BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number 20250326-007: Austin Core Transportation Plan WHEREAS, the Austin Core Transportation Plan seeks to create a cohesive and adaptable transportation framework that addresses the unique mobility challenges of downtown Austin while building on previous downtown planning efforts and integrating upcoming major infrastructure projects like I-35 Capital Express Central and Project Connect; and WHEREAS, the Downtown street network is 1% of Austin’s overall network but accounts for 12% of all pedestrian crashes and 17% of intersection-related pedestrian crashes; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan sets a goal of 50% non-single occupancy vehicle mode share by 2039; and WHEREAS, two-way streets are safer and increase economic activity where conversions are implemented; and WHEREAS, street trees and additional shade downtown make walking more feasible and can even reduce vehicle speeds; and WHEREAS, the East side of downtown is not currently slated to have a new on-street, high- quality North-South bicycle facility in the current ACT plan; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Austin Alliance Downtown Parking Study was created to comprehensively and holistically find parking management solutions to better serve the residents, workers, and visitors of downtown Austin; and WHEREAS, the Urban Land Institute convened a Technical Assistance Panel focused on reducing the growth of parking downtown, improving management of current parking supply, improving the human experience downtown, and improving other transportation modes; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 20240201-054 and corresponding ordinances seek to reduce the overall number of new parking spaces built within downtown Austin and create a more pedestrian-oriented built environment; and WHEREAS, the future Austin Light Rail and expanded MetroRapid services are projected to carry tens of thousands additional riders into downtown; and WHEREAS, there are limited resources devoted to transportation infrastructure improvements across the City, with competing priorities, including installing transportation facilities outside of downtown where no current facilities exist; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City Council adopt the Austin Core Transportation plan; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the Austin Core Transportation Plan prioritizes the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and non-car modes of transportation throughout the downtown area over car volume throughput; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the ACT plan continue the protected bike lane on Red River Street from 7th Street to 12th Street, as contemplated by the 2023 Bicycle Plan and …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number 20250326-007: Austin Core Transportation Plan WHEREAS, the Austin Core Transportation Plan seeks to create a cohesive and adaptable transportation framework that addresses the unique mobility challenges of downtown Austin while building on previous downtown planning efforts and integrating upcoming major infrastructure projects like I-35 Capital Express Central and Project Connect; and WHEREAS, the Downtown street network is 1% of Austin’s overall network but accounts for 12% of all pedestrian crashes and 17% of intersection-related pedestrian crashes; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan sets a goal of 50% non-single occupancy vehicle mode share by 2039; and WHEREAS, two-way streets are safer and increase economic activity where conversions are implemented; and WHEREAS, street trees and additional shade downtown make walking more feasible and can even reduce vehicle speeds; and WHEREAS, the East side of downtown is not currently slated to have a new on-street, high- quality North-South bicycle facility in the current ACT plan; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Austin Alliance Downtown Parking Study was created to comprehensively and holistically find parking management solutions to better serve the residents, workers, and visitors of downtown Austin; and WHEREAS, the Urban Land Institute convened a Technical Assistance Panel focused on reducing the growth of parking downtown, improving management of current parking supply, improving the human experience downtown, and improving other transportation modes; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 20240201-054 and corresponding ordinances seek to reduce the overall number of new parking spaces built within downtown Austin and create a more pedestrian-oriented built environment; and WHEREAS, the future Austin Light Rail and expanded MetroRapid services are projected to carry tens of thousands additional riders into downtown; and WHEREAS, there are limited resources devoted to transportation infrastructure improvements across the City, with competing priorities, including installing transportation facilities outside of downtown where no current facilities exist; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the City Council adopt the Austin Core Transportation plan; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the Austin Core Transportation Plan prioritizes the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and non-car modes of transportation throughout the downtown area over car volume throughput; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the ACT plan include protected bike lanes in both directions on all downtown streets; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends the …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number 20250326-009: Sustainable Buildings Budget Recommendations 1. 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 the repair budget be increased to $7 million/year, including the addition of one full time staff position to manage the increased work. 2. 