REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday October 15, 2025, 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley Kevin Chen Nkiru Gelles Gina Houston Jennifer Franklin 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on September 17, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Downtown Density Bonus Program/Affordable Housing and SB 840. Presentation by Alan Pani, Planner Principal, Austin Planning. 3. Update on a proposed amendment to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to establish a base height limit within the Central Business District (CBD) zoning district and update the Downtown Density Bonus (DDB) and Rainey Street Subdistrict to incorporate the CBD base height limit into the DDB program. Presentation by Alan Pani, Planner Principal, Austin Planning. 4. Presentation regarding Staff’s response to Council Resolution 20241121-073 related to Bird-Friendly design by Leslie Lilly, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Austin Watershed Protection. 5. Update on the Downtown Austin Alliance’s (DAA) construction mitigation strategy. Presentation by Matt Geske, Vice President - Public Affairs, DAA, and Vanessa Olson, Vice President -Communication and Marketing, DAA. 6. Update on the Downtown Austin Alliance’s (DAA) active urbanism team regarding programs to support Artists and Creatives: DASA, Musicians activating spaces. Presentation by Raasin McIntosh, Vice President - Active Urbanism, DAA, and Emily Risinger, Director of Planning, DAA. 7. Update from the Arts Commission representative on the Cultural Funding/Grants process and information regarding the work of Austin Arts, Culture, Music, …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Called Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 17, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Austin City Hall Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Nkiru Gelles Nancy Pollak Nelly Paulina Ramírez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on August 20, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of August 20, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Buchta’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Carroll was absent. 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 17, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Downtown Austin Strategic Initiative (DASI). Presentation by Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager, Austin City Manager’s Office. The presentation was made by Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager, Austin City Manager’s Office and Roberto Treviño, Deputy City Manager Advisor, Austin City Manager’s Office. 3. Update from the Public Safety Commission representative regarding the Austin Police’s response to questions about their process with regards to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Public Safety Commission’s future discussions regarding this topic. Commissioner Ramírez provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Downtown Commission Boundary Expansion. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Downtown Commission Boundary Expansion was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Carroll was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Briefing on the update to the Great Streets Master Plan Briefing on the 6th Street Engineering Report Valet Permitting Process ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:30 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Peveto’s motion, Vice Chair Levinson’s second a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Carroll was absent. 2
Downtown Commission 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule 3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm 1. January 21, 2026 2. February 18, 2026 3. March 11, 2026* 4. April 15, 2026 5. May 20, 2026 6. June 17, 2026 7. July 15, 2026 8. August 19, 2026 9. September 16, 2026 10. October 21, 2026 11. November 18, 2026 12. December 16, 2026 *revised
SB 840 & DDB Austin Planning | Downtown Commission | 10/15/2025 Content • SB 840 Overview Impacts of SB 840 • • Next Steps SB 840 Overview SB 840 Summary Allows by-right mixed-use or multifamily in all zoning districts that allow non-residential uses (excluding zones with heavy industrial). Sets minimum standards for height, density, and maximum setbacks for multifamily and multifamily and mixed-use developments in commercial zones. Exempts residential conversions of existing commercial or office buildings from impact fees and other city requirements. Effective Date: September 1, 2025 4 SB 840 Applicability: Residential by Right Allows residential by-right on any property where mixed-use, office, commercial, retail, or warehouse uses are currently allowed in the zoning district. Does not apply to: Zones that allow a heavy industrial use Properties within 1,000 ft of a heavy industrial use or development site or within 3,000 ft. of an airport or military base An area designated by a city as “a clear zone or accident potential zone” 5 SB 840 Applicability: Residential by Right (cont’d) Residential is allowed by right in the following zoning districts in Austin: All office base zones: Neighborhood Office (NO), Limited Office (LO), General Office (GO) All commercial base zones: Community Recreation (CR), Neighborhood Commercial (LR), Community Commercial (GR), Lake Commercial (L), Central Business District (CBD), Downtown Mixed-Use (DMU), Warehouse/Limited Office (W/LO), Commercial Services (CS), Commercial Highway (CH) Special purpose base zones: Agriculture (AG), Planned Unit Development (PUDs)* Industrial base zones: Research & Development (R&D)* Regulating plans: Lamar/Justin, Plaza Saltillo, MLK, East Riverside Corridor, North Burnet/Gateway Regulating Plans *Applicable to properties with PUD and R&D zoning that allow commercial uses & prohibit heavy industrial uses 6 SB 840 Applicability: New Minimum Entitlements Bill sets new minimum entitlements for “mixed-use residential” and “multifamily residential” development, for sites where SB 840 applies. Mixed-Use Residential = any site in which the residential uses are at least 65% of the development’s total square footage. Multifamily Residential = any site for 3 or more dwelling units within one or more buildings. 7 New Minimum Entitlements Under SB 840 Density: Cities must allow the greater of 36 units per acre or the highest residential density currently allowed in the city. This is 54 units per acre in Austin. Cannot restrict …
C20-2025-010 Central Business District Amendments Austin Planning | Downtown Commission | 10/15/25 Content • Background • Proposed Changes • Next Steps Background Texas Senate Bill 840 Texas SB 840 went into effect on September 1. Allows for multifamily or mixed-use in any commercial zone Under SB 840, multifamily and mixed-use residential developments in commercial zones will, by right, be able to: Reach a height that is the greater of 45 feet or the height that applies to commercial uses for the site. Reach a density of up to 54 units per acre. Include setbacks that are the lesser of 25 feet or the setbacks imposed on commercial uses. Develop unlimited floor-to-area ratio (FAR). 4 Central Business District Central Business District (CBD) is the designation for an office, commercial, residential, or civic use located in the downtown area CBD currently regulates development based on floor-area ratio (FAR) Currently, the allowed FAR is 8:1 There is no maximum building height under CBD As of September 1, the City can no longer regulate FAR in developments utilizing Senate Bill 840 CBD 5 Downtown Density Bonus Produces highest density/heights in our city and produces the most affordable housing fees- in-lieu for the City CBD and Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) zoning today: CBD zoning does not have a height limit but has FAR limit of 8:1. DMU zoning has height limit of 120’ and FAR limit of 5:1. DDB allows for developments to go above their base entitlements Additional entitlements are mapped, but in general, DDB can increase CBD and DMU sites: Up to 25:1 FAR Up to unlimited height 6 Proposed Changes CBD Median Height Equivalent Staff analyzed the median and average height for sites participating in the Downtown Density Bonus to find the height equivalent for 8:1 FAR Site Area (acres) Floors with 8:1 FAR* Height with 8:1 FAR* (feet) Density Bonus Sites CBD Median CBD Average 0.55 0.72 *8:1 FAR equivalent for developed sites. 16 18 207 233 8 9 10 Proposed Changes to CBD Create a new maximum by-right height limit of 350 feet for the Central Business District. 350 feet follows the trend toward taller buildings in Downtown to help support development and growth in the city center. The height limit will address the effects of …
1 City Staff Watershed Protection Building Services Liz Johnston, Leslie Lilly, Elizabeth Funk Matt Hollon, Sean Watson Austin Energy Green Building Garret Jaynes, Heidi Kasper Development Services Department Farhana Biswas Kit Johnson, Nate Jackson Animal Services Emery Sadkin Planning Jordan Feldman 2 Resolution 20241121-073 ▪ Came out of a recommendation from a working group and Resolution 20210902-050 on Lights Out Austin ▪ Directs staff to: ▪ Update on Light’s Out Austin ▪ Explore integration of bird-friendly building techniques for new low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise buildings ▪ Conduct a feasibility analysis on the potential impacts of these standards ▪ Seek input from stakeholders, including developers, environmental organizations, and the public. 3 Migration and Habitat ▪ Austin was designated a Bird City in 2023 ▪ Austin within North America’s Central Flyway ▪ Over 400 species of birds ▪ Edwards Plateau and the Blackland Prairies habitat ▪ Premier destination for birdwatchers throughout most of the year. ▪ Birding generates more than $5 billion in annual ecotourism revenue in Texas ($279 billion nationwide) 4 The Problem ▪ Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. ▪ In daytime, birds encounter reflective or translucent glass. ▪ At night, birds encounter artificial sources of light. ▪ Birds fly to these confusing features without seeing the glass barriers. ▪ The collision is deadly. An estimated 1 billion birds die every year. 5 Solutions Glass Strategies Bird-friendly design includes: ▪ Reducing the use of glass ▪ Reducing glass exposure (using solar shading, external insect/solar screens, louvers, etc.) ▪ Incorporating bird-friendly