REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025, AT 6 PM CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Joint Sustainability Committee may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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 remotely, contact Rohan Lilauwala telephone. To (rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). to speak register CURRENT JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Al Braden Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) GeNell Gary Varun Prasad Haris Qureshi Vacant Vacant Andrew Smith Aaron Gonzales Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Jon Salinas Josh Hiller Chris Crookham Justin Jacobson Vacant Vacant Vacant Marissa Bell Vacant Amanda Marzullo Shelby Orme Evgenia Murkes Peter Breton Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Vacant Christopher Campbell Diana Wheeler Vacant N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 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 Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting on August 27, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding Green Infrastructure in the Right-of-Way. Presentation by Michelle Marx, Transportation Officer , Austin Transportation and Public Works. Staff briefing related to response to Council Resolution 20241121-073 regarding Bird- Friendly design. Presentation by Leslie Lily, Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Austin Watershed Protection. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion of 2026 Bond Process. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the 2026 annual meeting schedule for the Joint Sustainability Committee. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please …
1 City Staff Watershed Protection Building Services Liz Johnston, Leslie Lilly, Elizabeth Funk Matt Hollon, Sean Watson Austin Energy Green Building Garret Jaynes, Heidi Kasper Development Services Department Farhana Biswas Kit Johnson, Nate Jackson Animal Services Emery Sadkin Planning Jordan Feldman 2 Resolution 20241121-073 ▪ Came out of a recommendation from a working group and Resolution 20210902-050 on Lights Out Austin ▪ Directs staff to: ▪ Update on Light’s Out Austin ▪ Explore integration of bird-friendly building techniques for new low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise buildings ▪ Conduct a feasibility analysis on the potential impacts of these standards ▪ Seek input from stakeholders, including developers, environmental organizations, and the public. 3 Migration and Habitat ▪ Austin was designated a Bird City in 2023 ▪ Austin within North America’s Central Flyway ▪ Over 400 species of birds ▪ Edwards Plateau and the Blackland Prairies habitat ▪ Premier destination for birdwatchers throughout most of the year. ▪ Birding generates more than $5 billion in annual ecotourism revenue in Texas ($279 billion nationwide) 4 The Problem ▪ Birds do not perceive glass as a barrier. ▪ In daytime, birds encounter reflective or translucent glass. ▪ At night, birds encounter artificial sources of light. ▪ Birds fly to these confusing features without seeing the glass barriers. ▪ The collision is deadly. An estimated 1 billion birds die every year. 5 Solutions Glass Strategies Bird-friendly design includes: ▪ Reducing the use of glass ▪ Reducing glass exposure (using solar shading, external insect/solar screens, louvers, etc.) ▪ Incorporating bird-friendly signals (markers) in or on the glass ▪ UV coating, glazing, and etched or fritted glass patterns that follow the "2x2 rule” 7 Lighting Exterior ▪ Eliminate uplighting, use fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward, and avoid event searchlights ▪ Use lighting management systems that can automatically reduce non-essential lighting during peak migration ▪ Also beneficial to bats and lightning bugs year-round ▪ Use warmer lightbulbs (as white/blue light can disorient birds) Interior ▪ Program automatic controls with timers and occupancy sensors ▪ Use window treatments to reduce light spillage ▪ Schedule janitorial services during daylight hours 8 Benchmarking What have other cities done? New York City (2021) Arlington County, VA ▪ 90% of the first 75 feet of a new building’s ▪ Bird friendly design tied to voluntary envelope use bird-friendly materials, including alterations to existing glazing. density bonus incentives ▪ Evaluates facade 8 and 36 …
RESPONSE TO COUNCIL RESOLUTION 20241121-073 BIRD-FRIENDLYDESIGN REPORT 10/15/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Table of Contents Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 4 Overview of Bird Friendly Design .......................................................................................................... 5 Migration and Habitat in Austin............................................................................................................ 5 Glass and Building Design Elements ..................................................................................................... 6 Lighting Standards to Minimize Light Pollution .................................................................................... 