[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6687179,"mediaKeyId","2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1","parentId",2140242,"title","Austin Energy’s solar standard-offer goes live; stakeholder meetings for expansion set to start Jan. 29","audioSeconds",142,"startMs",2268000,"endMs",2410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1&start=2268&end=2410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1/thumbnail_2268000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6687179/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Austin-Energys-solar-standard-offer-goes-live-stakeholder-meetings-for-expansion-set-to-start-Jan-29","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6687179-6adcfcdd645a4ba7241d5749215a4a20/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164972&Signature=XCz0pY0UaFLT3AMD7jGRSaE81BK~Y9W9qnpJJSJ3xB~W79Jk0wMbMwN8t5sw3yvyDnCxQj1v6UXa7uWmoRkbT4ydprQw0wpGny0s1YgGqAcJQIBz--FHwnPMj3iVLjmhoY6aElYIlgDp0LkfJoor50jivWyGZo-ghGhL1qU1qZEpPKg5yWjZokhjNlesrrESCa5zg7YqIzURV0lObCu0wHblO3kdwlSM3zXP~yzPGZoQsTwXFWcIfbEoU7i4M08KG-oISRVyPQPUrTpMgZFSCwSOf7aisbdCkFXmtVzt8Ts4ECxp1v3x5LATwjMT7jNxblb9d2xTi5AhCHEr8NyMKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Austin","date","2025-01-22T00:00:00Z","article","The Joint Sustainability Committee heard an update that Austin Energy’s solar standard‑offer program is now live. The program enables property owners to make roof space available to solar developers who build panels and sell the energy directly to Austin Energy at a set rate, allowing solar development without upfront investment by the property owner.

The committee was told the first stakeholder meeting for the program’s expansion is scheduled for Jan. 29 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Austin Energy headquarters and via Teams. Committee members were advised that the Solar for All stakeholder meetings had not yet started because an interlocal agreement with Harris County, the primary grant recipient on that program, still needed approval.

A committee member said the expansion could open the standard-offer to small commercial and single‑family residential customers and said the committee would circulate the meeting notice to interested members.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Austin - Joint Sustainability Committee - Jan 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The committee received an update that Austin Energy’s new solar standard-offer program launched; the first stakeholder meeting for program expansion will be Jan. 29 and Solar for All stakeholder meetings are pending interlocal approval with Harris County.","taxTitle","Austin, Travis County, Texas","taxId",2819,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6687182,"Food Policy Board seeks joint JSC recommendation for agricultural land fund, inventory and management",373,2406000,2779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1&start=2406&end=2779","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1/thumbnail_2406000.jpg","/articles/6687182/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Food-Policy-Board-seeks-joint-JSC-recommendation-for-agricultural-land-fund-inventory-and-management","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6687182-1d1c834ac1e60defc46e2500f7a14f43/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164972&Signature=JBYf4zxnYsIPvPYb1iGo8wl7-16OTpjvApw9pHGKLDkRLtZFhUk0EhzjVJvOtFZtK79jm5TDlhu~~N3pDJNCLwCIlR~BGV7xs2BBKUZo8m6LdHvZEO4TTicr0gCfWCmJNyLDe0qmRpZfnFIcatistTGFBjeKkDfrdajY4-1a40gJNWsOM027K69adAlR0cCgNOub2gleHNnlE4sOTWZ9-a7Njm~FYwq69E4eRIpOQYAhFmqVHgpQTeGiYDbMar2RA5SmUL9IOJicWQp9GhYH7womuT0ja0mmV3JsXtsfWZ644xvyjMZJkXFTkHb~OUTdcgIjTQVCRQwhjaEtKDNY4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Food Policy Board presented a draft recommendation asking the Joint Sustainability Committee to support a city effort to acquire and manage working lands for food production.

Marissa, representing the Food Policy Board, told the JSC that a FY24–25 budget amendment authorized up to $50 million in certificates of obligation to purchase land for climate and environmental goals but that certificates of obligation cannot be used to purchase land considered to have economic development potential, which includes agricultural land.

