REGULAR MEETING OF THE URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY AUGUST 5, 2025, AT 5:00 PM 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 August 4, 2025, with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Vacant – (District 2) Arlin Alvarez-(District 3) Susan Somers, Chair-(District 4) Daniel Kavelman, Parliamentarian -(District 5) Kevin Chen- (District 6) Varun Prasad- (District 7) Justin Jacobson- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair- (District 9) Joshua Sorin – (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 July 1, 2025. 1 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the Cap Metro Bike Share Expansion. Presenters: Michael Kimbro & Jacob Barrett, Transportation and Public Works with JD Simpson, CapMetro 3. Discussion on Emergency Response Management Presenter: Kimmi McMinn & Dan Valbracht, Austin Transportation and Public Works 4. Discussion on Autonomous Vehicles Presenter: Kristin Bray, Austin Transportation and Public Works DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and approval of Urban Transportation Commission comment to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles on Autonomous Vehicles Rules adoption. Facilitator: Susan Somers 6. Discussion and possible action regarding an appointment to the Downtown Commission (one vacancy). Facilitator: Susan Somers COMMITTEE UPDATES 7. Update from Commissioner Prasad from the Joint Sustainability Commission regarding actions taken at the July 23, 2025, meeting. 8. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the July 15, 2025, meeting. 9. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 1, 2025 URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 1, 2025 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 6310 Whilemina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Somers called the Board Meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Susan Somers, Chair - (District 4) Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair - (District 9) Arlin Alvarez - (District 3) Daniel Kavelman, Parliamentarian - (District 5) Kevin Chen - (District 6) Justin Jacobson - (District 8) Commissioners in Attendance Virtually: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Varun Prasad - (District 7) Joshua Sorin – (District 10) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Carlos Soto APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on June 3, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 5/6/2025 were approved on a motion from Chair Somers, and a second from Vice Chair Schumacher on a 9-0 vote, with Commissioner Brown absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the state legislative update and implications for the City's transportation and mobility programs. The commission received a presentation from Carrie Rogers, Government Relations Officer for Intergovernmental Relations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion on and adoption of the Urban Transportation Commission Annual Report. On a motion from Chair Somers, and a second from Vice Chair Schumacher, an amended report was approved with a 9-0 vote. Amendment 1 – approved with a 9-0 vote on a motion from Commissioner Kavelman, and a second from Chair Somers. 1 URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Amendment 2 – approved with 9-0 on a motion from Vice Chair Schumacher and a second from Commissioner Buffo. 4. Discussion and approval of a recommendation regarding National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) lane widths. On a motion from Vice Chair Schumacher, and a second from Commissioner Kavelman, the recommendation was approved with a 9-0 vote. COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the June 2, 2025, meeting. The commission received an update from Commissioner Kavelman. 6. Update from Commissioner Buffo from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the June 17, 2025, meeting. The commission received an update from Commissioner Buffo. 7. Update from Chair Somers from the Community Advisory Committee for Austin Transit Partnership Board regarding actions taken at the June 12, 2025, meeting. The commission received …
Bikeshare Update Urban Transportation Commission August 5, 2025 Jacob Barrett, Program Manager, TDM Michael Kimbro, Program Manager, Shared Mobility Services Agenda • Bikeshare Partnership • System overview • Ridership • August Fare Adjustment • Bikeshare Expansion • Ridership Propensity • Market Typologies • 2025 Expansion Station Locations • Next Steps 2 Bikeshare Partnership • 3-year interlocal agreement between the City and CapMetro. • Both parties contribute financially • Both parties will create monthly and annual reports CapMetro • Ensure grant-funded activities meet the terms of 3rd Party Agreements. • Conduct branding, marketing, advertising • Manage Bikeshare vendor contract, software, and associated agreements • Operations, maintenance, and planning City of Austin • Reimburse CapMetro for grant-related expenses • Own program equipment and inventory • Design, permitting, and construction* • Ensure access to bikeshare during special events *CapMetro responsible for design, permitting, construction of Bikeshare pads within their ROW or when constructing in coordination with another CapMetro capital project. 