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 conversions. Currently, Austin Water offers a landscape conversion rebate of $100 per 100 square feet, up to a maximum rebate of $3000. Most conversions will be smaller areas and thus, the currently offered rebate amounts don’t incentivize many customers to implement landscape conversions. In 2023, only 19 rebate applications were submitted to Austin Water. Austin Water should implement a tiered rebate structure that offers more rebate money for smaller areas of landscape conversion for residential properties and should substantially increase the maximum rebate offered. As suggested by the Get Fertilizer Wiser campaign, there should also be incentives that are more easily accessible to individuals who may not need to fully remove turf grass in order to reduce or eliminate watering. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends increasing Austin Water’s Landscaping Conversion budget from $40,000/year to $150,000/year. 3. Establish Sustainability Revolving Fund to Reduce GHG Emissions, Starting with Rooftop Solar and Refrigerant Leakage Mitigation: Revolving funds are an effective …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20250326-010 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Charlotte Davis Seconded By: Haris Qureshi Date: March 26, 2025 Recommendation Description of Recommendation to Council 1. 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 focus has been limited to two products because the volume of work needed is beyond staff’s existing capacity. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $110,000 per year be allocated to adding a full-time Sustainable Purchasing Program Manager position to the Financial Services Department or the Office of Climate Action and Resilience. 2. 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 …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20250326-011 Date: March 26, 2025 Subject: Joint Sustainability Committee 2025-26 Budget Recommendations (Natural Systems) Motioned By: Charlotte Davis Seconded By: Lane Becker Description of Recommendation to Council 1. Public Tree Inventory: Urban forests serve as carbon sinks that promote climate mitigation efforts, but the city does not have a comprehensive tree inventory that would allow for effective urban forest planning and maintenance. Developing and maintaining a robust catalog of existing trees is a necessary first step to ensuring the city can maintain the health of the overall tree ecosystem, and also supports the increase of our overall tree canopy to the 50% goal outlined in the Climate Equity Plan. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $10,000,000 be allocated to fully fund a comprehensive public tree inventory across all City-owned properties as directed by Council resolution 20240418-051. This data will enable the city’s Urban Forester to implement a comprehensive urban forest management plan including robust tree planting and replacement efforts. Methods should follow national best practices and involve collaboration with relevant partners. Data should be stored for easy access and sharing across departments. 2. Natural Land Restoration and Wildfire Prevention: Most city parkland natural areas have not been managed for ecosystem health and are thus degraded. Threatened by heat, drought, disease, and wildfire, they present safety risks to both park users and neighbors. In 2023, City Council approved the Parks and Recreation Department’s Land Management Plan, created to guide the restoration of natural areas to improve climate resilience and reduce wildfire risk. The program currently has a budget of $828,000 and four FTEs to oversee the 10,300 acres under city management. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends fully funding this program at an estimated cost of $250 per acre per year for a total cost of $2,575,000, which will allow the program to expand efforts to address biodiversity loss, wildfire risk, and tree mortality. 3. Land Acquisition and Preservation: According to the Austin State of the Food System Report (2022), less than 0.6% of food consumed in Travis County is produced locally and 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 regional farmland by 2030. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that: ● $50,000 be allocated …
Joint Sustainability Committee RECOMMENDATION 20250326-012 JSC Transportation and Land-Use Budget Recommendations Date: March 26, 2025 1. Transportation Electrification Recommendation Transportation Electrification Goal 2 of Austin Climate Equity Plan (ACEP) aims for 40% of vehicle miles traveled be supported by a mix of charging infrastructure by 2030. Based on ACEP Implementation Dashboard, as of 2023, Austin is behind on this goal, necessitating additional assistance to accelerate EV charging and adoption. The City of Austin will complete an assessment of city facilities to identify installation of charging stations, focusing on fleet, workplace, and public needs. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $110,000 per year be allocated for a full-time Program Manager position within the Capital Delivery Services or Office of Climate Action and Resilience, to facilitate the acceleration of installing the identified charging stations to accelerate EV adoption and to identify and manage funds for the installations. Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funds should be prioritized rather than operating budgets in order to be rolled over multiple years and be tied to city-owned assets. Also, the Program Manager should prioritize charging stations benefiting low-income and marginalized communities, heavy-duty diesel vehicle electrification, and city buildings near small businesses to boost the local economy. The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that $1,000,000 be allocated for the installation of priority charging stations identified as part of the COA assessment, to help the acceleration of EV adoption. 