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Approved Minutes — original pdf
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: Michael Nahas, Luis Osta Lugo, Rodrigo Cantu, Aaron Gonzales, Amy Rister • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amy 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. ********** The minutes were approved at the November 20, 2024 regular meeting on Chair Nahas’ motion without objection on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cantu, Dixon, Noel, Osta Lugo, and Zapata were absent. 5. 6. 2
Agenda — original pdf
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, September 18, 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 Cesar Garza and Stephanie Calderon at the Economic Development Department: cesar.garza@austintexas.gov and stephanie.calderon@austintexas.gov or 512-974-8055 (Cesar Garza). 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) AGENDA • 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) 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 Called Meeting on August 21, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 5. 6. Presentation by Stacy Schmitt, Senior Vice President of Communication & External Affairs, Opportunity Austin, informing the commission about her organization’s work in strengthening the local economy. Discussion regarding action taken at the most recent Joint Sustainability Committee meeting as it relates to the Economic Prosperity Commission. 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 from the Redevelopment working group regarding its research on the Colony Park redevelopment plan and other relevant matters. Update from the Small Business working group regarding the group’s research of other cities’ programs and other relevant matters. 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 …
Agenda Item 1: Draft Minutes Aug 21, 2024 Mtg — original pdf
1. ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 21, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Amy Rister (6), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Michael Nahas (4), Rodrigo Cantu (5) • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Christiana Ponder (1), Kelsey Hitchingham (10), Luis Osta Lugo (8), Amy Noel (7) • Absent: Laura Dixon (Mayor), Aaron Gonzales (9) • Vacancy: District 2 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Called Meeting on July 17, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of July 17, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion, Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Laura Dixon (Mayor) and Aaron Gonzales (9) were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the City of Austin Economic Development Department, on the City’s August budget process and on the department’s Global Business Expansion, Small Business, Cultural Arts, Music and Entertainment, Workforce and Childcare, and Support Service divisions. Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department, and Anthony Segura, Deputy Director, provided a multifaceted overview of the department and how it leads with equity in its work today. 1 Discuss whom commissioners could invite to present on topics related to commission business or working groups at the September 18, 2024 meeting. Discussion was held. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Global Business Expansion working group regarding the group’s next meeting date, expectations for the group’s September 2024 report, and relevant matters. Update given by Commissioner Rister. Update from the Redevelopment working group regarding the group’s next meeting date, expectations for the group’s September 2024 report, and relevant matters. Update given by Commissioner Osta Lugo. Update from the Small Business working group regarding the group’s next meeting date, expectations for the group’s September 2024 report, and relevant matters. Update given by Commissioner Valdez Sanchez. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Joint Sustainability Committee update from Commissioner Amy Noel, Economic Prosperity Commission representative on the City of Austin Joint Sustainability Committee. Chair Nahas adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m. without objection. ********** These minutes were approved at the DATE meeting on BOARD MEMBER’s motion, BOARD MEMBER second on a (vote …
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Agenda Item 2: Opportunity Austin Presentation — original pdf
City of Austin Economic Prosperity Commission OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN Our mission is to strengthen the competitiveness and resiliency of the Austin region. How do we do it? By fostering job-creating investments while also advocating for policies and programs that nurture our workforce, quality of life and pro-business climate WHERE WE STARTED ABOUT OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN Early 2000s Recession eliminated 15,000 jobs in Tech 2004 OA was founded to increase economic resiliency of the Austin region. Launched OA1.0 2009 Launched OA2.0 2014 Launched OA3.0 2019 Launched OA3.0 2024 Launched OA5.0 Opportunity Austin has helped bring more than 600,000 jobs to the Austin region. WHERE WE ARE NOW Austin ranked as the Best-Performing City by the Milken Institute. This study measures each metro area’s economic performance using outcomes-based metrics of labor market performance, high tech impact, and access to economic opportunities. Source: Milken Institute, Best-Performing Cities 2024, February 6, 2024. ABOUT AUSTIN Metro Population 2.5M 11th Largest City As per U.S. 2020 Census Low Cost of Living Below National Average OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN PILLARS OPPORTUNITY AUSTIN 5.0 Economic Development Global Innovation & Expansion Workforce Development Policy & Advocacy ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Recruitment, Expansion, Retention Target Industries Real Estate, Maps, & Research RELOCATIONS & EXPANSIONS 600,000+ Total Jobs Created 2,500 Companies 230,000 Direct Jobs Relocations & Expansions 2004 - July 2024 2,454 companies | 229,813 jobs Relocations Expansions Total Jobs OA 4.0 2019-2023 842 companies 96,676 jobs 26,877 138 22,124 19,856 OA 5.0 2024-2028 66 companies 6,156 jobs 28,000 250 200 150 100 50 0 OA 2004-2008 459 companies 27,752 jobs OA 2.0 2009-2013 411 companies 34,097 jobs 72 71 62 7,741 48 61 6,568 4,664 4,069 31 26 36 31 4,710 21 35 2,662 17 52 5,435 29 34 31 OA 3.0 2014-2018 676 companies 65,132 jobs 20,063 110 110 118 13,562 101 14,257 9,615 7,734 53 55 55 8,651 82 87 13,262 63 11,502 70 10,068 10,237 64 50 53 50 51 46 58 45 90 64 81 37 23,000 18,000 13,000 6,156 8,000 36 30 3,000 (2,000) 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 TARGET INDUSTRIES Advanced Manufacturing Aerospace & Defense Clean Technology Financial Services Life Sciences Semiconductors Space Technology GLOBAL INVESTMENT & INNOVATION Austin’s Innovation Ecosystem makes us globally competitive. International Recruitment, Expansion, and Retention Global Investment Innovation Ecosystem GLOBAL & INNOVATION 4,500 Startups 200+ Venture Capitalists 5,000+ Funding …
