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 …
TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Wednesday – July 9th, 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 June 11th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on how Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) operate and their potential risks as a law enforcement tool (Kevin Welch, Board President, EFF-Austin) 3. Presentation on the selected applications for the Grant for Technology Opportunities- Mini and Capacity Pathways (Dan Martinez, Business Process Specialist, Economic Development Department) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approval of a Community Listening Sessions planning work group WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Public Surveillance working group updates regarding further interviews with stakeholders and subsequent action items 6. Artificial Intelligence Working Group updates on new and preexisting artificial intelligence legislation or guidelines and how they will impact the group’s draft recommendation 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 notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Dan Martinez at the Community Technology Division in the Economic Development Department, at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Technology Commission, please contact Dan Martinez at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov
ALPRs – Automated License Plate Readers MASS SURVEILLANCE MASQUERADING AS PUBLIC SAFETY Privacy Is A Universal Human Right Freedom Of Movement Is A Universal Human Right ALPRs – What’s Behind This Acronym? ALPR stands for Automated License Plate Reader. Police departments use them to scan and look up the criminal status of a particular car’s license plate. Police have always done this manually, ALPRs massively increase the scale of these lookups. Can be fixed or mobile, but in both cases all vehicles in a particular location will be scanned. The scanning is indiscriminate, no warrant or formal accusation of a crime is needed. The quasi-public status of cars is used to subvert the 4th amendment and its expectation of privacy. Location Data Is Big Business ALPR vendors aggressively court police departments. Millions are spent by cities licensing this technology. Major vendors like Flock make dubious claims of the technology’s usefulness. Went as far as to claim 10% of crimes in the US are solved by Flock! A Data Privacy Disaster Waiting To Happen These location datasets are usually controlled by 3rd party vendors, not cities, leading to dubious security and oversight. In 2020, the UK’s entire national ALPR database was leaked onto the dark web. Immense Human Rights Risks Fixed ALPRs can be placed to overpolice poor communities and communities of color, or by HOAs to privatize public streets. Mobile ALPRs can be positioned outside of abortion providers, gender affirming care clinics, or immigration services facilities. The movements of politicians and prominent public figures can be tracked, increasing the possibility of blackmail. ALPRs can be inaccurate 10% of the time, and the databases aren’t kept up to date. Innocent people have been held at gunpoint for supposedly stealing cars that were inaccurately flagged. Possibly nothing reveals more about a person than the pattern of where they go and at what times they go there. The Human Toll Of Mass Surveillance You lose access to your unfiltered thoughts and ideas. You lose the freedom to be embarrassing, inconsistent or experimental without consequence. It erodes intimacy with other people. There is a never-ending performance anxiety. The Technological Panopticon is a Social Tragedy Privacy allows us the ability to flourish as complex, ever- changing beings. Surveillance deprives us of that. Surveillance chills free expression even in the kindest of hands. People modify their behavior when they know they are being watched. Within the …
2025 GTOPS Mini + Capacity Awarded Applications July 7th, 2025 1 GTOPs Pathways 2 GTOPs 2024 Grant ● Total funding for all pathways: $400,000 Award Pathways: $60,000 $25,000 $315,000 3 2 GTOPs Capacity 4 GTOPs Capacity 5 This funding award is an organizational capacity building grant (not direct service). This pathway has no contracting and no insurance requirements. Funds requested must support digital equity. Funding is available to orgs making less than $1,500,000 annually. Two focus areas ● Technology Infrastructure ○ ○ ○ PC’s, laptops, and tablets; Associated peripherals; and network hardware Software supporting program objectives STEM / maker / robotic equipment supporting digital equity programs ● Staff Training and Development ○ Conferences ○ Workshops ○ Classes ○ Professional membership orgs. GTOPs Capacity Received Applications - 19 total Applications in Green are past recipients New Applicants to the Program ● Cine Las Americas ● HC4A ● Walking by Faith Prison Ministry ● The Collective Lift ● Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action ● Art Curatorial Inc. ● Rancho Alegre Radio 6 Returning Applicants ● 212 Catalysts ● SAIVA ● Art Spark Texas ● Changing Expectations ● BRAVE Communities ● Open Austin ● The Museum of Human Achievement ● India Fine Arts ● Texas Folklife Resources ● Latinitas ● Economic Growth Business Incubator ● Austin Free-Net GTOPs Capacity Awarded Applications - 11 total Applications in Green are past recipients Awarded Applications The Museum of Human Achievement - $2,500.00 Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) - $2,500.00 ● ● HC4A - $2,500.00 ● Austin Free Net - $1,149.88 ● ● Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action (DAWA) - $2,500.00 ● Art Spark Texas - $2,500.00 ● ● Cine Las Americas - $2,500.00 ● ● Walking by Faith Prison Ministry - $2,500.00 ● Texas Folklife Resources - $1,451.66 ($2,500 Request) Latinitas - $2,500.00 SAIVA - $2,398.46 7 3 GTOPs Mini 8 GTOPs Mini Overview $60,000 9 GTOPs Mini Goals GTOPs Mini is a client-serving, project oriented, mini-grant that provides a low-barrier-to-entry funding opportunity to small, Austin area non-profits. GTOPs Mini supports programming that: ● Increases access to technology, ● Provides digital/technology training, and/or ● Increases access to the internet GTOPs Mini has minimal contracting, no insurance requirements, and pre-pays half of the award up front. GTOPs Mini Received Applications - 17 applications Applications in Green are past recipients New Applicants to the Program Returning Applicants ● Cine Las Americas ● HC4A ● Walking by …
Technology Commission http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday –July 9th, 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, July 9th, 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 Keith Pena-Villa Suzanne Heritage Brian AM Williams Board Members/Commissioners Not in Attendance: Ibiye Anga Carina Alderete, Vice-Chair Thomas Rice Nicolas Eastwood CALL TO ORDER Chair Apodaca called the Community Technology and Telecommunications Meeting to order at 6:41 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. Michael Moss spoke to the commission on behavioral manipulation produced by video game matchmaking algorithms. Mr. Moss mentioned that video game creator companies design matchmaking algorithms, optimized matchmaking models, that are meant to incorporate data on stress responses, purchases, session length, etc in order to increase player retention and encourage purchases. These design policies remove player expression and consent. Mr. Moss encouraged the commission to investigate how and if these algorithms violate digital ethics policies for vulnerable community members. Mr. Moss suggested creating oversight protocols that …
TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Wednesday – June 11th, 2025 – 6:30PM City Hall – Boards and Commission – 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 May 14th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on PANO AI, a wildfire tracking system (Christopher Vetromile, Wildfire Mitigation Manager, Austin Energy) 3. Presentation on the applications received for the Grant for Technology Opportunities- Mini and Capacity Pathways (Dan Martinez, Business Process Specialist, Economic Development Department) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Technology Commission 2026 annual workplan, final revisions and approval 5. Approval of a Community Listening Sessions planning work group WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Public Surveillance working group updates regarding further interviews with stakeholders and subsequent action items 7. Artificial Intelligence Working Group updates on new and preexisting artificial intelligence legislation or guidelines and how they will impact the group’s draft recommendation 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 notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Dan Martinez at the Community Technology Division in the Economic Development Department, at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Technology Commission, please contact Dan Martinez at …
Technology Commission http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday –June 11th, 2025 – 6:30PM Austin 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, June 11th, 2025, at 301 W 2nd St. in 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 Nicolas Eastwood Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Carina Alderete, Vice-Chair Thomas Rice 1 Rachel Frock Benjamin Combee Board Members/Commissioners Not in Attendance: Ibiye Anga Keith Pena-Villa Milena Pribic Suzanne Heritage CALL TO ORDER Chair Apodaca called the Community Technology and Telecommunications Meeting to order at 6:50 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 speakers registered to deliver comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Technology Commission regular meeting on May 14th, 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Presentation on PANO AI, a wildfire tracking system (Christopher Vetromile, Wildfire Mitigation Manager, Austin Energy) The presentation on PANO AI’s Wildfire Tracking System was delivered by Christpher Vetromile and can be viewed at …
TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Wednesday – May 14th, 2025 – 6:30PM City Hall – Boards and Commission – 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 special called Technology Commission meeting on April 30th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on PANO AI, a wildfire tracking system (Christopher Vetromile, Wildfire Mitigation Manager, Austin Energy) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Technology Commission annual work plan for 2026, planning, drafting and approval WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Public Surveillance working group updates regarding further interviews with stakeholders and subsequent action items 5. Artificial Intelligence Working Group updates on new and preexisting artificial intelligence legislation or guidelines and how they will impact the group’s draft recommendation 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 notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Dan Martinez at the Community Technology Division in the Economic Development Department, at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Technology Commission, please contact Dan Martinez at dan.martinez@austintexas.gov
