REGULAR MEETING of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2024, at 5:00pm PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOM 1405 6310 Wilhemina Delco Drive AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register please call or email the staff liaison in advance at (512)-974-3428 or natalie.leone@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Monday November 11, 2024 with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Melissa Ortiz-(District 2) Arlin Alvarez-(District 3) Susan Somers, Chair-(District 4) Daniel Kavelman-(District 5) Edward Smith- (District 6) Diana Wheeler- (District 7) Justin Jacobson- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher- (District 9) Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair-(District 10) Deshon Brown- (Mayoral Appointee) 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. Approve the minutes of the Urban Transportation Commission REGULAR MEETING on October 1, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the cost of motor vehicle crashes to Austin taxpayers Presenter: Bill McCamley & Abigail Jackson, Transit Forward 3. Discussion and recommendation on Parking Code Amendments to 12-3 & 12-5 4. Establish a Working Group to provide a recommendation to the Bond Election Advisory DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presenter: Joseph Al-Hajeri Facilitator: Spencer Schumacher Task Force Facilitator: Spencer Schumacher COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Downtown Commission regarding actions taken at the October 16, 2024 meeting 6. Update from Commissioner Wheeler from the Joint Sustainability Commission regarding actions taken at the October 23, 2024 meeting 7. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the October 15, 2024 meeting 8. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the October 7, 2024 meeting 9. Update from Chair Somers from the City Council Mobility Committee regarding actions taken at the October 17, 2024 meeting 10. …
Estimating crash costs to Austin taxpayers Abigail Jackson UT Austin Community & Regional Planning Research Fellow, Transit Forward Background ● Austin’s Strategic Mobility Plan (2019) sought to expand transit usage in order to address multiple challenges facing the city, including the high societal and economic costs of motor vehicle crashes (MVC) ● MVC was top cause of death in 2020 for those 15-24 and in the top four for those 25-44 according to TX Dept of State Health Services ● Estimated to cost Austin’s economy between $350 million to $500 million in 2019 When assessing the costs and benefits of implementing Project Connect and striving for 50/50 mode share, Taxpayers should be aware of the potential for savings through reduced motor vehicle crash costs Crash Costs Estimation Process National Highway Traffic Safety Administration framework 1. Understand crash counts per year, categorized by injury type 2. Calculate per-crash costs in 10 cost categories–e.g. Medical, EMS, private and public property damage 3. Adjust per-crash costs to fit Austin economic context and adjust for inflation 4. Calculate total costs by payee (e.g. public vs. individual costs), 5. Divide government payment by number of ATX households And pulse check along the way. E.g. estimate shows damage to public property such as medians and guardrails in 2022 cost around $845,372.09. We know for a fact in 2023 we spent $470,000.00 on knockdowns of traffic poles alone, so that number sounds logical or too low Crash Cost Estimates 2019-2022: Large variations Year Total State/Local Cost of Austin Crashes Total State/Local Cost of Austin Crashes (2022 dollars) Cost per Austin HH (2022 dollars) Total savings at 50/50 mode share (x 24%) Total savings per Austin HH 2019 $31,900,597.29 $35,242,365.03 $92.65 $8,458,167.61 $22.24 2020 $26,631,715.82 $28,994,175.95 $73.35 $6,958,602.23 $17.60 2021 $31,647,249.33 $34,114,444.61 $84.42 $8,187,466.71 $20.26 2022 $36,199,324.52 $36,199,324.52 $85.56 $8,687,837.89 $20.53 Real (inflation-adjusted) annual growth of: 1% 2019-2022 6% 2021-2022 2040 Projected Costs Austin population projections predict an annual growth rate around 1.3%, so 423,079 households in 2022 may grow to 533,815 in 2040 Say motor vehicle crash costs grow just 3.5% YoY, Austin may be spending $67,239,854.18 total ($88.19/HH in 2022 dollars) that year in MVC costs At 50/50 mode share, savings of $16,137,565.00 total ($21.16/HH in 2022 dollars) Austin taxpayers should see their tax dollars shift from MVC costs towards programs making Austin a better place once overall count of crashes is reduced. Approaching 50/50 mode …
