REGULAR MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 AT 5:30 P.M AUSTIN CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ROOM 1001 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS 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, contact Ryan Sperling, 512-974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ed Ishmael, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Pat Buchta David Carroll Kevin Chen Fang Fang Jennifer Franklin Gina Houston CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Kimberly Levinson, Vice Chair Nathan McDaniel Charles Peveto Joe Silva Sania Shifferd Bat Taniguchi Philip Wiley AGENDA 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 meeting of August 19, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Creative Reset Phase II: Reimagining Austin’s Cultural Facilities and Museums. Briefing by Marjorie Flanagan, Division Manager, Cultural Education & Programs, ACME. 3. Staff briefing on the Central City District Plan. Briefing by Shanisha Johnson, Principal Planner and Chris Ryerson, Division Manager, Austin Planning. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation regarding safety of large pedicabs. Presentation by Patricia Schaub and Ara O’Keefe, Pedicabbers for Progress and Regulation Reforms DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation regarding a Meridian Archer Rapid Gate Purchase. 6. Approve a recommendation regarding Homelessness, Behavioral Health and Public Order. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Ryan Sperling at the Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Downtown Commission, please contact Ryan Sperling, 512-974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov
REGULAR MEETING DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MINUTES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026 The Downtown Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Ishmael called the Downtown Commission Meeting to order at 5:34 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ed Ishmael (Chair) Kimberly Levinson (Vice Chair) Pat Buchta David Caroll Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rebecca Bernhardt Kevin Chen Jennifer Franklin Gina Houston Nathan McDaniel Bat Taniguchi PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular meeting of June 17, 2026. The minutes were approved on Vice Chair Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Buchta’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Fang and Peveto were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding progress on the I-35 expansion. Presentation by Christiana Astarita, IH- 35 Capital Express Central, Downtown Project Manager; and Tommy Abrego, IH-35 Capital Express Central, University Project Manager. 1 Item 2 was taken up after Item 3 without objection. The presentation was made by Christiana Astarita, IH-35 Capital Express Central, Downtown Project Manager; and Tommy Abrego, IH-35 Capital Express Central, University Project Manager. 3. Presentation regarding the opening of The Confluence. Presentation by John Rigdon, Chief Planning and Design Officer, Waterloo Greenway. Presentation by John Rigdon, Chief Planning and Design Officer, and Melissa Ayala, Vice President of Government Relations, Waterloo Greenway. 4. Presentation regarding Urban Pulse Mapping’s program for urban forest mapping. Presentation by Andrew Lane, Founder, Urban Pulse Mapping. Presentation by Andrew Lanem, Founder, Urban Pulse Mapping. 5. Update on Parks & Recreation Board activities related to Downtown Austin. Update by Commissioner Franklin. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 7:15 p.m. 2
Pedicab Weight/Speed and Passenger Limits Downtown Commission Presentation Pedicabbers for Progress and Regulation Reforms Photo by Adam Greenfield Bicycle Advisory Council Recommendations • Pedicab Access During Street Closures and Special Events (2017) • Electric-Assist Pedicabs and Group Cycles (2019) • Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (2019) Pedestrian Advisory Council Recommendation • Electric-Assist Pedicab Regulation (2019) Urban Transportation Commission Recommendations • Pilot Program for E-Bike Pedicabs (2017) • Authorizing Electric-Assist Pedicabs and Group Cycles (2019) Letters of Public Support • Bike Austin (2019) • Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association (2019) • AURA (2019) • Austin pedicab industry (2019) Scan QR code for recommendations and other materials → https://dodecahedron-impala-44kk.squarespace.com Current code rules Capacity: • A Pedicab is limited to 3 passengers, regardless of age. Speed Limits: • Dense Crowds: Maximum speed of 5 MPH. (walking pace) • Sparse Pedestrian Areas: Maximum speed of 10 MPH. • On Roadway: Maximum speed of 15 MPH. -about the top speed under human power (unassisted) that is sustainable on level ground -high enough to mix safely with urban vehicle traffic speeds especially going up hills Safe Distances: • Dense Crowds: Always Maintain a minimum of 3 feet from pedestrians. • Sparse Pedestrian Areas: Maintain 5-7 feet distance. Examples of pedicab sizes: Multi-bench: 2 or more seat benches (“Six- seater”) Single Bench: 1 seat bench (“Three-seater”) Drivetrain (one- speed), shipped with this multi- bench model “WHEREAS, pedicabs provide transportation by bicycle for people of all ages and abilities” BAC 2017 recommendation Multi-bench pedicab with pedals removed, motor power only “PEDICAB means a chauffeured vehicle operated for compensation that has at least three wheels, is propelled by human power exerted through pedals, a belt or chain and gears, and that is capable of transporting passengers on seats attached to the vehicle.” Austin City Code 13-2-1(26) Definitions Photo by Main Street Pedicabs Multi- bench pedicab: back-to- back design (B2B) • Multi-bench pedicabs (empty): 250-400+ lbs • Batteries: 100-150+ lbs • Bluetooth Speaker: 0-35+ lbs • 4-6 adults: up to 1800+ lbs • Driver: up to 300+ lbs Compact cars and Electric Low Speed Vehicle (ESLV) 1500-2000 pounds 2500 pounds Photo by Main Street Pedicabs • Single-bench pedicab (empty): 150-200 lbs • Batteries: 0-100 lbs • Bluetooth Speaker: 0-35+ lbs • 1-3 adults: up to 900 lbs • Driver: up to 300+ lbs Photo by Valerie Tamburri Photos by Main Street Pedicabs Questions for possible Commission recommendations Should the current pedicab passenger …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number_________________________: Meridian Archer Rapid Gate Purchase Recommendation WHEREAS the City of Austin is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our citizens and visitors in public spaces; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is committed to ensuring the safety of those who participate in street-closure community events; and WHEREAS Austin has more than 1,000 special events permits issued annually, many of which require street closures and many of which occur downtown; and WHEREAS in recent years the number of attacks on street closure events in the US and worldwide has escalated; and WHEREAS after this Commission recommended the purchase of Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers which the City of Austin approved on April 2025, the City of Austin purchased 65 barriers which are currently in use; and WHEREAS although the barriers are working well at street closure events in preventing would- be perpetrators from causing injuries by vehicular assault other emergencies can and do occur on the streets and sidewalks of these enclosed street events necessitating emergency vehicle ingress and egress at the events; and WHEREAS emergency access into and out of these events can be slowed by the very barriers intended to enhance safety; and WHEREAS the Austin Police Department has identified the need for two Meridian Archer Rapid Gates that allows for faster emergency vehicle ingress and egress, and WHEREAS The Meridian Archer Rapid Gates are compatible with the Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers APD is currently using; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is committed to providing the Austin Police Department with the equipment needed to enhance, to the extent possible, the safety of street-closure community events to provide greater safety for Austinites, our guests, and visitors; and WHEREAS the Meridian quote for the two needed Rapid Gates and associated freight charges is $81,185.36 and is attached hereto. NOW THEREFORE we, the commissioners of the Austin Downtown Commission, do hereby strongly recommend and urge that the Austin City Council pass a resolution: Directing the City Manager to: Immediately appropriate funding in the amount of $81,185.36 to purchase two (2) Meridian Archer Rapid Gates and thereby further equip the Austin Police Department and Transportation and Public Works Department with equipment necessary to enhance pedestrian safety for Downtown activities and events. Motioned By: ________________________ Seconded By: _______________________ Date of Approval: Vote: ___-___ For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Vacant:
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: ___________________: Homelessness, Behavioral Health & Public Order WHEREAS the unhoused population in Downtown Austin is estimated to account for up to 13% of Austin’s unhoused population, and when you add the area north of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to 38th Street central Austin the unhoused population there accounts for approximately 38% of the unhoused population in the City; and WHEREAS the Downtown Commission is charged with stewarding the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP) which makes addressing homelessness, behavioral health, and public order a major priority; and WHEREAS a goal of the in-progress Central City District Plan (which is intended as an update and expansion of the DAP) is to advance coordinated strategies to address homelessness, behavioral health, and public order; and WHEREAS the many organizations are working to address homelessness in Downtown; and WHEREAS in the past, according to Carrie Rogers, Austin’s Legislative Director, and as reported in The Texas Tribune: “organizations serving the population were often operating in silos with little coordination, making it harder to connect people experiencing mental health crises with the care they needed”; and WHEREAS No Wrong Doors, made up of 17 partner organizations, is beginning to facilitate the needed coordination amongst partner organizations; and WHEREAS one of those organizations, the Downtown Austin Alliance (the “DAA”) has as one of its top interconnected priorities, reducing unsheltered homelessness in downtown, improving public safety, and increasing access to behavioral health resources; and WHEREAS the DAA has recently had its Board of Directors approve a statement: Homelessness, Behavioral Health & Public Order (the “DAA Statement”); and WHEREAS the DTC, after carefully reviewing the DAA Statement, is in full agreement with its stated Positions on downtown homelessness; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Downtown Commission fully supports the DAA Statement, adopts the DAA Statement’s Positions as restated below, and recommends and urges the Austin City Council to take all actions necessary to implement the recommendations stated below: Position Statement 1: The Downtown Commission supports sustained investment in emergency shelter capacity, permanent supportive housing, and diversion programs that move people from downtown streets into stable housing and