Item 8: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

Backup

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20260211-008: Improve Transit Safety and Equity for Historically Underserved Older Adults – Budget Neutral The Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study found that residents aged 50 and older reported only moderate transportation satisfaction citywide, with safety identified as a significant concern and only 58% reporting favorable safety conditions;1 and WHEREAS, geographic disparities in transportation satisfaction exist, with Southeast Austin—including City Council District 2 and portions of Districts 3 and 5—experiencing lower transportation safety and access conditions compared to other areas of the city;2 and WHEREAS, the study identified disparities in transportation satisfaction among Latino or Hispanic older adults and Black or African American older adults, demonstrating inequitable transportation conditions affecting historically marginalized racial and ethnic populations3; and WHEREAS, the study intentionally included and identified transportation barriers affecting diverse populations including Asian American older adults, Black or African American older adults, Latina/o/x/e or Hispanic older adults, LGBTQIA+ older adults, older adults with disabilities, older adults living on limited incomes, socially isolated older adults, and older adults residing in all City Council district;4 and WHEREAS, improving transportation safety supports older adults’ ability to age in place, remain independent, and participate fully in community life, which strengthens public health, economic stability, and social connectedness across the city5; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s comprehensive plan, Imagine Austin, serves as a 30-year roadmap guiding equitable growth, mobility, and livability, and explicitly directs the City to advance safe, accessible, and equitable transportation systems that serve residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds6; and 1 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 2 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 3 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 4 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 5 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, pp. 6, 90-93 6 Austin Planning | AustinTexas.gov Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan and related City planning efforts emphasize equitable mobility, inclusive community engagement, and ensuring all residents can safely access services, employment, and community life regardless of geography, income, age, race, disability, or background; and WHEREAS, improving transportation safety through prioritization, coordination, and community- informed planning can be accomplished through more effective use of existing resources, planning processes, and service adjustments without requiring additional funding. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging recommends that the Austin City Council request that the Board of Directors of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) in coordination with the Austin Transportation and Public Works Departments, to prioritize improvements to transportation safety for older adults in Southeast Austin (District 2 and portions of Districts 3 and 5) and other high-need areas identified through existing data and planning processes; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging recommends that the Austin City Council request that the Board of Directors of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro), within existing operational and planning resources: 1. Review transit stop locations, pedestrian access routes, and related infrastructure serving Southeast Austin and other high-need areas to identify safety risks affecting older adults, including lighting, crosswalk access, sidewalk connectivity, and safe access to transit stops; 2. Utilize existing community engagement processes to solicit feedback from older adult riders, including older adults of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, older adults with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ older adults, and older adults with limited incomes, to identify and prioritize safety improvements; Incorporate findings from the Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study and existing City planning efforts into ongoing transit planning, service adjustments, and safety prioritization efforts; and 4. Provide periodic reports to the City Council and Commission on Aging regarding actions taken 3. and progress achieved using existing reporting frameworks; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging recommends that the Austin City Council to direct the City Manager to direct the Parks and Recreation Department shall provide an annual report to City Council summarizing budget accessibility and cultural inclusion across demographic groups, including participation trends, partnership activities, and operational improvements achieved within existing resources, without requiring additional appropriations or new staffing. neutral actions taken to improve ‑ NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging recommends that the Austin City Council to direct that this recommendation is intended to be budget neutral and implemented through reprioritization, coordination, and use of existing programs, planning processes, and operational resources. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ Page 2 of 2