SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION THURSDAY. DECEMBER 4TH, 2025 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Technology Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Dan Martinez at (512)974-3510 or dan.martinez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Steven Apodaca, Chair Ibiye Anga Nicholas Eastwood Suzanna Heritage Milena Pribic Brian AM Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Benjamin Combee Rachel Frock Keith Pena-Villa Thomas Rice The first ten speakers signed up to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting 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 Technology Commission Regular meeting on October 8th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Presentation by AT&T on their affordable home internet programs (Paige Johnson, AT&T) Presentation by Charter on their affordable home internet programs (Ned Munoz, Charter Communications) 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation by Dr. Sharon Strover on data insights and findings from their latest report on public surveillance. (Dr. Sharon Strover, Director of the Technology and Information Policy Institute, Moody School of Communications at UT Austin) Presentation from the Travis County Amateur Radio Emergency Service on local radio management and emergency response (Glenn Meter, Emergency Coordinator, Travis Country Amateur Radio Emergency Services) Presentation from Digital Lift on their digital equity train the trainer program (Kami Griffiths, Executive Director, DigitalLIFT) Update on commission sunsetting review report from the Audit and Finance Committee (Steven Apodaca, Chair, Technology Commission) WORKING GROUP UPDATE 8. 9. Planning updates from the Artificial Intelligence & Public Surveillance working group on their discussion with AI stakeholders and resulting actions from the group’s recommendation Update from the town hall listening session working group regarding their planning meeting with the district 2 and 3 offices. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications …
Boards & Commissions Report Technology Commission October 15, 2025 Resolution 20241212-133 directed the City Manager, in coordination with the City Clerk’s Office, to establish a sunset review process for governance bodies, enabling regular and staggered evaluations of their scope and duties. An initial framework update was presented to the Audit and Finance Committee on February 19, 2025, after which the Committee instructed staff to finalize a consistent and transparent review model. A proposed framework was formally introduced on July 16, 2025, and the Committee approved a pilot implementation, requesting preliminary findings by October 15, 2025. This report summarizes the pilot's results, including an overview of the body under review, legal considerations, self-evaluations by members and staff liaisons, community feedback, and an initial staff recommendation. Technology Commission Report Highlights October 15, 2025 Executive Summary Objective To conduct an evaluation of the scope and duties of the Technology Commission using a predetermined multi-step framework. What We Found In its capacity to review and make recommendations to the City Council on technology and telecommunication issues, including equity, access, performance, affordability, and allocation of resources, the Commission met routinely in 2025. They made seven formal recommendations that they identified as closely aligned to the Commission's core mission. The Commission held public hearings on August 13 and September 10, 2025, to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Technology Commission's stated purposes and duties and its success in fulfilling those purposes and duties. They had a total of eight members of the public register to provide feedback in person. Several speakers were former commissioners sharing historical perspectives on the Commission. Additionally, there were leaders from technology nonprofits and advocacy groups who provided expert testimony, reinforcing alignment with the 2023 Digital Needs Assessment. The Chair noted this “participation underscores the Commission’s unique role in connecting City policy, community priorities, and technology equity.” The Technology Commission does not have any legal mandates or statutory obligations that would prevent modifications or changes in the purpose and function of the body. What We Recommend The Technology Commission routinely meets, maintains membership, and acts in accordance with their Council directives and bylaws. We recommend the Commission continue as directed. IA Austin Technology Commission 2 City Manager's Office | City Clerk's Office Technology Commission Mandate § 2-1-107 - The Commission shall advise the City Council regarding issues that include: (1) community technology; (2) …
