BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20201013:02A Austin Climate Equity Plan WHEREAS, transportation is the main driver of local air pollution and is on a course to become the single greatest source of greenhouse gases in Austin; WHEREAS, the roughly 600,000 fossil-fuel-burning private cars and trucks on the road are the greatest challenge to reducing local greenhouse gas emissions; WHEREAS, by 2030, the City’s Office of Sustainability predicts that the Austin area is likely to have over 800,000 vehicles on the road; WHEREAS, in order for the City to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, the City’s Office of Sustainability predicts that about 460,000 of those vehicles must be electric by 2030, making up about 40 percent of all vehicle-miles traveled; WHEREAS, electric vehicles, in their manufacture and operation, produce significant pollution, in addition to perpetuating reliance on an ever-expanding roadway network that incentivizes sprawl and travel via single-occupancy vehicles; WHEREAS, the draft Climate Equity Plan aims for active transportation modes like bicycling, rolling, and walking to make up only 4 percent of all distances traveled by 2030; WHEREAS, the City could immediately reduce reliance on personal vehicles by implementing relatively inexpensive active transportation solutions, as demonstrated by the Healthy Streets program; WHEREAS, the perpetuation of car-oriented regional transportation traces back to decision made by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), acting through its Transportation Policy Board; WHEREAS, in May 2020, the CAMPO Policy Board voted to adopt the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan, which, like its previous plans, prioritizes road building to serve sprawling development based on overestimated population projections in suburban and rural areas and underestimation in urban areas; WHEREAS, in June 2020, the CAMPO Policy Board voted to allocate $633 million to widening the portion of I-35 that passes through Austin; WHEREAS, the CAMPO Policy Board includes members of the Austin City Council and other local elected officials; WHEREAS, the aggressive goals set out in the Austin Community Climate Plan and the Climate Equity Plan cannot be reconciled with CAMPO’s regional transportation plans and policies; WHEREAS, in March 2020, this Commission approved Recommendation No. 20200310-03A, by a 7-0 vote, identifying inconsistencies between CAMPO policies and Austin goals, and recommending solutions; WHEREAS, successful implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan will depend on focused attention and initiative from the City Council and other City leadership across departments, regional cooperation with local partners, and continued engagement with …
Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Meeting Minutes Regular Meeting 13 October 2020 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a meeting on October 13, 2020 via videoconference. Cynthia Weatherby Commission Members in Attendance: Daniel Alvarado Mario Champion – Chair Kelly Davis Commission Members Absent: Samuel Franco Michael Wilfley Alex Reyna Susan Somers Athena Leyton Daniel Hennessey– Vice Chair CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Champion called the meeting to order at 5:44 p.m. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: AUGUST 5, 2020 MEETING The September 11, 2020 minutes were approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Franco, Hennessey, and Wilfley absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS A. Austin Climate Equity Plan Recommendation – Discussion and Possible Action A motion to adopt the Austin Climate Equity Plan Recommendation with edits was made by Chair Champion, seconded by Commissioner Runas and approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Franco, Hennessey, and Wilfley absent. 3. STAFF AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Staff and Commissioners gave updates regarding the Joint Sustainability Commission, Downtown Commission, Bicycle Advisory Council, Pedestrian Advisory Council, and the City Council Mobility Committee. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A. Adoption of the 2021 Meeting Calendar ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Champion adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m. without objection.