URBAN TRANSPORATION COMMISSION PARKING ORDINANCE MODERNIZATION (Resulting from Resolution No. 20240404-040) Joseph Al-hajeri, Parking Enterprise Manager Lewis Leff, Acting Assistant Director, Transportation Operations November 12, 2024 MEETING AGENDA • The Parking Enterprise Division • Regulatory Modernization Background • Regulatory Modernization Key Principles • Support For Regulatory Modernization • Ordinance Updates/ Concepts: • §12-3 METERED AND PAY STATION PARKING • §12-5 STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING 2 THE PARKING ENTERPRISE DIVISION Richard Mendoza P.E. Director PARKING ENTERPRISE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT Jim Dale P.E. Deputy Director Lewis Leff Acting Assistant Director Transportation Operations Joseph Al-hajeri Parking Enterprise Manager • Curbside Parking Management • Off-Street Parking Management • Mobility Enforcement • Mobility Services Licensing/ Permitting • Shared Mobility Management MISSION ALIGNMENT The Parking Enterprise Division carries out the mission of TPW by prioritizing accessibility through safe, reliable parking and mobility services for all members of the community. VISION ALIGNMENT The Parking Enterprise Division aligns to the vision of TPW by cultivating a safe environment that supports the overall transportation system, contributing to a model city where parking and mobility is accessible and well managed for all. 3 REGULATORY MODERNIZATON BACKGROUND Parking Policy Modernization + Supporting Parking and Mobility Studies 2011 - 2022 Bike Lane Enforcement Council Resolution (Included direction for code changes) April 2024 City Council consideration of proposed code changes Jan. 2025 Summer 2023 Bike Lane Enforcement BAC, PAC, and UTC Recommendations (Included desired code changes) Oct./Nov. 2024 Oct. 17 Mobility Committee Update on Council Resolution 20240404-040, Nov. 12 UTC update on proposed code changes 4 KEY PRINCIPLES OF CODE MODERNIZATION Objectives Strategies Outcomes Equity Mode shift support Reduce carbon emissions User-friendly Adaptable Foundations, operations, and policy Data-Driven Decision Making User experience and transparency User-Centric Design Innovation and testing Encourage the Right Behaviors 5 SUPPORT FOR MODERNIZATION With Council direction to add language to better manage bike lane mobility, staff will also bring forward a comprehensive modernization of the parking ordinances to make progress towards Austin’s mobility, parking, and climate goals. • Current codes/ regulations are outdated with minimal updates past 2009. • Reflect policy goals and recommendations from prior plans. • Begin to address vulnerable road users through enhanced regulation. • Reduce conflicts with enforcement and outdated language. • Streamlined terminology. • Focus on accommodating future technology. • Enhanced violation language. • Updates to fine amounts. 6 § 12-3 HIGHLIGHTS Regulates the designation of metered parking spaces, the usage of metered parking technology …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20241112-003: Bikeway Parking Prohibition and Parking Modernization Ordinance WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan includes action items to "reduce the number of conflicts between parking and bicycle lanes" and "prevent parking in bicycle facilities,"; WHEREAS, the 2023 Bicycle Plan recommends "a city-wide ordinance that prohibits parking in all bicycle lanes," noting that it "will reduce parking signage needs and sign clutter and make educating the public easier, and behavior more consistent”; WHEREAS, the Urban Transportation Commission in Recommendation 20220607-002E and Recommendation 20230711-004 proposed altering “any relevant ordinances requiring a posted sign explicitly making parking in the bike lane a citable offense, and instead to create as a default the reverse position of sanctioned parking in a bike lane only where it is explicitly posted as allowed;” WHEREAS, City Council Resolution 20240404-40 directed the City Manager to “initiate amendments to City Code Title 12 (Traffic Regulations) and any other necessary Code or Transportation Criteria Manual (TCM) sections to prohibit motor vehicle parking in bicycle lanes and offstreet bikeways, by default; ” WHEREAS, on October 17th, 2024, Transportation and Public Works (TPW) Staff presented potential code changes to the City Council Mobility Committee that stated “a motor vehicle operator shall not stop, stand, or park in a lane or pathway that has been designated by official markings or signage for the specific use of bicycles” with potential exceptions and other