87TH STATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA Intergovernmental Relations Office – Brie L. Franco, Officer TEXAS LEGISLATURE INCREASINGLY FOCUSED ON CITIES Total Bills Introduced Total Bills Passed City-Related bills introduced City-Related bills passed Year 76th-1999 77th-2001 78th-2003 79th-2005 80th-2007 81st-2009 82nd-2011 83rd-2013 84th-2015 85th – 2017 5,813 5,612 5,633 5,512 6,241 7,464 5,938 5,950 6,476 6,800 1,622 1,601 1,384 1,389 1,481 1,459 1,379 1,437 1,329 1,208 1,230+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,200+ 1,500+ 1,500+ 1,900+ 1,900+ 2,500+ 86th – 2019 7,324 1,429 2,300+ 130+ 150+ 110+ 105+ 120+ 120+ 160+ 220+ 220+ 294 338 • 54 % more City- related bills were passed between 2015 and 2019 • 182 % more City – related bills were passed between 2009 and 2019 10/5/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 2 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: IGRO ROLE In the 86th session • 3,970 Bills/JR’s were filed in last 10 business days before filing deadline, March 8th. (54%). • 7,324 bills read and analyzed by IGRO. • Over 2,500 bills were determined by IGRO to affect cities. • 1,296 Bills/JR’s required analysis/action by departments and IGRO. 10/5/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 3 TREND: ANTI-CITY TONE: GOVERNOR ABBOTT "As opposed to the state having to take multiple rifle- shot approaches at overriding local regulations, I think a broad-based law by the state of Texas that says across the board, the state is going to pre-empt local regulations, is a superior approach“ * – Governor Greg Abbott, March 21, 2017 *Source: “Abbott wants "broad-based law" that pre-empts local regulations” Texas Tribune, March 21, 2017 Governor Greg Abbott in 2017 10/5/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 4 TREND: ANTI-CITY LEGISLATION: POST 85TH SPECIAL SESSION "Our cities are still controlled by Democrats…And where do we have all our problems in America? Not at the state level run by Republicans, but in our cities that are mostly controlled by Democrat mayors and Democrat city council men and women. That's where you see liberal policies. That's where you see high taxes. That's where you see street crime." * -Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, 2017 *Source: “Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blames city governments for "all our problems in America" Texas Tribune, AUG. 4, 2017 10/5/2020 87th Legislative Agenda 5 Lt Governor Dan Patrick in 2016. Photo by Gage Skidmore. TREND: ANTI-CITY TONE: POST 86TH SESSION “Any mayor, county judge that was dumb ass enough to come meet with me, I told them with great clarity, my goal is for this to be the …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, October 7, 2020 REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, October 7, 2020 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 8:41 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Neva Fernandez Juliana Gonzales Tanya Athar-Jogee Amanda Lewis Dyana Limon-Mercado Sarah Tober Commissioners Absent: Julia Cuba Lewis Vacant: District 2 District 3 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 September 2, 2020. The minutes from the regular meeting on September 2, 2020 were approved on Commissioner Gonzales’ motion, Chair Austen’s second on a vote of 8-0, with Commissioners Cuba Lewis absent. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 2. OLD BUSINESS Wednesday, October 7, 2020 a. Discussion and possible action regarding updated from the following working ii. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience groups: i. Economic equity Discussion was held. No action was taken. 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. 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. 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 e. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council on 3. BRIEFINGS Texas Legislative Session. a. Presentation from the Intergovernmental Affairs Office regarding the 87th State of Wednesday, October 7, 2020 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES This item was postponed. Plan Revision 2020. 4. NEW BUSINESS This item was postponed. 2020. b. Presentation from the Office of Sustainability regarding the Community Climate Zach Baumer, Office of Sustainability, provided a presentation to the Commission regarding the Community Climate Plan Revision 2020. a. Discussion and possible action regarding the 87th State of Texas Legislative Session. b. Discussion and possible action regarding the Community Climate Plan Revision Discussion was held. No action was taken. 5. FUTURE …
Regular Meeting of the Commission for Women Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Commission for Women to be held Wednesday, September 2, 2020 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, September 1, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the September 2, 2020 Commission for Women Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2597 or april.shaw@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Tuesday, August 4, 2020 (the day before the scheduled meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start 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 on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del Commission for Women Miércoles, Septiembre 2, 2020 a 10:00 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 (Miércoles, Septiembre 1, 2020 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los residentes deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en (512) 974-2597 o april.shaw@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). La información requerida es el nombre del orador, los números de artículo sobre los que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutrales, y un número de teléfono o dirección de correo electrónico. • Una vez que se haya llamado o enviado por correo …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, August 5, 2020 REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, August 5, 2020 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 10:22 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Neva Fernandez Tanya Athar-Jogee Amanda Lewis Julia Cuba Lewis Dyana Limon-Mercado Commissioners Absent: Juliana Gonzales Sarah Tober Vacant: District 2 District 3 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 June 22, 2020. The minutes from the special called meeting on June 22, 2020 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Vice Chair Bope’s second on a vote of 7-0, with Commissioners Gonzalez and Tober absent. