Agenda — original pdf
Agenda
Downtown Commission Homepage
Item #1 Draft Meeting Minutes November 20, 2024 — original pdf
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, November 20, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael Jr., Vice-Chair Peter Breton Charles Peveto David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Anne-Charlotte Patterson Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Jennifer Franklin Amy Mok CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:36 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 16, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on October The minutes from the meeting on October 16, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION ITEMS Wednesday, November 20, 2024 2. Presentation on benchmarking downtown plans in comparable cities by Melissa Barry, Chief Program Officer, Downtown Austin Alliance, and discussion of the update to the Downtown Austin Plan. The presentation was made by Melissa Barry, Chief Program Officer, Downtown Austin Alliance. 3. Presentation on the Great Streets Plan by Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 4. Presentation on the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative by Laura Dierenfield, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. The presentation was made by Laura Dierenfield, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a Working Group to contribute input to the update of the Downtown Austin Plan. The motion to approve the formation of a Working Group to contribute input to the update of the Downtown Austin Plan was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal was off the dais. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Levinson, Peveto and Shifferd were added to the working group without objection. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Waterloo Greenway (Harris, Levinson) ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:25 pm without any objection.
Item #2 Downtown Austin Plan Update Presentation — original pdf
Downtown Austin Plan Update Downtown Commission December 18, 2024 Agenda Background Pre-Planning Process Next Steps A Background: …The 2011 Downtown Austin Plan 2011 Downtown Austin Plan 7 Transformative Steps 1). Create Signature Parks 2). Urban Rail 3). East 6th Street “Re-imagined” 4). Affordable Housing 5). Downtown Infrastructure 6). LDC Amendments 7). “Central-City” Economic Development Corporation 4 How It Works! 7 Total Plan Elements – 7 Overall Goals – 30 Recommendations – 114 Actions – Key Considerations 9 Downtown Districts (Sub-Areas) – Individual Goals – Character & Form 5 Downtown Austin Plan (Resolution No. 20240814-028) …The Update! Resolution No. 2024084-028 • Initiate updates to the Downtown Austin Plan […], covering the next 10 years at minimum, reviewing updates through an equitable, resilient, and sustainable lens. • Engage with stakeholders […] in envisioning the future of Downtown, identifying the needs of those who live, work, and visit Downtown, and identifying solutions. • Ensure the implementation and coordination of recently completed projects and plans that are shaping Downtown’s future, to incorporate the needs of unique features of Downtown, and to address the issues that affect growth [ ]. 7 Resolution No. 2024084 - 028 • Provide detailed information for implementation including cost estimates, potential partners, funding opportunities, financial tools, and any necessary code amendments for identified projects, programs, policies, and infrastructure recommendations. • Provide a memo to Council by Mid-February, outlining estimated cost, scope, and preliminary timeline of the Downtown Austin Plan update, identifying City staff resources, and potential external partnerships or third parties that can assist in providing resources for plan development. 8 “How do we know where we are going if we don’t know where we are at?” The Pre – Planning Process August 2024 - March 2025 Preliminary Research – Implementation Status Review* – Initial Stakeholder Engagement* Produce Draft (February) – Scope (V1) – Timeline (V1) Cost Estimate (March) – Estimate based on Scope (V1) *Ongoing Activity beyond March 2025 March 2025 – June 2025 Council Approval of Direction Preliminary Research (cont’d.) – Implementation Status Review* – Broadened Initial Stakeholder Engagement* Synthesize Findings – 2011 DAP Implementation Status Report – Initial Stakeholder Findings Report Produce Final – Updated Scope (V1) / Potential Scope (V2), – Updated Timeline (V1) / Potential Timeline (V2) – Updated Cost Estimate (V1) / Potential Cost Estimate (V2) 10 2011 DAP Implementation Status Review Activity 1: …
