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 …
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES October 20, 2025 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, October 20, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Lisa Barden, Joi Chevalier, Beth Corbett, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Matt Simon, Andy Smith, Andrea Abel, Natalie Poulos, Marissa Bell Board Members Absent: Nitza Cuevas, Erin McDonald Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin), Yaira Robinson (Travis County), Johanna Arendt (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 Andrea Abel motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on September 15, 2025, with Board Member Hilda Gutierrez, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 10-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing on Food During Emergencies and Disasters, Eric Carter, Chief Emergency Management Coordinator, Travis County Office of Emergency Management. In alignment with Goal 4 of the Austin-Travis County Food Plan, Travis County works across strategic partnerships, provides coordination across agencies and areas during emergency response, and works toward resilience through ongoing preparedness efforts informed by prior event and response experiences. (see backup materials for presentation) 3. Briefing on Austin Emergency Management, Food During Emergencies and Disasters, John “Donny” Cummings, Mass Care Coordinator. The Mass Care office began in 2023. Shelter, Food and Water coordination and the Austin Resilience Network all fall under the Mass Care umbrella. a. Three activations for 2025: February cold weather sheltering, end of May microburst of severe weather, and the July floods encompass. Hot washes were completed after each, which helped identify priority areas to direct focus through end of this year. Food and Water feature heavily in those priorities. b. There will a be a process to identify contractors who can meet a need to activate to deliver more feeding options rapidly. A contract should be going out for bid in the near future. AEM has established a working group that includes city, county, and regional government and non-governmental partners to discuss sheltering needs, which will include information to feed into food and water related topics. c. The focus of the Austin Resilience Network is to create an awareness and inventory of entities involved in community resilience work. AEM has identified a little under 150 organizations in …
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.
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES September 15, 2025 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, September 15, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Lisa Barden, Marissa Bell, Joi Chevalier, Beth Corbett, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Erin McDonald, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Board Members Absent: Andrea Abel, Nitza Cuevas, Natalie Poulos Staff in Attendance: Edwin Marty (City of Austin), Amanda Rohlich (City of Austin), Angela Baucom (City of Austin), Yaira Robinson (Travis County), Johanna Arendt (Travis County) CALL TO ORDER Vice-Chair Lisa Barden called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Marissa Bell motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on July 14, 2025, with Board Member Erin McDonald, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 8-0 vote. 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. Edwin provided an update that the Request for Proposals for the Food Plan Implementation Collaborative has been closed. The evaluation panel will begin their process shortly. A memo will be submitted to City Council providing updates on food planning implementation. The 2026 bond conversation continues and the task force continues to meet monthly. Kacey Hanson approached the dais at 5:24 pm DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss Board Member advocacy efforts. 4. Board discussion of Strategic Planning for next fiscal year. (See back-up materials) 5. Review Board Member assignments a. Edwin Marty to get confirmation on whether the bond process is considering new projects b. Amanda Rohlich to send notes out see if any board members not in attendance have anything to add to the priorities 6. Kacey Hanson made a motion to add the discussion of working groups to next month’s meeting and Marissa Bell seconded the motion. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items. October – confirmed joint meeting from OEM and HSEM. Andy Smith will bring back the recommendation for the board for discussion and voting. ADJOURNMENT Lisa Barden adjourned the meeting at 8:01 pm. Minutes were approved at the October 20, 2025, full board meeting on Board Member Andrea Abel’s motion with Board Member Hilda Gutierrez seconding. Minutes passed on a 10-0 vote.