The board’s draft recommends the city establish a dedicated management mechanism—either a full‑time equivalent position or a new office such as an Office of Urban Agriculture—to oversee agricultural land purchases and management contracts. The proposal also seeks initial general‑fund seed money to create a revolving loan fund offering low‑interest loans to farmers and organizations, which could later be supplemented by general obligation bonds, private and philanthropic investment.

Marissa said the board also recommends an inventory of city‑owned land suitable for agricultural use and an assessment of parcels that could be acquired for working lands. She cited two statistics: less than 0.6% of food consumed in Travis County is produced in the county and the county is losing roughly 17 acres of farmland per day, which the Food Policy Board used to frame the urgency of the proposal.

Committee members signaled support for bringing the item back for action next meeting and discussed whether the recommendation should provide a specific dollar amount or remain non‑prescriptive to allow flexibility during implementation. Alberta Phillips offered to second bringing the item to the next agenda. Members also suggested including regenerative‑agriculture language for long‑term management.","The Food Policy Board proposed a joint recommendation to create a dedicated mechanism—either a staff FTE or an office—and a revolving loan fund to acquire and preserve agricultural land for food production; members noted certificates of obligation cannot be used to buy land with economic development potential.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6687183,"JSC outlines FY26 budget priorities: green infrastructure, tree inventory, wildfire prevention and workforce programs",524,489000,1013000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1&start=489&end=1013","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1/thumbnail_489000.jpg","/articles/6687183/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/JSC-outlines-FY26-budget-priorities-green-infrastructure-tree-inventory-wildfire-prevention-and-workforce-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6687183-45879f6a445baa28d2f6283d9aed12bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164972&Signature=HvtBrSGqAKgOJkkQWuyvcOO2v6dkerlcBYK2ugyShXkyELsfZ-ck0QgTHkio7IbqBqy3dcBGWXIVoUV0Gqy4wfQfoacdXglKzE6UQoVBF9JEvqHQEqn7hsqUxzMkgCsBbuyL7UEMZJo9mgRau2IVXK4XvxLZGqhRPmhm1fege7HnDs9xbmekcuOCkSl8xCSrgo9IA5cIkid-X2bbWkAnkIf5QqjSpapmIwyf5n1lIcSszih6zYn3jtXL3ObZqmTveh1T3j3npaXkqoAuBojyvTNi~s7EhvVTTveWDexjrsHXtXR8AuKR68G~81dZiA35fGCrHg48gFyHalD5H2I-pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Joint Sustainability Committee discussed draft FY26 budget recommendations from working groups covering natural systems, consumption, sustainable buildings and water.

Natural-systems priorities included converting nonfunctional impervious cover on city-owned land to “functional green,” land acquisition and restoration in target watersheds, citywide green‑infrastructure planning, green workforce programs and wildfire prevention measures. Committee members also raised a citywide tree-canopy inventory as a potential capital expense.

Committee members said an arborist presentation had flagged a need for a full tree inventory and estimated a LiDAR-based survey could cost roughly $10 million if done comprehensively; members discussed approaches that could reduce time and cost compared with earlier multi-year efforts.

The consumption and sustainable-buildings working groups proposed reinstating the climate ambassador program, advancing a citywide sustainable‑purchasing plan, funding pilot tests of low‑carbon concrete materials, implementing portions of the city’s food plan focused on pro‑climate diets and expanding programs to support reusable or circular restaurant containers and electric landscaping equipment.

Sustainable-buildings members added proposals for an air‑sealing task‑force training program, a sustainable‑construction procurement coordinator position to review RFPs for low‑carbon materials, and potential funding for an Austin Civilian Conservation Corps program; committee members requested a presentation from that program next month.

Water-related recommendations included investment in leak detection and targeted rebates to encourage water‑conserving landscaping conversions.

