Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, February 19, 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- 874-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Michael Nahas, Chair Rodrigo Cantu Aaron Gonzales Amy Noel Amy Rister Ofelia Zapata Luis Osta Lugo, Vice Chair Laura Dixon Kelsey Hitchingham Christina Ponder Raquel Valdez Sanchez 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 October 19, 2022. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission regular meeting on January 29, 2025. 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on the long-term goals and strategic planning of the Economic Prosperity Commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Conduct an emergency election for a Vice Chair of the Economic Prosperity Commission. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation regarding Chapter 380 programs. Discussion and possible action on dissolving the Redevelopment Working Group. Nominate commissioners to serve as the Economic Prosperity Commission’s primary and alternate representatives to the Joint Sustainability Committee. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from the GBE Working Group regarding a potential recommendation about Chapter 380 programs. Update from the Small Business Working Group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting, discussion of its product and delivery date, and discussions on attempt to reach out to the Economic Development Department for expertise. 10. Update from the Childcare Working Group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting, discussion of its product, and delivery date. 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 …
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 29, 2025 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 29, 2025 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 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 6:39 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Michael Nahas (Chair) Rodrigo Cantu Aaron Gonzales Amy Rister Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amy Noel Ofelia Zapata PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Presentation regarding childcare funds in Travis County and related changes with recent ballot measures. Presentation by Pilar Sanchez, County Executive for Health & Human Services, Travis County. Presentation provided by Pilar Sanchez, County Executive for Health & Human Services, and Korey Darling, Division Director for Research and Planning, Travis County APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on November 20, 2024. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 29, 2025 The minutes were approved without objection on Chair Nahas’ motion on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Dixon, Hitchingham, Ponder, and Valdez Sanchez were absent. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on October 19, 2022 and Special Called Meeting on August 30, 2021. The August 30, 2021 minutes were approved without objection on Chair Nahas’ motion on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Dixon, Hitchingham, Ponder, and Valdez Sanchez were absent. No action was taken on the October 19, 2022 minutes. DISCUSSION ITEMS CONTINUED Discussion of proposed reorganization of Boards and Commissions based on Austin City Council Resolution No. 20241212-133. Discussion was held. Discussion of the role of the Economic Prosperity Commission’s representative on the Joint Sustainability Committee and potential nominations at the February meeting. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion and possible action on setting deadlines for working group outputs. Discussion was held. WORKING GROUP UPDATES Update from the Global Business Expansion working group regarding scheduling future working group meetings and its research on potential changes to the City’s Chapter 380 agreements. Update provided by Commissioner Rister. Update from the Small Business working group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting and opportunities to support the Small Business division with marketing, community engagement, and language accessibility. Update provided by Commissioner Gonzales. Update from the Redevelopment working group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting and what it has learned …
Economic Prosperity Commission REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 6:30 pm The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701. Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah called the Economic Prosperity Commission meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah, Micahel Nahas Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Preston Tom, Amy Noel, Ryan Kurtz, Shayna Brown Absent: Chair Kelsey Hitchingham, Christiana Ponder, Nathan Ryan, Will Townsend Vacancy: District 3 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Chase Wright speaking from Springdale Park Neighbors APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on September 21, 2022. Minutes from the 9/21/2022 meeting approved on Michael Nahas’s motion, Preston Tom’s second. Vote 6-0 to approve. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2.Staff briefing regarding new commission members. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3.Discussion and possible action for 2023 Meeting Schedule Motion to establish 2023 calendar for third Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm on Michael Nahas’s motion, Ryan Kurtz’s second. Vote 6-0 to approve. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 4.Update from Intercommission working group 5.Update from Joint Sustainability Commission member report 6.Update from Reproductive Health working group Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah adjourned the Economic Prosperity Commission meeting at 7:50pm. These minutes were approved at the (date) (member)’ s motion, (member) second on a (X-Y) vote.
