Proposal: Floodplain Farm Incubator

[Natasha Harper-Madison]

Good afternoon, colleagues, and community. The following is the first of two solutions inspired items brought for your consideration and support today. It's also my sincere hope that Committee chairs and agenda setting liaisons will consider these proposals s items for discussion. In keeping with TOMA compliance, colleagues your responses are welcome here.

Proposal: Farm Incubator Program at Austin Floodplain Site

Executive Summary
The proposed Farm Incubator Program will establish an urban agriculture initiative on a 2.78-acre City-owned parcel located within a floodplain. This program, operated by Austin Community College (ACC), will:
• Expand ACC’s successful Farm Incubator Program from Elgin to Austin.
• Support emerging farmers, with a focus on BIPOC, immigrant, and first-generation farmers.
• Utilize existing plumbing and electrical infrastructure from the adjacent YMCA facility, reducing startup costs.
• Strengthen community engagement by integrating with the YMCA’s community center and garden located on the property.
The initiative will operate under a public-private partnership model, where:
• The City of Austin: Provides the land, infrastructure, and oversight.
• Austin Community College: Manages the farm incubator program and curriculum.
• YMCA: Serves as a supporting partner with shared goals of education, food security, and community resilience.
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The Problem: Why Now?
Austin faces multiple challenges related to local food production and access to land for emerging farmers:
• Farmland Loss: Austin has lost 13 acres of farmland daily between 2017 and 2022, limiting opportunities for new farmers.
• Limited Access to Land: Urban farmers, especially BIPOC and first-generation farmers, face significant barriers to securing affordable land for food production.
• Minimal Local Food Production: Only 0.06% of food consumed in Travis County is produced locally, creating dependence on external supply chains.
Expanding ACC’s Farm Incubator Program to this site creates an opportunity to address these challenges by empowering a new generation of urban farmers, increasing local food production, and advancing Austin’s food resilience goals.
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The Solution: Expanding ACC’s Farm Incubator Program
ACC’s Farm Incubator Program, based at the Elgin campus, provides hands-on training and mentorship for aspiring farmers. The proposed expansion to Austin will replicate this proven model on a 2.78-acre floodplain site, creating a unique opportunity for:
• Practical Learning: Participants gain experience in sustainable agriculture, business management, and food safety.
• Land Access: New farmers have access to affordable land to test and refine their farming models.
• Mentorship and Technical Assistance: ACC faculty and industry experts provide guidance throughout the program.
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Site Plan and Infrastructure: Leveraging Existing Resources
The 2.78-acre site is part of a larger City-owned property that is already home to a YMCA community center and a community garden. The YMCA pays $1/year in rent as part of its agreement with the City to operate a facility that serves as a community hub. The existing infrastructure includes:
• Plumbing and Electrical Systems: Developed to support the YMCA facility and community garden, reducing the need for new utility installations.
• Community Garden Space: Existing plots could be expanded or integrated into the incubator program to enhance community engagement.
• Flexible Green Space: Suitable for floodplain-compatible agricultural practices such as raised beds, agroforestry, and rotational grazing.
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Proposed Partnership Model
The Farm Incubator Program will operate under a public-private partnership model, maximizing the strengths of each partner:
1. City of Austin
• Provide land, maintain infrastructure, and ensure compliance with zoning and environmental regulations.
• Align the program with the goals of the Austin-Travis County Food Plan and the mission of the Office of Food Resilience and Innovation.
2. Austin Community College (ACC)
• Manage the daily operations of the farm incubator program.
• Develop and deliver the curriculum, mentorship, and technical assistance.
• Oversee participant selection, program evaluation, and scaling.
3. YMCA
• Provide access to existing infrastructure and support community engagement efforts.
• Leverage its role as a trusted community partner to enhance public outreach and participation.
• Offer complementary educational and wellness programs to support the farm incubator’s goals.
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Budget and Resource Needs
Initial Investment: Estimated at $1.5 million to cover:
• Site preparation, including soil testing, grading, and floodplain resilience measures.
• Extension of existing plumbing and electrical systems.
• Construction of storage, washing, and processing areas for harvested crops.
• Development of pathways and infrastructure for ADA accessibility.
Ongoing Operational Costs: Estimated at $300,000 annually, supported through:
• City funding allocated through the Office of Food Resilience and Innovation.
• State and federal grants for sustainable agriculture and workforce development.
• Private sector sponsorships and philanthropic contributions.
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Implementation Timeline
Phase 1: Planning and Partnership Development (6–12 Months)
• Secure City Manager approval and formalize agreements with ACC and YMCA.
• Conduct site assessments and finalize infrastructure plans.
• Develop a curriculum tailored for urban farming in Austin’s climate and floodplain environment.
Phase 2: Site Preparation and Pilot Launch (12–24 Months)
• Complete site upgrades and prepare floodplain-compatible growing areas.
• Launch the first cohort of incubator participants and establish mentorship structures.
• Integrate community engagement opportunities through the YMCA.
Phase 3: Full Implementation and Program Expansion (24–36 Months)
• Scale operations to serve multiple cohorts per year.
• Expand programming to include advanced training in agroecology, food entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient farming practices.
• Evaluate program outcomes and refine the model for broader application.
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Anticipated Impact and Outcomes
1. Increased Local Food Production: Create a pathway for new farmers to contribute to Austin’s food supply.
2. Equitable Land Access: Provide historically marginalized farmers with opportunities to build and sustain farm businesses.
3. Workforce Development: Equip participants with practical skills and certifications in sustainable agriculture.
4. Community Engagement: Strengthen ties between the farm incubator, the YMCA, and local residents.
5. Climate Resilience: Promote flood-resilient farming practices that mitigate environmental risks.
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Call to Action
For the City Manager:
• Approve the development of the Farm Incubator Program on the 2.78-acre site.
• Allocate initial funding for site preparation and program launch.
• Formalize the partnership with ACC and YMCA to ensure seamless implementation.
For Austin Community College:
• Develop an operational plan for expanding the Farm Incubator Program to this site.
• Collaborate with the City and YMCA to integrate the program into existing community resources.
For the YMCA:
• Leverage existing infrastructure and community engagement expertise to support program implementation.
• Foster collaboration between the farm incubator and the YMCA’s educational and wellness programs.

As always, in the spirit of collaboration and meeting challenges with solutions.
In peace,
NHM