REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design 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, call or email Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Marissa McKinney, Chair Kevin Howard, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Saira Khan CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Conners Ladner Josue Meiners Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on June 22nd, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing regarding the implementation of urban design guidelines into the Great Streets plan update. Presented by Jill Amezcua and Mudita Bilay, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Vice Chair Howard, Commissioner Nkiru Gelles. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action regarding the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP), including Phase I background and context, Design Guidelines Working Group recommendations, and the proposed approach, strategy, and stakeholder engagement process for Phase II. Sponsors: Vice Chair Kevin Howard and Commissioner David Carroll. 4. 5. Discussion and possible action to approve a recommendation regarding the future of the Design Commission and their role in the development review process. Sponsors: Commissioner Murkes and Vice Chair Howard. Discussion on alley access and promoting the use of alley spaces for economic vitality. Sponsors: Commissioner Nkiru Gelles and Commissioner Jon Salinas. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS City Code requires at least two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ silence indicates approval for staff to include on the next agenda. ADJOURNMENT The City of …
Great Streets Update Design Commission Austin Planning | Urban Design Division | August 24, 2026 Presentation Agenda ▪ Recap from Dec 2024 ▪ Ongoing Initiatives: Hierarchy and Scope ▪ Great Streets Scope ▪ Plan Goals and Objectives ▪ Recommendation Categories ▪ Alignment of Great Streets Update Recommendations with Urban Design Guidelines Core Principles ▪ Schedule ▪ Next Steps 2 Recap ▪ Demographics ▪ Existing Conditions Analysis ▪ Updating Great Streets Light Pole ▪ Community Engagement ▪ Open House #1 ▪ Community survey ▪ Community Advisory Group Meeting #1: Kick-off and vision ▪ Community Advisory Group Meeting #2: Review goals and objectives ▪ Community Advisory Group Meeting #3: Review existing conditions analysis and recommendations ▪ Community Advisory Group Meeting #4: Refine draft recommendations into coordinated, implementable strategies ▪ Technical Advisory Group Meeting #1: Project introduction and vision ▪ Technical Advisory Group Meeting #2: Streetscape elements and design standards 3 Ongoing Initiatives: Hierarchy and Scope 4 Great Streets Scope 5 Great Streets Goals and Objectives Goal Objective Enhance the Great Streets experience Develop an update that supports safe, accessible, and vibrant pedestrian, transit, and bicycle activity. Implement holistic right-of-way management Coordinate street design and curb management to maximize space for people. Modernize and clarify physical and operational standards Ensure streetscape design aligns with performance metrics and other city initiatives. 6 Great Streets Goals and Objectives Goal Objective Strengthen cross-agency coordination and accountability Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and sequencing for implementation across departments and with private partners. Promote sustainable and maintainable public realm features Incorporate long-term tree and landscaping management and maintenance planning. Strengthen champions and community support Regularly coordinate and share updates with City leadership, decision-makers, developers, and the public to ensure long- term success. 7 Great Streets Goals and Objectives Goal Ensure consistent funding and measurable outcomes Objective Identify and track funding sources and performance metrics, monitor improvements, and secure dedicated resources for program continuity. 8 Recommendation Categories 1. Pedestrian experience, streetscape design, and public realm identity 2. Operations and maintenance 3. Coordination, implementation, and delivery 9 Alignment DRAFT URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES DRAFT GREAT STREETS UPDATE RECOMMENDATIONS Core Principle A: Protect pedestrians and bicyclists from the elements • Structure a Continuous, Safe, and Accessible Pedestrian Experience Through a Context-Specific Design Framework • Design a Durable, Human-Scaled, and Adaptable Furnishing Zone • Expand Tree Canopy for Shade, Thermal Comfort, and Long-Term Durability 10 Alignment DRAFT URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES DRAFT GREAT STREETS UPDATE …
Clarifying the Role of the Design Commission A Roadmap for Expanding Urban Design Leadership, Policy Integration, and Strategic Alignment in the City of Austin Introduction What We Are Doing? Why We Are Doing It? ● ● ● Recommend code amendments and council action to Clarify and reframe the Design Commission's role ● ● DDB project “design review” role eliminated Shift focus to citywide urban design policy leadership within city governance. ● Many projects and initiatives that critically impact the Change role to a standing advisory role providing public realm do not come to the Design Commission. recommendations to Council, Land Use Commissions, ● Purpose of review unclear for some projects required the City Manager, and City departments to present to the Design Commission. ● Adding clear triggers for projects to present before the Design Commission Focus Areas Capital Projects Small Area Planning Design oversight of civic buildings, Continuous stewardship of urban Development & Street Design Standards Continuous stewardship of urban bridges, right-of-way infrastructure, design development standards, street design development standards, street parks, and major civic assets to elevate design guidelines, and small area public realm design quality. planning framework integration. design guidelines, and small area planning framework integration. Focus Areas Economic Development & Placemaking Strategic alignment with economic development initiatives, cultural district creation, and redevelopment projects across Austin. Urban Design Leadership Tactical Engagement Advocate for structural leadership within the City of Austin, including Establish a centralized Urban Design Center to serve as a hub for community elevating urban design expertise within engagement, education, and innovation. the Innovation Office and establishing an Leverage real-world pilot projects to Assistant City Manager (ACM)-level demonstrate immediate urban design urban design champion. value in the public realm. Proposed Mechanisms Rename & Reframe: Transition title to "Urban Design Commission" (UDC) to shift perception moving away from association with “design review board” toward comprehensive citywide policy leadership. Joint Committees: Establish dedicated joint committees (e.g., ROW Design Joint Committee with UTC) OR secure UDC representation on existing bodies. Formal Review Triggers: Adopt code changes to trigger appropriate project review according to proposed strategy Quarterly Partner Updates: Host structured quarterly updates from key entity partners including Rally Austin on redevelopment and place-based efforts. Implementation Strategy Task Target Outcome Proposed Mechanism Renaming & Reframing Urban Design Commission Shift away from association with “design review board” Code amendment Capital Projects Design oversight on civic buildings, parks, streets, transit stations Opt. 1: …