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Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN COMMISSION November 20, 2024, 5:30 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for register, please contact Christi Vitela at remote participation by Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. telephone. To CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Ralph E. Ishmael Jr, Vice Chair Peter Breton David Carroll Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson Tania Ortega Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd VACANT (District 6) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Carl Larosche (Historic Landmark Commission) VACANT (Design Commission) VACANT (Public Safety Commission) CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular meeting on October 16, DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on benchmarking downtown plans in comparable cities by Melissa Barry, Chief Program Officer, Downtown Austin Alliance, and discussion of the update to the Downtown Austin Plan. 3. Presentation on the Great Streets Plan by Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 4. Presentation on the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative by Laura Dierenfield, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. 5. Approve the formation of a Working Group to contribute input to the update of the DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Downtown Austin Plan. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) …
Item #1 Draft Meeting Minutes October 16, 2024 — original pdf
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 16, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, October 16, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael Jr., Vice-Chair David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 18, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on The minutes from the meeting on September 18, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was off the dais. Commissioners Breton and Ortega were absent. DISCUSSION ITEM Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 16, 2024 1. Presentation regarding the Austin Core Transportation Plan by Cole Kitten, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department. The presentation was given by Cole Kitten, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve the Downtown Commission’s 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule. The motion to approve the Downtown Commission’s 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Breton and Ortega were absent. 3. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Equity Based Preservation Plan. Discussed. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Congress Urban Design Initiative (Coufal, Levinson) New/Old 6th Street Initiative (Coufal, Levinson) Austin Light Rail Update from Project Connect (Harris, Levinson) ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:17 pm without any objection.
Item #2 Downtown Plan: Peer Downtown Case Studies - DAA Presentation — original pdf
Downtown Plan: Peer Downtown Case Studies November 2024 Today’s Goal • Share some preliminary takeaways from conversations with peer downtowns Identify what additional information would be helpful as we begin the Downtown Austin Plan • Peer Downtowns Case Studies as of Nov. 2024 Downtown Dallas – 360 Plan (2011/2017 update) Downtown Atlanta Master Plan – (2017) Downtown Calgary – Greater Downtown Plan (2021) Downtown Denver – Downtown Area Plan (2007/currently in update) Key Themes/Lessons : • Office vacancies major factor driving updates • Keep the plan high level to make it durable • Plan ahead for implementation resources • Importance of scoping beyond downtown • Make the economic case for downtown • Deepen the network of champions for the plan - go beyond downtown Downtown Dallas Project Schedule Source: The 360 Plan, 2017: https://downtowndallas360.com/360-plan-2017/ Downtown Dallas – Implementation Matrix Example Project Schedule Source: The 360 Plan, 2017: https://downtowndallas360.com/360-plan-2017/ Downtown Atlanta Source: https://www.atlantadowntown.com/initiatives/plan-downtown-atl The plan identifies over 100 strategies for Downtown and the strategies are organized into 6 categories. Downtown Calgary Source: Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan Roadmap to reinvention, page 29 2007 Denver Area Plan Source: https://www.downtowndenver.com/initiativ es-and-planning/2007-downtown-area- plan/ Discussion • What aspects of this research would be helpful to share in more detail for the DAP update? • What other downtowns might we look at? • Specific topics that would be helpful for deeper dive? • Questions you might have?