Technology Commission Meeting Empowering Opportunity OUR NATIONAL IMPACT Charter is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator providing superior high-speed internet, video, mobile, and voice services under the brand name Spectrum to more than 31 million customers across 41 states. We’re driving innovation and growing economies from coast to coast and in communities big and small. From 2020-2024 alone, Charter invested nearly $47 billion in infrastructure and technology – contributing significantly to the U.S. economy. All data as of December 31, 2024, unless otherwise noted.. NEARLY 57M MORE THAN 31M HOMES PASSED ACROSS 41 STATES BROADBAND INTERNET CUSTOMERS MORE THAN APPROXIMATELY 900,000 MILES OF NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE 95,000 EMPLOYEES NEARLY $47B INVESTED IN U.S. INFRASTRUCTURE & TECHNOLOGY 2020-2024 NEARLY 500M IP DEVICES CONNECTED TO OUR NETWORK Empowering Opportunity in Texas OUR IMPACT IN TEXAS Nearly 3.5 Million Customers Served Nearly 1.1 Million Mobile Lines 15,700 Employees $328 Million Paid in Taxes & Fees in 2024* Nearly $1.8 Billion 2024 Capital Investment* We have more employees in Texas than in any other state. Our 100% U.S.-based workforce includes 15,700 people in Texas. We have large employment centers (500+ employees) in: • Austin • Coppell • Dallas • El Paso • Harlingen Irving • • McAllen • Pharr • San Antonio Expanding Access Unbiased Local News In 2024 alone, Charter extended its network to reach and additional 336,000 homes and businesses in Texas, including 57,000 new locations reached through our rural construction initiative. Spectrum News 1 Texas and the Spectrum News App provide 24/7 news, political, sports, and weather coverage as well as In Focus public affairs programming. Spectrum News is ranked consistently among the country’s most unbiased media outlets. All data as of December 31, 2024, unless otherwise noted. | *1/1/24 – 12/31/24 Superior Products & Services OUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES Spectrum Internet Spectrum’s hybrid fiber network delivers gigabit speeds and reliable service with no contracts, no modem fees, and no data caps. Spectrum Voice Spectrum Voice offers unlimited calling to the U.S. and its territories, Canada, and Mexico. Spectrum Mobile Spectrum Mobile’s approximately 10 million mobile lines deliver fast, affordable, and reliable mobile service– including nationwide 5G with no extra fees. Spectrum TV Spectrum offers cable and streaming video packages to meet different viewing preferences and budgetary needs. Customers who subscribe to a traditional cable package can receive programmers’ direct-to-consumer apps at no additional cost, a value up to $80 …
Local Radio Support for Emergency Communications Glenn Meter W5MTR Emergency Coordinator Travis County ARES 12/4/2025 AGENDA • Local Amateur Radio Emergency Service Organizations • Served Agencies • Why Amateur Radio • Local Infrastructure • Request: spread awareness • Greater Austin/Travis County Regional Radio System Amateur Radio Organizations • Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) • Serve non-government agencies • Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) • Government continuity • Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) • Support Department of Defense • All citizen volunteers • Many operators ”wear multiple hats” • Train on national Incident Command System (ICS) ICS used to coordinate response across multiple agencies • • Response escalates as needed: Local -> County -> Region -> State -> National • Communications falls under Logistics section • We connect people in the field with the command post • Activate when called. No self-deployments. ARES Served Agencies • Travis County: • Emergency response communications • National Weather Service: • SKYWARN (weather) nets (“ground truth”) • Military: • Critical Infrastructure (w/MARS) • Capital Area of Texas Regional Advisory Council (CATRAC): • Hospital emergency comms • Red Cross & Austin Disaster Relief Network: • Shelter, response communications • National Multiple Sclerosis Society • MS-150 (Houston & Austin -> LaGrange -> College Station) • Ride to the River (San Antonio) • Austin Runner’s Club • Decker Challenge Why amateur radio • Amateur radios work without • Internet • Phones • Comms include • Voice • Data (e-mail, forms) • “Party line” (one to many) • Monitor the event, self-regulate the flow of information: • Hold “regular” traffic for “priority” and “emergency” traffic • Inter-operable: • By law, amateur radio cannot be encrypted • Anyone with an amateur radio (and license) can communicate with each other (* with band support, etc.) Why amateur radio • When cell phone and satellite communications keep improving • Comms stay up during SXSW, ACL, F1, etc. • Cells on wheels (COWs) deployed more quickly after disasters • Snowpocalypse: lost power for a week, still had cell service • Cell phones: • Cell phone service not as reliable outside of urban areas, major highways • Starlink: • Requires terrestrial internet to reach the ground stations • Each satellite covers ~10 mile radius • Urban areas can get congested/overloaded during land-based internet outages • Performance degrades in bad weather WHEN – “When all else fails” • Accidents • Backhoes and cables are …
Building Digital Access Through Capacity & Connection Strengthening Communities via Collaboration, Training, & Resources Prepared for the Austin Technology Commission 12/4/2025 About digitalLIFT (formerly Community Tech Network) VISION A world where people are empowered to use technology to thrive in connected communities. MISSION Our mission is to provide essential training and resources to communities impacted by the digital divide. History of digitalLIFT ▪ Established in 2008 as a nonprofit in San Francisco and expanded to Central Texas in 2017 ▪ Focused solely on digital inclusion ▪ Programs and services include: • Basic/intermediate digital literacy training for low-income adults of all ages • Develop curriculum specifically for adult learners • Training for trainers and managers • Program set-up and management support ▪ Training and curriculum offered in 10+ languages: • English, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese dialects), Spanish, Tagalog, Japanese, Korean, Lao, Russian, Burmese, Farsi and Vietnamese Our Legacy of Impact digitalLIFT is making a difference, one partnership at a time. More than 92,709 hours of training delivered