Special CALLED MEETING of the AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION March 19, 2024, at 5:30 pm. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Room 1401/1402 Austin, Texas 78752 Some African American Resource Advisory Commission members may participate in a video conference. Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, in person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration by telephone for remote participation is required by noon the day before the meeting. Call or email Florinda Bryant at 512.974.2715 florinda.bryant@austintexas.gov to register to speak remotely. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Elaina Fowler, Chair (District 10) Daryl Horton, (Appointee) Mueni Rudd (District 2) Dr. Chiquita Eugene (District 5) Serita Fontanesi (District 7) Joi Harden (District 9) Greg Smith (ARA Appointee) Cherelle Vanbrakle, Vice Chair (District 4) Dewi Smith (District 1) Anthony Jackson (District 3) Vacant (District 6) Antonio Ross (District 8) Vacant (AAUL Appointee) Nelson Linder (NAACP Appointee) Roger Davis (GABC Appointee) MEETING AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up before 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 Special Call Meeting on November 28th, 2023. 2. Approve the minutes of the Committee’s Regular Called Meeting on February 6, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Anne Gatlin Hayes, CTO of Austin Economic Development Corporation, will provide an update on Blocks 16 and 18. 4. Cara Berton, Equity-Based Preservation Plan draft sharing. 5. Chris Duran, Sr Research Analyst; Julie Smith, Community Engagement Specialist with the Housing Department; and Leslie Boyd, Interim Public Health Manager II with Austin Public Health, will share Federal funding priorities for a five-year strategic plan. 6. Amanda Johnston, Executive Director of Torch Literary Arts, will share information on 7. Kim Wright, Manager of Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, provides updates the organization and the 2024-2025 budget request. on the complex, including impact and budget needs. 8. Azeem Edwin will share a presentation by American Gateways on the services they provide that improve the quality of life for the immigrant community in Austin. 9. Sue Spears, Bethany Cemetery Association presentation on needs of the organization/cemetery and 2024-2025 budget requests. 10. Chase Wright, Hungry Hill …
Discussion on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 24-29 Consolidated Plan for federal grants. Agenda Where Does Our Funding Come From? Planning and Reporting for Federal Funding How We Make Decisions Fair Housing Programs and Activities Overview What We've Heard From the Community Group and Community Input How do we fund our programs? HUD Annual Entitlement Grants Housing Trust Fund Approved City Bonds City Operating Budget Project Connect Anti-Displacement Funds CARES Act Federal Grants: Planning & Reporting Programs & Activites The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates entitlement funding to municipalities and state governments. The City of Austin applies for what in recent years has been approximately $14 million in annual grant entitlements across four grants for affordable housing, community development, economic development, and public services. Each year, we plan and evaluate the programs funded by the HUD grants. 5 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Consolidated Plan (5-Year) Allocates federal resources to housing and community development Action Plan (1-Year) Summarizes actions, activities and federal/non- federal resources in the Consolidated Plan Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (1-Year) End-of-year report on progress toward consolidated plan 6 How are funding decisions made? We are here Community Participation: Community Needs Assessment Available Use of Funding Sources Consolidated Plan Housing Needs & Market Analysis Other Planning Efforts Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice 7 Consolidated Plan Funding Sources Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Goal: Provide decent housing and a suitable living environment; expand economic opportunities for low-income people Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Goal: Benefit low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families by providing supportive services and housing Consolidated Plan (5-Year) HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Goal: create affordable housing for low- income households Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Goal: Assist people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness 8 Fair Housing • 2019 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) • Potential upcoming "Equity Plan" related to fair housing • Seeking input and surveying on fair housing issues, experiences 9 Programs & Activities 10 Who Do We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 64.4% 3,017 # households served FY 22-23 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 17.5% 16.7% Extremely Low Income (<30% MFI) Very Low Income (31%- 50% MFI) Low Income (51%-80% MFI) 1.4% 81%+ MFI *Income data does …
