Downtown Commission August 21, 2024 OUR FUTURE 35 The Opportunity Our Future 35 will provide transformational new infrastructure for Austin that is of regional and national significance • TxDOT project lowering the main lanes allows the City to deck over the highway • Up to 30 acres of new urban real estate • Local enhancement can provide an array of community benefits and change the landscape of Austin IMAGE: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF FREEWAY CAPS • Reconnect East and West Austin • Change the landscape of Central Austin • Create signature new public space for citywide use • Make walking and biking across and along I-35 safer and more comfortable • Support / incubate local businesses • Provide space for arts and culture • Address local noise and air quality concerns CAP AND STITCH OVERVIEW Potential Cap Locations Potential UT Cap Locations Potential Stitch Location 4 WHERE ARE CAPS POSSIBLE? Height Clearances The image below shows a cross section through a highway cap. The cap needs to have at least 16 ½ feet height clearance above the roadway and any ramps or structures. Highway Cap Highway Bridge 16 ½ feet clearance (min) Roadway Surface Beneath Deck WHAT IS POSSIBLE ON TOP OF CAPS? Maximum Building Heights • Buildings may be 1-2 stories max. • Buildings 3 stories or higher would require additional engineering and cost (unlikely to be feasible). Open Space / Park Features One to Two Story Buildings Roadway CAP & STITCH COMPONENTS Roadway Elements + Tunnel Elements and Cap + Amenities Amenities Deck Cap COA-Funded Roadway Elements COA-Funded Deck Structures COA-Funded Amenities Roadway Elements - Preserves the opportunity to build Caps and Amenities in the future. 7 FUNDING STATUS (All Costs = 2024 Dollars) Decision by Dec 2024 Decision by Dec 2026 Concept Decision by Dec 2024, Final Layout by 2032+ Recurring Annually 2032+ Structural Design Costs Roadway Elements Costs Deck Costs Amenity Costs O&M Costs Acres ($M) ($M) Design ($M) Structure ($M) Amenities ($M) Construction ($M) 1.05 0.23 5.28 3.72 2.10 5.21 4.76 2.74 Holly Stitch CC South Extension CC-4th* 4th-7th 11th-12th 38th-41st 41st-Red Line Red Line-Airport Total Need Funding Secured Remaining Need $34 $34 $15 $19 ($M) $9 $5 $30* $26 $15 $37 $33 $19 $174 $30* $144 - - $69* $49 $28 $70 $65 $37 $318 $69* $249 $1 $1 $6* $4 $2 $6 $5 $3 $28 - $28 $13 $3m $66* …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 21, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, August 21, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael Jr., Vice-Chair David Carroll Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Jennifer Franklin Mike Lavigne Taylor Major Tania Ortega Amy Mok Anne Charlotte Patterson CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:30 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission special called meeting on June 26, The minutes from the meeting on 06/26/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Coufal was absent. 2024. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes STAFF BRIEFING Wednesday, August 21, 2024 2. Presentation by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, and Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library, on construction at the John Henry Faulk Building at the Austin History Center Campus and programming at the Central Library and Austin History Center. The presentation was made by Roosevelt Weeks, Director of Libraries, Austin Public Library and Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, Austin Public Library. 3. Presentation by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, Strategic Projects, Smart Mobility, Austin Transportation and Public Works, on Our Future 35 Project, a project that aims to co-create public spaces over IH 35. The presentation was made by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer, Strategic Projects, Smart Mobility, Austin Transportation and Public Works. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Downtown Austin Plan Update (Ishmael, Harris) Austin Core Transportation (Ishmael, Levinson) Great Streets Update (Carroll, Levinson) Seaholm TIRZ – Cesar Chavez Update (Ishmael, Shifferd) ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 7:09 pm without any objection. The minutes were approved at the 9/18/2024 meeting on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Lavigne was absent.
