20260916-004, Dog's Head Working Group Update Memo — original pdf

Backup

Environmental Commission – Dog’s Head Development Working Group Update: September 16, 2026 Prepared by Jennifer Bristol, Chair – Working Group June 17 – The Environmental Commission approved the formation of a working group to “organize and engage community stakeholders; advise the applicant, City of Austin (CoA), and City Council on the regulatory plan; and to make recommendations regarding the regulating plan.” Between June 20–29, the working group met for three meetings, two hours each, to make a recommendation to City Council on the TIRZ for the Dog’s Head Development. These first meetings had between 12 and 20 members of the working group in attendance. July 1 – The working group made a recommendation to the Environmental Commission, and it was unanimously passed. August 17 – The working group decided to form a subcommittee to meet with Endeavor and City staff. The committee consisted of two representatives of the existing neighborhoods on the Dog’s Head, PODER, and three commissioners. August 25 – The subcommittee met at City Hall with Council Member Duchen and his staff, staff from Council Member Valesquez’s office, Watershed staff, three commissioners, Endeavor, and its legal counsel. The goal of this group was to reach agreement on: 1. Pushing back the date for the Regulating Plan (achieved). 2. Reinstating the Environmental Commission (not yet achieved). 3. Establishing a working relationship with all parties. August 27 – Larger working group meeting. September 2 – Subcommittee meeting. 1. Agreed to look at the Regulating Plan recommendations together with Endeavor. 2. Agreed to tour the property. 3. Made requests to see some of the Phase One environmental studies. 4. Agreed that a letter would be sent from Endeavor to the CoA to formally request pushing back the Regulating Plan to March 2027 (task completed on September 10). September 8 – Subcommittee tour of the property with Endeavor. September 10 – Larger working group three-hour meeting to work on the draft of the Regulating Plan. 1. Commissioners Brimer and Bristol created and submitted recommendations as a framework for the others to contribute to and shape as a group. 2. Chair Kruger submitted recommendations for amendments to the Development Agreement that would enable some of the Regulating Plan recommendations and offer better protections for the environment moving forward. September 15 – Subcommittee met again. 1. Chair Kruger will give an update to the Environmental Commission. In total, 10 meetings totaling approximately 32 hours have been completed by the working group. This does not account for the countless hours of phone conversations and emails the various members have dedicated to helping find solutions to achieve the best deal for the environment on the Dog’s Head Development. Next Steps 1. A draft of the Regulating Plan recommendation will come before the Environmental Commission on October 7. 2. A draft of the Development Agreement recommendations will come before the Environmental Commission on October 7.