Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner VACANT Ofelia Zapata Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Michael Nahas Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Appointment District 7 District 8 Aaron Gonzales (Chair) District 9 Aditi Joshi Jake Randall District 10 Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on September 17, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation regarding Rally Austin’s proposal for the 2026 City of Austin Bond Election. Presentation by David Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. Discussion reviewing an analysis of Local Government Code Chapter 380 agreements. Discussion regarding staff and commission follow-up on action items in the City Auditor Office’s 2017 Workforce Development Audit and 2022 Workforce Development Follow-Up. Discussion regarding efforts to encourage members of the public to apply for vacant positions on the Economic Prosperity Commission. Discussion regarding a potential partnership with Austin Community College to explore and expand youth paid internships, employment, and education credits. 7. Discussion reviewing political activity guidelines for commissioners. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the Childcare Working Group regarding its progress on forming recommendations on youth summer employment and youth workforce development. 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 …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner VACANT Ofelia Zapata Appointment District 1 District 2 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Appointment District 7 District 8 Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) District 3 Michael Nahas Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed District 4 District 5 District 6 Aaron Gonzales (Chair) District 9 Aditi Joshi Jake Randall District 10 Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on August 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Presentation regarding collaborative partnerships to support economic opportunity. Presentation by Christy Moffett, Director of Economic Development & Strategic Investments, Travis County. Discussion regarding potential overlap in work between the Economic Prosperity Commission and other city boards and commissions, as related to approved recommendations. Discussion regarding a potential report on large enterprise employers within the City of Austin that are or are not participating in the summer youth internship program, including feedback from commissioners. Discussion regarding vacancies on the Economic Prosperity Commission and how the commission can encourage people to apply. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Economic Prosperity Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with other boards or commissions, identify policies or City needs that no current board or commission appears to address, evaluate the level of members’ and the community’s engagement, and identify potential bylaw amendments to improve or address any of the foregoing. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Gonzales called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (Chair) Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Zain Pleuthner Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rodrigo Cantu Aditi Joshi Michael Nahas Shakeel Rashed PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on July 16, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Joshi’s motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Randall, Ponder, and Zapata were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Hold a public hearing to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Economic Prosperity Commission’s stated purposes and duties and its success in fulfilling those purpose and duties. No speakers present. Withdrawn without objection. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation regarding the history of the partnership between Workforce Solutions Capital Area and the City of Austin, the new infrastructure academy, and workforce development programs in peer cities. Presentation by Yael Lawson, COO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Presentation by Yael Lawson, COO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Discussion reviewing peer city actions, local events, and news articles related to the commission’s working groups. Withdrawn without objection. Update from Chair Gonzales regarding his Economic Opportunity Committee presentation on July 18th and the 2024-25 annual report. Discussed. Discussion regarding commissioner attendance and feedback received at district budget town halls. Discussed. Discussion regarding planned and finished external speaker presentations at working group meetings. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Economic Prosperity Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with other boards or commissions, identify policies or City needs that no current board or commission appears to address, evaluate the level of members’ and the community’s engagement, and identify potential bylaw amendments to improve or address any of the foregoing. Discussed. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. 10. 11. …
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY City of Austin Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Presented by Christy Copeland Moffett, MSSW Travis County EDSI, Planning & Budget Office September 17, 2025 AGENDA Workforce/Job Creation Small Business Long-term Economic Planning 2 Travis County Economic Development & Strategic Investment • Located in the Planning & Budget Office • Areas of Responsibility: • Economic & Strategic Planning • Investments Management • Public Improvement Districts • Community & Strategic Engagement • Corporations Economic Development & Strategic Investments Travis County Economic Development - Travis County Financial Transparency V2 3 WORKFORCE & JOB CREATION TCHHS Workforce Development Funding Overview County Goals: Community Goal: Travis County allocated $2,608,238 for a continuum of adult education and workforce development services for Travis County residents in the Workforce Development issue area àHelp individuals improve workplace skills, obtain employment, & succeed in the workplace (succeed in the workplace includes retaining employment, advancing in employment, & increasing earnings and access to benefits); and àHelp employers secure a skilled workforce Support the Hire Local Plan by improving economically disadvantaged residents’ access to better economic opportunities Source: https://www.wfscapitalarea.com/community-workforce-plan-2/ 5 TCHHS Workforce Development Investments Program YouthBuild American YouthWorks Career Expressway Capital IDEA Educational Pathways Foundation Communites Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP) Goodwill Industries of Central Texas Workforce and Education Services LifeWorks Gateway Skillpoint Alliance Adult Education Todos Juntos Learning Center Workforce and Education Readiness