REGULAR MEETING OF THE AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025, AT 6:00 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, October 20, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation. Presentation by Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager, Austin Climate Action & Resilience and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs, Travis County. 3. Staff briefing regarding SNAP Emergency Food Access Coordination Call. Presentation by Amanda Rohlich, Food Policy Advisor, Austin Climate Action & Resilience. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Presentation from Central Texas Food Bank on the Local Coalition Collaborative and Regional Food Systems Council. Presentation by Tracy Ayrhart, Vice President of Research and Strategic Partnerships. Discussion of Board Member Strategic Planning Activities. Report out from Joint Sustainability Committee on October 22, 2025. Report out from presentation to Bond Election Advisory Taskforce on Open Space. Review Board Member Assignments. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. 10. 11. Approve the creation of a working group to expand access to nutritious foods through improvement to existing materials an resources and explore alternate or expanded hours for existing resources. Approve the creation of a working group to participate in the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) application for funding for conservation easements as a regional partnership. Approve …
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB November 2025 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates Milan Urban Food Policy Pact Award! City of Austin ACAR will use this award to launch a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) in early 2026 to fund two community-based, shovel-ready projects that support a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient local food system. Austin will host the MUFPP North American Regional Gathering Cities from across North America will gather in Austin to share best practices and developed a regional work plan March 10th and 11th 2026 City Staff Report Back to Council ● City staff provided another Memo to Council in November 2025 ● City staff will provide a summary of the Food Plan Memo to the CWEP (Climate, Water, Environment, and Parks) Council Committee in fall 2025 Implementation Collaborative ● 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 will be on the December 11th City Council agenda for approval. ● Consultant should be on-board in winter of 2025. Food Plan Implementation Convening ● First Food Plan Implementation Convening occurred on May 9th ● Food Plan webinar occurred on August 7th ● Next Convening in winter of 2026. Let us know if you have suggestions on format. Food Plan - Relevant Budget Events ● Due to defeat of Proposition Q, the City is revising the FY26 budget (base & amendments) that was approved by Council in September. ● The Proposed Amended FY26 Budget Timeline: ○ Tuesday, Nov. 18: City Council Work Session and Budget briefing. ○ Wednesday, Nov. 19: City Council Work Session and public hearing on the Proposed FY26 Amended Budget. ○ Thursday, Nov. 20: City Council to consider action on Proposed FY26 Amended Budget. City of Austin 2026 Bond Travis County Food Plan Updates: None at this time. Thank You! www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB November 2025 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates Milan Urban Food Policy Pact Award! City of Austin ACAR will use this award to launch a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) in early 2026 to fund two community-based, shovel-ready projects that support a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient local food system. Austin will host the MUFPP North American Regional Gathering Cities from across North America will gather in Austin to share best practices and developed a regional work plan March 10th and 11th 2026 City Staff Report Back to Council ● City staff provided another Memo to Council in November 2025 ● City staff will provide a summary of the Food Plan Memo to the CWEP (Climate, Water, Environment, and Parks) Council Committee in fall 2025 Implementation Collaborative ● 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 will be on the December 11th City Council agenda for approval. ● Consultant should be on-board in winter of 2025. Food Plan Implementation Convening ● First Food Plan Implementation Convening occurred on May 9th ● Food Plan webinar occurred on August 7th ● Next Convening in winter of 2026. Let us know if you have suggestions on format. Food Plan - Relevant Budget Events ● Due to defeat of Proposition Q, the City is revising the FY26 budget (base & amendments) that was approved by Council in September. ● The Proposed Amended FY26 Budget Timeline: ○ Tuesday, Nov. 18: City Council Work Session and Budget briefing. ○ Wednesday, Nov. 19: City Council Work Session and public hearing on the Proposed FY26 Amended Budget. ○ Thursday, Nov. 20: City Council to consider action on Proposed FY26 Amended Budget. City of Austin 2026 Bond Travis County Food Plan Updates: None at this time. Thank You! www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
Impacts on Food Access due to Federal Government Shutdown Austin Climate Action & Resilience | November 17, 2025 Current Status Starting from where we are today As of November 17, 2025 ▪ SNAP benefits were not distributed Nov. 1 due to Federal Government shutdown. ▪ SNAP benefits resumed in full November 14. ▪ SNAP participants who receive benefits on or after the 14th of the month will receive their full benefits on their normal issuance date. ▪ SNAP participants who already received partial benefits will receive the rest of their monthly amount on or after November 14. ▪ Many Central Texans were struggling to put food on the table before the federal shutdown and this disruption exacerbated the issue. ▪ Last year, United Way’s Navigation Center received more than 30,000 requests for food – our community’s top requested need. 3 City of Austin Response Actions taken by City of Austin to address the impacts Coordination Efforts ▪ Austin Climate Action & Resilience alerted key COA officials of issue and potential impacts and held coordination calls ▪ Austin Emergency Management not activated; Emergency Declaration not made ▪ Intergovernmental Relations Office provided timely updates to Mayor & Council on shutdown impacts ▪ Austin Climate Action & Resilience met with ConnectCTX, Central Texas Food Bank, and other key partners to discuss messaging to community ▪ Directed people to Central Texas Foodbank website, call 2-1-1, or go to ConnectCTX.org to find nearby food pantries, meal sites, and emergency assistance programs. ▪ Press release and conference held October 31 ▪ Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown were joined by leadership from Central Texas Food Bank and United Way for Greater Austin to share information about available resources in light of impact to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the government shutdown. 5 Additional Actions ▪ Austin Climate Action & Resilience reconvened the weekly Emergency Food Access Calls on October 31. Last call slated for Friday, November 21 ▪ Partner agencies leading efforts to expand access and meet demand to bridge gap ▪ Partners noted increased demand across food distributions (i.e., Central Texas Food Bank has distributed 50% more food than this time last year) ▪ City of Austin participated in food drive collecting shelf-stable items to donate to Central Texas Food Bank ▪ Extended City of Austin Combined Charities Campaign to encourage additional giving to food access related …
Central Texas Regional Food System Council: Updates and Opportunities Prepared for: ATCFPB By: Dr. Tracy Ayrhart, Vice President of Research + Strategic Partnerships Monday, November 17, 2025 CTFB | Roadmap Roadmap • Context and Council Development • Regional Food System Council • Mission and Vision • High-Level Structure • Timeline • Opportunities Council Development CTFB | Council Development Central Texas Food Bank’s Approach We believe every Central Texan should have immediate and equitable access to nutritious food. This can be done one of two ways: • Providing direct access to nutritious food. • Providing the resources necessary for all Central Texans to access nutritious food on their own. CTFB | Members Council Development Group Members Expansion and Assessment County Food System Business Backbone Organization Central Texas Food Bank Sukanya Romyanon, Director of Food System Planning Bastrop County Bastrop County Cares – Economic Stability Coalition Norma Mercado, Executive Director Supply chain logistics, large-scale retail Amazon Josh Hirschland, Principal Product Manager Funder Episcopal Health Foundation C. J. Hager, VP Grants Bell County Helping Hands Belton - Bell County Hunger Coalition Alicia Jallah, Executive Director Agricultural landscape Texas Farmers Market Laura McDonald, Executive Director Hunger Free Community Coalition development Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty Katie Nye, Director of Hunger Free Community Coalitions Data and Assessment University of Texas at Austin – Dept. of Nutrition Sciences Natalie Poulos, Assistant Professor Government Local government Texas Association of Regional Councils Ginny Lewis Ford, Executive Director Hays County Hays County Health Department Healthy Hays Coalition Matthew Gonzales Director McLennan County Prosper Waco – McLennan County Hunger Free Community Coalition Jeremy Rhodes, Senior Director of Data & Research Travis County Travis County Health and Human Services Leslie Gaines, Family Support Services Division Director Williamson County United Way for Greater Austin – Food at Every Table Initiative Dorothy Light, Community Health Connect Director Community Member Candace Rhodes, Community Representative Subject Matter Expertise (On-Call As Needed) Small-scale retail and distribution Greater Austin Merchants Cooperative Association (GAMA) Shane Walker, COO Additional Staff Support: Tracy Ayrhart, VP of Research + Strategic Partnerships Mia Burger, Research Manager, Central Texas Food Bank CTFB | Council Development Council Development Timeline Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Clarifying Intentions Developing Charter Transitioning to Council Relationship building and establishing shared understanding and expectations Establishing charter/structure for Regional Food System Council Recruit council members and work through remaining charter needs Council Official Launch: …
Investing in Farmland Preservation & Access in Central Texas Austin-Travis Couty Food Policy Board Commissioners Andy Smith, Matt Simon, Marissa Bell Food Access & Resilience Crisis Less than 1% of food consumed in Travis County is produced locally. More demand than supply - Central Texas’ production cannot realistically meet its total demand for food. When prices rise, local food becomes inaccessible for families and small businesses COVID-19 showed our fragile supply chain Local producers were more resilient and quick to respond. Sources: 2022, City of Austin, State of the Food System Report; Central Texas Food Bank, Central TX Food System Dashboard Farmland Access Crisis 2017 Total Acres 2022 Total Acres 5 year loss 2017-2022 Decrease Years until farmland is completed developed Travis 212,782 193,523 19,259 9.10% 50 Williamson 541,344 368,663 172,681 31.90% Hays 254,999 129,788 125,211 49.10% Bastrop 321,934 247,205 74,729 23.20% Caldwell 269,665 229,140 40,525 15.00% 11 5 17 28 Region 1,600,724 1,168,319 432,405 27.00% 13.5 Source: Central Texas Food Bank, Food Systems Dashboard Now is the cheapest and easiest time to break the cycle. Ripple Effects of Losing Farmland: Food System Resilience Less local food production capacity Water & Flooding Increased runoff, reduced aquifer recharge Remaining land becomes more valuable Climate Lost carbon sinks, more emissions from development Biodiversity Habitat loss and ecosystem function decline Local Economy Fewer viable farms, lost green jobs Farmland Preservation Supports Many City Priorities and Goals City Goal Area Alignment / Impact Reference (Plan & Goal #) Food Security Climate Action Preserves agricultural lands and expands regenerative food