Over 200 partner organizations served nationwide 6,475+ devices distributed 15,000+ learners supported The LIFT Model in Texas Partnering With Purpose, Powered By Community Texas Partners Workforce & Capacity Building Training Pathways Managers Digital Navigators Classroom Trainers Multilingual Curriculum & Workshops ● 10+ languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, et al ○ Accessible formats & culturally adapted ○ Basic digital skills curriculum is available for Android, Apple, Chromebooks and Windows in a range of languages. ● Customized vs Licensed ○ digitalLIFT can develop customized curriculum for use with the agency's designated device and programmatic needs. ○ Translation services are available. ● Classroom, 1:1, Workshops (Virtual/Hybrid/In person) ○ Workshop themes: Core Skills, Telehealth, Jobs, Cybersecurity, Everyday Tasks. ● Train-the-Trainer courses on adult learning principles and instructional techniques ● Manager-focused courses on supervising Digital Navigators, managing volunteers, assessing community needs, strategy and program design, program planning, and program outreach and implementation ● Specialized modules on Digital Equity and Aging, Libraries, Healthcare, and Accessing Public Benefits ● Free courses: ○ Digital Navigator Overview ○ Teaching Internet Safety Free Resources ● Digital Equity 101 - eBook ● Digital Navigator Overview - Course ● Teaching Internet Safety & Responsibility - Course ● Internet Safety - Classroom Curriculum English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog ● Lunch & Learn Webinar Series - Monthly ● Day of Equity Webinar Series - 9 Oct 25 ● Playlist of past webinars The Community Voice What Our Partners Are …
TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Wednesday – October 8th, 2025 – 6:30PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room – Room 1101 301 W 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email Dan Martinez at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Steven Apodaca, Chair Keith Pena-Villa Suzanne Heritage Rachel Frock Nicholas Eastwood Milena Pribic Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Brian AM Williams Thomas Rice Benjamin Combee Ibiye Anga AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will 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 Technology Commission meeting on September 10th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Review of Digital Inclusion Week activities across the City of Austin and Austin Free Net’s Tech for All Fest (Jasmin Vargas, Chief Executive Officer, Austin Free-Net) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and approval of the Grant for Technology Opportunities FY26 Improvement Action Plan 4. Approval of the 2026 Technology Commission meeting calendar 5. Review of the current status and approval of consolidation of the Technology Commission’s working groups WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Public Surveillance working group updates on continued conversations with stakeholders and possible revaluation of group’s status (Keith Pena-Villa, Mayor’s Appointee, Technology Commission) 7. Artificial Intelligence Working Group updates on the group’s recommendation and any feedback from Austin City Council Members (Brian AM Williams, District 1 Appointee, Technology Commission) the status of 8. Town Hall listening session working group post meeting updates after discussion with district 2 and district 3 offices on a joint planning effort (Suzanne Heritage, District 4, Technology Commission) 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 you require Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give …
GTOPs FY26 Improvement Action Plan Overview Austin Economic Development October 8th, 2025 Item 1 - Review Process Updates Discontinuation of Review Binder Grant portal issues and application length delayed printing of binders in 2025. A replacement option will be offered for review panelists to keep track of their notes and comments. Enhanced oversight of Q+A GTOPs staff will assist with scheduling of Q+A cohorts/sessions and sit in on panel meetings due to issues with panelists coordinating these sessions themselves. Application Review Tutorial In an effort to assist panelists and increase the quality of reviews, staff will create a walkthrough doc or video on how to review an application and best practices for review panelists. Item 2 – GTOPs Application Process Discontinuation of Office Hours GTOPs Office Hours were not utilized by our community, we will no longer host these pre- scheduled sessions. But we will make ourselves as available as possible for 1:1 assistance with applicants. Mini and Capacity Timeline Change Delays in GTOPS Core led to decreased bandwidth for Mini and Capacity pathways. Timelines will be adjusted to all begin in January. Alignment of timelines will increase focus and streamline processes. Spanish language assist for Cap + Mini GTOPs staff provides Spanish language assistance for Core applicants, as required by AED. Cap and Mini will adopt this policy and implement. Item 2 – GTOPs Application Process COA Vendor Registration Requirement 2025 saw delays in contracting due to awardees not having previously registered as a city vendor. This requirement will be enforced and one of the required application fields will request the applicant City vendor code. Set GTOPs Protest Window To avoid delays incurred by the protest process, a one- week window will be set for applicants to submit a GTOPs decision protest. Another week will be reserved for the adjudication process. Enhancements to the GTOPS applicant guide The applicant guide will be updated