Posting Language
Title
Conduct a public hearing and consider an ordinance amending the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan and the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan to adopt the Austin Core Transportation Plan as an attachment to the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact.
De
Lead Department
Transportation and Public Works Department
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
April 11, 2019 - Ordinance No. 20190411-033, adopting the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP) as the transportation element of the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, and including the Bicycle Master Plan, Urban Trails Master Plan, and Sidewalks Master Plan/ADA Transition Plan as part of the ASMP, was approved with amendments on an 11-0 vote.
June 9, 2022 - Ordinance No. 20220609-052, amending the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (Ordinance No. 20190411-033) and amending the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, was approved on a 10-0 vote with Council Member Renteria abstaining.
November 30, 2023 - Ordinance No. 20231130-084, amending the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (Ordinance No. 20190411-033); replacing the Bicycle Master Plan, and Urban Trails Master Plan; renaming and replacing the Sidewalk Master Plan/ADA Transition Plan; and amending the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, was approved on a 10-0 vote with Council Member Ryan Alter absent.
February 15, 2024 - Ordinance No. 20240215-035, amending the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan related to telework policies and amending the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, was approved on a 10-1 vote with Council Member Kelly voting nay.
For More Information:
Richard Mendoza, Director, 512-974-2488; Upal Barua, Assistant Director, 512-974-7110; Cole Kitten, Division Manager, 512-974-6442; Gilda Powers, Quality Consultant, 512-974-7092.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
February 24, 2025, recommended with amendments by the Design Commission on a 10-0 vote with one vacancy.
March 4, 2025, recommended by the Urban Transportation Commission on a 7-0 vote with Commissioners Smith, Alvarez, and Buffo absent and one vacancy.
March 11, 2025, recommended by the Planning Commission on a 9-0 vote with Vice Chair Azhar and Commissioners Cox, Haynes, and Phillips absent.
March 26, 2025, recommended by the Joint Sustainability Committee on an 11-0 vote with Commissioners Maxwell-Gaines, Noel, Crookham, Phillips, and Wheeler absent.
Additional Backup Information:
As a major economic and cultural hub, downtown Austin attracts numerous residents, workers, and visitors daily. The Austin Core Transportation Plan (ACT Plan) is the long-term vision for improving transportation and mobility options in and around downtown Austin. The ACT Plan is a Small Area Mobility Plan of the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP), focusing on downtown's specific transportation needs while accomplishing the ASMP's citywide goals. Building on prior efforts and considering upcoming major changes from projects such as I-35 Capital Express Central and Project Connect, the ACT Plan provides a new, forward-looking transportation framework. It includes major construction projects and next steps to turn the vision into reality.
As an attachment to the ASMP and amendment to Imagine Austin, City Council is required to conduct a public hearing before adopting the ACT Plan.
Key Challenges Addressed:
• Increased Demand: The ACT Plan emphasizes the necessity for safe, accessible, and welcoming environments, particularly for those unfamiliar with the area and vulnerable populations.
• Evolving Transportation Modes: The rise of electric bikes, scooters, and other micro-mobility options necessitates the adaptation of streets originally designed for traditional vehicles. The plan underscores the importance of accommodating these new modes to ensure safety and efficiency.
• Major Transportation Projects: Anticipated developments, such as the I-35 Capital Express Central and Project Connect, will significantly reshape Austin's transportation landscape. The ACT Plan integrates these projects into a cohesive vision for downtown's future mobility.
• Safety, Climate, and Mode Share Goals: Addressing critical issues like road safety and climate change, the plan aligns with Austin's Vision Zero and Climate Equity Plan goals. It aims to reduce car dependency, especially for trips to and from downtown, promoting alternative transportation modes.
Furthermore, the ACT Plan contributes to the ASMP's goal of achieving a 50/50 mode share by 2039, where 50% of all trips are made via non-drive-alone modes such as walking, biking, transit, and shared mobility. The ACT Plan prioritizes safe, comfortable and convenient options for people traveling to, from and within downtown Austin. By focusing on expanding transit priority, improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and supporting new mobility options, the ACT Plan helps shift more trips away from single-occupancy vehicles, moving Austin closer to the 50/50 Mode Share Goal.
ACT Plan Process
Recommendations in the ACT Plan were driven by input gathered from a wide range of stakeholders, experts, and community members. Various engagement methods were employed, including both digital and in-person outreach to focus groups and the broader Austin population. This involved meetings with neighborhood associations, businesses, interest groups, and community organizations, as well as digital and paper surveys to gather feedback on the ACT Plan's goals, elements, preferences, trade-offs, and project recommendations. The Downtown Austin Alliance played a key role by organizing a working group that met regularly to provide ongoing input and discussion throughout the planning process.
Key Recommendations and Actions
Recommendations in the ACT Plan focus on feasible design solutions that have broad community consensus. The upcoming changes for I-35 and Project Connect have been interwoven with the ACT Plan Projects to create one cohesive vision for mobility in the future. All together, these projects will help realize the ASMP goals and Downtown Austin Plan vision to make downtown the heart of one of the most sustainable cities in the nation and address the problems our city and region face.
PRIORITY PROJECTS
The ACT Plan focuses on four Priority Projects that are considered key improvements toward realizing the vision for mobility downtown, addressing the plan's major outcomes. These projects provide changes needed to support the redesign of I-35, address a lack of mobility options by providing dedicated space for bicycles and transit and create great pedestrian environments. These projects are significant investments towards achieving the ASMP 50/50 Mode Share Goal.
• Fifth Street
• Sixth Street
• Seventh Street
• Eighth Street
SUPPORTING PROJECTS
The ACT Plan identifies Supporting Projects that complement the Priority Projects by recommending changes to nearby streets. These projects work together as one system to complete the street network downtown.
• Ninth and 10th Streets
• 11th Street
• 12th Street
• Brazos Street
• Red River Street
SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS AND STRATEGIES
In addition to the named projects identified, various street design and operational improvements could be implemented throughout downtown Austin. A toolbox of system improvements and strategies has been identified for further consideration throughout downtown.
KEY ACTIONS
• Identify funding and other barriers to implementation
• Coordinate project phasing with Project Connect and I-35 Capital Express Central construction
• Coordinate with the Great Streets Update to integrate ACT Plan Projects
• Identify quick wins, leveraging opportunities and complements to other on-going mobility projects