9 Behavioral practices ............................................................................................................................ 10 Benchmarking Report on Bird Friendly Design in North America ....................................................... 11 New York City, NY ............................................................................................................................... 11 Madison, WI ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Portland, ME ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Berkeley, CA ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Toronto, ON ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Arlington County, VA........................................................................................................................... 14 Bird Friendly Design in Austin ............................................................................................................. 15 Austin Energy Green Building ............................................................................................................. 15 Lights Out Austin! ................................................................................................................................ 16 Site Specific Regulations ..................................................................................................................... 16 Glass and Lighting Requirements in Code ........................................................................................... 17 Case Studies of Bird Friendly Projects in Austin.................................................................................. 17 Considerations for New Construction ................................................................................................. 19 Co-Benefits of Bird Friendly Design .................................................................................................... 19 The 100/100/100 rule ......................................................................................................................... 21 Best Practices for Low-, Mid-, and High-Rise Buildings ...................................................................... 21 Feasibility of Bird Friendly Building in Austin ....................................................................................... 23 Cost Estimates ..................................................................................................................................... 23 Building Plan Review ........................................................................................................................... 25 Inspection and Compliance ................................................................................................................. 26 Education ............................................................................................................................................ 26 Stakeholder Engagement .................................................................................................................... 26 Boards and Commissions ................................................................................................................... 28 Staff Considerations ........................................................................................................................... 29 1. Land Development Code Amendment ............................................................................................ 29 10/15/2025 Response to 20241121-073 2. Austin Energy Green Building Program and Policy Updates ........................................................... 29 3. Residential Educational Campaign .................................................................................................. 30 Contributors: ..................................................................................................................................... 31 References:........................................................................................................................................ 32 Appendix A: Benchmarking Data and Regulations ............................................................................... 33 Appendix B: Austin Energy Green Building Program Requirements ..................................................... 34 Appendix C: Stakeholder Engagement Plan ........................................................................................ 36 Appendix D: Bird Friendly Design for Residential ................................................................................. 37 10/15/2025 Response to 20241121-073 Executive Summary implementation, In response to City Council Resolution 20241121-073, staff conducted comprehensive research on bird- friendly building design including stakeholder engagement with developers, environmental organizations, and the public through virtual sessions, public tours of the Austin Airport IT building, and professional roundtable discussions in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The following analysis provides an overview of the impact that building collisions have on bird populations and how Austin can address the problem through assessing local case studies, cost feasibility, and regulatory frameworks from peer cities including New York, Madison, Portland, Toronto, Berkeley, and Arlington County, VA. The report explores how Austin's built environment and land development regulations present many opportunities for bird-friendly design implementation, including already existing regulatory mechanisms and programs like Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning and the Austin Energy …
