- REGULAR MEETING OF THE AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026, AT 5:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINO DELCO DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Amanda Rohlich, (512) 974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MEMBERS: Joi Chevalier, Chair Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Andrea Abel Marissa Bell Beth Corbett Nitza Cuevas Kacey Hanson Seanna Marceaux Melody McClary Erin McDonald Natalie Poulos Andrew Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board Member roll call and introduction of new and existing board members. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Special Called Meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Austin-Travis County Food Plan Implementation. Presentation by Edwin Marty, Food Policy Manager, Austin Climate Action & Resilience and Yaira Robinson, Assistant Director of Environmental Programs, Travis County. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Presentation and discussion regarding Agricultural Evaluations, Nickolas Fritz, Land & Special Valuation Manager, Travis County Appraisal District. Report from Joint Sustainability Committee on March 25, 2026. Presentation and discussion regarding the working group to expand access to nutritious foods through improvement to existing materials and resources and explore alternate or expanded hours for existing resources. Presentation and discussion regarding the working group to participate in the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) application for funding for conservation easements as a regional partnership. Presentation and discussion regarding the working group to explore revenue generators such as sugar sweetened beverage tax, a surplus food donation requirement for events, and/or a percent conservation fund from all land purchases or new developments. Review Board Member Assignments. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Discuss and take possible action on the Joint Sustainability Committee liaison appointment. Discuss …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: XXXXXXXX-XXX: Supporting Food Plan Implementation through Urban Agriculture Coordination and Festival Beach Restoration WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest is a volunteer-led permaculture food forest developed in partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department beginning in 2014, sponsored by 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Fruitful Commons; and WHEREAS, in 2021 the Austin City Council approved expansion of the Festival Beach Food Forest to approximately three acres to support community food production, ecological restoration, and climate resilience on public parkland; and WHEREAS, a wastewater pipeline relocation associated with the Texas Department of Transportation Interstate 35 Capital Express Project has impacted the approved Phase 2 expansion area of the Festival Beach Food Forest, resulting in the removal of 92 trees and shrubs and the loss of approximately $550,000 in public and community investment, including $375,000 in volunteer labor; and WHEREAS, despite quarterly coordination meetings over 18 months, community stewards were notified of the wastewater pipeline relocation only two weeks before construction was scheduled to begin, highlighting gaps in communication and coordination between City departments, infrastructure projects, and community partners stewarding food-producing landscapes on public land; and WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent Festival Beach Community Garden are also expected to be impacted by a proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation associated with the Interstate 35 Capital Express Project, for which Austin Energy has agreed to provide $2,414,240 in parkland mitigation funding for permanent use of parkland, pending approval by the Austin City Council on April 23, 2026; and WHEREAS, the combined impacts of the wastewater pipeline relocation and the proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation represent cumulative disruptions to the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent community food production spaces, compounding the loss of established plantings, volunteer investment, and community use of public land; and WHEREAS, community-scale food production projects such as the Festival Beach Food Forest advance goals of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan by increasing local food production, climate resilience, and community stewardship of public land; and WHEREAS, in 2025 the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board adopted Recommendation 20250210-003 urging the City to establish an interdepartmental coordination mechanism, including a dedicated staff role, to support urban agriculture and implementation of the Food Plan across departments; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate and Resilience Office previously proposed a budget enhancement to create an Urban Agriculture Program Manager position to coordinate Food …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: XXXXXXXX-XXX: Support for Del Valle Food Co-Op Rezoning and Fee Relief WHEREAS, the Austin‑Travis County Food Plan, adopted by Austin City Council in October 2024, calls for expanding access to nutritious and affordable food for all residents, prioritizes community‑led solutions, and emphasizes strengthening food markets and retail outlets in underserved areas; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co‑Op is a community‑driven initiative launched in 2023 to establish a neighborhood grocery store in East Austin — a location with limited retail access to healthy