Versión en español a continuación. Special Meeting of the Urban Transportation Commission September 11, 2020 Meeting to be held with physical distancing modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (Thursday, September 10 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the September 11, 2020 Urban Transportation Commission meeting, residents must call or email the board liaison at (512) 974 8796 or Kaycie.Alexander@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Thursday, September 10 and provide the following information: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral regarding the item, and a telephone number or email address. Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak. Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. Late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. Handouts or other information may be emailed to Kaycie.Alexander@austintexas.gov by noon on Thursday, September 10. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Reunión del Urban Transportation Commission 11 de septiembre de 2020 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (10 de septiembre antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 974 8796 o Kaycie.Alexander@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes recibirán un correo electrónico o una llamada telefónica …
Nomination and Election of Officers Objective: Elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and Parliamentarian for the coming year. Required annually per City Code. 2019-2020 Annual Internal Review and Report Objective: Approve an annual report (covering July 2019-June 2020) for submission to the Office of the City Clerk. Required annually per City Code. Presentation of the Draft 2020 Austin Climate Equity Plan Requestor: Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability. Item objective: Opportunity for the commission to review the Draft Climate Equity Plan: the result of a year-long stakeholder engagement process to center Equity in our plan for addressing climate change. We are presenting this plan to 20 City Boards / Commissions and bringing this to City Council for approval in October. Transportation is very soon to be the largest source of carbon pollution in our community, so many of the goals / strategies are focused on transportation issues. Time-sensitivity: Council consideration of the plan for adoption is anticipated in October. Update on Healthy Streets Program Requestors: Commissioners Alvarado, Champion, and Somers. Objective: Receive an update on the implementation of Austin City Council Resolution 20200507-062, the current status of Austin’s Healthy Streets Initiative, and possible long-term implementation and funding for the program.
Austin's Healthy Streets Initiative Urban Transportation Commission September 11, 2020 City Council Direction: Early Efforts – April 2020 Batch 1 – May 2020 • Installed quickly • Approximately 5 miles • Criteria included: • Lack of park space • Disproportionate COVID impacts • Lack of comfort for people walking or bicycling using existing infrastructure • Alternative to crowded trail system • Connection to existing infrastructure Listen, adjust, iterate, modify… Batch 2 - July 2020 • Installed after public engagement process • Added another 5 miles • Focused on neighborhoods further north and south "Seeing neighbors, kids, and families out and about enjoying life has given a renewed sense of happiness with our previously congested city. Austin I am so happy you have been a leader in this movement around the country." "Something is not working here. I don't like the way it's currently set up." "I was considering moving to the country since my job is now fully remote forever, the cost/benefit of living in town has gone upside down. But this Healthy Streets initiative changed my mind." Next Steps • Initiate wind down of select streets • Maintain readiness to launch Batch 3 should community experience a surge in COVID-19 cases • Apply lessons learned into permanent infrastructure solutions • Launch slow streets pilot in the Sidewalk and Urban Trails Plan update austintexas.gov/healthystreets healthystreets@austintexas.gov
Aust in Climat e Equit y Plan Sept ember 2020 Summary ● We’ve been updating the Community Climate Plan o Draft for public comment out now o Council in October ● What we’re looking for from you: ○ Comments ○ Areas of Interest ○ Pledge of Support 2015 Communit y Climat e Plan Adopt ed by Council in June 2015 Electricity & Natural Gas Transportation & Land Use Materials & Waste Management 135 qualitative actions directed at departments 2017 Travis County Carbon Footprint 12.5 million metric tons carbon dioxide-equivalent Industrial Processes How w as t his plan updat e creat ed? • • • • • • • • 24 City Staff 120 Community Members (NGO, Govt., Business) 12 Ambassadors 4 Equity Trainings 5 Community Workshops (over 250 attendees) 14 Steering Committee Meetings 60+ Advisory Group Meetings 50+ Interviews by Ambassadors St eering Commit t ee Members Co-Chairs Mayuri Raja, AZAAD, Google Shane Johnson, Sierra Club Katie Coyne, Asakura Robinson Susana Almanza, PODER Joep Meijer, Citizen Jim Walker, Univ. of Texas Rocio Villalobos, Equity Office Drew Nelson, Mitchell Foundation Rodrigo Leal, Guidehouse Rene Renteria, Citizen Kaiba White, Public Citizen Lauren Peressini, Sunrise Movement Shawanda Stewart, Huston-Tillotson Univ. Kenneth Thompson, Solar Austin Ben Leibowicz, Univ. of Texas Suzanne Russo, Pecan Street Inc. Pooja Sethi, Sethi Law Darien Clary, AISD Alberta Phillips, Joint Sustainability