signals (markers) in or on the glass ▪ UV coating, glazing, and etched or fritted glass patterns that follow the "2x2 rule” 7 Design Strategies ▪ Incorporate physical barriers and architectural design that improve glass visibility ▪ Options include: ▪ Exterior screens ▪ Shutters ▪ Awnings ▪ Facades ▪ Structural shading systems Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City, Utah 8 Lighting Exterior ▪ Eliminate uplighting, use fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward, and avoid event searchlights ▪ Use lighting management systems that can automatically reduce non-essential lighting during peak migration ▪ Also beneficial to bats and lightning bugs year-round ▪ Use warmer lightbulbs (as white/blue light can disorient birds) Interior ▪ Program automatic controls with timers and occupancy sensors ▪ Use window treatments to reduce light spillage ▪ Schedule janitorial services during daylight hours 9 Benchmarking What have other cities done? New York City (2021) Arlington County, VA …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX [XXX is the agenda item number] Date: 10/15/2025 Subject: Density Bonus recommendation Motioned By: Recommendation Seconded By: The Downtown Commission recommends that the City of Austin adopt the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association proposal for replacing the current density bonus program (which is necessitated by SB840). Description of Recommendation to Council The DTC believes that removing height and FAR restrictions downtown, and directing a dedicated share of the resulting revenue permanently into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund or a similar entity will provide a much more stable and permanent stream of funding for Permanent Supportive Housing and other affordable housing, as well as other community benefits, because it will not be dependent on constant new development. It will remain in place as long as the building exists. We therefore request that the City Council not adopt further restrictions on downtown development, which will only complicate an already complex building code, and instead simplify the code by removing restrictions and designating the increased revenue to housing our neighbors and fellow citizens. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
SOCIAL KNOWLEDGEABLE INFLUENTIAL Philip Wiley President Cyrus Tehrani Vice President Maria Wiley Treasurer Marshall Geyer Secretary Bob Bellin Roger L. Cauvin Megan Dude Kimberly Levinson Preston Salce October 3, 2025 Honorable City Council, Commissioners, and Staff: (DANA) The Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association opposes height limits and other exclusionary zoning downtown, and we specifically oppose the base height limit proposed in the C20-2025-010 Central Business District (CBD) amendments. We recognize that the proposed CBD base height limit is an attempt to restore the incentive to participate in the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP), given that SB 840 removed the floor area ratio (FAR) limits on which the program depends. As we noted in a March 2024 letter, density bonus programs rely on exclusionary zoning to "work" and produce less housing relative to granting the same entitlements by right. (TOC) program Indeed, a 2024 Terner Center and UCLA study of Los Angeles’ that Transit Oriented Communities removing the affordability requirements, and granting the "bonus" entitlements by right, would produce 38% more housing over a decade. The report confirmed that calibration is futile; housing production suffers dramatically no matter how lenient the affordability requirements (short of eliminating them entirely). found We thus reiterate our March 2024 proposal to replace the DDBP with a mechanism that (1) captures the extra property tax revenue resulting from having no FAR caps or height limits and (2) dedicates a portion of it to affordable housing and other community benefits. This alternative will produce more housing overall, and provide a larger and steadier funding stream for these community benefits, than would downzoning the CBD to restore the incentive to participate in the DDBP. Sincerely, Board of Directors Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (DANA) info@downtownaustin.org (512) 593-2621 DOWNTOWN AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 997 Austin, TX 78767 • downtownaustin.org
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday September 17, 2025, 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Nelly Paulina Ramírez 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on August 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Downtown Austin Strategic Initiative (DASI). Presentation by Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager, Austin City Manager’s Office. 3. Update from the Public Safety Commission representative regarding the Austin Police’s response to questions about their process with regards to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Public Safety Commission’s future discussions regarding this topic. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Downtown Commission Boundary Expansion. 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.
