SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MONDAY, April 19, 2021 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Monday, April 19, 2021 via teleconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 3:31 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Santana, and Commissioner Weigel. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None 1. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding recommendations related to the 2021-2022 City of Austin budget. (Davis/Brown, J.) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Davis moved to adopt the recommendation, Vice Chair Brown second. The recommendation was adopted on a vote of 9-0 with Commissioner Areche and Commissioner Museitif absent. ADJOURNMENT Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 4:01 p.m. on unanimous consent. 1
Versión en español a continuación. Human Rights Commission Meeting March 22, 2021 Human Rights Commission to be held March 22, 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 (March 21, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the March 22, 2021 Human Rights Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3276 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov no later than noon, March 21, 2021 (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 jonathan.babiak@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 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FECHA de la reunion March 22, 2021 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 (March 21, 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 Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3276 or jonathan.babiak@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 …
Your Information Hello Commissioner, Thank you for your time and dedication in working to help the City of Austin ensure our budget continues to equitably reflect the needs and concerns of the community, in particular our most vulnerable communities. This recommendation form has been kept consistent from the last year. Responses are due by April 9, 2021. You can find the flowchart below. If you have any difficulties with this form, please reach out to Brandon Kroos. Your Name Your Commission Email After question three, which questions from the flowchart are you prepared to answer? Is there funding? Which department holds the funding? How much funding is there? Which orgs receive it? How is success measured? What are the impacts, and gaps? Check All Next Root Cause Analysis Story: What did you hear from the community? Problem: What is the problem you identify? How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? Considering all of the information you have or have not collected above, how do we solve for this problem? Previous Submit Form
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 2021-0322-002a: City of Austin Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee hosted virtual Budget Engagement Community Forums on February 9, 2021, February 11, 20201, and March 3, 2021 to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities, and to help ensure and inclusive and transparent budget process that incorporates resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure community priorities are being met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Proposals: Public Safety I. An open process and community input in selection of the next APD Police Chief II. Guidance from the community/quality of life commissions on the selection process instead of waiting for community input after final candidates have been selected. Please see: a. Budget forum meeting February 9, 2021 at https://www.speakupaustin.org/budget-2022 Health and Environment I. II. Community approach for health care navigation and support: Resources exist for specific communities, but coverage is not consistent across all constituencies. The City of Austin should provide coordination/oversight to ensure resources are equitable and address gaps III. Digital Access: Includes wifi, devices, and training. Need to address different needs for seniors, kids in school, adults working from home, people with disabilities and/or 1 Please see: who are homebound, people who need access to healthcare (e.g. telehealth), access to workforce development/job postings, etc. The City should include these recommendations in their digital inclusion strategic plan (TARA “Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs”) IV. Budget Forum meeting February 11, 2021 at https://www.speakupaustin.org/budget-2022 Economic Opportunity, Culture, & Affordability The City should study access to stable and affordable housing and transit. Funding for legal assistance for immigrants I. II. III. Operational funding for nonprofits IV. Additional funding for EDD, communications and outreach V. Increase economic opportunities, access to capital, small business support, and transit in East Austin VI. Address the need for digital access for seniors and low income neighborhoods, including VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. public libraries, senior centers, wifi hotspots Provide …
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, January 25, 2021 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 25, 2021 via teleconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Museitif, and Commissioner Weigel. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, Human Resources Department 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. The minutes from the regular meeting of October 26, 2020 were approved on a vote of 7-0: Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Garry Brown second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Museitif, and Commissioner Weigel. Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Santana, and Commissioner White were absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Cynthia Turner, AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer and Pro Bono Attorney Engagement Specialist, and discussion regarding successes as an organization and request for support in making immigration funding a priority in the City's budget for next year. (Davis/Brown, J./Casas) Rebecca Lightsey, Co Executive Director, American Gateways, addressed the Commission and answered questions. