MEMORANDUM March 15, 2021 Transition of Commissions Jannette Goodall, City Clerk Joya Hayes, Human Resources and Civil Service Director TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: The purpose of this memo is to notify you of the Boards and Commissions transitioning from the Human Resources Department to the Civil Rights Office (CRO). Beginning with the May 2021 meetings, four (4) of the six (6) City of Austin Boards and Commissions with liaisons in the Human Rights Department will transition to the newly-formed Civil Rights Office. The CRO focuses on protecting individual's civil rights. This Office ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws through enforcement. CRO will advance the City’s non-discrimination efforts and promote outreach, education, and awareness events for both businesses and community stakeholders. The Equal Employment and Fair Housing Office is now part of CRO and conducts outreach and investigations on employment and housing discrimination. As the duties of the CRO are more community-focused, the following Commissions align more appropriately with the work of this office: Commission for Women - Prioritizes womens’ quality of life so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls. Commission on Veterans Affairs - Serves as an advisory body concerning the wellbeing of military veterans in the Austin area. Human Rights Commission - Advises and consults on all matters involving race, color, disability, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age and devises practices to promote equal opportunity. Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities - Encourages, assists and enables persons with disabilities to participate in the social and economic life of the City and achieve maximum personal independence. The Commission complies with and follows the rules and laws of the Americans with Disabilities Act. HRD will maintain the Firefighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel Civil Service Commission and the Municipal Civil Service Commission. The City of Austin’s first Civil Rights Officer, Carol Johnson, will be introduced to each Commission as the Executive Liaison at an upcoming meeting. Jonathan Babiak currently serves as Staff Liaison to the Human Rights Commission. Officer Johnson has assigned Mr. Babiak to assume this assignment for the remaining three Commissions. As we transition from providing support to these commissions, HRD would like to thank the Office of the City Clerk, the Commissions and Commissioners, and our HRD staff for their service to these Commissions. Cc: Commission for Women – Rebecca Austen, Chair; …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20210407-03e Date: April 7, 2021 Subject: Menstrual Hygiene Day May 28th Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Flannery Bope Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, the average woman has her period for 2,535 days of her life, which is about seven years, and will spend about $18,000 on menstrual products. Tampons and pads are subject to sales tax and not covered by food stamps. For women below the poverty line, this means they may go without menstrual products, which may lead to missed work and school; and WHEREAS, Menstrual Hygiene Day was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2014 as a global day of action, focusing on what women and girls need to manage their periods safely, hygienically, with confidence and without shame; and WHEREAS, on average, women and girls menstruate for 5 days per month, and the average duration of a menstrual cycle is 28 days. Hence Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated on May 28 (5/28), NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission recommends that the Council declare May 28 as “Menstrual Hygiene Day” in Austin to highlight menstrual equity issues faced by women and girls living in Austin and beyond. Date of Approval: April 7, 2021 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 8-0 vote, with one commissioner off the dais, and two commissioners absent. Attest: April E. Shaw April Shaw, Staff Liaison 1
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 7, 2021 REGULER MEETING Wednesday, April 7, 2021 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a regular meeting on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 9:03 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Tanya Athar-Jogee Julia Cuba Lewis Juliana Gonzales Amanda Lewis Diana Melendez Hemali Patel Josie Serrata Commissioners Absent: Neva Fernandez Sarah Tober Vacant: None Staff in Attendance: April Shaw, Human Resources Department 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on March 3, 2021. The minutes from the regular meeting on March 3, 2021 were approved on Commissioner Gonzales’ motion, Commissioner Cuba Lewis’ second on a vote of 9-0, with Commissioners Fernandez and Tober absent. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 2. OLD BUSINESS Wednesday, April 7, 2021 a. Discussion and possible action regarding updated from the following working groups: i. Homelessness Discussion was held. No action was taken. Discussion was held. No action was taken. ii. Safety iii. Health Discussion was held. No action was taken. iv. Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls Discussion was held. No action was taken. Committee. Discussion was held. No action was taken. FY2021 budget. Discussion was held. No action was taken. b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion c. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin d. Discussion and possible action regarding Commission for Women Working Groups. The motion to add Commissioner Patel to the Health Working Group was made on Chair Austen’s motion, Vice Chair Bope’s second on a vote of 8-0, with Commissioner Serrata off the dais, and Commissioners Fernandez and Tober absent. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding election of a Chair of the Commission for Women. The motion to re-elect Chair Austen as Chair of the Commission for Women was approved on Commissioner Gonzales’ motion, Commissioner Cuba Lewis’ second, on a COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 7, 2021 vote of 8-0 with Commissioner Serrata off the dais, and Commissioners Fernandez and Tober absent. b. Discussion and possible action regarding election of a Vice-Chair of the Commission for Women. The motion to re-elect Vice-Chair Bope as Vice-Chair of the Commission for Women was approved on Commissioner Gonzales’ motion, Commissioner Cuba Lewis’ second, …
Versión en español a continuación. Commission for Women Meeting Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. Commission for Women be held Wednesday, March 3, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (Tuesday, March 2, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the March 3, 2021 Commission for Women Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2597 or april.shaw@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to april.shaw@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Commission for Women Miércoles, Marzo 3, 2021 a 9:00 a.m. La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (Martes, Marzo 2, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 974-2597 or april.shaw@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 3, 2021 REGULER MEETING Wednesday, February 3, 2021 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 9:19 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Amanda Lewis Neva Fernandez Diana Melendez Sarah Tober Commissioners Absent: Tanya Athar-Jogee Julia Cuba Lewis Juliana Gonzales Vacant: District 2 Staff in Attendance: April Shaw, Human Resources Department 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women special called meeting on January 8, 2021. The minutes from the special called meeting on January 8, 2021 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Fernandez’ second on a vote of 6-0, with Commissioners Athar-Jogee, Cuba Lewis, and Gonzales absent. 2. OLD BUSINESS COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 3, 2021 a. Discussion and possible action regarding updated from the following working groups: i. Homelessness Discussion was held. No action was taken. Discussion was held. No action was taken. ii. Safety iii. Health Discussion was held. No action was taken. iv. Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls Discussion was held. No action was taken. Committee. Discussion was held. No action was taken. FY2021 budget. Discussion was held. No action was taken. Discussion was held. No action was taken. 3. BRIEFINGS b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion c. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin d. Discussion and possible action regarding Commission for Women Working Groups. a. Presentation from Austin Police Department Victim Services by Kachina Clark regarding victim services and budget priorities and needs. Kachina Clark provided a presentation to the Commission regarding victim services and budget priorities and needs. b. Presentation from Survive2Thrive by Courtney Santana regarding displacement of domestic violence victims, homelessness prevention, and budget priorities and needs. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Courtney Santana provided a presentation to the Commission regarding displacement of domestic violence victims, homelessness prevention, and budget priorities and needs. 4. NEW BUSINESS needs. a. Discussion and possible action regarding victim services and budget and priority Discussion was held. No action was taken. b. Discussion and possible action regarding displacement of domestic violence victims, homelessness prevention, and budget and priority needs. Discussion was held. The motion to endorse the …
RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s greatest asset is its people who are passionate about their city, committed to its improvement, and determined to see its vision become a reality; and WHEREAS, the percent of registered voters who voted in the past 4 years of city elections exceeded 60 percent; and WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of registered voters who live in Austin voted for the current Austin City Council representation; and WHEREAS, over 700 Austinites participate and serve on over 60 Boards and Commissions to help shape, and continually improve upon the policies of the City and the lives of its Residents; and WHEREAS, the input provided to the Austin City Council through the City’s Boards and Commissions reflects the will of the community; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of Austin that the legislative agenda guide City staff, in coordination with the City’s strategic partners, in their efforts to advocate on behalf of the City of Austin and its residents; and WHEREAS, each year, the Texas Legislature increasingly attempts to pass legislation that negatively impacts the City through preemption or limiting the ability to advocate; and WHEREAS, the 2019 Legislature strongly considered and almost passed