production, building local food system capacity. Austin-Travis County Food Plan — Goal 1 Protects carbon-rich soils and supports carbon sequestration on working lands. City Strategic Plan — CH3. Austin Climate Equity Plan — Natural Systems Goal 1 (Needs Support). Farmland Protection Advances target to protect 500,000 acres of farmland in 5-county region; currently off track. Austin Climate Equity Plan — Natural Systems Goal 2 (Off-Track) Watershed Protection Regenerative farmland increases infiltration, reduces runoff, and supports aquifer recharge. City Strategic Plan — CH3.2, CH3.3.2; Watershed Protection Master Plan Biodiversity Maintains wildlife habitat and soil biodiversity Resolution 20230126-054 — UN Biodiversity Framework Targets 1 & 3 Emergency Preparedness Strengthens local food supply and reduces reliance on distant supply chains during crises. City Strategic Plan — Resilience goals CH4 Open Spaces / Parks Supports parkland use for community agriculture, nature-based education, and food-based business incubators; aligns with parkland …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2025, 6:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Nitza Cuevas CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Erin McDonald Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith AGENDA 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 from Monday, September 15, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. 3. 4. Briefing on Austin Emergency Management, Food During Emergencies and Disasters, John “Donny” Cummings, Mass Care Coordinator Travis County Office of Emergency Management, Food During Emergencies and Disasters, Eric Carter Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. 6. Follow-up from Strategic Planning Discussion Review Board Member Assignment DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. Discuss and take possible action on the recommendation: Support for investing in farmland preservation and access in Austin and Travis County Approve the 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule for the Austin-Travis County Food Policy board FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Amanda Rohlich at Office of Climate Action & Resilience, at 512-974-1364, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Austin-Travis County Food Policy …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: xxxxxxx: Support for investing in farmland preservation and access in Austin and Travis County WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressure, underscoring the critical need for agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, farmland in Central Texas is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, the opportunity to preserve a meaningful amount of farmland will disappear as development spreads and farmland is permanently converted to other uses; and WHEREAS, it is recognized by the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and demonstrated by the Carbon Cycle Institute that agricultural land managed according to regenerative principles is vital to local food security, watershed protection, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, farmland preservation supports multiple City priorities, including increasing local food production, improving water quality, wildlife habitat preservation, ecosystem biodiversity, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, and recreation; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, Goal 1 of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 of the Food Plan directs the City of Austin to pursue capital funding sources to finance the preservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the ATCFPB passed Recommendation Number: 20250310-06A: Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in March 2025 encouraging the city to increase staff capacity to work …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20251020-05: Support for investing in farmland preservation and access in Austin and Travis County WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressure, underscoring the critical need for agricultural land preservation e(cid:431)orts; and WHEREAS, farmland in Central Texas is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, the opportunity to preserve a meaningful amount of farmland will disappear as development spreads and farmland is permanently converted to other uses; and WHEREAS, it is recognized by the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact and demonstrated by the Carbon Cycle Institute that agricultural land managed according to regenerative principles is vital to local food security, watershed protection, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, farmland preservation supports multiple City priorities, including increasing local food production, improving water quality, wildlife habitat preservation, ecosystem biodiversity, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, and recreation; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, Goal 1 of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 of the Food Plan directs the City of Austin to pursue capital funding sources to finance the preservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the ATCFPB passed Recommendation Number: 20250310-06A: Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in March 2025 encouraging the city to increase sta(cid:431) capacity to …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2025, 5:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Nitza Cuevas CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Erin McDonald Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith AGENDA 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 from Monday, August 11, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss Board Member Advocacy Efforts 4. 5. Strategic Planning Discussion Review Board Member Assignment FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Amanda Rohlich at Office of Climate Action & Resilience, at 512-974-1364, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board, please contact Amanda Rohlich at Office of Climate Action & Resilience, at 512-974-1364.