2026 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE – PROPOSED 1. January 28, 2025 2. February 25, 2025 3. March 25, 2025 4. April 22, 2025 5. May 27, 2025 6. June 24, 2025 7. July 22, 2025 8. August 26, 2025 9. September 23, 2025 10. October 28, 2025 11. November 18, 2025 12. December 16, 2025
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT August 27th, 2025 at 6 pm City Hall Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 Some members of the Committee 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, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Al Braden Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) GeNell Gary Varun Prasad Haris Qureshi Vacant Vacant Andrew Smith Aaron Gonzales Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Jon Salinas Josh Hiller Chris Crookham Justin Jacobson Vacant Vacant Vacant Marissa Bell Vacant Amanda Marzullo Shelby Orme Evgenia Murkes Vacant Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Vacant Christopher Campbell Diana Wheeler Vacant N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc 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. Approval of minutes from the June 25th, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing on Solar on City Facilities – Rohan Lilauwala, Office of Climate Action and Resilience DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on JSC priorities in approved FY26 City Budget 4. Update from the Electric Utility Commission on Solar for All – Kaiba White 5. Update from Resource Management Commission on Texas Gas Service Rate Case Filing at the Texas Railroad Commission – Charlotte Davis 6. Update from Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board on efforts to advance Food Plan Implementation and the upcoming Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board strategic planning session – Andrew Smith DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES June 25, 2025 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Charlotte Davis, Josh Hiller Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Marissa Bell, Anna Scott, Rodrigo Leal, Chris Crookham, Jon Salinas, Haris Qureshi, Yure Suarez Board Members Absent: City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Matthew Duree, James Scarborough, Amanda Mortl CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:19 pm. Public Communication 1. Approval of minutes from the April 23rd, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Davis motion, Maxwell-Gaines second. Davis amendment to remove bullet point under ‘Public Communication’ that says ‘Tom’. • Passes as amended on a 10-0 vote (Leal off dais) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff Briefing on the Environmentally Preferable Procurement Program – Matt Duree, Capital Procurement, Financial Services Department; Amanda Mortl, Office of Climate Action and Resilience. • Davis: How are smaller purchases scrutinized? How are keywords tied to procurement? • Duree, Mortl: Education, programs, OCAR support can help departments. Large contracts (e.g. office supplies) dealt with by central procurement, contracts written to eliminate non-environmentally friendly options. • Scarborough: category experts look at contracts, identify where to take action based on keywords, set targets/workplans, help departments make decisions. • White: How many staff can make purchases? • Mortl: Around 2000; OCAR supports educating these staff • Duree: Future OCAR partnerships to develop more detailed training • Bell: How does keyword turn into a measure/requirement? How are keywords/targets determined? • Duree: needs policy direction. • Mortl: working on developing action plan for each purchasing category • Scarborough: keywords can change, but need a year or two for contracts to catch up • Mortl: not always simple to make requirements. E.g. easy to require electric landscape equipment, but market might not be ready, small business/competition might not be ready. E.g. concrete – needs specs. Changing contract requirements could lead to reduced bids/competition. • Mortl: Purchasing emissions in 2022 – 206,000 MT CO2e, approx. 4x our municipal GHG footprint 3. 2024-2025 Joint Sustainability Committee Annual Report • Davis suggests offline coordination to pull a draft together for July JSC meeting, if commissioners have suggestions. 4. Recommendation in support of Solar on City Facilities and a Revolving Fund • Meeti FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • ADJOURNMENT White adjourned meeting at 8:26 due …
