JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES August 23, 2023 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at AE Headquarters. Acting Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:10 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Charlotte Davis, Rodrigo Leal, Yure Suarez, Kaiba White, Haris Qureshi Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan, Jon Salinas, Diana Wheeler, Melissa, Rothrock, Heather Houser, Christopher Campbell, Anna Scott Board Members Absent: Larry Franklin, Alice Woods, Kelsey Hitchingham, Chris Maxwell- Gaines, Bertha Delgado Observing: None City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer 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. 5. Approval of minutes from the July 26th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Motion by Qureshi, seconded by Davis. Approved unanimously (12-0) 1. Office of Sustainability Budget - Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability Qureshi: Will you continue to fund Climate Ambassadors? Baumer: Yes with additional staff will find a way to continue to support ambassadors. White: Met with Rodney Gonzales and made the recommendations clear / simple / easily fundable. Question looming about Temp to Perm Admin or Engagement staff? Baumer: Will follow up. Scott: Do we know exactly why this additional funding was received? White: Great news that we got more funding for this department that needs even more funding for the large job it does. 2. EV charging infrastructure education and workforce development – Larry Franklin, Black Lives Veggies – Item Skipped 6. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on composting and recycling services at multifamily residential properties. – Kaiba White - Kaiba White summary of presentation - Discussed Recommendation to Council - Davis: What about enforcement? - White: Code enforcement officers. - Rothrock: Will be a slow rollout, no enforcement for a year. - Davis: Education, are there additional requirements above and beyond signage / information to educate folks how to use it? - White: Signage and also materials given to residents - Suarez: Who ends up paying for this, and trash valet, will they compost? - Discussion: unsure, recommendation doesn’t address. - Going to council next month. Houser motion – Scott – 2nd. Vote = 12-0 adopted. 7. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on Priority policy and program recommendations from JSC working groups on Austin …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT August 23rd, 2023 at 6pm Austin Energy HQ, Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd Austin, TX 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, 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) Bertha Delgado (Community Development Commission) Larry Franklin (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. Office of Sustainability 2023-2024 Budget – Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability. 2. EV charging infrastructure education and workforce development – Larry Franklin, Black Lives Veggies. 3. JSC Annual Report. 4. N/A (Item removed) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approval of minutes from the July 26th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. 6. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on composting and recycling services at multifamily residential properties. 7. 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Zach Baumer at the Office of Sustainability at 415-694-3111, for …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES August 23, 2023 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at AE Headquarters. Acting Chair Kaiba White called the Board Meeting to order at 6:10 pm. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Charlotte Davis, Rodrigo Leal, Yure Suarez, Kaiba White, Haris Qureshi Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Stephanie Bazan, Jon Salinas, Diana Wheeler, Melissa, Rothrock, Heather Houser, Christopher Campbell, Anna Scott Board Members Absent: Larry Franklin, Alice Woods, Kelsey Hitchingham, Chris Maxwell- Gaines, Bertha Delgado Observing: None City Staff in Attendance: Zach Baumer 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. 5. Approval of minutes from the July 26th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. Motion by Qureshi, seconded by Davis. Approved unanimously (12-0) 1. Office of Sustainability Budget - Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability Qureshi: Will you continue to fund Climate Ambassadors? Baumer: Yes with additional staff will find a way to continue to support ambassadors. White: Met with Rodney Gonzales and made the recommendations clear / simple / easily fundable. Question looming about Temp to Perm Admin or Engagement staff? Baumer: Will follow up. Scott: Do we know exactly why this additional funding was received? White: Great news that we got more funding for this department that needs even more funding for the large job it does. 2. EV charging infrastructure education and workforce development – Larry Franklin, Black Lives Veggies – Item Skipped 6. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on composting and recycling services at multifamily residential properties. – Kaiba White - Kaiba White summary of presentation - Discussed Recommendation to Council - Davis: What about enforcement? - White: Code enforcement officers. - Rothrock: Will be a slow rollout, no enforcement for a year. - Davis: Education, are there additional requirements above and beyond signage / information to educate folks how to use it? - White: Signage and also materials given to residents - Suarez: Who ends up paying for this, and trash valet, will they compost? - Discussion: unsure, recommendation doesn’t address. - Going to council next month. Houser motion – Scott – 2nd. Vote = 12-0 adopted. 7. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on Priority policy and program recommendations from JSC working groups on Austin …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20230823-6 Date: August 23, 2023 Subject: Multifamily Composting Ordinance Recommendation Recommendation Multifamily Composting Ordinance Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Sustainability recommends that the Austin City Council approve the proposed update to the Universal Recycling Ordinance to require composting collection at multifamily properties, as proposed by staff in the Attachment A. Rationale: Providing composting services to all residents aligns with the goals of the Austin Climate Equity plan. Keeping organic materials out of the landfill reduces methane production, which is an important step for mitigating climate change. Motioned By: Heather Houser Seconded By: Anna Scott Vote: 12-0 Against: none Abstain: none For: Stephanie Bazan, Jon Salinas, Diana Wheeler, Melissa Rothrock, Heather Houser, Christopher Campbell, Anna Scott, Charlotte Davis, Rodrigo Leal, Yure Suarez, Kaiba White, Haris Qureshi Absent: Larry Franklin, Alice Woods, Kelsey Hitchingham, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Bertha Delgado Attest: Zach Baumer, Interim Chief Sustainability Officer 1 of 2 Attachment A: Multi-Family Compost – Universal Recycling Ordinance Code and Rules Amendment 2 of 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 PART 1. City Code Section 15-6-91 (Affected Premises) is amended to read: § 15-6-91 AFFECTED PREMISES. (A) The responsible party for a premises of which all or part is used for multi- family residential use shall: (1) (2) ensure that tenants and employees have access to on-site recycling services described under this article, for that portion of the premises that is multi-family residential; and after October 1, 2024, and for premises with five or more dwelling units, ensure that tenants and employees have access to composting services described under this article, for that portion of the premises that is multi-family residential. [, effective: (1) immediately for premises with 75 or more dwelling units; (2) October 1, 2013 for premises with 50 or more but less than 75 (3) October 1, 2014 for premises with 25 or more but less than 50 (4) October 1, 2015 for premises with 10 or more but less than 25 (5) October 1, 2016 for premises with 5 or more but less than 10 dwelling units; dwelling units; dwelling units; and dwelling units.] (B) The responsible party for a premises of which all or part is used for office, medical office, medical facilities, religious assembly, or private educational …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT August 23rd, 2023 at 6pm Austin Energy HQ, Shudde Fath Conference Room 4815 Mueller Blvd Austin, TX 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, 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) Bertha Delgado (Community Development Commission) Larry Franklin (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. Office of Sustainability 2023-2024 Budget – Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability. 2. EV charging infrastructure education and workforce development – Larry Franklin, Black Lives Veggies. 3. JSC Annual Report. 4. N/A (Item removed) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approval of minutes from the July 26th meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. 6. Discussion and Possible Recommendation to Council on composting and recycling services at multifamily residential properties. 7. 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Zach Baumer at the Office of Sustainability at 415-694-3111, for …