Approved Minutes — original pdf
Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 18, 2024 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 1. 3. 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 Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 18, 2024 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. The minutes were approved without objection at the October 16, 2024 meeting on Chair Nahas’ motion. Commissioners Dixon, Hitchingham, Ponder, Valdez Sanchez, and Zapata were absent. 5. 6. 2
Agenda — original pdf
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, August 21, 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. Audio is recorded. 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 Cesar Garza and Stephanie Calderon at the Economic Development Department: cesar.garza@austintexas.gov and stephanie.calderon@austintexas.gov or 512-974-8055 (Cesar Garza). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: • Laura Dixon, Mayor (Watson) • Christiana Ponder, District 1 (Harper- • Vacant, District 2 (Fuentes) • Raquel Valdez Sanchez, District 3 • Michael Nahas, Chair, District 4 Madison) (Velasquez) (Vela) • Rodrigo Cantu, District 5 (R. Alter) AGENDA • 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) 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 Called Meeting on July 17, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the City of Austin Economic Development Department, on the City’s August budget process and on the department’s Global Business Expansion, Small Business, Cultural Arts, Music and Entertainment, Workforce and Childcare, and Support Service divisions. Discuss whom commissioners could invite to present on topics related to commission business or working groups at the September 18, 2024 meeting. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Global Business Expansion working group regarding the group’s next meeting date, expectations for the group’s September 2024 report, and relevant matters. Update from the Redevelopment working group regarding the group’s next meeting date, expectations for the group’s September 2024 report, and relevant matters. Update from the Small Business working group regarding the group’s next meeting date, expectations for the group’s September 2024 report, and relevant matters. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed …
Agenda Item 1: Draft Minutes July 17, 2024 Mtg — original pdf
1. ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 17, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (9), Michael Nahas (4), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Rodrigo Cantu (5), Amy Rister (6) • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Luis Osta Lugo (8), Kelsey Hitchingham (10) • Absent: Amy Noel (7), Laura Dixon (Mayor), Christiana Ponder (1) • Vacancy: District 2 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Special Called Meeting on June 24, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of June 24, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion, Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Global Business Expansion working group. The motion to approve the creation of the Global Business Expansion working group with Commissioners Rister (group chair), Nahas, and Hitchingham, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Rister’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. 1 3. 4. 5. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Redevelopment working group. The motion to approve the Redevelopment working group with Commissioners Osta Lugo (group chair) and Cantu, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Small Business working group. The motion to approve the Small Business working group with Commissioners Valdez Sanchez (group chair) and Gonzales, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Gonzales’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Discuss and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to provide the EPC and other Boards and Commissions a message board, similar to the City Council Message Board, as allowed by Section 551.006 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. The …
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Agenda Item 2: Economic Development Department Presentation — original pdf
Economic Development Department Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director August 21, 2024 Austin, TX Economic Development Our History Austin Economic Development Over Time "Austin Area Economic Development Foundation" is created ATX is chosen as the site of the "Microelectronics Computer Corp." Economic Development Department is established with the City of Austin Opportunity Austin 4.0 + 1948 1956 1983 1988 2000 2004 2023 Vic Mathias becomes President of the Austin Chamber of Commerce "Advantage Austin" Opportunity Austin C I T Y O F A U S T I N The Ripple Effects From Our Past The 1928 Master Plan Austin is the most economically segregated Metro Area Economic Development Department: Leading with Equity in our work Austin, TX Economic Development Where We Are Today Economic Development Department Leadership Team Sylnovia Holt-Rabb Director Economic Development Department Anthony Segura Deputy Director Economic Development Department Morgan Messick Acting Assistant Director Economic Development Department C I T Y O F A U S T I N Mission and Vision The City of Austin's Economic Development Department supports and recruits businesses to Austin through all divisions. Our