Committee, ECHO AG Representatives: Nakia Winfield, Brandi Clark Burton, Karen Magid, Kurt Stogdill, and Nick Kincaid A Hist ory of Inequit ies t hat Remains Today • • • • • The Austin 1928 Master Plan divided the city along racial lines, forcibly displacing Black residents into specific, undesirable areas. The Tank Farm fuel storage facility, Eastside Landfill, and the Holly Power Plant exposed people of color to toxic pollution in East Austin neighborhoods. Gentrification is taking place in parts of the city where low-income people and people of color have been forced to live, the African-American share of the Austin population declined from 12% in 1990 to 7.7% in 2010. As of 2015, 52% of white Austin residents were homeowners, only 27% of African-American and 32% of Hispanic/Latinx residents owned homes. Cases of COVID-19, hospitalization and mortality rates are disproportionately affecting Latinx and Black communities W e are Changing t he Eart h’s Climat e could be Warming over 2 catastrophic to ℃ life on earth Climat e Project ions for Aust in • Low-income communities and …
Austin's Healthy Streets Initiative Urban Transportation Commission September 11, 2020 City Council Direction: Early Efforts – April 2020 Batch 1 – May 2020 • Installed quickly • Approximately 5 miles • Criteria included: • Lack of park space • Disproportionate COVID impacts • Lack of comfort for people walking or bicycling using existing infrastructure • Alternative to crowded trail system • Connection to existing infrastructure Listen, adjust, iterate, modify… Batch 2 - July 2020 • Installed after public engagement process • Added another 5 miles • Focused on neighborhoods further north and south "Seeing neighbors, kids, and families out and about enjoying life has given a renewed sense of happiness with our previously congested city. Austin I am so happy you have been a leader in this movement around the country." "Something is not working here. I don't like the way it's currently set up." "I was considering moving to the country since my job is now fully remote forever, the cost/benefit of living in town has gone upside down. But this Healthy Streets initiative changed my mind." Next Steps • Launch slow streets pilot in the Sidewalk and Urban Trails Plan update • Apply lessons learned into permanent infrastructure solutions • Initiate wind down of select streets • Maintain readiness to launch Batch 3 should community experience a surge in COVID- 19 cases austintexas.gov/healthystreets healthystreets@austintexas.gov
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 2020911-02D: Healthy Streets Initiative WHEREAS, City of Austin staff and the citizens of Austin have piloted a Healthy Streets initiative which prioritizes the safety, comfort and space for People, not just cars, on our publicly maintained streets; WHEREAS, Healthy Streets are supported by about 3 out of 4 people; WHEREAS Pandemic or not, The City of Austin has a direct benefit in providing more accessible opportunities for climate-friendly exercise and multiple modes of active transportation, including bikes, walking, strollers, wheelchairs, scooters and more; WHEREAS Pandemic or not, the City of Austin has an opportunity to reclaim public space for essential activities that benefit from social distancing such as education, outdoor dining, and entertainment; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends City Council make the Healthy Streets Program permanent, with the understanding that the exact streets, and legal and physical mechanisms for prioritizing people while allowing local traffic and public transportation, can be adjusted by the Administrators in the appropriate departments. Date of Approval: September 11, 2020 Record of the vote: 8-0 with Franco, Runas, and Wilfley absent Attest: Emily Smith, staff liaison
Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Meeting Minutes Special Called Meeting 11 September 2020 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a meeting on September 11, 2020 via videoconference. Commission Members in Attendance: Daniel Alvarado Mario Champion – Chair Kelly Davis Commission Members Absent: Allie Runas Michael Wilfley Samuel Franco Daniel Hennessey – Vice Chair Alex Reyna Susan Somers Athena Leyton Cynthia Weatherby CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Champion called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: AUGUST 5, 2020 MEETING The August 5, 2020 minutes were approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Runas and Wilfley absent and Commissioners Franco and Reyna not yet present. 2. NEW BUSINESS A. Nomination and Election of Officers – Discussion and Possible Action A motion to elect Mario Champion as Chair of the Urban Transportation Commission through April 2021 was adopted on an 8-0 vote with Commissioners Runas and Wilfley absent and Commissioner Reyna not yet present. A motion to elect Susan Somers as Vice Chair of the Urban Transportation Commission through April 2021 was adopted on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Runas and Wilfley absent. A motion to elect Kelly Davis as Parliamentarian of the Urban Transportation Commission through April 2021 was adopted on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Runas and Wilfley absent. B. 2019-2020 Annual Internal Review and Report – Discussion and Possible Action Commissioner Champion presented a draft Annual Review, which was approved on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Runas and Wilfley absent. C. Draft 2020 Austin Climate Equity Plan – Discussion