REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday April 16, 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: Ed Ishmael, Vice Chair Peter Breton Pat Buchta David Carroll Liz Coufal Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Amy Mok Anne Charlotte Patterson Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher 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 March 19, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing by Charles Loosen, Community Engagement Consultant, Austin Public Health and David Gray, Homeless Strategy Officer, Homeless Strategy Office, regarding an update on the work of the Homeless Strategy Office in the downtown Austin area. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation and discussion on proposed amendments to the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO), which includes height allowances, uses, affordability requirements, district boundaries, parking standards, and design criteria. Presentation by Alan Pani, Planner Principal, Planning Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Cap and Stitch Initial Funding. 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 …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2025 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at City Hall, 301W 2nd St, in a hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE Ed Ishmael, Vice-Chair David Carroll Liz Coufal Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Anne-Charlotte Patterson Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Ishmael called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:31 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on February 19, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on February 19, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Peveto’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Breton was absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the recent work towards renovating the Austin Convention Center. Presentation by Trisha Tatro, Director, Austin Convention Center Department. The presentation was made by Katy Zamesnik, Assistant Director, Austin Convention Center, and Riley Triggs, Capital Delivery Consultant, Capital Delivery Services Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Historic Resource Survey by the Historic Preservation Office. Presentation by Sofia Wagner, Planner III, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Sofia Wagner, Planner III, Planning Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item 5 was taken up before Item 4 without objection. 5. Update from the liaison from the Urban Transportation Commission on Recommendation Number 20250304-003: Austin Core Transportation Plan and Recommendation Number 20250304-006: Austin Light Rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Discussed. 4. Update from the liaison from the Parks and Recreation Board on the topics discussed at the January 2025, and February 2025, board meetings. Discussed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS University Neighborhood Overlay Officer Elections Shared Micromobility Program Homeless Office Update Downtown Austin Plan Update Red River Cultural District ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:59 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Breton was absent.
C20-2024-010 UNO Update Downtown Commission April 16, 2025 Alan Pani, Principal Planner Content Background Process Proposed Changes Next Steps Background Subdistrict Outer West Inner West Guadalupe Dobie Background UNO: A Brief History – Established in 2004 (Updated: 2014, 2019) – Overlay district for the West University area designed to promote high-density and pedestrian-oriented redevelopment that maintains the existing character of the area – Helped to facilitate population growth to over 28,000 residents in the West Campus area 4 City Council Resolution Resolution No. 20240418-077 – Adopted on April 18, 2024 – Includes 29 distinct items for further investigation – Initiated updates to the Land Development Code & Building Criteria Manual – Requested programmatic updates – Land Development Code changes to be considered in Spring 2025 5 Resolution Goals Provide quality, safe, affordable living for all, especially for students attending colleges and universities by: Increasing housing capacity, quality, and affordability Ensuring the area provides daily needs and services Supporting the implementation of light rail and mobility enhancements 6 Land Development Code Council Direction Height limits achievable with participation in the University Neighborhood Overlay (UNO) density bonus program in alignment with the Planning Commission's recommendation to remove height limits for Inner West Campus and Dobie Height limits that are similar to what can be achieved with participation in the ETOD overlay, at minimum Expansion of UNO boundaries Subdistrict boundaries that expand Inner West Campus An appropriate step down of heights within expansion areas Modifying development requirements to discourage above-ground parking and encourage shared parking and underground parking Stakeholder and community engagement 7 Process How it Works 3-Step Process for Code Amendments: Initiation Development & Engagement Review & Adoption 9 Rezoning Process To update the regulations, staff proposes to create a new zoning district that incorporates the existing overlay with requested updates Rezoning requires notice to impacted properties and review by the Planning Commission and City Council at public hearings 10 Plan Amendment Process UNO is part of the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan, an element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Current Future Land Use Map 11 Plan Amendment Process Mixed use land use designation allows up to 3:1 floor-to-area ratio (FAR) High density mixed use is