mission is to promote a competitive, sustainable, and equitable economy for all. C I T Y O F A U S T I N 7 Economic Development Department Overview Arts Business Music C I T Y O F A U S T I N Small Business Small Business Division The Small Business Division is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives, and non-profits. Key services include: • Classes and Coaching: Industry-expert-led business management classes and personalized, no-fee coaching to turn plans into action. • Networking and Events: Signature events like Small Business Fundamentals Week, Austin Small Business Week, and Exploring Entrepreneurship panels to support Austin’s start- up ecosystem. • Research/Resources: Comprehensive resources including a small business directory, business intelligence databases, and public library access. • Funding: Low-interest loan programs, such as the Family Business Loan Program, supporting business expansion and job creation. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Global Business Expansion Global Business Expansion Division The Global Business Expansion Division drives local job growth and investment by: • Business Development: Attracting new businesses and supporting local expansion, including international ventures. • Place-Based Economic Development: Enhancing unique districts and neighborhoods. • Industry Sector Development: Identifying and fostering industries with growth potential and living wage jobs. • Workforce Development: Training the local workforce to meet industry needs. Key …
Approved Minutes — original pdf
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 21, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Amy Rister (6), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Michael Nahas (4), Rodrigo Cantu (5) • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Christiana Ponder (1), Kelsey Hitchingham (10), Luis Osta Lugo (8), Amy Noel (7) • Absent: Laura Dixon (Mayor), Aaron Gonzales (9) • Vacancy: District 2 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Called Meeting on July 17, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of July 17, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion, Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Laura Dixon (Mayor) and Aaron Gonzales (9) were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the City of Austin Economic Development Department, on the City’s August budget process and on the department’s Global Business Expansion, Small Business, Cultural Arts, Music and Entertainment, Workforce and Childcare, and Support Service divisions. Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of the Economic Development Department, and Anthony Segura, Deputy Director, provided a multifaceted overview of the department and how it leads with equity in its work today. 1. 1 3. Discuss whom commissioners could invite to present on topics related to commission business or working groups at the September 18, 2024 meeting. Discussion was held. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 4. Update from the Global Business Expansion working group regarding the group’s next meeting date, expectations for the group’s September 2024 report, and relevant matters. Update given by Commissioner Rister. Update from the Redevelopment working group regarding the group’s next meeting date, expectations for the group’s September 2024 report, and relevant matters. Update given by Commissioner Osta Lugo. Update from the Small Business working group regarding the group’s next meeting date, expectations for the group’s September 2024 report, and relevant matters. Update given by Commissioner Valdez Sanchez. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Joint Sustainability Committee update from Commissioner Amy Noel, Economic Prosperity Commission representative on the City of Austin Joint Sustainability Committee. Chair Nahas adjourned the meeting at 7:57 p.m. without objection. ********** These minutes were approved at the September 18, 2024 meeting on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Rister’s second …
Agenda Item 1: Draft Minutes June 24, 2024 Mtg — original pdf
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 24, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 12:02 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Luis Osta Lugo (8), Michael Nahas (4), Rodrigo Cantu (5) • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aaron Gonzales (9), Amy Noel (7), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Christina Ponder (1), Kelsey Hitchingham (10) • Absent: Laura Dixon (Mayor) • Vacancy: District 2, District 6 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Tom Hedrick, Member of Early Matters Greater Austin: Affordable Childcare Now coalition efforts. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on May 15, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of May 15, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dixon was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and vote on goals for the next year and the creation of working groups to achieve those goals. Each working group will have a temporary project or assignment, a list of members, and an expected deadline for its proposed recommendation. The motion to approve the goal of focusing on the City of Austin Economic Development Department (EDD), specifically the Global Business Expansion, Redevelopment, and Small Business divisions within EDD, was approved on Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Cantu’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dixon was absent. 1 The motion to table the creation of working groups until the next meeting was approved on Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Hitchingham’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Dixon was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • None Chair Nahas adjourned the meeting at 12:59 p.m. without objection. ********** These minutes were approved at the DATE meeting on BOARD MEMBER’s motion, BOARD MEMBER second on a (vote count) vote. 2
Agenda — original pdf
