Joint Sustainability Committee Regular Meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee - Hybrid meeting format

July 26 JSC Agenda — original pdf

JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT July 26th, 2023 at 6pm Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 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, call or email Zach Baumer at (zach.baumer@austintexas.gov or 415-694-3111). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Kaiba White, Chair (Electric Utility Commission) Diana Wheeler, Vice Chair (Urban Transportation Commission) Charlotte Davis (Resource Mgmt. Commission) Haris Qureshi (Environmental Commission) Melissa Rothrock (Zero Waste Advisory Commission) Vacant (Community Development Commission) Vacant (Austin Travis County Food Policy Board) Chris Maxwell-Gaines (Water & Wastewater Commission) Kelsey Hitchingham (Economic Prosperity Commission) Lane Becker (Parks & Recreation Board) Jon Salinas (Design Commission) Vacant (City Council) Alice Woods (Planning Commission) Rodrigo Leal (Mayor’s Representative) Anna Scott (Mayor’s Representative) Heather Houser (Mayor’s Representative) Yureisly Suarez (Mayor’s Representative) Christopher Campbell (Mayor’s Representative) 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. DISCUSSION 1. Parks and Recreation Department Land Management Plan Overview – Matt McCaw, Parks and Recreation Department. 2. Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Overview – Juan Espinoza, Parks and Recreation Department. 3. Austin Energy Support of Austin Climate Equity Plan Transportation Electrification Implementation Overview – Cameron Freberg, Austin Energy. 4. JSC Annual Report. 5. Updates from home commissions. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approval of minutes from the June 28th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. 7. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on Proposal to demote the Office of Sustainability, Office of Resilience, Equity Office and Office of Civil Rights, as described in the draft FY 2023/2024 City of Austin Budget. 8. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on Priority policy and program recommendations from JSC working groups on Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation. 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. …

July JSC Meeting - approved minutes — original pdf

JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING July 26, 2023 MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at PDC. Acting Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:13 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Haris Qureshi, Charlotte Davis, Jon Salinas, Larry Franklin, Rodrigo Leal Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Melissa Rothrock, Heather Houser, Anna Scott, Diana Wheeler, Christopher Campbell Board Members Absent: Kelsey Hitchingham, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Yure Suarez Observing: Amy Noel (not yet completed oath) City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer, Rohan Lilauwala, Matt McCaw, Amanda Ross, Jodi, Juan Espinoza, Kerstin Johannson, Cameron Freberg, Christa McCarthy CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time. 6. Approval of minutes from the June 28th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Motion by Qureshi, seconded by Davis. Approved unanimously (11-0) 1. Parks and Recreation Department Land Management Plan Overview – Matt McCaw, Parks and Recreation Department • Leal: does $200/acre cost represent new costs? Where did this come from? • McCaw: study of comparable plans. Yes, new costs. Current 2 FTEs + 1 homelessness response coordinator, 75k operating budget. In the early phases of long-term project. • Qureshi: is there an ideal budgetary mount that should go to this? • McCaw: to fully fund this plan, $2 million • Qureshi: are there particular areas of vulnerability to wildfire? • McCaw: Generally well distributed, wildland-urban interface is everywhere. Fire behavior changes between woodland (in west) and grassland (in east). Woodland might be slower but more intense, grassland faster but less intense. Soil water availability – shallow soils in west contributes to vulnerability. • White: how much restoration is being done now vs 1000 acres a year target • McCaw: based on many treatments needed over time. Areas will need to be treated multiple times. 400 acres of restoration done in 2.5-3 years. • White: Are volunteers being used? • McCaw: Not as much as we can, beginning conversations with Parks foundation to collaborate on training and engagement with volunteers • White: Do Creekside lands fall into this plan? • McCaw: Riparian/aquatic areas are 5% of total. When streambank stabilization and engineering are involved, Watershed get involved. E.g. replaced a failing earthen dam in Onion Creek. Lots of collaboration with WPD. • Wheeler: What …