appropriate for areas with 3:1 FAR or greater Staff propose updating the Central Austin Combined Neighborhood Plan to ensure …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number_________________________: Cap and Stitch Initial Funding Recommendation: WHEREAS the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s I-35 Capital Express Central project will lower the highway’s main lanes between Lady Bird Lake and Airport Boulevard; and WHEREAS the City of Austin has identified a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the landscape of Central Austin through the construction of "caps" and "stitches" over the highway (“Caps and Stiches); and WHEREAS the City of Austin has undertaken the Our Future 35 Austin project which is a community-centered initiative to create public spaces along the I-35 corridor caps and stitches that will reconnect East and West Austin; and WHEREAS the Caps and Stitches, while being built and once completed, will directly impact the quality of life for those working and living in Downtown; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is in the process of developing plans for constructing the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS the City has identified phases of the Cap and Stitch Construction which are: • Ceasar Chavez to 4ht Street 4th Street to 7th Street • 11th Street to 12 street • 38th Street to Airport Blvd. (Northern Cap); and • WHEREAS I-35 from Lady Bird Lake to Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard marks the eastern boundary of the Downtown Commission’s jurisdiction; and WHEREAS the Downtown Commission supports the timely and efficient planning and construction of the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is considering several funding and design options for the roadway elements of the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS City staff has presented funding scenarios to the City Council for consideration; and WHEREAS the Our Future 35 project has included years of stakeholder engagement and visioning for building out each full cap; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has provided options for shortened (800’) caps along the I-35 corridor; and WHEREAS the 800’ shortened caps scenario does not support the design and vision of the Our Future 35 project; and WHEREAS neither funding scenario includes design and construction of the full-size caps envisioned in the Our Future 35 Austin project even though the intention is to someday finish the full caps; and WHEREAS: it is the considered opinion of the Downtown Commission that funding of the Our Future 35 roadway elements should include all full-size caps. NOW THEREFORE we, the Commissioners of the Austin Downtown Commission, do hereby strongly recommend and urge the Austin …
HOMELESS STRATEGY OFFICE CITY OF AUSTIN DOWNTOWN COMMISSION David Gray Homeless Strategy Officer City of Austin Est. Homeless Population: 6,300 People Exiting Homelessness: 3,000 (50% increase from 2022) Unique People Served: 24,300 (60% increase from 2022) First-Time Service Recipients: 8,400 (72% increase from 2022) Chronic Homeless Rate: 30% 2023 AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY HOMELESS RESPONSE SYSTEM (HRS) DATA/METRICS HOMELESS STRATEGY OFFICE ESTABLISHED DECEMBER 2023 The Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) collaborates with public agencies, community organizations, and individuals to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Homeless Strategy Office Core Objectives 1. Manage the City of Austin’s homeless response resources, including 80+ contracts with various providers. 2. Create and support opportunities to produce more shelter and housing options for people experiencing homelessness. 3. Prioritize and coordinate cleanups and closures of encampments on public land. 4. Collaborate with research partners to incorporate best practices into services. 5. Proactively communicate the City of Austin’s efforts to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. 6. Broaden the base of financial support for local initiatives and organizations. HOMELESS STRATEGY OFFICE STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS Homeless Prevention: Activities that support households at-risk of homelessness. Street Outreach: Activities that meet the immediate needs of people living unsheltered. Public Space Management: Activities that ensure public spaces are safe, accessible, and welcoming for all community members. Diversion/Rapid Exit: Activities that immediately address the needs of someone who has recently lost their housing and become homeless. Emergency Shelters: Facilities that provide people experiencing homelessness with access to food, sleep, medical care, and safety. Rapid Rehousing (RRH): Activities that provide short- term rental assistance and case management services to help tenants stabilize in their new homes. Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH): A long-term housing model that combines affordable housing with case management and supportive services. PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: HOUSING-FOCUSED ENCAMPMENT ASSISTANCE LINK (HEAL) Austin City Council Resolution No. 20210204-049 • The HEAL initiative compassionately closes the most unsafe encampments in our city. • Everyone residing at an encampment is offered a direct path to shelter and opportunities for stable housing. • Two emergency shelters (called “BRIDGE” shelters) are designated for HEAL. • 71% of clients who enter shelters have been homeless for 12+ months. • Half of clients leaving shelter go to a housing destinations. 31 Encampment Decommissions 1075 People Moved to Bridge Shelter AUSTIN EMERGENCY SHELTER NETWORK CITY-OWNED SHELTER LOCATIONS Shelter Name and Location 1. Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH) 130 semi-congregate beds Male …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number_________________________: Cap and Stitch Initial Funding Recommendation: WHEREAS the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s I-35 Capital Express Central project will lower the highway’s main lanes between Lady Bird Lake and Airport Boulevard; and WHEREAS the City of Austin has identified a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the landscape of Central Austin through the construction of "caps" and "stitches" over the highway (“Caps and Stiches); and WHEREAS the City of Austin has undertaken the Our Future 35 Austin project which is a community-centered initiative to create public spaces along the I-35 corridor caps and stitches that will reconnect East and West Austin; and WHEREAS the Caps and Stitches, while being built and once completed, will directly impact the quality of life for those working and living in Downtown; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is in the process of developing plans for constructing the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS the City has identified phases of the Cap and Stitch Construction which are: • Ceasar Chavez to 4ht Street • 4th Street to 7th Street 11th Street to 12 street • 38th Street to Airport Blvd. (Northern Cap); and • WHEREAS I-35 from Lady Bird Lake to Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard marks the eastern boundary of the Downtown Commission’s jurisdiction; and WHEREAS the Downtown Commission supports the timely and efficient planning and construction of the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is considering several funding and design options for the roadway elements of the Caps and Stitches; and Draft WHEREAS City staff has presented funding scenarios to the City Council for consideration; and WHEREAS the Our Future 35 project has included years of stakeholder engagement and visioning for building out each full cap; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has provided options for shortened (800’) caps along the I-35 corridor; and WHEREAS the 800’ shortened caps scenario does not support the design and vision of the Our Future 35 project; and WHEREAS neither funding scenario includes design and construction of the full-size caps envisioned in the Our Future 35 Austin project; and WHEREAS: it is the considered opinion of the Downtown Commission that funding of the Our Future 35 roadway elements should include all full-size caps. NOW THEREFORE we, the Commissioners of the Austin Downtown Commission, do hereby strongly recommend and urge the Austin City Council to fully fund the roadway elements necessary to …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number 20250416-005: Cap and Stitch Initial Funding Recommendation: WHEREAS the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)’s I-35 Capital Express Central project will lower the highway’s main lanes between Lady Bird Lake and Airport Boulevard; and WHEREAS the City of Austin has identified a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the landscape of Central Austin through the construction of "caps" and "stitches" over the highway (“Caps and Stitches); and WHEREAS the City of Austin has undertaken the Our Future 35 Austin project which is a community-centered initiative to create public spaces along the I-35 corridor caps and stitches that will reconnect East and West Austin; and WHEREAS the Caps and Stitches, while being built and once completed, will directly impact the quality of life for those working and living in Downtown; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is in the process of developing plans for constructing the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS the City has identified phases of the Cap and Stitch Construction which are: • Cesar Chavez to 4th Street • 4th Street to 7th Street • 11th Street to 12th Street • 38th Street to Airport Blvd. (Northern Cap); and WHEREAS I-35 from Lady Bird Lake to Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard marks the eastern boundary of the Downtown Commission’s jurisdiction; and WHEREAS the Downtown Commission supports the timely and efficient planning and construction of the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS the City of Austin is considering several funding and design options for the roadway elements of the Caps and Stitches; and WHEREAS City staff has presented funding scenarios to the City Council for consideration; and WHEREAS the Our Future 35 project has included years of stakeholder engagement and visioning for building out each full cap; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has provided options for shortened (800’) caps along the I-35 corridor; and WHEREAS the 800’ shortened caps scenario does not support the design and vision of the Our Future 35 project; and WHEREAS neither funding scenario includes design and construction of the full-size caps envisioned in the Our Future 35 Austin project; and WHEREAS: it is the considered opinion of the Downtown Commission that funding of the Our Future 35 roadway elements should include all full-size caps. NOW THEREFORE we, the Commissioners of the Austin Downtown Commission, do hereby strongly recommend and urge the Austin City Council to fully fund the roadway elements necessary to …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday March 19, 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 Ryan Sperling at Ryan.Sperling@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-3568. telephone. To CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ed Ishmael, Vice Chair Peter Breton David Carroll Liz Coufal Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley CALL TO ORDER Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles 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 19, 2025. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on February STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff briefing regarding the recent work towards renovating the Austin Convention Center. Presentation by Trisha Tatro, Director, Austin Convention Center Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Historic Resource Survey by the Historic Preservation Office. Presentation by Sofia Wagner, Planner III, Planning Department. 4. Update from the liaison from the Parks and Recreation Board on the topics discussed at the January 2025, and February 2025, board meetings. 5. Update from the liaison from the Urban Transportation Commission on Recommendation Number 20250304-003: Austin Core Transportation Plan and Recommendation Number 20250304-006: Austin Light Rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement. 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 Ryan Sperling at Ryan.Sperling@austintexas.gov or …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2025 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at City Hall, 301W 2nd St, in a hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ed Ishmael, Vice-Chair Peter Breton David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Amy Mok Anne-Charlotte Patterson Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Philip Whiley – Observations on Austin Land Development Code APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on January 15, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on January 15, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Breton was off the dais. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Seaholm area multi-modal improvements by Alex Payson, Capital Improvement Program Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. The presentation was made by Alex Payson, Capital Improvement Program Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the progress of the Austin Light Rail. Presentation by Austin Transit Partnership staff. The presentation was made by Sean Barry and Deron Lozano, Austin Transit Partnership. 4. Discussion of the proposed reorganization of certain Boards and Commissions as outlined in Austin City Council Resolution 20241212-133. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding High Level Goals for the Downtown Austin Plan Update. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council regarding High Level Goals for the Downtown Austin Plan Update was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. Election of officers in April FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:36 pm without any objection.
City of Austin Downtown Historic Resource Survey Downtown Commission Meeting, March 19, 2025 Agenda What Does a Historic Resource Survey Do? Downtown Austin Historic Resource Survey Survey Boundary What’s Inside the Survey? Survey Timeline Frequently Asked Questions Where to Find the Survey Draft What Does a Historic Resource Survey Do? Highlights potential historic properties by identifying older buildings and areas that help to tell the story of an important person, community, group, or the city as a whole; or exhibit significant architecture or landscape design. Includes fieldwork, archival research, and oral histories. Ensures that historically significant resources are recorded. Results are available for public use. Is an information-gathering tool only – does not include zoning changes. 3 Downtown Austin Historic Resource Survey 45+ year old buildings in Downtown Austin 1,313 potential historic resources Survey boundary: Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd on the north, I-35 on the east, Lady Bird Lake on the south, and MoPac on the west Background research for Historic Preservation Office Background research for community use Conducted by HHM & Associates 4 Survey Boundary 5 What’s Inside the Survey? 6 What’s Inside the Survey? 7 What’s Inside the Survey? 8 Survey Timeline Project Initiation 1st Public Meeting Public Comment Period Opens Deadline for Public Comments Oct. 2023 Dec. 18, 2023 March 26, 2025 May 9, 2025 Nov. 2023 May 13, 2024 April 16, 2025 July 2, 2025 Draft Fieldwork 2nd Public Meeting (Virtual) 3rd Public Meeting (Virtual) Presentation to Historic Landmark Commission 9 Frequently Asked Questions Q: Will the survey change the zoning on my property? A: No. The survey consultants will evaluate whether properties are eligible for potential designation as future landmarks, historic districts, or listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Q: Will the survey change my property taxes? A: No. Q: If I want to designate my property based on the survey’s recommendations, how will that work? A: If property owners choose to designate a landmark or historic district based on the recommendations, it will entail a rezoning process. The City of Austin Historic Preservation Office will help guide you through the process. Q: If I choose to designate my property, will my taxes change? A: Maybe. Locally designated landmarks are eligible for a partial property tax exemption. Properties in locally designated historic districts can receive a tax abatement for rehabilitation work. 10 Review and Comment on Draft Survey Public Comment Period opens …