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 2. OLD BUSINESS Wednesday, August 5, 2020 a. Discussion and possible action regarding the following working groups: i. Economic equity Discussion was held. No action was taken. ii. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience Discussion was held. Commission for Women Recommendation No. 20200805-02Aii regarding victim services was made on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Fernandez’ second on a vote of 7-0 with Commissioners Gonzalez and Tober absent. b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion 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. 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. 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 e. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council on COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 3. BRIEFINGS Wednesday, August 5, 2020 a. Presentation from the Office of the City Auditor regarding the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission process and call for applicants. Corrie Stokes, City Auditor, provided a presentation regarding the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission process and call for applicants. b. Presentation from the City Manager’s Office and Police Executive Research Forum regarding Resolution No. 20190131-077 on evaluation of Austin Police Department’s sexual assault investigations. Patricia Bourenane of the City Manager’s …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, September 2, 2020 REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, September 2, 2020 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a regular meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Neva Fernandez Juliana Gonzales Tanya Athar-Jogee Amanda Lewis Sarah Tober Commissioners Absent: Julia Cuba Lewis Dyana Limon-Mercado Vacant: District 2 District 3 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 August 5, 2020. The minutes from the regular meeting on August 5, 2020 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Vice Chair Bope’s second on a vote of 7-0, with Commissioners Cuba Lewis and Limon-Mercado absent. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 2. OLD BUSINESS Wednesday, September 2, 2020 a. Discussion and possible action regarding updated from the following working ii. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience groups: i. Economic equity Discussion was held. No action was taken. 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. 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. 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 e. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council on 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS The Commission requested follow up on previously postponed items. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES ADJOURNMENT Chair Austen adjourned the meeting at 11:30 a.m. without objection. Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Regular Meeting of the Commission for Women Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Commission for Women to be held Wednesday, August 5, 2020 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, August 4, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 5, 2020 Commission for Women Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2597 or april.shaw@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Tuesday, August 4, 2020 (the day before the scheduled meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start 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 on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live CITY OF AUSTIN COMMISSION FOR WOMEN REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, August 5, 2020, 10:00 a.m. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES meeting on June 22, 2020. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women special called a. Discussion and possible action regarding the following working groups: 1. Economic equity 2. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience 3. Access to quality and affordable healthcare 4. Women’s Hall of Fame b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee. 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 FY2021 budget. Austin’s women and girls. e. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council on anti-racism. 3. BRIEFINGS 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation from the …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 22, 2020 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Monday, June 22, 2020 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a special called meeting on Monday, June 22, 2020 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Tanya Athar-Jogee Juliana Gonzales Amanda Lewis Julia Cuba Lewis Sarah Tober Commissioners Absent: Neva Fernandez Dyana Limon-Mercado Vacant: District 2 District 3 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 April 17, 2020. The minutes from the special called meeting on April 17, 2020 were approved on Commissioner Tober’s motion, Vice Chair Bope’s second on a vote of 6-0, with Commissioner Athar-Jogee off the dais and Commissioners Fernandez and Limon- Mercado absent. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding the following working groups: Monday, June 22, 2020 ii. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience i. Economic equity Discussion was held. No action was taken. 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. 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 the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Austin’s women and girls. Discussion was held. No action was taken. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council on anti-racism. Discussion was held. Commission for Women Recommendation No. 20200622-03A1 regarding race and gender equity was made on Commissioner Lewis’ motion, Vice Chair Bope’s second on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioner Cuba Lewis off the dais and Commissioners Fernandez and Limon-Mercado absent. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 22, 2020 Commission for Women Recommendation No. 20200622-03A2 regarding equity in renaming made on Commissioner Tober’s motion, Commissioner Athar-Jogee’s second, on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioner Cuba Lewis off the dais and Commissioners Fernandez and Limon-Mercado absent. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Austen adjourned …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20200805-02Aii Date: August 5, 2020 Subject: Victim Services Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Neva Fernandez Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body to the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager concerning the needs and problems of women in the Austin area and shall recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront women in social, economic and vocational pursuits; and WHEREAS, on June 22, 20220 the Commission passed Recommendation 20200622-03A1: Race and Gender Equity, addressing public safety reform including the funding and operating structure of Victim Services, and additional measures to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking; and WHEREAS, on July 7, 2020, the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) sent a letter to the City Manager, Mayor and City Council, objecting to Victims Services being moved out of the Austin Police Department (APD) and recommending increased authority for Victim Services within APD; and WHEREAS, on July 9, 2020, The SAFE Alliance sent a Position on Police and Public Safety in the City of Austin to the City Manager and City Council, addressing the needs of victims and survivors of abuse and violence, and recommending increased authority and capacity for Victim Services; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission recommends the following measures regarding public safety, policing and victim services. • Victim/survivor voices must be part of the dialogue and decision process regarding public • Victim Services must report at a level of city government that provides sufficient safety, policing and Victim Services. decision-making and funding authority. • Regardless of reporting structures, Victim Services must co-locate with police officers and have continued access to APD crime data and reporting systems. 1 • Victims must have a voice in whether to have police officers present with Victim Services when they reach out to public safety; the type of crime should influence the involvement of officers (e.g., a report of rape after the fact can be supported by Victim Services without officers present, to avoid re-traumatizing the victim). • Systems and services must support victims who choose not to prosecute as much as those who pursue prosecution. • Social services, counseling and support to navigate the criminal justice system must be available to the accused as well as to victims; the accused are innocent until proven …
Special Meeting of the Commission for Women Monday, June 22, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Commission for Women to be held Monday, June 22, 2020 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (Sunday, June 21, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 22, 2020 Commission for Women Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2597 or april.shaw@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, June 21, 2020 (the day before the scheduled meeting). The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start 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 on Sunday, June 21, 2020, the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live CITY OF AUSTIN COMMISSION FOR WOMEN SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Monday, June 22, 2020, 10:00 a.m. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES meeting on April 17, 2020. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women special called a. Discussion and possible action regarding the following working groups: 1. Economic equity 2. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience 3. Access to quality and affordable healthcare 4. Women’s Hall of Fame b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee. 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 FY2021 budget. Austin’s women and girls. 3. NEW BUSINESS anti-racism. a. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council on 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20200622-03A1 Date: June 22, 2020 Subject: Race and Gender Equity Motioned By: Amanda Lewis Seconded By: Flannery Bope Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body to the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager concerning the needs and problems of women in the Austin area and shall recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront women in social, economic and vocational pursuits; and WHEREAS, on March 23, 2017 the Council passed Resolution No. 20170323-054, calling upon the Commission for Women, in collaboration with the City’s Human Rights Commission, to address gender disparities in the City and develop recommendations for modifying City policies or practices to eliminate disparate impacts; and WHEREAS, on November 8, 2017 the Commission passed Recommendation 20171108-004b: Women’s Equity in Austin (“Equity Recommendation”) to address these gender disparities; and WHEREAS, the Equity Recommendation resolved that Council immediately act to integrate gender equity principles into all of its operations, including policy, program and decision- making, which would, at a minimum, require that the Equity Office (or similar office) be empowered and supported to employ an equity tool and equity lens to investigate and addresses City laws, policies and practices that create an unintended disparate impact on women, and implement changes to the existing Equity Assessment Tool to provide information on gender as well as race; and WHEREAS, the Equity Recommendation resolved that the City educate its employees, managers and executives on sexism, racism and implicit bias; incentivize leaders to complete such training; and provide implicit bias training to private employers through ACC or other education institutions; and WHEREAS, commissions, community leaders and citizens are calling for public safety reform and changes in the Austin Police Department (“APD”) leadership and budget in response to local and nationwide police violence and killing of Black women and men; and 1 WHEREAS, crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence and sex trafficking disproportionately impact women and girls, particularly women and girls of color and LGBTQ+ individuals; and WHEREAS, victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and sex trafficking must be empowered to access support and services whether or not they choose to engage with law enforcement, and providers of those services be reimbursed whether or not forensic evidence is collected when serving these victims; and WHEREAS, on August 9, 2017 the Commission passed Request 20170809-003b: Regarding Survivors …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20200622-03A2 