REGULAR MEETING of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2023, 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 December 4, with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Vacant - (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) Athena Leyton- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher- (District 9) Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair- (District 10) Vacant- (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 December 5, 2023. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the roles and responsibilities of each City department and office involved in the implementation of mobility-related projects and programs. Presenter: Jeff Stensland, Transportation and Public Works 3. Update on the Austin Light Rail project Presenter: Austin Transit Partnership Staff 4. Discussion on public engagement and strategic planning for Austin MetroBike Presenter: Capital Metro staff 5. Discussion on Transportation and Public Works grants outlooks for 2024 Presenter: Andrei Lubomudrov, Transportation and Public Works Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion and possible action on the Commission’s 2024 meeting dates. 7. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation relating to Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board COMMITTEE UPDATES 8. Update from the Downtown Commission regarding actions from the January 17, 2024 Meeting: Commissioner Spencer Schumacher 9. Update from the Joint Sustainability Committee regarding actions from the December 13, 2023 and January 24, 2024 Meetings: Commissioner Diana Wheeler 10. Update from the Pedestrian Advisory …
REGULAR MEETING of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6, 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 December 4, with the following information: name, item number(s) to speak on, telephone number, and email address. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Vacant - (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) Athena Leyton- (District 8) Spencer Schumacher- (District 9) Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair- (District 10) Vacant- (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 December 5, 2023. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the roles and responsibilities of each City department and office involved in the implementation of mobility-related projects and programs. Presenter: Jeff Stensland, Transportation and Public Works 3. Update on the Austin Light Rail project Presenter: Austin Transit Partnership Staff 4. Discussion on public engagement and strategic planning for Austin MetroBike Presenter: Capital Metro staff 5. Discussion on Transportation and Public Works grants outlooks for 2024 Presenter: Andrei Lubomudrov, Transportation and Public Works Department DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion and possible action on the Commission’s 2024 meeting dates. 7. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation relating to Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board COMMITTEE UPDATES 8. Update from the Downtown Commission regarding actions from the January 17, 2024 Meeting: Commissioner Spencer Schumacher 9. Update from the Joint Sustainability Committee regarding actions from the December 13, 2023 and January 24, 2024 Meetings: Commissioner Diana Wheeler 10. Update from the Pedestrian Advisory …
Mobility Services Organizational Structure Jim Dale, Deputy Director Transportation and Public Works 1 February 6, 2024 Mobility Services Organizational Structure DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW Mission: We are a highly reliable organization that builds and maintains mobility infrastructure for our community. Vision: Austin is the model for safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation. Recent bond programs, from 2016, 2018 and 2020, are funding a wide range of projects across the city. 2 Mobility Services Organizational Structure Anthony Segura Anthony Segura Assistant Director Assistant Director Business Support Services Business Support Services Karla Taylor Karla Taylor Chief of Staff Chief of Staff Upal Barua, P.E. Upal Barua, P.E. Acting Assistant Director Acting Assistant Director Transportation Services Transportation Services Transportation Public Works Organizational Structure Richard Mendoza, P.E. Richard Mendoza, P.E. Director Director Jim Dale, P.E. Jim Dale, P.E. Acting Deputy Director Acting Deputy Director Reiner Hershaw Reiner Hershaw Acting Assistant Director Acting Assistant Director Street & Bridge Street & Bridge Operations Operations Anna Martin, P.E. Anna Martin, P.E. Assistant Director Assistant Director Engineering & Engineering & Project Delivery Project Delivery Lewis Leff Lewis Leff Acting Assistant Director Acting Assistant Director Strategic Mobility Strategic Mobility Services Services Pirouz Moin, P.E. Pirouz Moin, P.E. Assistant Director Assistant Director Civil Engineering Civil Engineering Services Services Finance Finance Public Information Public Information Street & Bridge Street & Bridge Operations Operations Transportation Transportation Engineering Engineering Vision Zero Vision Zero Office of the City Office of the City Engineer Engineer Strategic Mobility Strategic Mobility Projects Projects Transportation Transportation Development Development Human Resources Human Resources Administration Administration District Maintenance District Maintenance Project Delivery Project Delivery Sign & Markings Sign & Markings Sidewalks and Urban Sidewalks and Urban Trails Trails Strategic Projects Strategic Projects Transportation Transportation Development Development Services Services Data & Technology Data & Technology Services Services Legislative Affairs Legislative Affairs Utilities & Structures Utilities & Structures Active Active Transportation & Transportation & Street Design Street Design Arterial Arterial Management Management Community Services Community Services Strategic Strategic Communications & Communications & Outreach Outreach Land Development Land Development Engineering Engineering Performance Performance Management Management Pavement Pavement Operations Operations Office of Special Office of Special Events Events Emergency Emergency Management Management Smart Mobility/TDM Smart Mobility/TDM Systems Systems Development Development Parking Enterprise Parking Enterprise Urban Forestry Urban Forestry Right of Way Right of Way Management Management Logistics Logistics 3 PWD/ATD DEPARTMENTS MERGER With the recent merger of the Public Works Street and Bridge Operations Divisions with the …