Topics Studied in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (or DEIS) provides a comprehensive analysis of Austin Light Rail in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other applicable statutes. This handout contains summary information for key areas of interest that were identified during previous community input. Scan to access the full DEIS at atptx.org Wildlife and Water Resources What are the potential impacts on water and local wildlife? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES y Current drainage patterns will y Less than 2% overall change to y Manage lighting to avoid or minimize be maintained and will bridge impervious coverage because impacts on bats and birds during or culvert over water features the Project is largely within construction and operations. to limit disturbance. existing right-of-way. y Ensure compliance with Clean Water y No threatened or endangered y Lighting during construction Act by continuing coordination with the species or habitat will be and operations could affect the Army Corps of Engineers. impacted by the Project. bat colony and the new light rail bridge across Lady Bird Lake is in the bat flight path. y Continuing bridge design will seek to reduce impacts to water quality, plants and animals. Air Quality How would the construction and operation of light rail affect air quality? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES ATP will require contractors to implement best management practices to minimize dust and emissions that might be caused by construction. During construction: y Increase in dust from construction activities. y Increase in emissions from machinery used during construction. y Temporary emissions from cars due to traffic conditions. Reduced Vehicle Miles Traveled Annually, over 20 million fewer vehicle miles will be traveled, as more people transition to the newly available transit options. No Air Emissions During Operation Light rail vehicles are electric. Austin Prioritizes Clean Air The Austin area complies with all federal air quality standards designed to protect public health. 1 Trees What will happen to trees along the light rail? STUDY OUTCOMES KEY ATP PROPOSED MITIGATION MEASURES y A tree task force y Three-tiered strategy conducted an will be applied to inventory of trees trees within the limits to determine of construction, which y Removed trees y Continuing objective is to avoid tree removals or impacts Three Tiered Strategy for Trees: the potential for includes: preservation in the Project area. 245 Protected Trees 211 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Recommendation Number 20250304: Austin Core Transportation Plan WHEREAS, the Austin Core Transportation Plan seeks to create a cohesive and adaptable transportation framework that addresses the unique mobility challenges of downtown Austin while building on previous downtown planning efforts and integrating upcoming major infrastructure projects like I-35 Capital Express Central and Project Connect; and WHEREAS, the Downtown street network is 1% of Austin’s overall network but accounts for 12% of all pedestrian crashes and 17% of intersection-related pedestrian crashes; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan sets a goal of 50% non-single occupancy vehicle mode share by 2039; and WHEREAS, two-way streets are safer and increase economic activity where conversions are implemented; and WHEREAS, street trees and additional shade downtown make walking more feasible and can even reduce vehicle speeds; and WHEREAS, the East side of downtown is not currently slated to have a new on-street, high- quality North-South bicycle facility in the current ACT plan; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Austin Alliance Downtown Parking Study was created to comprehensively and holistically find parking management solutions to better serve the residents, workers, and visitors of downtown Austin; and WHEREAS, the Urban Land Institute convened a Technical Assistance Panel focused on reducing the growth of parking downtown, improving management of current parking supply, improving the human experience downtown, and improving other transportation modes; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 20240201-054 and corresponding ordinances seek to reduce the overall number of new parking spaces built within downtown Austin and create a more pedestrian-oriented built environment; and WHEREAS, the future Austin Light Rail and expanded MetroRapid services are projected to carry tens of thousands additional riders into downtown; and WHEREAS, there are limited resources devoted to transportation infrastructure improvements across the City, with competing priorities, including installing transportation facilities outside of downtown where no current facilities exist; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the UTC recommends that the City Council adopt the Austin Core Transportation plan; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends the Austin Core Transportation Plan prioritizes the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and non-car modes of transportation throughout the downtown area over car volume throughput; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends the ACT plan continue the protected bike lane on Red River Street from 7th Street to 12th Street, as contemplated by the 2023 Bicycle Plan and the active project listed …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation No. 20250304-006: Austin Light Rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement WHEREAS, the Project Connect Contract with the Voters defines Project Connect as “a high capacity transit system, to address the City's transit needs for safer, faster, and more reliable transportation that will improve access to essential services, such as education, health care, grocery stores, childcare, and jobs, especially in historically underserved and underrepresented communities;” WHEREAS, the ballot language for Proposition A of the November 3rd, 2020 election noted that Project Connect would include “associated road, sidewalk, bike, and street lighting improvements;” WHEREAS, the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) oversees the design, construction, and completion of the Project Connect Light Rail Implementation Plan; WHEREAS, on May 2nd, 2023 the City of Austin Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) recommended that the City of Austin and ATP engage “in a scoping project for multimodal