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN COMMISSION July 17, 2024, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chamber, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974- 2792. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Ralph E. Ishmael Jr, Vice Chair VACANT (District 5) David Carroll Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson Taylor Major Tania Ortega Sania Shifferd VACANT (District 8) CALL TO ORDER Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) David Holmes (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) VACANT (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 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission June 26, 2024 meeting. 2. Presentation by Austin Transportation and Public Works on Our Future 35 Project, a project that aims to co-create public spaces over IH 35. 3. Update by Commissioner Mok on the Thrive and Elevate grants for artists and art DISCUSSION organizations. 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, June 26, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING WEDNESDAY, June 26, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the special called meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair David Carroll Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson Anne Charlotte Patterson Spencer Schumacher Sania Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Jennifer Franklin Amy Mok Tania Ortega CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:33 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission May 15, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 05/15/24 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes STAFF BRIEFING Wednesday, June 26, 2024 2. Presentation on the Downtown Austin Plan by Chad Sharrard and Jill Amezcua, Austin Planning Department. The presentation was made by Chad Sharrard, Planner Senior, Planning Department; Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Planning Department; and Matthew Schmidt, Program Manager III, Economic Development Department. 3. Presentation on the Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy by Matthew Schmidt, Economic Development Department. The presentation was made by Matthew Schmidt, Program Manager III, Economic Development Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to override the four consecutive term limit and nominate Commissioner Harris as Chair was made by Commissioner Ishmael, seconded by Commissioner Lavigne and approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. The motion to elect Commissioner Harris as Chair was made by Commissioner Ishmael, seconded by Commissioner Ortega and approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. The motion to elect Commissioner Ishmael as Vice Chair was made by Commissioner Levinson, seconded by Commissioner Shifferd and approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. 5. Approve a recommendation to Council to update the Downtown Austin Plan and create an overseeing department charged with implementing the elements of the updated plan. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Commissioner Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Shifferd. The following amendment was motioned by Commissioner Carroll and seconded by Vice Chair Ishmael. The amendment was to add the following under Item 7: “r. Urban Design …
Downtown Commission July 17, 2024 I-35 TODAY The East/West Divide I-35 AT 5TH STREET I-35 UPPER & LOWER DECKS OUR FUTURE 35 The Opportunity Our Future 35 can provide transformational new infrastructure for Austin that is of regional and national significance • TxDOT project lowering the main lanes allows the City to deck over the highway • Up to 25 acres of new urban real estate • Local enhancement can provide an array of community benefits and change the landscape of Austin IMAGE: Klyde Warren Park, Dallas POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF FREEWAY CAPS • Reconnect East and West Austin • Change the landscape of Central Austin • Create marquee public space for citywide use • Support / incubate local businesses • Address local noise and air quality concerns • Create climate resilient public spaces CAP AND STITCH OVERVIEW Potential Cap Locations Potential UT Cap Locations Potential Stitch Location 5 WHERE ARE CAPS POSSIBLE? Height Clearances The image below shows a cross section through a highway cap. The cap needs to have at least 16 ½ feet height clearance above the roadway and any ramps or structures. Highway Cap Highway Bridge 16 ½ feet clearance (min) Roadway Surface Beneath Deck CAP & STITCH COMPONENTS Roadway Elements + Tunnel Elements and Cap + Amenities Amenities Deck Cap COA-Funded Roadway Elements COA-Funded Deck Structures COA-Funded Amenities Roadway Elements - Preserves the opportunity to build Caps and Amenities in the future. 