modernizations to the parking regulations under Title 12; WHEREAS, TPW staff presented the proposed changes to the Urban Transportation Commission on November 12th, 2024; and WHEREAS, the 2023 Bicycle Plan speaks to the problem of vehicular parking in bike lanes, stating, "when a vehicle parks in a bicycle lane, it creates a dangerous situation requiring people on bicycles to merge into a traffic lane to get around the vehicle. Therefore, parking shall not be permitted in bicycle lanes;” NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends city staff approach code changes regarding parking in the bike lane with a public safety perspective, understanding that any vehicle parked in the bike lane creates an inherent safety risk for bicyclists and thereby: ● Limit exemptions to situations where a motor vehicle needs to park in the bike lane for the safety of all road users; and ● Limit the scope of exemptions to ensure widespread knowledge that parking in the bike lane is illegal …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20241112-003: Bikeway Parking Prohibition and Parking Modernization Ordinance WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan includes action items to "reduce the number of conflicts between parking and bicycle lanes" and "prevent parking in bicycle facilities,"; WHEREAS, the 2023 Bicycle Plan recommends "a city-wide ordinance that prohibits parking in all bicycle lanes," noting that it "will reduce parking signage needs and sign clutter and make educating the public easier, and behavior more consistent”; WHEREAS, the Urban Transportation Commission in Recommendation 20220607-002E and Recommendation 20230711-004 proposed altering “any relevant ordinances requiring a posted sign explicitly making parking in the bike lane a citable offense, and instead to create as a default the reverse position of sanctioned parking in a bike lane only where it is explicitly posted as allowed;” WHEREAS, City Council Resolution 20240404-40 directed the City Manager to “initiate amendments to City Code Title 12 (Traffic Regulations) and any other necessary Code or Transportation Criteria Manual (TCM) sections to prohibit motor vehicle parking in bicycle lanes and offstreet bikeways, by default; ” WHEREAS, on October 17th, 2024, Transportation and Public Works (TPW) Staff presented potential code changes to the City Council Mobility Committee that stated “a motor vehicle operator shall not stop, stand, or park in a lane or pathway that has been designated by official markings or signage for the specific use of bicycles” with potential exceptions and other modernizations to the parking regulations under Title 12; WHEREAS, TPW staff presented the proposed changes to the Urban Transportation Commission on November 12th, 2024; and WHEREAS, the 2023 Bicycle Plan speaks to the problem of vehicular parking in bike lanes, stating, "when a vehicle parks in a bicycle lane, it creates a dangerous situation requiring people on bicycles to merge into a traffic lane to get around the vehicle. Therefore, parking shall not be permitted in bicycle lanes;” NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends city staff approach code changes regarding parking in the bike lane with a public safety perspective, understanding that any vehicle parked in the bike lane creates an inherent safety risk for bicyclists and thereby: ● Limit exemptions to situations where a motor vehicle needs to park in the bike lane for the safety of all road users; and ● Limit the scope of exemptions to ensure widespread knowledge that parking in the bike lane is illegal …
REGULAR MEETING of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY OCTOBER 1, 2024, at 5:00pm BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 CITY HALL – 301 W 2nd St. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Urban Transportation Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register please call or email the staff liaison in advance at (512)-974-3428 or natalie.leone@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Monday September 30, 2024 with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Melissa Ortiz-(District 2) Arlin Alvarez-(District 3) Susan Somers, Chair-(District 4) Daniel Kavelman-(District 5) Edward Smith- (District 6) Diana Wheeler- (District 7) Vacant- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher- (District 9) Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair-(District 10) Deshon Brown- (Mayoral Appointee) 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. Approve the minutes of the Urban Transportation Commission REGULAR MEETING on September 3, 2024. 