Date: June 22, 2020 Subject: Equity in Renaming Motioned By: Sarah Tober 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 to the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager concerning the needs and problems of women in the Austin area and shall recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront women in social, economic and vocational pursuits; and WHEREAS, on March 23, 2017 the Council passed Resolution No. 20170323-054 (“Resolution”), calling upon the Commission to offer recommendations concerning disparities in Austin between streets named after men and those names after women, and appropriate measures to eliminate those disparities; and WHEREAS, the commission thrice responded to the Resolution on August 31, 2017 with Recommendation 20170831-002A: Renaming of Robert E. Lee Road (“First Recommendation”); on October 11, 2017 with Recommendation 20171011-05B: Equity in Naming of Public Symbols (“Second Recommendation”); and on August 24, 2018 with Recommendation 20180824-03b: Renaming of Streets (“Third Recommendation”), identifying streets and other City assets named for Confederate soldiers and ideals, segregationists, racists and asked the City to review and rename these assets; and WHEREAS, the City’s Equity Office also provided the City in 2018 with a list of assets to be renamed, in accordance with the Confederates Monuments Resolution No. 20171005-031 (“Report”) with one asset (Metz Recreation Center) from the Report currently in the process of being renamed; and WHEREAS, there is precedence for renaming assets, including changing the name of the Congress Avenue Bridge to the Ann Richards Bridge in 2006 to honor former governor Ann Richards; and changing Town Lake to Lady Bird Lake in 2007 to honor former first lady Claudia “Lady Bird” Taylor Johnson; Changing Robert E. Lee Road to honor former U.S. treasurer Azie Taylor Morton; and changing Jeff David Avenue to honor former Travis County Commissioner William Holland; and 1 WHEREAS, the City of Austin should not continue to honor Confederate soldiers and ideals, segregationists, and racists; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission recommends renaming: 1. The assets identified as a priority in the Report, including Littlefield Street, Tom Green Street, Sneed Cove, Reagan Hill Drive, Dixie Drive, Confederate Avenue and Plantation Road; Fort Sumter Road and 2. The following neighboring streets in District 5: a. Hood Circle (Confederate General John Bell Hood) b. Beauregard Circle (Confederate General Pierre …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 22, 2020 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Monday, June 22, 2020 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a special called meeting on Monday, June 22, 2020 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Tanya Athar-Jogee Juliana Gonzales Amanda Lewis Julia Cuba Lewis Sarah Tober Commissioners Absent: Neva Fernandez Dyana Limon-Mercado Vacant: District 2 District 3 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 April 17, 2020. The minutes from the special called meeting on April 17, 2020 were approved on Commissioner Tober’s motion, Vice Chair Bope’s second on a vote of 6-0, with Commissioner Athar-Jogee off the dais and Commissioners Fernandez and Limon- Mercado absent. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding the following working groups: Monday, June 22, 2020 ii. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience i. Economic equity Discussion was held. No action was taken. 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. 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 the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Austin’s women and girls. Discussion was held. No action was taken. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding a recommendation to the City Council on anti-racism. Discussion was held. Commission for Women Recommendation No. 20200622-03A1 regarding race and gender equity was made on Commissioner Lewis’ motion, Vice Chair Bope’s second on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioner Cuba Lewis off the dais and Commissioners Fernandez and Limon-Mercado absent. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 22, 2020 Commission for Women Recommendation No. 20200622-03A2 regarding equity in renaming made on Commissioner Tober’s motion, Commissioner Athar-Jogee’s second, on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioner Cuba Lewis off the dais and Commissioners Fernandez and Limon-Mercado absent. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Austen adjourned …
Special Meeting of the Commission for Women Friday, April 17, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. Commission for Women to be held April 17, 2020 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, April 16, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 17, 2020 Commission for Women Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-2597 or april.shaw@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Thursday, April 16, 2020. The information required is the speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, and a telephone number or email address. •Once a request to speak has been called in or emailed to the board liaison, residents will receive either an email or phone call providing the telephone number to call on the day of the scheduled meeting. •Speakers must call in at least 30 minutes prior to meeting start 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, Thursday, April 16, 2020. This information will be provided to Commission members in advance of the meeting. •Residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live CITY OF AUSTIN COMMISSION FOR WOMEN SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Friday, April 17, 2020, 1:00 p.m. VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live AGENDA CALL TO ORDER 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting b. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women special called on February 5, 2020. meeting on February 5, 2020. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding the following working groups: 1. Economic equity 2. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience 3. Access to quality and affordable healthcare 4. Women’s Hall of Fame b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee. c. Discussion and possible action regarding the commission charter for 2020. d. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin a. Discussion and possible action regarding the election of a new Chair of the b. Discussion and possible action regarding the election of a new Vice-Chair of the c. Discussion and possible action …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20200417-03C Date: April 17, 2020 Subject: COVID-19 Responses for Women and Girls Motioned By: Chair 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 to the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager concerning the needs and problems of women in the Austin area and shall recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront women in social, economic and vocational pursuits; and WHEREAS, the City has been responsive to the needs of the community regarding the COVID- 19 pandemic, and Council passed Resolution No. 20200326-091 on March 26, 2020 to provide programs and resources to address the impact of the pandemic; and WHEREAS, the effects of the pandemic have amplified adverse impacts on women and girls due to shelter-in-place, job losses, school closures and other circumstances, including: Increased health and safety risks for women and children experiencing abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, sex trafficking and homelessness, with heightened risks for women and children of color, LGBTQ+, disabled, immigrant/refugee status, and foster care or runaway youth; abusers may become more predatory and violent as they experience economic pressures, isolation and stress; many organizations have reduced or eliminated services, resulting in fewer options for victims; in-person visits by advocates have been restricted or suspended, and virtual contact may not be safe or practical; victims are reluctant to contact law enforcement or medical providers for issues unrelated to COVID-19; Increased caregiving responsibilities due to closures of childcare facilities and schools, which disproportionately fall to women; the need for skills, equipment, internet access and time to teach children, often while working; caregiving for elderly, sick or disabled family members who are more vulnerable due to COVID-19; • Loss of income and benefits due to pay cuts, layoffs and business closures, with greater impact for single mothers who are the sole providers for families (concentrated in lower 1 income and communities of color), and for women-owned businesses whose reduction or closure impacts employees and those who use the businesses’ products or services; • Increased physical and mental health risks for women and children as medical providers place priority on the needs of COVID patients; higher anxiety and depression due to isolation, stress, loss of income and caregiving burdens; gaps in ongoing care including contraception, well-woman exams, OBGYN, breastfeeding support, pediatric visits …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a regular meeting on Friday, April 17, 2020 via videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 1:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Tanya Athar-Jogee Neva Fernandez Amanda Lewis Julia Cuba Lewis Dyana Limon-Mercado Sarah Tober Commissioners Absent: Juliana Gonzales Vacant: District 2 District 3 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 5, 2020. The minutes from the regular meeting on February 5, 2020 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Vice Chair Bope’s second on a vote of 5-0-1, with Commissioner Tober abstaining and Commissioners Athar-Jogee and Limon-Mercado off the dais. Commissioner Gonzales was absent. FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES meeting on February 5, 2020. b. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women special called The minutes from the special called meeting on February 5, 2020 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Vice Chair Bope’s second on a vote of 5-0-1, with Commissioner Tober abstaining and Commissioners Athar-Jogee and Limon-Mercado off the dais. Commissioner Gonzales was absent. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding the following working groups: ii. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience i. Economic equity Discussion was held. No action was taken. 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. Committee. 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 commission charter for 2020. Discussion was held. The motion to amend the commission charter to include those who self-identify as women was made by Chair Austen, seconded by Vice Chair Bope, was approved on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner Athar-Jogee off the dais. Commissioner Gonzales was absent. d. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin FY2021 budget. Discussion was held. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 The motion to authorize Chair Austen’s online budget submittal, and to make a recommendation to the City Council …
CITY OF AUSTIN COMMISSION FOR WOMEN REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, March 4, 2020, 12:00 p.m. City Hall Boards and Commissions Room 301 W. Second Street Austin, Texas 78701 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Austin Commission for Women regular b. Consider approval of the minutes from the Austin Commission for Women special meeting on February 5, 2020. called meeting on February 5, 2020. a. Discussion and possible action regarding the following working groups: 1. Economic equity 2. Sexual assault, violence prevention, and survivor experience 3. Access to quality and affordable healthcare 4. Women’s Hall of Fame b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee. c. Discussion and possible action regarding the commission charter for 2020. d. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin FY2021 budget. 3. BRIEFINGS a. Presentation from the CAN Network by Jelina Tunstill and Carlos Soto regarding the CAN Network dashboard. b. Presentation from the Office of Police Oversight by Cristina Tangredi regarding the Analysis of Austin Police Department Racial Profiling Data. c. Presentation from Lifeworks by Danielle Owens regarding youth homelessness and mental health. 4. NEW BUSINESS dashboard. a. Discussion and possible action on the presentation regarding the CAN Network b. Discussion and possible action on the presentation from the Office of Police Oversight regarding an Analysis of Austin Police Department Racial Profiling Data. c. Discussion and possible action on the presentation from Lifeworks regarding youth homelessness and mental health. 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call April Shaw of the Human Resources Department at 512-974-2597, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact April Shaw at 512-974-2597.