to reflect changes or highlight key items; boilerplate is required reading, read fundable/non- fundable items list, AI use guidelines, PIR notice, no PMs for Capacity Item 3 – Performance Reporting Updates Item 4 – Contracting Process Streamlining Guidance on performance reporting for GTOPS Mini GTOPs Mini awardees and applicants have historically struggled with creating and keeping up with performance measure requirements for this program. GTOPs staff will overhaul the process by creating a guide on Mini reporting and create a standardized and detailed template. Consolidation of …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: The City of Austin’s Technology Commission FROM: Dan Martinez, Business Process Specialist Austin Economic Development – Community Technology Initiative DATE: October 8, 2025 SUBJECT: Grant For Technology Opportunities Program 2026 Action Plan Background The City of Austin’s Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan, as adopted by Resolution No. 20141120-074, includes every Austin resident having an opportunity to be fully engaged in digital society, accessing and using digital and communications technology. Austin Economic Development (AED)– Community Technology Initiative is the lead office for implementation of this plan. The Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) is a grant administered by AED – Community Technology Initiative directed at improving the community's ability to fully participate in the digital society to achieve the goals of the Digital Inclusion Strategic Plan. Purpose and Process The purpose of this report is to review the significant changes coming to the 2026 cycle of the GTOPs. Each year, AED – Community Technology Initiative performs a review of the prior grant cycle in preparation for the next year of grants. For this year’s annual strategic planning and review process, feedback surveys were deployed to all GTOPs applicants and reviewers. Contractor closeout reports also have process feedback questions, the response of which were included in the analysis. Lastly, staff observations collected throughout the year were considered. From these data sources, an Action Plan was drafted. This Action Plan is being presented to the Technology Commission for evaluation and feedback. Please feel free to contact me at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov if you need additional information. Dan Martinez, Business Process Specialist Date ______________________________ __________________ cc: Khotan Harmon, Community Technology Officer, AED – Community Technology Attachments Attachment A – GTOPs 2026 Action Plan Attachment A: GTOPs 2026 Action Plan Action Item 1: Enhancements to the GTOPs Review Process 1. Discontinuation of the Grant Review Binder: Traditionally, GTOPs Core review panelists are offered the option to have all application materials compiled into a physical review binder. Some panelists prefer to have a physical version to more easily read and keep notes on. This past cycle, issues with the grant application portal and the increased length of application materials led to extensive delays in compiling and printing these binders. GTOPs staff recommends replacing this binder with a staff designed note taking document and digital compilation of all application materials. 2. GTOPs Staff Enhanced Oversight of Q+A Proccess: Efforts …
2026 Meeting Schedule Community Technology & Telecommunications Commission The commission shall meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month. MEETING DATES January 14 February 11 March 11 MEETING DATES & EVENTS Commission members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. GTOPS 2026 Update – Applications Received. Meeting will be held outside of central City to avoid SXSW. Commission FY 27 Budget Recommendations due no later than mid-April. April 8 GTOPs 2026 Award Recommendations. Election of Officers at the first regular meeting after April 1, 2026 Terms of office shall be one year, beginning May 1st and ending April 30th. May 13 June 10 July 8 August 12 September 9 October 14 November 4 December 9 Work Plan Retreat / Regular Meeting Terms for newly elected officers start (May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027) Commission Annual Report Due to City Clerk July 31st 2026 GTOPs Review and 2027 Recommendations Digital Inclusion Week 2026 Adopt a meeting schedule for the upcoming year, including makeup meeting dates for holiday and cancelled meetings. NO MEETING SCHEDULED FOR THIS DATE Commented [DM1]: SXSW starts on March 12th, maybe this is okay Commented [DM2]: The regular date would be Nov 11 but 11/11 is Veterans day
Technology Commission https://www.austintexas.gov/content/technology-commission REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday –October 8th, 2025 – 6:30PM City Hall– Boards and Commissions Room – Room 1101 301 W 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701 Please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/10_1.htm for backup materials associated with this agenda. All ATXN (City Channel 6) programming is cablecast on Spectrum, Grande Communications, and Google Fiber on their cable channel 6, on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 and webcast online. Over 20 meetings per month, including this commission meeting, are available on demand online, typically within a found at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/atxn-video-archive. the cablecast. Schedules and video can be few hours of The Technology Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, at 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas. Current Commission Members Keith