LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 2 0 2 4 0 2 1 2 - 5 FOR Budget for LGBTQIA+ AFFIRMING MENTAL HEALTHCARE WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study identified that the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown metropolitan area had the 3rd largest percentage of LGBTQIA+ people in the United States, with about 5.0% or 90,000 people identifying as LGBTQIA+; and WHEREAS the City of Austin currently has an estimated 475-person waitlist for LGBTQIA+-focused mental health services; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study found that respondents are at high risk for serious mental health issues, including 42% for depression and 12% for suicidal ideation; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents reported having to put off getting health-related services in the past 12 months because of the cost of dental care (29%), mental health care (21%), medical care (18%), and gender-affirming care (9%) among the top services avoided due to cost; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents were asked about how they rate their overall mental health since the pandemic, more than half (52%) of the 1,882 respondents rated their mental health as fair, poor, or very poor, a sizeable increase in mental health concerns; and WHEREAS nearly half (45%) of respondents in the Austin-based QWELL Community Foundation’s 2021 survey rated their mental health as poor or fair; and WHEREAS according to the 2022 Austin Public Health Community Health Assessment, there exists significant mental health needs including stigma and limited access to mental health care. Among Travis County residents, the suicide rate was 12.2 deaths per 100,000 population and highest among males (18.5 deaths per 100,000 population) and White residents (17.1 deaths per 100,000 population) in 2016- 2020. In 2020, a higher percentage of females (33.0%) compared to males (20.9%) reported poor mental health, and the prevalence of poor mental health days has increased by 7 overall for both genders. In the same year, a higher percentage of Hispanic/Latino adults (31.5%) reported poor mental health compared to White (26.3%) and Black/African American (22.9%) adults. In 2020, the highest proportion of adults experiencing poor mental health was seen among adults aged 18-29 (32.6%) and 30-44 years of age (34.3%); and WHEREAS, of the seven million dollars of mental health funding in FY24 social service contracts, only $161,673 (2%) provides …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in‐person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in‐person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512‐974‐2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT VACANT David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 VACANT Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis VACANT AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three‐minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on December 12, 2023. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve budget recommendations. 3. Approve a recommendation to the council on vacant commissioner positions. 4. Approve the commission's direction and strategic priorities for the next year. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the budget working group. Members: Curry, Davis, Wollerson 6. Update from the New Commissioner & Increasing Community Input Working Group. Members: Neal, Garza, Aguirre, Sims, and Bier 7. Update from Housing Working Group. Members: Curry, Davis, Aguirre, Griffin, Hawkins, Church 8. Update from the Cultural Center Working Group. Members: Wollerson, Davis, Barragán 9. Update from the Demographic Data Working Group. Members: Curry, Aguirre FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 two days (48 hours) before …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in‐person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in‐person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512‐974‐2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT VACANT David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 VACANT Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis VACANT AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three‐minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on December 12, 2023. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve budget recommendations. 3. Approve a recommendation to the council on vacant commissioner positions. 4. Approve the commission's direction and strategic priorities for the next year. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the budget working group. Members: Curry, Davis, Wollerson 6. Update from the New Commissioner & Increasing Community Input Working Group. Members: Neal, Garza, Aguirre, Sims, and Bier 7. Update from Housing Working Group. Members: Curry, Davis, Aguirre, Griffin, Hawkins, Church 8. Update from the Cultural Center Working Group. Members: Wollerson, Davis, Barragán 9. Update from the Demographic Data Working Group. Members: Curry, Aguirre FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 two days (48 hours) before …