3 Map of Existing Bikeshare Stations System Overview • 100% e-bike fleet (475 bikes) • All new, all-electric fleet installed in 2024 • 73 existing stations • 1 electrified station (station charges bikes) • Construction of 1 additional electrified station underway • Access the program via the CapMetro Bikeshare or the Transit app 4 Ridership Ridership has been increasing by 10% each month. Highest ride day: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, during SXSW (with 2003 trips) Top performing station: Perry-Castañeda Library, with more than 30k trips this year. Today, top-performing stations are in West Campus and top users of the system are UT students. 5 August Fare Adjustment Price Pay-as-you-ride 1-Day Pass 31-Day Pass Annual Pass Student (18 & Over) Discount Current $1.09 + $0.23/min $12.99 (60 mins) + 4.33 per 30 min $11 (60 mins) + $4.33 per 30 min $86.60 (60 mins) + $4.33 per 30 min $12 (60 mins) + $4.33 per 30 min New (August 1st) $2.50 + $0.25/min $10 (30 mins) + $0.25/min $25 (30 mins) + $0.25/min $150 (30 mins) + $0.25/min 50% off Annual Pass (Mins) refers to the included time per ride before assessing Overage Fees • • Simplified the overage fees ($4.33 per 30 min vs. $0.25/min) • Made 1-Day and 31-Day pass logical. The 31-Day pass now costs more than the 1-Day pass. • More closely aligned Annual Pass and Student Discount with industry best practice. 6 Ridership Propensity High Ridership Public Need Combined …
Emergency Management Presented by Kimmi McMinn and Dan Valbracht August 5, 2025 TPW Emergency Management Emergency Management (EM) Program Team • Kimmi McMinn • Arabella Walker Operational Response Groups • Street and Bridge Operations (SBO) • Arterial Management Division (AMD) • Signs and Markings Division (SMD) • Urban Forestry Division (UF) Support Function Groups • Public Information Office (PIO) • Data and Technology Services (DTS) • Logistics • Human Resources and Safety • Finance 2 TPW Emergency Management Activations (Estimated past 12 months) • 3 winter weather this season • 3 severe weather (debris, asst to WPD) • Special events (ACL, F1, SXSW, VIP visits) Scale of Response • EOC activations, DOC activations, Situational Assessment Teams Actions Taken • Road treatment • Debris clearing • Lane/road closures • Sign replacement • Signal repairs for signals in flash or dark • Generator deployment for signals City-wide coordinated efforts • EOC activations, coordination calls 3 TPW Emergency Management Technology Solutions TPW Emergency Response Technology • Emergency On-Call Contact Dashboard • Current Road Conditions Dashboard • Mapping of Critical Assets and Facilities • Signal Status Dashboard • 3-1-1 Customer Service Requests and Workorder Management Systems • Centralized Emergency Response Communications Tool 4 TPW Emergency Management Current Priorities COA Wildfire Planning: • Coordination with HSEM and AFD/APD • Trailer and traffic device preparations in progress • Determining trailer staging areas • Dry run deployment evaluation Winter Weather Preparations: • TPW Operational Plan Updates • Department Tabletop Exercise • New Equipment, Liquid Application Systems (LAS) • Equipment training and field exercise 5 TPW Emergency Management Planning Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Updated TPW COOP plan inclusive of all functions since TPW’s creation Overarching plan will be developed Quarterly exercises and reviews will be performed Development of a singular guiding document to include appendices on: fire evacuation, winter weather, flood response, and debris management 6 Coordinated Citywide Efforts Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (HMAP) Coordination with HSEM and H2O Partners COA Common Operating Picture Coordinating with AFD/ARR/HSEM on debris management platform Exploring opportunities for inclusion in the VEOCI city-wide application Monthly Coordination Meetings HSEM/Regional Emergency Management CAPCOG Mass Care Coordination TPW prioritizes the clearing of priority routes for access to shelters and other sites 7 TPW Future Plans (FY26) Incident Command System (ICS) Training • Industry Standard Emergency Management structure • Used by public safety entities (APD, AFD, EMS, and HSEM) • Training …