Solar on City Facilities Response to Council Resolution 20250522-052 Resolution 20250522-052 • Conduct an analysis of City property and make recommendations for the areas that would maximize the installation of solar generation, prioritizing general fund properties. • Annually calculate any energy cost savings or revenue generated and utilize an equivalent amount of funding for projects that have a beneficial environmental impact. • Evaluate opportunities for the installation of solar capacity on properties owned or operated by other local governmental entities within the Austin Energy load zone. • Analyze and make recommendations for requiring solar contractors who install City-owned solar installations to comply with the highest level of worker protections, wage rates, benefits and utilization of Department of Labor registered apprenticeship programs and/or graduates from the Austin Infrastructure Academy. 2 A Changing Federal Solar Landscape Inflation Reduction Act (2021) • • Elective pay allows cities to benefit 30% tax credit available One Big Beautiful Bill Act (2025) • Phases out tax credits for clean energy (including solar). • Projects must “commence construction” by July 4, 2026 to get 100% of the federal tax credits. OR • Projects must be placed into service before the end of 2027 to get 100% of the federal tax credits. • New restrictive Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) rules (details TBD) starting next year. Case Study: San Antonio ● Planned 13.1 MW of solar on 42 facilities and parking lots with $30 million investment, $$7- 11 million net savings over 25 years ● Leveraged 30% elective pay tax credits + $2.5 ● Sites identified and narrowed based on technical feasibility, system size estimated ● Flexible RFP offered with 80 sites ● Big Sun Solar Selected as master million low-interest SECO loan developer, separate O&M contract signed Lessons Learned: San Antonio • Do upfront analysis to de-risk RFP and increase competitive responses. • • Engage with departments and building managers early in the process. Streamline internal procurement processes to speed timelines. • Use a multi-site approach and bulk purchasing for economies of scale. • Consider long-term operations and maintenance. Assess Inventory and assess current city facilities for solar potential Prioritize sites that maximize benefits Engage with building owning departments upfront to build support Engage with procurement and finance Procure Issue RFP for multiple sites to achieve economies of scale Evaluate proposals and ownership models: 1. City Owned 2. Power Purchase Agreement 3. Solar Standard Offer Decide and …
Austin FY 2026 Budget Updates on Climate Initiatives August 27, 2025 CLIMATE ADVANCEMENTS • Climate Revolving Fund and Energy Program Manager • Sustainable [Purchasing] Program Manager • Electric lawncare pilot program • Solar recycling • Local clean energy • Water conservation • Litter abatement and furniture reuse • City lands for climate projects • Austin Civilian Conservation Corps 2 SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS Climate Revolving Fund: established to pay for energy upgrades at city facilities, including energy efficiency improvements and solar energy systems. Bill savings will return to the fund to pay for more energy upgrades. $300,000 in seed funding allocated from the General Fund. Energy Program Manager: new position at the Office of Climate Action and Resilience to run the Climate Revolving Fund Local clean energy: $3.7 million, plus five new staff for clean energy programs at Austin Energy, including battery incentive Water conservation: $1.4 million for water conservation and meter accuracy at Austin Water 3 CONSUMPTION Sustainable [Purchasing] Program Manager: new position for the Office of Climate Action and resilience to lead development of comprehensive environmentally sustainable purchasing policies and practices Electric lawncare pilot program: $323,000 for the Parks and Recreation Department to purchase at least one riding electric mower and charging infrastructure, likely at Zilker Park Litter abatement and furniture reuse: $619,000 for the Furniture Reuse Warehouse and six new litter abatement staff at Austin Resource Recovery Solar recycling: resolution directed evaluating creating a fee for a comprehensive program to recycle solar generating equipment 4 NATURAL SYSTEMS AND OTHER City lands for climate projects: resolution directed conducting an evaluation of city land for climate projects. This can include carbon sequestration, solar energy, sustainable agriculture and other uses. Austin Civilian Conservation Corps: $864,000 allocated. 5 ADDITIONAL CLIMATE INVESTMENTS FOR FY 2026 Measure Climate Revolving Fund Energy Program Manager Sustainable [Purchasing] Program Manager Electric lawncare pilot program Local clean energy rebates Local clean energy staff position Water conservation Litter abatement and furniture reuse Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Total Amount $300,000 $124,276 $104,274 $323,000 $3,720,309 $114,655 $1,375,038 $619,000 $864,000 $7,544,552 6 Thank You Kaiba White kwhite@citizen.org