foods — with the goal of improving food accessibility, reducing transportation barriers, and providing a walkable, community‑centered food retail option; and WHEREAS, the project received a $500,000 allocation from the City of Austin through the American Rescue Plan Act, representing a public investment in equitable food access and local economic development; and WHEREAS, the co‑op has been developed through strong, ongoing collaboration with community partners including Go Austin Vamos Austin (GAVA) and Austin Cooperative Business Association (ACBA), with community organizing and outreach central to designing a store that reflects local needs, priorities, and lived experience; and WHEREAS, Phase I activities have been completed, including business planning, creating a market study, cooperative incorporation, governance development, and hiring operational leadership, demonstrating readiness for next-phase site planning and implementation; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co‑Op has established over 40 paid member‑owners and has secured additional membership pledges, reflecting sustained local support and community engagement; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co-Op has identified a development site at 5807 Ross Road to serve East Austin residents; and WHEREAS, the selected site is within an area identified in a 2023 market feasibility study as having strong potential to support a neighborhood grocery store; and WHEREAS, the selected site also meets key feasibility criteria, including access to utilities, location outside of the floodplain, proximity to public transportation, and accessibility to surrounding neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the site must be rezoned from SF-6 (Townhouse & Condominium Residence) to LR (Neighborhood Commercial) or an equivalent commercial designation that permits a neighborhood- scale grocery store to proceed; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co-Op has secured site control through a lease agreement with the property owner, including authorization to pursue rezoning and an option to purchase the property; and WHEREAS, the standard rezoning process is estimated to cost $10,000 or more, including application fees, planning or legal …
Nickolas Fritz, Land & Special Valuation Manager To qualify for agricultural evaluation, a property must show: • Agricultural use for 5 of the preceding 7 years • Agriculture is the land's primary use • Degree of intensity generally accepted in the area • Current intensity guidelines are generally designed around larger traditional operations. However, the law does not allow TCAD to deny a qualifying use solely on the basis of acreage. A small, intensive commercial operation that meets the degree-of-intensity test can qualify, regardless of size. • Commercial intent — production for sale, not hobby or personal use Application deadline: April 30 annually (Form 50-129) Land Inside Austin City Limits • Standard 5-of-7 year history becomes a continuous 5-year requirement — no gaps allowed • One missed year inside city limits can break the qualification, whereas it would not outside the city limits • Alternate path: land that does not receive city services comparable to surrounding properties may qualify. This is rarely applicable in Austin proper. • Consistency of documented use is critical — off-season gaps in visible activity matter more inside city limits Both mixed produce and cover cropping are recognized agricultural activities under Texas Tax Code §23.51. Mixed Produce Farms • Qualifies under irrigated or dry cropland categories • Must demonstrate commercial sales — receipts, Schedule F, and buyer documentation are key Both mixed produce and cover cropping are recognized agricultural activities under Texas Tax Code §23.51. Cover Cropping • Explicitly listed as a qualifying activity in Tax Code §23.51 when part of a normal commercial crop rotation • Cannot stand alone as the primary qualifying use — must support an active commercial operation TCAD currently has no formal mixed produce intensity classification — but the legal framework fully supports creating one. • The Chief Appraiser has full statutory authority to establish intensity standards for any agricultural use type. • The Comptroller's framework explicitly supports small intensive operations and does not allow acreage alone to be disqualifying. • TCAD has discussed a mixed produce class for several years — limited demand has slowed formal development. • Engagement from Austin's food community is exactly the kind of input that moves this forward through the Ag Advisory Board. A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement — permanently recorded in the deed — that restricts development or commercial use of land for conservation purposes. It is governed in Texas by …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number20260413-011: Supporting Food Plan Implementation through Urban Agriculture Coordination and Festival Beach Restoration WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest is a volunteer-led permaculture food forest developed in partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department beginning in 2014, sponsored by 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Fruitful Commons; and WHEREAS, in 2021 the Austin City Council approved expansion of the Festival Beach Food Forest to approximately three acres to support community food production, ecological restoration, and climate resilience on public parkland; and WHEREAS, a wastewater pipeline relocation associated with the Texas Department of Transportation Interstate 35 Capital Express Project has impacted the approved Phase 2 expansion area of the