Autonomous Vehicle Update Urban Transportation Commission August 5, 2025 Kristin Bray| Business Process Consultant Texas Legislative Update • Currently: Texas Transportation code 545.452 – cities cannot regulate or permit AVs. • SB 2807 effective September 1, 2025. Rules to be finalized and effective at a later date. • Gives the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) authority to permit AV companies. • Requires permits for any commercial use of autonomous vehicles. • Can suspend, revoke, or cancel permits. • As part of the application AV companies must provide the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) a First Responder Plan that includes: • How to communicate with fleet support staff. • How to safely remove the vehicle from the road and tow. • How to recognize the AV is in autonomous mode. DMV Proposed Rules • DMV has published proposed rules related to AVs in the Texas Register on 7/25/25. • Automated Motor Vehicles, Ch. 220 Updates • Adjudicative Practice & Procedure, Ch. 224 Updates • 30 days for public comment ending on 8/25/25 at 5 p.m. • City’s Intergovernmental Relations Office is submitting comments on behalf of all City departments to the State. Autonomous Vehicle Operation Phases Mapping Testing Deployment • The vehicle is driven by a person across the intended area of operations, collecting data. • Data compiled into a detailed map. • The vehicle drives itself in AV mode. • A safety driver may be present in tests as a precaution. • Vehicle accepts commercial passengers and operates on the roadway, fully autonomous. Current AV Operations in Austin Deployed Waymo Jaguar i-Pace 100+ Zoox Toyota Highlander ~20 Zoox Robotaxi – Not yet in Austin 0 Tesla Model Y ~20 VW ADMT ID. Buzz ~12 Avride Hyundai IONIQ 5 ~40 AV Safety Working Group The City has been proactive by establishing the AV Safety Working Group to: • Prepare and train for incidents, • Facilitate communication, • Collect data and standardize documentation. Data for Geofences Infrastructure & Events • Hospitals • Fire Stations • EMS Stations • Police Stations • Special Events • Schools & School Zones Emergencies An email is automatically sent from our Computer- Aided Dispatch system. Our expectation is an exclusion zone of 1,000 feet for one hour. AVs & Citations The City of Austin can cite AVs for moving violations. But not by giving them a ticket. APD can register complaints with the court for …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY JULY 1, 2025, AT 5:00 PM 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 June 30, 2025, with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Vacant – (District 2) Arlin Alvarez-(District 3) Susan Somers, Chair-(District 4) Daniel Kavelman, Parliamentarian -(District 5) Kevin Chen- (District 6) Varun Prasad- (District 7) Justin Jacobson- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair- (District 9) Joshua Sorin – (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 June 3, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the state legislative update and implications for the City's transportation and mobility programs. Presenter: Carrie Rogers, Government Relations Officer DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion on and adoption of the Urban Transportation Commission Annual Report. Facilitator: Susan Somers 4. Discussion and approval of a recommendation regarding National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) lane widths. Facilitator: Spencer Schumacher COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the June 2, 2025, meeting. 6. Update from Commissioner Buffo from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the June 17, 2025, meeting. 7. Update from Chair Somers from the Community Advisory Committee for Austin Transit Partnership Board regarding actions taken at the June 12, 2025, meeting. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, June 3, 2025 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Somers called the Urban Transportation Commission Meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Susan Somers, Chair Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair Heather Buffo Justin Jacobson Daniel Kavelman Varun Prasad Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Deshon Brown Joshua Sorin PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on May 6, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 5/6/2025 were approved on Commissioner Somers’ motion, Commissioner Schumacher’s second on an 8-0 vote, with Commissioners Alvarez and Chen absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding the Urban Transportation Commission Annual Report. Presenter: Susan Somers Chair Somers facilitated a discussion about items that should be included in the upcoming annual report. 1 DRAFT URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES 3. Discussion regarding Vision Zero program updates. Presenter: Joel Meyer, Transportation and Public Works Department The commission received a presentation from Joel Meyer, Transportation Safety Officer for Vision Zero, Transportation and Public Works Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on the Director Rules for the Residential Permit Parking program. Facilitator: Susan Somers On a motion from Vice Chair Schumacher, and a second from Commissioner Kavelman, an amended recommendation was approved with an 8-0 vote. Amendment 1 – approved with a 7-0 vote (with Commissioner Sorin temporarily absent) on a motion from Vice Chair Schumacher, and a second from Commissioner Kavelman, to strike the last WHEREAS clause on the posted draft recommendation. Amendment 2 – approved with 7-1 on a motion from Commissioner Jacobson and a second from Chair Somers, to add Be It Resolved clause, placed second from the last, to read: “The Urban Transportation Commission recommends that Transportation and Public Works add owners and employees of adjacent cultural venues and businesses as interested parties in the establishment of Residential Parking Program zones, ensuring they maintain access upon the Zone’s establishment.” 