January 21, 2025 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Kaiba White, Craig Nazor, Marissa Bell, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Anna Scott, Christopher Campbell Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Charlotte Davis, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Haris Qureshi, Rodrigo Leal, Alberta Phillips Board Members Absent: City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Emily King CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm. 1. Approval of minutes from the December 18th, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Scott motion, Maxwell-Gaines second, passes on a 10-0 vote (Leal, Phillips off dais). DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee membership, expiring terms, and replacement members. • Members to check with clerk’s office to check if they are rolling off or not. • Some members rolling off because of term limits, particularly Mayoral appointments. • Members to check in with alternates (if applicable) 3. Discussion of potential Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendations for the FY26 City Budget. • Natural Systems o Working on 4-5 recommendations. o Recommendations put forth last year that didn’t get adopted but still worthwhile o Items being discussed in the climate equity plan implementation o Converting impervious cover to functional green – audit of city owned land o Land acquisition, in eastern watersheds o Citywide green infrastructure vision, implementation strategy o Green workforce o Wildfire prevention o Tree canopy survey/assessment using LIDAR • Consumption o Looked at previous recommendations from 2024 and 2023. In 2023, 100% adoption. In 2024, near zero adoption. o Looking at reinstating the climate ambassador program o Citywide sustainable purchasing o Low carbon concrete o Food plan implementation o Zero waste and circular restaurant materials o Electric landscape equipment • Transportation still working • Buildings o Outreach/engagement for sustainability incentives o Refrigerants – reducing leaks, switching to different refrigerants o Air sealing task force o Water leak detection and landscape conversions o Sustainable construction procurement coordinator o ACCC support 4. Update from Electric Utility Commission on Solar Programs – Kaiba White • Update on solar standard offer, allows building owners to lease roof space to solar developers. First stakeholder meeting scheduled for expansion of program on Jan 29. • Solar for All moving slower because interlocal agreement with Harris County needed to be completed. 5. Update from Austin Travis County …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20250226-005 Date: February 26, 2025 Subject: Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Motioned By: Charlotte Davis Seconded By: Anna Scott Recommendation The Austin Climate Equity Plan sets the goal that Austin will achieve net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and more action is urgently needed to meet this goal. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends including any appropriate policy changes that align with the goals and strategies of the Austin Climate Equity Plan in the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program action list before finalizing it. Some policies that the commission recommends including are: 1. Waive permitting fees for food venders that serve mostly a pro-climate/pro-health, plant- based, high fiber menu and/or use compostable packaging. 2. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) should institute policy changes to increase use of recycling and composting and reduce contamination for ARR customers and those subject to the URO. For example, contamination fees (which ARR has already researched) are a useful tool. 3. Adopt a policy to require all events on city property (including streets) to provide co- located composting, recycling and landfill trash receptacles, with staff to assist event participants. 4. Adopt a pro-climate/pro-health and plant-based food default policy for all City of Austin food purchasing. Furthermore, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the following edits and additions to the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program action list. 1. “Rebates for electrical upgrades” should include enhanced/increased rebates for LMI customers. 2. Fund direct person to person community outreach to promote and expand the utilization of City of Austin sustainability incentives with a focus on LMI communities as well as small businesses. Vote Record: 12-0 Yes: Charlotte Davis, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White, Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Marissa Bell, Lane Becker, Melissa Rothrock, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Anna Scott, Chris Campbell, Rodrigo Leal No: N/A Absent: Yure Suarez, Natalie Poindexter, Amy Noel, Ben Luckens, Alberta Phillips Attest: Rohan Lilauwala, Staff Liaison
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20250226-006 Date: February 26, 2025 Subject: Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in Austin, Texas Motioned By: Marissa Bell Seconded By: Charlotte Davis WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds and explore all available means to establish a dedicated management mechanism, such as a dedicated City department or full-time equivalent staff (FTE), to oversee and coordinate agricultural land preservation and management efforts; and …
Austin Light Rail Progress Update February 26, 2025 Austin Light Rail Benefits of Light RailBenefits of Light Rail Light Rail in Other Cities Paris, France Seattle, Washington Phoenix, Arizona Minneapolis, Minnesota Austin Light Rail Austin Light Rail Phase 1 Light rail is an expandable electric train system designed for metropolitan areas, serving as an integral part of the transit network by connecting people to essential destinations where they live, work and play. Facts 15 STATIONS connecting points north, south and east of downtown Austin 9.8 MILES of light rail transit ~28,000 DAILY TRIPS on an average weekday Access to: 136K current jobs 200K+ future jobs Artist conceptual visualization Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. EAST RIVERSIDE A new shaded walk and bike path along the line on East Riverside, designed to improve walkability. Artist conceptual visualization Artist conceptual visualization LIGHT RAIL ON EAST RIVERSIDE Aerial view near Pleasant Valley station, showing a new shaded walk and bike path and how the line extends from the city center to East Riverside. Artist conceptual visualization THE DRAG The station at UT on a typical game day with a redesigned and pedestrian-centric Guadalupe Street. Artist conceptual visualization OLTORF AT H-E-B The station at Congress and Oltorf near H-E-B, showing a new public plaza with shade trees and native plants. Artist conceptual visualization Austin Light Rail Proposed Light Rail Timeline Environmental Analysis Topics What’s Next All comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement that are received by March 11, 2025, will be responded to in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. How can you comment? Call Us | (512) 389-7590 Email Us | input@atptx.org Visit Our Virtual Open House Send Mail | 203 Colorado St., Austin, TX 78701 austinlightrail.org/austinlightrailinput Ask for a presentation at input@atptx.org Thank You.