Festival Beach Food Forest, resulting in the removal of 92 trees and shrubs and the loss of approximately $550,000 in public and community investment, including $375,000 in volunteer labor; and WHEREAS, despite quarterly coordination meetings over 18 months, community stewards were notified of the wastewater pipeline relocation only two weeks before construction was scheduled to begin, highlighting gaps in communication and coordination between City departments, infrastructure projects, and community partners stewarding food-producing landscapes on public land; and WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent Festival Beach Community Garden are also expected to be impacted by a proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation associated with the Interstate 35 Capital Express Project, for which Austin Energy has agreed to provide $2,414,240 in parkland mitigation funding for permanent use of parkland, pending approval by the Austin City Council on April 23, 2026; and WHEREAS, the combined impacts of the wastewater pipeline relocation and the proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation represent cumulative disruptions to the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent community food production spaces, compounding the loss of established plantings, volunteer investment, and community use of public land; and WHEREAS, community-scale food production projects such as the Festival Beach Food Forest advance key goals of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, including expanding access to land for community-based food production (Goal 1), increasing equitable access to nutritious and culturally relevant food (Goal 6), and strengthening community leadership, participation, and decision-making in the food system (Goal 9); and WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board has consistently advanced this priority, adopting Recommendations 20240318-007 in 2024 and 20250210-003 in 2025, both of which urge the City to establish an interdepartmental coordination mechanism, including a dedicated staff role, to support …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20260414-012: Support for Del Valle Food Co-Op Rezoning and Fee Relief WHEREAS, the Austin‑Travis County Food Plan, adopted by Austin City Council in October 2024, calls for expanding access to nutritious and affordable food for all residents (Goal 6), prioritizes community‑led solutions, and emphasizes strengthening food markets and retail outlets in underserved areas; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co‑Op is a community‑driven initiative launched in 2023 to establish a neighborhood grocery store in East Austin — a location with limited retail access to healthy foods — with the goal of improving food accessibility, reducing transportation barriers, and providing a walkable, community‑centered food retail option; and WHEREAS, the project received a $500,000 allocation from the City of Austin through the American Rescue Plan Act, representing a public investment in equitable food access and local economic development; and WHEREAS, the co‑op has been developed through strong, ongoing collaboration with community partners including Go Austin Vamos Austin (GAVA) and Austin Cooperative Business Association (ACBA), with community organizing and outreach central to designing a store that reflects local needs, priorities, and lived experience; and WHEREAS, Phase I activities have been completed, including business planning, creating a market study, cooperative incorporation, governance development, and hiring operational leadership, demonstrating readiness for next-phase site planning and implementation; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co‑Op has established over 40 paid member‑owners and has secured additional membership pledges, reflecting sustained local support and community engagement; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co-Op has identified a development site at 5807 Ross Road to serve East Austin residents; and WHEREAS, the selected site is within an area identified in a 2023 market feasibility study as having strong potential to support a neighborhood grocery store; and WHEREAS, the selected site also meets key feasibility criteria, including access to utilities, location outside of the floodplain, proximity to public transportation, and accessibility to surrounding neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Cooperative Property is currently zoned townhouse and condominium residence (SF-6) district, a zoning designation which does not allow the use of this property as a grocery store; and WHEREAS, the Del Valle Food Co-Op has secured site control through a lease agreement with the property owner, including authorization to pursue rezoning and an option to purchase the property; and WHEREAS, the standard rezoning process is estimated to cost $10,000 or more, including …