Austin Light Rail Update Urban Transportation Commission 1 FEBRUARY 6, 2024 PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION & INTEGRATED APPROACH WORK EFFORTS SCOPING 22 Upcoming Public Outreach Federal Process: NEPA MEETING LOCATION DATE/TIME University of Texas, Eastwoods Room, 2nd floor (ground level), Texas Union 2308 Whitis Ave, Austin, TX 78712 Thursday, February 1, 2024 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Montopolis Recreation and Community Center 1200 Montopolis Dr., Austin, TX 78741 Saturday, February 10, 2024 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. League of Women Voters, Cafetorium 3908 Avenue B, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78751 Virtual Open House Twin Oaks Library, Rooms 1 & 2 1800 S. 5th St., Austin, TX 78704 St. David's Episcopal, Sumners Hall 301 E. 8th St., Austin, TX 78701 Monday, February 12, 2024 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. 3 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL PHASE 1- BASE DESIGN 9.8-mile Light Rail Transit (LRT) branched line, including 15 stations located north, south, and east of downtown Austin Light rail embedded in center of street PRIORITY EXTENSIONS Not included in the NEPA analysis Could be accelerated if additional funding becomes available 4 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL ADVANCING DESIGN Evaluating design options identified through previous public engagement, technical and design opportunities STATION LOCATIONS Evaluating and optimizing proposed station locations MULTIMODAL INTEGRATION Study area to extend light rail bridge south of Lady Bird Lake Study area to locate bike and pedestrian facilities next to light rail, east of I-35 (center-running) along Riverside Drive Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations 5 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL NORTH SECTION Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations 6 6 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL DOWNTOWN SECTION DESIGN OPTION Option to add station near Wooldridge Square 7 7 DESIGN OPTION Option to locate station in private joint development off-street AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL SOUTH SECTION DESIGN OPTION (STUDY AREA) Study area to extend light rail bridge south of Lady Bird Lake Evaluate proposed end of line facilities and site locations DESIGN OPTION Consider options with and without Travis Heights station 8 8 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL SOUTH SECTION DESIGN OPTION (STUDY AREA) FOR SOUTH OF LADY BIRD LAKE 1 OPTION Evaluating light rail running at street level 2 OPTION Evaluating light rail running on extended bridge 99 AUSTIN LIGHT RAIL …
MetroBike Strategic Expansion Plan II February 2024 Agenda • Introductions • Current MetroBike System • Service Area • CapMetro & City of Austin Partnership • Strategic Expansion Plan II • Our Goals • Our Tools • Our Ask • Q&A 2 The Current MetroBike System • Stations: • Small service area • Placed in areas of high foot traffic • Quality bike facilities were the main consideration in placement • Bikes: • Mix of electric and classic • Many nearing end-of-life • Most are classic • Overall: • System mainly sees trips from UT and Downtown • Average length of trips: ~2mi 3 CapMetro and City of Austin Partnership CapMetro • Marketing • Operations & Maintenance Right of Way Coordination City of Austin • Permitting • Capital 4 The Strategic Expansion Plan II What Are We Looking For? Connections to Transit Options Equity in Expansion Sustainable Options for the Community • Supports existing • Expanding service • Promotes public services • CapMetro Rapid • Makes the “bikeshed” more accessible in historically disinvested communities • More options for most reliable riders health • Solving for the first & last mile • Opportunities grow exponentially 6 How Are We Accomplishing It? Community Connectors MetroBike Survey City of Austin Partnership • A survey, incentivized • Key partner for by a $75 gift card raffle, is gathering information about how people use MetroBike • Closes March 22 permitting and active transportation coordination. • Provides essential capital and right-of- way capacity. • Involved members of the community that help CapMetro connect to their specific networks. • Five Community Connectors from across the expansion area, with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 7 The Survey Design • Operational Questions • Demographic Questions Publicity • Event Outreach • Social Media • At-Station Signage Evaluating the Data • Benchmarks • Insights 8 2024 Community Engagement Timeline Month February March April May June Community Engagement Pop-ups, Tabling, and other Events SXSW Activation, Survey Closes Interim Public Engagement Report Community Bike Ride Final Engagement Report 9 What Do We Want You To Do? 1 2 3 Take the Survey and Sign Up for More Info! Signal Boost! Facebook | X (Twitter) Use MetroBike! 10 Thank you!