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT June 25, 2025 at 6 pm Austin Energy Headquarters Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Texas 78723 Some members of the Committee 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, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Alternate Al Braden Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) GeNell Gary Vacant Haris Qureshi Vacant Vacant Andrew Smith Aaron Gonzales Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Jon Salinas Josh Hillier Chris Crookham Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Marissa Bell Vacant Amanda Marzullo Shelby Orme Evgenia Murkes Vacant Vacant Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Diana Wheeler Vacant N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc 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. Approval of minutes from the April 23rd, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing on the Environmentally Preferable Procurement Program – Matt Duree, Capital Procurement, Financial Services Department DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 2024-2025 Joint Sustainability Committee Annual Report DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Recommendation in support of Solar on City Facilities and a Revolving Fund. 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 Rohan Lilauwala at rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394 …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES April 23, 2025 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Jon Salinas, Melissa Rothrock, Isabella Changsut, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diana Wheeler, Shelby Orme, Marissa Bell, Alberta Phillips, Anna Scott, Heather Houser, Rodrigo Leal Board Members Absent: Amy Noel, Chris Crookham, Chris Campbell, Yure Suarez City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Braden Latham-Jones, Michelle Marx, Richard Mendoza, Eric Bailey, Marcus Hammer, Barbara Shack CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:06 pm. Public Communication • Tom 1. Approval of minutes from the March 26rd, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Davis motion, Maxwell-Gaines second, passes on a 10-0 vote (Salinas abstains, Leal and Bell off dais). DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 2026 Bond Development Process – Eric Bailey and Marcus Hammer, Capital Delivery Services Department; Braden Latham-Jones, Office of Climate Action and Resilience. • Scott: How will changes in bond rates affect bond? • Bailey: If rates go up, total amount available will decrease. Prioritization matrix will help identify the most important things. Rates set on a yearly basis when the funding is needed, when city goes to market. • White: will GHG assessment be done on all projects? Life cycle? In-house? • Bailey: one of technical criteria is sustainability/environment. Working through how projects will be scored. Not enough staff to evaluate all projects – could need consultant support (probably available on existing rotation list). • Davis: how is the size of the bond package decided? • Bailey: multiple factors: bond capacity of city; how much city can deliver in 6 years. Decided as part of public process, with BEATF, council, etc. In Aug 2026, council will call for bond election – that’s when language and total dollar value will be finalized. • White: what is general range of bonding capacity? • Bailey: all debts (incl. non-voter approved bonds) affect capacity. When needs assessment was first completed, list was 600 projects, $10b. Evaluating projects against eligibility, it’s now 200 projects, $4b. Safe assumption that it’ll land under $1b, but work to be done. • Phillips: How do certificates of obligation fit in? • Bailey: Not part of 2026 plan, defers to Financial Services Department for further info. 3. I-35 Cap and Stitch Updates – Richard Mendoza …
Environmentally Preferable Procurement Program Matthew Duree| Division Chief, Capital Procurement Environmentally Preferable Procurement Program Agenda Procurement Structure: Policy and Authority Levels Environmentally Preferable Procurement (EPP) Program Procurement Categories: EPP Targets & Existing Measures Partnering for Progress: Projects Facilitated through Office of Climate Action and Resilience (OCAR) Collaboration Procurement Data Provided: Reporting Method Examples Procurement Policy and Authority Levels $.01 to $3,000 ➢ Purchases made based on a single quote ➢ Method of Payment: Pro Card or departmental purchase order (PO) ➢ Approver: Department $3,000.01 to $5,000 ➢ Purchases made based on three quotes including two contacts certified M/WBE businesses ➢ Method of Payment: Pro Card or Departmental PO ➢ Approver: Department $5,000.01 to $50,000 $50,000.01 and Above ➢ Informal solicitation conducted ➢ Formal (advertised) solicitation conducted ➢ Method of Payment: Central Purchase Order (CT) ➢ Method of Payment: CT or MA or Master Agreement (MA) ➢ Approver: Central Procurement ➢ Approver (up to CM Authority): Chief Procurement Officer ➢ Approver (above CM Authority): City Council Environmentally Preferable Procurement (EPP) Program FSD Central Procurement facilitates the EPP Program and partners with the Office of Climate Action and Resilience (OCAR) who identifies product targets, provides program guidance, and administers training. The FSD Central Procurement Manual identifies: ➢Environmentally Preferable Procurement: ▪ “Products or services that have an improved impact on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisitions, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product