2. Staff briefing regarding Resolution 20240718-092 relating to safety barriers at medical DISCUSSION ITEMS facilities Presenter: Amber Hutchens DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS planning Presenter: Adam Greenfield Facilitator: Susan Somers Presenter: Mikey Goralnik Facilitator: Susan Somers prioritization and funding streams Facilitator: Ruven Brooks Facilitator: Susan Somers COMMITTEE UPDATES 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on including CityLeap in future bond 4. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on a partnership with Great Springs Project 5. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on transit enhancement plan regarding 6. Discussion and approval of 2025 Urban Transportation Commission meeting dates. 7. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Downtown Commission regarding actions taken at the September 18, 2024 meeting 8. Update from Commissioner Wheeler from the Joint Sustainability Commission regarding actions taken at the September 25, 2024 meeting 9. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the September 17, 2024 meeting 10. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the …
C20-2024-039 Bollard Installation For Medical Facilities Amber Hutchens | Capital Program Consultant | October 1, 2024 Presentation Overview • Background • Council Resolution • Code Amendment • Criteria/Rule • Schedule • Questions/Answers 9/26/2024 2 City Council Resolution 20240718-092 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: City Council initiates amendments to City Code, including Title 25 (Land Development), to require the installation of crash-rated bollards or other similar safety barriers to prevent vehicle-into-building crashes at the pedestrian entrances of medical facilities with nearby vehicular traffic. City Council Resolution 20240718-092 “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: When proposing amendments initiated by this Resolution, the City Manager is directed to explore: 1. the feasibility of requiring safety barriers in public right-of-way areas adjacent to medical facilities to enhance pedestrian safety and prevent vehicle crashes; 2. whether permit applications to expand, remodel, or upgrade existing facilities can trigger this requirement to install safety bollards; incentives for existing facilities to voluntarily comply with new City requirements to install bollards; 3. 4. 5. recommendations for the City's state and federal legislative agenda; and any other necessary changes that achieve the objectives of this resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The City Manager is directed to engage with stakeholders, including medical facility operators, with the goal of bringing about compliance with any new requirements City Council adopts.” LDC Chapter 25-6, Transportation Changes to Title 25 • Modify § 25-6-1 (Definitions) • Medical Facility: Hospitals, Stand alone ER facilities, Urgent Care Clinics • Pedestrian Entrance: Publicly accessible; designed for pedestrians • Create a new Section 25-6-324 (Pedestrian Safety Barriers for Medical Facilities) • Applies to all new construction • Requires installation on site and in right of way if necessary • Language allowing for alternative compliance • TPW approval required for installation within right of way • Technical guidance will be provided in Transportation Criteria Manual Changes to Title 25 • Applicability • New site plans or site plan revisions/corrections • Incentives for compliance • Waive review fees • Ordinance adoption outreach • Voluntary compliance Transportation Criteria Manual New TCM rule to include design and construction criteria: Installation requirements • PROWAG/TAS/ADA compliant • Crash rated/materials requirements • • Location and placement guidance • Accepted alternatives and review process • Fire/EMS coordination Schedule for Adoption • City Council Resolution: July 18 (Approved on Consent 11-0) • Stakeholder Meetings: September 9 & September 18 • Urban Transportation Commission: …
CityLeap ATX Urban Transportation Commission October 1st 2024 The Plan Convert one or more vehicle lanes on every City of Austin-owned arterial to either bus lanes with shared use paths, or protected bike lanes, in five years. CityLeap Study Recommended Aspects to Include • Compatibility with ASMP modeshift goals (50% non-drive alone by 2039) • People-carrying capacity • Safety impacts • Comprehensive crash cost impacts on society • Carbon emissions & air pollution • Traffic evaporation / reduced demand Thank you! Adam Greenfield Director of Advocacy, Safe Streets Austin adam@safestreetsaustin.org
