[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6560718,"mediaKeyId","3310285-0d8b9783ff0d39f63d41b8d2d2837461","parentId",3310285,"title","Commission to monitor state AI bills, advance city AI briefings and staff upskilling after session ends","audioSeconds",112,"startMs",1323000,"endMs",1435000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310285-0d8b9783ff0d39f63d41b8d2d2837461&start=1323&end=1435","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310285-0d8b9783ff0d39f63d41b8d2d2837461/thumbnail_1323000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6560718/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-to-monitor-state-AI-bills-advance-city-AI-briefings-and-staff-upskilling-after-session-ends","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560718-bef085fa71520cd81ca69441511c8dc1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807914&Signature=WeFyVon8rIhSueQrQHLSGwZ0RE0QzX~I0H2lgKURFJaODgmwm3MVGSp7LUuZ~WuDnIQ4-FU9wJOokitlUuitGfP8p0KwFYEOBTIME1Ndpo3J21jRGWvuuBSVaEL~ED-b~hfXJ35WhNxhUddhbHi9-esTW6fuWFZbBVh~pTfYT4RwWTYLNbDu1pz3r7Muufz37MPFhWfxSmLrlZ3XxX166cICxoPbuhIGBpCRXu16I0Xo9RoReDPTwQmn5af4~~kRAkF58qMvqce53VbfV~s4mWgg~r-wQRVJ85Tnq9ZtMtSHAU7ujm~BM9ZIMNktn1p30dNtDvlQpiDOxpMUrTQc-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Austin","date","2025-05-14T00:00:00Z","article","Commissioners used the May 14 meeting to identify artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring and city-level engagement as a priority for the coming months. The panel discussed the status of Texas legislation, potential federal preemption language, and how the commission can advise the City of Austin on rules, ethics and operational use of AI.

Commissioner Nick Eastwood (new commissioner) and others asked about timing: the commission was told June 2 is the last day of the Texas legislative session, with a subsequent veto period. Staff and commissioners said they expect greater clarity on state requirements for municipalities in July and recommended a legislative roundup and a briefing from the Intergovernmental Relations team. Assistant director and staff agreed to request a briefing to identify bills affecting municipal AI regulation and what rulemaking opportunities might follow.

Commissioners flagged two tracks for AI work: (1) internal city use—pilot programs, low-risk back-office efficiency use cases, procurement and upskilling of city employees (including a reported collaboration with the University of Texas on upskilling); and (2) external engagement—sharing and learning best practices from other cities, states and international registries, and advising city council on ethics and human‑recourse requirements for automated decision systems. Commissioner Brian Williams emphasized community trust concerns and highlighted a recurring request from stakeholders for human recourse and transparency when automated systems affect services.

Other points raised: some commissioners noted state and federal actions could change the scope of municipal regulation; the commission discussed continuing the AI working group and possibly forming subgroups focused on internal use cases, upskilling and external benchmarking. Staff suggested delaying some intensive work until after the session and related rulemaking clarifies municipal obligations.

Ending: The commission plans to (a) request an Intergovernmental Relations briefing on relevant bills and rulemaking, (b) continue the AI working group and (c) schedule briefings on city pilot programs, efficiency gains and the University of Texas upskilling collaboration in coming months.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Austin - Technology Commission - May 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","With the Texas legislative session nearing adjournment, the Commission discussed state AI bills that could affect municipal authority, asked staff to coordinate legislative briefings and planned continued work on internal city AI use, staff upskilling and public trust measures.","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},6560723,"Commission reviews GTOPS structure; announces awardees list and application deadlines for smaller pathways",5837,1623000,7460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310285-0d8b9783ff0d39f63d41b8d2d2837461&start=1623&end=7460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310285-0d8b9783ff0d39f63d41b8d2d2837461/thumbnail_1623000.jpg","/articles/6560723/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Commission-reviews-GTOPS-structure-announces-awardees-list-and-application-deadlines-for-smaller-pathways","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560723-ed63b75c547068be75cb413db2fcefc3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807914&Signature=I7lJLnWFa7J2KPs-VKlox1pGYfRw0x9aiPI1sQMnEeeua06oZIV5r0eXOiIPSUHM~5apcWJ64SXy-XdfvDPD4dyskSIoeFH8AeGxV-t8oB77PiNFPZSxGEbD1O5xe2o47SoPER5UexNmcQtM8odpSX90XI3BD~bOiRwjYwSY2NGouAnrn02qgRrGeSwBwuZI7xe1n8uBBi8utKNfHbcCWCBVixyHpHGyQMkq~2W8saFOXZmQHVWrUfBrJUMZaVoWSoW013f35MN3DkJL1uz9Mtc2xzaUE4NqZma35l1hgCkURhIdxCjEDHnx3o9-sQAWquVAZUihm7JLGPbjuFgZxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the May 14 meeting, the Community Technology Division staff provided a detailed briefing on the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPS), the City of Austin program that provides city general funds to local nonprofit digital equity efforts.