or service.” ▪ “City employees will procure materials, products, and services in a manner that integrates fiscal responsibility, social equity, and environmental and constituent health impacts. Each City Department shall comply with this policy and encourage their staff to find innovative ways to build upon the sustainable practices herein.” Construction Category Description ➢Professional services ➢Construction services EPP Target: Construction ➢Keywords: ▪ Post-consumer materials ▪ Low toxicity ▪ Locally-sourced ▪ LEED certifiable ➢Avoid: ▪ Mercury ▪ Lead ▪ Chemically-treated wood Existing EPP Measures ➢Engineering and Architectural design services ▪ LEED ➢Construction services ▪ Low carbon concrete ▪ Equipment emissions reduction ▪ Stormwater pollution prevention ➢Wage ▪ Prevailing wage ▪ Wage theft Electric Utility Category Description EPP Target: Power ➢Spending to support ➢Keywords: ▪ Energy efficient ▪ Carbon neutrality ▪ Solar power Austin Energy operations such as: ▪ Power generation ▪ Power distribution ▪ Utility regulatory and market consulting …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number 20250625-004: Resolution on Revolving Fund for Solar and Efficiency Investments at City Properties WHEREAS, on August 8, 2019, the Austin City Council adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency and calling “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate” and directing the city manager to take steps to accelerate local greenhouse gas emissions reductions; and WHEREAS, on September 30, 2021, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which established a goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for the Austin Community by 2040; and WHEREAS, on December 12, 2024, the Austin City Council adopted the Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035, which reaffirmed energy efficiency, local solar, demand response and customer-sited batteries as priority strategies for meeting Austin’s energy needs; and WHEREAS, Austin’s Climate Implementation Plan identifies creating a climate revolving fund to invest in energy upgrades to city facilities, capture savings, and reinvest funds for additional investment as a foundational action and identifies installing solar at city facilities one of the few actions to create cost savings for the city; and WHEREAS, other cities and counties across the country have established revolving funds and successfully implemented them to address challenges; and WHEREAS, the City of San Antonio has invested $42 million into its revolving fund for energy efficiency upgrades and solar installations at city properties and the resulting savings are available for additional investments; and WHEREAS, most City of Austin buildings that could functionally support solar energy installations do not yet have them; and WHEREAS, many City of Austin buildings are in need of energy efficiency improvements, and other upgrades that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut costs; and WHEREAS, investing in solar energy that is interconnected on the customer’s side of the meter yields the greatest financial benefit to the customer; and WHEREAS, the climate crisis is worsening and the opportunity to avoid catastrophic impacts of global warming is rapidly diminishing; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Joint Sustainability Committee of the City of Austin recommends that the Austin City Council move swiftly to ensure that the City Manager establishes a revolving Sustainable City Facilities Fund to pay for solar energy installations on city buildings and other city properties and to make energy efficiency and water efficiency upgrades and stop refrigerant leakage at city facilities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES June 25, 2025 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Charlotte Davis, Josh Hiller Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Marissa Bell, Anna Scott, Rodrigo Leal, Chris Crookham, Jon Salinas, Haris Qureshi, Yure Suarez Board Members Absent: Aaron Gonzales, Lane Becker, Diana Wheeler, Christopher Campbell City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Matthew Duree, James Scarborough, Amanda Mortl CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:19 pm. Public Communication 1. Approval of minutes from the April 23rd, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Davis motion, Maxwell-Gaines second. Davis amendment to remove bullet point under ‘Public Communication’ that says ‘Tom’. • Passes as amended on a 10-0 vote (Leal off dais) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff Briefing on the Environmentally Preferable Procurement Program – Matt Duree, Capital Procurement, Financial Services Department; Amanda Mortl, Office of Climate Action and Resilience. • Davis: How are smaller purchases scrutinized? How are keywords tied to procurement? • Duree, Mortl: Education, programs, OCAR support can help departments. Large contracts (e.g. office supplies) dealt with by central procurement, contracts written to eliminate non-environmentally friendly options. • Scarborough: category experts look at contracts, identify where to