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, January 29, 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- 874-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Michael Nahas, Chair Rodrigo Cantu Aaron Gonzales Amy Noel Amy Rister Ofelia Zapata Luis Osta Lugo, Vice Chair Laura Dixon Kelsey Hitchingham Christina Ponder Raquel Valdez Sanchez 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 November 20, 2024. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on October 19, 2022 and Special Called Meeting on August 30, 2021. 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of proposed reorganization of Boards and Commissions based on Austin City Council Resolution No. 20241212-133. Discussion of the role of the Economic Prosperity Commission’s representative on the Joint Sustainability Committee and potential nominations at the February meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Discussion and possible action on setting deadlines for working group outputs. Update from the Global Business Expansion working group regarding scheduling future working group meetings and its research on potential changes to the City’s Chapter 380 agreements. Update from the Small Business working group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting and opportunities to support the Small Business division with marketing, community engagement, and language accessibility. Update from the Redevelopment working group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting and what it has learned from the Colony Park development project. Update from the Childcare working group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting and what it has learned about hurdles and costs of opening new childcare centers. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications …
Economic Prosperity Commission Special Called Meeting Minutes Monday, August 30, 2021 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a special called meeting on Monday, August 30, 2021 via videoconferencing. Chair Amy Noel called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 5:55pm. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Larry Anazia – District 1 Kirsha Haverlah – District 2 Alexis Taylor – District 3 Will Townsend – District 6 Chair, Amy Noel – District 7 Vice Chair, Nathan Ryan – District 8 Commissioners Absent: Rachel Green – Mayor’s Appointee Ivanna Neri – District 4 Preston Tom – District 5 Vacant – District 9 Kelsey Hitchingham – District 10 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None present. NEW BUSINESS 3.C. Presentation by Cathy McHorse from United Way for Greater Austin Cathy McHorse of United Way for Greater Austin spoke about the Success by 6 program No additional new business taken up. APPROVAL OF MINUTES No minutes approved. OLD BUSINESS ADJOURNMENT No old business taken up. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm by Commissioner Noel due to loss of quorum. These minutes were approved at the __________ meeting on ________ motion, ________ second on a X-X vote.
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2024 ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 20, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, in Austin, Texas. Chair Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:43 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Michael Nahas (Chair) Aaron Gonzales Raquel Valdez Sanchez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kelsey Hitchingham Christina Ponder Amy Rister PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on October 16, 2024. The minutes were approved without objection on Chair Nahas’ motion on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, Noel, Osta Lugo, and Zapata were absent. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Special Called Meeting on July 19, 2023 and Regular Meeting on October 19, 2022. The July 19, 2023 minutes were approved on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion, Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, 1. 2. 1 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Noel, Osta Lugo, and Zapata were absent. Approval of the October 19, 2022 minutes was postponed to the next meeting without objection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action on setting deadlines for working group outputs. Discussion was held. Approve the formation of a working group to investigate childcare costs and regulations in Austin compared to other Texas cities. The motion to form a working group to investigate childcare costs and regulations in Austin compared to other Texas cities was approved without objection on Chair Nahas’ motion on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, Noel, Osta Lugo, and Zapata were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Global Business Expansion working group regarding scheduling future working group meetings and its research on potential changes to the city’s Chapter 380 agreements. Update provided by Commissioner Rister. Update from the Small Business working group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting and opportunities to support the Small Business division with marketing, community engagement, and language accessibility. Update provided by Commissioner Gonzales. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Nahas adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. without objection. 4. 6. 2
Economic Prosperity Commission REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 6:30 pm The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701. Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah called the Economic Prosperity Commission meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah, Micahel Nahas Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Preston Tom, Amy Noel, Ryan Kurtz, Shayna Brown Absent: Chair Kelsey Hitchingham, Christiana Ponder, Nathan Ryan, Will Townsend Vacancy: District 3 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Chase Wright speaking from Springdale Park Neighbors APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on September 21, 2022. Minutes from the 9/21/2022 meeting approved on Michael Nahas’s motion, Preston Tom’s second. Vote 6-0 to approve. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2.Staff briefing regarding new commission members. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3.Discussion and possible action for 2023 Meeting Schedule Motion to establish 2023 calendar for third Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm on Michael Nahas’s motion, Ryan Kurtz’s second. Vote 6-0 to approve. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 4.Update from Intercommission working group 5.Update from Joint Sustainability Commission member report 6.Update from Reproductive Health working group Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah adjourned the Economic Prosperity Commission meeting at 7:50pm. These minutes were approved at the (date) (member)’ s motion, (member) second on a (X-Y) vote.