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
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20241021-xxx (XXX is the agenda item number): Recommended Changes to County Membership Terms in Bylaws WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that every voice within the city is heard and valued and that all residents have equitable representation in their local government; and WHEREAS, according to the bylaws, board members appointed by the City Council serve four- year terms, while board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court serve two-year terms, even though both City Council members and County Commissioners are elected for four-year terms; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that City Council approve a change to the Austin- Travis County Food Policy Board bylaws to increase the terms for board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court to 4 years beginning February 1 of their appointed year. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE – TRAVIS COUNTY MAGGIE JOHNSON COUNTY EXTENSION DIRECTOR WIZZIE BROWN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT MORGAN NEWTON 4-H & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OSCAR ZAMORA EXPANDED FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM (EFNEP) SONIA COYLE FAMILY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH KAYLI HIGERD AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES DAPHNE RICHARDS HORTICULTURE ENEREYDA GARZA BETTER LIVING FOR TEXANS PETER AGBOOLA (PVA&M) AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES NATHAN TUCKER (PVA&M) 4-H 4-H CAPITAL AmeriCorps Project Manager Animal Science and Natural Resources Project Manager AmeriCorps Project Coordinator Natural Resources Specialist Administration and Finance Coordinator Office Specialist
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Recommendation Number: 20250714-08: Recommended Changes to County Membership Terms in Bylaws WHEREAS, the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) was formed to serve as an advisory body to the City Council and Travis County Commissioner's Court concerning the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that every voice within the city is heard and valued and that all residents have equitable representation in their local government; and WHEREAS, according to the bylaws, board members appointed by the City Council serve four-year terms, while board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court serve two-year terms, even though both City Council members and County Commissioners are elected for four-year terms; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that City Council approve a change to the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board bylaws to increase the terms for board members appointed by the Travis County Commissioners Court to 4 years beginning February 1 of their appointed year. Date of Approval: July 14, 2025 Record of the vote: Andy Smith made a motion to submit the recommendation with Matt Simon seconding. The recommendation passed on an 8-0 vote. Vote in Favor: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Mark Bethell, Joi Chevalier, Nitza Cuevas, Erin McDonald, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Vote Against: none Abstaining: none Absent: Marissa Bell, Beth Corbett, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Natalie Poulos Attest: Austin Climate Action & Resilience, Food Policy Manager/ATCFPB Staff Liaison
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2025 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, July 14, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Mark Bethell, Joi Chevalier, Nitza Cuevas, Erin McDonald, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Board Members Absent: Marissa Bell, Beth Corbett, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Natalie Poulos 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 6:00 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Adrienne Lusk with Texas Veg Fest to learn more about the implementation of the food plan. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Mark Bethell motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on June 9, 2025, with Board Member Nitza Cuevas, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 8-0 vote. 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 (see back-up materials for presentation). DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on Urban Programs from Travis County Extension Director, Maggie Moreno Johnson (see back-up materials for presentation). 4. Discuss Board Member advocacy efforts. Board Members discussed the elected officials that they will be responsible for reaching out to with advocacy efforts and the talking points that are being drafted by Board Members Joi Chevalier. GWA has met with nine out of ten Council Members and some are less aware of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan. 5. Annual Internal Review reminder – due end of July 6. Board discussion of Strategic Planning for next fiscal year. In August we will do some preparation work for our full facilitated session in September. 7. Review Board Member assignments a. All Board Members should share any highlights or accomplishments with Joi Chevalier to include in the Annual Internal Review. b. Staff to update recommendation number and formatting (add County seal) and send to Clerk’s Office. c. All board members to review advocacy table and send any notes to Amanda Rohlich d. Andy Smith and Joi Chevalier to send out talking points. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Discuss and take possible action on a request for by-law amendment to update Travis County …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, JUNE 9, 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 CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. Nitza Cuevas Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson 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, May 12, 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. Discuss Agriculture Valuations, Ian Dill Graduate Student at UT LBJ School of Public Affairs Discuss Board Member Advocacy Efforts Annual Internal Review Reminder Board discussion of Strategic Planning for next fiscal year Review Board Member Assignments 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. For more information on the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board, please contact Amanda Rohlich at Office of Sustainability, at 512-974-1364.
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB June 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 Travis County Food Plan Updates Nothing new to report Thank You! Travis County Environmental Quality: Sustainability Programs www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
AGRICULTURAL VALUATIONS IN AUSTIN/TRAVIS COUNTY Ian Dill - COA Office of Climate Action and Resilience Background Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) creates the criteria for Agricultural Valuations based on primary use and property history. The State Comptroller releases guidelines for all Texas counties based on 1966 and 1978 Constitutional Amendments. Properties must pass 3 tests to qualify: “Principal Use” Test “Degree of Intensity” Test Time Period Test TCAD Structure TCAD has a big Board of Directors which is elected and run by a Chief Appraiser The Director appoints the Agricultural Appraisal Advisory Board, at least 2 of which are recipients of an Agricultural Exemption This has no decision-making authority over Exemptions! They advise on intensity standards Any issues with specific appraisals are handled by the Appraisal Review Board Appraisal Review Board members are private citizens appointed by TCAD Defining the Problem 3 main problems with Agricultural Valuations in Travis County: Agricultural Valuations ought to help stop the loss of Travis County Farmland. 1. Farmers in Austin/Travis County have trouble getting an exemption. 2. Not well aligned with goals in the Food Systems Plan. 3. Conspicuous properties are receiving valuations for land on or around large developments. Travis County has lost 11% of its farmland acreage and 21% of its farms since 2017. Average farm size has grown by 13% since 2017. Properties receiving a 1-d-1 exemption in the City of Austin (2023) 1-d-1 --- Open Space Agricultural Use (Dry Cropland, Pasture) 1-d-1B --- Beekeeping 1-d-1E --- Ecological Lab 1-d-1W --- Wildlife Conservation Barriers to Farmer Accesss The guidelines offer no way to measure intensity for a huge share of our crop mix! As of 2022, $14 million in crop sales out of the total $63 million are vegetables, melons, potatoes, sweet potatoes, nurseries, greenhouses, floriculture, or sod. Negotiations and challenges to appraisal process are complex and time-consuming. Food Systems Plan Alignment Stated Goals The Food Systems Plan (2024) aims for a diverse food inventory (Goal 4) and support regenerative food production (Goal 1). Assessment Process Assessors seem to take a snapshot of farms which misleads them about the intensity and farming techniques being used. Program-Wide Trends Even if only farms or conservation lands get exempted, the fact that the largest exempted properties are attached to a new factory and a racetrack indicate that the program is currently a development incentive. Recommendations - TCAD 1. Update and clarify intensity and size …
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MEETING MINUTES June 9, 2025 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, June 9, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Mark Bethell, Joi Chevalier, Nitza Cuevas, Kacey Hanson, Hilda Gutierrez, Natalie Poulos, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Board Members Absent: Marissa Bell, Beth Corbett 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 Vice-Chair Lisa Barden called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Adrianne Lusk, Texas Veg Fest – interested to hear more about the progress of plan implementation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Andy Smith motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on May 12, 2025, with Board Member Andrea Abel, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 9-0 vote pending minor edits. 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 (see back-up materials for presentation). Joi Chevalier joined the dais at 6:21 pm DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss Agriculture Valuations, Ian Dill, Graduate Student at UT LBJ School of Public Affairs (see back-up materials for presentations) 4. Discuss Board Member advocacy efforts 5. Annual Internal Review reminder – due end of July 6. Board discussion of Strategic Planning for next fiscal year 7. Review Board Member assignments a. Edwin Marty to send Ian Dill’s report on agriculture valuations b. Amanda Rohlich to update board member matrix and advocacy plan so Board Members can review and send Amanda relevant updates c. Amanda Rohlich to send reminders to Board Members to submit any relevant meetings for getting those added to the meeting d. Amanda Rohlich to send out for with rank choice of recommendations for Board Members to determine priority e. Joi Chevalier and Andy Smith to coordinate on talking points f. Amanda Rohlich to send sample Annual Internal Review to Board Members for inspiration and then Board Members to send items to include in report g. Amanda Rohlich to send Board Members rank choice survey for future agenda items prioritization h. Send email out to all Board Members to see who is available for the July meeting i. …
REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, MAY 12, 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 CALL TO ORDER Board member roll call. Nitza Cuevas Hilda Gutierrez Kacey Hanson 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, April 14, 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 3. Briefing on Integrated Bond Task Force, Edwin Marty DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discuss Austin/Travis County Food Plan qualitative research coding as compared to AI coding, Natalie Poulos DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Report out from the April 23rd Joint Sustainability Committee Meeting, Marissa Bell. Review Board Member Assignments. 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. For more information on the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board, please contact Amanda Rohlich at Office of Sustainability, at 512-974-1364.