Item #3 Great Streets Plan Update - Planning Department — original pdf
Great Streets Program Update Presentation Agenda - Demographics - Existing Conditions Analysis - Community engagement - Great Streets light pole Demographics Population Increase 2010-2020 Downtown Austin City of Austin Downtown Austin Inhabitants: % of Austin Residents Living Downtown Source: 2022 ACS Five-Year Estimates Source: 2022 ACS Five-Year Estimates Housing Statistics Downtown Austin Source: DDA State of Downtown Report 2022 Existing Conditions Analysis • Completed inventory of Great Streets elements • Condition of Great Streets elements • Top 3 streetscape elements • Bottom 3 streetscape elements • Planters • Signs • Sidewalk cafes • Trash receptacles • Benches • Tree/paver grates Create Champions & Supporters Generate Diverse Ideas & Solutions Identify and Unpack the Problem(s) Find Opportunities for Alignment & Collaboration Evaluate Implementation Processes Engagement & Outreach • 1-on-1 personal conversations • Round table meetings • Topical focus groups • Small-group workshops • Interactive public art and tactical urbanism installations • Strategic departmental and external supporters Great Streets Light Pole • Great Streets light pole redesign and purchase • Update current design of Great Streets light pole IMAGE Great Streets Update Process Phase 1: Analysis Phase 2: Vision Phase 3: Scoping Phase 4: Production •Existing Conditions •Review of relevant plans •Public Involvement •Stakeholder meetings •Scope of Work •Deliverables •Compiling Feedback •Draft Plan •Review •Draft Deliverables Reviews and Approval •Public Review •Final Deliverable Approved by Council Next Steps • Community engagement • Update Great Streets Plan and Standards
Item #4 Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative - Transportation and Public Works — original pdf
CONGRESS AVENUE URBAN DESIGN INITIATIVE Downtown Commission Briefing | November 20, 2024 TODAY’S TOPICS • About the CAUDI Vision Plan • Review of the full build scenario (unfunded) • Review of the proposed first phase from Cesar Chavez St. to 11th St. • 100 Block • 200, 300, 400, 600 Blocks • Rebalancing the Avenue • 500 Block • Plaza Concept • Motor Vehicle Access • 700 & 800 Blocks • 900 & 1000 Blocks • Invitation to Share Feedback OVERVIEW of the VISION PLAN "Congress Avenue, often called the "Main Street of Texas," is one of the most iconic, historic and lively streets in Austin. The Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative (CAUDI) envisions a transformative urban design, placemaking, and implementation strategy for Congress Avenue between Riverside Dr. and 11th St.” “The goal of this effort is to create a multifunctional complete street with a dynamic public realm that contributes to Downtown Austin's evolution as a sustainable mixed- use downtown and supports Austin's identity as a unique and iconic cultural city." FULL BUILD SCENARIO (UNFUNDED) 4 11/20/20 24 5 100 BLOCK 11/20/20 24 6 200 - 600 BLOCK 7 FULL BUILD CROSS SECTION: 200-400 & 600 BLOCKS 8 700 BLOCK 9 FULL BUILD CROSS SECTION: 700 BLOCK 10 FULL BUILD PLAZA CONCEPT: 7th ST. - 11th ST. 11 PROPOSED FIRST PHASE: CESAR CHAVEZ ST. – 11TH ST. Initial funding through the 2020 Mobility Bond Program 12 CROSS SECTION: 100 BLOCK Plan view of the proposed 100 block 13 200, 300, 400, 600 BLOCKS 14 REBALANCING THE AVENUE Funded first phase cross section at the 200, 300, 400 and 600 block. Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding. • Opens a 25-30 feet pedestrian amenity zone on both sides of Congress Avenue • Maintains left turn lanes at Cesar Chavez St., 5th St. and 6th St. • Upgrades bikeway barrier quality and consistency • Maintains ADA accessible parking or relocates it nearby • • Considers contextual factors for maintaining or adding on-street parking where necessary • Impacts 0.27% of existing downtown parking and 1.5% of on-street parking Leverages wayfinding solutions to direct people to available on and off-street parking supply Parking, Wayfinding & Street Patios 15 CROSS SECTION: 500 BLOCK Plan view of the proposed 500 block 16 PLAZA CONCEPT: 7th ST. - 11th ST. 17 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCESS Summary of Changes • Motor vehicle movements would end at 7th …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, November 20, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael Jr., Vice-Chair Peter Breton Charles Peveto David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Anne-Charlotte Patterson Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Jennifer Franklin Amy Mok CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:36 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 16, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on October The minutes from the meeting on October 16, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION ITEMS Wednesday, November 20, 2024 2. Presentation on benchmarking downtown plans in comparable cities by Melissa Barry, Chief Program Officer, Downtown Austin Alliance, and discussion of the update to the Downtown Austin Plan. The presentation was made by Melissa Barry, Chief Program Officer, Downtown Austin Alliance. 3. Presentation on the Great Streets Plan by Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 4. Presentation on the Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative by Laura Dierenfield, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. The presentation was made by Laura Dierenfield, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a Working Group to contribute input to the update of the Downtown Austin Plan. The motion to approve the formation of a Working Group to contribute input to the update of the Downtown Austin Plan was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal was off the dais. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Levinson, Peveto and Shifferd were added to the working group without objection. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Waterloo Greenway (Harris, Levinson) ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:25 pm without any objection. The minutes were approved at the December 18, 2024, meeting on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Shifferd was off the dais. Commissioners Carroll and Lavigne were absent.
