REGULAR MEETING OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026, AT 5:30 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the African American Resource Advisory 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 Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Daryl Horton, Chair Alexandria Anderson Sophia Dozier Kyron Hayes Nelson Linder Justin Parsons Mueni Rudd Emmy Weisberg AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Roger Davis Joi Harden Antony Jackson Kenneth Loyde Antonio Ross Greg Smith 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on January 6, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and a request for the prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 26-27 budget. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Presentation by Communities in School of Central Texas regarding the outcomes and data from the recent Harvard Education Redesign economic mobility study. Presentation given by Sharon Vigil, Chief Executive Officer, Communities in Schools of Central Texas. Discussion regarding updates on the progress of the Election Mobilization Project. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Budget Working Group regarding their first planning meeting. 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. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nekaybaw Watson at Austin City Clerk’s Office Department, at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the African American Resource Advisory Commission please contact Nekaybaw Watson at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov.
AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 01.06.26 AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center Room 1406. Commissioner Parsons called the African American Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Daryl Horton, Chair Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Roger Davis Sophia Dozier Justin Parsons Emmy Weisberg Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alexandria Anderson Joi Harden Kyron Hayes Mueni Rudd Greg Smith Commissioners Absent: Antony Jackson Nelson Linder Kenneth Loyde Antonio Ross PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1 AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 01.06.26 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 2, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of December 2, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Weisberg’s motion, Commissioner Dozier’s second on a 9-0 vote. Chair Horton and Vice Chair Eugene were off the dais. Commissioners Jackson, Linder, Loyde, and Ross were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the African American Cultural Heritage District Strategic Plan by Matthew Schmidt, Division Manager, Austin Economic Development, and Mend Collaborative. The presentation was made by Matthew Schmidt, Division Manager, Austin Economic Development and C Terrance Anderson, Mend Collaborative. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation from Dr. Obiageli Chukwuneke, President, Career Research Learning and Development Institute (CARLDI) regarding CARLDI’s priorities and programmatic goals. Presentation was made by Dr. Obiageli Chukwuneke, President, Career Research Learning and Development Institute. 4. 5. 6. Discussion regarding the African American Resource Advisory Commission officer elections, officer duties and potential interest in becoming an officer. Discussed. List of roles and role responsibilities to be sent to commissioners. Discussion regarding updates on the progress of finding a facility for Mission Accomplished and next steps in writing a recommendation to Council regarding Mission Accomplished as a budget priority for FY27. Discussed. Discussion regarding the creation of a mobilization unit for voter registration and transport to the polls for the upcoming elections. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve the addition of new members to the Budget Working Group. The motion to add Chair Horton, and Commissioners Davis and Dozier to the Budget Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Eugene’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ motion on a 11-0 vote. Commissioners Jackson, Linder, Loyde, and Ross were absent. Current membership on the Budget …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026, AT 5:30 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the African American Resource Advisory 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 Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Daryl Horton, Chair Alexandria Anderson Sophia Dozier Kyron Hayes Nelson Linder Justin Parsons Mueni Rudd Emmy Weisberg AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Roger Davis Joi Harden Antony Jackson Kenneth Loyde Antonio Ross Greg Smith 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 2, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing regarding the African American Cultural Heritage District Strategic Plan by Matthew Schmidt, Division Manager, Austin Economic Development, and Mend Collaborative. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation from Dr. Obiageli Chukwuneke, President, Career Research Learning and Development Institute (CARLDI) regarding CARLDI’s priorities and programmatic goals. Discussion regarding the African American Resource Advisory Commission officer elections, officer duties and potential interest in becoming an officer. Discussion regarding updates on the progress of finding a facility for Mission Accomplished and next steps in writing a recommendation to Council regarding Mission Accomplished as a budget priority for FY27. Discussion regarding the creation of a mobilization unit for voter registration and transport to the polls for the upcoming elections. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve the addition of new members to the Budget Working Group. 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. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nekaybaw Watson …
AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 12.02.2025 AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2025 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at African American Cultural and Heritage Center 912 E 11th St in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Anderson called the African American Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 5:57 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Justin Parsons Emmy Weisberg Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Roger Davis Joi Harden Kyron Hayes Greg Smith Commissioners Absent: Daryl Horton, Chair Sophia Dozier Antony Jackson Nelson Linder Kenneth Loyde Antonio Ross Mueni Rudd PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Dr. Obiageli Chukwuneke - CARLDI 1 AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 12.02.2025 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on November 5, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of November 5, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Parsons’ motion, Commissioner Weisberg’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Horton, Commissioners Dozier, Jackson, Linder, Loyde, Ross, and Rudd were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding an introduction and an overview of Austin Equity and Inclusion by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Energy and Inclusion, Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion, and Emi Johnson, Policy Compliance Consultant/ Acting Civil Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion, The presentation was made by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion, Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion, and Emi Johnson, Policy Compliance Consultant/ Acting Civil Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation from Ebonie Oliver, Director, Mission Accomplished regarding current priorities and community engagement practices of Mission Accomplished. Presentation was made by Ebonie Oliver, Director, Mission Accomplished. 4. 5. Presentation from Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Chief Executive Officer, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, and Martin Nembhard, Vice President of Park Operations, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy regarding current priorities and community engagement practices of Waterloos Greenway Conservancy. Presentation was made by Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette, Chief Executive Officer, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, and Martin Nembhard, Vice President of Park Operations, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Senior Business Process Consultant, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion regarding Mapping Opportunity and identifying disparities across different Austin communities. Presentation was made by Gary Aaron, Senior Business Process Consultant, Austin Equity and Inclusion and …
Advancing Equitable Aging for African Immigrant Seniors Introduction: Career Research, Learning and Development Institute (CARLDI) is a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving older African immigrants and other vulnerable seniors in Austin, Texas. CARLDI addresses this critical and often overlooked population, whose challenges include language barriers, cultural dislocation, social isolation, and limited access to aging services. Despite strong professional backgrounds, many are underemployed or excluded from economic participation. Our mission is strongly aligned with AARAC’s commitment to advancing equity, access, and inclusion for historically underserved communities. 2026 Strategic Goals • Serve at least 100 senior immigrants and vulnerable seniors. • Strengthen CARLDI as a trusted immigrant senior resource. • Expand partnerships with city agencies and advisory commissions. • Maintain strong fiscal accountability and program quality. Key Programs and Services • Assimilation and Citizenship, • Workforce, and career reintegration for seniors, • Health benefits, and financial literacy navigation, • Social inclusion programs that reduce isolation like Elders Circle. CARLDI’s Integrated Lifelong Learning Model CARLDI delivers a culturally grounded, year-round model. This holistic approach promotes aging with dignity, assimilation, and integration, reduces isolation, strengthens families, and supports economic independence. Policy Alignment & Community Impact CARLDI aligns with City of Austin equity goals, aging-in-place initiatives, workforce reintegration strategies, and immigrant inclusion policies. By supporting older African immigrants, CARLDI reduces dependency on emergency services, stabilizes multigenerational households, and elevates elders as cultural and civic contributors. Requested Action from AARAC CARLDI respectfully requests AARAC’s support in recommending funding, formal partnership, and policy inclusion for older African immigrants within aging and workforce initiatives. This partnership will enable CARLDI to deliver measurable outcomes in ESL, civics, citizenship education, digital literacy, and financial literacy in 2026. 12/31/2025(WWW.CARLDIINSTITUTE.ORG)
Advancing Equitable Aging for African Immigrant Seniors: CARLDI’S Goal Priorities FY 2026 INTRODUCTION WHY THE INTEREST NOW: America’s demographic landscape is changing. Over the past decade, the population of African-born older adults in the United States has increased by more than 90 percent. Needs Assessment • African immigrant seniors and vulnerable seniors often face: • Language and cultural barriers • Limited access to workforce and adult education programs • Social isolation and reduced civic engagement. • Difficulty navigating public systems and services. • Technology and digital access gaps CARLDI’s Mission and Vision • Our mission is to be the adult education institute of choice for older African legal immigrants and other vulnerable seniors. Our vision is to participate in building a society where older African immigrants assimilate, integrate, and live purposeful, productive lives in America. Strategic Goals • Serve at least 100 seniors and vulnerable seniors annually. • Strengthen CARLDI’s role as a trusted resource for immigrant senior education. • Expand partnerships with local agencies and advisory commissions. • Achieve strong fiscal management with quarterly budget discipline. • Build organizational capacity through staff development and systems improvement Specific Careers and Courses • ESL/Citizenship Education/Culture and Assimilation • Benefits Navigation/Financial Literacy/Tech Basic/ Tax Education • Health Education (CAN, CPR etc.) • Teacher Education (Substitute) Benefits of our programs to our clients • Understand and navigate U.S. systems. • Improve English language use,financial literacy and digital skills. • Access health care and public benefits • Re-enter the workforce or contribute through mentoring and community leadership. • Build social connections that reduce isolation and improve well-being. Measurable Impact • In 2026, CARLDI will serve 100 older African immigrants, with clear outcomes: • At least 80 percent achieving proficiency benchmarks in ESL, civics, and citizenship preparation. • Improved health and benefits literacy • Increased social connection and improved self-confidence. • Access to pathways to employment, mentoring, or community leadership Financial Plan: The Budget Overview • .Total Quarterly Expenditures: $45,900 • Annualized Budget (Estimate) • Annual Income: $183,600 • Annual Expenses: $183,600 • Why Our Work Matters ? • CARLDI’s work directly aligns with the advisory priorities of the African American Resource Advisory Commission: • Equitable aging • Economic inclusion • Access to culturally responsive services • Recognition of the contributions of Black communities Our Request • We respectfully seek your support to recommend us for funding of $183,600 annual budget to implement and sustain …