Recommendation 20230726-007: Offices of Sustainability, Resilience, Equity, Civil Rights — original pdf

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number: (20230726-7): Regarding Proposal to Eliminate the Independence of the Offices of Sustainability, Resilience, Equity, and Civil Rights WHEREAS, the purpose of the Joint Sustainability Committee is “to advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability; and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”; and WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Joint Sustainability Committee to “promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with the politics, procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan with the goal of coordinating all similar activities within the City and the community in order to secure the greatest public benefit”; and WHEREAS, the Office of Sustainability is central and essential to the implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan and the Equity Office and Office of Resilience have important supporting roles to play in the implementation of the plan; and WHEREAS, direct access to the Office of the City Manager and at least being on equal status with other city departments is essential to promoting cooperation between all departments in achieving full and timely implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, each of the offices of Sustainability, Equity, Resilience and Civil Rights were intentionally created as independent offices as a result of extensive community input with the intention of ensuring that the principles that guide the work of these offices are established as core priorities for the city; and WHEREAS, the scope of the work the offices of Sustainability and Resilience engage in goes well beyond that of the Planning Department; and WHEREAS, the Chief Sustainability Officer should be able to advocate for sustainability initiatives directly to the Office of the City Manager and city council, without going through another department head; and WHEREAS, promoting equity improvements in the Austin community is a priority within the Austin Climate Equity plan; and WHEREAS, merging the Equity Office, Office of Civil Rights, and Minority Business Resources Department reduces the influence that these priorities will have with the Office of the City Manager and likely with City Council because only one person will be responsible for advocating for the priorities of the combined department; NOW, THEREFORE, …

1. Land Management Plan Presentation — original pdf

PARD Recommended Land Management Strategies and Climate Vulnerability Analysis A GUIDE TO RESTORATION OF PARKLAND NATURAL AREAS Presenters: Matt McCaw Environmental Conservation Program Manager, Land Management, Austin Parks and Recreation Department Amanda Ross Division Manager, Natural Resources, Austin Parks and Recreation Department BACKGROUND plants and animals. • A natural area is one with natural character, typically dominated by native • 74% of parkland (~12,500 acres) is designated as natural areas in Nature Preserves, Greenbelts, and other park types. • Natural areas provide critical services such as support for human health and well-being, climate regulation, clean air and water, and support for strong economies. 2 CHALLENGE 26% Developed/ mowed 74% Natural Areas PARD lands DEGRADED LANDS 0.2% Natural Areas 99.8% Developed/mowed lands, programs, admin PARD budget Most parkland natural areas have not been managed for ecosystem health and are degraded. As a result, they are threatened by heat, drought, disease, and wildfire and present safety risks to both park users and neighbors. 2019 WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS AUDIT Found that PARD does not have the capacity to manage parkland natural areas and address wildfire risk. SOLUTION: ACTIVE ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION CLIMATE EQUITY PLAN Natural Systems Goal 1: Manage natural areas for resilience. Natural Systems Goal 4: Include all City-owned lands under a management plan that results in negative carbon emissions and maximizes co-benefits. 2019 WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS AUDIT Recommended that PARD create and implement land management plans with a priority on “high-risk Response: PARD established the beginnings of a land management program as well as a technical properties.” guiding document to help direct action. OTHER INITIATIVES This strategy is also recommended by: • Austin/Travis County Community Wildfire Protection Plan • PARD Long Range Plan • Nine parks vision plans • Austin Green Infrastructure Strengths and Gaps Assessment • Austin Healthy Parks Plan (Austin Parks Foundation) LAND MANAGEMENT GUIDE SCOPE • 10,347 acres of natural areas • All PARD Nature Preserves and PARD Balcones Canyonlands Preserves • Contiguous natural areas > 75-100 acres • Excludes small and/or fragmented natural areas which provide difficult access and are expensive to manage • Creates large management complexes 5 LAND MANAGEMENT GUIDE COMPONENTS SITE ANALYSIS Current conditions and challenges. Existing vegetation communities, wildfire fuel conditions, soils, hydrology, endangered species, other elements CLIMATE VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS Defined the components of climate vulnerability. Identifies and maps vulnerability to intense heat, drought, disease, and wildfire. Incorporates social vulnerability as a component of risk. MANAGEMENT …