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b. Discussion regarding planning and logistics of a future meeting agenda item related to Community Budget Forum. (Davis/Brown, J./Casas) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. c. Discussion and possible action related to Austin, Texas Covid19 response and its impact on communities of color. (Museitif/Davis) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. d. Discussion and possible action regarding 87th State Legislative Agenda. (Davis/Brown, J./Casas) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. 1 a. The Commission discussed the following key priority areas of concern for 2020-2021: 3. OLD BUSINESS Institutional Equity i. Environment & Land Use ii. iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Right ADJOURNMENT Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m. on unanimous consent. 2
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, March 22, 2021 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 22, 2021 via teleconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Museitif, and Commissioner Weigel. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. The minutes from the regular meeting of January 25, 2021 were approved on a vote of 6-0: Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Griffith second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Griffith, and Commissioner Museitif. Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Areche, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Santana, and Commissioner Weigel were absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. COMMUNITY FORUM The commission will conduct a forum on community priorities for the 2021-2022 City of Austin budget. The commission may take action concerning recommendations related to the budget. (Davis/Brown, J.) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. ADJOURNMENT Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m. on unanimous consent. 1
Versión en español a continuación. Human Rights Commission Meeting January 25, 2021 Human Rights Commission to be held January 25, 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 (January 24, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the January 25, 2021 Human Rights Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3276 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov no later than noon, January 24, 2021 (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 jonathan.babiak@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 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FECHA de la reunion January 25, 2021 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 (January 24, 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 Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3276 or jonathan.babiak@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 …
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, January 25, 2021 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 25, 2021 via teleconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Museitif, and Commissioner Weigel. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, Human Resources Department CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. The minutes from the regular meeting of October 26, 2020 were approved on a vote of 7-0: Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Garry Brown second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Museitif, and Commissioner Weigel. Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Santana, and Commissioner White were absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Cynthia Turner, AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer and Pro Bono Attorney Engagement Specialist, and discussion regarding successes as an organization and request for support in making immigration funding a priority in the City's budget for next year. (Davis/Brown, J./Casas) Rebecca Lightsey, Co Executive Director, American Gateways, addressed the Commission and answered questions. The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. b. Discussion regarding planning and logistics of a future meeting agenda item related to Community Budget Forum. (Davis/Brown, J./Casas) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. c. Discussion and possible action related to Austin, Texas Covid19 response and its impact on communities of color. (Museitif/Davis) The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. 1 J./Casas) 3. OLD BUSINESS d. Discussion and possible action regarding 87th State Legislative Agenda. (Davis/Brown, The Commission discussed this item. The Commission took no action on this item. a. The Commission discussed the following key priority areas of concern for 2020-2021: i. Institutional Equity Environment & Land Use ii. iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Right ADJOURNMENT Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m. on unanimous consent. 2
Human Rights Commission Community Interest Announcement Online Town Hall on Disability and Policing in Austin Join our virtual event that centers the experiences of people with disabilities and their lived experiences in Austin, Texas. Event sponsored by Mayor Steve Adler, Office of Police Oversight, Equity Office, and the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities. Accommodations available. Please contact either David Ondich david.ondich@austintexas.gov or Lee Nguyen lee.ngyuen@austintexas.gov Wednesday, December 2, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Via Videoconference http://bit.ly/2HaMdG6 A quorum of commission members may be present. No action will be taken. For more information, please contact the commission’s staff liaison, Jonathan Babiak, at (512) 974-3203 or by email at Jonathan.Babiak@austintexas.gov.