Pena-Villa ‐ Mayor Kirk Watson Brian AM Williams ‐ Council Member Natasha Harper‐Madison, District 1 Steven Apodaca – Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, District 2 Carina Alderete ‐ Council Member José Velasquez, District 3 Suzanne Heritage ‐ Council Member José “Chito” Vela, District 4 Thomas Rice‐ Council Member Ryan Alter, District 5 Rachel Frock‐ Council Member Krista Laine, District 6 Benjamin Combee ‐ Council Member Mike Seigel, District 7 Nicholas Eastwood ‐ Council Member Paige Ellis, District 8 Ibiye Anga – Council Member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, District 9 Milena Pribic ‐ Council Member Marc Duchen, District 10 Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in person: Steven Apodaca, Chair Milena Pribic Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Benjamin Combee Nick Eastwood Suzanne Heritage 1 Brian AM Williams Board Members/Commissioners Not in Attendance: Keith Pena-Villa Rachel Frock Ibiye Anga Carina Alderete, Vice-Chair Thomas Rice CALL TO ORDER Chair Apodaca called the Community Technology and Telecommunications Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon on the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. There were no members of the public that signed up to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Technology Commission regular meeting on September 10th, 2025. Motion to approve the meeting minutes was made by Commissioner Eastwood and seconded by Commissioner Heritage. The minutes were approved on a vote of 6-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Review of Digital Inclusion Week activities across the City of Austin and Austin Free Net’s Tech for All Fest (Jasmin Vargas, Chief Executive Officer, Austin Free-Net) Jasmin Vargas from …
TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Wednesday – September 10th, 2025 – 6:30PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions Room – Room 1101 301 W 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email Dan Martinez at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Steven Apodaca, Chair Keith Pena-Villa Suzanne Heritage Rachel Frock Nicholas Eastwood Milena Pribic Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Brian AM Williams Thomas Rice Benjamin Combee Ibiye Anga AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will 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 Technology Commission meeting on August 13th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Hold a public hearing to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Technology Commission stated purposes and duties and its success in fulfilling those purpose and duties. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Further discussion and updates to approved responses for the evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Technology Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with other boards or commissions, identify policies or City needs that no current board or commission appears to address, evaluate the level of members’ and the community’s engagement, and identify potential bylaw amendments to improve or address any of the foregoing. 4. Approval of the artificial intelligence working group’s recommendation for establishing community input and technology commission review for sensitive technology contracts WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Public Surveillance working group updates on continued conversations with stakeholders and possible revaluation of group’s status (Keith Pena-Villa, Mayor’s Appointee, Technology Commission) 6. Artificial Intelligence Working Group updates on AI legislation at the municipal level and the status of the group’s recommendation (Brian AM Williams, District 1 Appointee, Technology Commission) 7. …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION NUMBER: TBD Regarding: Recommendation for Establishing Community Input and Technology Commission Review for Sensitive Technology Contracts WHEREAS, the City of Austin has entered into contracts for technologies involving surveillance and artificial intelligence (AI), including but not limited to mobile security cameras and automated license plate readers, with significant implications for civil liberties, data privacy, and public trust; and WHEREAS, past contracts, such as the Parks and Recreation Department’s mobile surveillance trailer expansion and the Austin Police Department’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) agreement with Flock Safety, have revealed risks including unclear data retention practices, insufficient contract safeguards against unauthorized data sharing, and gaps in transparency and accountability; and WHEREAS, community stakeholders have expressed concerns that sensitive technology contracts have been approved without sufficient public engagement, proactive input from relevant commissions, or rigorous independent review of privacy, security, and ethical considerations; and WHEREAS, the Technology Commission is charged with advising City Council on issues of technology access, equity, and the ethical use of emerging technologies, including AI and surveillance systems; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Technology Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopt a formal process to require: 1. Early Notification & Transparency – Public posting and notification to relevant commissions prior to Council consideration of any proposed contract involving surveillance technology, automated decision-making systems, artificial intelligence, or other sensitive data-driven technologies. 