5. Discussion and possible action regarding an appointment to the Joint Sustainability Committee (one vacancy). Facilitator: Susan Somers On a motion from Chair Somers, with a second from Vice Chair Schumacher, Commissioner Prasad was appointed to the Joint Sustainability Committee with an 8-0 vote. On a motion from Chair Somers, …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager FROM: Carrie Rogers, Intergovernmental Relations Officer DATE: June 24, 2025 SUBJECT: Intergovernmental Relations Office – State Legislative Update Veto Period Ends for 89th Texas Legislature & Special Session Called Governor Abbott's veto period concluded on Sunday, June 22, 2025, marking the final stage in the legislative process for the regular session of the 89th Texas Legislature. This memorandum follows up on our June 3, 2025, update and provides a summary of key legislation signed into law that has implications for the City of Austin. The Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO) is now coordinating with the Law Department and City departments to begin implementation planning and compliance review. A City Council briefing will be scheduled in July to discuss the outcomes and next steps. Governor Abbott has called a special session to begin July 21, 2025. The session was triggered by six vetoed bills that he would like to see worked on. These include: • SB 3 – Would ban the sale of hemp-derived THC products in Texas. • SB 648 – Relates to recording requirements for certain real property instruments. • SB 1253 – Relates to impact and production fees for water projects and regulation of certain wells. • SB 1278 – Provides an affirmative defense to prosecution for victims of human trafficking. • SB 1758 – Addresses environmental standards for cement kilns near semiconductor facilities. • SB 2878 – Relates to administrative operations and judicial proceedings within the state judiciary. The Governor has described this as an “initial” call, and additional items may be added. Notably, redistricting was not included in the proclamation despite national attention. Under the Texas Constitution, lawmakers may file bills on any topic during a special session, but only those within the Governor’s call can advance unless he expands it. You can access his full announcement here. PAGE: DATE: SUBJECT: 2 of 5 June 24, 2025 IGR / Veto Period Ends for 89th Texas Legislature & Special Session Called The following update includes key bills signed or allowed to become law without the governor’s signature. This update is based on information currently available. A complete list is attached. Local Government Preemption • SB 412 by Senator Middleton is effective September 1, 2025. The bill amends the Texas Penal Code to remove the affirmative defense for …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Urban Transportation Commission The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation- related matters including: • • • • • • • • transportation energy conservation matters; grant applications; streets and highways; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; safety related programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation. The commission shall: • Review and make recommendations to the city council on all requests for taxicab permits, including annual permits and franchise permits. • Annually review and report to the city council on the City's transportation system, including policies and programs. • Review, study, and make recommendations to the Planning Commission on: transportation-related projects proposed for inclusion in the Capital Improvements Program; and plans and programs submitted by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. • Receive and study citizen comments and suggestions in all areas of • • transportation. In its deliberations: (1) recognize the relationship between transportation and economics, energy, safety, land use, neighborhood integrity, and environmental quality; and (2) consider transportation access to health care, employment, education, housing, and recreational facilities. Seek to promote close cooperation between the city council, other city boards and commissions, city departments, and individuals, institutions, and agencies 1 DRAFT Annual Review and Work Plan 2025 concerned with transportation- related activities so that all similar activities in the City may be coordinated to secure the greatest public welfare. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. Presentations heard with no action taken: • Mobility Annual Plan briefing Street Impact Fee update • • Discussion of long range planning and updates to the Urban Trails Plan • Living Streets Program update • Transit Enhancement Program update • • • CapMetro Rapid Line update • Corridor Projects status update • Safety Barriers at Medical Facilities Briefing Presentation on the cost of motor vehicle crashes to City of Austin taxpayers Initial briefing/discussion on the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 2050 Regional Transportation Plan • Austin Light Rail update • …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20250701-004: Aligning Lane Widths to NACTO Standards WHEREAS, the Transportation Criteria Manual recommends a street width of 11-12.5 feet and a constrained width of 10-11.5 feet for Level 3 and Level 4 streets, roadway types that often serve urban neighborhoods, corridors, and multimodal transportation networks; WHEREAS, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) recommends lane widths of 10 feet as the standard for urban streets, stating they provide sufficient safety while helping to calm traffic and improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists; and WHEREAS, research cited by NACTO finds that each additional foot of lane width is associated with an estimated 2.9 mph increase in vehicle speed, which in turn elevates crash severity and risk for vulnerable road users; and D R A F T WHEREAS, NACTO encourages cities to use context-sensitive design practices, allowing for 11-foot lanes only for designated truck or transit corridors, and in select cases permitting even narrower (9–9.5 foot) lanes in conjunction with turn lanes or low-speed, low-volume roads; and WHEREAS, the 2023 John Hopkins study the study “A National Investigation on the Impacts of Lane Width on Traffic Safety” analyzed 1,117 street segments across seven U.S. cities and found no evidence that narrower lanes (9 or 10 feet) are associated with higher crash rates, even after controlling for factors like street geometry, traffic volume, and built environment characteristics; and WHEREAS, the Johns Hopkins study found that 12-foot lanes—which are often the default under outdated engineering guidelines—were associated with higher numbers of non-intersection crashes compared to 9- and 10-foot lanes, particularly on streets with speed limits between 30 and 35 mph; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) recommends that the Department of Transportation & Public Works (TPW) initiate updates to the Transportation Criteria Manual (TCM) Street Design for Level 3 and Level 4 Streets to NACTO standards, including by adopting the following: ● A recommended lane width of 10 feet and a constrained width of 9 feet for general travel lanes not designated for truck or transit use; ● A recommended width of 11 feet and constrained width of 10 feet for general travel lanes with transit use or where freight/delivery traffic is expected to be greater than 10% of total traffic; and ● The inclusion of contextual factors that would require a lane width greater than 11 feet; and BE IT …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20250701-004: Aligning Lane Widths to NACTO Standards WHEREAS, the Transportation Criteria Manual recommends a street width of 11-12.5 feet and a constrained width of 10-11.5 feet for Level 3 and Level 4 streets, roadway types that often serve urban neighborhoods, corridors, and multimodal transportation networks; WHEREAS, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) recommends lane widths of 10 feet as the standard for urban streets, stating they provide sufficient safety while helping to calm traffic and improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists; and WHEREAS, research cited by NACTO finds that each additional foot of lane width is associated with an estimated 2.9 mph increase in vehicle speed, which in turn elevates crash severity and risk for vulnerable road users; and WHEREAS, NACTO encourages cities to use context-sensitive design practices, allowing for 11-foot lanes only for designated truck or transit corridors, and in select cases permitting even narrower (9–9.5 foot) lanes in conjunction with turn lanes or low-speed, low-volume roads; and WHEREAS, the 2023 John Hopkins study the study “A National Investigation on the Impacts of Lane Width on Traffic Safety” analyzed 1,117 street segments across seven U.S. cities and found no evidence that narrower lanes (9 or 10 feet) are associated with higher crash rates, even after controlling for factors like street geometry, traffic volume, and built environment characteristics; and WHEREAS, the Johns Hopkins study found that 12-foot lanes—which are often the default under outdated engineering guidelines—were associated with higher numbers of non-intersection crashes compared to 9- and 10-foot lanes, particularly on streets with speed limits between 30 and 35 mph; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) recommends that the Department of Transportation & Public Works (TPW) initiate updates to the Transportation Criteria Manual (TCM) Street Design for Level 3 and Level 4 Streets to NACTO standards, including by adopting