and Possible Action A presentation was made by Zach Baumer and Celine Rendon of the Office of Sustainability. No action taken. D. Healthy Streets program update – Discussion and Possible Action A presentation was made by Laura Dierenfield and Anna Martin of Austin Transportation. Commissioner Champion proposed draft recommendation language which, after debate and amendment, read as follows: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends City Council make the Healthy Streets Program permanent, with the understanding that the exact streets, and legal and physical mechanisms for prioritizing people while allowing local traffic and public transportation, can be adjusted by the Administrators in the appropriate departments. A motion to approve the recommendation was adopted on an 8-0 vote with Commissioners Franco, Runas and Wilfley absent. 3. STAFF AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Staff and Commissioners gave updates regarding the Joint Sustainability Commission, Bicycle Advisory Council, Pedestrian Advisory …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2019 to 6/30/2020 ______Urban Transportation Commission_______ (Official Name of Board or 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 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. The Commission’s actions continue to support this mission statement through a combination of deliberative discussion, Recommendations, and other actions. Recommendations made: ● 20200805-02A: Project Connect funding and governance ● 20200805-02B: Safe Mobility Bond ● 20200710-02A: Street Impact Fee Recommendations ● 20200310-02C: Complete Access to Project Connect ● 20200310-03A: Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) 2045 Transportation Plan ● 20191112-02D: University Neighborhood Overlay Code Amendments ● 20191101-02A Part 1: Land Development Code Revision - Subdivision Connectivity ● 20191101-02A Part 2: Land Development Code Revision - Setbacks ● 20191101-02A Part 3: Land Development Code Revision …
Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Meeting Minutes Special Called Meeting 11 September 2020 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a meeting on September 11, 2020 via videoconference. Commission Members in Attendance: Daniel Alvarado Mario Champion – Chair Kelly Davis Commission Members Absent: Allie Runas Michael Wilfley Samuel Franco Daniel Hennessey – Vice Chair Alex Reyna Susan Somers Athena Leyton Cynthia Weatherby CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Champion called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: AUGUST 5, 2020 MEETING The August 5, 2020 minutes were approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Runas and Wilfley absent and Commissioners Franco and Reyna not yet present. 2. NEW BUSINESS A. Nomination and Election of Officers – Discussion and Possible Action A motion to elect Mario Champion as Chair of the Urban Transportation Commission through April 2021 was adopted on an 8-0 vote with Commissioners Runas and Wilfley absent and Commissioner Reyna not yet present. A motion to elect Susan Somers as Vice Chair of the Urban Transportation Commission through April 2021 was adopted on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Runas and Wilfley absent. A motion to elect Kelly Davis as Parliamentarian of the Urban Transportation Commission through April 2021 was adopted on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Runas and Wilfley absent. B. 2019-2020 Annual Internal Review and Report – Discussion and Possible Action Commissioner Champion presented a draft Annual Review, which was approved on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Runas and Wilfley absent. C. Draft 2020 Austin Climate Equity Plan – Discussion and Possible Action A presentation was made by Zach Baumer and Celine Rendon of the Office of Sustainability. No action taken. D. Healthy Streets program update – Discussion and Possible Action A presentation was made by Laura Dierenfield and Anna Martin of Austin Transportation. Commissioner Champion proposed draft recommendation language which, after debate and amendment, read as follows: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Urban Transportation Commission recommends City Council make the Healthy Streets Program permanent, with the understanding that the exact streets, and legal and physical mechanisms for prioritizing people while allowing local traffic and public transportation, can be adjusted by the Administrators in the appropriate departments. A motion to approve the recommendation was adopted on an 8-0 vote with Commissioners Franco, Runas and Wilfley absent. 3. STAFF AND COMMITTEE REPORTS Staff and Commissioners gave updates regarding the Joint Sustainability Commission, Bicycle Advisory Council, Pedestrian Advisory …