Technology Commission http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday –May 14th, 2025 – 6:30PM Austin 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, May 14th, 2025, at 301 W 2nd St. in 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 Suzzane Heritage Rachel Frock Suzanne Heritage Milena Pribic 1 Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Carina Alderete, Vice-Chair Thomas Rice Brian AM Williams Benjamin Combee Board Members/Commissioners Not in Attendance: Ibiye Anga Keith Pena-Villa CALL TO ORDER Chair Apodaca called the Community Technology and Telecommunications Meeting to order at 6:34 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 speakers registered to deliver comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission special called meeting on April 30th, 2025. Motion to approve the special called meeting minutes was made by Commissioner Heritage and seconded by Vice Chair Alderete. The minutes were approved on a vote of 9-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on PANO AI, a wildfire tracking system (Christopher Vetromile, Wildfire Mitigation Manager, Austin Energy) The presenter could not attend this session. This presentation …
TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Wednesday – April 30th, 2025 – 6:30PM City Hall – Boards and Commission – 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 Thomas Rice Benjamin Combee Suzanne Heritage Sumit DasGupta Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Brian AM Williams Rachel Frock Nicholas Eastwood 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 February 12th, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Technology Commission meeting on March 5th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation on PANO AI, a wildfire tracking system (Christopher Vetromile, Wildfire Mitigation Manager, Austin Energy) 4. Presentation on Austin Free Net’s public resource distribution strategy (Jasmin Vargas, Program Coordinator, Austin Free Net) 5. Housing Department update on their annual Action Plan, their application to Housing and Urban Development’s formula grants and the potential impact on local communities (Rocio Peña-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Review and approval of GTOPs Core 2025 selected recipients 7. Officer elections, discussion and approval of chair position 8. Officer elections, discussion and approval of vice chair position WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Public Surveillance working group updates regarding further interviews with stakeholders and subsequent action items 10. Artificial Intelligence Working Group updates on next steps on strategic direction and timing of next meeting 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 notice at least 2 …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager FROM: Carrie Rogers, Intergovernmental Relations Officer DATE: February 25, 2025 SUBJECT: Federal Legislative Update / Potential Reductions at the Department of Housing and Urban Development As a follow up to memorandums issued on January 29, 2025, February 11, 2025, and February 17, 2025, the Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO), along with partner departments, continues to review federal administration actions relating to direct and discretionary funding awarded to the City of Austin. On Thursday, February 20, 2025, public reports began circulating of a planned 50% reduction in staff across the entire workforce at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In some HUD divisions, the cuts could be deeper – up to 84% at HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) – according to reports. Such a drastic reduction would likely have a significant impact on efforts across the nation to address homelessness and make housing more affordable. CPD includes many programs critically important to the City of Austin, such as HOME Investments Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and Continuum of Care (CoC) programming. The City of Austin receives approximately $14 million per year in HUD block grants. An additional $14 million was awarded this January for CoC programs, which primarily support services to address homelessness in Austin through non-profit partners. City of Austin HUD Community Programming Based on the information we have today, and in reviewing the City’s Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) with the Housing Department, the Homeless Strategy Office and Austin Public Health, staff identified the following areas where drastic reductions to HUD personnel and/or a reduction in funding would impact the City of Austin’s community programming: Page 1 of 3 HOME Program ($3,073,266) • HOME provides Tenant Based Rental Assistance to 65 families/individuals experiencing homelessness. The contract is administered through the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA) and coordinated with our Continuum of Care (ECHO). • HOME provides funding for Down Payment Assistance (DPA) for 25 low- to moderate- income homebuyers who are first-time homebuyers. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - $7,223,444 • Currently, CDBG funding provides programs or services to more than 14,000 Austinites. • CDBG provides critical mental health services, childcare services, and services to …