GUIDING LOCAL // REGIONAL PLANS GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT GREAT SPRINGS PROJECT URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION // 10.1.24 URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION // 10.1.24 WHAT WE DO 50,000 ACRES OF 50,000 ACRES OF CONSERVATION IN THE CONSERVATION IN THE RECHARGE ZONE RECHARGE ZONE 100+ MILES OF TRAIL 100+ MILES OF TRAIL FROM THE ALAMO TO THE FROM THE ALAMO TO THE CAPITOL CAPITOL + WHAT WE DO 50,000 ACRES OF 50,000 ACRES OF CONSERVATION IN THE CONSERVATION IN THE RECHARGE ZONE RECHARGE ZONE 100+ MILES OF TRAIL 100+ MILES OF TRAIL FROM THE ALAMO TO THE FROM THE ALAMO TO THE CAPITOL CAPITOL AQUIFER AQUIFER RECHARGE RECHARGE PUBLIC PUBLIC ACCESS ACCESS ACTIVE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION RECREATIONAL RECREATIONAL USEUSE HABITAT HABITAT CONSERVATION CONSERVATION WORKFORCE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT + CARBON CARBON SEQUESTRATION SEQUESTRATION CLIMATE CHANGE CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION MITIGATION STORYTELLING + STORYTELLING + PLACEMAKING PLACEMAKING JUSTICE + JUSTICE + COMMUNITY COMMUNITY WHERE WE WORK T1T1 T2T2 H3H3 H2H2 H1H1 T3T3 CH2CH2 CH1CH1 C1C1 C4C4 C3C3 C2C2 B2B2 C0C0 B3B3 B1B1 BEXARCOMALHAYSTRAVIS WHERE WE WORK WILLIAMSON CREEK CORRIDOR O NIO N CREEK CORRIDOR ColoradoRiverBartonCreekOnion Creek3535183183290290457171RM-2244RM-1826FM - 812FM - 973FM - 1625FM-2304FM-1626EWilliamCannonDrWalshTarltonEscarpmentBlvdThaxtonRdWestbankDrELiveOakStHollySlaughterLnScenicBrookMckinneyFallsPkwyOldBeeCavesBeckettRdGroveBlvdBluffSpringsDrWestgateBlvdJainLnLedesmaW 12Th StElmontDrDeerLnSuburbanRiddleRdPoncianaDrTodd LnSilvermineJones RdColorado StComalStBartonSkwyBerkettDrBluebonnetW St Elmo RdBanisterLnEberhartLnBurtonDrSLakeshoreFitzhughRdOakSpringsDrWest StMatthews LnPalacePkwyBlueMeadowMccartyLnThraxtonRdWichershamLnFrate BarkerWMaryStBurleson RdShady LnManchacaKinneyAveWebbervilleRdColtonBluffSpringsRdBartonHillsReddStLattaCooperLnTrinity StWoodlandAveE 6Th StNuckles XingVargasRdRosewoodRedRiverStTeriRdBrodieLnBartonCreekBlvdEmeraldForestDrE St Elmo RdRepublicOfTexasBlvdTravisCountyCirAbilene/WagonTrainTillery StWWilliamCannonDrNuttyBrownLostOasisHolwS 5Th StParkerLnChiconWoodwardStDavisLnS1StStW Dittmar RdDeeGabrielCollinsSpringdale RdEOltorfStSouthwestPkwyCesar ChavezSPleasantValleyRdLostCreekBlvdWStassneyLnMontopolisE 12Th StConvictHillRdEStassneyLnCircleDrSwParkwayHAYSBEAR CREEKSAN LEANNAROLLINGWOODSUNSET VALLEYWESTLAKE HILLSHays CountyTravis CountySanAntonioNewBraunfelsSanMarcosAustinTRAIL STATUSExisting TrailsTrails In-Development*Potential Future GSP Trail AlignmentTRAIL TYPEShared Use TrailOn-Road (bike lanes, sidewalks, and/orneighborhood routes)Hiking TrailGSP Trail CorridorDESTINATIONSThe Great SpringsPublic Water AccessCommercial HubCommunity LandmarkParkTexas State CapitolEl Camino Real de Los Tejas NationalHistoric TrailBASE FEATURESExisting TrailsI-35RailroadMajor RiversRivers/StreamsOpen/Restricted Access Public LandsWaterbodiesEdwards Aquifer Recharge Zone1% Annual Chance Flood HazardCounties012MILESUpdates in the 2024 GSP Trails Plan for Travis County include the following:• The alternate on-street alignment has been removed from the map• A connection to the Capitol has been added along Shoal Creek Trail, 3rd Street, and Congress Avenue• A new segment has been added along Onion Creek from the Hays/Travis County Line to the confluence of the Colorado River - new segment map created (see Area G)BARTON SPRINGS45 S Sidepath45 S Sidepath Violet Crown Trail Violet Crown Trail Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail Barton Creek Greenbelt TrailLady Bird Johnson Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterWildflower CenterSendera Mesa Sendera Mesa Neighborhood ParkNeighborhood ParkSunset Sunset ValleyValleyTexas Texas State State CapitolCapitolTom Lasseter Tom Lasseter South Lamar South Lamar Neighborhood ParkNeighborhood ParkDick Dick Nichols Nichols District District ParkParkZilker ParkZilker ParkTo Buda and KyleTo Buda and KyleTo Blanco RiverTo Blanco …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20241001-004: Great Springs Project Partnership WHEREAS, the purpose of the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) “to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation-related matters including…pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; and WHEREAS, among the UTC’s responsibilities are “to promote close cooperation between the city council, other city boards and commissions, city