Recommendation 20260722-006: Recommendation on Austin Climate Action and Resilience FY 2027 Budget — original pdf

Recommendation

RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20260722-006: Recommendation on Austin Climate Action and Resilience FY 2027 Budget Date: July 22, 2026 Recommendation Recommendation to retain $75,000 Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grants as part of the Austin Climate Action and Resilience budget for FY 2027 Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City Council keep $75,000 Food and Climate Equity Grants as part of the Austin Climate Action and Resilience budget for FY 2027. Rationale: “The Food and Climate Equity (FACE) Grant program supports a more just and resilient Austin by providing direct funding for community-led solutions that enable transformative change in the areas of food, climate, and resilience. The program aims to uplift the experience of those most impacted by systemic and structural inequities, eliminate disparities in health outcomes, and improve quality of life for all.” FACE grants are up to $3,000 to support community organizations that represent and/or serve racially and economically diverse Austinites and have unique insight into their communities' needs. In 2024, $150,000 was allocated to FACE grants, providing funding for 50 different community projects. Projects included food delivery services to a variety of vulnerable populations, support for community gardens, nutrition education programs and more. The program leverages significant community capital in the form of volunteer hours. The program has since been cut to $75,000, but is still making a meaningful impact and should be maintained at that level for FY 2027. Date of approval: July 22, 2026 Motioned By: Kaiba White Vote: 10-0 Seconded By: Haris Qureshi For: Diana Wheeler, Charlotte Davis, Aaron Gonzales, Rodrigo Leal, Mridula Madipakkam, Haris Qureshi, Jon Salinas, Anna Scott, Iris Suddaby, Kaiba White Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Off the Dais: None Absent: Josh Hiller, Varun Prasad, Lane Becker, Chris Campbell, Chris Crookham, Chris Maxwell- Gaines, Melody McClary, Luai Abou-Emara Attest: Amanda Mortl, Staff Liaison