investments to ensure light rail integrates with and expands Austin's existing and future pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections;” WHEREAS, Project Connect is essential to accomplishing the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan’s 50/50 mode split goal by 2039; and WHEREAS, on January 10th, 2025 ATP released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Project; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends ATP move forward with all light rail design elements and options suggested in the Draft EIS; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends that, in keeping with the Contract with the Voters, ATP should prioritize right-of-way for pedestrians, bicyclists, micro-mobility users, and other transit options in future design iterations over preserving access for private auto traffic. Motioned by: Commissioner Schumacher Seconded by: Commissioner Somers Date of Approval: 3/4/2025 Record of the vote: 7-0 Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER REDEVELOPMENT Draft/Confidential PROJECT Introduction Draft/Confidential Austin is the 11th largest city in the country. But the Austin Convention Center is only the 61st largest. Draft/Confidential 3 Once the redevelopment is complete, we expect the Austin Convention Center to be around the 35th largest in the country. Draft/Confidential 4 The redeveloped Austin Convention Center will be larger than: Charlotte Fort Worth Baltimore Nashville Kansas City Pittsburgh Draft/Confidential Austin’s new competitive set San Antonio Boston Seattle Philadelphia Denver Draft/Confidential Big changes are coming Draft/Confidential PROJECT SCOPE Draft/Confidential Numbers CONSTRUCTION COST $1.26B RENTABLE SPACE AREAS EXISTING CONVENTION CENTER 365,000 SF NEW CONVENTION CENTER INDOOR + OUTDOOR 550,000 + 70,000 SF Draft/Confidential PROJECT GOALS Draft/Confidential Austin City Council Resolution NO. 20210610-096 The City Council seeks to work with the prime architecture firm capable of delivering a world class design befitting a city of Austin’s size and prominence. The Convention Center design shall incorporate the most innovative ideas in programming and placemaking and shall aim to create a civic building that draws and serves Austinites as well as visitors. The City council affirms its intention that the convention Center be, like its companion civic building to the west, the Austin Central Library, a landmark of great distinction, a bustling and vital public gathering place, and a point of pride for the community. Draft/Confidential Uniquely Austin Draft/Confidential SUSTAINABILITY Draft/Confidential Net Zero Carbon Green Building • ILFI Zero Carbon Certification • Net Zero Operational Carbon • Embodied Carbon Reduction • LEED Gold • AEGB 3-Star Generational project that is transforming the Austin market for: • high performance design • low-carbon concrete + steel • construction salvage + reuse • mass timber Draft/Confidential RECONNECTING AUSTIN Draft/Confidential Intersection of Past, Present, and Future Draft/Confidential Connections Urban to Landscape Draft/Confidential Landmark Buildings Central Library City Hall Convention Center Draft/Confidential PRESENTING Draft/Confidential Repairing Waller Grid Draft/Confidential Future Expansion Outdoor Event + The Warehouse • Enhance Connections and Movements • Flexible Event & Gathering Places • Abundant Shade & Comfort • Reflect History of the Site and Materials • Extension of Warehouse District Scale THE BACK YARD R E H T A G FESTIVAL E D A N E M O R P THE WAREHOUSE DISPLAY DROP-OFF BACKYAR D PROMENADE WAREHOUSE EXHALL TRINITY NECHES RED RIVER Outdoor Event Plaza Outdoor Event Plaza Draft/Confidential The Hub West and East • Reconcile the Downtown Urban Grid • Break the scale of …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2025 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at City Hall, 301W 2nd St, in a hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE Ed Ishmael, Vice-Chair David Carroll Liz Coufal Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Sania Shifferd Philip Wiley COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Jennifer Franklin Nkiru Gelles Anne-Charlotte Patterson Nelly Paulina Ramírez Spencer Schumacher CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Ishmael called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:31 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on February 19, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on February 19, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Peveto’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Breton was absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 19, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the recent work towards renovating the Austin Convention Center. Presentation by Trisha Tatro, Director, Austin Convention Center Department. The presentation was made by Katy Zamesnik, Assistant Director, Austin Convention Center, and Riley Triggs, Capital Delivery Consultant, Capital Delivery Services Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Historic Resource Survey by the Historic Preservation Office. Presentation by Sofia Wagner, Planner III, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Sofia Wagner, Planner III, Planning Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS Item 5 was taken up before Item 4 without objection. 5. Update from the liaison from the Urban Transportation Commission on Recommendation Number 20250304-003: Austin Core Transportation Plan and Recommendation Number 20250304-006: Austin Light Rail Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Discussed. 4. Update from the liaison from the Parks and Recreation Board on the topics discussed at the January 2025, and February 2025, board meetings. Discussed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS University Neighborhood Overlay Officer Elections Shared Micromobility Program Homeless Office Update Downtown Austin Plan Update Red River Cultural District ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:59 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Peveto’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Breton was absent. The minutes were approved at the April 16, 2025, meeting on Commissioner Peveto’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal was off the dais. Commissioner Shifferd was absent.