departments, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with transportation-related activities so that all similar activities in the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest public welfare.;” and WHEREAS, Great Springs Project (GSP) is an Austin-based non-profit organization with a demonstrated capacity to support local governments and other partners in the region with implementing priority trail and conservation projects; and WHEREAS, Trails and Transportation Planner for Great Springs Project Mikey Goralnik has engaged with UTC members to introduce the Great Springs Project, its history, resources, and plans for supporting local efforts to implement priority trail projects in the City of Austin, and WHEREAS, GSP has diverse expertise in a range of topics that align with the UTC’s mandate to support the City’s connectivity and active transportation culture, including supporting urban trail implementation through right-of-way acquisition, designing and permitting priority trails, and programming trails with activities and events; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan identifies the Urban Trails System, highlighted by the Tier I and Tier II Urban Trails, as “an integral part of the transportation network” to “connect the street grid [and] provide additional pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and shorten walking and bicycling distances…[that] increase connectivity between lifestyles and outdoor neighborhoods, facilitate active trips, promote healthy experiences, and strengthen our community’s connection to nature and our ecosystem; and WHEREAS, numerous local and regional planning efforts, including the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Climate Equity Plan, Green Infrastructure Strengths and Gaps Assessment, and Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan, state the importance of partnerships between the city and non-profit partners for rapidly and fully implementing the community’s vision of a connected, resilient, healthy, and prosperous Austin, and WHEREAS, GSP has a mission to support the City’s connectivity, mobility, resiliency, vitality, and equity objectives in the organization’s project area, and the capacity and resources necessary to implement these stated priorities; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin must direct City staff to approve formal collaboration between external not-for-profit partners such as Great Springs Project …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20241001-003: CityLeap WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) sets forth a goal of reaching a 50/50 mode share (50% drive-alone, 50% taking transit, riding a bicycle, walking, carpooling, or teleworking) by 2039 and identifies infrastructure updates to our pedestrian, public transportation, and bicycle systems as paramount to that goal; WHEREAS, the City of Austin is lagging behind on the ASMP goals of 14% of Austinites commuting by transit, 4% commuting by bicycling, and 4% commuting by walking; WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan noted that “our transportation system is already the primary source of local air pollution and will soon become the largest emitter of greenhouse gases;” WHEREAS, in its August 8th, 2019 resolution, Austin City Council declared a climate emergency and called “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate.” WHEREAS, the CityLeap plan would accelerate Austin’s transportation and climate goals by providing transit lanes (with bicycle-pedestrian pathways at sidewalk level) or protected bicycle lanes on every City of Austin-owned arterial within five years; WHEREAS, converting one general travel lane in each direction on Barton Springs Road between Azie Morton Road and South Lamar Blvd to protected bicycle lanes and transit enhancements led to a 64% reduction in speeding, 67% reduction in crashes, and no discernable impact on motor vehicle travel times; WHEREAS, the cost of converting one general travel lane over the Longhorn Dam Bridge was recovered in four months through comprehensive crash cost savings to society; WHEREAS, lane conversions can also greatly improve transit reliability and speed, transportation choice, emergency response times, and air quality, while reducing carbon emissions; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution Resolution No. 20240829-138 directed the City Manager to relay input from the Urban Transportation Commission regarding the Comprehensive Climate Implementation program to the Bond Election Advisory Task Force and City Council. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that the City Council initiate a planning and feasibility study of the CityLeap program that prioritizes safety, considers comprehensive crash cost savings to society, carbon emissions, air pollution, and both the impact of reduced demand and induced demand on our transportation network. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends the Bond Election Advisory Task Force evaluate opportunities to include CityLeap in the next appropriate bond package. Motioned by: Seconded by: Date of Approval: Record of the vote:
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20241001-003: CityLeap WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) sets forth a goal of reaching a 50/50 mode share (50% drive-alone, 50% taking transit, riding a bicycle, walking, carpooling, or teleworking) by 2039 and identifies infrastructure updates to our pedestrian, public transportation, and bicycle systems as paramount to that goal; WHEREAS, the City of Austin is lagging behind on the ASMP goals of 14% of Austinites commuting by transit, 4% commuting by bicycling, and 4% commuting by walking; WHEREAS, the Austin Climate Equity Plan noted that “our transportation system is already the primary source of local air pollution and will soon become the largest emitter of greenhouse gases;” WHEREAS, in its August 8th, 2019 resolution, Austin City Council declared a climate emergency and called “for an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate.” WHEREAS, the CityLeap plan would accelerate Austin’s transportation and climate goals by providing transit lanes (with bicycle-pedestrian pathways at sidewalk level) or protected bicycle lanes on every City of Austin-owned arterial within five years; WHEREAS, converting one general travel lane in each direction on Barton Springs Road between Azie Morton Road and South Lamar Blvd to protected bicycle lanes and transit enhancements led to a 64% reduction in speeding, 67% reduction in crashes, and no discernable impact on motor vehicle travel times; WHEREAS, the cost of converting one general travel lane over the Longhorn Dam Bridge was recovered in four months through comprehensive crash cost savings to society; WHEREAS, lane conversions can also greatly improve transit reliability and speed, transportation choice, emergency response times, and air quality, while reducing carbon emissions; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution Resolution No. 20240829-138 directed the City Manager to relay input from the Urban Transportation Commission regarding the Comprehensive Climate Implementation program to the Bond Election Advisory Task Force and City Council. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that the City Council initiate a planning and feasibility study of the CityLeap program that prioritizes safety, considers comprehensive crash cost savings to society, carbon emissions, air pollution, and both the impact of reduced demand and induced demand on our transportation network. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that Transportation & Public Works Staff coordinate with CapMetro, Austin Transit Partnership, City of Austin Project Connect Office during the feasibility study, and consider effects on transit speed and …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation 20241001-005: Transit Enhancement Plan WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan calls for transit ridership to increase by a factor of four by 2039; WHEREAS, in July 2024 weekday boardings on Cap Metro transit exceeded 81,000 but Phase 1 of Project Connect light rail will only provide 28,500 boardings, and the vast majority of public transit capacity in Austin over the next few decades will continue to be provided by Cap Metro buses which share public streets with other vehicles; WHEREAS, the City of Austin and Cap Metro have jointly developed a Transit Enhancement Infrastructure Report which recommends 37 street improvement projects which will result in greater transit availability, accessibility, speed, and reliability within the City of Austin and which are not included in Project Connect; WHEREAS, the need for such projects will continue to grow as transit usage grows in Austin; WHEREAS, funding for these projects is likely to come from a variety of sources, such as 2020 Mobility Bond funds, CapMetro interlocal agreement funds, and potential future grant and bond funding opportunities, including a possible 2026 City of Austin mobility bond; NOW, THEREFORE BE, IT RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends Austin City Council direct the City Manager and the