Committee members asked working groups to circulate draft recommendation text to the full JSC at least one week before the next meeting so final recommendations can be considered for adoption.","Working groups reported draft FY26 budget recommendations covering conversion of impervious surfaces, land conservation in target watersheds, a citywide tree inventory using LiDAR, green infrastructure, green workforce programs, wildfire prevention, refrigerant leakage study follow-up, low-carbon concrete testing and water-efficiency rebates.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6687184,"JSC members warned of expiring terms; mayoral appointees urged to confirm reappointments",212,84000,296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1&start=84&end=296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1/thumbnail_84000.jpg","/articles/6687184/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/JSC-members-warned-of-expiring-terms-mayoral-appointees-urged-to-confirm-reappointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6687184-31e9e5bced2caafdd0f929b810f62744/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164972&Signature=GYKyqdDmTK3YLrO~z9UoihJDJOS4R1rUwxcaAyDw2c4wTm1W14CkLFYjgvZYQMr6RMqG1EIyy2vF7H8IM2rlYl~oPlWl-IqrfsLnACxsw4V-pPCXfsPus2v-56S6EexBU00xGuGupRWSBYlG2BheHqJAmodX37bdHDDjLWtv6EcyRBI7tGCO6qSDpc59TlKvCRTA7ZIkm7Z328WGnsGBEvg8IC~BXtQUIDJcIDVxUAceokB1MbCyOETAX2otQR4QKvqPZjdGlC6ejOGJRwnfrsSHzlsoJC0tnyY2ymlRILkZLqWxsdd4ygH-NgPTnimaZUw71HabxU~yYBUnQnCjQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee members discussed an apparent mismatch between online term listings and members’ expectations, and urged those appointed by the mayor or by other boards to check their appointment status with the clerk’s office.

A member said they had made multiple follow-up attempts to the mayor’s office and had not yet received confirmation, and warned that shortened mayoral terms had left some appointments with irregular durations.

Members agreed to reach out to home commissions and alternates for whom they serve as representative, to confirm whether terms or appointments need re‑updating. The committee identified mayoral appointees, other board-appointed representatives and alternates as groups who should verify their status to avoid losing quorum at future meetings.

The committee did not take formal action on appointments during the meeting; members asked staff and the clerk’s office to provide clarification and to notify individuals who need to apply for reappointment.","Members of the Joint Sustainability Committee discussed apparent website listings showing expiring terms and urged appointees — particularly mayoral appointees and alternates — to check with the clerk’s office and the mayor’s office to avoid quorum issues.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6687185,"Joint Sustainability Committee adopts Dec. 18 minutes; one member abstains",82,51000,133000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1&start=51&end=133","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2140242-512f3f4d212e759fa746f3d004ca2fa1/thumbnail_51000.jpg","/articles/6687185/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Joint-Sustainability-Committee-adopts-Dec-18-minutes-one-member-abstains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6687185-f1839bd2ffe504351b4cd7f7e5804289/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164972&Signature=VZt25zHZGbM96p2LUGI4-PSrDyoNMXvMOfjMSiu4NhhJz8qofvsys1hQ~BdVNbG~ytW4JsLWnoyDa0QctDE4N7Rt9gbFvdVz-fHX-Vg1q3bQH2xCK5gsGxGFPTo843u8qam8gXNXP8HilF6s929JIOFf0gPre5FDoQhk7YrJ7vojpAie0jgI2vZj8hZ0Tu0LXO7R5dpfjbeUR7KfjqrWweL2Q6cPAkx8evsDWzdnVqS76tN-VKHZeOpiwEAYQrf9V6QlIkWgtQ~94GMeaE6PxPWkF3pwoHo96HhhjxTkxkS3hO7BbXpMhYSh4m4EgDBAQfsr-YNAkqxfd3YbR3Y-3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Joint Sustainability Committee adopted the minutes of its Dec. 18 meeting after a member moved to adopt and another seconded the motion.

Committee leadership called for a vote and one member said, “I’m abstaining because I wasn’t here.” No further objections were raised and the minutes were recorded as adopted.

The meeting record did not show a roll-call vote with full tallies; the committee noted the abstention aloud and proceeded with the agenda.","The Joint Sustainability Committee adopted minutes from its Dec. 18 meeting after a motion and second; one member abstained because they were not present at the December meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Austin Energy’s solar standard-offer goes live; stakeholder meetings for expansion set to start Jan. 29

Food Policy Board seeks joint JSC recommendation for agricultural land fund, inventory and management

JSC outlines FY26 budget priorities: green infrastructure, tree inventory, wildfire prevention and workforce programs

JSC members warned of expiring terms; mayoral appointees urged to confirm reappointments

Joint Sustainability Committee adopts Dec. 18 minutes; one member abstains