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025, 6:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA 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, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Nitza Cuevas CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Erin McDonald Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith AGENDA 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 from Monday, July 14, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing on Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations, Greg McCormack, Program Manager II 3. Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Discuss Board Member Advocacy Efforts Board discussion of Strategic Planning for next fiscal year Review Board Member Assignments DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 7. 8. Discuss and take possible action on a City of Austin recommendation to support engaging in USDA-NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program to preserve farmland in Austin and Travis County Discuss and take possible action on a Travis County recommendation to support engaging in USDA-NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program to preserve farmland in Austin and Travis County FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Amanda …
1. What is your idea for a project/focus area? 2. What would be the Board’s deliverable for this project? This is the thing you would like the Board to do in 2025-2026. For example, would it look like … a resolution, research, memo, Court or Council briefing or agenda request, a presentation, etc. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ 3. What resources are needed to make this project happen? 4. How does this project relate to/support the Food Plan? This could be … people, time, money, connections, etc. *Note – this refers to the resources needed to create the Board’s deliverable (not the resources to make the big dream come true). Think about which Goals, Strategies, and/or values in the Food Plan this project aligns with/supports. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: xxxxxxx: Support for engaging in USDA-NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program to preserve farmland in Austin and Travis County WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, the opportunity to invest in preserving a meaningful amount farmland will disappear as development spreads and land is permanently converted to other uses; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, Link to the previous recommendation WHEREAS, farmland preservation supports multiple City priorities, including improving water quality, wildlife habitat preservation, ecosystem biodiversity, stormwater management, recreation, carbon sequestration, and food production. WHEREAS, the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) invests in conservation easements through regional partnerships between municipal, county, and nonprofits, and land trusts using the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). WHEREAS, The Texas …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: XXXXXX: Support for engaging in USDA-NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program to preserve farmland in Travis County WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Travis County Commissioners Court passed a Resolution of Support for the Austin-Travis County Food Plan on October 29, 2024, whose goals and strategies prioritize addressing local food security and environmental sustainability; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, Travis County has successfully managed agricultural leases on 845 acres of agricultural land through the Parks Land Stewardship Program; and WHEREAS, Travis County currently operates a Conservation Easement Program allowing landowners to preserve agricultural, natural, or cultural resources while retaining ownership of their property. This program, funded by voter-approved bond funds and supplemented by donations, has successfully preserved significant tracts of land and helps protect vital resources such as watersheds, wildlife habitats, and agricultural lands; and WHEREAS, the Conservation Easement Program has been a key tool for Travis County in its efforts to protect land from development, with more than $24.9 million approved by voters between 2011 and 2017 for the purchase of easements. The program prioritizes properties in conservation corridors and those with significant environmental or agricultural value, aligning with the broader goals of the Austin/Travis County Food …
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB August 2025 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates Food Plan Dashboard Now LIVE City Staff Report Back to Council ● City staff will provide another Memo to Council in October 2025 ● City staff will provide a summary of the Food Plan Memo to the CWEP (Climate, Water, Environment, and Parks) Council Committee in fall 2025 Implementation Collaborative ● City and County staff developed an Interlocal Agreement to support a Food Plan implementation collaborative (Strategy 9.1) ● On May 8th, City Council approved an RCA to negotiate a contract with the County. On May 13th, Travis County Commissioners Court approved the ILA with the City ● City staff released an RFP for support of an implementation collaborative. RFP will remain open through August. ● Consultant should be on-board in fall of 2025. ● Opportunity for Food Policy Board member to participate on the evaluation panel. Food Plan Implementation Convening ● First Food Plan Implementation Convening occurred on May 9th ● Food Plan webinar occured on August 7th ● Next Convening in fall of 2025. Let us know if you have suggestions on format. Food Plan - Relevant Budget Events ● City Manager presented proposed draft FY 2025/2026 budget to City Council on July 15th. ● Proposed budget for ACAR operations and staff ○ $3,301,446 ○ Includes a merging of ACAR and Urban Forestry ● City Council