanish-language performing artists and companies Active in Austin for 20+ years, with local and national recognition Focused on aligning existing City infrastructure to better support artists Coalition for Austin’s Arts & Spanish-language Theatre Why LAAP Must Evolve Current realityLAAP has expanded access to MACC facilities for Latino artistsThe program has been intentionally designed as a space-access model,supported by technical assistance, professional development, and staff support.LAAP artists have gone on to contracts, funding opportunities, rentals, and Citypartnerships.Core insightLAAP has laid a strong foundation; but evolving into an incubator requires sustainedcapacity to deliver consistent, repeatable outcomes for artists. The Gap We’re Addressing The level of hands-on support can vary by project and timing due to limited staffing capacity. Outcomes vary across cohorts based on artist readiness and available staff support. Sustained progress is not experienced consistently from project to project. What It Takes to Do This Right To move LAAP from access to true incubation, investment must address three things simultaneously: 1. People 2. Infrastructure 3. Program capacity. Funding only one or two elements would perpetuate the current gap rather than resolve it. Our proposal calls for an additional annual $515,000 investment, which represents the minimum level required to deliver consistent production readiness, artist empowerment, and language equity as a cohesive system. Design Principles for a True Incubator 1. Production Readiness 2.Artist Empowerment and Sustainability 3.Language and Cultural Equity What Production Readiness Requires C. Centralized Marketing & Audience Development Support (FTE) A. Dedicated Technical Support (FTE) Removes technical burden from artists Ensures consistent quality across productions Builds in-house expertise rather than outsourcing B. Lighting & Sound Infrastructure Upgrades Enables artists to work at professional standards Reduces technical barriers for future cohorts Positions MACC for scalable programming without Phase 3 construction Investment: $87K + $300K + $78K = $465K PRODUCTION READINESSBuilds artists’ long-term audience capacityReduces burnout and inequityStrengthens ESB-MACC’s relationship withSpanish-speaking communities From Access to Incubation Current LAAP: ~$90K annually 11–15 artists/groups Access to space Limited project-based support Artists operate largely independently Total investment: $465K + $50K = $515K Proposed Expansion: +$50K annual investment ~20 artists/groups Infrastructure + technical staff Integrated production and promotion Practical skill-building Artists exit with tools to sustain their practice PRODUCTION READINESS Capacity-Building Beyond the Stage of ESB-MACC Building …