care. Position Statement 2: The Downtown Commission supports expanding funding for psychiatric crisis care beds, stepdown beds, and long-term care. Position Statement 3: The Downtown Commission supports expanding involuntary commitment authority to psychiatrists, physicians and their delegates. Position Statement 4: The Downtown Commission requests the …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Downtown Commission Recommendation Number 20260916-006: Homelessness, Behavioral Health & Public Order WHEREAS the unhoused population in Downtown Austin is estimated to account for up to 13% of Austin’s unhoused population, and when you add the area north of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to 38th Street central Austin the unhoused population there accounts for approximately 38% of the unhoused population in the City; and WHEREAS the Downtown Commission is charged with stewarding the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP) which makes addressing homelessness, behavioral health, and public order a major priority; and WHEREAS a goal of the in-progress Central City District Plan (which is intended as an update and expansion of the DAP) is to advance coordinated strategies to address homelessness, behavioral health, and public order; and WHEREAS the many organizations are working to address homelessness in Downtown; and WHEREAS in the past, according to Carrie Rogers, Austin’s Legislative Director, and as reported in The Texas Tribune: “organizations serving the population were often operating in silos with little coordination, making it harder to connect people experiencing mental health crises with the care they needed”; and WHEREAS No Wrong Doors, made up of 17 partner organizations, is beginning to facilitate the needed coordination amongst partner organizations; and WHEREAS one of those organizations, the Downtown Austin Alliance (the “DAA”) has as one of its top interconnected priorities, reducing unsheltered homelessness in downtown, improving public safety, and increasing access to behavioral health resources; and WHEREAS the DAA has recently had its Board of Directors approve a statement: Homelessness, Behavioral Health & Public Order (the “DAA Statement”); and WHEREAS the DTC, after carefully reviewing the DAA Statement, is in full agreement with its stated Positions on downtown homelessness; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Downtown Commission fully supports the DAA Statement, adopts the DAA Statement’s Positions as restated below, and recommends and . urges the Austin City Council to take all actions necessary to implement the recommendations stated below: Position Statement 1: The Downtown Commission supports sustained investment in emergency shelter capacity, permanent supportive housing, and diversion programs that move people from downtown streets into stable housing and care. Position Statement 2: The Downtown Commission supports expanding funding for psychiatric crisis care beds, stepdown beds, and long-term care. Position Statement 3: The Downtown Commission supports expanding involuntary commitment authority to psychiatrists, physicians and their delegates. Position Statement 4: The Downtown Commission …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Downtown Commission Recommendation Number 20260916-005: Meridian Archer Rapid Gate Purchase WHEREAS the City of Austin is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of our citizens and visitors in public spaces; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is committed to ensuring the safety of those who participate in street-closure community events; and WHEREAS Austin has more than 1,000 special events permits issued annually, many of which require street closures and many of which occur downtown; and WHEREAS in recent years the number of attacks on street closure events in the US and worldwide has escalated; and WHEREAS after this Commission recommended the purchase of Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers which the City of Austin approved on April 2025, the City of Austin purchased 65 barriers which are currently in use; and WHEREAS although the barriers are working well at street closure events in preventing would be perpetrators from causing injuries by vehicular assault, other emergencies can and do occur on the streets and sidewalks of these enclosed street events necessitating emergency vehicle ingress and egress at the events; and WHEREAS emergency access into and out of these events can be slowed by the very barriers intended to enhance safety; and WHEREAS the Austin Police Department has identified the need for two Meridian Archer Rapid Gates that allow for faster emergency vehicle ingress and egress, and WHEREAS The Meridian Archer Rapid Gates are compatible with the Meridian Archer 1200 Barriers APD is currently using; and . WHEREAS the City of Austin is committed to providing the Austin Police Department with the equipment needed to enhance, to the extent possible, the safety of street-closure community events to provide greater safety for Austinites, our guests, and visitors; and WHEREAS the Meridian quote for the two needed Rapid Gates and associated freight charges is $81,185.36 and is attached hereto. NOW THEREFORE we, the commissioners of the Austin Downtown Commission, do hereby strongly recommend and urge that the Austin City Council pass a resolution directing the City Manager to: Immediately appropriate funding in the amount of $81,185.36 to purchase two (2) Meridian Archer Rapid Gates and thereby further equip the Austin Police Department and Transportation and Public Works Department with equipment necessary to enhance pedestrian safety for Downtown activities and events. Date of Approval: September 16, 2026 Motioned By: Vice Chair Levinson Seconded By: Commissioner Buchta Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Ishmael, Vice …