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN COMMISSION October 16, 2024, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown 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 register, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. telephone. To CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Ralph E. Ishmael Jr, Vice Chair VACANT (District 5) David Carroll Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson VACANT (District 6) Tania Ortega Sania Shifferd Peter Breton (District 8) CALL TO ORDER Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) VACANT (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Carl Larosche (Historic Landmark Commission) VACANT (Design Commission) AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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 September 18, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on 2. Presentation regarding the Austin Core Transportation Plan by Cole Kitten, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department. 3. Approve the Downtown Commission’s 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule. 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Equity Based Preservation Plan. DISCUSSION ITEM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792.
Item #1 Draft Meeting Minutes September 18, 2024 — original pdf
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 18, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, September 18, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael Jr., Vice-Chair David Carroll Carl Larosche Kimberly Levinson Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Tania Ortega CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:33 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on August The minutes from the meeting on 08/21/2024 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 21, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 18, 2024 3. Staff Briefing regarding safety issues and a yearly overview of the Downtown Area Command by Craig Smith, Commander, Austin Police Department and Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. The presentation was made by Craig Smith, Commander, Austin Police Department and Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. 2. Staff briefing regarding the Equity Based Preservation Plan’s path to adoption by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 4. Staff Briefing on the Nightlife and Entertainment Services Program by Brian Block, Nightlife and Entertainment Services Manager, Development Services Department. The presentation was made by Brian Block, Nightlife and Entertainment Services Manager, Development Services Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:03 pm without any objection.
Item #3 Draft 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Meeting Schedule — original pdf
Downtown Commission 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm 1. January 15, 2025 2. February 19, 2025 3. March 19, 2025 4. April 16, 2025 5. May 21, 2025 6. June 18, 2025 7. July 16, 2025 8. August 20, 2025 9. September 17, 2025 10. October 15, 2025 11. November 19, 2025 12. December 17, 2025
Item #2 Austin Core Transportation Plan Presentation — original pdf
Austin Core Transportation (ACT) Plan Small Area Mobility Plan of the ASMP: Downtown Austin Downtown Commission - October 16, 2024 Cole Kitten, TPW, Division Manager Agenda • ACT Plan Purpose and Background • Planning Process • ACT Plan Project Recommendations • Implementation Plan • Next Steps 2 ACT Plan Purpose • The ACT Plan is a Small Area Mobility Plan covering Downtown Austin and will be adopted by Council as an attachment to the ASMP. • It is an update to previous transportation focused efforts Downtown – dating back to 2000 • Why are we updating the transportation plan for Downtown? • changes in transit and bicycle planning, • changes in highway improvements serving Downtown, • changes in national best practices on urban street design, and • disruptions to traditional mobility • The ACT Plan will create a unified vision for transportation Downtown and align the many projects and initiatives under one actionable plan to help accomplish the goals in the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan. 3 Background • Great Streets Master Plan, 2001 • The goal of the Great Streets program is to pursue the vision of streets for people • Downtown Access and Mobility Plan, 2002 • The emphasis of the access and mobility study was on modeling and simulating intersection traffic operations and determining existing and future levels-of- service and operational needs • Downtown Transportation Framework, 2008 • The Downtown Transportation Framework Plan builds on the Great Streets Master Plan, further developing the system of “priority streets by mode”, and developing more detailed streetscape cross sections of all of the different street types and variations • Downtown Austin Plan, 2011 • Established the vision to develop a multimodal transportation system that improves access to and mobility within Downtown 2001 2002 2008 2011 4 Background • New policy • The Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) aspires to achieve a 50/50 mode share where 50% of commuters use means other than driving alone to get to work in 2039 • Transit planning • The Project Connect Long Term Vision Plan established a High-Capacity Transit System and was adopted as an element of the ASMP – an initial investment was funded in 2020 • Managing demand • Transportation Demand Management programming, parking policy, and curb management are becoming critical strategies to manage congestion • New street design • The Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative shows how to reimagine the allocation of …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 16, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, October 16, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael Jr., Vice-Chair David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 18, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on The minutes from the meeting on September 18, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was off the dais. Commissioners Breton and Ortega were absent. DISCUSSION ITEM Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 16, 2024 1. Presentation regarding the Austin Core Transportation Plan by Cole Kitten, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department. The presentation was given by Cole Kitten, Division Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve the Downtown Commission’s 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule. The motion to approve the Downtown Commission’s 2025 Regular Meeting Schedule was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Breton and Ortega were absent. 3. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Equity Based Preservation Plan. Discussed. No action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Congress Urban Design Initiative (Coufal, Levinson) New/Old 6th Street Initiative (Coufal, Levinson) Austin Light Rail Update from Project Connect (Harris, Levinson) ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:17 pm without any objection. The minutes were approved at the November 20, 2024, meeting on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent.