Joint Sustainability Committee Presentation February 26, 2025 Agenda • Austin Civilian Conservation Corps (ACCC) Staffing • Current Agreements • Natural System Pathway • Grant Opportunities • Conclusion Personnel Juan Espinoza • Program Manager for the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps • Economic Development Department • Juan.Espinoza@austintexas.gov Kerstin Johansson • Conservation Program Coordinator for Austin Civilian Conservation Corps • Economic Development Department • Kerstin.Johansson@austintexas.gov Current Pathway and Programs Natural Systems Pathway • American Youthworks • Hungry Hill Foundation • Austin Youth River Watch American Youthworks: Two Crews Eastern Crescent • Focus Areas: Restoration, erosion control, invasive species management, forest health maintenance, trail/fence reconstruction, and integrated pest management. • Project Sites: Onion Creek Preserves, Kendra Page Park. Parks and Preserves • Focus Areas: Trail building, wildfire fuel mitigation, invasive species removal, and land management. • Project Sites: Red Bluff, Blunn Creek, Stephenson Preserves. 1. Both crews work with partners from the Parks and Recreation and Watershed Departments respectively. 2. Due to funding challenges, crews are now working with Travis County and the Trails Conservancy for project work. 3. Recruiting from TOOF and Hungry Hill Foundation and Building Promise USA. (Recruiting people who have experienced homelessness and or have been justice impacted. Hungry Hill Foundation Agreement Description Agreement Details • Supports East Austin residents transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency. • Provides a multi-tiered work and apprenticeship program to build job skills. • Partners with the Watershed and Parks & Recreation Departments. • Assists 65 members annually in park maintenance and litter abatement across East Austin’s parks and waterways. *With more funding, the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps will pilot place-based workforce development at the Historic Bethany Cemetery to conduct cultural and natural resource conservation training current and future WPD and PARD employees. The goal is to recruit new employees who are or have experienced homelessness and are living in the local neighborhood. Austin Youth River Watch Agreement Description Agreement Details • After-school program for high school students focused on peer mentoring and environmental education. • Conducts conservation projects on Parks and Recreation Department property. • Engages 100+ high school students and 5 • Provides students with hands-on, meaningful activities outside of school hours. interns annually. • Students analyze and publish water quality data from Austin-area creeks and rivers. • Data is reported to local and state agencies, including the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). *Current partners with this vendor are the Watershed Department, Parks and …
Comprehensive Climate Implementation Plan Draft Project List GHG Emission Reduction (MT CO2e) JSC - Feb 26, 2025 Two-Year Cost Estimate (NOT FINAL ) SECTION Action Title Action Narrative Type Departments and Partners Co-Benefits Sustainable Buildings Conduct a City facility condition assessment Conduct facility condition assessment to identify aging building systems and assets that need replacement. While Austin Energy and Building Services have been able to complete these assessments, additional staff and funding are required for the remaining departments. Sustainable Buildings Conduct City facility lighting retrofits Replace existing indoor and outdoor lighting with high-efficiency, long-life induction, or LED lighting across all City-owned facilities. This will increase energy efficiency and financial savings. Additional staff and funding are required. Sustainable Buildings Conduct City facility chiller and pump upgrades Sustainable Buildings Expand pay-for-performance demand response programs Sustainable Buildings Implement refrigerant management and leak prevention Sustainable Buildings Develop dashboards and utility monitoring software Install variable-frequency drives on chillers and air handling units on pumps that are currently at a constant speed. This results in energy efficiency and financial savings. Additional staff and funding are required. Expand and automate pay-for-performance demand response programs in residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors. This would incentivize more smart energy technologies (thermostats, electric vehicle smart chargers, home energy management systems, etc.) and encourage consumers to reduce or shift their energy usage during peak demand periods, balancing supply and demand to improve grid reliability. Reduce refrigerant emissions through tracking, leak detection, and equipment upgrades. Track and recover refrigerants to ensure proper disposal. Implement leak detection programs to identify and mitigate emissions. Replace outdated appliances with energy-efficient models that use low-global warming potential refrigerants, and repair equipment where advisable. Develop dashboards powered by energy and water utility monitoring software. This would help identify outliers in energy and water waste, enhance understanding of usage, and make data actionable and visible to decision- makers or those most impacted by the costs. Sustainable Buildings Expand home repair fund for low- moderate income (LMI) households Secure ongoing funding for a City investment fund for critical home repairs, increasing eligibility for LMI households to participate in weatherization, renewable energy upgrades, or electrification programs. Repairs to faulty roofs, ceilings, and walls require funding that is unavailable to most LMI households. Sustainable Buildings Expand weatherization assistance program for low-moderate income households Sustainable Buildings Install utility-scale solar on FM 812 landfill Sustainable Buildings Pilot a "Virtual Power Plant" project Sustainable …
