Push to consolidate city boards and commissions draws criticism from UTC - Austin Monitor

The Urban Transportation Commission rejected a proposal to merge the Bicycle Advisory Council and the Pedestrian Advisory Council into its own structure, citing concerns about the unique, citizen-led characteristics of these groups. The merger was proposed to streamline operations amid ongoing vacancies and overlaps in city commissions. Commissioners worry this consolidation could lead to conflicts, as the BAC and PAC are not formal city entities. Instead, they prefer to enhance collaboration while maintaining distinct identities for these councils. The issue may be reconsidered by the City Council in the spring.

The BAC and PAC are not boards and commissions. They are not task forces. They are not city of Austin entities, and they have never sought to be city of Austin entities.

Commissioners expressed concerns about the merger effort, highlighting the unique citizen-led nature of the BAC and PAC and potential conflicts arising from integrating them into a sovereign commission.

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