Commented [GR1]: @Parra, Alyssa, changed the date here. Will you also update the filename? Commented [GR2R1]: PS - THIS IS SO COOL WHY HAVEN'T WE BEEN BUILDING AGENDAS THIS WAY BEFORE? REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, December 12, 2022 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Ryn Gonzales, Chair Kannou Curette, Vice Chair Christian Vieira Dr. Victor Martinez Darcy Rendon Emily Bush VACANT VACANT District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Marti Bier District 5 District 6 District 7 Appointment Stakeholder District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Appointment Commissioner Stakeholder Melissa Taylor Katie Jones Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Charles Curry VACANT AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on November 14, 2022. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Discussion and possible action of yearly retreat organizing. Discussion and possible action of reappointing and recruiting new at-large members. Discussion and possible action of working group for new commission members. Discussion and possible action of the JIC budget work session. Discussion and possible action of meeting with Jason Alexander regarding the LGBTQ Community Liaison position in the City Manager's Office. Discussion and possible action of the Joint Inclusion Committee's Q&A document regarding working groups from the City Clerk's Office. Discussion and possible action from the Housing Working Groups. Discussion and possible action of community events and announcements. Discussion and possible action on the first Quality of Life Town Hall on Thursday, December 15, from 12-1:30 PM at the Montopolis Recreation Center. 8. 9. 10. 7. FUTURE …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, November 14, 2022 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Ryn Gonzales, Chair Kannou Curette, Vice Chair Christian Vieira Dr. Victor Martinez Darcy Rendon Emily Bush VACANT VACANT District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Marti Bier District 5 District 6 District 7 Appointment Stakeholder District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Appointment Commissioner Stakeholder Melissa Taylor Katie Jones Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson Charles Curry VACANT AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on October 10, 2022. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion and possible action of vacant and future Commission positions. Discussion and possible action of the FY23 regular meeting schedule Discussion and possible action on yearly retreat date and agenda items. Discussion and possible action on creating and appointing members to a new workgroup on Housing; including authorization for those workgroup members to speak on behalf of the Commission to other commission workgroups and the JIC. Discussion and possible action on increasing the participation of the LGBTQ community in the JIC January town hall. Discussion and possible action related to problems in the Police Oversight, Civil Rights, and Equity Offices. Discussion and possible action of the JIC budget work session. Discussion of meeting with Jason Alexander regarding the LGBTQ Community Liaison position in the City Manger’s Office. Discussion of the Joint Inclusion Committee's Q&A document regarding working groups from the City Clerk's Office. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, October 10, 2022 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Ryn Gonzales, Chair Kannou Curette Christian Vieira Dr. Victor Martinez Darcy Rendon Emily Bush VACANT VACANT Appointment Commissioner Stakeholder Melissa Taylor, Vice Chair Katie Jones Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Marti Bier District 5 District 6 District 7 Appointment Stakeholder District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Charles Curry VACANT AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on September 12, 2022. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Staff briefing regarding ATX Bike, Walk, Roll, centered on equity. Presented by Craig McColloch, Project Manager, Capital Delivery Program, Public Works Department. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) Staff briefing regarding the city's role in facilitating and managing affordable housing in the Austin area. Presented by Mandy DeMayo, Deputy Director of the Housing and Planning Department. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and possible action regarding reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant Application Letters of Support Discussion and possible action of the FY23 regular meeting schedule Discussion and possible action on yearly retreat date and agenda items. Discussion and possible action on the 2nd annual LGBTQIA+ Health and Resource Fair. Discussion of the Joint Inclusion Committee's Q&A document regarding working groups from the City Clerk's Office. Discussion and possible action on creating and appointing members to a new workgroup on Housing; including authorization for those workgroup …
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Quality of Life Advisory Commission ATX Walk Bike Roll Project Update Agenda • ATX Walk Bike Roll Overview • What We Learned • Urban Trails & Bikeways • Sidewalks & Shared Streets • What’s Next Goals of ATX Walk Bike Roll • Update three modal plans that identify where to build sidewalks and crossings, urban trails, and bikeways • Embed social and racial equity within the programs • Add maintenance into plans and update project prioritization • Work with partners to create a safer, more connected network • Identify ways to build high quality bicycle and pedestrian pathways in less time Timeline • Phase 1: Winter 2021 – Summer 2021 • Equity Framework; Conditions Analysis; Outreach Planning • Outreach goal: introduce project, discuss community needs and priorities to shape guiding values of ATXWBR. • Phase 2: Fall 2021 – Fall 2022 • Programs & Policies; Scenario Evaluation; Project Prioritization; Buildout • Outreach goal: determine where we build, how we prioritize projects, and what we base decisions on. • Phase 3: Fall 2022 – Spring 2023 • Plan Document Development and Revisions • Outreach goal: review and discuss the plans and priorities – did we get Plans it right? • Anticipated Adoption: Spring / Summer 2023 Equity Focus Equity is achieved when race no longer predicts a person’s quality of life outcomes in our community. The City of Austin recognizes that past plans and investments have not met the needs of all Austinites or have actively harmed communities - especially low-income communities and communities of color. This furthered inequalities in transportation, health, safety, housing, and income. What We Learned What We Learned – Concerns Around Housing “The City needs to invest more resources in listening to residents of color and implementing policies that vulnerable populations want. I want to see sidewalk and bike lane improvements that are coupled with “right of return” and other housing policies that keep people in their homes and prevent gentrification.” How We Are Moving Forward Policy Ideas As Austin is experiencing an affordability crisis, ATXWBR is considering policy ideas to reduce transportation cost, such as: • Making transit and bikeshare completely free for all residents • A "Guaranteed Basic Mobility Program" (transportation debit card for low-income residents that can be used for transit, bikeshare, rideshare, scooters, taxis, etc.) • Explore ways to provide a fair allocation of transportation services for …