November 16, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Human Rights Commission Human Rights Commission to be held November 16, 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, November 15, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the November 16, 2020 Human Rights Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-3276 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, November 15, 2020 (the day before the 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 jonathan.babiak@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 this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del Human Rights Commission FECHA de la reunion (November 16, 2020) 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 (November 15, 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 (512) 974-3276 or jonathan.babiak@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 electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes recibirán …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Austin, Texas Recommendation 20201116-002a: Designating December 10, 2020 as Human Rights Day in Whereas, Nelson Mandela said, “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity;” and Whereas, more than 75,000,000 Americans chose a new direction for our country in our recent national election, one in which the issue of human rights will be given the emphasis it deserves; and Whereas, our federal government cannot locate the parents of over 500 immigrant children because of horrendous policies put into place by the current Administration; and Whereas, poverty, slavery, torture, and human trafficking are still in existence; and Whereas, Human Rights Day is the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and Whereas, the formal inception of Human Rights Day dates from 1950, after the U.N. Assembly passed resolution 423(V) inviting all nations and interested organizations to adopt December 10 of each year as Human Rights Day; Therefore, be it resolved, that the Austin City Council proclaim December 10, 2020 as Human Rights Day in Austin, Texas. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, October 26, 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, October 26, 2020 via teleconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Museitif, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, Human Resources Department 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. The minutes from the regular meeting of October 2, 2020 were approved on a vote of 6-0: Chair Davis motion, Commissioner Caballero second. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Museitif, and Commissioner White. Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Santana, and Commissioner Weigel were absent. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action on a Recommendation for continued funding for the Hotel Safety Net and Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking in Austin/Travis County. (Davis/Santana) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Davis moved for adoption, Commissioner Garry Brown second. The recommendation was adopted on a vote of 9-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Museitif, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White. Commissioner Breckenridge and Commissioner Griffith were absent. b. Discussion and possible action on a Recommendation regarding Black Quality of Life Declaration. (Davis/Santana) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Davis moved for adoption, Vice Chair Jamarr Brown and Commissioner Santana second. The recommendation was adopted on a vote of 10-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Museitif, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White. Commissioner Griffith was absent. 1 c. Discussion and possible action on a Recommendation regarding Block 16 and Block 18 African American Cultural Space. (Davis/Santana) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Davis moved for adoption, Commissioner Santana second. The recommendation was adopted on a vote of 10-0. Voting in favor were Chair Davis, Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Museitif, Commissioner Santana, Commissioner Weigel, and Commissioner White. Commissioner Griffith was absent. d. Discussion and possible action on a Recommendation regarding Black Arts and the Cultural District in Austin. (Davis/Santana) The Commission …
October 26, 2020 Regular Meeting of the Human Rights Commission Human Rights Commission to be held October 26, 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, October 25, 2020 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the October 26, 2020 Human Rights Commission Meeting, residents must: •Call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-3276 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov no later than noon, Sunday, October 25, 2020 (the day before the 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 jonathan.babiak@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 this meeting is broadcast live, residents may watch the meeting here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live Reunión del Human Rights Commission FECHA de la reunion (October 26, 2020) 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 (October 25, 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 (512) 974-3276 or jonathan.babiak@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 electrónico una solicitud para hablar al enlace de la junta, los residentes recibirán …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation 20201026-002a Continued Funding for the Hotel Safety Net for survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking WHEREAS, the many victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, find themselves displaced and homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic, WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, previously full local emergency shelters serving victims; have had to cut their capacity to less than half to avoid infection risk and to ensure the safety of their staff and current residents, WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, calls to the COVID-19 Domestic Violence emergency