7 FUNDING STATUS (All Costs = 2024 Dollars) Decision by Dec 2024 Decision by Dec 2026 Concept Decision by Dec 2024, Final Layout by 2032+ Recurring Annually 2032+ Structural Design Costs Roadway Elements Costs Deck Costs Amenity Costs O&M Costs Acres ($M) ($M) Design ($M) Structure ($M) Amenities ($M) Construction ($M) 1.05 0.23 5.28 3.72 2.10 5.21 4.76 2.74 Holly Stitch CC South Extension CC-4th* 4th-7th 11th-12th 38th-41st 41st-Red Line Red Line-Airport Total Need Funding Secured Remaining Need $34 $34 $15 $19 ($M) $9 $5 $30* $26 $15 $37 $33 $19 $174 $30* $144 - - $69* $49 $28 $70 $65 $37 $318 $69* $249 $1 $1 $6* $4 $2 $6 $5 $3 $28 - $28 $13 $3m $45** $47 $26 $65 $60 $34 $293 $6m* $287 $1 $0.5 $7 $5 $7 $6 $4 $1 $0.5 $3 $3 $3 $2 $1 $1.5 $3.5 $15 $34 * Received $105 Million Neighborhood Access and Equity Federal grant for CC-4th Structures (Roadway Elements + Deck Costs). * …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN COMMISSION June 26, 2024, TIME: 5:30 p.m. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1406 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 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) David Carroll (District 1) Tania A. Ortega (District 2) Liz Coufal (District 3) Ralph E. Ishmael, Jr. (District 4) Darilynn Cardona-Beiler (District 5) Taylor Major (District 6) Mike Lavigne (District 7) VACANT (District 8) Kimberly Levinson (District 9) Sania D. Shifferd (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER VACANT (Design Commission) David Holmes (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) VACANT (Historic Landmark Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission May 15, 2024 meeting. 2. Presentation on the Downtown Austin Plan by Chad Sharrard and Jill Amezcua, Austin 3. Presentation on the Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy by Matthew Schmidt, Economic Development Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. 5. Approve a recommendation to Council to update the Downtown Austin Plan and create an overseeing department charged with implementing the elements of the updated plan. STAFF BRIEFING Planning Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. Update on Creative Combining District and Development Bonus Program to enhance the development and preservation of live music venues and creative sector businesses, and to initiate a specific Red River Cultural District subdistrict. 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 …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 15, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Kimberly Levinson Spencer Schumacher COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Mike Lavigne Taylor Major CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:33 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission April 17, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 04/17/24 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Major’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Carroll, Ortega and Shifferd were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to postpone this item to the next Downtown Commission meeting on 06/26/2024 was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 15, 2024 Major’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Carroll, Ortega and Shifferd were absent. 3. Discussion and approval of a Recommendation on dockless micromobility regulations and transportation-related rule making. A motion to approve Recommendation 20240515-003 failed on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Major’s second on a 4-1 vote. Those members voting aye were: Vice Chair Ishmael, Commissioners Coufal, Levinson and Major. Voting nay was: Chair Harris. Abstaining was: Commissioner Lavigne. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Carroll, Ortega and Shifferd were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 4. Presentation on Street Impact Fees in the downtown Austin area by Nathan Aubert, Supervising Engineer, Austin Transportation Department. Presentation was given by Nathan Aubert, Supervising Engineer, Austin Transportation Public Works Department. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Officer Elections Downtown Plan Staff Presentation ADJOURNMENT Chair Harris adjourned the meeting at 6:38 pm without objection.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: (YYYYMMDD-XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): UPDATE TO THE DOWNTOWN AUSTIN PLAN WHEREAS in 2005, the Austin City Council passed a resolution calling for the adoption of a Downtown Austin Plan (Original DAP); and WHEREAS in 2011 the City Council adopted the Original DAP; and WHEREAS in 2010, Austin’s Downtown population was estimated to be 9,343, by 2020 it had grown to 13,041, and now is estimated to be 15,360; and WHEREAS in 2010, there were 4,675 dwelling units Downtown, by 2020 approximately 9,343 dwelling, and now it is estimated that there are more than 10,300 dwelling units; and WHEREAS there is 7.2 million square feet of construction underway with an additional 14.3 million square feet of space planned for Downtown, including more than 3,000 additional dwelling units; and WHEREAS additional residential, office and hotel developments are likely to occur throughout Downtown over the next 10 years; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was drafted to provide Austin with a roadmap for addressing the anticipated challenges facing Downtown over the subsequent 10 years; and WHEREAS the COVID 19 Pandemic caused an unforseen shift in how Austinites and visitors use and experience Downtown presenting an