Recommendation 20250219-005: Chapter 380 Programs — original pdf

Recommendation

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation Number: 20250219-005: Chapter 380 Programs WHEREAS, Austin City Council recently approved changes to the Chapter 380 Program under Ordinance No. 20240926-013. WHEREAS, 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. WHEREAS, Publishing a temporary scoring matrix would allow applications to be processed in 2025 and ensure that economic development efforts are not stalled during this transition period. WHEREAS, The new program guidelines emphasize the importance of addressing market conditions and supporting “high-impact” projects, stating that unique and market-competitive projects may be considered on a case-by-case basis. WHEREAS, The City of Austin and Travis County have developed a comprehensive Food Plan, designed to address long-term infrastructure needs. The need to urgently address food and nutrition resources is apparent. WHEREAS, The Del Valle has been identified as low-income, low-access area (formerly identified as a “food desert”) by the USDA. This region has long faced challenges related to food accessibility, which directly impacts economic opportunity and community well-being. WHEREAS, By aligning economic incentives with meaningful community benefits, the City can leverage the Chapter 380 Program to drive equitable economic development while addressing critical public health needs. Addressing food access in Del Valle is a strategic use case for economic development incentives. WHEREAS, Leveraging lessons learned from recent public-private partnerships, we will seek to have community input from the populations most impacted from the outset and at every stage of the process. While bearing in mind the need to move at the greatest speed possible to meet community need. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission recommends that the City publish a temporary scoring matrix for Chapter 380 Programs; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission recommends that the City develop an incentive program that directly supports businesses and initiatives that enhance access to healthy food options in Del Valle. Date of Approval: February 19, 2025 Record of the vote: Motioned by: Chair Michael Nahas Seconded by: Commissioner Amy Rister Vote: 8-0 Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioners Attest: _____________________________________________ For: Chair Nahas, Commissioners Gonzales, Hitchingham, Noel, Rister, Valdez Sanchez, Zapata