Housing Affordability Overview & Briefing LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission October 10, 2022 Content Overview of HPD Strategic Housing Blueprint Housing Investments City of Austin Housing and Planning Housing and Planning Department Mission: The Housing & Planning Department partners with the community to shape a more equitable Austin and to prevent the displacement of people and services, using planning disciplines and affordable housing resources. Goals •Create people centered plans and policies to support pedestrian oriented places that promote transit, jobs, and affordable housing opportunities •Facilitate long-range planning opportunities to promote the creation of walkable, mixed-use, and mixed-income communities •Collaborate with community members to honor and learn from Austin’s distinctive physical and cultural qualities to help sustain a multi-ethnic city •Prevent displacement of renters by providing tenant stabilization resources •Address housing challenges in Austin by creating and preserving affordable housing units especially in high opportunity and gentrifying areas •Transform community engagement processes to yield more inclusive, equitable, and effective outcomes for people of color, low-income persons, and renters •Identify and address systemic municipal racial bias and discrimination in housing and planning by focusing programs, plans, and projects to benefit historically excluded communities 4 Housing and Planning Department 5 Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint (2017) • Goals: • Disperse Affordable Housing to all 10 Districts • Create 60K Units of Affordable Housing across 0% - 80% Median Family Income • Count & track all new and existing housing • Develop along Imagine Austin Centers/Corridors & near High Opportunity Areas • Preserve 10K Affordable Housing Units • Create Permanent Supportive Housing and Continuum of Care Units for people experiencing homelessness 7 8 Housing Market Conditions (2022) 9 Blueprint Scorecard 2021 Housing Blueprint Scorecard 10 4-Year Blueprint Progress 11 Housing Investments Proposition A 2018 Bond Ballot Language 13 2018 Affordable Housing Bond Spend Plan Project Name FY18-19 FY19-20 FY20-21 FY21-22 FY22-23 Total Prop A- Affordable Housing Land Acquisition $ 20 million $30 million $30 million $20 million - $100 million RHDA OHDA $16 million $18 million $20 million $20 million $20 million $94 million $4 million $6 million $6 million $6 million $6 million $28 million Home Repair $2 million $5 million $6 million $7 million $8 million $28 million $42 million $59 million $62 million $53 million $34 million $ 250 million 14 Investment by Funding Type FY11-12 – FY20-21 AHFC Investment >$181 million 75% from GO Bonds 5,000+ …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Ryn Gonzales, Chair Kannou Curette Christian Vieira Dr. Victor Martinez Darcy Rendon Emily Bush Rebecca Dreke VACANT Appointment Commissioner Stakeholder Melissa Taylor, Vice Chair Katie Jones Nan Dowling Brandon Wollerson District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Marti Bier District 5 District 6 District 7 Appointment Stakeholder District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Charles Curry VACANT AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on August 8, 2022, and the Commission’s Special Called Meeting on August 22, 2022. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Commissioner introductions including name, pronouns, council district, and appointing council member. Staff briefing regarding the new position in the Equity Office. Presented by Jeremy Garza, Commissions & Neighborhood Liaison, Equity Office. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Conduct officer election for the Vice Chair position. Approve the re-appointment of Charles Curry as the primary representative of our Commission on the Joint Inclusion Committee. Discussion and possible action to schedule a strategic planning retreat for the Commission before the end of 2022. Discussion and possible action on the regular meeting schedule and structure including time and date of regular meetings, returning to in-person regular meetings, and accommodations to make our meetings as enjoyable and productive as possible. 6. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2022 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryn Gonzales, Chair Kanoa Arteaga Emily Bush Charles Curry Rebecca Dreke Dr. Victor Martinez Christian Vieira Melissa Taylor, Vice Chair Marti Bier Kannou Curette Nan Dowling Katelyn Jones Darcy Rendon Brandon Wollerson AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action to approve a recommendation concerning the City’s current and future response to the Monkeypox virus. (Sponsor: Curry; Strategic Outcome: Health & Environment) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans 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 two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please get in touch with Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission, please get in touch with Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov.