Torch Literary Arts Amplifying Black Women Writers TorchLiteraryArts.org ABOUT TORCH Founded in 2006, Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to create advancement opportunities for Black women writers. We publish contemporary writing by emerging and experienced writers alike in our online publication, Torch Magazine. Our features have gone on to be nominated for the Emmy Awards, the Pulitzer Prize, and have received notable honors including the NAACP Image Award, National Book Award, Lambda Literary Award, and more. Torch has featured work by Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Ebony Stewart, Lisa B. Thompson, Crystal Wilkinson, Sapphire, Evie Shockley, Natasha Trethewey, Shay Youngblood, and many others. Our programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, creative writing and professional development workshops, an annual retreat, and special events with community partners like the Texas Book Festival. “...if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. ” ― Toni Morrison THE ISSUE Black women writers live and create at the intersection of race, gender, and class. Representation and visibility remain scant across the literary landscape. Creating and supporting spaces for the advancement of Black women writers is vital to ensure our voices are heard and our stories are available for all readers. While Toni Morrison was an editor at Random House, their first female Black editor, the number of Black authors published increased to 3.3 percent. However, the percentage dropped quickly after her departure. Of 512 books published by Random House between 1984 and 1990, only two were by Black authors: Morrison's Beloved and Sarah Phillips by Andrea Lee. One person cannot be responsible for changing the systems that continue to marginalize and silence diverse voices. From hiring publishing executives of color to supporting emerging writers finding their way to the page, we must encourage, empower, and nurture writers of color for inclusive representation on and off the page. Torch Literary Arts works to combat these disheartening statistics and make a meaningful impact in the lives of Black women by encouraging and amplifying their work as writers and industry leaders. 11% In 2018, only 11% of books published were by people of color. New York Times 5.3% In 2023, just 5.3% of people in publishing identified as Black or being of African Decent. Diversity Baseline Survey, Lee & Low Books 8% Only eight percent of literary journals pay contributors. The Millions …
AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION MARCH 5, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Why Does This Matter? 16% PLAN VISION Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Photos (L-R): Preservation Austin; Marilyn Poole; City of Austin; HUD PD&R Edge Community-Based Process 12 months 22 working group and drafting committee meetings 1,100 working group hours 38 focus group hours 2,200+ staff hours Icons from the Noun Project: Community by Gan Khoon Lay, focus group by mikicon, committee by Adrien Coquet Community-Based Process “Being part of the working group was a great experience mainly because the members had diverse backgrounds, but the same goal. It was a rare learning experience.” Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people access knowledge, resources, and decision-making power • Streamline and …
OUR WORK IN 2023 African American Resource Advisory Commission 03/05/2024 WHO ARE WE? Serving the Austin community for over 30 years - since 1987 Originally known as the Political Asylum Project of Austin (PAPA) 501(C)(3) non-profit Providing immigration legal services, advocacy, and education OUR LEGAL SERVICES... Legal Representation ● Survivors of crime & family violence ● Asylum ● DACA ● Family-based Immigration ● Deportation defense ● Coordination of pro bono representation Pro Se representation ● Translations ● Legal orientation at detention centers & Immigration Court ● Legal clinics & workshops Outreach ● Community education for immigrant community & service providers 12,000+ We served over 12,000 individuals in 2023 with legal services. $1,100,000+ Over $1,100,000 worth of volunteer and pro bono attorney hours leveraged to assist our clients Legal Pro Se Assistance Program - Pro Se I-589 The goal is to complete 48 asylum applications, improving or protecting their immigration status and/or ensuring their right to obtain or maintain employment authorization. ACCOMPLISHMENTS WHAT WE DO Assist individuals with specific legal needs Service any upcoming court appearance or deadline and that can be done with Pro Se Legal Assistance rather than full legal representation. Assist individuals in Removal Proceedings who have Notices to Appear Help those with time-sensitive deadlines for filing applications and forms so they are able to meet deadlines and become eligible for benefits, such as work permits. EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSES IN 2023 ❏ Green card granted to Eritrean national based on marriage to USC spouse. ❏ Juvenile Visa granted (SIJS) to 13-year-old Guatemalan