array of challenges and opportunities; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was intended as both a vision for Downtown as well an action plan to encourage Downtown to become more economically vibrant, livable, walkable, mobile, inclusive, diverse, and culturally alive; and WHEREAS that Original DAP’s 10-year lifecycle ended in 2021; and WHEREAS because of the complexity and breadth of the Original DAP, numerous departments within the City of Austin are charged with accomplishing various aspects of the plan including Transportation and Public Works, Economic Development (+Urban Design), Parks and Recreation, Planning (+Historic Preservation); and WHEREAS responsibility for implementing the various elements of the Original DAP is spread among numerous departments with little centralized control, oversight or accountability; and WHEREAS the charter of the Downtown Commission explicitly states that its charge is to oversee the implementation of the DAP; and WHEREAS the charge of other City of Austin Boards and Commissions intersect with their respective departments without engagement of the Downtown Commission whose charge is specific to the DAP; and WHEREAS significant progress has occurred in accomplishing some of the goals of the Original Dap, elements of that Original DAP are still not realized, viable or relevant; and WHEREAS new challenges and …
Downtown Austin Plan Implementation Update June 26, 2024 Content About the Plan Downtown Density Bonus Program Great Streets Program Austin Core Transportation Plan Palm District Plan Austin Economic Development Corp. Cultural & Business Incentives District Development & Support Historic Preservation Fund About the Downtown Austin Plan Adopted in December 2011 109 recommendations for implementation were included in the plan. – In 2018, 75% (82) recommendations were partially complete or underway. – 19% (21) were completed or ongoing. – 6% (6) were not yet initiated. Active tracking was paused in 2018 due to focus on rewriting the Land Development Code, the pandemic, and staffing shortages. 3 Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) June 2013, City Council adopted an ordinance to create the DDBP Since 2018, 37 projects have taken advantage of this program To date, ~$13M fees-in-lieu paid, ~$32.8M pending* 81 affordable housing units created, 721 proposed* *Includes Rainey Subdistrict 5 Floor-to-Area Ratios Floor-to-Area Ra�o 17 13.9 11.1 10 14 13 13 15 15 15 15 15 9.5 11.92 13.12 15.71 20 20 21 23 22 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 29 35 32 62 East 14th & Lavaca THC 4th and Colorado Block 32, Ph. 2 Block 32, Ph.1 Block 32 Aggregated 5th + Trinity Hotel 410 E 5th Street 506 West Residen�al Block 150 Stonelake | 5RR 307 E 2nd 80 Rainey / Rainey Tower 617 Colorado 17th and Guadalupe Apartments 9092 Rainey The East Tower 4th & Brazos 3rd and Brazos 321 W. 6th Street River Street Residences 415 Colorado 17th Street Condos Hanover Republic Square 44 East Travis County Courthouse 17th Street Hotel The Republic 91 Red River 300 Colorado Block 71 (UT System Property) 6th + Guadalupe 0 5 10 15 20 30 35 40 6 Building Heights Height (Ft.) 399 400 417 142 192 242 220 325 326 724 755 770 668 705 709 540 586 586 515 602 565 564 569 570 515 499 451 450 455 80 Rainey / Rainey Tower 617 Colorado 17th and Guadalupe Apartments 0.00 62 East 14th & Lavaca THC 4th and Colorado Block 32, Ph. 2 Block 32, Ph.1 Block 32 Aggregated 5th + Trinity Hotel 410 E 5th Street 506 West Residen�al Block 150 Stonelake | 5RR 307 E 2nd 9092 Rainey The East Tower 4th & Brazos 3rd and Brazos 321 …
Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy Economic Development Department June 26, 2024 History City of Austin and Economic and Cultural Districts • The City of Austin lacks a holistic approach to the recognition and development of Economic and Cultural Districts • Specific “District” Planning/Policy’s Recognized include: Small Area Planning Historic District Designation Public Improvement Districts C I T Y O F A U S T I N Prior District Council Actions • Resolution No. 20071213-058 establishes the African American Cultural Arts District, the City of Austin’s first Cultural District • Resolution No. 20110825-067 establishes the 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor • Resolution No. 20131017-036 establishes the Red River Cultural District • Resolution No. 20230702-128 establishes the South Shore Cultural District C I T Y O F A U S T I N Souly Austin is a place-based economic development program focused on creating and retaining strong, vibrant, culturally rich and diverse neighborhood business districts throughout Austin through the development of Merchants Associations. Souly Austin Program Purpose: Program Details • 2014 Program began with a focus of forming Neighborhood Business District Merchant Associations • $362,500 annual allocation (2015) • 6 Neighborhood Business District Merchant Associations formed to date • Intent to onboard 2 new districts during 2019 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Purpose Purpose • Framework aims to leverage economic benefits of concentrated activity in defined districts. districts in Austin. • Districts serve as tourist attractions, offering diverse experiences. • Framework provides guidance for organizing and resourcing economic and cultural • Well-defined districts support thriving commerce and cultural preservation. • Unified management, branding, programming, and improvements amplify economic impact and foster synergy among stakeholders. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Defining Districts Economic and Cultural District Definition • Economic and Cultural districts (ECDs) are compact areas (¼ to 1 ½ mile) rich in creative, cultural, and commercial assets. • ECDs contain concentrations of creative, cultural, entertainment, heritage, or commercial assets that contribute to neighborhood supportive commerce • ECDs make use of a variety of economic, value capture, and focused regulatory tools • ECDs are typically stewarded by district management entities independent of the City of Austin. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Types of Districts • Economic - Contain a high proportion of commercial, entertainment, or cultural uses that help anchor …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: 20240626-005: UPDATE TO THE DOWNTOWN AUSTIN PLAN WHEREAS in 2005, the Austin City Council passed a resolution calling for the adoption of a Downtown Austin Plan (Original DAP); and WHEREAS in 2011 the City Council adopted the Original DAP; and WHEREAS in 2010, Austin’s Downtown population was estimated to be 9,343, by 2020 it had grown to 13,041, and now is estimated to be 15,360; and WHEREAS in 2010, there were 4,675 dwelling units Downtown, by 2020 approximately 9,343 dwelling, and now it is estimated that there are more than 10,300 dwelling units; and WHEREAS there is 7.2 million square feet of construction underway with an additional 14.3 million square feet of space planned for Downtown, including more than 3,000 additional dwelling units; and WHEREAS additional residential, office and hotel developments are likely to occur throughout Downtown over the next 10 years; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was drafted to provide Austin with a roadmap for addressing the anticipated challenges facing Downtown over the subsequent 10 years; and WHEREAS the COVID 19 Pandemic caused an unforseen shift in how Austinites and visitors use and experience Downtown presenting an array of challenges and opportunities; and WHEREAS the Original DAP was intended as both a vision for Downtown as well an action plan to encourage Downtown to become more economically vibrant, livable, walkable, mobile, inclusive, diverse, and culturally alive; and WHEREAS that Original DAP’s 10-year lifecycle ended in 2021; and WHEREAS because of the complexity and breadth of the Original DAP, numerous departments within the City of Austin are charged with accomplishing various aspects of the plan including Transportation and Public Works, Economic Development (+Urban Design), Parks and Recreation, Planning (+Historic Preservation); and WHEREAS responsibility for implementing the various elements of the Original DAP is spread among numerous departments with little centralized control, oversight or accountability; and WHEREAS the charter of the Downtown Commission explicitly states that its charge is to oversee the implementation of the DAP; and WHEREAS the charge of other City of Austin Boards and Commissions intersect with their respective departments without engagement of the Downtown Commission whose charge is specific to the DAP; and WHEREAS significant progress has occurred in accomplishing some of the goals of the Original Dap, elements of that Original DAP are still not realized, viable or relevant; and WHEREAS new challenges and opportunities have arisen in downtown since …
Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 26, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING WEDNESDAY, June 26, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the special called meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair David Carroll Mike Lavigne Kimberly Levinson Anne Charlotte Patterson Spencer Schumacher Sania Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Liz Coufal Jennifer Franklin Amy Mok Tania Ortega CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:33 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission May 15, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 05/15/24 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Commissioner Shifferd’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes STAFF BRIEFING Wednesday, June 26, 2024 2. Presentation on the Downtown Austin Plan by Chad Sharrard and Jill Amezcua, Austin Planning Department. The presentation was made by Chad Sharrard, Planner Senior, Planning Department; Jill Amezcua, Program Manager II, Planning Department; and Matthew Schmidt, Program Manager III, Economic Development Department. 