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, July 17, 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. Audio is recorded. 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 Cesar Garza and Stephanie Calderon at the Economic Development Department: cesar.garza@austintexas.gov and stephanie.calderon@austintexas.gov or 512-974-8055 (Cesar Garza). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: • Laura Dixon, Mayor (Watson) • Christiana Ponder, District 1 (Harper- Madison) • Vacant, District 2 (Fuentes) • Raquel Valdez Sanchez, District 3 • Michael Nahas, Chair, District 4 (Velasquez) (Vela) • Rodrigo Cantu, District 5 (R. Alter) AGENDA • 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) 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 Special Called Meeting on June 24, 2024. 3. 4. 5. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Global Business Expansion working group. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Redevelopment working group. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Small Business working group. Discuss and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to provide the EPC and other Boards and Commissions a message board, similar to the City Council Message Board, as allowed by Section 551.006 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. 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 …
Agenda Item 5: Draft Message Board Recommendation — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation Number: 20240717-005: Message Board for Use by Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, the City Council Message Board is running on software whose last major update was in 2007, the time before smartphones. The software is named “phpBB”, where “BB” stands for “bulletin board”, a technology from the era of dial-up modems. WHEREAS, Austin is known as a technology city. We are home to chip manufacturers like IBM, NXP, AMD, and Samsung. WHEREAS, Austin has a significant presence of technology companies such as Apple, Google, Dell, and Meta and Indeed. WHEREAS, Austin is home to the University of Texas at Austin, one of the top technology universities in the world. WHEREAS, Technology is part of Austin’s brand and our city’s government should be using the most modern applications available. WHEREAS, the city council message boards of Port Aransas and Amarillo are using WordPress, a newer software than Austin’s. WHEREAS, there is a new generation of collaboration software based on instant messaging and designed with smartphones in mind. This includes such proprietary apps such as Slack and Discord, as well as open-source alternatives like Zulip and Matrix. This innovative technology is being used by the boards of for-profit and nonprofit organizations to communicate and collaborate. WHEREAS, our Mayor, Kirk Watson, when in the Texas Senate, authored and championed changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act. The addition of Section 551.006 to the Texas Government Code permits government bodies to use online real-time communication that is visible to the public. Thus enabling the Austin City Council Message Board which now has thousands of posts and millions of views. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions play an important role in city government. They are vital in adjudication, monitoring rights, monitoring the environment, and oversight of critical industries. They improve Austin by cherishing amenities, fostering the arts, and providing expert advice to City Council and serve as the inclusive interface for communities that are often overlooked by the government. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions do not have message boards and, therefore, still suffer under the restrictive provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act prior to the addition of Section 551.006 by then Senator Kirk Watson. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission recommends the City of Austin: 1. Research and implement modern technology solutions for the current City Council Message Board. 2. Develop …
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Recommendation 20240717-005: Message Board for Use by Boards and Commissions — original pdf
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Economic Prosperity Commission Recommendation Number: 20240717-005: Message Board for Use by Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, the City Council Message Board is running on software whose last major update was in 2007, the time before smartphones. The software is named “phpBB”, where “BB” stands for “bulletin board”, a technology from the era of dial-up modems. WHEREAS, Austin is known as a technology city. We are home to leading hardware companies like IBM, NXP, AMD, and Samsung. WHEREAS, Austin has a significant presence of technology companies such as Apple, Google, Dell, and Meta and Indeed. WHEREAS, Austin is home to the University of Texas at Austin, one of the top technology universities in the world. WHEREAS, Technology is part of Austin’s brand and our city’s government should be using the most modern applications available. WHEREAS, the city council message boards of Port Aransas and Amarillo are using WordPress, a newer software than Austin’s. WHEREAS, there is a new generation of collaboration software based on instant messaging and designed with smartphones in mind. This includes such proprietary apps such as Slack and Discord, as well as open-source alternatives like Zulip and Matrix. This innovative technology is being used by the boards of for-profit and nonprofit organizations to communicate and collaborate. WHEREAS, our Mayor, Kirk Watson, when in the Texas Senate, authored and championed changes to the Texas Open Meetings Act. The addition of Section 551.006 to the Texas Government Code permits government bodies to use online real-time communication that is visible to the public. Thus enabling the Austin City Council Message Board which now has thousands of posts and millions of views. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions play an important role in city government. They are vital in adjudication, monitoring rights, monitoring the environment, and oversight of critical industries. They improve Austin by cherishing amenities, fostering the arts, and providing expert advice to City Council and serve as the inclusive interface for communities that are often overlooked by the government. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions do not have message boards and, therefore, still suffer under the restrictive provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act prior to the addition of Section 551.006 by then Senator Kirk Watson. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Economic Prosperity Commission recommends the City of Austin: 1. Research and implement modern technology solutions for the current City Council Message Board. 2. …
