07-1: Draft Recommendation on Qualifications for Director of Parks and Recreation — original pdf

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PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX Date: Subject: Recruitment of, and preferred qualifications for the next Parks and Recreation Director Seconded By: Motioned By: Whereas the City of Austin has issued a national job search for a new Director of Parks and Recreation Whereas the consulting firm Raftelis has been retained to lead the recruitment and screening of applicants Whereas the Assistant City Manager and Human Resources Dept. are seeking input from the public and the Parks and Recreation Board regarding the recruitment of a new Parks and Recreation Director Whereas at the June 17, 2024, meeting of the Parks and Recreation Board, members of the public gave input to the Parks Board on preferred qualifications for a new Director of Parks and Recreation Whereas ongoing public concerns regarding Parks Dept. leadership, funding, employment, parkland acquisition, preservation and maintenance, climate impact, land development policy, park deficient areas, and public trust and transparency regarding use of public parkland have been expressed to the Parks Board Whereas the description of qualifications for Director of Parks and Recreation should reflect and include the concerns and suggestions of the public users of Austin’s parks and Whereas applications for Parks and Recreation Director must be submitted by October 15, 2024; Therefore, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board recommends: A. The Austin City Manager and Raftelis include the following preferred qualifications for Director of Parks and Recreation in their candidate recruitment, application review, questions for applicants and screening process: (1.) Knowledge of alternative methods of permanent city funding for parks, parkland acquisition, preservation and maintenance (2.) A clear and transformative vision of how to achieve permanent, sustainable, equitable and multi- faceted funding for Austin’s PARD, by the City of Austin and its citizens without the need to privatize, commercialize or close parks for days, weeks, or months for exclusive use. (3.) Expertise in climate solutions in terms of drought, flooding, and the urban heat island effect. Urban parks serve to mitigate these climate impacts and are especially critical in underserved areas. 1 of 2  (4.) Understanding of, and ability to implement the Austin Climate Equity Plan, particularly Goal #4: “By 2030, include all City-owned lands under a management plan that results in neutral or negative carbon emissions and maximizes community co-benefits” (5.) Expertise in natural lands management, including rewilding as a nature-based solution that works to enhance (not replace) recreation and programming. (6.) Demonstrated ability to prioritize access to nature, shade, biodiversity and places to swim for the physical and mental health benefits these provide. (7.) Experience working across city departments (such as Watershed Protection, Transportation Public Works, Development Services, APD) to achieve common goals. (8.) Excellence in best practices of ongoing, equitable community engagement. (9.) A clear track record in transparency, ethics and integrity. B. The Austin City Manager ask community groups to meet directly with consultant Raftelis regarding the recruitment of a new Director of Parks and Recreation. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 of 2