Office of Sustainability Budget Summary August 2023 1 Budget ● FY23 Budget - $2,116,101 ○ $80% = 14 Staff - $1.7 million ○ $125k in office costs (rent) ○ $50k for memberships / conferences / sponsorships ○ $230k for Projects (materials, consultants, advertising, etc.) 2 Staffing 14 Total - - - - 12 FTEs 1 on Loan 1 vacant 2 Temps 3 New Resources for FY2023-24 ● $350k (from FY23) to fund UT Climate Co-lab with Dr. Dev Nyogi ● $200k – Ongoing Consultant support for Grant Pursuits ● $100k – Sustainable Purchasing Plan ● $50k – Refrigerant Study ● 1 - Temp to Permanent Conversion for our team ● 1 - Replacement FTE for Marc Coudert to transition to Resilience 4 Climate Pollution Reduction Grant ● $1 million from EPA over 4 years (FY 24-27) to conduct regional ● Work is largely front-loaded and will take place mostly in FY 24 climate planning and FY 25 ● 4 Temps being hired ○ Project Coordinator (FY 24-27) ○ Engagement Coordinator (FY 24-25) ○ Junior Analyst (FY 24-25) ○ Project Administrator (FY 24-25) ● Expected kickoff Oct 1, 2024 – more to come 5 Thank you! zach.baumer@austintexas.gov 6
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 …
CITY OF AUSTIN RECOMMENDATION FOR COUNCIL ACTION AMENDMENT TO AUSTIN CITY CODE CHAPTER 15-6 AND ADMINISTRATIVE RULES COUNCIL DATE: XX/XX/2023 SUBJECT: Approve an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-6 and administrative rules relating to composting and recycling services at multifamily residential properties. MBE/WBE: N/A LEAD DEPARTMENT: Austin Resource Recovery FISCAL NOTE: PURCHASING/LEGAL: N/A PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: On October 17, 2019, Council approved a resolution directing the City Manager to make recommendations to the City Council on possible amendments to the Universal Recycling Ordinance to include organic waste collection at all commercial and multifamily properties. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: ADDITIONAL BACKUP INFORMATION (RCA BODY) BOARD AND COMMISSION ACTION: August 9, 2023 – To be reviewed by the Zero Waste Advisory Commission BACKGROUND: Austin City Council adopted the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO) in 2010 as part of Austin Resource Recovery’s Master Plan and the City’s Zero Waste goal to divert 90% of solid waste from landfills and incinerators by the year 2040. The URO requires that commercial and multifamily properties provide access to recycling service to employees and tenants and methods of organics diversion to commercial food-permitted business employees. A 2015 Community Diversion Study found that 85 % of discarded material generated in Austin comes from the commercial and multifamily sector and that 37% is compostable. PROCESS Austin Resource Recovery staff conducted a pilot to test composting at seven multifamily properties between March 2021 and February 2022. Staff published a report summarizing the findings of the pilot and initiated stakeholder meetings to discuss potential policy changes. Staff led five stakeholder meetings between October 2022 and May 2023 and opened three online surveys to collect feedback on priorities and draft policy language. The Zero Waste Advisory Commission (ZWAC)’s URO Committee met on October 20, 2022 and December 1, 2022 to discuss the proposed changes. Stakeholders included apartment managers, multifamily residents, private haulers, and non-profits. ZWAC URO committee members, stakeholders, and staff discussed concerns about composting at multifamily properties, which included site placement constraints for containers, compostable material contamination, costs of service impacts, and access to composting for multifamily residents. Based on stakeholder feedback, ARR staff developed recommended language for the amended Code and Administrative Rules and presented that to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission. The Commission voted to xx on a x-x vote. REVISIONS Revisions to Austin City Chapter 15-6, Article 5 include: a) Adding language to require the “responsible party for a …
MULTIFAMILY COMPOSTING Proposed URO Amendments ZWAC 8/9/2023 Agenda • URO Overview • Policy Development Process • Existing Policy • Proposed Amendments - Code • Proposed Amendments – Admin Rules Universal Recycling Ordinance • In effect since 2012 • Requires recycling at multifamily & commercial • Requires organics diversion at food permitted properties businesses • Convenient access • Education and signs • Report annually • Enforcement: Class C Misdemeanor Why Compost? Community Engagement Process PILOT • Spring ‘21 – Winter ‘22 PHASE 1 • Fall 2022 • Tested composting at 8 • 5 Meetings properties • Findings published in report • Online Survey • URO Committee Recommendations • ZWAC Recommendations PHASE 2 • March – Draft 1 Speak Up Austin Survey • April – Draft 2 Speak Up Austin Survey • 2 Meetings Phase 1 Feedback • Convenient access • Education • Contamination a concern • Costs a concern, how they are passed on • Flexible requirements • Residents overall in favor, with some concerns • Contamination, education, cleanliness Phase 2 Feedback • Draft 1 Survey – Open 3/1 -3/31 • 191 Comments (62 participants) • Draft 2 Survey – Open 4/10 – 5/7 • 202 Comments (54 participants) • Speak Up Austin – draft documents and FAQ • https://publicinput.com/w0633 Composting service required at all multifamily properties Minimum 1 gallon per unit per week and no overflowing containers Annual education, signs and labels on containers* Convenient access required Annual reporting* Enforcement: Class C misdemeanor* • Effective Oct. 1, 2024 * Indicates existing code/rules language Proposed Policy Overview Existing Policy • Education • Annual Reporting • Convenience • Signs • Waivers • Enforcement Existing Policy References • § 15-6-93 - EDUCATION. • § 15-6-101 - ANNUAL DIVERSION PLAN. • Rules 8.8 – Exterior Collection Areas, Points, and Containers common areas • Rules 8.9 – Interior collection & containers in • Rules 8.10 – Promotion and Education • Rules 8.11 – Waiver Process • Rules 8.12 - Compliance and Enforcement Proposed Amendments § 15-6-91 AFFECTED PREMISES. (A)(2) After October 1, 2024, and for premises with five or more dwelling units, ensure that tenants and employees have access to composting services described under this article, for that portion of the premises that is multi-family residential § 15-6-92 DIVERSION REQUIREMENTS FOR AFFECTED PREMISES. On-site recycling and organic material diversion (A) services required under this article shall: … (3) … collect at least the following materials, …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20230726-XXX Date: August 23, 2023 Subject: Priorities for implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Natural Systems and Food & Product Consumption Recommendations: 1. More data and information and more frequent updates to the dashboard is needed to better gauge Austin’s state progress on climate goals. Publish a schedule of official updates to the Climate Equity Plan implementation dashboard, including metrics and more formalized equity accounting, to enable the public to see progress toward Austin’s climate equity goals. Recommend biannual or quarterly updates. 2. Seek out and incorporate indigenous knowledge into the PARD Recommended Land Management Strategy recommendation, with appropriate compensation to contributors for their time and expertise. 3. Make permitting paperwork for community gardens available in Spanish and develop a plan to reach the Spanish-speaking community Commented [1]: Do we know they haven't incorporated indigenous knowledge? Commented [2R1]: Good point. I did not see it addressed in the PARD land management presentation, but have asked Staff to clarify. Commented [3]: Who is this recommended to? Does the city run these gardens? Commented [4R3]: The city approves permitting for community gardens on city-owned lands, with four unrelated volunteers and a sponsoring nonprofit. Details here: https://www.austintexas.gov/parks-and- recreation/community-garden-permit-guide 4. Explore the idea of piloting a sales-tax holiday for thrift store shopping and repair services, similar to the Back to School sales tax holiday weekends, to encourage residents to participate in the circular economy. 5. Set a disposal rate goal for ARR that declines over time 6. Accelerate goals in the ARR plan: near-term goals should be defined as 0-2 years. 3-5 years is medium-term. 7. Promote climate-friendly food choices within the retail and non-retail programs (Mobile Markets, Healthy Food Pantries and Pop-ups, etc.) by developing incentives for plant- based protein. 8. Circular economy- pilot re-usable/refillable develop incentives/programs for retail that provide refillable services using lower impact containers Rationale: Natural Systems and Food & Product Consumption Recommendations 1. Data gaps, in particular on the climate equity plan implementation dashboard, exist. Status of the actual implementation is sometimes out of date, and the individual carbon impact of any individual strategy is unknown, making recommendations sometimes difficult to assess. Additionally, equity accounting needs to be formalized. 2. Austin’s livable future depends on our ability to create and successfully implement sustainable environmental solutions. Sustainability is at the foundation of traditional ecological knowledge, …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 2023XXXX-XXX Date: XXXX XX, 2023 Subject: Priorities for continuing implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Sustainable Buildings Recommendations: 1. Adopt the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), with a local amendment to require space for a heat pump hot water heater, as quickly as possible. 2. Update the Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance (ECAD) to require energy efficiency upgrades to multifamily and commercial buildings that perform poorly on energy audits. 3. Create a density bonus (that stacks on top of Affordability Unlocked bonus and other bonus programs) to incentivize the use of the Passive House standard and/or Living Building Challenge standard. 