REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday January 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 register, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2792. telephone. To CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Ed Ishmael, Vice Chair Peter Breton David Carroll Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd CALL TO ORDER Jennifer Franklin Carl Larosche Amy Mok Anne Charlotte Patterson Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher 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 December 18, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation on the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy by Melissa Ayala, Vice President of Government Relations, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. 3. Presentation regarding the East 6th Street Pilot Closure and an update on street closure security measures and pedestrian safety equipment, Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council to immediately appropriate funds for the purchase of safety barricades, associated equipment and training and prioritize future funding for additional barricades if needed. 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, December 18, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, December 18, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at City Hall, 301W 2nd St, in a hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ed Ishmael, Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Charles Peveto Kimberly Levinson Sania Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Peter Breton Jennifer Franklin Amy Mok Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:34 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 20, 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on The minutes from the meeting on November 20, 2024, were approved 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. Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes DISCUSSION ITEM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 2. Presentation and discussion regarding the Downtown Austin Plan. Presentation by Chad Sharrard, Senior Planner, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Chad Sharrard, Senior Planner, Planning Department. 3. Approve additional membership to the Downtown Austin Plan Working Group. The motion to approve adding Commissioner Coufal to the Downtown Austin Plan Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Levinson was off the dais. Commissioners Carroll and Lavigne were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Waterloo Greenway Multi modal improvements – Seaholm Discussion on possible changes to Downtown Commission and South Central Waterfront Advisory Board. ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:18 pm without any objection.
Palm Park COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW Context: Waterloo Greenway Engagement Report PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT REPORT Available Online waterloogreenway.org/future Engagement Phases 1 2 3 GROUNDING June 2023–August Complete ENVISIONING September–November Complete CO-CREATING December–April 2024 Complete Project Launches Planning & Outreach Begins Outreach Continues Small Group Conversations (5) Review & Analyze Data Design Scenarios Gallery Walk Open Houses (2) Pop-Up Activity: Creek Show Virtual Survey Planning Phase III Phase III Outreach Public Meeting (1) Project Report Engagement Timeline JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2024 Project Launch Phase I Outreach Begins Virtual Survey Launches Small Group Conversations (Mtg #2) Creek Show Pop-Up Phase III Planning Gallery Walk Open Houses (Mtg #1) Public Meeting (Mtg #3) Summary Report Phase II Outreach Begins Engagement Strategies Tabling Events Flyering Block Walking Email Campaigns Partner Promotion Community Leader Outreach Marketing (social media, e-newsletters, press) Engagement - Overview SMALL GROUP CONVOS SURVEYS DESIGN CONVOS 93 93 30 9 Spanish Speakers + 84 English Speakers 54 Virtual + 39 Paper Surveys Completed 109 Comments 11 Palm School Alum 9 Palm School Alum 2 Palm School Alum TABLING POP-UP EVENT TOTAL ENGAGEMENT 939 1,055 2,024 Phase II Data - Local Representation SMALL GROUP CONVOS SURVEYS Primary Zipcodes: 78702 (Central East Austin–City Council District #3) 78747 (South East Austin–City Council District #2) 78744 (South East Austin–City Council District #2) Primary Zipcodes: 78702 (Central East Austin–City Council District #3) 78747 (South East Austin–City Council District #2) 78701 (Central South Austin–City Council District #3) Phase II Data - Key Themes 632 Total Comments Collected Small Group Conversations How the redesign of Palm Park will transform surrounding areas? Cultural anchor to surroundings Place of gathering and play in East Austin Improve connectivity Honoring place/history of what once was Accessibility for East Austin residents Noise reduction from I-35 Business, neighborhood & Palm School connection Feel of what Palm Park should provide? Welcoming to all Peaceful & tranquil Oasis Family friendly Safe Natural Historic Informative/Educational space Phase II Data - Key Themes 632 Total Comments Collected Small Group Conversations How to reflect history & culture in Palm Park? Murals/monuments/artwork History of East Austin families Honor the pool history Stories from past, present & future Celebrate Mexican American heritage Educational experiences for families Recognition of Palm School Alumni How to use the space in Palm Park? Bridge to Downtown Community gatherings Water Feature Family-friendly space Walking, games, meditation, gardens Rest space from urban areas Connection of East …
Downtown Area Command Updates Downtown Commission January 15, 2025 Lieutenant Christopher Juusola Christopher.Juusola@AustinTexas.gov Topics • Staffing Update • DTAC Crime Stats • Updates • E 6th Street • Meridian Barricades • Questions APD Staffing (1/6/2025) APD Staffing APD Staffing DTAC Property Crime DTAC Violent Crime DTAC Violent Crime DTAC Crimes Against Society E 6th St Project Overview • West Bound Traffic Only • No North/South Traffic • Widened “Sidewalks” • Devices to Keep Pedestrians Out of Roadway • Regular Stakeholder Meetings • Violent Crime • Advocate for Economic • Property Crime Development • Advocate for Safer Environment • Response to Resistance Incidents • Collisions • Sales Data (Alcohol) • Devices to Keep Vehicles Out • Advocate for Better Business of Pedestrian Areas Practices • Increased Traffic Enforcement “Devices” • Fences- Keeps Pedestrians Out of Roadway • Engineered Curbs- Keeps Vehicles Out of Pedestrian Areas Traffic Plan -South Side= Blocked, 1 lane + Parking Lane -North Side= Blocked, Parking Lane Only Upcoming Projects (Stay Tuned) • Spring Festival Season • Increased DTAC Police Staffing • Changes to DTAC Patrol Area Questions? • Mark Clemens, DTAC Commander • Mark.Clemens@AustinTexas.gov • Christopher Juusola, DTAC Operations Lieutenant • Christopher.Juusola@AustinTexas.gov
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.
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: …
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) …
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.
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?
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
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 …
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.
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.
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.
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