The Creative Reset Phase II Reimagining Austin’s Cultural Facilities and Museums Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment July 2026 Why Now? Austin Has Changed. Our Cultural System Must Change With It. ▪ Austin's population continues to grow and diversify. ▪ Community expectations have shifted from simply preserving facilities to actively programming and activating them. ▪ Residents expect welcoming, accessible, vibrant public spaces that are open, responsive, and community-centered. ▪ The Creative Reset presented an opportunity to rethink how our facilities operate, not just maintain the status quo. Emma S Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center 2 Our Community Spaces Cultural Centers and Entertainment Complex Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex African American Cultural & Heritage Facility + Dedrick Hamilton House Asian American Resource Center Connelly-Yerwood “Pink” House Emma S Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural + Genealogy Center Museums and Art Center Montopolis Negro School Zilker Hillside Theater Dougherty Arts Center Elisabet Ney Museum UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum Susanna Dickinson Museum O. Henry Museum Old Bakery & Emporium 23rd Street Renaissance Artist Market 3 Our Approach The Creative Reset Phase II Reimagining Austin’s Cultural Facilities and Museums Beverly Sheffield Hillside Theater Our Approach We designed this process around listening. Community Engagement Internal Assessment Staff Visioning Site Identity Exercise Operational Review Recommendations Implementation Plan Evaluation 5 Nearly a year of engagement ensured that our recommendations reflect both community priorities and operational realities. Elisabeth Ney Museum 6 Community: What We Heard The Creative Reset Phase II Reimagining Austin’s Cultural Facilities and Museums ACME Creative Reset Engagement Community: What We Heard Activate our facilities More activity, more energy, more opportunities. Expand partnerships Collaborate with artists, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. Improve customer experience Create welcoming, consistent, easy-to-access spaces. Reduce barriers Simplify processes and increase accessibility. Celebrate each site's unique identity Honor history while creating new opportunities. Brush Square Pun-Off Event 8 Staff: What We Learned The Creative Reset Phase II Reimagining Austin’s Cultural Facilities and Museums Dougherty Arts Center Staff: What We Learned ▪ Staff are passionate and deeply committed to serving the community. ▪ Operational processes vary significantly across facilities. ▪ Administrative responsibilities often limit time available for programming and community engagement. ▪ Greater collaboration, shared services, and consistent expectations can improve efficiency while preserving each site's unique identity. ▪ Our facilities are aging. Staff Engagement Event 10 Our New Operating Model The Creative Reset Phase II Reimagining Austin’s Cultural Facilities …
Central City District Plan Austin Planning | Downtown Commission September 16, 2026 Agenda 01 Progress Updates 02 From Feedback to Future 03 Transformational Ideas 04 Timeline to Adoption 05 Next Steps 2 Progress Updates Progress since June 17, 2026 briefing Downtown Commission Working Group Stakeholder Advisory Group Interagency Technical Advisory Group Community Engagement • July 13 Meeting • July 13 Meeting • July 28 Meeting • Received feedback on the Existing Conditions Report • August 10 Meeting • Reviewed the Plan’s outline • Shared the timeline to adoption • Discussed the first draft of Transformational Ideas • Workshopped what’s driving change in Austin • Discussed and prioritized draft actions that respond to the drivers of change • September 10 Meeting • Reviewed the Plan’s outline • Shared the timeline to adoption • Discussed an early draft of the Plan’s drivers actions • Reviewed and • August 25 Meeting discussed draft Transformational Ideas • Reviewed high level growth concept and select metrics • Introduced and edited the Transformational Ideas • Introduced draft list of Plan actions for review and comment. • August 1- August 31 • Filmed an informational video for social media • August 31-September 11 • Conducted 1:1 community conversations via Teams video • September 15 • Conducted an in person open house to discuss Transformational Ideas *Virtual – September 17 • Reviewed high level growth concept and selected metrics 4 From Feedback to the Future Vision on the Ground Future of the Central City District Vision and Goals What we heard from the community Planning analysis Existing projects and policies Anticipated growth from ongoing efforts Anticipated growth from suggested actions Future of the Central City District 6 Growth Concept Map Existing Character: Areas expected to generally maintain their existing character and development pattern. Mid to High Density Mixed Use: Areas expected to accommodate the greatest residential growth while supporting existing nonresidential uses, particularly around light rail expansion and other infrastructure investments. Cultural & Entertainment: Areas that reinforce Austin’s cultural and entertainment focus, with development supporting community events, activities, retail, and dining. Transitional Mixed Use: Areas that provide transitions in development intensity through a mix of uses and densities, while maintaining existing scale and adapting existing structures where appropriate Adaptive Reuse: Areas with concentrations of architecturally or culturally significant buildings suited for adaptive reuse when feasible. Existing character is preserved while accommodating new …