S.B. 29 which would have limited the ability of the City to utilize community advocates to effectively advocate on behalf of the policies created and supported by its residents; and WHEREAS, taxpayers and City residents benefit from and need community advocates as a tool that amplifies their voices before the Legislature, Congress, and regulatory bodies; and WHEREAS, a prohibition on community advocacy equates to censorship of Residents’ voices and is detrimental to a representative democracy where all Austinites and Texans have equal opportunities to voice their opinions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE _________________ OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN HEREBY ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION THAT: • The _________________________ endorses the City of Austin’s 2020 Legislative Agenda adopted by the Austin City Council on September 17th, 2020. • The __________________________ believes the general principals of the policy RESOLUTION NO. and position statements contained in the City of Austin’s state legislative agenda capture the positions of its membership and the community it represents. • The ___________________________ urges all Austin delegation members of the Texas Legislature to protect the City’s right to effectively represent the taxpayers and continue to amplify their collective voices through advocacy at the Texas Legislature. • The _____________________ …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20210303-02b Date: March 3, 2021 Subject: Appointment of APD Chief Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Tanya Athar-Jogee Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, on February 14, 2018, the Commission passed Recommendation 20200417-03C: Recommendation for Chief of Police Candidate Requirement, which recommended that community engagement be a critical function of the vetting of City of Austin police chief candidates relative to addressing women-specific issues, with supporting rationale; and WHEREAS, policing in Austin has come under increased scrutiny with regard to the handling of sexual assault cases, racial bias, militarized training methods and policing tactics; and WHEREAS, women and people of color are significantly under-represented in the Austin Police Department, particular in sworn officer and leadership positions; and WHEREAS, a redesign of public safety is in progress, and its success is dependent on transformational leadership at all levels of the Austin Police Department; and WHEREAS, a nationwide search to appoint a new Chief of Police is under way, with the retirement of the current Chief in March 2021 and appointment of an interim Chief; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission recommends that for the interim Chief, new Chief, Assistant Chiefs and other leadership roles, • Community engagement be a critical function of the vetting of candidates. • Community engagement occur early and throughout the vetting and selection process, not just with finalist candidates. 1 • Candidates be assessed and selected based on their experience and outcomes with gender and race equity, including: o Equity, diversity and inclusion in recruitment, training, advancement, and appointment of leadership roles within the department, o Handling of issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking, o Prioritization of authority and resources associated with Victim Services. Date of Approval: March 3, 2021 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, with two commissioners absent, and one district vacant. Attest: April E. Shaw April Shaw, Staff Liaison 2
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20210303-03a Date: March 3, 2021 Subject: Support for City of Austin Legislative Agenda Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Flannery Bope Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s greatest asset is its people who are passionate about their city, committed to its improvement, and determined to see its vision become a reality; and WHEREAS, the percent of registered voters who voted in the past 4 years of city elections exceeded 60 percent; and WHEREAS, an overwhelming majority of registered voters who live in Austin voted for the current Austin City Council representation; and WHEREAS, over 700 Austinites participate and serve on over 60 Boards and Commissions to help shape, and continually improve upon the policies of the City and the lives of its Residents; and WHEREAS, the input provided to the Austin City Council through the City’s Boards and Commissions reflects the will of the community; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of the City of Austin that the legislative agenda guide City staff, in coordination with the City’s strategic partners, in their efforts to advocate on behalf of the City of Austin and its residents; and WHEREAS, each year, the Texas Legislature increasingly attempts to pass legislation that negatively impacts the City through preemption or limiting the ability to advocate; and WHEREAS, the 2019 Legislature strongly considered and almost passed S.B. 29 which would have limited the ability of the City to utilize community advocates to effectively advocate on behalf of the policies created and supported by its residents; and WHEREAS, taxpayers and City residents benefit from and need community advocates as a tool that amplifies their voices before the Legislature, Congress, and regulatory bodies; and WHEREAS, a prohibition on community advocacy equates to censorship of Residents’ voices 1 and is detrimental to a representative democracy where all Austinites and Texans have equal opportunities to voice their opinions. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN HEREBY ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION THAT: • The Commission for Women endorses the City of Austin’s 2020 Legislative Agenda adopted by the Austin City Council on September 17th, 2020. • The Commission for Women believes the general principals of the policy and position statements contained in the City of Austin’s state legislative agenda capture the positions of its membership and the community it represents. • The Commission for Women urges all …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 3, 2021 REGULER MEETING Wednesday, March 3, 2021 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 9:06 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Tanya Athar-Jogee Amanda Lewis Neva Fernandez Diana Melendez Sarah Tober Commissioners Absent: Julia Cuba Lewis Juliana Gonzales Vacant: District 2 Staff in Attendance: April Shaw, Human Resources Department 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on February 3, 2021. The minutes from the regular meeting on February 3, 2021 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Fernandez’ second on a vote of 6-0, with Commissioner Lewis off the dais, and Commissioners Cuba Lewis and Gonzales absent. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 2. OLD BUSINESS Wednesday, March 3, 2021 a. Discussion and possible action regarding updated from the following working groups: i. Homelessness Discussion was held. No action was taken. Discussion was held. No action was taken. ii. Safety iii. Health Discussion was held. No action was taken. iv. Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls Discussion was held. No action was taken. b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to make a recommendation to the City Council regarding appointment of the APD Chief was made on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Athar-Jogee’s second on a vote of 7-0, with Commissioners Cuba Lewis and Gonzales absent. c. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin d. Discussion and possible action regarding Commission for Women Working Groups. FY2021 budget. Discussion was held. No action was taken. Discussion was held. No action was taken. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council endorsing the City of Austin’s 2020 legislative agenda. The motion to make a recommendation to the City Council in support of the City of Austin’s 2020 legislative agenda was made on Chair Austen’s motion, Vice-Chair Bope’s Wednesday, March 3, 2021 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS second on a vote of 6-0, with Commissioner Lewis off the dais, and Commissioners Cuba Lewis and Gonzales absent. The Commission requested a future agenda item from EMS regarding the community health program for people experiencing homelessness. The Commission …
Versión en español a continuación. Commission for Women Meeting Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Commission for Women be held Wednesday, February 3, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (Tuesday, February 2, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the February 3, 2021 Commission for Women Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2597 or april.shaw@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to april.shaw@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Commission for Women Miércoles, Febrero 3, 2021 a 9:00 a.m. La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (Martes, Febrero 2, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 974-2597 or april.shaw@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Friday, January 8, 2021 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Friday, January 8, 2021 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a regular meeting on Friday, January 8, 2021 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Tanya Athar-Jogee Julia Cuba Lewis Neva Fernandez Diana Melendez Sarah Tober Commissioners Absent: Juliana Gonzales Amanda Lewis Dyana Limon-Mercado Vacant: District 2 Staff in Attendance: April Shaw, Human Resources Department 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on December 2, 2020. The minutes from the regular meeting on December 2, 2020 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Cuba Lewis second on a vote of 6-0, with Commissioner Fernandez off the dais and Commissioners Gonzales, Lewis, and Limon-Mercado absent. Friday, January 8, 2021 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 2. OLD BUSINESS groups: i. Economic equity a. Discussion and possible action regarding updated from the following working Discussion was held. No action was taken. ii. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience Discussion was held. No action was taken. iii. Access to quality and affordable healthcare Discussion was held. No action was taken. iv. Women’s Hall of Fame Discussion was held. No action was taken. b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion c. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin d. Discussion and possible action regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Committee. Discussion was held. No action was taken. FY2021 budget. Discussion was held. No action was taken. Austin’s women and girls. Discussion was held. No action was taken. anti-racism. Discussion was held. No action was taken. e. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council on COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Friday, January 8, 2021 f. Discussion and possible action regarding Commission for Women Working Groups. The 2021 Commission for Women Working Groups were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Athar-Jogee’s second on a vote of 7-0, with Commissioners Gonzales, Lewis, and Limon-Mercado absent. g. Discussion and possible action regarding the Commission Charter. Updates to the Commission for Women Charter were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Vice Chair Bope’s second on a vote of 7-0, with Commissioners Gonzales, Lewis, and Limon-Mercado absent. h. Discussion and possible action regarding childcare …