Comprehensive Climate Implementation Plan Update February 26, 2025 Resolution 20240718-093 Resolution 20240718-093 was approved in July 2024. Staff was directed to bring two items to Council. 1. A comprehensive bond package that funds and addresses climate, infrastructure, and any other public improvements for the purpose of conducting an election no later than November 2026, and 2. A comprehensive climate implementation program of which one component is a climate bond proposition contained in the comprehensive bond package. 2 Research & Development ● Research ○ Seattle, WA ○ Los Angeles, CA ○ San Francisco, CA ○ San Diego, CA ○ Philadelphia, PA ○ Guides from C40, ICLEI ● Informational Interviews ○ San Diego, CA ○ Richmond, VA ● Conference Sessions ○ Urban Sustainability Directors Network 3 Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program 2-Year Implementation Plan Programmatic Adjustments Public document with climate projects achievable between ‘25 - ‘27 Organizational restructure aimed at successful implementation 4 Departmental Alignment 1 0 Clear communication of needs, priorities, obstacles Increase transparency, accountability 3 0 Achievable short-term milestones towards long-term goals 2 0 4 0 Municipal Best Practices 5 1 0 Departmental Alignment Climate Action Team Clear communication of needs, priorities, obstacles Departmental Work Plans Increase transparency, accountability 3 0 Achievable short-term milestones towards long-term goals Updated Quarterly Briefings Biannual Implementation Plan 2 0 4 0 Municipal Best Practices 6 City Manager’s Office Climate & Environment Leadership Team Climate Action Team 7 SUMMARY Starting in 2025: With Council direction and City Manager support, the OCAR will lead a comprehensive climate implementation program to focus cross-departmental efforts on achieving the goals/strategies of Austin’s Climate Equity Plan. 8 Climate Equity Plan Implementation Program Steps How we’re creating a biannual comprehensive climate implementation plan 1 2 3 4 5 Aug: Research and evaluation Sep-Oct: Project identification and screening Nov-Dec: In-depth analysis Jan-Feb: Departmental engagement, staff workshop Feb-Mar: Refinement, design, publishing 9 Environmental Investment Plan Projects Identified from Other Departmental Plans Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendations Project Identification 10 Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions Provides Equity and Other Co-Benefits Feasible and Viable ● Measurable GHG reduction potential ● Health ● Affordability ● Accessibility ● Air & Water Quality ● Green jobs/training ● Housing ● City Authority ● Council Priority ● Regional Collaboration ● Funding C40 “ASAP” Tool Analysis 11 Prioritization Process (C40 “ASAP” Tool) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Primary Benefits Criteria ● Emissions Reduction Co-Benefits Criteria By category: ● Health + Wellbeing ● Environment ● Economic Prosperity …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20250226-XXX Date: February 26, 2025 Subject: Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation The Austin Climate Equity Plan sets the goal that Austin will achieve net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, and more action is urgently needed to meet this goal. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends including any appropriate policy changes that align with the goals and strategies of the Austin Climate Equity Plan in the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program action list before finalizing it. Some policies that the commission recommends including are: 1. Waive permitting fees for food venders that serve mostly a pro-climate/pro-health, plant- based, high fiber menu. 2. Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) should institute policy changes to increase use of recycling and composting and reduce contamination for ARR customers and those subject to the URO. For example, contamination fees (which ARR has already researched) are a useful tool. 3. Adopt a policy to require all events on city property (including streets) to provide co- located composting, recycling and landfill trash receptacles, with staff to assist event participants. 4. Adopt a pro-climate/pro-health and plant-based food default policy for all City of Austin food purchasing. Furthermore, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the following edits and additions to the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program action list. 1. “Rebates for electrical upgrades” should include enhanced/increased rebates for LMI customers.