1.1 Land Management Plan vol 1 draft — original pdf

Recommended Land Management Strategies and Climate Vulnerability Analysis City of Austin, Parks and Recreation Department June 13, 2023 Acknowledgements This Climate Vulnerability and Land Management effort would not have been possible without the generous participation of numerous individuals. We would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to participate in numerous conversations, meetings, and field work so that we could shape a plan that reflects the values of Austin. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was particularly helpful in field assessments. We also want to thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to review the draft language of this report and provide comments. Each comment was thoroughly reviewed, and your recommendations helped shape this plan. COA Staff in Austin Parks and Recreation with valuable contributions from Austin Fire Department Wildfire Division, Austin Public Health, Austin Water - Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, City of Austin Equity Office, Office of Sustainability, Office of Resilience, and Watershed Protection Department. Consulting Team Blackland Collaborative Inc. Biohabitats Inc. RES Inc. 1 Introduction and Background ............................................................................................................... 1 Contents 1.1 1.2 Statement of Need Overview of Approach 1.2.1 Plan Scope ............................................................................................................................. 1 1.2.2 Plan scope ............................................................................................................................. 2 1.3 Relation to Other Plans and Studies 1.3.1 Climate, Park, and Sustainability Plans ................................................................................. 6 1.3.2 Land Management Plans ....................................................................................................... 7 2 Vision and Goals.................................................................................................................................... 9 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Land Acknowledgement Mission Goals Investment Gaps and Equity Mapping Natural Areas and Human Health 3 Social Equity ........................................................................................................................................ 12 3.1.1 Physical health .................................................................................................................... 12 3.1.2 Mental health ...................................................................................................................... 12 3.1.3 Economics ........................................................................................................................... 13 3.1.4 Safety .................................................................................................................................. 14 Land Conservation in Austin Engagement and Decision Making 4.1 Regional Setting 4 Ecological Management Framework .................................................................................................. 20 4.1.1 Ecoregions ........................................................................................................................... 20 4.1.2 Geology ............................................................................................................................... 29 4.1.3 Hydrology ............................................................................................................................ 30 4.1.4 Soils ..................................................................................................................................... 33 4.1.5 Plant Community Types ...................................................................................................... 35 4.1.6 Habitat................................................................................................................................. 36 4.1.7 Land Use .............................................................................................................................. 37 4.2 Ecological Site Descriptions i 1 1 6 9 9 11 12 12 14 18 20 37 4.2.1 State and Transition Pathways ............................................................................................ 37 4.2.2 Ecological Site Summaries ................................................................................................... 39 5 Climate Vulnerability Analysis ............................................................................................................ 42 5.1 Climate Change Summary 5.1.1 CO2 concentrations and emissions scenarios ..................................................................... 42 5.1.2 Temperature ....................................................................................................................... 42 5.1.3 Precipitation ........................................................................................................................ 43 5.1.4 Evaporative demand ........................................................................................................... 44 5.1.5 Austin’s Timeline for Change .............................................................................................. 46 5.2 Ecosystem Components 5.3 Climate Analogues 5.2.1 Abiotic Components ............................................................................................................ 47 5.2.2 Biotic Factors ....................................................................................................................... 48 5.3.1 COA-generated analogues ..................................................... 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1.2 Land Management Plan vol 2 draft — original pdf