Transportation and Public Works Department to develop, maintain, and continuously update a long-range Transit Enhancement Plan, including a prioritized list of projects to be carried out by the City of Austin which would improve transit availability, accessibility, speed, and reliability and meeting the city's goal of 16% of Austinites commuting by Transit in 2039. • The Plan would continue the groundwork laid out in the Transit • • • • Enhancement Infrastructure Report; it should serve transit-supportive infrastructure in the same way the Sidewalks, Crossings and Shared Streets Plan does for pedestrian infrastructure or the Bicycle Plan does for bicycle infrastructure. The projects in the Plan may come from a variety of sources, including proposed service enhancements from Cap Metro, projects already identified in the City of Austin Transit Enhancement Infrastructure Report, requests from Austin Transit Partnership to facilitate construction of Austin Light Rail, Cap Metro projects for other components of Project Connect such as Metro Rapid lines and Pickup zones, and any other projects identified by City of Austin staff in collaboration with their partners at Cap Metro and Austin Transit Partnership. At a minimum, the Plan should include the 37 …
Urban Transportation Commission Approved 2025 Meeting Dates 1. Jan. 7, 2025 2. Feb. 4, 2025 3. March 4, 2025 4. April 1, 2025 5. May 6, 2025 6. June 3, 2025 7. July 1, 2025 8. August 5, 2025 9. September 2, 2025 10. October 7, 2025 11. November 11, 2025 12. December 2, 2025 Motioned by: Commissioner Somers Seconded by: Commissioner Schumacher Date of Approval: 10/1/24 Record of the vote: 9-0 Attest: Natalie Leone
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20241001-004: Great Springs Project Partnership WHEREAS, the purpose of the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) “to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation-related matters including…pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; and WHEREAS, among the UTC’s responsibilities are “to promote close cooperation between the city council, other city boards and commissions, city departments, and individuals, institutions, and agencies concerned with transportation-related activities so that all similar activities in the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest public welfare.;” and WHEREAS, Great Springs Project (GSP) is an Austin-based non-profit organization with a demonstrated capacity to support local governments and other partners in the region with implementing priority trail and conservation projects; and WHEREAS, Trails and Transportation Planner for Great Springs Project Mikey Goralnik has engaged with UTC members to introduce the Great Springs Project, its history, resources, and plans for supporting local efforts to implement priority trail projects in the City of Austin, and WHEREAS, GSP has diverse expertise in a range of topics that align with the UTC’s mandate to support the City’s connectivity and active transportation culture, including supporting urban trail implementation through right-of-way acquisition, designing and permitting priority trails, and programming trails with activities and events; and WHEREAS, the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan identifies the Urban Trails System, highlighted by the Tier I and Tier II Urban Trails, as “an integral part of the transportation network” to “connect the street grid [and] provide additional pedestrian and bicycle connectivity and shorten walking and bicycling distances…[that] increase connectivity between lifestyles and outdoor neighborhoods, facilitate active trips, promote healthy experiences, and strengthen our community’s connection to nature and our ecosystem; and WHEREAS, numerous local and regional planning efforts, including the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, Climate Equity Plan, Green Infrastructure Strengths and Gaps Assessment, and Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan, state the importance of partnerships between the city and non-profit partners for rapidly and fully implementing the community’s vision of a connected, resilient, healthy, and prosperous Austin, and WHEREAS, GSP has a mission to support the City’s connectivity, mobility, resiliency, vitality, and equity objectives in the organization’s project area, and the capacity and resources necessary to implement these stated priorities; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin must direct City staff to approve formal collaboration between external not-for-profit partners such as Great Springs Project …