Special Meeting of the Urban Transportation Commission Friday August 7, 2020 Meeting to be held with physical distancing modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (Thursday, August 6 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 7, 2020 Urban Transportation Commission meeting, residents must call or email the board liaison at (512) 974 2358 or emily.smith@austintexas.gov no later than noon on Thursday, August 6 and provide the following information: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral regarding the item, and a telephone number or email address. Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak. Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. Late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. Handouts or other information may be emailed to emily.smith@austintexas.gov by noon on Thursday, August 6. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting at ATXN.tv URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (UTC) FRIDAY AUGUST 7, 2020 – 1:00 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING MEETING AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 2. NEW BUSINESS 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JULY 10, 2020 MEETING A. Project Connect transit plan funding and governance – Discussion and Possible Action B. Active transportation and safety infrastructure funding – Discussion and Possible Action Cosponsors: Commissioners Somers and Runas Cosponsors: Commissioners Champion and Alvarado 3. STAFF AND COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Downtown Commission D. Pedestrian Advisory Council B. Joint Sustainability Commission E. City Council Mobility Committee C. Bicycle Advisory Council F. Project Connect Advisory Network 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Note: These topics will NOT be discussed by the commission as part of this agenda A. Austin Community Climate Plan update (Staff; TBD) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give …
Special Meeting of the Urban Transportation Commission August 5, 2020 Meeting to be held with physical distancing modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (August 4, 2020 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 7, 2020 Urban Transportation Commission meeting, residents must call or email the board liaison at (512) 974 2358 or emily.smith@austintexas.gov no later than noon on August 6 and provide the following information: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral regarding the item, and a telephone number or email address. Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start in order to speak. Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. Late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. Handouts or other information may be emailed to emily.smith@austintexas.gov by noon on August 4, 2020. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting at ATXN.tv URBAN TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AUGUST 5, 2020 – 1:00 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING MEETING AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 2. NEW BUSINESS 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JULY 10, 2020 MEETING A. Project Connect transit plan funding and governance – Discussion and Possible Action Cosponsors: Commissioners Somers and Runas B. Active transportation and safety infrastructure funding – Discussion and Possible Action Cosponsors: Commissioners Champion and Alvarado 3. STAFF AND COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Downtown Commission D. Pedestrian Advisory Council B. Joint Sustainability Commission E. City Council Mobility Committee C. Bicycle Advisory Council F. Project Connect Advisory Network 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Note: These topics will NOT be discussed by the commission as part of this agenda A. Austin Community Climate Plan update (Staff; TBD) ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20200805-02A: Project Connect funding and governance WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s rapid population growth has strained our transportation system; and WHEREAS, the City has allocated relatively few dedicated pathways for transit that allow citizens to choose a congestion-free transportation option; and WHEREAS, our current climate crisis calls for us to make changes to the way we live and plan our cities, and our pattern of continued sprawl and road construction is neither safe nor sustainable; and WHEREAS, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Capital Metro Transit Authority was experiencing sustained increases in ridership at a time when most transit systems in the country were losing ridership; and WHEREAS; the COVID-19 pandemic makes it even more crucial that we fund and build resilient infrastructure throughout our city, which is accessible and equitable for all; and WHEREAS, Capital Metro has been engaged in the current Project Connect long range transit system plan, gathering extensive public input, since October 2016; and WHEREAS, on April 11, 2019, Austin City Council unanimously adopted the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP), which calls for Austin to make a watershed change in mode share, that is, to reach a goal of 50% of Austinites commuting by walking, biking, transit, or any other non-drive-alone mode by 2039, from today’s current 24% of Austinites using non-drive-alone modes; and WHEREAS, the ASMP also established that the policy of the City is to proactively assess displacement impacts of transportation project; and WHEREAS, the Capital Metro Board of Directors unanimously adopted the Project Connect System Plan that includes the Locally Preferred Alternatives for the Orange, Blue, Gold, Green, and MetroRapid Lines on June 10, 2020; and WHEREAS, it is proposed that the Locally Preferred Alternatives will be funded by a tax rollback election (TRE), to be held in November 2020, which will provide sustained funding for the Project Connect System Plan over many years; and WHEREAS; a proposed interlocal agreement (ILA) between the City of Austin and Capital Metro Transit Authority will create the Austin Transit Partnership, a board of governors to oversee the TRE spending, and an additional Community Advisory Committee to engage