April 13, 2026 Food Policy Board Presentation Founded 2019MissionWe support neighborhood leaders and organizations to grow food,strengthen communities, and foster stewardship of the natural commonsVisionEvery neighborhood has green spaces that reconnect people to food,nature, and each other AUSTIN TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD PLAN Fruitful Commons supports Food Plan Strategies: Currently engaged as “Network Weaver” for Food Plan Implemenation Collaborative Expand access to nutritious andculturally relevant food in fooddistribution programs and foodretail locations for residents ofAustin-Travis County experiencingfood insecurity or facing barriers tofood access...GOAL 6: ACCESSExpand community food production,preserve agricultural lands, andincrease the amount of farmlanddedicated to regenerative foodproduction long-term in Austin-Travis County.GOAL 1: LANDDevelop community education,empowerment, and infrastructure tosupport effective implementation ofthe food plan as measured byincreased funding, data collection,partnerships, and communityparticipation in a local food systemnetwork.GOAL 9: EMPOWER FISCALLY SPONSORED PROJECTS Onion Creek Park Neighborhoods Alliance Memorial Garden Orchard Project TREE CARE MINI GRANT PROJECTS UT Microfarm WorkdayInstalling IrrigationSDF Garden Tree PlantingSt. John OrchardExpandedLabyrinth CommunityGardenPEASEl Buen SamaritanoCenter for MaximumPotential BuildingSystems Food ForestAlamo CommunityGardenKealing Middle SchoolAustin DiscoverySchoolSalvation ArmyFestival BeachCommunity GardenFestival BeachFood Forest 2025 MINI GRANT RECIPIENTS Fifth Annual Cohort of Urban Canopy Champions! Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort will be open July 15-August 31. Festival Beach Community GardenFestival Beach Food ForestFriends of Grand MeadowIslamic Center of Greater AustinJollyville ElementaryKalpulli Texas QuetzalcoatlOdom ElementaryOnion Creek Park Neighborhoods AlliancePartners for Education Agriculture andSustainability (PEAS)Rebuilding Broken CommunitiesThe Salvation Army AustinUrban Roots Festival Beach Food forest FESTIVAL BEACH FOOD FOREST FBFF expanded from 3/4 acre to 3 acres in 2022-2024 and will continue to grow in 2026 TXDOT CAPITAL EXPRESS PROJECT FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SURVEY “Festival Beach Community Garden and Festival Beach Food Forest onWaller Street, between Clermont and Flores Streets, were added as Section4(f) resources for constructive use analysis, as they would be directlyacross from temporary construction staging areas. No direct impactswould occur at these Edward Rendon Sr. Metro Park facilities.“ WASTEWATER PIPELINE UTILITY RELOCATION Approved by Parks Board, Nov. 2024 - Board was misinformed that pipeline “would not” directly impact food forest; no public comments given Approved by Austin City Council, Jan. 2025; no public comments given First notification to FBFF & Fruitful Commons - January 6, 2026 - via Rifeline, TxDOT Community Liaison contractors Estimated $550K loss, including city-funded plantings & $375K in-kind community labor COMMUNITY RAPID RESPONSE COMMUNICATION AT AUSTIN CITY COUNCIL, BOARD & COMMISSION MEETINGS: Water & Wastewater Commission - 1/14/26 Parks & Recreation Board - 2/2/26, 2/23/26, 3/23/36 Environmental Commission …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: XXXXXXXX-XXX: Supporting Food Plan Implementation through Urban Agriculture Coordination and Festival Beach Restoration WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest is a volunteer-led permaculture food forest developed in partnership with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department beginning in 2014, sponsored by 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Fruitful Commons; and WHEREAS, in 2021 the Austin City Council approved expansion of the Festival Beach Food Forest to approximately three acres to support community food production, ecological restoration, and climate resilience on public parkland; and WHEREAS, a wastewater pipeline relocation associated with the Texas Department of Transportation Interstate 35 Capital Express Project has impacted the approved Phase 2 expansion area of the Festival Beach Food Forest, resulting in the removal of 92 trees and shrubs and the loss of approximately $550,000 in public and community investment, including $375,000 in volunteer labor; and WHEREAS, despite quarterly coordination meetings over 18 months, community stewards were notified of the wastewater pipeline relocation only two weeks before construction was scheduled to begin, highlighting gaps in communication and coordination between City departments, infrastructure projects, and community partners stewarding food-producing landscapes on public land; and WHEREAS, the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent Festival Beach Community Garden are also expected to be impacted by a proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation associated with the Interstate 35 Capital Express Project, for which Austin Energy has agreed to provide $2,414,240 in parkland mitigation funding for permanent use of parkland, pending approval by the Austin City Council on April 23, 2026; and WHEREAS, the combined impacts of the wastewater pipeline relocation and the proposed Austin Energy transmission line relocation represent cumulative disruptions to the Festival Beach Food Forest and adjacent community food production spaces, compounding the loss of established plantings, volunteer investment, and community use of public land; and WHEREAS, community-scale food production projects such as the Festival Beach Food Forest advance goals of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan by increasing local food production, climate resilience, and community stewardship of public land; and WHEREAS, in 2025 the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board adopted Recommendation 20250210-003 urging the City to establish an interdepartmental coordination mechanism, including a dedicated staff role, to support urban agriculture and implementation of the Food Plan across departments; and WHEREAS, the Austin Climate and Resilience Office previously proposed a budget enhancement to create an Urban Agriculture Program Manager position to coordinate Food …