DRAFT Resolution on monkeypox response Whereas the City of Austin and Travis County have declared a public health emergency regarding the outbreak of monkeypox in our community, and Whereas, the vaccine supply available to Austin Public Health is extremely limited which creates concerns in the community about prioritization and equity access, and Whereas, Austin Public Health has provided information to the community suggesting up to a twenty‐one day isolation period for persons diagnosed with monkeypox which creates a hardship for those who are economically disadvantage and lack access to paid sick leave, and Whereas, isolation is a critical factor in controlling the spread of this communicable disease to the community and requires advance planning for overcoming the barriers to isolation in order to provide a public information campaign that will encourage people to seek treatment, Now therefore be it resolved that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that: The City Manager be directed to identify funds for emergency short‐term financial assistance to those who cannot afford to isolate for 28 days due to a monkeypox exposure or diagnosis, and The City Manager be directed to present a plan for an emergency public information campaign to inform the community on monkeypox prevention, access to vaccinations, medical care, and isolation assistance, and The City Manager be directed to provide a regular report to City Council on the status of vaccination utilization for Priority 1 clients as well as for Priority 2 clients and that the report also includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status (SOGI+) and other demographic data on those who have received the vaccine.
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20220822-1 CURRENT AND FUTURE RESPONSE TO MONKEYPOX VIRUS WHEREAS, the City of Austin and Travis County have declared a public health emergency regarding the outbreak of monkeypox in our community, and WHEREAS, the vaccine supply available to Austin Public Health is extremely limited which creates concerns in the community about prioritization and equity access, and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health has provided information to the community suggesting up to a twenty-one day isolation period for persons diagnosed with monkeypox which creates a hardship for those who are economically disadvantage and lack access to paid sick leave, and WHEREAS, isolation is a critical factor in controlling the spread of this communicable disease to the community and requires advance planning for overcoming the barriers to isolation in order to provide a public information campaign that will encourage people to seek treatment, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to City Council that: The City Manager be directed to identify funds for emergency short-term financial assistance to those who cannot afford to isolate for 28 days due to a monkeypox exposure or diagnosis, and The City Manager be directed to present a plan for an emergency public information campaign to inform the community on monkeypox prevention, access to vaccinations, medical care, and isolation assistance, and The City Manager be directed to provide a monthly report to City Council, the first of which should be due 30 days after passage of a resolution to this effect, on the status of vaccination utilization for Priority 1 clients as well as for Priority 2 clients and that the report also includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status (SOGI+) and other demographic data on those who have received the vaccine. Page 1 of 2 1. Arteaga 2. Curry 3. Dreke 4. Gonzales 5. Jones 6. Rendon 7. Taylor 8. Vieira 9. Wollerson VOTE Date of Approval: August 22, 2022 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 9-0 vote. Present: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES August 22, 2022 REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, August 22, 2022 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING MINUTES Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934, or Alyssa.parra@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryn Gonzales, Chair + + Kanoa Arteaga - Emily Bush + Charles Curry + Rebecca Dreke - Dr. Victor Martinez Christian Vieira + Melissa Taylor, Vice Chair + Marti Bier - Kannou Curette - Nan Dowling - Katelyn Jones + Darcy Rendon + Brandon Wollerson + AGENDA CALL TO ORDER By chair Ryn Gonzalez at 7:02pm. ROLL CALL: Absent: ● Emily Bush ● Victor Martinez ● Marti Bier ● Kannou Curette ● Nan Dowling ● Ryn Gonzalez ● Melissa Taylor ● Kanoa Arteaga Present: LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES August 22, 2022 ● Charles Curry ● Rebecca Dreke ● Christian Vieira ● Katelyn Jones ● Darcy Rendon ● Brandon Wollerson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. • No speakers MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER • Motion made by Commissioner Wollerson, seconded by Vice Chair Commissioner Taylor, motion passes with no objection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion and possible action to approve a recommendation concerning the City’s current and future response to the Monkeypox virus. (Sponsor: Curry; Strategic Outcome: Health & Environment) a. Resolution passed as amended without objection. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT: At 7:27pm 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 contact Alyssa …
LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Community Interest Announcement Health Equality Index Launch Press Conference August 16, 2022 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur.