Continuum—Travis County (WERC TC) Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Board TOTAL Funding Level $229,850.00 $829,840.00 $229,850.00 $129,850.00 $329,850.00 $339,840.00 $209,158.00 $200,000.00 $2,608,238.00 6 TCHHS Portfolio Strengths • Broad low-income population targeting • County-wide geographic access • Some service types we’ve funded before • Vendors that have been County contractors before • Support to existing services as well as program expansion • Collaborative programs with a prime contractor and one or more subcontractors • Brand new contractors for the County • Smaller and/or newer nonprofits 7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS • 8 Active Agreements • 2 Completed Agreements • $97,057,725 total rebated/abated to date for active agreements • 14,662 jobs created or retained by companies with active agreements to date • $24,960,949,945 total capital investment made by companies with active agreements to date • Compliance for 4 agreements completed jointly with the City of Austin 8 SMALL BUSINESS 9 TCTX Thrive 1.0 program • Budget: $10 million allocated from the CARES Act • Program: Business coaching and reimbursement grants of up to $40,000 • …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Christina Ponder Ofelia Zapata Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Michael Nahas Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Appointment District 7 District 8 Aaron Gonzales (Chair) District 9 Aditi Joshi Jake Randall District 10 Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on July 16, 2025. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Hold a public hearing to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Economic Prosperity Commission’s stated purposes and duties and its success in fulfilling those purpose and duties. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation regarding the history of the partnership between Workforce Solutions Capital Area and the City of Austin, the new infrastructure academy, and workforce development programs in peer cities. Presentation by Yael Lawson, COO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Discussion reviewing peer city actions, local events, and news articles related to the commission’s working groups. Update from Chair Gonzales regarding his Economic Opportunity Committee presentation on July 18th and the 2024-25 annual report. Discussion regarding commissioner attendance and feedback received at district budget town halls. Discussion regarding planned and finished external speaker presentations at working group meetings. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Economic Prosperity Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Gonzales called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (Chair) Rodrigo Cantu Michael Nahas Jake Randall Ofelia Zapata Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aditi Joshi Zain Pleuthner Shakeel Rashed PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on June 18, 2025. The minutes of the June 18, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Valdez Sanchez and Commissioners Ponder were absent. Commissioner Zapata was off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion regarding how commissioners would like to prioritize future speakers and presentations to the commission. Discussed. Discussion regarding commissioner engagement with the Economic Opportunity Committee. Discussed. Follow-up discussion regarding engagement with Council members on commission recommendations and activities. Item 4 was taken up before Item 3 without objection. Discussed. Discussion regarding the use of economic reports to support the commission’s working group recommendations. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Discussion regarding membership and possible dissolution of the Childcare Working Group. Discussed. No action was taken. Approve the 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review and Report. Discussed. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. 9. 10. Update on from the Small Business Working Group on small business accelerators and conversations with Economic Development Department staff. Update by Chair Gonzales. Update from the Long-Term Economic Planning on research, studies, peer city evaluations, and proposed potential solutions on long-term economic planning as it relates to City of Austin employee retirement benefits, specifically looking at pensions, defined contributions, and other benefit plans. Update by Commissioner Nahas. Update from the Workforce Development and Job Creation Working Group regarding its research on policies related to vendor selection, bidding, and approval in the City, and potential speakers at working group meetings. Update by Commissioner Pleuthner FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m. without objection. 2
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 20, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (Chair) Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Zain Pleuthner Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rodrigo Cantu Aditi Joshi Michael Nahas Shakeel Rashed PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on July 16, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Joshi’s motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Randall, Ponder, and Zapata were absent. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. Hold a public hearing to solicit feedback from the public and community stakeholders regarding the usefulness and relevance of the Economic Prosperity Commission’s stated purposes and duties and its success in fulfilling those purpose and duties. No speakers present. Public Hearing not held. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, August 20, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation regarding the history of the partnership between Workforce Solutions Capital Area and the City of Austin, the new infrastructure academy, and workforce development programs in peer cities. Presentation by Yael Lawson, COO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Presentation by Yael Lawson, COO, Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Discussion reviewing peer city actions, local events, and news articles related to the commission’s working groups. Withdrawn without objection. Update from Chair Gonzales regarding his Economic Opportunity Committee presentation on July 18th and the 2024-25 annual report. Discussed. Discussion regarding commissioner attendance and feedback received at district budget town halls. Discussed. Discussion regarding planned and finished external speaker presentations at working group meetings. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Conduct an evaluation of the recommendations made and other actions taken by the Economic Prosperity Commission throughout the year and how these reflected or achieved the commission’s directives, identify any overlaps in the role and work of the commission with other boards or commissions, identify policies or City needs that no current board or commission appears to address, evaluate the level of members’ and the community’s engagement, and identify potential bylaw amendments to improve or address any of the foregoing. Discussed. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. 10. …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Christina Ponder Ofelia Zapata Raquel Valdez Sanchez Michael Nahas Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Aaron Gonzales Aditi Joshi Jake Randall Appointment District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on June 18, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion regarding how commissioners would like to prioritize future speakers and presentations to the commission. Discussion regarding commissioner engagement with the Economic Opportunity Committee. Follow-up discussion regarding engagement with Council members on commission recommendations and activities. Discussion regarding the use of economic reports to support the commission’s working group recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Discussion regarding membership and possible dissolution of the Childcare Working Group. Approve the 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review and Report. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. 9. 10. Update on from the Small Business Working Group on small business accelerators and conversations with Economic Development Department staff. Update from the Long-Term Economic Planning on research, studies, peer city evaluations, and proposed potential solutions on long-term economic planning as it relates to City of Austin employee retirement benefits, specifically looking at pensions, defined contributions, and other benefit plans. Update from the Workforce Development and Job Creation Working Group regarding its research on policies related to vendor selection, bidding, and approval in the City, and potential speakers at working group meetings. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 18, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 18, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Gonzales called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (Chair) Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Jake Randall Zain Pleuthner Ofelia Zapata Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Shakeel Rashed PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on May 21, 2025. The minutes of the May 21, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Zapata’s motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Joshi, Nahas, and Ponder were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion soliciting feedback from commissioners regarding potential future presentations to the Economic Prosperity Commission from staff and external organizations. Discussed. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 18, 2025 3. Discussion regarding how and which newsletters, periodicals, and other resources could provide commissioners information to assist in future actions. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Discussion and possible action to form a working group focused on small business to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies to inform policy recommendations the working group may produce. The motion to approve the formation of a working group focused on small business to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies to inform policy recommendations the working group may produce was approved on Commissioner Pleuthner’s motion, Vice Chair Valdez Sanchez’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Joshi, Nahas, and Ponder were absent. Members include Commissioners Randall, Gonzales, and Valdez Sanchez. Discussion and possible action to form a working group focused on long-term economic planning to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies to inform policy recommendations the working group may produce. The motion to form a working group focused on long-term economic planning to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies to inform policy recommendations the working group may produce was approved on Commissioner Pleuthner’s motion, …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Gonzales called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (Chair) Rodrigo Cantu Michael Nahas Jake Randall Ofelia Zapata Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aditi Joshi Zain Pleuthner Shakeel Rashed PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on June 18, 2025. The minutes of the June 18, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Valdez Sanchez and Commissioners Ponder were absent. Commissioner Zapata was off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion regarding how commissioners would like to prioritize future speakers and presentations to the commission. Discussed. Discussion regarding commissioner engagement with the Economic Opportunity Committee. Discussed. Follow-up discussion regarding engagement with Council members on commission recommendations and activities. Item 4 was taken up before Item 3 without objection. Discussed. Discussion regarding the use of economic reports to support the commission’s working group recommendations. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Discussion regarding membership and possible dissolution of the Childcare Working Group. Discussed. No action was taken. Approve the 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review and Report. Discussed. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. 9. 10. Update on from the Small Business Working Group on small business accelerators and conversations with Economic Development Department staff. Update by Chair Gonzales. Update from the Long-Term Economic Planning on research, studies, peer city evaluations, and proposed potential solutions on long-term economic planning as it relates to City of Austin employee retirement benefits, specifically looking at pensions, defined contributions, and other benefit plans. Update by Commissioner Nahas. Update from the Workforce Development and Job Creation Working Group regarding its research on policies related to vendor selection, bidding, and approval in the City, and potential speakers at working group meetings. Update by Commissioner Pleuthner FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 7:39 p.m. without objection. 2 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 16, 2025 The minutes were approved at the …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, June 18, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Christina Ponder Ofelia Zapata Raquel Valdez Sanchez Michael Nahas Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Aaron Gonzales Aditi Joshi VACANT Appointment District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on May 21, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion soliciting feedback from commissioners regarding potential future presentations to the Economic Prosperity Commission from staff and external organizations. Discussion regarding how and which newsletters, periodicals, and other resources could provide commissioners information to assist in future actions. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Discussion and possible action to form a working group focused on small business to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies. Discussion and possible action to form a working group focused on long-term economic planning to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies. Discussion and possible action to form a working group focused on workforce development to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies. Discussion and possible action to form a working group focused on childcare to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies. Discussion and possible action to form a working group focused on …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 21, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 21, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Michael Nahas (Chair) Aaron Gonzales Zain Pleuthner Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Rodrigo Cantu Aditi Joshi Shakeel Rashed Raquel Valdez Sanchez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on February 19, 2025. The minutes of the February 19, 2025 meeting were approved without objection on Chair Nahas’ motion on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Ponder and Zapata were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the long-term goals and strategic planning of the Economic Prosperity Commission. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 21, 2025 3. Approve a recommendation to City Council for the FY2025-26 budget to increase funding of language access resources for small businesses. The motion to a recommendation to City Council for the FY2025-26 budget to increase funding of language access resources for small business was approved on Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’ motion, Commissioner Joshi’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Ponder and Zapata were absent. 4. Approve recommendations to City Council regarding the FY2025-26 budget as it relates to the Economic Prosperity Commission. The motion to approve recommendations to City Council regarding the FY2025-26 budget as it relates to the Economic Prosperity Commission was approved with an amendment to strike the recommendation to reduce risk by moving from pensions and post-employment healthcare to defined contribution on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Ponder and Zapata were absent. 5. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair. The motion to elect Commissioner Gonzales as Chair of the Economic Prosperity Commission was approved on Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’ motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Rashed was off the dais. Commissioners Ponder and Zapata were absent. The motion to elect Commissioner Valdez Sanchez as Vice Chair of the Economic Prosperity Commission was approved on Commissioner Pleuthner’s motion, Commissioner Cantu’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Rashed was off the dais. Commissioners Ponder and Zapata were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 18, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, June 18, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Gonzales called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (Chair) Raquel Valdez Sanchez (Vice Chair) Jake Randall Zain Pleuthner Ofelia Zapata Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Shakeel Rashed PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on May 21, 2025. The minutes of the May 21, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Zapata’s motion, Commissioner Pleuthner’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Joshi, Nahas, and Ponder were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion soliciting feedback from commissioners regarding potential future presentations to the Economic Prosperity Commission from staff and external organizations. Discussed. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 18, 2025 3. Discussion regarding how and which newsletters, periodicals, and other resources could provide commissioners information to assist in future actions. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Discussion and possible action to form a working group focused on small business to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies to inform policy recommendations the working group may produce. The motion to approve the formation of a working group focused on small business to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies to inform policy recommendations the working group may produce was approved on Commissioner Pleuthner’s motion, Vice Chair Valdez Sanchez’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Joshi, Nahas, and Ponder were absent. Members include Commissioners Randall, Gonzales, and Valdez Sanchez. Discussion and possible action to form a working group focused on long-term economic planning to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies to inform policy recommendations the working group may produce. The motion to form a working group focused on long-term economic planning to research problems; engage with City staff, appointing Councilmembers, and community groups; and identify solutions and comparable case studies to inform policy recommendations the working group may produce was approved on Commissioner Pleuthner’s motion, …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity 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 telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Ryan Sperling, 512- 974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Christina Ponder Ofelia Zapata Raquel Valdez Sanchez Michael Nahas (Chair) Rodrigo Cantu Shakeel Rashed Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 Commissioner Zain Pleuthner VACANT Aaron Gonzales Aditi Joshi VACANT AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor The first 10 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 Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on February 19, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the long-term goals and strategic planning of the Economic Prosperity Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation to City Council for the FY2025-26 budget to increase funding of language access resources for small businesses. 4. Approve recommendations to City Council regarding the FY2025-26 budget as it relates to the Economic Prosperity Commission. 5. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Childcare working group regarding a survey of recent license recipients. 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 contact Ryan Sperling, Office of the City Clerk at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Economic Prosperity Commission, please contact Ryan Sperling at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov.