the community and advise on all aspects of Project Connect, and WHEREAS, throughout the Project Connect planning process the Orange Line corridor has been consistently described by Capital Metro as the necessary spine of our transit system, and currently is the location of …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20200805-02B: Safe Mobility Bond WHEREAS, The City of Austin has committed to a 50/50 mode share split by 2039, as per the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, WHEREAS, the City’s sidewalk plan identifies over 2,500 miles of absent sidewalks across the city, and estimates that the 580 miles of missing sidewalk considered high or very high priority will cost $308 million to construct, WHEREAS, the City’s 2014 Bicycle Master Plan calls for full implementation by 2025, and estimates that the remaining unbuilt portions of the planned network will cost $170 million for both on-street bike lanes and Tier 1 urban trails identified in the Urban Trails Master Plan, WHEREAS, The City’s Vision Zero Plan and Safe Route to School Program will require additional funding to continue implementation after funding from the 2016 Mobility Bond is depleted, WHEREAS, the 2016 Mobility Bond funds could be completely depleted by 2022, potentially ending the momentum and capacity built up while that funding has been deployed to construct sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure and general road safety infrastructure, WHEREAS, funding from the Project Connect Transit Bond will be essential to meeting the city of Austin’s transportation, equity and climate goals, but the funding may be limited transit construction and nearby streetscape improvements, WHEREAS, a safe and convenient active transportation network is essential to the success of Project Connect by enabling users to access transit without a vehicle, and would multiply the effectiveness of the Project Connect Bond, WHEREAS, Austin has a strong history of approving multiple bond packages, including the approval of 7 separate bonds in the 2018 election, and there is no evidence that adding the Safety Mobility Bond will negatively affect the approval of the Project Connect Bond, WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in people walking, biking and other active modes for both transportation and recreation, overflowing the capacity of much of the active transportation network and creating unsafe conditions in some areas, WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the need for the “Healthy Streets” program to promote social distancing, which has achieved improvements in crucial areas that could be made permanent with the Safe Mobility Bond funding, WHEREAS, ongoing protests against police brutality and economic inequality have shined a spotlight on the systemic injustice of our transportation system and infrastructure, which has been used to subjugate minority populations through inequitable enforcement …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20200805-02A: Project Connect funding and governance WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s rapid population growth has strained our transportation system; and WHEREAS, the City has allocated relatively few dedicated pathways for transit that allow citizens to choose a congestion-free transportation option; and WHEREAS, our current climate crisis calls for us to make changes to the way we live and plan our cities, and our pattern of continued sprawl and road construction is neither safe nor sustainable; and WHEREAS, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Capital Metro Transit Authority was experiencing sustained increases in ridership at a time when most transit systems in the country were losing ridership; and WHEREAS; the COVID-19 pandemic makes it even more crucial that we fund and build resilient infrastructure throughout our city, which is accessible and equitable for all; and WHEREAS, Capital Metro has been engaged in the current Project Connect long range transit system plan, gathering extensive public input, since October 2016; and WHEREAS, on April 11, 2019, Austin City Council unanimously adopted the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP), which calls for Austin to make a watershed change in mode share, that is, to reach a goal of 50% of Austinites commuting by walking, biking, transit, or any other non-drive-alone mode by 2039, from today’s current 24% of Austinites using non-drive-alone modes; and WHEREAS, WHEREAS, the ASMP also established that the policy of the City is to proactively assess displacement impacts of transportation project; and WHEREAS, the Capital Metro Board of Directors unanimously adopted the Project Connect System Plan that includes the Locally Preferred Alternatives for the Orange, Blue, Gold, Green, and MetroRapid Lines on June 10, 2020; and WHEREAS, it is proposed that the Locally Preferred Alternatives will be funded by a tax rollback election (TRE), to be held in November 2020, which will provided sustained funding for the Project Connect System Plan over many years; and WHEREAS; a proposed interlocal agreement (ILA) between the City of Austin and Capital Metro Transit Authority will create the Austin Transit Partnership, a board of governors to oversee the TRE spending, and an additional Community Advisory Committee to engage the community and advise on all aspects of Project Connect, and WHEREAS, throughout the Project Connect planning process the Orange Line corridor has been consistently described by Capital Metro as the necessary spine of our