3. Presentation on the Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy by Matthew Schmidt, Economic Development Department. The presentation was made by Matthew Schmidt, Program Manager III, Economic Development Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to override the four consecutive term limit and nominate Commissioner Harris as Chair was made by Commissioner Ishmael, seconded by Commissioner Lavigne and approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. The motion to elect Commissioner Harris as Chair was made by Commissioner Ishmael, seconded by Commissioner Ortega and approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. The motion to elect Commissioner Ishmael as Vice Chair was made by Commissioner Levinson, seconded by Commissioner Shifferd and approved on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler and Major were absent. 5. Approve a recommendation to Council to update the Downtown Austin Plan and create an overseeing department charged with implementing the elements of the updated plan. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Commissioner Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Shifferd. The following amendment was motioned by Commissioner Carroll and seconded by Vice Chair Ishmael. The amendment was to add the following under Item 7: “r. Urban Design …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION May 15, 2024, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chamber, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register, please contact Christi Vitela at Christi.Vitela@austintexas.gov or (512) 974- 2792. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris (Chair) David Carroll (District 1) Tania A. Ortega (District 2) Liz Coufal (District 3) Ralph E. Ishmael, Jr. (District 4) Darilynn Cardona-Beiler (District 5) Taylor Major (District 6) Mike Lavigne (District 7) VACANT (District 8) Kimberly Levinson (District 9) Sania D. Shifferd (Mayor) CALL TO ORDER VACANT (Design Commission) David Holmes (Public Safety Commission) Amy Mok (Arts Commission) Spencer Schumacher (Urban Transportation) Jennifer Franklin (Parks and Recreation Board) VACANT (Historic Landmark Commission) Anne Charlotte Patterson (Music 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission April 17, 2024 meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. 3. Discussion and approval of a Recommendation on dockless micromobility regulations and transportation-related rule making. 4. Presentation on Street Impact Fees in the downtown Austin area by Nathan Aubert, Supervising Engineer, Austin Transportation Department. STAFF BRIEFING 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, April 17, 2024 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2024 The Downtown Commission convened the regular meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE August Harris, Chair Ralph E Ishmael, Jr. Vice-Chair Jennifer Franklin Kimberly Levinson Sania D. Shifferd COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE REMOTELY Taylor Major Tania Ortega Amy Mok Anne Charlotte Patterson Spencer Schumacher CALL TO ORDER Chair Harris called the meeting of the Downtown Commission to order at 5:35 pm PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No speakers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Downtown Commission March 20, 2024 meeting. The minutes from the meeting on 03/20/24 were approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion, Vice Chair Ishmael’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Coufal and Lavigne were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 2. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Downtown Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 17, 2024 The motion to postpone this item to the next Downtown Commission meeting on 05/15/2024 was approved on Vice Chair Ishmael’s motion, Commissioner Levinson’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Coufal and Lavigne were absent. 3. Approve a Recommendation to centralize graffiti programs within the City of Austin by creating and funding a new department. A motion to approve Recommendation 20240417-003 was made by Commissioner Levinson and seconded by Commissioner Shifferd. A motion to amend was made by Vice Chair Ishmael, seconded by Commissioner Levinson. The amendment was to add a zero to correct an error and to read as follows: “$546,000” The amendment was approved on a 6-0 vote. The motion to approve Recommendation 20240417-003 as amended was approved on Commissioner Levinson’s motion and Commissioner Shifferd’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cardona-Beiler, Coufal and Lavigne were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation on mental health resources for people experiencing homelessness by Marlene Buchanan, Director of System of Care, and Kathleen Casey, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Integral Care. Marlene Buchanan, Director of System of Care and Ruth Ahearn, Practice Administrator at Integral Care presented. 5. Presentation on a proposed sound assessment requirement for residential development near Outdoor Music and Performance Venues and a disclosure requirement about nearby venues when units are leased/sold by Brian Block, Nightlife and Entertainment Services Manager, Development Services Department. Brian Block, Nightlife and Entertainment Services Manager at the Development Services Department presented. 