child ❏ Asylum granted to politically active Cameroonian national ❏ Asylum granted to politically active Haitian national ❏ Asylum granted to politically active Venezuelan national ❏ 5-year-old entered on consular processing national Salvadoran immigrant visa after ❏ Many cases of work authorization granted, proceedings removal dismissed, and deferred action for victims of crime granted CITIZENSHIP CLINICS In 2023, our staff took on over 1,000 new cases We represented a family unit that fled the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. In DRC, the family suffered horrific harm on account of their political opinion. The father was stabbed and left for dead. They fled to Angola but the daughter suffered harm there. They then fled to the U.S. where the family unit was granted asylum. Jojo was persecuted in his home country after speaking out against a corrupt politician. He traveled through many countries to arrive in …
Block 16 & 18 AARAC Update 3/05/2024 1 Request for Proposal (RFP) Process Focus: Development Team & Vision/Approach Focus: Project Specifics/Finances Phase I Phase II RFP Registration and Release Evaluation Committee reviews proposals and selects a shortlist Evaluation Committee conducts interviews with shortlisted teams Shortlisted teams record short presentation for community feedback AEDC releases requirements and community feedback to shortlisted teams AEDC releases requirements and community feedback to shortlisted teams Urban Renewal Board votes on recommended team City Council votes on recommended team Aug-Oct 2023 Nov 2023 Nov 2023 Dec 2023 Jan 2023 Feb 2024 May 2024 June 2024 Anticipated Schedule: Jan-June 2024 2 East 11th Stakeholder Working Group Representatives Type Renter Resident Owner Resident Property Owner Business Owner Business/ Renter Church Minister Owner Resident/Business Manager Neighborhood Association Organization Miscellaneous Rentals Black Lives Veggies COMMUNITY VEGAN Mount Zion Baptist Church / Baptist Ministers Union KAZI Radio Station Robertson Hill Neighborhood Association Representatives Name Andres Moguel Josh Knowles Beth Puorro Larry Franklin Marlon Riso Darrel Horton Marion Nickerson Paul Stables African American Cultural & Heritage Facility Institution Representative Historic Business Glenn Williams Manager Church Representative Ebenezer Baptist Church Michael Rhone Victory Grill Florinda Bryant Phase 2 Timeline Introduction to Phase 2 RFP • 2 Proposals Advancing to Phase 2 • National and Local Collaboration •Conceptual Vision and Project Team •Final Developer Selection Follows Phase 2 5 Proposing Team Vision : Austin Revitalization Authority / Legacy 6 Proposing Team : ARA / Legacy Please see team’s full presentation, above is only a brief selection BLOCK 16 BLOCK 18 7 7 Please see team’s full presentation, above is only a brief selection BLOCK 18 Perspective view from courtyard BLOCK 18 Perspective view from Juniper and Waller St Proposing Team : ARA / Legacy 8 8 Proposing Team Vision: Servitas/Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation aka: Pleasant Hill Collaborative 9 Proposing Team : Pleasant Hill Collaborative Please see team’s full presentation, above is only a brief selection BLOCK 16 BLOCK 18 10 Please see team’s full presentation, below is only a brief selection BLOCK 16 Adjacent to the Austin African American Culture and Heritage Facility BLOCK 18 Perspective along Juniper St 11 Urban Renewal Board Meetings City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Wihomena Drive https://www.austintexas.gov/content/urban-renewal-board Next Meetings March 18 at 6:00 PM The Two teams will be Presenting Questions? Please send to Jose Lopez Jose@AEDC.org 12
s THE MILLENNIUM VISIO N & MISSIO N Mis s io n The Millennium was constructed in 1999 to provide a safe space fo r re cre a tio n a l a n d cu ltu ra l a ctivitie s fo r yo u th a n d fa m ilie s o f th e Ea st Au stin co m m u n ity. Ove r tim e m o re th a n 5,000 p e rso n s h a ve p a sse d th ro u gh its d o o rs e a ch m o n th . Th e ve n u e h a s b e e n h o m e to sp o rts co m p e titio n s, film fe stiva ls, b u sin e ss exp o s a n d jo b fa irs, su m m e r ca m p , re ligio u s ce le b ra tio n s, a lo ca l p o llin g ce n te r, a n d h u n d re d s o f p u b lic a n d p riva te fu n ctio n s a n d eve n ts . Vis io n Wh ile th e o rigin a l u se o f th e Mille n n iu m re m a in s co n siste n t, th e fa cility will se e k to exp a n d its p ro gra m m in g a n d re so u rce b a se in o rd e r to fu rth e r se rve th e n e e d s o f a n eve r- growin g co m m u n ity. Ou r visio n m ovin g fo rwa rd is b a se d o n a stro n ge r in te gra tio n o f e co n o m ic in itia tive s, in clu d in g co rp o ra te p a rtn e rsh ip s, fu n d ra isin g, a n d cre a tive re so u rce d eve lo p m e n t will b e …