TO: Technology Commission M E M O R A N D U M FROM: Dan Martinez, Business Process Specialist, Financial Services Department DATE: April 9, 2025 SUBJECT: 2025 Grant for Technology Opportunities (GTOPs) Awardees The purpose of this memorandum is to request the Commission review and to advise staff on the twelve (12) 2025 GTOPs Core Awards, as scored by the GTOPs Grant Review Committee (the Committee) from April 4, 2025, with specific award amounts set by formula and the process described below. GRANT PROGRAM PURPOSE GTOPs provides matching grant funds to Austin organizations that promote resident access to information technology, or that offer literacy programs that create digital opportunities and foster digital inclusion, particularly in underserved segments of our community. The goals of the program are to: ○ Increase use of digital and communications technology devices ○ Increase knowledge and skills of digital and communications technology ○ Increase access to and usage of the Internet AWARDEE SCORING AND SELECTION PROCESS Letters of Interest (LOI) for 2025 GTOPs Core were accepted from November 15, 2024 through January 8, 2025, thirty-four (34) LOIs were received. Grant applications were accepted from January 15, 2025, through February 12, 2025. The Technology Commission appointed a volunteer Grant Review Committee comprised of nine (9) qualified community representatives, three (3) of whom dropped from the panel prior to final scoring. The City received a total of twenty-five (25) applications for GTOPs 2025 Core. Prior to final scoring, the applicants were given the opportunity to respond to questions generated by the Committee. The Committee scored these applications using the GTOPs scoring criteria, including: Impact • Alignment with GTOPs Goals • • Success/feasibility • Budget and fiscal responsibility After the final scores were submitted by the Committee, the scores were ranked ; the top and bottom reviewer scores were then dropped in accordance with the Olympic style scoring system adopted in 2022. The remaining scores were averaged to give the formal score. Bonus points were allocated as programmatically 1 required, giving the final application score. The final application scores were then entered into an algorithm that distributed awards proportional to the scoring of each organization, within program parameters. The parameters considered by the algorithm are: 1) $315,000 in GTOPs funds available. 2) The minimum amount awarded to any organization is 70% of the requested amount. 3) Funds are distributed proportional to differences in scoring. 4) All funds must …
Technology Commission http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday –April 30th, 2025 – 6:30PM Austin 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 Special Called meeting on Wednesday, March 30th, 2025, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Current Commission Members Vacant ‐ 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 Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ibiye Anga Brian AM Williams 1 Suzanne Heritage Benjamin Combee Board Members/Commissioners Not in Attendance: Thomas Rice Rachel Frock Nicholas Eastwood Milena Pribic CALL TO ORDER Chair Apodaca called the Technology Commission Meeting to order at 6:49 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 speakers registered to deliver comments. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Technology Commission meeting on February 12th, 2025. Motion to approve the minutes made by Chair Apodaca and seconded by Vice Chair Alderete. The minutes from (02/12/2025) were approved on a vote of 6-0. 2. Approve the minutes of the Technology Commission meeting on March 5th, 2025. Motion to approve the minutes made by Chair Apodaca and seconded by Commissioner Heritage. The minutes from (03/05/2025) were approved on a …
TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Wednesday – April 9th, 2025 – 6:30PM City Hall – Boards and Commission – 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 Thomas Rice Benjamin Combee Suzanne Heritage Sumit DasGupta AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Brian AM Williams Rachel Frock Nicholas Eastwood Ibiye Anga 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 February 12th, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Technology Commission meeting on March 5th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation on PANO AI, a wildfire tracking system (Christopher Vetromile, Wildfire Mitigation Manager, Austin Energy) 4. Presentation on Austin Free Net’s public resource distribution strategy (Adam Hughes, Volunteer Coordinator, Austin Free Net) 5. Housing Department update on their annual Action Plan, their application to Housing and Urban Development’s formula grants and the potential impact on local communities (Rocio Peña-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Review and approval of GTOPs Core 2025 selected recipients 7. Officer elections, discussion and approval of chair position 8. Officer elections, discussion and approval of vice chair position WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. Public Surveillance working group updates regarding further interviews with stakeholders and subsequent action items 10. Artificial Intelligence Working Group updates on next steps on strategic direction and timing of next meeting 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 notice at least 2 days …
TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Wednesday – March 5th, 2025 – 6:30PM Austin Energy – Mueller Assembly Room – Room 1111a 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 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 Thomas Rice Suzanne Heritage Sumit DasGupta AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Brian AM Williams Gabriel Nwajiaku Ibiye Anga 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 February 12th, 2025. 2. Presentation on the Professional Development and EdExchange program (Madeleine Edwards, CEO, Austin Children’s Museum) DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation on the status of the city’s participation and involvement in the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program challenge process (Khotan Harmon, Program Manager, City of Austin Economic Development Department) 4. Presentation regarding Grant received applications (Dan Martinez, Business Process Specialist, City of Austin Community Technology Division) for Technology Opportunities Program 5. Presentation on the City of Austin and Travis County’s collaborative Digital Needs Assessment (Chloe Munn, Reyda Taylor from Travis County and Jesse Rodriguez from City of Austin) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Review and approval of recommendation for maintaining Funding for the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) in the FY26 Budget 7. Review and approval of recommendation for funding an affordable device distribution & repair program in the FY26 Budget FY26 budget in the FY26 Budget 8. Review and approval of recommendation for expanding public internet access in the 9. Review and approval of recommendation for increased funding for Digital Skills training 10. Review and Approval of recommendation for continued funding for AI upskilling for City of Austin employees in the FY26 Budget WORKING GROUP UPDATES 11. Public Surveillance working group updates regarding further meetings with surveillance stakeholders 12. Artificial …
Recommendation for Continued Funding for AI Upskilling for City of Austin Employees in the FY26 Budget WHEREAS, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, including government operations, and enhancing efficiencies in data analysis, decision-making, and service delivery; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has already made initial investments in AI training and upskilling programs to ensure that its workforce is equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to leverage AI-based technologies effectively; and WHEREAS, the previous requested budget amendment during FY2025 of $75,000 for AI training, technical assistance, and continuing education has provided City employees with critical skills in data science, design, and AI applications; and WHEREAS, demand for AI-related education and resources continues to grow among City employees, highlighting the need for sustained investment in training programs; and WHEREAS, the expansion of initiatives such as the DIVE (Data Impact Visualization and Exploration) program would further support the City’s commitment to fostering technological innovation and digital proficiency among its workforce; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Technology Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate continued funding in the FY26 Budget to sustain and expand AI upskilling initiatives for City of Austin employees, ensuring they remain proficient in emerging technologies that enhance public service delivery.
Recommendation for Maintaining Funding for the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) in the FY26 Budget WHEREAS, digital inclusion remains a critical issue for the residents of Austin, impacting access to essential services, economic opportunities, and educational resources; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has demonstrated its commitment to digital equity through continued investment in initiatives that support underserved communities; and WHEREAS, the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) has a proven track record of funding impactful community programs that provide digital literacy training, access to devices, and broadband connectivity to Austin residents; and WHEREAS, maintaining the GTOPs budget at $400,000 will ensure the program’s continued impact, enabling more organizations to bridge the digital divide and support the City’s strategic goals on digital equity; and WHEREAS, community organizations rely on GTOPs funding to expand digital inclusion programs, ensuring that residents have access to the technology and skills necessary to participate fully in an increasingly digital world; and WHEREAS, continued investment in GTOPs aligns with the City of Austin’s strategic objectives related to digital equity, workforce development, and economic opportunity; and WHEREAS, the GTOPs program offers multiple funding pathways to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing digital inclusion challenges, including Core Funding, Mini Funding, and Capacity Funding; and WHEREAS, Core Funding supports large-scale initiatives aimed at significantly advancing digital inclusion efforts within the community; and WHEREAS, Mini Funding serves as a vital resource for smaller-scale projects and initiatives seeking to make meaningful contributions to digital inclusion efforts in Austin; and WHEREAS, Capacity Funding provides essential support to grassroots organizations and initiatives, enabling them to build capacity and expand their reach in addressing digital inclusion disparities within underserved communities; and WHEREAS, the demand for digital inclusion funding continues to grow, with community organizations reporting an ongoing need for financial resources to support programs that enhance digital access and literacy; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate $400,000 in the FY26 Budget to the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPs) to further advance digital inclusion efforts citywide.