2. Commission Review & Recommendation – Formal referral of such proposed contracts to the Technology Commission (and, where appropriate, the Public Safety Commission or other relevant bodies) for review and recommendations to provide input to Council action. 3. Community Engagement – At least one public forum, listening session, or opportunity for stakeholder input before Council approval of sensitive technology contracts. 4. Contract Safeguards – Inclusion of clear provisions in contracts to ensure: ○ Clear, auditable, and reportable safety mechanisms to protect citizen data and metadata while in vendor custody, tools, systems, or storage, including vendor service providers / cloud providers ○ strict limitations on data retention and sharing, consistent with Council policy, ○ clear definitions of personally identifiable information (PII), ○ independent audit and reporting requirements, and ○ mechanisms for community oversight ○ ability to register complaints and misuse of AI technology ○ remuneration in the event of a breach, data loss, ransomware attack, or other circumstances of compromised data or security as related to citizen data or city data ○ …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION NUMBER: 20250910-004 Regarding: Recommendation for Establishing Community Input and Technology Commission Review for Sensitive Technology Contracts WHEREAS, the City of Austin has entered into contracts for technologies involving surveillance and artificial intelligence (AI), including but not limited to mobile security cameras and automated license plate readers, with significant implications for civil liberties, data privacy, and public trust; and WHEREAS, past contracts, such as the Parks and Recreation Department’s mobile surveillance trailer expansion and the Austin Police Department’s Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) agreement with Flock Safety, have revealed risks including unclear data retention practices, insufficient contract safeguards against unauthorized data sharing, and gaps in transparency and accountability; and WHEREAS, community stakeholders have expressed concerns that sensitive technology contracts have been approved without sufficient public engagement, proactive input from relevant commissions, or rigorous independent review of privacy, security, and ethical considerations; and WHEREAS, the Technology Commission is charged with advising City Council on issues of technology access, equity, and the ethical use of emerging technologies, including AI and surveillance systems; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Technology Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopt a formal process to require: 1. Early Notification & Transparency – Public posting and notification to relevant commissions prior to Council consideration of any proposed contract involving surveillance technology, automated decision-making systems, artificial intelligence, or other sensitive data-driven technologies. 2. Commission Review & Recommendation – Formal referral of such proposed contracts to the Technology Commission (and, where appropriate, the Public Safety Commission or other relevant bodies) for review and recommendations to provide input to Council action. 3. Community Engagement – At least one public forum, listening session, or opportunity for stakeholder input before Council approval of sensitive technology contracts. 4. Contract Safeguards – Inclusion of clear provisions in contracts to ensure: ○ Clear, auditable, and reportable safety mechanisms to protect citizen data and metadata while in vendor custody, tools, systems, or storage, including vendor service providers / cloud providers ○ strict limitations on data retention and sharing, consistent with Council policy, ○ clear definitions of personally identifiable information (PII), ○ independent audit and reporting requirements, and ○ mechanisms for community oversight ○ ability to register complaints and misuse of AI technology ○ remuneration in the event of a breach, data loss, ransomware attack, or other circumstances of compromised data or security as related to citizen data or city data ○ …
Technology Commission http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday –September 10th, 2025 – 6:30PM City Hall– Boards and Commissions Room – Room 1101 301 W 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701 Please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/10_1.htm for backup materials associated with this agenda. All ATXN (City Channel 6) programming is cablecast on Spectrum, Grande Communications, and Google Fiber on their cable channel 6, on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 and webcast online. Over 20 meetings per month, including this commission meeting, are available on demand online, typically within a found at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/atxn-video-archive. the cablecast. Schedules and video can be few hours of The Technology Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, at 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas. Current Commission Members Keith Pena-Villa ‐ Mayor Kirk Watson Brian AM Williams ‐ Council Member Natasha Harper‐Madison, District 1 Steven Apodaca – Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, District 2 Carina Alderete ‐ Council Member José Velasquez, District 3 Suzanne Heritage ‐ Council Member José “Chito” Vela, District 4 Thomas Rice‐ Council Member Ryan Alter, District 5 Rachel Frock‐ Council Member Krista Laine, District 6 Benjamin Combee ‐ Council Member Mike Seigel, District 7 Nicholas Eastwood ‐ Council Member Paige Ellis, District 8 Ibiye Anga – Council Member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, District 