the following: ● A recommended lane width of 10 feet and a constrained width of 9 feet for general travel lanes not designated for truck or transit use; ● A recommended width of 11 feet and constrained width of 10 feet for general travel lanes with transit use or where freight/delivery traffic is expected to be greater than 10% of total traffic; and ● The inclusion of contextual factors that would require a lane width greater than 11 feet; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the UTC …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Urban Transportation Commission The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory body to the city council, the city manager, and all other transportation-related departments concerning transportation- related matters including: streets and highways; transportation energy conservation matters; grant applications; bus and rail service; pedestrian and bikeway programs and projects; provision for the needs of the mobility impaired; safety related programs and projects; transportation franchise requests, renewals, rate adjustments, and hours of operation. The commission shall: Review and make recommendations to the city council on all requests for taxicab permits, including annual permits and franchise permits. Annually review and report to the city council on the City's transportation system, including policies and programs. Review, study, and make recommendations to the Planning Commission on: transportation-related projects proposed for inclusion in the Capital Improvements Program; and plans and programs submitted by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Receive and study citizen comments and suggestions in all areas of transportation. In its deliberations: (1) recognize the relationship between transportation and economics, energy, safety, land use, neighborhood integrity, and environmental Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # quality; and (2) consider transportation access to health care, employment, education, housing, and recreational facilities. Seek 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. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. Presentations heard with no action taken: Mobility Annual Plan briefing Street Impact Fee update Discussion of long range planning and updates to the Urban Trails Plan Living Streets Program update Transit Enhancement Program update Safety Barriers at Medical Facilities Briefing Presentation on the cost of motor vehicle crashes to City of Austin taxpayers CapMetro Rapid Line update Corridor Projects status update Initial briefing/discussion on the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization 2050 Regional Transportation Plan Austin Light Rail update …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 1, 2025 URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 1, 2025 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 6310 Whilemina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Somers called the Board Meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Susan Somers, Chair - (District 4) Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair - (District 9) Arlin Alvarez - (District 3) Daniel Kavelman, Parliamentarian - (District 5) Kevin Chen - (District 6) Justin Jacobson - (District 8) Commissioners in Attendance Virtually: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Varun Prasad - (District 7) Joshua Sorin – (District 10) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION Carlos Soto APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on June 3, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 5/6/2025 were approved on a motion from Chair Somers, and a second from Vice Chair Schumacher on a 9-0 vote, with Commissioner Brown absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the state legislative update and implications for the City's transportation and mobility programs. The commission received a presentation from Carrie Rogers, Government Relations Officer for Intergovernmental Relations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion on and adoption of the Urban Transportation Commission Annual Report. On a motion from Chair Somers, and a second from Vice Chair Schumacher, an amended report was approved with a 9-0 vote. Amendment 1 – approved with a 9-0 vote on a motion from Commissioner Kavelman, and a second from Chair Somers. 1 URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 1, 2025 Amendment 2 – approved with 9-0 on a motion from Vice Chair Schumacher and a second from Commissioner Buffo. 4. Discussion and approval of a recommendation regarding National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) lane widths. On a motion from Vice Chair Schumacher, and a second from Commissioner Kavelman, the recommendation was approved with a 9-0 vote. COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Update from Commissioner Kavelman from the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the June 2, 2025, meeting. The commission received an update from Commissioner Kavelman. 