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Called Meeting Minutes Wednesday August 20, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday August 20, 2025, at Austin City Hall Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Nelly Paulina Ramírez CALL TO ORDER Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on July 16, 2025. 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The minutes from the meeting of July 16, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second, on a 10-0 vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin, regarding possible downtown site developments. The presentation was made by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. 3. Presentation by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, regarding Austin Texas Musicians. The presentation was made by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, Austin Texas Musicians and Frances Ferguson, Community Member and Member of the Austin Presbyterian Church. 4. Presentation by Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy, regarding the Cypress and Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy. The presentation was made by Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Homelessness Response 24-Hour Oasis Access. The motion to approve the recommendation was made by Vice Chair Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Shifferd. The following amendment was made by Commissioner McDaniel and seconded by Chair Ishmael. The amendment was to move the move the last Whereas clause on page 1 to the top of page 2 and add the first Whereas clause on page 2 to the end of page 1 and strike the words “on Friday and Saturday nights.” The amendment was approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal abstained. The Recommendation to Council regarding Homelessness Response 24-Hour Oasis Access was approved as amended on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal abstained. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:21 p.m. was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner McDaniel’s second a 10-0 vote. …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: ___________________: DOWNTOWN COMMISSION BOUNDARY EXPANSION WHEREAS the Austin Council on August 14, 2024, passed Resolution 20240814-028 calling for an update to the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP); WHEREAS the purpose of the Downtown Commission, as spelled out in its Bylaws is to advise the City Council and city staff regarding policies and projects impacting downtown Austin; serve as stewards for the Downtown Austin Plan and, as such: serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan and offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed Downtown Commission (DTC) of the City of Austin is charged with stewarding the DAP; and WHEREAS the City of Austin Planning Department by memo in response to City Council Resolution No.20240814-028 recommended that the current boundaries of the Downtown Austin Plan be expanded; and WHEREAS the Planning Staff noted that: • A renewed vision of Downtown should account for its immediate needs while acknowledging the regional context of its relationship to surrounding areas. • Planning Staff recommended the development of a District Plan • Broadening the DAP update to a District Plan with a larger geography would acknowledge the regional nature of the urban core in the city and create intentionality in planning for it. WHEREAS Planning Staff recommended that the proposed District Plan include the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) area to the north, Downtown, and the South-Central Waterfront area to the south, bordered by Lamar Boulevard to the west and I-35 to the east, and would be referred to as the Center City / Central District Plan Area. WHEREAS the current boundaries of the Downtown Commission as set forth in the Bylaws as being Martin Luther King, Kr. Boulevard to the north, Interstate Highway 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and Lamar Boulevard to the west; and WHEREAS there currently exists a South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) charged with providing continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South- Central Waterfront Plan moves towards implementation and to provide 15 recommendations to the city council regarding plan implementation; and WHEREAS the South-Central Waterfront is bounded by South First Street on the west, Blunn Creek to the east, Lady Bird Lake on the north, and East Riverside Drive and East Bouldin Creek on the south; and WHEREAS SCWAB has met once in 2025; …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: ___________________: DOWNTOWN COMMISSION BOUNDARY EXPANSION WHEREAS the Austin Council on August 14, 2024, passed Resolution 20240814-028 calling for an update to the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP); WHEREAS the purpose of the Downtown Commission, as spelled out in its Bylaws is to advise the City Council and city staff regarding policies and projects impacting downtown Austin; serve as stewards for the Downtown Austin Plan and, as such: 1) serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan, and 2) offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed; and