Approved Minutes — original pdf
1. ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, July 17, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Aaron Gonzales (9), Michael Nahas (4), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Rodrigo Cantu (5), Amy Rister (6) • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Luis Osta Lugo (8), Kelsey Hitchingham (10) • Absent: Amy Noel (7), Laura Dixon (Mayor), Christiana Ponder (1) • Vacancy: District 2 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Special Called Meeting on June 24, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of June 24, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion, Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Global Business Expansion working group. The motion to approve the creation of the Global Business Expansion working group with Commissioners Rister (group chair), Nahas, and Hitchingham, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Rister’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. 1 3. 4. 5. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Redevelopment working group. The motion to approve the Redevelopment working group with Commissioners Osta Lugo (group chair) and Cantu, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Discuss and approve the creation, membership, and timeline of the Small Business working group. The motion to approve the Small Business working group with Commissioners Valdez Sanchez (group chair) and Gonzales, as well as with a deadline of September 2024 for an initial report, was approved on Chair Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Gonzales’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. Discuss and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to provide the EPC and other Boards and Commissions a message board, similar to the City Council Message Board, as allowed by Section 551.006 of the Texas Open Meetings Act. The …
Agenda — original pdf
Special Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Monday, June 24, 2024, 12:00pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity Commission may be participating by videoconference. Audio is recorded. 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 Cesar Garza and Stephanie Calderon at the Economic Development Department: cesar.garza@austintexas.gov and stephanie.calderon@austintexas.gov or 512-974-8055 (Cesar Garza). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: • Laura Dixon, Mayor (Watson) • Christiana Ponder, District 1 (Harper- Madison) • Vacant, District 2 (Fuentes) • Raquel Valdez Sanchez, District 3 • Michael Nahas, Chair, District 4 (Velasquez) (Vela) • Rodrigo Cantu, District 5 (R. Alter) AGENDA • Vacant, 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) 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 15, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and vote on goals for the next year and the creation of working groups to achieve those goals. Each working group will have a temporary project or assignment, a list of members, and an expected deadline for its proposed recommendation. 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 Cesar Garza at the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-8055, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Economic Prosperity Commission, please contact Cesar Garza and Stephanie Calderon at the Economic Development Department, at cesar.garza@austintexas.gov and stephanie.calderon@austintexas.gov …
Agenda Item 1: Draft Minutes May 15, 2024 Mtg — original pdf
1. ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 15, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Luis Osta Lugo (8), Rodrigo Cantu (5), Michael Nahas (4), Aaron Gonzales (9), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3) • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Christiana Ponder (1) • Absent: Benjamin Salazar (2), Laura Dixon (Mayor), Amy Noel (7), Kelsey Hitchingham (10) • Vacancy: District 6 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on April 17, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of April 17, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’s motion, Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Salazar, Dixon, Noel and Hitchingham were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Global Business Expansion Division staff, City of Austin Economic Development Department, regarding the guidelines for the City’s Business Expansion Program authorized under Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code. EDD Deputy Director Anthony Segura and Division Manager Sabine Romero introduced Arnie Jacob and Donald Jackson who shared information about the Chapter 380 program update process. 1 Discuss commission’s plan for the next year, 2024-2025, in alignment with the new Chair’s term of office, including: expectations of work by Chair, Vice Chair, and Commissioners; goals and priorities for the commission; and how to fill vacancies and what attributes to seek in new Commissioners. Chair Nahas led wide-ranging discussion on ways to setup the commission to succeed; expectations of each member including: a minimum of 5 hours of business-related work per month per commissioner, taking turns inviting speakers to future meetings, making one Council recommendation per year, and helping recruit for board vacancies. Potential commission goal for the year: rotate through monthly meeting topics such as artificial intelligence, pensions, happiness index, Austin economic report, affordable housing, job creation, City economic programs, and other topics. Discuss monthly meeting logistics: communicating via Microsoft Outlook on the City of Austin network and how commissioners may invite speakers to future meetings. Commissioners were reminded to send business-related communication via their City of Austin email and each commissioner was invited to contact the Chair with a request to add a certain speaker on an upcoming …