9 Milena Pribic ‐ Council Member Marc Duchen, District 10 Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in person: Steven Apodaca, Chair Milena Pribic Benjamin Combee Nick Eastwood Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: 1 Suzanne Heritage Carina Alderete, Vice-Chair Brian AM Williams Thomas Rice Board Members/Commissioners Not in Attendance: Keith Pena-Villa Rachel Frock Ibiye Anga CALL TO ORDER Chair Apodaca called the Community Technology and Telecommunications Meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon on the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. There were no members of the public that signed up to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Technology Commission regular meeting on August 13th, 2025. Motion to approve the meeting minutes was made by Commissioner Eastwood and seconded by Commissioner Combee. The minutes were approved on a vote of 6-0-1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Hold a public hearing to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Technology Commission stated purposes and duties and its success …
TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Wednesday – August 13th, 2025 – 6:30PM Permitting and Development Center – Training Room – Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email Dan Martinez at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Steven Apodaca, Chair Keith Pena-Villa Suzanne Heritage Rachel Frock Nicholas Eastwood Milena Pribic Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Brian AM Williams Thomas Rice Benjamin Combee Ibiye Anga AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will 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 Technology Commission meeting on July 9th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Hold a public hearing to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Technology Commission stated purposes and duties and its success in fulfilling those purpose and duties. 3. Legislative update on House Bill 149 and other technology hardware and software focused bills. (Rick Ramirez, Intergovernmental Relations Office, City of Austin) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and approval of a Community Listening Session working group 5. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Technology Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with other boards or commissions, identify policies or City needs that no current board or commission appears to address, evaluate the level of members’ and the community’s engagement, and identify potential bylaw amendments to improve or address any of the foregoing. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Public Surveillance working group updates on stakeholder conversations and how they will shape the planned recommendation (Keith Pena-Villa, Mayor’s Appointee, Technology Commission) 7. Artificial Intelligence Working Group updates on new and preexisting artificial intelligence legislation or guidelines and how they will impact the group’s draft …
Technology Commission http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday –August 13th, 2025 – 6:30PM Permitting and Development Center– Training Room – Room 1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/10_1.htm for backup materials associated with this agenda. All ATXN (City Channel 6) programming is cablecast on Spectrum, Grande Communications, and Google Fiber on their cable channel 6, on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 and webcast online. Over 20 meetings per month, including this commission meeting, are available on demand online, typically within a found at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/atxn-video-archive. the cablecast. Schedules and video can be few hours of The Technology Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025, at 6310 Wilhemina Delco Dr, Austin, Texas. Current Commission Members Keith Pena-Villa ‐ Mayor Kirk Watson Brian AM Williams ‐ Council Member Natasha Harper‐Madison, District 1 Steven Apodaca – Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, District 2 Carina Alderete ‐ Council Member José Velasquez, District 3 Suzanne Heritage ‐ Council Member José “Chito” Vela, District 4 Thomas Rice‐ Council Member Ryan Alter, District 5 Rachel Frock‐ Council Member Krista Laine, District 6 Benjamin Combee ‐ Council Member Mike Seigel, District 7 Nicholas Eastwood ‐ Council Member Paige Ellis, District 8 Ibiye Anga – Council Member Zohaib “Zo” Qadri, District 9 Milena Pribic ‐ Council Member Marc Duchen, District 10 Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in person: Steven Apodaca, Chair Milena Pribic Benjamin Combee Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rachel Frock 1 Ibiye Anga Carina Alderete, Vice-Chair Brian AM Williams Board Members/Commissioners Not in Attendance: Thomas Rice Nicolas Eastwood Keith Pena-Villa Suzanne Heritage CALL TO ORDER Chair Apodaca called the Community Technology and Telecommunications Meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers who register to speak no later than noon on the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. There were no members of the public that signed up to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Technology Commission regular meeting on July 9th, 2025. Motion to approve the meeting minutes was made by Commissioner Combee and seconded by Vice Chair Alderete. The minutes were approved on a vote of 6-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Hold a public hearing to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Technology Commission stated purposes and duties and its …