response hotline has increased by 233% since its inception in April 2020, WHEREAS, local law enforcement agencies are now able to place domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking agencies into immediate connection with housing and to provide food access and immediate incidentals for displaced and now homeless victims who have been turned away due to lessened emergency shelter capacity and long waitlists; WHEREAS, local hotels across the city of Austin/Travis County and in the surrounding counties have built a “safety net” of hotels throughout the city for these displaced and now homeless victims as they transition out of their violence; WHEREAS, these victims will now face chronic homelessness, food insecurity, increased unemployment, and the lack of safety and stability that comes with have an address; WHEREAS, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 48% of those victims leaving their violence were being turned away from local shelters and now nearly 90% is being turned away per a 2019-2020 HHSE report from The Texas Council on Family Violence; WHEREAS, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking should be considered public health concerns and become a permanent consideration for funding resources after the COVID-19 pandemic is deemed over; WHEREAS, There is still a very high demand for the hotel safety net, resources and services provided during to the victims seeking support during COVID-19; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: 1) Implore City Council and the City Manager to continue funding the hotel safety net and resources for victims experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The funding to this NOW ESSENTIAL and RELIED UPON Program going forward, will nurture the trust and relationship between local law enforcement, local referring agencies, and the victims themselves. The Hotel Safety Net has grown to 40 local hotels, providing them revenue to keep their doors …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The City of Austin Human Rights Commission Recommendation 20201026-002b : Black Quality of Life Declaration - October 2020 WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission (“the Commission”) is authorized by Austin City Codes: 2-1-101 to advise the City Council on issues related to the quality of life for the City’s African American community; and WHEREAS, the Commission is specifically authorized to recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront African Americans in social, economic, and vocational pursuits, including (1) health care, (2) housing, including affordable housing, home ownership, and homelessness, (3) entertainment opportunities for professionals and students, (4) employment, (5) cultural venues, including museums, theaters, art galleries, and music venues, and (6) Public Safety; and WHEREAS, on October 27, 2005 the City Council approved the African American Quality of Life Initiative; and WHEREAS, under the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Recommendation from the African American Quality of Life Initiative, a need for an African American Cultural Heritage District was recognized to enhance the quality of life for African Americans; and WHEREAS, City staff has worked closely with numerous Cultural Arts organizations within the City to determine this area meets the District's criteria; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has detailed Strategic Direction 2023 to “strive to create a complete community where every Austinite has choices at every stage of life that allow us to experience and contribute to the following outcomes: Economic Opportunities, Mobility, Safety, Health and Environment, Culture and Life-long learning, and Government that Works for “All of Us”; and WHEREAS, City Council’s adoption of the 1928 Master Plan required African Americans to relocate to the “Negro District” in order to receive basic City services, this plan strategically and systematically, along with additional ordinances that were adopted to ensure full compliance with the segregated 1928 Master Plan, and thus the lives of African Americans have been severely impacted socially and economically by years of intentional and systemic racism due to the implementation of the 1928 Master Plan; and WHEREAS, March 2017, the Mayor’s Task Force issued a report on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities that is inclusive of a list of recommendations aimed at the dismantling of institutional racism and systemic inequities in the City of Austin and the Austin region; and WHEREAS, In support of Resolution No. 20180215-082 we also ask the City Manager to, among other things, analyze and provide next steps for collaboration …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The City of Austin Human Rights Commission Recommendation: Block 16 and Block 18 African American Cultural Space WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission (“the Commission”) is authorized by Austin City Codes: 2-1-101 to advise the City Council on issues related to the quality of life for the City’s African American community; and WHEREAS, the Commission is specifically authorized to recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront African Americans in social, economic, and vocational pursuits, including (1) health care, (2) housing, including affordable housing, home ownership, and homelessness, (3) entertainment opportunities for professionals and students, (4) employment, (5) cultural venues, including museums, theaters, art galleries, and music venues, and (6) Public Safety; and WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission supports the African American Cultural Heritage District Investment Initiative; and WHEREAS, on October 27, 2005 the City Council approved the African American Quality of Life Initiative; and WHEREAS, under the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Recommendation from the African American Quality of Life Initiative, a need for an African American Cultural Heritage District was recognized to enhance the quality of life for African Americans; and WHEREAS, City staff has worked closely with numerous Cultural Arts organizations within the City