Budget Request Subject: Request for Budget Allocation for Lawn Maintenance at the Historic Bethany Cemetery Dear African American Resource Advisory Commission, I am writing to request your consideration for a budget allocation dedicated to lawn maintenance for Austin's first African American cemetery. A well-maintained lawn contributes significantly to the overall preservation of this unique and historical space. As we strive to restore the grounds and record the history of the cemetery, we are reaching out to create partnerships with community stakeholders who are committed to preserving the history of East Austin. We must invest in saving the few remaining landmarks that remain in the city. Our goal is to preserve Bethany Cemetery, despite the new developments that are moving in, and the regular maintenance of the grounds is an integral part of the process. However, without regular maintenance, it is susceptible to deterioration, which could adversely impact our mission. I am confident that the proposed budget allocation for lawn maintenance will yield significant returns in terms of improved aesthetics, enhanced functionality for visitors to the site, and prolonged lifespan of the historic headstones. Moreover, it aligns with our commitment to excellence and responsible stewardship of this educational and historical community resource. We propose allocating funds toward the following essential maintenance services: ▪Lawn Mowing: Regular mowing is essential to control the height of the grass to promote healthy growth and enhance the overall appearance of the cemetery. ▪Fertilization and Weed Control: Proper fertilization and weed control measures are necessary to nourish the grass and prevent weed infestation. ▪Seasonal Cleanup: Periodic cleanup activities, including leaf removal and debris clearing, are necessary to maintain a tidy and inviting outdoor environment. By allocating resources to these maintenance tasks, we can preserve the integrity of the cemetery to maximize our preservation efforts, and promote its use to educators, and visitors to our city as well as all stakeholders. Thank you for considering this request. If you require any further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me. Your support in this matter is appreciated. Sincerely, Sue Spears-Martin (512) 300-3675 President, Bethany Cemetery of Austin Bethanycemeteryofaustin@gmail.com Bethany Cemetery Association of Austin Budget Request Description: Funding Request for Lawn Maintenance for the Historic Bethany Cemetery, located at 1308 Springdale Road in Austin, Texas. This request would include but is not limited to cutting the 6.3-acre lot, trimming, and edging all trees, grave markers, and fencing. …
African American Resource Advisory Commission SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES March 19, 2024 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on March 19, 2024, in Austin, Texas. Chair Fowler called the African American Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 5:50 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Elaina Fowler, Chair (District 10) Cherelle Vanbrakle, Vice Chair (District 4) Daryl Horton, (Appointee) Dewi Smith (District 1) Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mueni Rudd (District 2) Serita Fontanesi (District 7) Roger Davis (GABC) Dr. Chiquita Eugene (District 5) Greg Smith (ARA Appointee) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ms, Joseph Bill Wallace Chas Moore Sid Johnson Derrick Smith APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Special Call Meeting on November 28th, 2023. Approve by Vanbrakle and Dewi Smith 1 2. Approve the minutes of the Committee’s Regular Called Meeting on February 6, 2024. Approve by Dewi Smith and Vanbrakle WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 3. Strategic Planning Work Group – Requested follow-up documentation from consultant. DISCUSSION ITEMS Anne Gatlin Hayes, CTO of Austin Economic Development Corporation, will provide an update on Blocks 16 and 18. Anne Gatlin Hayes spoke about the process on Block 16 and 18 providing information and Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the timeline with everything will be completed. 5. Cara Berton, Equity-Based Preservation Plan draft sharing of the community-based process for the Historic Landmark Commission and the different working groups. The group wanted the commission to provide the history around Austin that the community is not aware of. Chris Duran, Department: Analyst; Julie Smith, Community Engagement Specialist with the Housing Department; and Leslie Boyd, Interim Public Health Manager II with Austin Public Health, will share Federal funding priorities for a five-year strategic plan. Amanda Johnston, Executive Director of Torch Literary Arts, will share information on the organization and the 2024-2025 budget request. Ms. Johnson information to the commission about the number of Black Women Writers in Austin working as a non-profit organization. There are programs Wildfire Reading Series, workshops on professional development. 8. Kim Wright, Manager of Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, provides updates on the complex, including impact and budget needs. Ms. Wright provided information the things they currently needing funding on to bring the MYEC back to the community, for example upgrading the bowling alley and the game arcade. She provided information to commissioners about the theater and how SXSW used …