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN COMMISSION September 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown 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 register, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. telephone. To CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Ralph E. Ishmael Jr, Vice Chair VACANT (District 5) David Carroll Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson VACANT (District 6) Tania Ortega Sania Shifferd VACANT (District 8) CALL TO ORDER Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) VACANT (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Carl Larosche (Historic Landmark Commission) VACANT (Design Commission) AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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 21, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on August STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Equity Based Preservation Plan’s path to adoption by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding safety issues and a yearly overview of the Downtown Area Command by Craig Smith, Commander, Austin Police Department and Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. 4. Staff briefing regarding the Nightlife and Entertainment Services Program by Brian Block, Nightlife and Entertainment Services Manager, Development Services Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Christi Vitela at the Office of the City Clerk, at (512) 974-2792 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or …
Draft Meeting Minutes August 21, 2024 — original pdf
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 21, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, August 21, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Jennifer Franklin Mike Lavigne Taylor Major Tania Ortega Amy Mok Anne Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission special called meeting on June 26, The minutes from the meeting on 06/26/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal was absent. 2024. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes STAFF BRIEFING Wednesday, August 21, 2024 2. Presentation by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, and Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library, on construction at the John Henry Faulk Building at the Austin History Center Campus and programming at the Central Library and Austin History Center. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, Austin Public Library and Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library. 3. Presentation by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, Strategic Projects, Smart Mobility, Austin Transportation and Public Works, on Our Future 35 Project, a project that aims to co-create public spaces over IH 35. The presentation was made by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, Strategic Projects, Smart Mobility, Austin Transportation and Public Works. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Downtown Austin Plan Update (Ishmael, Harris) Austin Core Transportation (Ishmael, Levinson) Great Streets Update (Carroll, Levinson) Seaholm TIRZ – Cesar Chavez Update (Ishmael, Shifferd) ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:09 pm without any objection.
Item #2 Equity Based Preservation Plan Presentation — original pdf
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION | SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Planning Process HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Michelle Benavides Mary Jo Galindo*1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* 1 JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 Julia Brookins* Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko 1 Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Ursula A. Carter Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Image sources: Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Images: Joe’s Bakery, home in Zilker neighborhood, detail from Music Listening Map by Amy Moreland Plan Goals 107 recommendations 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Make preservation more accessible 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Images, clockwise from top left: Juneteenth parade, unveiling of La Loteria mural, archaeological resources Image sources: The Austin Chronicle (two images), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support displacement prevention and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Engage new partners and audiences • Help community members access knowledge and resources • Support people doing the work: homeowners and tenants, craftspeople, commissioners, and staff Images, clockwise from top left: Protest at City Hall to preserve Edward Rendon Park (Chicano Park), door hanger in San Antonio, “Stories within Stories” project of the Austin Asian American Film Festival Image sources: Bertha Rendon Delgado, San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, Austin Asian American Film …