Federal Grants Outlook: 2024 Maximizing local funds by leveraging available resources 1 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook Overview Significant grant opportunities available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Local bond funding available to leverage as match for federal funding sources Challenge: how to match up projects with funding opportunities (both in terms of criteria and timelines)? Minimum funding threshold must be relatively high to account for added costs 2 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook 2024 Grant Outlook for TPW Winter/Spring Summer/Fall • Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant • MEGA/INFRA Grant • Bridge Investment Program (BIP) • Reconnecting Communities Grant follow-up • Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) • Awaiting announcement on Neighborhood Access and Equity grant application (Reconnecting Communities) • Potential Transportation Alternatives pass-through funds 3 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook RAISE GRANT Bergstrom Spur Trails to Transit Project • $25 million for six-mile Bergstrom Spur trail and associated transit improvements • $6.1 million match available through 2020 Mobility Bond Funds • Previously applied for similar project in 2022 • Partnership application with CapMetro for transit enhancements component • Council action set for February 14, 2024 • Application due February 28, 2024 4 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook Bridge Investment Program Grant Barton Springs Road Bridge Reconstruction • Around $32 million for reconstruction of Barton Springs Road Bridge • $8 million match available through local mobility bond funds • Working closely with Capital Delivery Services on submission • Council action scheduled March 7, 2024 • Application due March 19, 2024 5 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook Proposed Climate Pollution Reduction Grant • Construction Partnership Program - Transportation Demand Management Plan • The Construction Partnership Program - Transportation Demand Management Plan (CPP- TDMP) will address Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) caused by the multi-year construction disruptions of I-35 Capital Express, Project Connect Light Rail Transit, and other major mobility projects in Austin • Funding requested to implement mobility hubs and other supportive infrastructure for people to access transit, private shuttles, bike share, micro mobility, and carpool/vanpool meetup points. • Total $16.5 million requested through Office of Sustainability (coordinating Department) • Complete applications must be submitted no later than April 1, 2024 6 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook I-35 Cap and Stitch Grant Opportunities Options for funding cap and stitch improvements over I-35 • Mega and INFRA …
Federal Grants Outlook: 2024 Maximizing local funds by leveraging available resources 1 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook Overview Significant grant opportunities available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Local bond funding available to leverage as match for federal funding sources Challenge: how to match up projects with funding opportunities (both in terms of criteria and timelines)? Minimum funding threshold must be relatively high to account for added costs 2 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook 2024 Grant Outlook for TPW Winter/Spring Summer/Fall • Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant • MEGA/INFRA Grant • Bridge Investment Program (BIP) • Reconnecting Communities Grant follow-up • Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) • Awaiting announcement on Neighborhood Access and Equity grant application (Reconnecting Communities) • Potential Transportation Alternatives pass-through funds 3 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook RAISE GRANT Bergstrom Spur Trails to Transit Project • $25 million for six-mile Bergstrom Spur trail and associated transit improvements • $6.1 million match available through 2020 Mobility Bond Funds • Previously applied for similar project in 2022 • Partnership application with CapMetro for transit enhancements component • Council action set for February 14, 2024 • Application due February 28, 2024 4 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook Bridge Investment Program Grant Barton Springs Road Bridge Reconstruction • Around $32 million for reconstruction of Barton Springs Road Bridge • $8 million match available through local mobility bond funds • Working closely with Capital Delivery Services on submission • Council action scheduled March 7, 2024 • Application due March 19, 2024 5 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook Proposed Climate Pollution Reduction Grant • Construction Partnership Program - Transportation Demand Management Plan • The Construction Partnership Program - Transportation Demand Management Plan (CPP- TDMP) will address Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) caused by the multi-year construction disruptions of I-35 Capital Express, Project Connect Light Rail Transit, and other major mobility projects in Austin • Funding requested to implement mobility hubs and other supportive infrastructure for people to access transit, private shuttles, bike share, micro mobility, and carpool/vanpool meetup points. • Total $16.5 million requested through Office of Sustainability (coordinating Department) • Complete applications must be submitted no later than April 1, 2024 6 2/6/2024 TPW – Federal Grants Outlook I-35 Cap and Stitch Grant Opportunities Options for funding cap and stitch improvements over I-35 • Mega and INFRA …