take action based on keywords, set targets/workplans, help departments make decisions. • White: How many staff can make purchases? • Mortl: Around 2000; OCAR supports educating these staff • Duree: Future OCAR partnerships to develop more detailed training • Bell: How does keyword turn into a measure/requirement? How are keywords/targets determined? • Duree: needs policy direction. • Mortl: working on developing action plan for each purchasing category • Scarborough: keywords can change, but need a year or two for contracts to catch up • Mortl: not always simple to make requirements. E.g. easy to require electric landscape equipment, but market might not be ready, small business/competition might not be ready. E.g. concrete – needs specs. Changing contract requirements could lead to reduced bids/competition. • Mortl: Purchasing emissions in 2022 – 206,000 MT CO2e, approx. 4x our municipal GHG footprint 3. 2024-2025 Joint Sustainability Committee Annual Report • Davis suggests offline coordination to pull a draft together for July JSC meeting, if commissioners have suggestions. 4. Recommendation in support of Solar on City Facilities and a Revolving Fund • Discussion was interrupted due …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT April 23, 2025 at 6 pm City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the Committee 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, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Shelby Orme Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Marissa Bell Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Vacant Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc 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. Approval of minutes from the March 26th, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee DISCUSSION 2. 2026 Bond Development Process – Eric Bailey and Marcus Hammer, Capital Delivery Services Department; Braden Latham-Jones, Office of Climate Action and Resilience 3. I-35 Cap and Stitch Updates – Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department 4. Update from the Electric Utility Commission on the Solar for All Program – Kaiba White, Electric Utility Commission DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Recommendations for Climate and Sustainability in the 2026 Bond 6. Recommendation on the I-35 Cap and Stitch 7. JSC officer elections for the 2025-2026 term 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 …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES March 26, 2025 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Anna Scott, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Heather Houser, Christopher Campbell, Marissa Bell, Lane Becker, Rodrigo Leal, Melissa Rothrock, Yure Suarez Board Members Absent: Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Amy Noel, Chris Crookham, Alberta Phillips, Diana Wheeler City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Braden Latham-Jones, Michelle Marx CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:29 pm. Public Communication • Adam Greenfield on item 2, in favor of the Austin Core Transportation Plan. Suggestion to convert all remaining one-way streets to two-way streets. Also in support of protected bike lanes, bus lanes, trees. • Scott Johnson speaks in favor of low-carbon concrete and residential landscape incentive program. • Zenobia Joseph speaking in opposition to light rail plans on civil rights grounds. 1. Approval of minutes from the February 26th, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Qureshi motion, Scott second, passes on a 10-0 vote (Suarez off dais). DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Austin Core Transportation Plan Update – Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department. • Qureshi – does this change transit routing? Marx – CapMetro has provided info on routing that has been incorporated into the plan. • White – should JSC consider recommendation to maximize one-way to two-way conversions. Marx – not a panacea for improving safety. With tight intersection spacing in East Downtown, allows for signal coordination to reduce speeds. Context dependent – would work in places with wide streets, widely spaced intersections. 3. CapMetro Sustainability Updates – David Carr, CapMetro • Qureshi – can you comment on lack of electric buses on new rapid routes? Carr – Proterra bankruptcy has affected commissioning of new buses. New Flyer buses in service now. Charging infrastructure still being installed – especially in-route charging. • White – why is CapMetro backing away from electric bus purchases? Carr – very expensive. MetroRapid costs being covered by grants and other sources. Range performance capabilities aren’t there yet. • Carr – issues with a lack of parts and service from Proterra. New company has taken over – CapMetro pause until they catch up with servicing and parts. Nationwide issue. • Rothrock - can charging infrastructure be shared? Carr – theoretically, yes. New buses use …