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, January 29, 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- 874-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Michael Nahas, Chair Rodrigo Cantu Aaron Gonzales Amy Noel Amy Rister Ofelia Zapata Luis Osta Lugo, Vice Chair Laura Dixon Kelsey Hitchingham Christina Ponder Raquel Valdez Sanchez AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION ITEMS 10. Presentation regarding childcare funds in Travis County and related changes with recent ballot measures. Presentation by Pilar Sanchez, County Executive for Health & Human Services, Travis County.
Travis County Voter Approved Child Care and Out of School Time Fund Overview January 2025 Background On November 5, 2024, Travis County Voters approved a 2.5 cent tax rate increase per $100 valuation that will generate approximately $75 million to increase access to affordable and high-quality child care and afterschool/summer programming and related services for low-income families and develop and administer related workforce and economic development programs. Recognition • Recognize the collective work that has taken place to create a dedicated revenue fund for child care and out of school time programming. This includes all the research, advocacy, and community input gathering by community organizations like Success by 6 Coalition, Andy Roddick Foundation, and the Children’s Funding Project. • Recognize that there is a big need for child care and out of school time services and we want to move quickly to put services in place while also being intentional. • Recognize that this is the first County voter approved child care fund in the state! There are more than 50 voter approved children’s funds in the country. • Recognize that it will take time to build internal County infrastructure, systems, procedures, processes in alignment with County mandates and systems. • Recognize that community input is essential to stewardship and to stabilize and strengthen child care and out of school time systems. Overview of Strategies These four strategies will serve as a baseline for expanding and strengthening child care and afterschool and summer programming in Travis County. Strategy 1: Expand slots for infants/toddlers (ages 0-3) and for afterschool and summer programming (PreK-12th grade) Strategy 2: Expand non-traditional hour care Strategy 3: Build quality and capacity Strategy 4: Build a Business Government Alliance for leveraging business contributions and matching public funds to reduce employee child care costs Transition Plan • Hiring County staff • Online survey • Community Input Sessions- Gather input from stakeholders to inform program design to strengthen our local childcare and out of school time ecosystems and ensure that this fund is reflective and responsive to the needs of our community • Three large listening sessions (March) • Targeted community input sessions stakeholder groups (February-March) • Community Advisory Council – Composed of community members and child care and out of school time stakeholders (application process - late Spring - Summer 2025) • Short term investments - Explore amending existing County contracts to serve more …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Tuesday, November 20, 2024, 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- 874-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Michael Nahas, Chair (D4, Vela) Rodrigo Cantu (D5, Ryan Alter) Aaron Gonzales (D9, Qadri) Amy Noel (D7, Pool) Amy Rister (D6, Kelly) Ofelia Zapata (D2, Fuentes) Luis Osta Lugo, Vice Chair (D8, Ellis) Laura Dixon (Mayor Watson) Kelsey Hitchingham (D10, Alison Alter) Christina Ponder (D1, Harper-Madison) Raquel Valdez Sanchez (D3, Velásquez) 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 October 16, 2024, Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Special Called Meeting on July 19, 2023 and Regular Meeting on October 19, 2022. 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action on setting deadlines for working group outputs. 4. Approve the formation of a working group to investigate childcare costs and regulations in Austin compared to other Texas cities. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Global Business Expansion working group regarding scheduling future working group meetings and its research on potential changes to the city’s Chapter 380 agreements. 6. Update from the Small Business working group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting and opportunities to support the Small Business division with marketing, community engagement, and language accessibility. 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 …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 16, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Nahas, Osta Lugo, Cantu, Gonzales, Rister • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Noel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Called Meeting on September 18, 2024. The minutes were approved on Chair Nahas’ motion without objection on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Dixon, Hitchingham, Ponder, Valdez Sanchez, and Zapata were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation and overview of Rally Austin, formerly the Austin Economic Development Corporation. Presented by David Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. Presentation provided by David Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the 2025 regular meeting schedule of the Economic Prosperity Commission. The 2025 regular meeting schedule of the Economic Prosperity Commission was approved on Commissioner Rister’s motion, Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s second on a 6-0 1 vote. Commissioners Dixon, Hitchingham, Ponder, Valdez Sanchez, and Zapata were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Global Business Expansion working group regarding its research on childcare regulations, potential changes to the city’s Chapter 380 agreements, and scheduling future working group meetings. Update provided by Commissioner Rister. Update from the Redevelopment working group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting. Update provided by Vice Chair Osta Lugo. Update from the Small Business working group regarding opportunities to support the Small Business division with marketing, community engagement, and language accessibility, as well as scheduling its next working group meeting. Update provided by Commissioner Gonzales. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Deadlines for working group outputs. Splitting of Global Business Expansion working group into Global Business Expansion and Childcare working groups. The meeting was adjourned on Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Gonzales’ second at 7:51 P.M. on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Dixon, Hitchingham, Ponder, Valdez Sanchez, and Zapata were absent. ********** 5. 6. 2
Economic Prosperity Commission REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 6:30 pm The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701. Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah called the Economic Prosperity Commission meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah, Micahel Nahas Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Preston Tom, Amy Noel, Ryan Kurtz, Shayna Brown Absent: Chair Kelsey Hitchingham, Christiana Ponder, Nathan Ryan, Will Townsend Vacancy: District 3 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Chase Wright speaking from Springdale Park Neighbors APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1.Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on September 21, 2022. Minutes from the 9/21/2022 meeting approved on Michael Nahas’s motion, Preston Tom’s second. Vote 6-0 to approve. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2.Staff briefing regarding new commission members. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3.Discussion and possible action for 2023 Meeting Schedule Motion to establish 2023 calendar for third Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm on Michael Nahas’s motion, Ryan Kurtz’s second. Vote 6-0 to approve. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 4.Update from Intercommission working group 5.Update from Joint Sustainability Commission member report 6.Update from Reproductive Health working group Vice Chair Kirsha Haverlah adjourned the Economic Prosperity Commission meeting at 7:50pm. These minutes were approved at the (date) (member)’ s motion, (member) second on a (X-Y) vote.
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 19, 2023 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a Regular Called meeting on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Hitchingham called the Economic Prosperity Commission to order at 6:46 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Kelsey Hitchingham (10); Tina Cannon (9) Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jessica Coronado (3); Amy Noel (7); Christiana Ponder (1); Benjamin Salazar (2) Absent: Ben Brenneman (5); Laura Dixon (M); Vice Chair Michael Nahas (4); William Townsend (6) Vacancy: District 8 Staff in Attendance: Susana Carbajal, Deputy Director, Economic Development; Matthew Schmidt, Staff Liaison PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission meeting on March 27, 2023 and February 15, 2023. The motion to approve the February 15th meeting minutes was approved on Commissioner Salazar’s motion and Commissioner Ponder’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Brenneman, Dixon, Nahas, and Townsend were absent. The motion to approve the March 27th meeting minutes was approved on Commissioner Coronado’s motion and Commissioner Salazar’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Brenneman, Dixon, Nahas, and Townsend were absent. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: 3. Discussion and possible action on 2023 priorities, including review of current Commission priorities, review of Commission work in 2021-22, current working groups, and possible future working groups (Chair Hitchingham) Commissioners began discussion on establishing 2023 priorities and realignment of future working groups with commission mission. Discussion and possible action on Joint Sustainability Commission next steps and membership (Chair Hitchingham) The motion to approve the Commissioner Noel as EPC representative and Commissioner Ponder as alternate representative on the Joint Sustainability Committee meeting minutes was approved on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion and Commissioner Cannon’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Brenneman, Dixon, Nahas, and Townsend were absent. DISCUSSION Update on Inter-Commission Working Group Commissioner Noel provided Inter-Commission Working Group and requested removal from agenda. Remind all board and commission members to update their Multi-factor Authentication by July 31 Commissioner Hitchingham provided multi-factor authentication reminder. Announce August meeting location is City of Austin Permitting and Development Center (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive) Commissioner Hitchingham informed staff of next meeting on Wednesday, August 16th at 6:30PM at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 7. Discuss possible future agenda items Commissioners discussed future agenda items. Chair …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 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 at the Office of the City Clerk (ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3568). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: • Laura Dixon, Mayor (Watson) • Christiana Ponder, District 1 (Harper- Madison) • Ofelia Zapata, District 2 (Fuentes) • Raquel Valdez Sanchez, District 3 • Michael Nahas, Chair, District 4 (Velasquez) (Vela) • Rodrigo Cantu, District 5 (R. Alter) • Amy Rister, District 6 (Kelly) • Amy Noel, District 7 (Pool) • Luis Osta Lugo, Vice Chair, District 8 • Aaron Gonzales, District 9 (Qadri) • Kelsey Hitchingham, District 10 (A. (Ellis) Alter) 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 Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Called Meeting on September 18, 2024. Presentation and overview of Rally Austin, formerly the Austin Economic Development Corporation. Presented by David Colligan, Chief Operating Officer, Rally Austin. Approve the 2025 regular meeting schedule of the Economic Prosperity Commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Global Business Expansion working group regarding its research on childcare regulations, potential changes to the city’s Chapter 380 agreements, and scheduling future working group meetings. Update from the Redevelopment working group regarding scheduling its next working group meeting. Update from the Small Business working group regarding opportunities to support the Small Business division with marketing, community engagement, and language accessibility, as well as scheduling its next working group meeting. 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 …
1. 3. ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 18, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Michael Nahas (Chair), Aaron • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amy Noel, Raquel Valdez Gonzales, Amy Rister Sanchez, Christiana Ponder PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Called Meeting on August 21, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of August 21, 2024, were approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Rister’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, Hitchingham, Osta Lugo, and Zapata were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Stacy Schmitt, Senior Vice President of Communication & External Affairs, Opportunity Austin, in informing strengthening the local economy. Presentation provided by Stacy Schmitt, Senior Vice President of Communication & External Affairs, Opportunity Austin. the commission about her organization’s work Discussion regarding action taken at the most recent Joint Sustainability Committee meeting as it relates to the Economic Prosperity Commission. 1 Commissioner Noel presented about the most recent Joint Sustainability Committee meeting. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Global Business Expansion working group regarding prospective speakers, research on Texas Local Government Code Chapter 380, and other relevant matters. Update given by Commissioner Rister. Update from the Redevelopment working group regarding its research on the Colony Park redevelopment plan and other relevant matters. Update given by Commissioner Noel. Update from the Small Business working group regarding the group’s research of other cities’ programs and other relevant matters. Update given by Commissioner Valdez Sanchez. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Speaker from Rally Austin, pending confirmation with Commissioner Valdez Sanchez. • Approve 2025 regular meeting schedule. Chair Nahas adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. without objection. 5. 6. 2
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting October 16, 2024 Our Rally is to create a culturally resilient and economically integrated Austin where diverse communities can thrive and prosper without risk of displacement. Rally Austin Rally closes the racial wealth gap by centering historically in our work, holding our marginalized communities collaborators and ourselves accountable to build an equitable and inclusive Austin, as we steward public and private real estate assets to create inclusive community benefits and equitable economic outcomes. facilitates Rally Austin is a real estate nonprofit development projects to foster equitable and inclusive economic growth. We operate to deliver meaningful outcome through our core values – that Strategic Collaboration Empowerment through Professional Support Responsiveness and Flexibility Trust and Integrity Organizational FY23 Outcomes Actively advancing a portfolio of projects estimated at $150M. Investments on East 11th Street will spur increased activity within the Black Cultural District supportive of building and retaining culture/small business and residents that represent the historic legacy. Additionally, negotiating 10 of the Cultural Trust deals to advance feasible projects, including three being announced publicly. Approved as a 501c3 in FY23, allowing staff to meet and exceed the organization’s fundraising goal for FY23 by 15%. This additional funding was invested in two projects: Blocks 16 & 18 and the Cultural Trust. Rally elevated transparency in its work by hosting 32 public meetings, special events and community engagement sessions, speaking at 10 events and 16 City Commission presentations, while issuing 7 press releases. Staff sought to increase diversity and representation through its work in the community by soliciting 6 contracting opportunities to more than 1,380 contacts, while conducting business with 9 small, minority or local companies. Notable solicitation includes Block 16 & 18 Request for Proposals in August 2023. Visit with Mayor Dickens and Invest Atlanta to conduct a review of best practices with Council Member Fuentes and Council Member Harper-Madison attending virtually. Board of Directors: Our Commiunity at Work Nominating bodies to the Rally ATX Board of Directors include the following institutions and asset holders: Economic Development Department Neighborhood Housing Finance Department Office of Equity Arts Commission Music Commission Historic Preservation Commission Rally Board Leadership 2025 Executive Committee: Board Chair: Tina Cannon Board Vice Chair: Emmett Beliveau Board Treasurer: Jeremy Martin Board Secretary: Tamara Atkinson Immediate Past Board Chair: Carl Settles Bradford Patterson leading Real Estate Amanda Jasso supporting framework of Diversity, …