Austin-Travis County Food Plan ATCFPB May 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 are developing 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 will vote on negotiating a contract with the City ● Once both the City and County have approval to negotiate a contract, we will negotiate a contract ● RFP for support of an implementation collaborative will be released in mid-2025 Food Plan Implementation Convening ● First Food Plan Implementation Convening occurred on May 9th ● Next Convening in fall of 2025 Travis County Food Plan Updates Travis County Parks Comprehensive Planning More community engagement opportunities open now - please participate! ● Second round of community engagement started April 12th and ends May 19th ● Public Workshops coming soon: ○ April 29th 12:00-1:00 p.m. ○ April 30th 6:00-7:00 p.m. ● https://outdoorengage.mysocialpinpoint.com/travis Communicating with Court Members Board Members appointed by Travis County Commissioners Court: It’s always a good time to communicate with the Court member (and/or their staff) who appointed you! ● Have final versions of Board-approved letters been shared with Court members? ● Please let me know how I can support you. Thank You! Travis County Environmental Quality: Sustainability Programs www.austintexas.gov/food /austinsustainability
Capital Delivery Services Public Improvement Bond Program Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Update Marcus Hammer, Assistant Director Capital Delivery Services May 12, 2025 “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 AGENDA • CDS Overview • What is a General Obligation Bond Program? • Improved Bond Development Process • Staff Work Completed to Date • Guiding Principles, Technical Criteria, & Scoring Matrices • Progress to Date & Upcoming Milestones “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 2 Created in 2023 with the goal of reducing project delivery time Who we are • Engineers • Architects • Project managers • Community Engagement Our partners • Consultants • Contracting teams • City asset owners • Community members • Mayor & Council Role in 2026 Bond Program One City – One Team – One Approach to effectively and efficiently deliver quality public projects. • Convene asset owner departments to develop needs assessment • Guide the process to ensure projects are vetted and scopes/schedules/budgets are accurate and realistic • Coordinate projects across departments to achieve mutual benefits What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Typical Bond Projects: • Flood and Erosion Control Improvements • New or Replacement City Facilities • Rehabilitation of Existing Facilities • Housing Infrastructure/Housing Projects • Street and Thoroughfare Improvements o Sidewalks o Traffic Signals • Park and Recreation Facilities • Public Safety Facilities (Fire/EMS/Police) • Land Purchase 4 What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Types of work NOT included: • Routine operations and maintenance activities o Potholes o Minor street repair o Landscaping maintenance o General building maintenance Improvements for short term leased space • • Code enforcement initiatives • Employee salaries (including police & fire) • AE/AW Capital Projects typically funded by using debt are funded via AE and AW revenue bonds, not General Obligation debt and thus are not for the 2026 GO Bond Program City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach to Capital Delivery 5 Improved Bond Delivery Process for 2026 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Council calls for Bond Election (Aug) Bond Election (Nov) BEATF Meetings, Council, and Public Engagement HOW WE’VE DONE BONDS IN THE PAST: Project Proposals RFP’s/RFQ’s Project Planning to develop scope, schedule, budget Design Construction WHAT WE’RE DOING NOW: Needs Assessment and Project …