will vote on next year’s budget and Tax Rate Election policy on August 13th ○ Budget Engagement Public Input site ○ Austin City Council Message Board City of Austin 2026 Bond Travis County Food Plan Updates Travis County FY26 Budget Development ● Week of July 28: Preliminary budget published ● August 13-15 and 18 if needed: Potential budget hearings ● September 2-5 and 8 if needed: Budget markup ● September 30: FY26 Budget adoption Thank You! Travis County Environmental Quality: Sustainability Programs www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES August 11, 2025 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, August 11, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1407, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Joi Chevalier, Beth Corbett, Nitza Cuevas, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Natalie Poulos, Erin McDonald, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Board Members Absent: Marissa Bell, Mark Bethell Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin), Yaira Robinson (Travis County) CALL TO ORDER Chair Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Lisa Barden motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on July 14, 2025, with Board Member Andy Smith, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 11-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing on Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations, Greg McCormack, Program Manager II a. Board Members had a request to get Greg McCormack’s follow-up on how many people who are served are receiving SNAP and/or WIC 3. Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County (see back-up materials for presentation). DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discuss Board Member advocacy efforts. Beth Corbett and Andy Smith stepped away from the dais at 7:26 pm and returned to the dais at 7:29. 5. Board discussion of Strategic Planning for next fiscal year. (See back-up materials for handout) Andrea Abel stepped away from the dais at 7:31 pm. 6. Review Board Member assignments a. Board Members to let Angela Baucom know if you are interested in serving on the Implementation Collaborative RFP Evaluation Panel. b. Amanda Rohlich to share link to Request for Proposal for Implementation Collaborative c. Joi Chevalier will send Amanda Rohlich the board talking points to share out with full board. d. Staff to explore documentation of any Austin City Council and/or Travis County Commissioners Court food-related budget recommendations on Food Plan Dashboard. e. Staff to share notes and record of last year’s strategic planning efforts. f. Andy Smith to share Bond Advisory Task Force WG meeting information to Amanda Rohlich to share with full board. g. Staff to request joint meeting from OEM and HSEM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discuss and …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, JULY 14, 2025, 6:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA 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, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Beth Corbett Nitza Cuevas Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson Erin McDonald Natalie Poulos Matt Simon Andrew Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call and introduction of the new board member, Erin McDonald. 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 from Monday, June 9, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing on Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation, Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager at City of Austin and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs at Travis County DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation and discussion on Urban Programs from Travis County Extension Director, Maggie Moreno Johnson Discuss Board Member Advocacy Efforts Annual Internal Review Reminder Board discussion of Strategic Planning for next fiscal year Review Board Member Assignments DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 8. Discuss and take possible action on a request for by-law amendment to update Travis County terms limits from 2 to 4 years FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Amanda Rohlich at Office of Sustainability, at 512-974-1364, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. …
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB July 2025 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates Food Plan Dashboard Now LIVE City Staff Report Back to Council ● City staff will provide another Memo to Council in October 2025 ● City staff will provide a summary of the Food Plan Memo to the CWEP (Climate, Water, Environment, and Parks) Council Committee in fall 2025 Implementation Collaborative ● City and County staff developed an Interlocal Agreement to support a Food Plan implementation collaborative (Strategy 9.1) ● On May 8th, City Council approved an RCA to negotiate a contract with the County ● On May 13th, Travis County Commissioners Court approved the ILA with the City ● City staff are developing an RFP for support of an implementation collaborative. Will be released in mid-2025. ● Consultant should be on-board in fall of 2025. Food Plan Implementation Convening ● First Food Plan Implementation Convening occurred on May 9th ● Considering additional options for summer 2025 ● Next Convening in fall of 2025 Food Plan - Relevant Budget Events ● City Manager presents proposed draft FY 2025/2026 budget to City Council on July 15th. ● City Council will discuss budget until August ● City County will vote on next year’s budget on August 13th Travis County Food Plan Updates Travis County FY26 Budget Development ● Week of July 28: Preliminary budget published ● August 13-15 and 18 if needed: Potential budget hearings ● September 2-5 and 8 if needed: Budget markup ● September 30: FY26 Budget adoption Thank You! Travis County Environmental Quality: Sustainability Programs www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