6. Update from Commissioner Buffo from the Bicycle Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the June 17, 2025, meeting. The commission received an update from Commissioner Buffo. 7. Update from Chair Somers from the Community Advisory Committee for Austin Transit Partnership Board regarding actions taken at the June 12, 2025, meeting. The commission received …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY JUNE 3, 2025, AT 5:00 PM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 AUSTIN CITY HALL, 301 W 2ND STREET 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)-974-3593 or meredith.rusin@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Monday June 2, 2025, with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Heather Buffo - (District 1) Vacant – (District 2) Arlin Alvarez-(District 3) Susan Somers, Chair-(District 4) Daniel Kavelman, Parliamentarian -(District 5) Kevin Chen- (District 6) Varun Prasad- (District 7) Justin Jacobson- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair- (District 9) Joshua Sorin – (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 May 6, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding the Urban Transportation Commission Annual Report. Presenter: Susan Somers 3. Discussion regarding Vision Zero program updates. Presenter: Joel Meyer, Transportation and Public Works Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on the Director Rules for the Residential Permit Parking program. Facilitator: Susan Somers 5. Discussion and possible action regarding an appointment to the Joint Sustainability Committee (one vacancy). Facilitator: Susan Somers COMMITTEE UPDATES 6. Update from Commissioner Schumacher from the Downtown Commission regarding actions taken at the May 21, 2025, meeting. 7. Update from Commissioner Schumacher and Commissioner Kavelman from the Bicycle Advisory Council and the Pedestrian Advisory Council regarding actions taken at the joint May 5, 2025, meeting. 8. Update from Chair Somers from the City Council Mobility Committee regarding actions taken at the May 15, 2025, meeting. 9. Update from Chair Somers from the Community Advisory Committee for Austin Transit Partnership …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 6, 2025 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Somers called the Urban Transportation Commission Meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Susan Somers, Chair Heather Buffo Kevin Chen Justin Jacobson Daniel Kavelman Varun Prasad Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Spencer Schumacher, Vice Chair Deshon Brown PUBLIC COMMUNICATION None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on April 1, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 4/1/2025 were approved on Commissioner Somers’ motion, Commissioner Jacobson’s second on a 7-0 vote; Commissioners Alvarez and Prasad absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and approval of a possible recommendation on the Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD) updates from City of Austin and CapMetro. The Commission received a presentation from Warner Cook and Ana Villareal, City of Austin Planning Department, and Matthew Mejia, CapMetro. Chair Somers moved to approve a recommendation on the North Lamar Transit 1 DRAFT URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES Center and South Congress Transit Center Vision Plans and Commissioner Kavelman seconded the motion. The motion was approved on an 8-0 vote; Commissioner Alvarez absent. 3. Discussion and approval of a Right of Way Vacation for 11632 Saint Thomas Drive. The Commission received a presentation from Christopher Bueckert, Transportation and Public Works. Chair Somers moved to approve the right of way vacation application for 11632 Saint Thomas Drive, and Vice Chair Schumacher seconded the motion. The motion was approved on an 8-0 vote; Commissioner Alvarez absent. 4. Discussion and approval of a Right of Way Vacation for 21 Julieanna Cove. Presenter: Christopher Bueckert, Transportation and Public Works Department The Commission received a presentation from Christopher Bueckert, Transportation and Public Works. Chair Somers moved to approve the right of way vacation application for 21 Julieanna Cove, and Commissioner Jacobson seconded the motion. The motion was approved on an 8-0 vote; Commissioner Alvarez absent. 5. Discussion and approval of a possible recommendation on the Director Rules for the Residential Permit Parking program. The Commission received a presentation from Joseph Al-Hajeri, Transportation and Public Works. Lewis Leff, Transportation and Public Works, was present to address questions. 6. Discussion and approval of a possible recommendation on the Directors Rules and one-year update on the Shared …