Commission for Women Working Group Membership Updated January 2021 Homelessness Tanya Athar-Jogee Rebecca Austen Flannery Bope Sarah Tober Safety Health Neva Fernandez Juliana Gonzales Amanda Lewis Tanya Athar-Jogee Flannery Bope Juliana Gonzales Diana Melendez Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls Julia Cuba Lewis Dyana Limon-Mercado Diana Melendez Sarah Tober
Victim Services Division Manager (Kachina Clark) Crisis Team Investigation Support Team Austin Police Department Victim Services Division Investigation Team counselor assignments Homicide (1) Sex Crimes (5) Child Abuse (3) Domestic Violence (6) DV/Crisis Team (1) DV/Hate Crimes (1) DV/Vehicular Homicide (1) Robbery (1) Aggravated Assault (1) LE Counseling (1) Supervisors (2) Lead Counselors (3) Supervisors (3) Counselors (22) Counselors (14) Student Interns (7) 1 lead counselor position (Crisis Team) is vacant 2 counselor positions (Crisis Team) are vacant 1 counselor position (DV) is vacant Capacity Building With COA Commission for Women and Austin City Council support, APD Victim Services Division capacity has increased over the last three years to include: Nine new positions $30,000 for social work stipends ($2,500 flat rate per intern) $15,000 for basic victim needs EMDR o EMDR-trained counselors continue to provide pro-bono work (one client at any given time) to complete their commitment of 50 sessions. Capacity is stretched thin. For example, only fifteen counselors have the ability to accept new clients at this time. o One of the Investigations Team supervisors now oversees the APD EMDR program. Ideally, we need an EMDR coordinator (part-time position) and will include a request for the position with the next VOCA grant application. Our preference is that the position be included with the City’s operating budget. o We will soon fold the therapists managed by the SARRT EMDR committee into the APD EMDR program o Funding from previous budgets is exhausted.* The need for EMDR continues to grow and we cannot meet community expectations. For program sustainability, we recommend ongoing annual funding to train local therapists in EMDR. *EMDR funding was not included with the FY20-21 operating budget Unmet Needs Long-term fiscal planning Grant-funded positions Market study to potentially adjust compensation and reclassify positions
CAPACITY CREATION FOR DVSA VICTIMS THE HOTEL SAFETY NET SURVIVORS ARE FACING DISPLACEMENT AND HOMELESSNESS IN TEXAS Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are being displaced and becoming homeless due to the lack of capacity and beds at local emergency shelters. Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, shelters were turning away close to 48% of the victims coming to them and long waitlists. In March of 2020, that percentage skyrocketed to more than 90% according to the HHSE report presented by the Texas Council on Family Violence. The "shelter In place" order traps many victims in their homes, without an outlet to make an outcry. Virus or violence? HOTEL SAFETY NET SURVIVE2THRIVEFOUNDATION QUICK STATS 1 IN 3 WOMEN...1 IN 7 MEN... HAVE EXPERIENCED INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AT LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFETIME. 13% OF AUSTIN'S HOMELESS COMMUNITY, SELF IDENTIFY AS VICTIMS OF SOME SORT OF DOMESTIC ABUSE. IN 2019, MORE THAN 12,000 VICTIMS A MONTH ARE TURNED AWAY FROM LOCAL SHELTERS IN TEXAS* *14TH ANNUAL NNEDV SNAPSHOT CENSUS 2019 HOTEL SAFETY NET SURVIVE2THRIVEFOUNDATION THE COMMUNITY NEED - MORE IMMEDIATE HOUSING CAPACITY FOR FLEEING VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE. - MORE RESOURCE AVAILABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY . - A MECHANISM FOR THE QUICK PLACEMENT OF VICTIMS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT. - VICTIM-FACING TECHNOLOGY FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING AND RESTABILIZATION. SOME SUCCESSFUL COVID-19 OUTCOMES $935,000+ in Indirect and Indirect financial assistance to victims. $29,000+ in resources dispersed via our Seed A Survivor rent/utility/food assistance program (es. August 1, 2020) for housing costs and food insecurity. $14,000+ in Back-to-School supplies, clothes, and backpacks to the children in our SANCTUARY Program via S2T case management. 20,125 calls logged to COVID-19 hotline. 573+ families placed in our Hotel Safety Net in hotels across Austin in 2020; 1,039 men, women, and children of diverse backgrounds including COCs and the LGBTQ community. 