Capital Delivery Services Public Improvement Bond Program Integrated Bond Program Development and Delivery Plan Joint Sustainability Committee Update Eric Bailey Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 1 AGENDA • CDS Overview • What is a General Obligation Bond Program? • Improved Bond Development Process • Staff Work Completed to Date • Guiding Principles, Technical Criteria, & Scoring Matrices • Progress to Date & Upcoming Milestones “Effectively and Efficiently Deliver Quality Projects with the Concept of Speed” 2 Created in 2023 with the goal of reducing project delivery time Who we are • Engineers • Architects • Project managers • Community Engagement Our partners • Consultants • Contracting teams • City asset owners • Community members • Mayor & Council Role in 2026 Bond Program One City – One Team – One Approach to effectively and efficiently deliver quality public projects. • Convene asset owner departments to develop needs assessment • Guide the process to ensure projects are vetted and scopes/schedules/budgets are accurate and realistic • Coordinate projects across departments to achieve mutual benefits What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Typical Bond Projects: • Flood and Erosion Control Improvements • New or Replacement City Facilities • Rehabilitation of Existing Facilities • Housing Infrastructure/Housing Projects • Street and Thoroughfare Improvements o Sidewalks o Traffic Signals • Park and Recreation Facilities • Public Safety Facilities (Fire/EMS/Police) • Land Purchase 4 What is a General Obligation Bond Program? Types of work NOT included: • Routine operations and maintenance activities o Potholes o Minor street repair o Landscaping maintenance o General building maintenance Improvements for short term leased space • • Code enforcement initiatives • Employee salaries (including police & fire) • AE/AW Capital Projects typically funded by using debt are funded via AE and AW revenue bonds, not General Obligation debt and thus are not for the 2026 GO Bond Program City of Austin | Capital Delivery Services Department | One City, One Team, One Approach to Capital Delivery 5 Improved Bond Delivery Process for 2026 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 Council calls for Bond Election (Aug) Bond Election (Nov) BEATF Meetings, Council, and Public Engagement HOW WE’VE DONE BONDS IN THE PAST: Project Proposals RFP’s/RFQ’s Project Planning to develop scope, schedule, budget Design Construction WHAT WE’RE DOING NOW: Needs Assessment and Project Evaluation Project Planning to develop scope, …
2026 Bond Development Update Joint Sustainability Committee - 4.23.25 Resolution 20240718-093 Resolution 20240718-093 was approved in July 2024. Staff was directed to bring two items to Council. 1. A comprehensive bond package that funds and addresses climate, infrastructure, and any other public improvements for the purpose of conducting an election no later than November 2026, and 2. A comprehensive climate implementation program of which one component is a climate bond proposition contained in the comprehensive bond package. Funding for this implementation program shall not be limited to general obligation bonds but should include grants, fees, utilities, general fund, cost sharing, etc. 2 OCAR’s Role ● Lead ● Advise ● Coordinate 3 How OCAR is supporting the bond process ● Lead: Developed a list of GO bond eligible projects that support climate action ○ Environmental Investment Plan ○ Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program ● Advise: Subject Matter Expert (SME)- Supporting Asset Owner Departments ○ Answering Questions ○ Developing Criteria ○ Advising Departments ● Coordinate: Participating in cross-departmental bond development working group. 4 Definitions Sustainability: Actions that avoid, reduce, or capture greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Resilience: Actions that increase our ability to prepare for, withstand, and recover from shocks and stressors related to climate change. Climate Equity & Resilience Framework Climate Equity Plan — Mitigation Resilience & Climate Adaptation Actions that avoid, reduce, or capture greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Actions that increase our ability to prepare for and recover from shocks and stressors related to a changing climate. Sustainable Buildings, Energy Generation, and Water Demand Transportation Electrification Natural Systems Regional Collaboration & Green Jobs Climate and Environmental Data, Research, & Modeling Long Range Planning Recovery & Economic Resilience Materials, Purchasing, Food and Product Consumption Mass Transit, Planning, Land Use, and Housing Social Infrastructure and Community Preparedness Green Infrastructure (creeks, rivers, trees, landscape) Utility Infrastructure (water, power, drainage) Equity and Affordability Strategies for consideration 1. Projects funded by a bond (that meet all the criteria for voter approved bonds) which directly address climate change (reducing GHG emissions or adapting to a changing climate). Example: Land purchase to protect water quality, ecosystem protection, and carbon sequestration. 2. Integration of principles, policies, and approaches to reduce GHG emissions and increase resilience to a changing climate into Departmental Bond Proposals. Example: New library is built, achieves LEED Platinum certification, has solar + batteries to serve the community in times of need. …