Climate Vulnerability Analysis and Land Management Strategies Volume 2. Unit-Level Management City of Austin, Parks and Recreation Department June 12, 2023 This page intentionally left blank. Contents 1 Unit-level Management ................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 1.1.1 Blackland Prairie 7 Blunn Creek Nature Preserve............................................................................................................... 7 Strengths..................................................................................................................................................................................................7 Challenges ...............................................................................................................................................................................................7 1.1.2 Strategies .................................................................................................................................................................................................7 Sanctuary, Walter E Long Metro Park ............................................................................................................. 11 Decker complex: Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Louis Rene Barrera Indiangrass Wildlife Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 East Boggy + Red Bluff Complex ........................................................................................................ 15 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 11 1.1.3 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 Guerrero + Colorado River Preserve Complex .................................................................................... 18 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 15 1.1.4 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 18 Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt ........................................................................................................... 21 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 18 1.1.5 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 21 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Mary Moore Searight Metro Park ...................................................................................................... 24 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 21 1.1.6 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 24 Onion Creek Metro Complex ............................................................................................................. 27 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 24 1.1.7 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 27 Onion Creek Old San Antonio Complex .............................................................................................. 30 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 27 1.1.8 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 30 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 30 1.1.9 Onion Creek Wildlife Sanctuary ......................................................................................................... 33 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 33 Southern Walnut Creek Greenbelt ................................................................................................ 36 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 33 1.1.10 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 36 Trevino + Walnut Complex ............................................................................................................ 39 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 36 1.1.11 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 39 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 39 Walnut Creek Metro Park .............................................................................................................. 42 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 39 1.1.12 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 42 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 42 45 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 42 Barrow Nature Preserve .................................................................................................................... 45 Edwards Plateau 1.2 1.2.1 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 45 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 45 Barton Creek Complex ....................................................................................................................... 48 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 45 1.2.2 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 48 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 48 Bauerle Ranch at Slaughter Creek ...................................................................................................... 51 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 48 1.2.3 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 51 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 51 Bull Creek District Park ...................................................................................................................... 54 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 51 1.2.4 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 54 Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park ..................................................................................................... 57 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 54 1.2.5 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 57 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 57 1.2.6 Deer Park at Maple Run Preserve ...................................................................................................... 60 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 57 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 60 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 60 Dick Nichols District Park ................................................................................................................... 63 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 60 1.2.7 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 63 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 63 Emma Long Metro Park ..................................................................................................................... 66 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 63 1.2.8 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 66 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 66 Mayfield Nature Preserve .................................................................................................................. 69 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 66 1.2.9 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 69 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 69 Slaughter Creek Metro Complex.................................................................................................... 72 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 69 1.2.10 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 72 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 72 St. Edwards Greenbelt ................................................................................................................... 75 Strategies .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 72 1.2.11 Strengths............................................................................................................................................................................................... 75 Challenges ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 75 Stephenson Nature Preserve …

2. Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Presentation — original pdf

Austin Civilian Conservation Corps (ACCC) Core Curriculum Presentation for Joint Sustainability Committee Summer 2023 Outline - 15 mins ● Program Overview ● Challenges & Going Forward ● Q & A We are the next generation Climate Corps We envision and model a transformed work culture in which we, Vision Care for ourselves, others, and the planet; Dismantle supremacist systems that operate upon us and within us; (from Allied Media) Support leadership that represents the communities we live in and collaborate with; Adapt to changing circumstances and address the most pressing environmental and social challenges, (currently climate change & displacement) Mission Prioritize equity in green workforce development. Expand the narrative of green vocations. Examine and shape change in work cultures; Build more equitable pathways to employment and organizational leadership and entrepreneurship, and strengthen networks of support for those most impacted by a changing climate; Cultivate and fairly compensate the next generation of leaders; Invest in people and projects that have direct impact on climate justice ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Logo designed by youth digital media team Employment Outcomes Total number of individuals employed Individuals transitioned from ACCC to full time City positions 128 82 0 2 5* Fiscal Year 2023* 225 (rerun this number!) Fiscal Year 2021 Fiscal Year 2022 Running Totals Project Outcomes for FY23 ● Over 85,000 hours of natural systems management on parkland ● —--hours of environmental programming with —- participants (add next week) Challenges & Opportunities Going Forward Systems change, work cultures, & representative leadership Equitable pathways to employment & networks ● ● ● Direct impact on climate justice ● Long term funding Q & A Below are slides to support Q & A Newsletter Updates from May Newsletter from May https://drive.google.com/file/d/1U9l2cJ-ea545pfb7-r6gf9vdVyQIsps N/view ACCC Website https://www.austintexas.gov/department/austin-civilian-conservation-corps Resources ACCC Guiding Reports: MEASURE Report; Build with Humanity Report; UT Green Jobs Study; ACCC Photovoice Report COA Equity Office CCCC Resources: History.com ; TPWD ; NPS ; The Corps Network; Camp Chicano; Living New Deal; TexasCCCParks, PNAS; Science; Princeton; Green 2.0; Conservation Letters; Yale CCC Equity & Inclusion Resources assembled by Sona Shah https://www.racialequityalliance.org/ https://www.racialequityalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/1-052018-GARE-Comms-Guide-v1-1.pdf https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/RSJI/Resources/Building-a-Relational-Culture-September-2021-City-of-Seattle-Office-for-Civil-Rights-RSJI.pdf https://www.cacgrants.org/assets/ce/Documents/2019/WhiteDominantCulture.pdf USDN-Equity-in-Recruitment_Hiring_Retention