4. Explicitly promote or incentivize the Passive House and/or Living Building Challenge standards throughout the City of Austin RFP and building funding scoring metrics (stating preference for and/or adding points to scoring for meeting these standards). 5. Split the Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) program into one track that applies to Smart Housing and a “standard” track for all other development. Allocate funding and staff to administer these programs. Allocate funding for incentives for Smart Housing to meet the requirements of the “standard” AEGB program. 6. Update Austin Energy’s Green Choice program to address current energy needs, such as load-matching renewable energy and improving grid resilience through energy storage. 7. Create a pilot program, possibly utilizing Austin Energy’s Energy Efficiency Services fee and/or Development Service Department funds, to explore the efficacy and cost of certified Passive House and/or Living Building Challenge multifamily projects. Recommend funding $3,000 per unit for first 1000 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) units to certify and create a report detailing construction cost increases vis a vis utility savings and other benefits. Rationale: Sustainable Building Recommendations 1. The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will result in more efficient residential and commercial building and will establish initial standards for electric-ready and EV-ready construction. These are important improvements that are called for in the Austin Climate Equity Plan and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Constructing buildings that are efficient and allow for electrification is more cost effective than retrofitting them later. This is a low-cost option for the city because builders would make the investments. It will also ultimately reduce costs for building owners and occupants. 2. The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure Ordinance (ECAD) was a good first step …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20230726-XXX Date: August 23, 2023 Subject: Priorities for implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Transportation Electrification Recommendations: 1. Allocate funding for staff/consultant to define and conduct an EV Community Needs Assessment . communities. 2. Provide city-wide incentives for buying and leasing EVs targeted only to low-income 3. Create a coalition (including organizations that already have trust in the community) to provide education on clarifying the EV charging process, raise awareness about available incentives and increase community involvement by providing systematically excluded groups career/education opportunities focusing on EVs and EV charging infrastructure. Transportation and Land Use Recommendations: 1. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends allocating [$500,000] to pilot a Universal Basic Mobility Program (UBMP) that would advance strategy #2 above all and would forward these other strategies toward Goal 3 as well. These funds would go toward 1. Allocating or hiring [.5 FTE] in [OOS? Transpo? Capmetro?] to manage the one-year pilot, to educate UBMP participants on how to use public transit and shared mobility safely, and to assess UBMP pilot's efficacy; and 2. Providing [300] low-income residents of Austin with [$100] debit cards per month for one year to pay for public transit, shared bikes and e-bikes, and shared e-scooters. 2. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the City of Austin take a comprehensive approach to extreme heat mitigation, response, and resiliency, with a focus on the following priority actions a. Cool Corridor Program. Identify key mobility corridors that could serve as “cool corridors” with natural and engineered shade/cooling solutions to provide safe, climate-resilient connectivity on key pedestrian and transit routes. These corridors should (1) prioritize benefits in low-income neighborhoods facing high heat vulnerability, (2) address gaps based on the City’s existing heat vulnerability analyses, and (3) be developed in consultation with community-based organizations. Initial locations to prioritize for cool corridors should include the Rundberg community and the St. Johns, Montopolis, Franklin Park, and Dove Springs neighborhoods, due to high heat vulnerability as measured by various socioeconomic and heat exposure indicators. Key investments in cool corridors should include the following: Drought-tolerant tree plantings; i. ii. In partnership with CapMetro, Art in Public Places, and other key institutions and stakeholders, joint funding for research, design, and installation of resilient transit stops (including upgrades to existing transit stops) at sites facing high heat vulnerability (see existing example). These sites …
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. …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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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