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB April 2026 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates City Staff Updates ● City staff will provide City Council with a Memo in April 2026 ● City staff have started updating the Food Plan Dashboard, to be completed April 2026 ● Travis County Commissioners Court proclamation about the Milan Pact Award tentatively scheduled for April 28th ● Funding from the MUFPP Award will be released via a RFA in fall 2026 Food Plan Implementation Convening ● The Implementation Collaborative is being led by WNT ● Public launch for the Collaborative is scheduled for June 2026 ○ Action: ■ Take the Survey and get on the listserve ■ Consider how the Collaboratives priorities could relate to the Food Policy Board’s Working Groups City of Austin 2026 Bond ● Results from Phase 3 Community Engagement: ○ Housing and transportation remain top priorities. ○ ○ ○ ■ Across all engagement methods, these categories emerged as the most consistent and widely supported, with additional support for quality-of-life investments such as parks, recreation, and community facilities. Community members support bond outcomes, with concerns about cost and implementation. ■ While most respondents indicate support for the bond and its potential benefits, there are notable concerns regarding overall financial impact and the City’s ability to deliver projects effectively. Preference for improving existing infrastructure. ■ Respondents consistently favor reinvestment in existing facilities and systems over new construction, particularly for core services. Different engagement methods surface different types of input. ■ Survey and voting activities highlight broad priorities, while written comments emphasize areas of concern, including transparency, process, and alignment with community needs. City of Austin 2026 Bond - Summary City of Austin 2026 Bond - Next Steps ● March – April 2026: Working Groups present and discuss initial recommendations with full BEATF ● May 4, 2026: BEATF finalizes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council ● May 8, 2026: City staff provides recommendations, integrating feasibility and funding considerations ● May 19, 2026: City Council work session to discuss proposed bond package ● August 6, 2026: City Council Meeting – consideration of an ordinance to call for a bond election and set ballot language ● November 3, 2026: Bond election Travis County Food Plan Updates (No updates) Thank You! www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
- SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026, AT 5:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINO DELCO DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Amanda Rohlich, (512) 974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MEMBERS: Joi Chevalier, Chair Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Andrea Abel Marissa Bell Beth Corbett Nitza Cuevas Kacey Hanson Seanna Marceaux Erin McDonald Natalie Poulos Andrew Smith AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Board Member roll call and introduction of new and existing board members. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding Women, Infant, and Children Program. Presentation by Clare Shellooe, Austin Public Health. 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 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Presentation and discussion regarding the Food Plan Implementation Collaborative, Kelly Nichols, Woollard Nichols & Torres. Report out from Joint Sustainability Committee on February 25, 2026. Presentation and discussion regarding the working group to expand access to nutritious foods through improvement to existing materials and resources and explore alternate or expanded hours for existing resources. Presentation and discussion regarding the working group to participate in the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) application for funding for conservation easements as a regional partnership. Presentation and discussion regarding the working group to explore revenue generators such as sugar sweetened beverage tax, a surplus food donation requirement for events, and/or a percent conservation fund from all land purchases or new developments. Review Board Member Assignments. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Discuss and take possible action …
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB March 2026 – Staff Update City of Austin Food Plan Updates Milan Urban Food Policy Pact North American Regional Gathering City of Austin ACAR co-hosted the first ever North and Central American gathering in March 2026. City also hosted the inaugural convening of the Urban Agriculture Directors Alliance (UADA) Milan Urban Food Policy Pact North American Regional Gathering 40 cities from Canada, US, Mexico, Hondurus Reception dinner in partnership with Urban Roots and Good Work Austin, featuring City and County officials at Vuka Forum with panels, presentations, and workshops on best practices and challenges at Barr Mansion Keynote from Dr Patel and Dr Reese Output: Development of a Regional Roadmap Urban Agriculture Directors Alliance 25 US cities Convening took place st Zilker Botanical Gardens, with support from the Vermont Law School Output: Landscape Analysis of municipal work on urban ag City Staff Updates ● City staff provided another Memo to Council in November 2025 ● City staff will provide a next Memo in April 2026 ● City staff working to update the Food Plan Dashboard, to be completed in April 2026 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 ● Funding from the MUFPP Award will be released via a RFA in fall 2026 City of Austin 2026 Bond Travis County Food Plan Updates General Updates 1. Update on County appointments and terms 2. Forecast for FY27 budget Thank You! www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