3. EV Update - Austin Energy — original pdf

Transportation Electrification: Austin Climate Equity Plan Cameron Freberg Manager, Electric Vehicles and Emerging Technologies July 2023 © 2023 Austin Energy Supporting the Community-Led Transition to Electric Transportation Strategy 1: Conduct an EV Community Needs Assessment Strategy 2: Create equitable incentives for buying and leasing EVs Strategy 3: Reduce tolls for EVs in the Eastern Crescent Strategy 4: Launch an e-bike and electric car-sharing program Strategy 5: Electrify public sector fleet vehicles Strategy 6: Electrify private sector fleet vehicles Strategy 1: Create a regional coalition to support EVs Strategy 2: Pilot and adopt new technology Strategy 3: Prioritize a just transition Strategy 4: Expand the EV-related business ecosystem Strategy 1: Create a network with more low-cost, accessible charging stations Strategy 2: Incentivize internet-connected smart charging Strategy 3: Adopt new energy and building codes Strategy 4: Expand outreach to systematically excluded groups 2 Recommended Discussion Points: Emissions impact: What sub-strategies and related actions have been identified by the City as having the highest emissions reduction potential? Equity impact: What sub-strategies and related actions have been identified by the City as having the highest potential for positive equity impacts? Low-hanging fruit: What are the low-hanging fruit for both? What are some of the actions that have been identified by the City, Austin Energy, CapMetro, external partners, or other stakeholders? Barriers and challenges: Which sub-strategies and actions face the greatest barriers? What are those barriers or challenges specifically? 3 Strong Electric Vehicle Growth in Austin Moving the needle on transportation emissions 35,000+ EVs in the Austin Metro Area Source: EPRI Analysis of Experion Data 4 Austin Energy’s 5-Pillar Transportation Electrification Strategy Charging Infrastructure Equity & Affordability Fleets & New Mobility Outreach & Education Grid Integration 5 Charging Infrastructure Plug-In Austin Infrastructure Rebate Program For home and public stations Plug-In EVerywhere™ Driver Program Access to over 1500 Level 2 ports DC Fast Charging 30 stations in network 6 Equity & Affordability E-Bike Rebate & MetroBike Expansion • Rebate doubled on January 1, 2023 • Increased rebate ($1,300) for CAP customers EVs for Schools Program Educational Living Lab including charging infrastructure and curriculum at local schools 7 Fleets & New Mobility Powering the City's Fleet • Now 275 EVs (and growing) • Savings tracking 50% ahead of projection • New “Quick-Turnaround” EV charging station permitting process Bus Electrification • Capital Metro • Fleet and Infrastructure Rate Developed 8 Outreach & Education EV Buyers Guide Electrify Expo …