WHEREAS the current boundaries of the Downtown Commission are set forth in the Bylaws as being Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the north, Interstate Highway 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and Lamar Boulevard to the west; and WHEREAS the current DAP boundaries are concurrent with the Downtown Commission boundaries; and WHEREAS the City of Austin Planning Department by memo in response to City Council Resolution No.20240814-028 recommended that the current boundaries of the Downtown Austin Plan be expanded; and WHEREAS the Planning Staff noted that: • A renewed vision of Downtown should account for its immediate needs while acknowledging the regional context of its relationship to surrounding areas. • Planning Staff recommended the development of a District Plan • Broadening the DAP update to a District Plan with a larger geography would acknowledge the regional nature of the urban core in the city and create intentionality in planning for it. WHEREAS Planning Staff recommended that the proposed District Plan include Downtown, the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) area to the north, and the South-Central Waterfront area to the south, bordered by Lamar Boulevard to the west and I-35 to the east, and would be referred to as the Center City / Central District Plan Area. WHEREAS there currently exists a South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) charged with providing continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South- Central Waterfront Plan moves towards implementation and to provide recommendations to the city council regarding plan implementation; and WHEREAS the South-Central Waterfront is bounded by South First Street on the west, Blunn Creek to the east, Lady Bird Lake on the north, and East Riverside Drive and East Bouldin Creek on the south; and WHEREAS SCWAB has met once in 2025; …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: 20250917-004: DOWNTOWN COMMISSION BOUNDARY EXPANSION WHEREAS the Austin City Council on August 14, 2024, passed Resolution 20240814-028 calling for an update to the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP); WHEREAS the purpose of the Downtown Commission, as spelled out in its Bylaws is to advise the City Council and city staff regarding policies and projects impacting downtown Austin; serve as stewards for the Downtown Austin Plan and, as such: 1) serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan, and 2) offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed; and WHEREAS the current boundaries of the Downtown Commission are set forth in the Bylaws as being Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the north, Interstate Highway 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and Lamar Boulevard to the west; and WHEREAS the current DAP boundaries are concurrent with the Downtown Commission boundaries; and WHEREAS the City of Austin Planning Department by memo in response to City Council Resolution No.20240814-028 recommended that the current boundaries of the Downtown Austin Plan be expanded; and WHEREAS the Planning Staff noted that: • A renewed vision of Downtown should account for its immediate needs while acknowledging the regional context of its relationship to surrounding areas. • Planning Staff recommended the development of a District Plan • Broadening the DAP update to a District Plan with a larger geography would acknowledge the regional nature of the urban core in the city and create intentionality in planning for it. WHEREAS Planning Staff recommended that the proposed District Plan include Downtown, the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) area to the north, and the South-Central Waterfront area to the south, bordered by Lamar Boulevard to the west and I-35 to the east, and would be referred to as the Center City / Central District Plan Area. WHEREAS there currently exists a South-Central Waterfront Advisory Board (SCWAB) charged with providing continuity and communication among stakeholders and advocates as the South- Central Waterfront Plan moves towards implementation and to provide recommendations to the city council regarding plan implementation; and WHEREAS the South-Central Waterfront is bounded by South First Street on the west, Blunn Creek to the east, Lady Bird Lake on the north, and East Riverside Drive and East Bouldin Creek on the south; and WHEREAS SCWAB has met once in …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday August 20, 2025, 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Nancy Pollak Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Nelly Paulina Ramírez 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on July 16, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by David A. Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin, regarding possible downtown site developments. 3. Presentation by Pat Buchta, Chief Executive Officer, regarding Austin Texas Musicians. 4. Presentation by Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy, regarding the Cypress and Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Homelessness Response 24-Hour Oasis Access. 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.
