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, …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 July 17, 2024 meeting on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion, Vice Chair Osta Lugo’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Noel, Dixon, and Ponder were absent. 2
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, May 15, 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) (Velasquez) (Vela) • Benjamin Salazar, District 2 (Fuentes) • Raquel Valdez Sanchez, District 3 • Michael Nahas, Chair, District 4 • 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 April 17, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 6. 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. 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. Discuss monthly meeting logistics: communicating via Microsoft Outlook on the City of Austin network and how commissioners may invite speakers to future meetings. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discuss and vote on a June 2024 makeup meeting: either a special called business meeting, or a community interest meeting in a public setting where a quorum may be present but no business will take place. The …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 17, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Luis Osta Lugo (8), Michael • Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kelsey Hitchingham (10), Nahas (4), Rodrigo Cantu (5) Christiana Ponder (1), Amy Noel (7) • Absent: Laura Dixon (Mayor), Benjamin Salazar (2), Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3) • Vacancy: District 6, District 9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on March 20, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of March 20, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Nahas’ second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Dixon, Salazar, and Valdez Sanchez were absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discuss and approve the commission’s potential recommendations to City Council for the City’s FY 2024-2025 budget. Drafts of these recommendations were introduced at the commission’s March 20, 2024 meeting; however, due to a loss of quorum during the meeting, the commission did not take action on any recommendation. • Recommendation 20240417-002A (Renters): Approved, as amended, on Commissioner Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Osta Lugo’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Dixon, Salazar, and Valdez Sanchez were absent. 1 • Recommendation 20240417-002B (Retirement Programs): Commission declined to take action on this recommendation. • Recommendation 20240417-002C (Sales-Tax Income): The motion to approve this recommendation failed on Commissioner Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Osta Lugo’s second. Those voting aye were: Commissioners Nahas, Osta Lugo, Cantu, Hitchingham, and Ponder. Those voting nay were: Commissioner Noel. Commissioners Dixon, Salazar, and Valdez Sanchez were absent. 3. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair for one-year terms of office from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. • The motion to approve Commissioner Nahas for Chair was approved on Commissioner Hitchingham’s motion, Commissioner Osta Lugo’s second on a 6- 0 vote. Commissioner Nahas accepted the nomination. Commissioners Dixon, Salazar, and Valdez Sanchez were absent. • The motion to approve Commissioner Osta Lugo for Vice Chair was approved on Commissioner Nahas’ motion, Commissioner Hitchingham’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Osta Lugo accepted the nomination. Commissioners Dixon, Salazar, and Valdez Sanchez were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Michael Ward Jr. on …
Business Expansion Program Update Economic Development Department Economic Prosperity Commission May 15, 2024 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND UPDATE PROCESS Chapter 380 Revision: State Local Code LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE TITLE 12. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SUBTITLE A. MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 380. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Sec. 380.001. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. (a) The governing body of a municipality may establish and provide for the administration of one or more programs, including programs for making loans and grants of public money and providing personnel and services of the municipality, to promote state or local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity in the municipality. 1 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Current Program Development Background In 2018 EDD Staff utilized feedback from an extensive engagement process in development of the current Program Guidelines • Community conversations included 8 Sessions, held in each Council District • Stakeholder sessions with attendance ranging from 7 to 90, with 260 participants that provided approximately 2,500 comments Current Chapter 380 Policy and Program adopted by City Council • Community benefits incorporated by reference At that time, City Council authorized the City Manager to develop a Location Enhancement Program Business Expansion Program application, scoring matrix and scoring guidance developed by staff post City Council approval • Commitment to community benefits used to score project applications, but not a requirement for project eligibility • Application questions are not adequately tied to outcomes in scoring guidance • Eligibility and performance metrics lack transparency C I T Y O F A U S T I N Business Expansion Program Desired Program Impact Overarching goal is supporting economic growth through the creation of notable targeted job opportunities, in balance with strong commitments to community benefits Program Categories Local Expansions (Category 1) • 5 New Full-Time Jobs created over 5 Years • Operational for >12 months within City of Austin Targeted Hiring (Category 2) • Create one or more apprenticeships or internships • Create one or more full-time jobs hired and retained Austinites facing economic and socio-economic barriers to employment External Attractions (Category 3) • 75 New Full-Time Jobs created over 10 Years • Firm has no Austin Presence or project delivers new operation C I T Y O F A U S T I N Targeted Community Benefits Talent Development Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Business Type / Sector/ Industry Diversification Quality …
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 1. 3. 4. 6. 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 …