to determine this area meets the District's criteria; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has detailed Strategic Direction 2023 to “strive to create a complete community where every Austinite has choices at every stage of life that allow us to experience and contribute to all of the following outcomes: Economic Opportunities, Mobility, Safety, Health and Environment, Culture and Life-long learning, and a Government that Works for “All of Us”; and WHEREAS, City Council adoption of the 1928 Master Plan required African Americans to relocate to the “Negro District” in order to receive basic City services, this plan strategically and systematically, along with additional ordinances were adopted to ensure full compliance with the segregated 1928 Master Plan, and the lives of African Americans have been severely impacted socially and economically by years of intentional and systemic racism due to the implementation of the 1928 Master Plan; and WHEREAS, In support of Resolution No. 20180215-082 we also ask the City Manager to, among other things, analyze and provide next steps for collaboration and support of an “Austin Cultural Trust” that could create spaces that support artists and arts organizations, preserve historic and iconic cultural buildings and spaces for creative …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The City of Austin Human Rights Commission Recommendation 20201026-002d: Black Arts and Cultural District Recommendation WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission (“the Commission”) is authorized by Austin City Codes: 2-1-101 to advise the City Council on issues related to the quality of life for the City’s African American community; and WHEREAS, the Commission is specifically authorized to recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront African Americans in social, economic, and vocational pursuits, including (1) health care, (2) housing, including affordable housing, home ownership, and homelessness, (3) entertainment opportunities for professionals and students (4) employment, (5) cultural venues, including museums, theaters, art galleries, and music venues, and (6) Public Safety; and WHEREAS, on October 27, 2005 the City Council approved the African American Quality of Life Initiative; and WHEREAS, under the Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Recommendation from the African American Quality of Life Initiative, a need for an African American Cultural Heritage District (AACHD) was recognized to enhance the quality of life for African Americans; and WHEREAS, African American historic landmarks represent only 47 of the 629 historical landmarks in the City of Austin and City staff have worked closely with numerous Cultural Arts organizations within the city to determine the African American Cultural Heritage District meets the City of Austin's criteria; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has detailed Strategic Direction 2023 to “strive to create a complete community where every Austinite has choices at every stage of life that allow us to experience and contribute to all of the following outcomes: Economic Opportunities, Mobility, Safety, Health and Environment, Culture and Life-long learning, and Government that Works for “All of Us”; and WHEREAS, March 2017, the Mayor’s Task Force issued a report on Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities that is inclusive of a list of recommendations aimed at the dismantling of institutional racism and systemic inequities in the City of Austin and the Austin region; and WHEREAS, African Americans account for 8% of the population in Travis County, 13% of African Americans live below the poverty line, 34% of the homeless population are African Americans and 25% of those serving sentences in Travis County Jail are African American men and women. In addition, 34% of children in low income homes do not receive any learning support services while African American children make up 90% of children in low income homes; and WHEREAS, on August …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation 20201026-002a and Human Trafficking Continued Funding for the Hotel Safety Net for survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, WHEREAS, the many victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, find themselves displaced and homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic, WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, previously full local emergency shelters serving victims; have had to cut their capacity to less than half to avoid infection risk and to ensure the safety of their staff and current residents, WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, calls to the COVID-19 Domestic Violence emergency response hotline has increased by 233% since its inception in April 2020, WHEREAS, local law enforcement agencies are now able to place domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking agencies into immediate connection with housing and to provide food access and immediate incidentals for displaced and now homeless victims who have been turned away due to lessened emergency shelter capacity and long waitlists; WHEREAS, local hotels across the city of Austin/Travis County and in the surrounding counties have built a “safety net” of hotels throughout the city for these displaced and now homeless victims as they transition out of their violence; WHEREAS, these victims will now face chronic homelessness, food insecurity, increased unemployment, and the lack of safety and stability that comes with have an address; WHEREAS, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 48% of those victims leaving their violence were being turned away from local shelters and now nearly 90% is being turned away per a 2019-2020 HHSE report from The Texas Council on Family Violence; WHEREAS, domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking should be considered public health concerns and become a permanent consideration for funding resources after the COVID-19 pandemic is deemed over; WHEREAS, There is still a very high demand for the hotel safety net, resources and services provided during to the victims seeking support during COVID-19;