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 19, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Michael Nahas (Chair) Amy Rister Raquel Valdez-Sanchez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aaron Gonzales Kelsey Hitchingham Amy Noel Ofelia Zapata PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Called Meeting on October 19, 2022. The minutes were approved with an amendment to remove “Chair” from before “Kelsey” and insert “Chair” before “Nathan Ryan” on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Hitchingham’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Zapata was off the dais. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Item 1 was taken up after Item 2 without objection. 2. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission regular meeting on January 29, 2025. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 19, 2025 The minutes were approved without objection on Chair Nahas’ motion on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Zapata was off the dais. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on the long-term goals and strategic planning of the Economic Prosperity Commission. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Conduct an emergency election for a Vice Chair of the Economic Prosperity Commission. Commissioner Rister was nominated for the role of Vice Chair by Chair Nahas, second by Commissioner Zapata. Commissioner Rister was elected as Vice Chair on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Zapata’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Item 4 was taken up after Item 5 without objection. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation regarding Chapter 380 programs. The below recommendation was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Rister’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. WHERE AS: Austin City Council recently approved changes to the Chapter 380 Program under Ordinance No. 20240926-013. WHERE AS: The revised Chapter 380 program guidelines indicate that specific goals for program and project metrics will be defined during the rule promulgation and development phase within the first year of implementation. Effectively, pausing the program for one year. WHERE AS: Publishing a temporary scoring …
Commission Recommendation Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation 20250521-003: Language Access Programs for Entrepreneurs WHEREAS the City of Austin has demonstrated a commitment to fostering economic and community potential by supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, including women and minority business owners, through initiatives that reduce economic exclusion and bolster job creation; WHEREAS individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), defined by the federal government as those who do not speak English as their primary language and have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English, comprise 10% of Austin's population; WHEREAS 24% of all new Austin businesses are founded by immigrants, who are 24.1% more likely to start a business than U.S.-born residents; WHEREAS 15% of Austin businesses are owned by immigrants, reflecting the city's cultural and economic diversity. Despite their entrepreneurial drive, LEP business owners face significant barriers in navigating regulatory processes, securing funding, and accessing critical business resources; WHEREAS Council Resolution 20131017-038 (2013) directed the City Manager to establish a universal translation and interpretation service protocol, culminating in the 2022 Language Access Policy. However, this policy primarily serves individuals rather than addressing the distinct needs of LEP business owners; WHEREAS Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs, underscoring the importance of equitable access to city resources for all entrepreneurs; WHEREAS immigrant entrepreneurs, who constitute 18% of Austin’s population, are twice as likely to be self-employed but face higher business failure rates due to language barriers, limited professional networks, and lack of access to capital and regulatory information; WHEREAS investing in Limited English Proficiency entrepreneurs strengthens Austin’s economy, increases resilience during economic downturns, expands the tax base, and creates jobs; WHEREAS the Economic Development Department’s Community Navigator Program, which provided critical business support services, ended in December 2024, leaving a gap in resources for immigrant business owners; WHEREAS popular programs for English-speaking entrepreneurs, such as the BizAid Business Orientation, have not been offered in Spanish in the past 12 months due to a lack of awareness among existing and new limited english proficiency businesses. BizAid Business is an introductory class designed to equip aspiring business owners with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the complex landscape of city, state, and federal regulations, as well as gain insights into the City of Austin's development process for commercial properties; WHEREAS immigrant-owned businesses in Texas employ over 635,000 workers and …