Jesse Rodriguez, Community Technology Division, described GTOPS as a three-pathway program funded from the city's general fund. Rodriguez said the program has $400,000 available each year in general funds, and explained the three pathways: GTOPS Core (the largest pathway, funded at $315,000 annually; individual awards up to $35,000), GTOPS Mini (typically $60,000 total and usually funds about six organizations at $10,000 each), and GTOPS Capacity (a capacity-building pathway that funds organizational needs such as devices, software or staff training). Rodriguez said the commission currently contracts with 12 organizations under the Core pathway.

Commission staff and commissioners discussed the program’s structure and considered options for future cycles, including a two-year award model or larger awards to fewer organizations. Jesse Rodriguez said the program tracks performance measures for awardees and publishes an annual report summarizing projects and outcomes; staff also said GTOPS awardees are invited to commission meetings to report on results.

Staff listed the organizations shown as finalists or contracted for the current cycle in the commission packet (as published in the commission backup materials). Those names in the meeting record include: Arts Park Texas; The Thinkery (Austin Children's Museum); Austin Speech Labs; Changing Expectations; CNLS Americas; CompuDOT; Foundation Communities; Arc of the Capital Area; Business and Community Lenders of Texas; Nonpareil Institute; Folklife Resources, Inc.; and the Vietnamese American Community of Austin. (The commission packet and staff backup materials provide the official award documentation and should be consulted for exact legal names and award amounts.)

Other GTOPS-related items: staff noted an annual GTOPS art contest called Art Connect (open to ages 10–18) with prizes listed at $400 for first place, $200 second and $100 third; staff also invited commissioners to serve as review panelists. Commissioner Cumby agreed to serve on the GTOPS Mini panel; staff asked for one additional panelist for the GTOPS Capacity panel and encouraged commissioners to apply. Applications for GTOPS Mini and Capacity were announced as open with a May 30 deadline and a planned announcement of awardees on June 30. Staff said award contracts typically begin July 1 and a post-award awards ceremony is usually scheduled after that start date.

Staff and commissioners discussed coordinating GTOPS outcomes with community needs assessments such as the Travis County Broadband Needs Assessment (shared with DECA and community partners) and using community lists like ConnectATX and FindHelp to avoid duplicative work in maintaining resource directories. Staff noted resource maintenance is time-intensive and recommended partnering with existing aggregators rather than building a separate, unmaintained list.