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number: [INSERT] : Support for Agricultural Land Acquisition and Preservation in Austin, Texas WHEREAS, the 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report indicates that less than 0.6% of the food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, and that approximately 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development pressures, underscoring the critical need for dedicated agricultural land preservation efforts; and WHEREAS, land in Austin-Travis County is continuing to increase in value and decrease in quantity, it is imperative to act quickly as the cost of action will only increase over time; and WHEREAS, agricultural lands are vital to local food security, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness, and climate resilience; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, approved by the Austin City Council in October 2024, includes strategic, measurable, and time-bound goals and strategies to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and address climate change; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Food Plan’s Goal 1 prioritizes expanding community food production, preserving agricultural lands, and increasing the amount of farmland dedicated to regenerative food production long-term in Austin and Travis County; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.1 of the Food Plan calls for the preservation of land for food production in Central Texas through conservation easements, fee-simple purchases, and land-banking, ensuring that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use; and WHEREAS, Strategy 1.2 directs the City of Austin and Travis County to pursue capital funding sources to finance the conservation of land for agricultural use through conservation easements or direct purchases; and WHEREAS, preserving agricultural land also supports the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan by promoting sustainable land use, strengthening local food systems, and reducing carbon footprints through localized food production; and WHEREAS, Natural Systems Goal 2 of the Austin Climate Equity Plan aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the five-county region through legal conservation or regenerative agriculture programs by 2030; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently lacks a dedicated mechanism to effectively manage and prioritize the preservation of agricultural lands; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds and explore all available means to establish a dedicated management mechanism, such as a dedicated City department or full-time equivalent staff (FTE), to oversee and coordinate agricultural land preservation and management efforts; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Joint Sustainability Committee …
Transportation and Land Use and Electrification Working Group FY2026 Budget Recommendations DRAFT for JSC Review - February 19, 2025 1. Low-cost, accessible charging stations at City of Austin-owned facilities Background Transportation Electrification Goal 2 of Austin Climate Equity Plan requires that by 2030 Austin has a compelling and equitably distributed mix of level 1, 2, and DC fast charging infrastructure to accommodate 40% of total vehicle miles traveled in the city. Austin's Climate Equity Plan Implementation Dashboard indicates that as of 2023, the City of Austin (COA) is falling behind on this goal. Therefore, additional assistance to accelerate EV charging and EV adoption is critical. COA will be conducting an assessment to identify city facilities where charging stations can be installed. This assessment is focused on COA properties to support fleet, workplace, and public charging needs. Service areas for public charging should be prioritized in low-income and marginalized communities. Charging to enable electrification of heavy-duty diesel vehicles (including the Austin Resource Recover Fleet) and electrification of landscaping on city properties should also be a priority because of the significant negative health impacts from air pollution that comes from diesel vehicles and gasoline powered landscaping equipment. In addition, service areas should prioritize city buildings near local small businesses to increase their revenue potential to benefit Austin’s small business local community economy. Recommendation The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $150,000 in additional annual funding for a full-time Program Manager Coordinator position (1 FTE) from the Office of Climate Action and Resilience (OCAR) be allocated to work with Austin Energy (AE), other COA staff, and other corresponding entities for the implementation of charging station installations. The Project Manager function should prioritize the following tasks: ● Facilitate the completion of the assessment to identify city facilities where charging stations can be installed. Coordinate with COA staff to prioritize choosing charging station locations that benefit low-income communities, air pollution benefits, and as well as Austin's local small businesses. ● Facilitate the acceleration of installing the identified charging station to accelerate EV ● adoption. Identify funding needed to install all charging stations identified as part of the COA assessment. The aim should be for the OCAR Project Manager, AE, and other COA staff to identify funds totaling $10 Million to install the charging stations. Assuming a $10k per installed port (level 2 - 7.2kW) that would be 1,000 ports, roughly 7.2MW of installed load for EV …
Joint Sustainability Committee Austin Climate Equity Plan - Natural Systems 2025-26 Budget Recommendations 1. Green Infrastructure Projects: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Natural Systems Goal 4 says “By 2030, include all City-owned lands under a management plan that results in neutral or negative carbon emissions and maximizes community co-benefits.” Strategy 2 to achieve this goal is “Reclaim public space and prioritize green infrastructure.” The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $250,000 be allocated to the Watershed Protection Department to identify and conduct pilot green infrastructure projects on city-owned property such as: ○ Bioswales and other green stormwater infrastructure for stormwater management ○ Reforestation along creeks to reduce erosion and support biodiversity ○ Converting impervious cover to functional green spaces ○ Shade structures and street trees to create cool corridors Target areas should include surface parking lots, easements, areas along city streets, city parks, and areas in eastern watersheds, including the Blackland Prairie and Post Oak Savannah ecoregions. Funding could be used for auditing potential sites, coordination and prioritization of projects, grants to community based organizations already engaged in this work, and construction of green infrastructure projects. 