6. Draft JSC June meeting minutes for approval — original pdf

JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES June 28, 2023 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at PDC. Acting Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:06 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White (Chair), Haris Qureshi, Charlotte Davis, Rodrigo Leal, Christopher Campbell Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Lane Becker, Alice Woods, Yure Suarez, Melissa Rothrock, Jon Salinas, Heather Houser, Frances Deviney Board Members Absent: Kelsey Hitchingham, Diana Wheeler, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Anna Scott City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer, Rohan Lilauwala, Daniel Culotta CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The speakers who registered in advance for public comment have three minutes each to address items on the agenda at this time.  Ben Suddaby – President AFCSME (Speaking on telework policy)  Transportation costs, energy for buildings.  City showing a lack of respect for employees by forcing people to show up to a workplace they don’t want to travel to or be at.  Travis County has won awards for telework policy, and saved million of dollars in heating/cooling costs and office space.  Carlos Soto – Community Advancement Network (speaking on work CAN has been doing)  Partnership of public, private, non-profit, faith based resources, leverage mutual resources to advance social, economic goals.  Data is available in dashboard – 18 different indicators that assess community health/well-being. 1. Approval of minutes from the May 24th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee.  Motion by Qureshi, seconded by Davis. Approved unanimously (10-0) (Deviney, Campbell off dais) 2. Refresher on JSC Attendance and Conflict of Interest Form  Form needs to be signed if in person  If attending remotely – form must be signed before the meeting, otherwise you don’t count towards quorum and cannot vote. 3. Innovation Office support of Austin Climate Equity Plan Implementation Presentation – Daniel Culotta, Innovation Office (Discussion and/or Possible Action). (Discussion and/or Possible Action).  Green Workforce Accelerator (GWA) – training next gen climate/sustainability workforce  Qureshi – lots of existing climate/sustainability accelerators in Austin – engaging them would be good, especially for organizations that don’t get accepted to GWA. Have you had conversations with private accelerators?  Culotta – we fill a gap that others miss. A lot of those are focused on for-profit companies, bottom-line focused outcome. GWA focused on programs around social services, people, workers – difficult to invest in …

7. Draft Resolution regarding Offices of Sustainability, Resilience, Equity, Civil Rights — original pdf

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number: (20230726-XXX): Regarding Proposal to Eliminate the Independence of the Offices of Sustainability, Resilience, Equity, and Civil Rights WHEREAS, the purpose of the Joint Sustainability Committee is “to advise the council on matters related to conservation and sustainability; and review City policies and procedures relevant to the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan, including planning, implementation, community engagement, goal setting, and progress monitoring”; and WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Joint Sustainability Committee to “promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with the politics, procedures, and implementation of the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Austin Climate Equity Plan with the goal of coordinating all similar activities within the City and the community in order to secure the greatest public benefit”; and WHEREAS, the Office of Sustainability is central and essential to the implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan and the Equity Office and Office of Resilience have important supporting roles to play in the implementation of the plan; and WHEREAS, direct access to the Office of the City Manager and at least being on equal status with other city departments is essential to promoting cooperation between all departments in achieving full and timely implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan; and WHEREAS, each of the offices of Sustainability, Equity, Resilience and Civil Rights were intentionally created as independent offices as a result of extensive community input with the intention of ensuring that the principles that guide the work of these offices are established as core priorities for the city; and WHEREAS, the scope of the work the offices of Sustainability and Resilience engage in goes well beyond that of the Planning Department; and WHEREAS, the Chief Sustainability Officer should be able to advocate for sustainability initiatives directly to the Office of the City Manager and city council, without going through another department head; and WHEREAS, promoting equity improvements in the Austin community is a priority within the Austin Climate Equity plan; and WHEREAS, merging the Equity Office, Office of Civil Rights, and Minority Business Resources Department reduces the influence that these priorities will have with the Office of the City Manager and likely with City Council because only one person will be responsible for advocating for the priorities of the combined department; NOW, THEREFORE, …