6. Update and discussion regarding …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20240506-006: Dockless Micromobility Regulations and Transportation-related Rulemaking WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan calls on the city to “Emphasize and incentivize shared mobility solutions” by developing and focusing on ”shared mobility services and systems to provide first-mile/last-mile mobility solutions and increase shared trips on the transportation network”; WHEREAS, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) highlighted Austin in its 2022 Report on Shared Micromobility in the U.S. and Canada as having the second most used e-scooter system in North America with a ride per vehicle per day average of 2.7, which NACTO called “stand out for e-scooter rides per vehicle per day compared to peer cities.”; WHEREAS, following Superpedestrian/Link ceasing operations in North America at the end of 2023, the Austin e-scooter system contracted in size by 29%, losing 2,000 scooters from the system; D R A F T WHEREAS, on March 28th, 2024, Transportation and Public Works (TPW) Director Richard Mendoza briefed the City Council Mobility Committee on “upcoming changes to our department regulations regarding the operations of micro-mobility devices” and cited safety, general aesthetics, and watershed protection as the main issues the regulations were meant to address; WHEREAS, according to the City of Austin Vision Zero Viewer, the number of e-scooter-related serious injuries decreased 50% from 12 in 2022 to 6 in 2023, and the number of deaths decreased from 2 to 0 over the same period; WHEREAS, despite the regulations being effective April 1st, the changes were not incorporated into the “Director’s Rules for Deployment and Operations of Shared Small Vehicle Mobility Systems”, the changes are not listed anywhere on the City of Austin website, and vendors were not formally notified of the changes until April 11th; WHEREAS, the changes communicated to vendors in the “Enhanced Regulations to the Shared Mobility Program” included the following changes: ● “Maintain the number of licensed micro-mobility vendors at 2”, ● “No increases to device permits for current licensed operators”, ● “Maintain the total number of permitted scooters citywide at 6,700”, ● “Reduce the number of scooters allowed to operate in the Downtown Area Project Coordination Zone (DAPCZ) to 1,125 per licensed vendor”, ● “Reduce maximum speed from 15mph to 10mph between 10pm and 5am daily in the main entertainment districts of the urban core”, and ● “Assign restricted and designated device staging areas and require rebalancing of devices to assigned areas each …
Street Impact Fees Overview – Downtown Commission Nathan Aubert, P.E. | Supervising Engineer | May 15, 2024 1 5/15/2024 Street Impact Fees (SIF) Presentation Overview • Implementation Timeline • Street Impact Fee (SIF) Applicability • SIF Calculation Overview • SIF Calculation Worksheet Overview • SIF Calculation Worksheet Details • SIF Guidelines Timeline • Questions/Answers 2 5/15/2024 Street Impact Fees (SIF) Implementation Timeline STREET IMPACT FEE SIF Ordinances Adopted (TIA Deadline for Grace Period) Fee Collection Begins (New TCM Effective) Fee Collection grace period ends (All TIAs) Dec 2020 Jun 2022 Dec 2023 Jun 2021 Dec 2022 Report to Council on Review Fees Public-Facing SIF Dashboard 3 5/15/2024 Street Impact Fees (SIF) SIF Applicability • SIF Applies to projects which generate 10 Peak Hour Trips (PHTs) or more • Dependent on what is on the site before construction • Mid-rise (4-10 floors) multifamily developments: ~23 units • High-rise (11+ floors) multifamily developments: ~28 units • Office developments: ~9,000 Square Feet • Projects that started the Building Permit (Plan Review) process in June 2022 or later (without a previous TIA) • If a Plan Review was applied for in June 2022 or before, no SIF was collected • TIA memo must be dated before Dec 21, 2020 • Projects that started the Building Permit (Plan Review) process after Dec. 21, 2023 (with a previous TIA) 4 5/15/2024 Street Impact Fees (SIF) SIF, Fee-In-Lieu, and Mitigations • SIF replaced transportation fees-in-lieu • SIF can be reduced (constructed improvements, previously paid fees, affordability, etc.) • SIF reductions captured via Offset Agreement • SIF payments not earmarked • SIF money remains in Service Area (map) • SIF collection and Roadway Capacity Plan (RCP) 5 5/15/2024 Street Impact Fees (SIF) SIF Guidelines & Collection Guidelines provide in-depth direction for: • SIF Calculation Worksheet • SIF Ordinance information • Offsets and what can be counted • Reductions based on: Internal Trip Capture • Affordable housing provided • • Proximity to Transit • Parking Reduction Created a collection dashboard • Real-time collections • Outstanding invoices • Spent fees 6 5/15/2024 Street Impact Fees (SIF) Helpful Links www.AustinTexas.gov/StreetImpactFee StreetImpactFee@AustinTexas.gov https://www.austintexas.gov/page/transportation-project-development-program 7 5/15/2024 Street Impact Fees (SIF)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number 20240515-003: Dockless Micromobility Regulations WHEREAS, following Superpedestrian/Link ceasing operations in North America at the end of 2023, the Austin e-scooter system contracted in size by 29%, losing 2,000 scooters from the system; WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) calls