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION Wednesday February 19, 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 Nkiru Gelles 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on January APPROVAL OF MINUTES 15, 2025. 2. Staff briefing regarding the Seaholm area multi-modal improvements by Alex Payson, Capital Improvement Program Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. 3. Update on the progress of the Austin Light Rail. Presentation by Austin Transit 4. Discussion of the proposed reorganization of certain Boards and Commissions as outlined in Austin City Council Resolution 20241212-133. 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding High Level Goals for the Downtown STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS Partnership staff. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM Austin Plan Update. 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, January 15, 2025 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, January 15, 2025 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at City Hall, 301W 2nd St, in a hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ed Ishmael, Vice-Chair Peter Breton David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Charles Peveto Nelly Paulina Ramírez Sania Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Liz Coufal Anne-Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:33 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Philip Whiley – Downtown residential density Item 3 was taken up first without objection. DISCUSSION ITEMS 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. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 15, 2025 The presentation was made by Christopher Juusola, Lieutenant, Austin Police Department, Lisa Davis, Chief of Police, Austin Police Department, and Michael Bochsler, Meridian Rapid Defense Group. 2. Presentation on the Waterloo Greenway Conservancy by Melissa Ayala, Vice President of Government Relations, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. The presentation was made by Melissa Ayala, Vice President of Government Relations, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy and John Rigdon, Chief Planning & Design Officer, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. 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. The motion to postpone indefinitely was approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission regular called meeting on December 18, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on December 18, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Election of chair ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:44 pm without any objection.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number_________________________: High Level Goals For DAP Update Recommendation WHEREAS the Austin Council on ___________, 2024, passed Resolution 20240814-028 calling for an update to the Downtown Austin Plan (DAP); WHEREAS the Downtown Commission (DTC) of the City of Austin is charged with stewarding the DAP; and WHEREAS the DTC Commissioners have received presentations concerning the central city plans of other cities similar to Austin; and WHEREAS the DTC has received a presentation from the Planning Department concerning the City’s preliminary plans for evaluating the needs of downtown both current and anticipated, drafting an updated DAP to meet those needs, and implementing the DAP once adopted; and WHEREAS the DTC DAP Working Group has communicated with other downtown stakeholders; and WHEREAS the DTC desires that the DAP update be successful, comprehensive and accomplished in a timely manner; and WHEREAS the Planning Department has presented to the City Council outlining the estimated cost, scope, and preliminary timeline for the DAP Update; and WHEREAS Downtown Austin has changed significantly since the completion of the original DAP; and WHEREAS the DTC has identified certain high-level goals for the DAP Update. NOW THEREFORE we, the commissioners of the Austin Downtown Commission, do hereby strongly recommend and urge that the early planning for and initial steps in creating the DAP Update adopt and keep in mind the following goals: For maximum efficacy, therefore, the new DAP should comprise a comprehensive 1. reconsideration of downtown rather than mere updates to the existing plan. Draft The DAP should support the ongoing evolution of a safe, vibrant, and beautiful downtown 2. which includes increased residential population, a diversity of uses at a range of price points, including active cultural and civic uses, and which is responsive to emerging trends. Keeping in mind that municipal plans frequently exist solely as aspirations and are not 3. implemented in any effective manner or at all, and in order to ensure effective use of city resources, the DAP should specifically identify a funding mechanism for implementation and include the creation of a single city entity with sufficient authority to ensure cohesive, effective implementation of the DAP and keep the DTC informed of its progress in developing the DAP Update. The City of Austin should contract with a high-quality consultant to carry out the planning 4. and give the consultant the freedom to approach the plan and engagement strategy with …