2. Cool Corridor Pilot Projects The lived realities of increasing extreme heat in Austin demand greater investment in mitigating heat through the development of “cool corridors.” Cool corridors are high-transit areas that provide relief from extreme heat via a suite of green infrastructure and cooling amenities, including shade structures, water fountains, drought-tolerant trees, and other vegetation and plantings. Cool corridors offer multiple benefits, including improved air and water quality, reduced heat island impacts and tree canopy disparities, increased walkability, bikeability, and transit ridership, neighborhood greening and beautification, and improved health outcomes and quality of life. Creating cool corridors serves ACEP Transportation and Land Use Goal 3, "50% of trips in Austin are made using public transit, biking, walking, carpooling, or avoided altogether by working from home" through strategies 3 (enhance transit stops and stations), 4 (prioritize bicycle networks), and 6 (improve sidewalks, urban trails, and crossings). Cool corridors also support the ACEP Natural Systems Goal 3, “Achieve at least 50% citywide tree canopy cover by 2050, focusing on increasing canopy cover …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation Number 20250326-013: Cross-Sector 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 per year 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 per year be allocated to the Office of Climate Action and Resilience for the following: ○ $110,000 per year for a Community Engagement Program Manager ○ $60,000 per year for 20 climate ambassadors to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs, under the direction of the Office of Sustainability. ○ $100,000 per year for grants for community-based organizations to do direct outreach to promote sustainability incentive programs, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability. 3. Austin Civilian Conservation Corps: …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES March 26, 2025 The Joint Sustainability Committee convened in a hybrid meeting via videoconferencing and at Austin Energy Headquarters. Board Members in Attendance in Person: Anna Scott, Haris Qureshi, Kaiba White, Charlotte Davis Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Heather Houser, Christopher Campbell, Marissa Bell, Lane Becker, Rodrigo Leal, Melissa Rothrock, Yure Suarez Board Members Absent: Chris Maxwell-Gaines, Amy Noel, Chris Crookham, Alberta Phillips, Diana Wheeler City Staff in Attendance: Rohan Lilauwala, Braden Latham-Jones, Michelle Marx CALL TO ORDER Chair Kaiba White called the meeting to order at 6:29 pm. Public Communication • Adam Greenfield on item 2, in favor of the Austin Core Transportation Plan. Suggestion to convert all remaining one-way streets to two-way streets. Also in support of protected bike lanes, bus lanes, trees. • Scott Johnson speaks in favor of low-carbon concrete and residential landscape incentive program. • Zenobia Joseph speaking in opposition to light rail plans on civil rights grounds. 1. Approval of minutes from the February 26th, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. • Qureshi motion, Scott second, passes on a 10-0 vote (Suarez off dais). DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Austin Core Transportation Plan Update – Michelle Marx, Transportation and Public Works Department. • Qureshi – does this change transit routing? Marx – CapMetro has provided info on routing that has been incorporated into the plan. • White – should JSC consider recommendation to maximize one-way to two-way conversions. Marx – not a panacea for improving safety. With tight intersection spacing in East Downtown, allows for signal coordination to reduce speeds. Context dependent – would work in places with wide streets, widely spaced intersections. 3. CapMetro Sustainability Updates – David Carr, CapMetro • Qureshi – can you comment on lack of electric buses on new rapid routes? Carr – Proterra bankruptcy has affected commissioning of new buses. New Flyer buses in service now. Charging infrastructure still being installed – especially in-route charging. • White – why is CapMetro backing away from electric bus purchases? Carr – very expensive. MetroRapid costs being covered by grants and other sources. Range performance capabilities aren’t there yet. • Carr – issues with a lack of parts and service from Proterra. New company has taken over – CapMetro pause until they catch up with servicing and parts. Nationwide issue. • Rothrock - can charging infrastructure be shared? Carr – theoretically, yes. New buses use …
JOINT SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE HYBRID MEETING FORMAT February 26, 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 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 January 22nd, 2025 meeting of the Joint Sustainability Committee. DISCUSSION 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 3. Austin Civilian Conservation Corps Update on staffing, current agreements, pathways, and its future funding opportunities. – Juan Espinoza, Economic Development Department 4. Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program Update – Braden Latham-Jones, Office of Climate Action and Resilience. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Recommendations and possible action on the Comprehensive Climate Implementation Program, including supportive action and/or recommendations for additions to existing plan. 6. Recommendation and possible action in Support for …
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 …