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Downtown Commission Regular Called Meeting Minutes Wednesday July 16, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday July 16, 2025, at Austin City Hall Chambers, Room 1001, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Ed Ishmael, Chair Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Pat Buchta David Carroll Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY: Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Nancy Pollak Nelly Paulina Ramírez Sania Shifferd CALL TO ORDER Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on May 21, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of May 21, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Shifferd was off the dais. Commissioner Pollak abstained. Commissioners Coufal and Wiley were absent. 1 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing by Shanisha Johnson, Planner Principal, District Planning, Planning Department regarding the Downtown Austin Plan Update. The presentation was made by Shanisha Johnson, Planner Principal, District Planning, Planning Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update regarding the Design Commission’s recent work as it relates to the Downtown Commission. Commissioner Gelles provided an update. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve the Downtown Commission 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review. The motion to submit the Downtown Commission 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review without the commission’s approval was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Coufal and Wiley were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Shoal Creek Conservancy Austin Texas Musicians ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:18 p.m. was approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Coufal and Wiley were absent. 2
DOWNTOWN CREATIVE HUB PROPOSAL BACKGROUND While Austin has long branded itself as the “Live Music Capital Of The World”, Austin Texas Musicians has learned from its base of 6000+ working Central Texas musicians that they, by and large, are less and less interested in playing downtown due to a variety of challenges, including: • Safety • Parking • Performance Pay Rates • Green Room Space BACKGROUND With less and less musicians performing in the downtown core, Austin’s vital tourism economy is in danger of collapse. Rather that keeping pace with rapid downtown growth, our cultural economy stands to disappear, leaving a downtown core that serves only new residents and businesses, while losing the vital tourism dollars that drive sustainability and future growth. Additionally, 2023 news reports show that downtown offices spaces are becoming increasingly vacant, underlining need for services that bring new revenue sources to downtown Austin. Musicians must be able to work downtown in a way that is safe and economically feasible. A THREE-TIERED SOLUTION Austin Texas Musicians nonprofit proposes the following three-tiered solution that will serve to bring music back to downtown austin: 1. Redevelop existing downtown spaces to serve as a “Green Room” Creative Hub 2. Create parking solutions in partnership with Travis County D.A. Garza and Judge Brown 3. Bolster existing “Gig Buddy” program with Council action and budget for Block-by-Block liability insurance and increased overnight staff BACKGROUND Austin’s former City Hall municipal building, located at 8th & Colorado, is currently being reviewed by Rally Austin as a potential Creative Hub. With 60,000 sq. ft. of space across three floors and a basement, Austin is now presented with a rare opportunity to support our Cultural Arts ecosystem. CREATIVE HUB • At 60,000 sq. ft., three stories and a full basement with garage and hydraulic load-in, the old City Hall building at 8th & Colorado holds immense potential as a Creative Hub for music, theater and dance. • ATXM toured the space in the summer of 2023 upon the invitation of Rally Austin. • We then polled group members to determine best uses of such a space for our music community: CREATIVE HUB: POTENTIAL USES • Overwhelmingly, group members pointed to need for a “Green Room” space of sorts… a safe place where they can go before and after downtown gigs to prep for performance, send booking emails, or work on marketing. • Arts nonprofit offices to …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: ___________________: HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE 24-HOUR OASIS ACCESS WHEREAS nearly one-in-three people experiencing homelessness in Austin-Travis County are chronically homeless; and WHEREAS the City