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Ryn Gonzales, Chair Kanoa Arteaga Emily Bush Charles Curry Rebecca Dreke Dr. Victor Martinez Christian Vieira Melissa Taylor, Vice Chair Marti Bier Kannou Curette Nan Dowling Katelyn Jones Darcy Rendon Brandon Wollerson AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on July 11, 2022. Staff briefing regarding Monkeypox. Presented by Janet Pichette, Chief Epidemiologist and Assistant Director of Epidemiology and Public Health Preparedness, and Ana Urueta, 3. 4. 5. Program Manager for Public Health Emergency, Austin Public Health. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: Health & Environment) Staff briefing regarding Equity Considerations in Contracts and Program Funding. Presented by Neal Falgoust, Assistant City Attorney, Law Department. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) Staff briefing regarding the City of Austin's 2022 Disparity Study conducted by the Small & Minority Business Resources Department. Presented by Edward Campos, Director, Small & Minority Business Resources Department. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: Economic Opportunity & Affordability) Staff briefing regarding the new position in the Equity Office. Presented by Jeremy Garza, Commissions & Neighborhood Liaison, Equity Office. (Sponsor: Staff; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) Discussion of the FY2022-23 budget process, recommendations, and endorsements. (Sponsor: Curry; Strategic Outcome: Government That Works for All) Discussion of the vacant at-large commission position. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. 7. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. 9. 10. Discussion and possible action to approve the Commission's Annual Internal Review for July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. …
Policy Questions Why is your resolution called the GRACE Act? The GRACE Act stands for Guarding the Right to Abortion Care for Everyone. Austin wants to be a source of safety and grace for the people suffering under the Texas trigger ban and other laws criminalizing reproductive health choices. What is the GRACE Act? The GRACE Act is a policy recommendation in 2 parts: 1. City funds shouldn’t be used to solicit, catalog, report, or investigate reports of abortion. 2. Police should make investigating abortion their lowest priority. Why just a policy recommendation? Under Texas law and the Austin City Charter, the City Council cannot dictate to city employees how to handle a criminal case. We can declare the policy preferences of the Council and recommend that staff not use city funding, and we can recommend that they place it very low on their list of priorities. City executives, under the direct authority of the City Manager, decide whether and how to implement Council policy. How does it help if it’s just a policy recommendation? City executives, under the direction of City Manager Spencer Cronk, will implement the GRACE Act’s recommendations once it passes. Who supports the GRACE Act? Mayor Steve Adler and Council Members Vanessa Fuentes, Paige Ellis, and Kathie Tovo are our co-sponsors. Texas open meeting laws prevent us from talking to more than 4 fellow voting members about any resolution, but I can confirm everyone we have spoken with is in support. The population of Austin has demonstrated repeatedly that we are a city that supports reproductive health choices. Will the GRACE Act pass? I am confident that the City Council wants to protect abortion in Austin. CM Vanessa Fuentes’s resolution banning reproductive discrimination passed 10-1 with no discussion. There is significant support for actions like the GRACE Act on the Council and among our constituents. Legal Questions How does the GRACE Act supersede state law? The GRACE Act does not supersede state law. It is a statement of policy that provides guidelines for the city on how to prioritize enforcement of the abortion ban among hundreds of more important crimes, and it determines the amount of funds which can be dedicated to the project. It does not conflict with the state’s designation of abortion as a crime, and it does not prohibit or limit the investigation of any crime. Does the GRACE Act stop the State …