Vision Zero Program Updates Urban Transportation Commission June 3rd, 2025 1,185 Years of Potential Life Lost in 2025 2 Serious injury and fatality trends Year to Date through April So far in 2025 the combined number of serious injuries and fatalities is 17% lower than 2024 and 41% lower than the prior five-year average (2019-2023) Data extracted 05/16/2025 Year-to-date through April 3 Serious injury and fatality trends Year to Date through April Serious injuries and fatalities are down among motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and e- scooter riders, while those involving motorcyclists and “Other” are up -15% vs 2024 MOTOR VEHICLE MOTORCYCLE PEDESTRIAN BICYCLE E-SCOOTER OTHER up 70% vs 2024 -17% vs 2024 -92% vs 2024 -100% vs 2024 up 100% (n=1 in 2025) 20 40 0 60 80 100 120 140 4 4 Data extracted 05/16/2025 Prior 5 yr avg. (2019 - 2023) 2024 2025 Year-to-date through April Serious injury and fatality trends Year to Date through April Fatalities on City-owned roadways continue their downward trend, While fatalities on non-City roadways are up 73% vs 2024 COA Roadway Non-COA Roadway 14 12 8 9 12 12 10 11 10 7 5 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 5 Data extracted 05/16/2025 Year-to-date through April 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Program Updates Designing Safer Streets • 2018 Bond Vision Zero funding anticipated to be fully spent by end of 2025 • Accelerating 2020 Bond Vision Zero spending • Major intersection safety projects • • • Pedestrian crossings Street lighting Low-cost, systemic safety projects citywide • Where we’ve invested in safe infrastructure, we’ve seen positive results • • • 29% decrease in injuries and fatalities at major intersection safety project locations 70% decrease in left-turn crashes where left turn protection has been added 64% and 58% decrease in high-risk speeding on Barton Springs Rd. and Bluff Springs Rd. corridors, respectively • Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Implementation • 6 Major Intersections; dozens of low-cost, systemic treatments; 8-10 Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons; Citywide Lighting Plan 6 Program Updates Citywide Lighting Plan • Co-led by Vision Zero, Austin Energy and the Parks and Recreation Department • Funded through 2022 SS4A Grant • Plan elements will include • Citywide lighting inventory and gap analysis • Updated street and park lighting design guidelines • New pedestrian and trail lighting guidelines • Policy recommendations and code updates • Prioritization …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20540604-00X: Residential Parking Program Proposed Rule R161-25.10 WHEREAS, the Residential Permit Parking (RPP) program was created in 1997 to address overflow parking in neighborhoods adjacent to the University of Texas and has since expanded to over 52 zones citywide with more than 6,000 designated parking spaces; WHEREAS, the program requires resident engagement and significant community support, including 60–66.7% support from affected residents and evidence of 75% occupancy during a two-week survey to justify RPP implementation; WHEREAS, recent survey data gathered from over 750 participants and 5,500 responses indicate a significant level of dissatisfaction with the current RPP program, with 60–70% of comments being negative or critical, including concerns about fairness, program access for renters, and lack of enforcement; WHEREAS, the Director’s proposed rule changes include re-evaluation criteria, such as declaring a zone underutilized if fewer than 66% of eligible households purchase or renew permits annually, and improving procedural transparency around permit revocation and appeals; WHEREAS, the proposed Director Rules introduce more inclusive definitions of “resident” that acknowledge the realities of renters in multi-family units and propose new tools such as affordable permits, construction passes, and expanded access to day passes; WHEREAS, public feedback suggests a desire to shift the program’s stated goals away from guaranteeing residential convenience toward managing curb space as a public resource in a way that ensures safety, mobility, and fairness for all users of the public right-of-way; WHEREAS, equitable access to the public right-of-way is a key priority, and UTC believes the Director’s Rules should ensure that residents of larger multi-family properties are not excluded from visitor permit access or comparable benefits afforded to single-family homes; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends the Director’s Rules maintain the following provisions: ● Hybrid Parking Regulations; ● Definition of resident in Section V(5), which is inclusive of Multi-Family residents; ● Allowing multi-unit residential properties with seven or more units to be eligible for Day Passes under Section XII(F)(1) ● Creation of Construction Passes under Section XII(F)(2); and ● Residential Parking Program Re-evaluation Criteria, including that a zone may be underutilized if fewer than 66% of eligible households purchase or renew permits annually in Section XI(C)(1); BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the UTC recommends the Director’s Rules are amended to remove provisions in Section I stating that the purpose of the Residential Parking Program is, in part, to make it …