Ending: Commissioners agreed to continue GTOPS as a priority for the commission, to participate in the program’s continuous improvement process (a survey and potential work sessions), and to consider structural changes (award size and duration) ahead of next year's cycle.","Commissioners heard a detailed briefing on the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPS), including current funding levels, three grant pathways, a list of 12 core awardees under contract this year, and application deadlines for GTOPS Mini and Capacity pathways.",{"_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},6560728,"Austin Technology Commission approves minutes, begins yearlong work-plan process; Austin Energy presentation tabled",6982,336000,7318000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310285-0d8b9783ff0d39f63d41b8d2d2837461&start=336&end=7318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310285-0d8b9783ff0d39f63d41b8d2d2837461/thumbnail_336000.jpg","/articles/6560728/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Austin-Technology-Commission-approves-minutes-begins-yearlong-work-plan-process-Austin-Energy-presentation-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560728-ea6b6d3b30b4d7fa6fd9abf55a465314/orig.mp4?Expires=1770807914&Signature=JEq5zPlfDt2D0AuW0gendl3taBk-EgaAlloDLpyoD5TjLJ1Kob5LwUkOqLoa7S6zask3r9A-rBMbfj4jJJUSgUNTpTv9K~JpzF0~t-DLwLumsS1-e-pUI0hhpnxs6l8yAZBITU2ZWKmXWBaFGLSp~XhK9fQD8n9RWHsHEzaxGmbJ6KHSXjpctnVjc8BecoYxRVOtjIdIpK5GyMnmi8qwHFlBUszFBRGdayTEEPVdFYz4NGrd0XsxmPMdwp-oy2pjsPv~M297fBRQFSYevdnBMRiDj6bEXXSfqGPGEtkO6OHYbF7MgyDuhHlDa86tVjhEX3Pn4~5xiRMzqeV45cflFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Austin Technology Commission met May 14 at City Hall's Boards and Commissions Room and approved the minutes of a special-called April 30 meeting. Chair Steven Apodaca opened the public in-person meeting at 6:34 p.m. and led a roll call before the commission moved on to a full working discussion of its work plan for the next fiscal year.

The commission's first procedural action was the approval of the April 30 minutes. Commissioner Heritage moved to approve and Vice Chair Adoretta seconded; the motion carried with those present voting \"aye.\" Shortly afterward staff noted that a scheduled presentation from Austin Energy (Christopher, Austin Energy) could not attend; Chair Apodaca stated the item would be tabled until a future meeting.

The substantive portion of the meeting was a facilitated working session on the commission's upcoming work plan. The commission used last year's plan as a baseline and, with facilitator Kotan Harmon and staff from the Economic Development Department, discussed three broad priority buckets: (1) digital inclusion, civic engagement and strategic policy; (2) technology infrastructure and innovation; and (3) knowledge, information and data stewardship. Harmon and assistant director Anne Eaton described the session as a working workshop: commissioners will draft, sit on the content for about a month, and return at the June meeting with proposed final language to adopt.

Commissioners discussed combining continuing items (for example, the grant-for-technology-opportunities program known as GTOPS) with new emphases including state-level AI and technology rulemaking, IT efficiency and departmental AI adoption, mobility/broadband coverage, and community listening sessions. Chair Apodaca said the intention is to develop a draft work plan at this meeting, allow all commissioners a month to review, and take a final vote at the next commission meeting in June so the work plan can feed the commission's required annual report due July 31.

Staff outlined practical next steps: briefings and work sessions on GTOPS, invitations to departments such as the innovation office and Austin Energy for targeted updates (including Pano AI, deferred from this meeting), and coordination with the Intergovernmental Relations Office for legislative tracking and briefings after the Texas Legislature ends. Commissioners also discussed formal rules for standing up working groups (sub‑quorum, task-specific, time-limited deliverables) and the need to avoid walking quorums when doing community outreach.

Meeting logistics and next steps: commissioners agreed to keep the AI working group and a public-surveillance working group in place, to consider a community-listening working group, and to invite the city website refresh and other project teams back for updates. The commission plans to adopt its formal work plan at the June meeting and to file its annual report to the city clerk by July 31.

Ending: The chair closed the meeting after confirming next steps, including placing a Pano AI presentation on a future agenda and circulating notes and the draft work plan for commissioner review.","At its May 14 meeting, the Austin Technology Commission approved minutes from an April 30 special session, tabled a planned Austin Energy presentation, and spent the bulk of the meeting developing priorities and next steps for a work plan covering digital inclusion, infrastructure and data stewardship.","actionData","errors"]

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Commission to monitor state AI bills, advance city AI briefings and staff upskilling after session ends

Commission reviews GTOPS structure; announces awardees list and application deadlines for smaller pathways

Austin Technology Commission approves minutes, begins yearlong work-plan process; Austin Energy presentation tabled