has identified alleviating homelessness as a key priority; and WHEREAS the City of Austin adopted the State Homelessness Response System report and modeling (the “Report”) as a guideline to inform investment in the homelessness response system; and WHEREAS the Report states that the number of people seeking homelessness services for the first time has increased dramatically; and WHEREAS that number is expected to continue to rise; and WHEREAS Austin’s Homelessness Response System (“HRS”) serves a diverse population with needs ranging from short-term assistance to permanent housing programs; and WHEREAS short-term services are crucial and effective for meeting the urgent needs of the unhoused; and WHEREAS the Oasis is a safe, welcoming outdoor space on the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (“ARCH”) campus providing a rare place downtown for unhoused individuals to simply be off the streets, away from businesses, and outside without disruption; and WHEREAS the Oasis provides a dignified place for people to meet their basic needs—like showering and resting—away from storefronts, parks, or sidewalks—helping to reduce the visible effects of unsheltered homelessness while also improving hygiene, health outcomes, and access to services; and WHEREAS by offering a consistent, supportive space, the Oasis contributes to a more orderly and compassionate downtown, while fostering long-term solutions to chronic homelessness; and WHEREAS, due to its proximity to the ARCH and other homeless services, the Oasis provides dignity, relief, and connection to the support needed for stability and well-being; and WHEREAS currently the Oasis is only open to the unhoused during the day from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM seven days a week, turning out onto the streets at night after 7:00PM those accessing the Oasis during the day; and WHEREAS the ARCH’s proximity to Austin’s entertainment district means weekend evenings see an influx of people accessing the bars and restaurants along 6th Street and Red River Street; and Draft WHEREAS with adequate funding, the Oasis could remain a 24-hour refuge for the unhoused on Friday and Saturday nights, giving them an alternative to being on the streets; and WHEREAS the cost of providing 24-hour access to the Oasis on Fridays and Saturdays with associated services would be $75,000.00 per year; and WHEREAS it is the considered opinion of the Downtown Commission that …
August 2025 Downtown Commission Daniel Kavelman, Projects and Policy Manager, Shoal Creek Conservancy A Collaborative Vision for the 3rd Street and Shoal Creek Area The Cypress & Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy was created by Shoal Creek Conservancy and Downtown Austin Alliance in 2021. It aims to make the area safer, more connected, and more inviting through better bikeways, new trail connections, and pedestrian plazas woven together with urban greenery. Through the Cypress & Shoal Public Space Strategy, it is possible to transform forgotten urban pockets into a beautiful, usable, breathable public realm. The name for the strategy is inspired by the historic name for Third Street, originally known as “Cypress Street.” Community Engagement ● Identified as a priority project in Shoal Creek Trail Plan Engagement ● 2019 Council Resolution ● 2020-2021 Development ● Two Rounds of Public Engagement ○ ○ 238 Unique Responses Round 1 245 Unique Responses Round 2 ● Advisory Council and Commissions ○ Urban Transportation ○ PAC and BAC ● Plan published in 2021 Funding ● 12.5M Dedicated to projects in the area in December 2023 ● Potential from downtown developments ● Gap in funding will become clear when project alternatives for the bridge and trestle are published for public input ● Possible sources for additional funding ○ 2026 Bond Program ○ Private donors ○ Other - Preservation Austin, Heritage Grant Program City of Austin - Seaholm Multimodal Connectivity Projects 1. Cesar Chavez Sidewalk 2. Crossing Improvements at West and Walter Seaholm 3. Power Plant Drive 4. Shoal Creek Trail Segment 5. Bridge and Trestle Improvements Power Plant Drive ● Design Options Released January 2025 ● Alternatives 1 and 4 most closely align with Market Plaza Concept ● Public Input under review ● Potential additional improvements ○ Place-making ○ Metrobike Station Bridge and Trestle ● HDR brought on as engineering contractor ● Alternatives will be brought to public by Transportation and Public Works ○ Will have opportunities for public input ● All options include the Shoal Creek Trail underpass Thank you! daniel@shoalcreekconservancy.org ShoalCreekConservancy.org/cypress-shoal-creek