Urban Transportation Commission Proposed Meeting Dates *Revision as of 02/06/2024 1. Jan.9,2024 2. Feb.6,2024 3. March 5, 2024 4. April 2, 2024 5. May 7, 2024 6. June 4, 2024 8. August 6, 2024 (PDC) 9. September 3, 2024 10. October 1, 2024 11. November 12, 2024 (PDC) 12. December 3, 2024 7. July 9, 2024 – Meeting Time Change to 6pm (PDC)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20240206‐007: Vote Apportionment in CAMPO WHEREAS, the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 directed Metropolitan Planning Organizations to “consider the equitable and proportional representation of the population of the metropolitan planning area”; WHEREAS, the current Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Joint Powers Agreement was signed on August 5th, 2013 by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), City of Austin, Capital Metro, the County of Travis, the County of Williamson, and the County of Hays; WHEREAS, the CAMPO Joint Powers Agreement designates the Transportation Policy Board (TPB) as the governing body for CAMPO and is made up of 20 elected officials, including four members of the Austin City Council, and a representative from TxDOT and one from Capital Metro; WHEREAS, the City of Austin and the County of Travis collectively represent 56% of the population under CAMPO but only have 45% of the votes on the CAMPO TPB, and 11% of the of TPB Executive Committee; WHEREAS, Article V of the CAMPO Joint Powers Agreement states the agreement may be “renegotiated as necessary to meet changing conditions” by mutual agreement of the signing parties; WHEREAS, Section IX of the CAMPO Transportation Policy Board Bylaws states that the bylaws, including voting representation, “may be revised by approval of the TPB at a meeting at which a quorum, as defined herein, is present”. WHEREAS, on April 5th, 2022 the Urban Transportation Commission passed Recommendation 20220405‐002E, recommending the City Council direct CAMPO to make a number of policy changes including the use of “an equitable, scenario‐based planning approach”; and WHEREAS, on November 7th, 2023, City of Houston Proposition B passed, adding an amendment to the Houston City Charter may only participate in a Metropolitan Planning Organization if “votes on the governing board are apportioned proportionally on the basis of population notwithstanding statutory voting members.” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends that City Council members serving on the CAMPO TPB request that the CAMPO TPB form a Select Committee on Representation to consider the following issues: i. the current voting structure of the CAMPO TPB and its impact on regional growth, inequities in resource allocation, and the organization's responsiveness to the needs of historically underrepresented and underserved communities served by the organization; ii. the effectiveness of the CAMPO TPB Executive Committee, including whether the CAMPO TPB Executive Committee is in …
URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES (Tuesday, February 6, 2024) URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 6, 2024 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a REGULAR meeting on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at City Hall in 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 Ruven Brooks, Vice Chair Arlin Alvarez Daniel Kavelman Melissa Ortiz Spencer Schumacher Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Diana Wheeler PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ryan Saunders – Protected Residential Parking Diana Prechter – Zilker Park Parking Santiago - Bridges APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING on 12/5/2023. The minutes from the meeting of 12/5/2023 were approved on Commissioner Schumacher’s motion, Commissioner Alvarez’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Smith, Leyton and Wheeler absent. Two vacancies on the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the roles and responsibilities of each City department and office involved in the implementation of mobility-related projects and programs. The commission received the presentation from Jim Dale, Transportation and Public Works 1 URBAN TRANSPORTATION MEETING MINUTES (Tuesday, February 6, 2024) 3. Discussion on Austin Light Rail update The commission received the presentation from Jennifer Pyne, Lindsay Wood, and Jocelyn Vokes, Austin Transit Partnership 4. Discussion on public engagement and strategic planning for Austin Metro Bike The commission received the presentation from Peter Breton, Cap Metro 5. Discussion on Transportation and Public Works grants outlook for 2024 The commission received the presentation from Andrei Lubomudrov, Transportation and Public Works DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion and possible action on the Commission’s 2024 meeting dates. No action taken. 7. Discussion and possible action on recommendation relating to Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Board. Item postponed due to a lack of a quorum; Commissioners Alvarez and Ortiz abstaining. Commissioners Leyton and Smith absent. Two vacancies on the dais. Chair Somers adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the 3/5/2024 meeting on Schumacher’s motion, Brooks second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Leyton and Smith absent. Two vacancies on the dais. 2