205 successful interactions with law enforcement resulting in rapid placement most happening in under one (1) hour. The opening of the SANCTUARY Gardens Empowerment & Recovery Center for survivor immersion in South Austin. HOTEL SAFETY NET SURVIVE2THRIVEFOUNDATION WE DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY. WE HAVE A SURVIVOR BOARD AND OUR CARE IS CLIENT AND TRAUMA INFORMED. WE LOVE OUR PARTNERS AND COLLABORATE...A LOT. WE USE TECHNOLOGY TO CONNECT SERVICE PROVIDERS AND VICTIMS TO RESOURCES. HOTEL SAFETY NET SURVIVE2THRIVEFOUNDATION COMMUNITY AND TECH PARTNERS APD VICTIM SERVICES The SANCTUARY web platform gives immediate access to hotel rooms. Reduces victim placement time and places …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 3, 2021 REGULER MEETING Wednesday, February 3, 2021 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a regular meeting on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 9:19 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Amanda Lewis Neva Fernandez Diana Melendez Sarah Tober Commissioners Absent: Tanya Athar-Jogee Julia Cuba Lewis Juliana Gonzales Vacant: District 2 Staff in Attendance: April Shaw, Human Resources Department 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women special called meeting on January 8, 2021. The minutes from the special called meeting on January 8, 2021 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Fernandez’ second on a vote of 6-0, with Commissioners Athar-Jogee, Cuba Lewis, and Gonzales absent. 2. OLD BUSINESS COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 3, 2021 a. Discussion and possible action regarding updated from the following working groups: i. Homelessness Discussion was held. No action was taken. Discussion was held. No action was taken. ii. Safety iii. Health Discussion was held. No action was taken. iv. Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls Discussion was held. No action was taken. Committee. Discussion was held. No action was taken. FY2021 budget. Discussion was held. No action was taken. Discussion was held. No action was taken. b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion c. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin d. Discussion and possible action regarding Commission for Women Working Groups. 3. BRIEFINGS a. Presentation from Austin Police Department Victim Services by Kachina Clark regarding victim services and budget priorities and needs. Kachina Clark provided a presentation to the Commission regarding victim services and budget priorities and needs. b. Presentation from Survive2Thrive by Courtney Santana regarding displacement of domestic violence victims, homelessness prevention, and budget priorities and needs. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Courtney Santana provided a presentation to the Commission regarding displacement of domestic violence victims, homelessness prevention, and budget priorities and needs. 4. NEW BUSINESS needs. a. Discussion and possible action regarding victim services and budget and priority Discussion was held. No action was taken. b. Discussion and possible action regarding displacement of domestic violence victims, homelessness prevention, and budget and priority needs. Discussion was held. The motion to endorse the …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20210203-04b Date: February 3, 2021 Subject: Continued Funding for the Hotel Safety Net for Survivors Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Sarah Tober Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, on April 17, 2020, the Commission passed Recommendation 20200417-03C: COVID-19 Responses for Women and Girls, including a recommendation to provide adequate safe shelter options and services that address the specific needs of women and children experiencing abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, sex trafficking and homelessness, in partnership with organizations that provide these programs and services, and increase awareness of hotlines and related resources; and WHEREAS, on October 26, 2020 the Human Rights Commission passed Recommendation 20201026-002a: Continued Funding for the Hotel Safety Net for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission reinforces the recommendation of the Human Rights Commission to: • Continue funding the hotel safety net and resources for victims experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The funding for this essential program going forward will nurture the trust and relationship between law enforcement, referring agencies, and victims. The program provides revenue to local hotels, which helps offset the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. • Direct the City Manager to diversify the funding to organizations that support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, to address their unique needs. 1 Date of Approval: February 3, 2021 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 6-0 vote, with three commissioners absent, and one district vacant. Attest: April E. Shaw April Shaw, Staff Liaison 2
Versión en español a continuación. Commission for Women Meeting Friday, January 8, 2021 Commission for Women be held Friday, January 8, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (Thursday, January 7, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the January 8, 2021 Commission for Women Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2597 or april.shaw@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to april.shaw@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Commission for Women Viernes, Enero 8, 2021 a 9:00 a.m. La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (Jueves, Enero 7, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 974-2597 or april.shaw@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará para llamar ). …