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & THE AUSTIN/TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD PLAN 1. Describing the community engagement 2. Comparing AI-Assisted Coding and Traditional Qualitative Analysis NATALIE POULOS, PHD, RD, LD Assistant Professor, The University of Texas at Austin Why this study? • Qualitative researcher • Engaged in community food systems • Food Access Issue Area Working Group Research Aims: 1. Identify key food system concerns as described by community members 2. Compare AI-assisted qualitative coding and traditional content analysis Community Engagement Data • Public events included: – Community events – City-organized events – Online surveys • Two questions 1. What are your hopes & dreams for the Austin/Travis County food system? 2. What are your challenges & concerns with the Austin/Travis County food system? • 2,820 unique responses were documented – – 43 community events 27 zip codes Method & Analysis Comparison AI-Based Analysis Traditional Qualitative Analysis • • Public health practitioner based in local government GPT-4 + GPT for Sheets – Map comments to preidentified codes (issue areas) • • Define terms Set confidence – Asked AI to identify ‘themes’ (generative) based on community comments • • • “Analyze the following comments and provide me with the top themes related to food” Refined themes to 12 themes Expert review and discussion (3 themes added) – Map comments to ‘themes’ • GPT_MAP(Search_keys, Data, Confidence level, Top Results) • • • • Trained research team of at least two on reflexive content analysis Creation of codebook using preidentified content areas Testing reliability – Add in additional codes to highlight comments that did not fit original codes Manual coding – Issue areas + reflexive content codes Issue Area Code Comparison Food System Code Definition of Code1 Example of Key Terms2 • Direct comparison Markets & Retail of methods • Issue area codes Processing & Distribution How food is sold and purchased. What happens to food from where it is grown to when it reaches your plate, including how food is moved and processed. • Definitions and key terms based on City of Austin State of Food System Report (2022) Access & Consumption How we eat our food who struggles to get enough food, and what impact our consumption has on our health Food Production Where our food comes from, including everything from farming to ranching to backyard gardening Grocery Stores, Bodegas, Farmers Markets, Food Jobs, restaurants, Food Apps, Workers Rights, Selling Food Food Processing Facilities, Food …
Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board MINUTES MEETING May 12, 2025 The Austin/Travis County Food Policy Board (ATCFPB) convened on Monday, May 12, at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Room 1406, Austin, TX 78752. Board Members in Attendance: Andrea Abel, Lisa Barden, Marissa Bell, Joi Chevalier, Beth Corbett, Hilda Gutierrez, Kacey Hanson, Natalie Poulos, Matt Simon, Andy Smith Board Members Absent: Mark Bethell, Nitza Cuevas 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 6:01 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Board Member Andy Smith motioned to approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Meeting on April 14, 2025, with Board Member Marissa Bell, seconding the motion. Minutes passed on an 10-0 vote with a friendly amendment to update Kacey Hanson’s attendance. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing on Integrated Bond Task Force, Marcus Hammer (see back-up materials for presentation) 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 Austin/Travis County Food Plan qualitative research coding as compared to AI coding, Natalie Poulos (see back-up materials for presentation). Beth Corbett left the dais at 7:08 pm DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Report out from the April 23rd Joint Sustainability Committee Meeting, Marissa Bell. a. Received a presentation from the Integrated Bond Task Force and heard from OCAR b. Transportation and Public Works Department on Cap and Stitch. 6. Review Board Member Assignments. a. Staff to share Speak Up Austin engagement for Integrated Bond Development once live b. Staff to share Bond Election Advisory Task Force meeting information - webpage c. Staff to share follow-up email from May 9th Food Plan Implementation Collaborative convening d. Edwin Marty to share the CDFA Food System tools e. Edwin Marty to reach out to Maggie Johnson from AgriLife Extension to coordinate a presentation to the board at an upcoming meeting f. Staff to send Board member matrix and council members assigned for advocacy FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion and scheduling of future agenda items: Agricultural Exemption Briefing presentation in June ADJOURNMENT Chair Joi Chevalier adjourned the meeting at 7:36 pm. Minutes were approved at the June …
