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P&Z Commissioner Brian Kennard urges Hutto to adopt neurodiversity‑friendly policies
Summary
Brian Kennard, a Planning & Zoning commissioner and advocate, asked the Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Commission to pursue UDC changes and a public‑education campaign to make Hutto more accessible to neurodivergent residents; commissioners agreed to liaison support and to connect Kennard with city consultants.
Brian Kennard told the Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Commission during public comment that he will ask the Planning & Zoning board to place an item on its June agenda to make Hutto more accessible for neurodivergent residents.
“I’m proposing change, try to spearhead the changing of UDC law to make our community more inclusive of our neurodivergent population,” Kennard said, describing both personal and caregiving experience with autism and neuro‑sensitivity. He said he was working from guidance from the American Planning Association and would bring supporting documents to P&Z.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timing and scope. Chair Commissioner Cepeda and staff suggested pairing ordinance work with a public education campaign so residents understand proposed changes before any code amendments. Kennard asked for a June meeting slot; commissioners discussed coordinating with the Planning & Zoning schedule.
Commissioner Ade (Brody) agreed to serve as the commission’s liaison for the topic and said the commission’s communications team could help prepare outreach materials. Staff offered to connect Kennard with the city’s consultant, Stan, to advise on implementation and to help draft potential code language.
Next steps: Kennard said he would bring his materials to the upcoming P&Z meeting and the commission will follow up via the liaison to determine whether a formal agenda item or a joint education session is appropriate.