on the city to “Emphasize and incentivize shared mobility solutions” by developing and focusing on ”shared mobility services and systems to provide first-mile/last-mile mobility solutions and increase shared trips on the transportation network”; WHEREAS, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) highlighted Austin in its 2022 Report on Shared Micromobility in the U.S. and Canada as having the second most used e-scooter system in North America with a ride per vehicle per day average of 2.7, which NACTO called “stand out for e-scooter rides per vehicle per day compared to peer cities.”; D R A F T ● “Maintain the number of licensed micro-mobility vendors at 2”, ● “No increases to device permits for current licensed operators”, ● “Maintain the total number of permitted scooters citywide at 6,700”, ● “Reduce the number of scooters allowed to operate in the Downtown Area Project Coordination Zone (DAPCZ) to 1,125 per licensed vendor”, ● “Reduce maximum speed from 15mph to 10mph between 10pm and 5am daily in the main entertainment districts of the urban core”, and ● “Assign restricted and designated device staging areas and require rebalancing of devices to assigned areas each morning”; WHEREAS, on March 28th, 2024, Transportation and Public Works (TPW) Director Richard Mendoza briefed the City Council Mobility Committee on “upcoming changes to our department regulations regarding the operations of micro-mobility devices” and cited safety, general aesthetics, and watershed protection as the main issues the regulations were meant to address; WHEREAS, the “Enhanced Regulations to the Shared Mobility Program” took effect on April 1st, 2024, and the following changes were communicated to vendors on April 11th, 2024: WHEREAS, on March 30th, 2024 the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association released a statement opposing the moratorium on new vendors, caps on the number of new vendors, reduction of vehicles in the DAPCZ, and elimination of dockless e-bikes, and further requested the city “delay its planned changes and instead moves towards solutions that more prudently balance the impacts on mobility users, the city’s mobility goals, and safety”; WHEREAS, according to the City of Austin Vision Zero Viewer, the number of e-scooter-related serious injuries decreased 50% from …
Urban Transportation Commission May 7, 2024 Shared Mobility Program Update Joseph Al-hajeri, Parking Enterprise Manager Michael Kimbro, Shared Mobility Supervisor 1 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services BRIEFING OVERVIEW 2023 System Overview Speed Limit Reduction Operational Policies/ Data Collection Regulation Background Recent Program Updates: Licensing & Permitting Designated Staging/ Parking Areas Recent Program Updates: Operations Next Steps Q&A 2 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services 2023 System Overview Current Operators | Fleet Size Lime | 3,700 scooters & 180 ebikes Bird | 3000 scooters 2023 Total Trips Lime 1,868,208 scooters & 63,402 ebikes Bird 791,337 Link 224,246 Wheels 33,109 Total Distance Travelled 2,927,690 miles Trips per Major Area 2,081,017 (70%) within DAPCZ 395,048 (13%) within UT/West Campus Events Austin City Limits Festival Weekend One: 59,175 trips Weekend Two: 62,881 trips SXSW 142,540 trips 16,556 median trips per day (7,315 typically) 3 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services Quick Background Regulation Texas Transportation Code, Title 7 • Chapter 551. - Operation of bicycles and mopeds, golf carts, and other low- powered vehicles. Title 14 Use of Streets and Public Property • § 14-9-23 - City-wide dockless transportation license authorized. • § 14-9-24 - City-wide dockless transportation unit placement plan. • § 14-9-25 - License amendment, suspension, or revocation. Title 12 Traffic Enforcement • § 12-2 - Micro-Mobility Devices and Bicycles. Director Rules for Deployment and Operation of Shared Small Vehicle Mobility Systems City Approved Fees Fee Type License Fee Fee Schedule $1,500 per year Collection Collected bi-annually in December & June Per Device Permit Fee $80 per device/ per year Collected bi-annually in December & June Per Trip Fee $0.15 per trip Collected Monthly 4 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services Operational Policies/Data Collection Data from provider API utilizing Mobility Data Specification Data aggregated by Ride Report Real-time visibility and reporting How TPW Monitors/ Enforcement • Third-party data management • Geofencing/device performance restrictions • Calls/Customer Service Requests (CSR) • CSR response audits • Staff device audits • Shared communications channel during special events Results of Enforcement of Director Rules • • • Impounds Reduction in Service Denial of license and/or device permits 5 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services Recent Program Updates License & Permit Changes Maintain the number of licensed micro-mobility vendors at 2. No increases to device permits for current licensed operators. ACTIVE ACTIVE Maintain the total number of permitted scooters citywide at 6,700. ACTIVE 6 5/3/2024 Shared Mobility Services Recent Program Updates Operations Changes Reduce …