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, April 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) Benjamin Salazar, District 2 (Fuentes) Raquel Valdez Sanchez, District 3 (Velasquez) Michael Nahas, Vice Chair, District 4 (Vela) Rodrigo Cantu, District 5 (R. Alter) Vacant, District 6 (Kelly) Amy Noel, District 7 (Pool) Luis Osta Lugo, District 8 (Ellis) Vacant, District 9 (Qadri) Kelsey Hitchingham, Chair, District 10 (A. 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on March 20, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and approve the commission’s potential recommendations to City Council for the City’s FY 2024-2025 budget. Drafts of these recommendations were introduced at the commission’s March 20, 2024 meeting; however, due to a loss of quorum during the meeting, the commission did not take action on any recommendation. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair for one-year terms of office from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Michael Ward Jr. on Austin Urban Technology Movement’s tech ecosystem that eliminates poverty through expanding technology skills, apprenticeships, digital equity, workforce development, and job placement assistance in our society. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Updates from the Jobs, Procurement, and Infrastructure working groups on the established focus and current findings of each group. 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 …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 20, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Michael Nahas (4), Luis Osta Lugo (8), Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Benjamin Salazar (2), Kelsey Hitchingham (10), Laura Dixon (Mayor) Absent: Tina Cannon (9), Christiana Ponder (1), Amy Noel (7) Vacancy: District 5, District 6 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on February 21, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of February 21, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cannon, Ponder, and Noel were absent. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 2. Updates from the Jobs, Procurement, and Infrastructure working groups. At the commission’s February 21, 2024 meeting, the working groups were asked to contribute to the commission’s budget recommendation to City Council (Agenda Item 3). The Procurement and Infrastructure working groups were not able to meet since the February 21, 2024 meeting; they have no updates. Update from the Jobs working group (Commissioners Nahas, Valdez Sanchez, Salazar): they met yesterday to discuss potential budget recommendations, talked mostly about City Council’s proposed resolution for an Austin 1 Infrastructure Academy, whose goal is to train people in construction and infrastructure jobs. They also discussed the Austin Urban Technology Movement, which offers training in the technology industry and is a potential speaker at a future commission meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discuss and approve the commission’s recommendation to City Council for the City’s FY 2024-2025 budget. Vice Chair Nahas shared with the commission potential budget recommendations related to renters, retirement programs, and sales-tax income. During this agenda item Commissioner Dixon moved off the virtual dais, creating a loss of quorum, so the commission did not take action on any potential recommendation and moved on to the remaining discussion-only items. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discuss entrepreneur-in-residence programs at universities and how these programs can foster and retain talent locally. Commissioner Osta Lugo led discussion on the limited availability of these types of programs, the potential for them to be used in Austin for international students to …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240417-002A Luis Osta Lugo (8) Date: April 17, 2024 Subject: City’s FY 2024 – 2025 Budget (Renters) Motioned By: Michael Nahas (4) Seconded By: Recommendation The Budget of the City of Austin should respect renters as the equal of homeowners. Description of Recommendation to Council Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget respect renters as "Typical" residents of Austin. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" add a line for the average tax per rental unit, which includes the property tax and all other taxes and annual fees on rental properties. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" rename the line "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT" to "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (homeowner)" and add a line for "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (renter)", which includes the average taxes and fees paid per rental unit. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" include a calculation of "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (renter)" for the previous budget, Fiscal Year 2023- 24, and compute a percentage increase from Fiscal Year 2023-24 to Fiscal Year 2024-25. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" use the bottom half of the page to hold a table of "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT" for Austin residents at all income levels. Rows should be by household income for every 10th percentile, from bottom 10% to top 10%. City Staff should estimate what proportion of each income bracket are homeowners and renters and assign an average (mathematical mean) property tax weighted by that proportion, based on properties that income bracket would rent or own. Unless City staffCity staff may have have more detailed knowledge;, they should investigate ifcan assume that residents in the bottom 10th percentile of income uses the average (mathematical mean) of the bottom 10th percentile of residential Austin Energy usage, residential Austin Water usage, etc. Rationale: The City of Austin 2023-24 Budget's “Taxpayer Impact Statement” refers to a “Typical” Resident Ratepayer” who pays property tax with a homestead exemption and, therefore, 1 of 2 must be a homeowner. The 2023-24 budget claims that this “Typical” Austin resident owns a house worth $499,524. In fact, the City of Austin actually has a majority of renters. The U.S. Census Bureau for the time period 2017-2021 reports that only 44.7% of the housing units in Austin are owner-occupied. A household owning a property worth $499,524 is likely …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240417-002B Date: April 17, 2024 Subject: City’s FY 2024 – 2025 Budget (Retirement Programs) Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Reduce risk by moving retirement programs from pensions to defined contribution. Description of Recommendation to Council Remove risk by changing our retirement programs from pensions to defined-contribution programs. Remove risk by paying other parties to accept Austin’s existing pension liabilities. Payment could be either a series of future annual payments or an immediate payment, using funds raised by General Obligations bonds. Rationale: The City of Austin currently promises pensions to its employees. That is, we specify benefits after they retire for as long as they live. This sounds nice, but the hard truth is that we do not know the financial future. We do not know the price today of those promises. Those promises have already created a gigantic problem. The 2023-24 Budget says our unfunded actuarial accrued liabilities in 2020 were “nearly $2.4 billion”. That is more than one-and-a-half years of the annual General Fund. Every resident, adults and children, lost more than $100 benefits in Fiscal Year 2023-24 because the City of Austin spent that money fixing just 1/30th of our pension liability. Pensions are dangerous. They crippled America’s car industry. They almost ended America’s steel industry. And multiple cities have declared bankruptcy due to the burdens of pension: Detroit MI, Stockton CA, San Bernardino CA, and more. Pension programs can harm more than the City of Austin; they might harm our employees in the future who would be relying on the City of Austin for those pensions in their retirement. To ensure the City of Austin’s economic prosperity, it should not make unpredictable promises about the future. It should “pay as we go” with its employees. That means a defined contribution plan, which puts a fixed-multiple of the employee’s salary into a retirement program this fiscal year, without any promises about the future. 1 of 2 The risk from existing liabilities caused by past pension programs should be removed from the City of Austin budget. That can be done by paying a financial firm to accept the risk, in exchange for fixed future payments or a lump sum, raised with General Obligation bonds. The risk could also be removed by offering fixed or lump sum payments to holders of the pensions. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 …