transit system, and currently is the location …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Urban Transportation Commission Recommendation Number 20200805-02B: Safe Mobility Bond WHEREAS, The City of Austin has committed to a 50/50 mode share split by 2039, as per the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, WHEREAS, the City’s sidewalk plan identifies over 2,500 miles of absent sidewalks across the city, and estimates that the 580 miles of missing sidewalk considered high or very high priority will cost $308 million to construct, WHEREAS, the City’s 2014 Bicycle Master Plan calls for full implementation by 2025, and estimates that the remaining unbuilt portions of the planned network will cost $170 million for both on-street bike lanes and Tier 1 urban trails identified in the Urban Trails Master Plan, WHEREAS, The City’s Vision Zero Plan and Safe Route to School Program will require additional funding to continue implementation after funding from the 2016 Mobility Bond is depleted, WHEREAS, the 2016 Mobility Bond funds could be completely depleted by 2022, potentially ending the momentum and capacity built up since that funding has been deployed to construct sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure and general road safety infrastructure, WHEREAS, funding from the Project Connect Transit Bond will be essential to meeting the city of Austin’s transportation, equity and climate goals, but the funding may be limited transit construction and nearby streetscape improvements, WHEREAS, a safe and convenient active transportation network is essential to the success of Project Connect by enabling users to access transit without a vehicle, and would multiply the effectiveness of the Project Connect Bond, WHEREAS, Austin has a strong history of approving multiple bond packages, including the approval of 7 separate bonds in the 2018 election, and there is no evidence that adding the Safety Mobility Bond will negatively affect the approval of the Project Connect Bond, WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in people walking, biking and other active modes for both transportation and recreation, overflowing the capacity of much of the active transportation network and creating unsafe conditions in some areas, WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the need for the “Healthy Streets” program to promote social distancing, which has achieved improvements in crucial areas that could be made permanent with the Safe Mobility Bond funding, WHEREAS, ongoing protests against police brutality and economic inequality have shined a spotlight on the systemic injustice of our transportation system and infrastructure, which has been used to subjugate minority populations through inequitable enforcement …
Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Meeting Minutes Special Called Meeting 5 August 2020 The Urban Transportation Commission convened in a meeting on August 5, 2020 via videoconference. Commission Members in Attendance: Daniel Alvarado Kelly Davis Samuel Franco Commission Members Absent: Mario Champion – Chair Daniel Hennessey – Vice Chair Alex Reyna Allie Runas Susan Somers Athena Leyton Cynthia Weatherby Michael Wilfley CALL TO ORDER Hennessey called the meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JULY 10, 2020 REGULAR MEETING The July 10, 2020 minutes were approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Champion, Weatherby and Wilfley absent and Commissioner Davis not yet present. 2. NEW BUSINESS A. Project Connect transit plan funding and governance – Discussion and Possible Action Commissioner Somers proposed draft recommendation language which, after debate and amendment, read as follows: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: The Urban Transportation Commission urges Austin City Council to: • Adopt at least a 8.75% tax rollback election for the November ballot, which will serve to fund the Project Connect Locally Preferred Alternatives and $300 million for anti-displacement efforts such as land acquisition or transit-oriented affordable housing along the transit corridors; • Adopt clear language in the Contract with the Voters requiring the Republic Square to North Lamar Transit Center segment as part of the initial rail line(s); • Exclude any funding for roadway expansion. • Ensure there is broad community input on anti-displacement funding allocation and development of strategies to mitigate any potential negative effects of this project on existing communities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The Urban Transportation Commission urges Austin City Council and Capital Metro Transit Authority to: • Ensure the Austin Transit Partnership board has diverse representation and deep knowledge of the Austin transit rider experience by: o Require at least five years of experience for the professional members of the board o Expand the board with two community members to be chosen by a Community Advisory Committee o Require that the two community based board members collectively have the following expertise or experience: rides transit; interacts with and understands the needs of transit dependent individuals and families (including those experiencing disabilities); displacement mitigation; experience with labor and worker rights; and experience serving on advisory groups such as the City of Austin Urban Transportation Commission, Capital Metro Customer Satisfaction Advisory Committee, or Capital Metro Access Advisory Committee o Require the board to vote on recommendations made by …
