The Strong Local Commerce (SLC) Initiative

[Sharon Mays (D1)]

Colleagues,

Following the recent passage of state legislation (HB 2464 and SB 541) that significantly expands the rights of home-based businesses and cottage food operations, it is clear that the landscape for local commerce in Austin is shifting. While these state laws protect "no-impact" home businesses, they also mandate that these entrepreneurs remain invisible to their communities.

To that end, I, along with Mayor Pro Tem Vela and Council Members Fuentes, Velásquez, and Laine, am bringing a resolution to the March 26 Council agenda to launch the Strong Local Commerce (SLC) Initiative.

Our goal is to pivot the City’s strategy from one of prohibition to one of professional impact management. Instead of settling for a hidden economy, we are proposing a "Small Footprint, Big Impact" framework that professionalizes neighborhood-scale commerce and integrates it into our vision for a more walkable, resilient Austin.

The resolution includes direction to:
1. Establish a Two-Pathway Framework: Create definitions for Front Yard Businesses (FYBs)—flexible activity on porches and driveways—and Accessory Commercial Units (ACUs)—permanent micro-spaces like converted garages—both limited to a maximum of 200 square feet.

2. Modernize Land Use Rules: Initiate amendments to LDC Section 25-2-900 to permit on-premise sales, remove arbitrary vehicle trip caps, and allow for modest, neighborhood-appropriate signage and visibility.

3. Launch a Neighborhood Storefront Program: Implement a 12-month "Pink Zone" discovery phase to monitor traffic, parking, and neighborhood compatibility in a controlled environment before considering citywide expansion.

4. Coordinate Cross-Departmental Implementation: Form a task force led by the Economic Development and Development Services Departments to ensure a streamlined, by-right permitting process for micro-entrepreneurs.

By moving commerce from hidden spare rooms to the visible life of the street, we are creating the first rung of an Economic Ladder for neighbors who have historically been excluded from traditional business opportunities. These micro-businesses act as social anchors, providing the actual destinations that make our mobility and walkability goals functional and successful.

Austin shouldn’t just support small businesses; we should support the people becoming small businesses. I welcome other colleagues to support this resolution and look forward to working together to strengthen the economic fabric of our neighborhoods.

In community,
Natasha Harper-Madison, Council Member District 1
José “Chito” Vela, Mayor Pro Tem, District 4
Vanessa Fuentes, Council Member District 2
José Velásquez, Council Member District 3
Krista Laine, Council Member District 6


On behalf of CM Harper-Madison