2. Expand Green Workforce Programs: Equitable access to green jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities is an overarching strategy of the Climate Equity Plan. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps be permanently funded. In addition, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $200,000 be allocated for one FTE in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience to coordinate volunteer efforts in natural systems restoration, as well as to identify and encourage new volunteer groups with which to partner. Suggested partners include TreeFolks and Texas Master Naturalist. Money could be donated to these organizations for special projects. 3. Increasing Aquifer Infiltration to Replenish Water and Reduce Flooding: Complete a survey of caves and sinkholes in the City limits that have been filled, and restore those geological features so they can again function as aquifer recharge sites. This project has already been started on BCP properties, and there are more such unrehabilitated features, particularly west of the Balcones Escarpment. This work could be done with the assistance of volunteers of the Underground Texas Grotto (UT Grotto) club and the Texas Cave Management Association, both of which have done work like this in the past for the City. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $200,000 be allocated for an FTE in the Watershed Protection …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Cross-Sector FY 2025/2026 Budget Recommendations 1. Execution of the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program: The Office of Climate Action and Resilience needs additional staff to execute the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program, directed by Council Resolution 20240718-093. Staff are needed to track progress, identify gaps, coordinate and assist other departments with projects, and lead on some projects that fall to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience (OCAR). Some current OCAR staff are temporary and this work will be ongoing. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends $90,000 for a Climate Implementation Program Project Coordinator in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience. 2. Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives: The City of Austin has numerous sustainability incentive programs aligned with the goals of the Climate Equity Plan. However, many of these programs are underutilized, especially among low-income households. A part of the challenge is awareness. The city should host a user-friendly website that consolidates information on all sustainability incentives offered by the City of Austin (i.e., home weatherization and repair, water conservation, rainwater collection, water conserving landscaping, waste reduction, transportation electrification, public transit and green infrastructure programs), as well as state and federal incentives that align with the goals of the Austin Climate Equity Plan and other city sustainability plans. Additional community outreach by the city and trusted organizations can increase the effectiveness of these programs. A Community Engagement Program Manager is needed in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience to coordinate community outreach and partnership activities associated with promoting sustainability incentives, with a focus on building relationships with low-income communities, communities of color, and related organizations and service providers. This employee would manage grants, contracts and stipends for community leaders and community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs in targeted Austin communities, in partnership with the Office of Climate Action and Resilience. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $270,000 be allocated to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience for the following: o $110,000 for a Community Engagement Program Manager o $60,000 for 20 climate ambassadors to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs, under the direction of the Office of Sustainability. o $100,000 for grants for community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Sustainable Buildings FY 2025/2026 Budget Recommendations 1. Refrigerant Leak and Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Most refrigerants currently in use are very powerful greenhouse gases. Austin Climate Equity Plan Sustainable Buildings Goal 2 is to “By 2030, reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions from refrigerant leakage by 25%.” Strategies listed in the plan to achieve this goal are, “Capture and destroy old refrigerants,” “Improve building codes to encourage cleaner refrigerants,” “Create incentives for leak detection and repair,” and “Awareness and training for HVAC service providers.” The survey of needs and recommendations for City of Austin buildings will soon be concluded and a dedicated staff person will be needed to implement the recommendations, which will likely include deployment of leakage detection equipment and protocols and HVAC equipment replacement for city buildings and developing programs for mitigating refrigerant leakage in the Austin community. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $110,000 be allocated for a new Refrigerant Program Manager in either the Office of Climate Action and Resilience or Development Services. 2. Water Leak Detection and Repair Programs: In 2023, Austin Water loss was 8,678,000,000 gallons of water which equates to 21.68 gallons per capita per day of water loss. This waste also results in unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions from the energy needed to pump and treat the water. Austin Water’s current budget includes $2 million/year for leak detection and $6 million for repairs, but water waste would be reduced faster with an increased budget. An additional staff person would be needed to help manage the additional work. The Joint Sustainability Committee Recommends that the Austin Water water leak detection budget be increased to $3 million/year and repair budgets be increased by $2 million/year, including the addition of one full time staff position to manage the increased work. 3. Residential and Commercial Landscape Conversion Rebates for Water Conservation: During summer months, the use of water dramatically increases, mainly due to the watering of landscapes. Turf areas in particular require the most water per square foot in any landscape. While ordinances for new construction can help reduce the amount of turf areas, existing properties don’t have requirements to adapt their landscapes to conserve water. Reducing the amount of turf grass that requires a lot of water to survive will help conserve water and reduce energy use needed for pumping and treatment. Austin Water should offer more substantial and accessible rebates for landscape …
Budget Recommendations from the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board: VERSION 1 - Agricultural Land Acquisition & Preservation: The 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report highlights that less than 0.6% of food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, while 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development. The Austin/Travis County Food Plan (Goal 1) prioritizes expanding community food production and preserving agricultural land, and the Austin Climate Equity Plan (Natural Systems Goal 2) aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the region by 2030.Currently, the City lacks a dedicated management mechanism to purchase and manage land specifically for agricultural preservation. No existing department has the defined scope or capacity to oversee this critical function, despite its alignment with the City’s food and climate resilience goals. To address this, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City of Austin (1) Allocate $250,000 to conduct an inventory of agricultural land for potential acquisition, as well as identify existing City-owned land that could be utilized for agricultural purposes; and (2) Allocate $2 million to establish a revolving loan fund dedicated to protecting farmland through conservation easements or direct land purchases, prioritizing regenerative agriculture practices. This fund could also attract philanthropic or private investment and serve as a foundation for future bond funding expansion. VERSION 2 - Agricultural Land Acquisition & Preservation: The 2022 City of Austin State of the Food System Report highlights that less than 0.6% of food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, while 16.8 acres of farmland are lost daily to development. The Austin/Travis County Food Plan (Goal 1) prioritizes expanding community food production and preserving agricultural land, and the Austin Climate Equity Plan (Natural Systems Goal 2) aims to protect 500,000 acres of farmland across the region by 2030.Currently, the City lacks a dedicated management mechanism to purchase and manage land specifically for agricultural preservation. No existing department has the defined scope or capacity to oversee this critical function, despite its alignment with the City’s food and climate resilience goals. To address this, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City of Austin (1) Allocate $150,000 to establish a management mechanism such as a full-time staff (FTE) to oversee agricultural land acquisition and preservation, (2) Allocate $250,000 to conduct an inventory of agricultural land for potential acquisition, as well as identify existing City-owned land that could be utilized for agricultural purposes; and …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-XXX Date: February xx, 2025 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Sustainable Purchasing: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 2 says “By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions from institutional, commercial, and government purchasing are reduced by at least 50%.“ Strategy 2 to achieve that goal is “Strengthen the City’s sustainable purchasing program.” Recent analysis by the Office of Sustainability shows that over 80% of the City of Austin’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the products and services that the city purchases. It is essential that the City establish a comprehensive Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products and services the City procures, and the City must prioritize ongoing staff support to educate all departments on sustainable purchasing and ensure that purchasing decisions comply with the Sustainable Purchasing Plan. This work is also foundational for achieving Climate Equity Plan goals for private sector sustainable purchasing in the Austin Community. Current staff in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience and the Purchasing Department have been making efforts to accomplish this goal while also doing their other work, but the volume of work needed is beyond what existing staff have capacity for. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $110,000 be allocated to adding a full-time Sustainable Purchasing Program Manager position to the Purchasing Department. Pro-Climate/Pro-Health Food Implementation: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 1 says: “By 2030, ensure all Austinites can access a food system that is community- driven, addresses food insecurity, prioritizes regenerative agriculture, supports dietary and health agency, promotes plant-based foods, and minimizes food waste.” The Austin/Travis County Food Plan includes “Goal 8: Pro-climate, Pro-health Raise awareness of the benefits of foods that nourish our bodies and reduce the overall environmental impact of our food system while addressing barriers to access.” A key need for the plan is for community education and outreach. Partners have developed some materials but there is no budget for community outreach to share information and opportunities. The JSC recommends that $75,000 be allocated to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience for community outreach and education on benefits and opportunities to eat more pro-climate/pro-health foods. Circular economy and waste diversion programs: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 3 says : “Aggressively …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20240228-XXX Date: February xx, 2025 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council Sustainable Purchasing: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 2 says “By 2030, greenhouse gas emissions from institutional, commercial, and government purchasing are reduced by at least 50%.“ Strategy 2 to achieve that goal is “Strengthen the City’s sustainable purchasing program.” Recent analysis by the Office of Sustainability shows that over 80% of the City of Austin’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the products and services that the city purchases. It is essential that the City establish a comprehensive Sustainable Purchasing Plan that sets minimum standards for all products and services the City procures, and the City must prioritize ongoing staff support to educate all departments on sustainable purchasing and ensure that purchasing decisions comply with the Sustainable Purchasing Plan. This work is also foundational for achieving Climate Equity Plan goals for private sector sustainable purchasing in the Austin Community. Current staff in the Office of Climate Action and Resilience and the Purchasing Department have been making efforts to accomplish this goal while also doing their other work, but the volume of work needed is beyond what existing staff have capacity for. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $110,000 be allocated to adding a full-time Sustainable Purchasing Program Manager position to the Purchasing Department. Pro-Climate/Pro-Health Food Implementation: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 1 says: “By 2030, ensure all Austinites can access a food system that is community- driven, addresses food insecurity, prioritizes regenerative agriculture, supports dietary and health agency, promotes plant-based foods, and minimizes food waste.” The Austin/Travis County Food Plan includes “Goal 8: Pro-climate, Pro-health Raise awareness of the benefits of foods that nourish our bodies and reduce the overall environmental impact of our food system while addressing barriers to access.” A key need for the plan is for community education and outreach. Partners have developed some materials but there is no budget for community outreach to share information and opportunities. The JSC recommends that $75,000 be allocated to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience for community outreach and education on benefits and opportunities to eat more pro-climate/pro-health foods. Circular economy and waste diversion programs: The City of Austin Climate Equity Plan Food & Product Consumption Goal 3 says : “Aggressively …
February 26, 2025 JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Charlotte Davis, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White, Chris Maxwell-Gaines Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Marissa Bell, Lane Becker, Melissa Rothrock, Diana Wheeler, Heather Houser, Anna Scott, Chris Campbell, Rodrigo Leal Board Members Absent: Yure Suarez, Natalie Poindexter, Amy Noel, Ben Luckens, Alberta Phillips City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Braden Latham-Jones, Juan Espinoza CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm. Public Communication • Zachary Leeper – speaking in favor of ACCC • Chase Wright – speaking in favor of ACCC, benefits from providing jobs and workforce training to individuals exiting homelessness and incarceration • Parc Smith – speaking in favor of ACCC 1. Approval of minutes from the January 22nd 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. DISCUSSION ITEMS • Maxwell-Gaines motion, Qureshi second, passes on a 12-0 vote. 2. Austin Light Rail Phase 1 project update, timeline and the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement Public Review and Comment Period – Lisa Storer, Alvin Livingstone, Deron Lozano and Yannis Banks, Austin Transit Partnership. • Rothrock: what is priority extension? Answer: Airport will be next • White: can you elaborate more on DEIS? Answer: documents impacts during construction and operation. E.g. noise and vibration. Understanding what JSC is interested in is helpful. Federal gov’t doesn’t require level of detail being provided. E.g. working with city arborist to come up with tree preservation-first approach. • Model shows 20 million + VMT reduced. All electric vehicles. 3. Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Update on staffing, current agreements, pathways, and its future funding opportunities. – Juan Espinoza, Economic Development Department. • Davis: what happened to other pathways? Espinoza: funding shortfall meant that only natural systems pathway is active. Program has always been funded with one-time funding. • White: how much funding is needed to bring programming back? Espinoza: $2.8m at max capacity. 4. Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Update – Braden Latham-Jones, Office of Climate Action and Resilience. • White: what about public-facing items? Latham-Jones – some items feature this. • White: will this come back to JSC? Latham-Jones: TBD, depends on timeline. 5. Recommendations and possible action on the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program, including supportive action and/or recommendations for additions …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT January 22, 2025 at 6 pm City Hall – Council Chambers 301 W 2nd St, Austin TX 78701 Some members of the Committee may be participating by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, email or call Rohan Lilauwala at (Rohan.lilauwala@austintexas.gov or 512-974-9394). Alternate Randall Chapman Member Kaiba White (Chair) Charlotte Davis (Vice-Chair) Genell Gary Diana Wheeler Haris Qureshi Melissa Rothrock Vacant CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Home Commission Electric Utility Commission Resource Management Commission Urban Transportation Commission Environmental Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Community Development Commission Austin Travis County Food Policy Board Marissa Bell Economic Prosperity Commission Water & Wastewater Commission Parks & Recreation Board Design Commission Planning Commission Austin/Travis County Public Health Commission City Council Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Mayor’s Representative Amy Noel Chris Maxwell-Gaines Lane Becker Vacant Vacant Natalie Poindexter Vacant Rodrigo Leal Anna Scott Yure Suarez Christopher Campbell Heather Houser For more information, please visit: www.austintexas.gov/jsc Vacant Richard Brimer Craig Nazor Miriam Garcia Rosamaria Murillo Luis Osta Lugo Vacant Shelby Orme Ben Luckens Alberta Phillips Vacant Vacant Committee. DISCUSSION members. Budget. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the December 18th, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability 2. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee membership, expiring terms, and replacement 3. Discussion of potential Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendations for the FY26 City 4. Update from Electric Utility Commission on Solar Programs – Kaiba White. 5. Update from Austin Travis County Food Policy Board on draft recommendations for consideration by the Joint Sustainability Committee – Marissa Bell. 6. Update from The Austin Travis County Public Health Commission on an approved recommendation to improve the supportive services provided to Community Health Workers – Natalie Poindexter. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING December 18, 2024 MEETING MINUTES The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Marissa Bell, Charlotte Davis, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Diana Wheeler, Shelby Orme, Heather Houser, Ben Luckens, Rodrigo Leal, Melissa Rothrock, Natalie Poindexter, Christopher Campbell Board Members Absent: Amy Noel, Yure Suarez, Alberta Phillips, Anna Scott City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Emily King CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm. 1. Approval of minutes from the November 18th, 2024 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Requested edits DISCUSSION ITEMS o 9a EPA grant amount was $31.6 m, ‘grant’ spelled incorrectly. o Heather Houser name spelt incorrectly in attendance sheet • Davis motion, Qureshi second, passes on a 13-0 vote. 2. Low Carbon Concrete in Portland, OR – Cary Watters, City of Portland • Scott: questions around testing timeline • Pilots were done after EPDs required, before GWP standards • Visual inspections done 3, 6, 9, 12 months after pouring • Surveyed concrete finishers after about how it went • Scott: Who determined work would be done? What department? • Done in procurement, some funds earmarked to pay for incremental cost of concrete, interviews, inspections. Used on projects already happening (ramps, sidewalk sections, etc.). No exact amount, but estimate of only a few thousand dollars. • Portland has an internal materials testing lab performing QA testing on construction materials used by the city, this was part of regular workflow. • Scott: what were barriers? • Biggest: resistance from private suppliers. • Next steps: training, support at pre-bid meetings, reestablish conversation on how to expand program and lower GWP over time, slowly but surely. Also looking into expanding into materials like asphalt. 3. Austin’s Urban Forest – Emily King, Development Services Department • Davis: What is trend of tree removals vs canopy cover o Priorities in order: preserve trees on site, plant more trees on site, payments to mitigation fund, which supports Urban Forest Grant. o Supports community groups + additional trees in city projects • Have we estimated cost of achieving 50% tree canopy cover goal o Maintenance units are only funded to be able to do reactionary tree work, not on proactive maintenance plans. There is a maintenance gap. We don’t have a …