Q1 Update: Austin/Travis County Food Plan Implementation Collaborative Food Policy Board Meeting March 23rd, 2026 Overview 1. Background and Year 1 Goals 2. First Quarter Update • Actions taken so far • Proposed Liaison roles for the City, Travis County, and Food Policy Board • Requests for support from the City 3. Questions for the Food Policy Board Our Role The WNT team will serve as backbone support We will: • Design and facilitate inclusive processes • Support governance and structure development • Coordinate outreach, meetings, and reporting • Steward alignment with Food Plan goals and values We do not make decisions for the Collaborative - we support the Collaborative in making them. Our Team • WNT (Kelly Nichols, Kelley Abell, & Andrea Torres) • Blue Sky Partners (Matt Glazer & Audrey Sherman) • Dwyer Consulting (JC Dwyer) • Network Weavers • Black Lives Veggies the Nonprofit (Larry Franklin) • Cygnus Advisory Group (Joi Chevalier) • Joshua Collier • Good Work Austin (Nitza Cuevas and Kara Hanaoka) • Fruitful Commons (Angie Holliday) Year 1 Goals (At a Glance) Three core goals for Year 1: (1) Launch inclusive governance and leadership (2) Engage a broad, representative food system network (3) Establish clear ways of working and accountability Year 1 Goal #1: Governance Build a Collaborative people trust: • Establish an interim structure to operate quickly • Co-create a Collaborative Charter • Define leadership roles, participation tiers, and decision-making • Ensure power-sharing and equity guardrails Year 1 Goal #2: Engagement Bring the full food system to the table • Targeted outreach across all food system sectors • Network Weavers as trusted connectors • Meeting people where they are • Multiple ways to participate (deep + light touch) Year 1 Goal #3: Credibility & Alignment Build confidence with partners and the public • Regular check-ins with City, County, and Food Policy Board • Clear documentation and transparent communication • Early wins that demonstrate momentum and value Actions Taken So Far 1. Governance • Obtained federal EIN # for the Collaborative 2. Engagement • Informal Stakeholder conversations • Hosted Community Orientation Session 2/24 • Initiated signup form for Network updates • Convened Network Weavers to develop a food system stakeholder map and designate target networks 3. Credibility & Alignment • Convened Subcontractor Team and Established Year 1 Work Plan; monthly check-in meetings with City/County • Confirmed performance measures + reporting Next Up: Targeted Outreach …
AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 23, 2026 AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026 The Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, March 23, 2026 at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Joi Chevalier - Chair, Lisa Barden - Vice-Chair, Andrea Abel, Marissa Bell, Beth Corbett, Seanna Marceaux, Natalie Poulos, Andrew Smith Board Members Absent: Nitza Cuevas, Erin McDonald Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin), Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin), Yaira Robinson (Travis County) CALL TO ORDER Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Andy Smith motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on February 9, 2026, with Andrea Abel seconding the motion. Minutes passed on a 8-0. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding Women, Infant, and Children Program. Presentation by Clare Shellooe, Austin Public Health. - TABLED Staff briefing 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 (see back-up materials for presentation). DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Presentation and discussion regarding the Food Plan Implementation Collaborative, Kelly Nichols, Woollard Nichols & Torres (see back-up materials for presentation). Report out from Joint Sustainability Committee on February 25, 2026. Andy Smith was unable to attend the meeting and is looking for a liaison replacement. AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MEETING MINUTES MARCH 23, 2026 6. 7. 8. 9. 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. Natalie Poulos reported out. The group has been meeting every other week to discuss different strategies to improve access. They are also identifying existing strategies to create a landscape assessment to ensure we are leveraging what already exists. 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. Andy Smith reported out. The group met on March 23rd to discuss groups that are interested in participating and which organization may serve as the hub to structure this work. They …
- 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
AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2026 AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026 The Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Joi Chevalier - Chair, Lisa Barden - Vice-Chair, Andrea Abel, Marissa Bell, Beth Corbett, Nitza Cuevas, Seanna Marceaux, Natalie Poulos, Matt Simon, Andrew Smith Board Members Absent: Erin McDonald Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin), Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin), Yaira Robinson (Travis County) CALL TO ORDER Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Kelly Nichols – Woolard Nichols Torres will be serving as the new lead for Food Plan Implementation. She shared two calls to action: 1) Register for the orientation session via Zoom on February 24th at noon; 2) Share events that are happening in March in April where WNT can connect to marginalized populations that may want to hear more about the Food Plan. Jodi Lane – Provided update on activity at Festival Beach Food Forest and asked the board for the following support: • That the Food Policy Board formally supports the City directing TxDOT mitigation funds passed to Parks and Recreation to be reinvested into Festival Beach Food Forest, including reimbursement for documented damages, so volunteers are not left carrying the cost of this failure. (Letter of support template to come soon) • That the board reactivate and elevate Recommendation 20250210-003 with the City Manager and Council, as well as City Department Directors because without real interdepartmental coordination, community-led food infrastructure will keep being harmed even when it is City-approved and grant-funded. • That an item be added to the next meeting agenda that allows for more discussion and collaboration on the above requests. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Lisa Barden motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on January 12, 2026, with Andrea Abel seconding the motion. Minutes passed on a 10-0. AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 2026 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Del Valle Food Co-op. Presentation by Donald Jackson, Austin Economic Development (see back-up materials for presentation). Question from Andrea Abel about pricing and ability of the store to accept SNAP/WIC. …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 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, November 17, 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Report out from Joint Sustainability Committee on November 19, 2025. Discuss the Regional Food System Council Local Collaborative Coalition and opportunities to participate. 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 a sugar sweetened beverage tax, a surplus food donation requirement for events, and/or a percent conservation fund from all land purchases or new developments. Review Board Member Assignments. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Discuss and take possible action on the Joint Sustainability Committee liaison appointment. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 10. Presentation from Austin Economic Development on Del Valle …
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB January 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. We will be sharing more about how the Food Policy Board can be involved with this exciting event. City Staff Report Back to Council Regarding the Food Plan ● City staff provided another Memo to Council in November 2025 ● City staff will provide a next Memo 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 lead by WNT Food Plan - Relevant Budget Events ● The City has revised the FY26 budget (base & amendments) that was approved by Council in September. ● Austin Public Health had to cut existing social service contracts across the board by 10%. City of Austin 2026 Bond Travis County Food Plan Updates Navigating Processes + Update to Commissioners Court ● All six 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 ● Working toward a Food Plan implementation update for Commissioners Court Thank You! www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
Austin Public Health WIC:Recent Participation Trends Our Concerns: Downward trends are expected from October from December, due to theholidays. Clinics have reduced hours and clients may travel for theholidays and miss appointments.2025, however, the loss of participants was more than double the typicaldecrease we usually see.We are unsure of the root cause. We are continuing to post on socialmedia, sending reminder text messages for redemption, and following upwith community partner referrals3 Ensuring all categorically eligible citizens are being referred to WIC to screen for program eligibility Call to Action:
AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 12, 2026 AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026 The Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, January 12, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: 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 Board Members Absent: None Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin - remote), Angela Baucom (City of Austin), Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin), Yaira Robinson (Travis County) CALL TO ORDER Joi Chevalier called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Kelly Nichols – APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Andy Smith motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on November 17, 2025, with Marissa Bell seconding the motion. Minutes passed on a 13-0. 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 (see back-up materials for presentation). DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Report out from Joint Sustainability Committee on November 19, 2025. Presented recommendation to support farmland acquisition and preservation to the JSC and it was approved with one minor clarification of language. There were other presentations and discussion regarding solar on City facilities, Commercial Landscape Survey, and Austin Resource Recovery Fleet Electrification. AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 12, 2026 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Discuss the Regional Food System Council Local Collaborative Coalition and opportunities to participate. 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. Meeting on Friday to determine meeting cadence and SPOC to serve in Hilda’s absence. 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. Took presentation to Bond Election Advisory Task Force working group for potential inclusion in bond election. They wanted to know details about implementation. Report out from the working group to explore revenue generators such a sugar sweetened beverage tax, a surplus food donation requirement for events, …
