Regular Meeting of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 5:30PM African American Cultural and Heritage Facility 912 E 11th St Austin, Texas 78702 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 or in-person, call or email Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Daryl Horton, Chair Alexandria Anderson Sophia Dozier Kyron Hayes Nelson Linder Antonio Ross Greg Smith CALL TO ORDER Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Roger Davis Joi Harden Antony Jackson Justin Parsons Mueni Rudd Emmy Weisberg AGENDA 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on June 3, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing by Ann Eaton, Assistant Director, Economic Development Department regarding funding priorities and project updates by the Economic Development Department that impact the African American community. Staff briefing from David Alcorta, Paraprofessional, Communications and Public Information Office (CPIO) and Houmma Garba, Community Engagement Consultant, CPIO regarding CPIO’s and Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s (HSEM) new emergency language access plan. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discuss and approve the date, time, location and subjects of a 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Retreat. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Nekaybaw Watson at Office of City Clerk Department, at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the African American Resource Advisory Commission please contact Nekaybaw Watson at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov.
AARAC Staff Update Economic Development Department (EDD) Ann Eaton, Assistant Director August 5, 2025 Agenda • Mission & Vision • Department Overview & Core Pillars • EDD Executive Leadership • Key Initiatives & Milestones • Pillars of Work • Q&A C I T Y O F A U S T I N Mission and Vision The Economic Development Department supports and recruits businesses to Austin through all divisions. Our mission is to promote a competitive, sustainable, and equitable economy for all. C I T Y O F A U S T I N 3 Economic Development Department's Executive Leadership Economic Development Leadership Team Anthony Segura Interim Director Economic Development Department Ann Eaton Assistant Director Workforce Development & Business C I T Y O F A U S T I N Economic Development Department's Overview & Core Pillars Overview & Core Pillars The Economic Development Department (EDD) works across three core pillars to strengthen Austin's economy and foster inclusive growth: 1. Global Business Expansion: Drive job growth and attract investments that support sustainable local industries. Small Business: Empower entrepreneurs and small businesses with resources, networking, and financial support. 2. 3. Workforce Development & Child Care: Expand workforce training and childcare access to improve economic mobility and quality of life for Austin residents. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Economic Development Department’s Pillars of Work Global Business Expansion Division Global Business Expansion Division The Global Business Expansion Division drives local job growth and investment. • Business Expansion Program: Attracting new businesses and supporting local expansion, including international ventures. • Place-Based Economic Development: Create affordable commercial spaces for small businesses, nonprofits, and creatives in underserved neighborhoods. • Industry Sector Development: Identifying and fostering industries with growth potential and living wage jobs. Key programs include: • Business Expansion Program • Place-Based Enhancement Program • Economic Resilience Lab • Six Square Contract C I T Y O F A U S T I N Small Business Division Small Business Division The Small Business Division is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives, and non- profits. Key services include: • Classes and Coaching: Industry-expert-led business classes and personalized, no-fee coaching to turn plans into action. • Networking and Events: Signature events like Small Business Fundamentals Week, Austin Small Business Week, and Exploring Entrepreneurship panels to support Austin’s start-up ecosystem. • Research/Resources: Comprehensive resources including a small business directory, business intelligence …
African American Resource Advisory Commission Minutes June 3, 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, June 3, 2025 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility at 912 E 11th St, in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Anderson called the African American Resources Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 5:46 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Daryl Horton, Chair Alexandria Anderson Roger Davis Sophia Dozier Nelson Linder Justin Parsons Emmy Weisberg Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Joi Harden Kyron Hayes Mueni Rudd Greg Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on May 6, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Dozier’s second, on an 11-0 vote. Vice Chair Eugene and Commissioners Jackson and Ross were absent. 1 African American Resource Advisory Commission Minutes June 3, 2025 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Presentation regarding how the commission can support Huston-Tillotson University. Presentation by Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University. Presentation by Dr. Melva K. Wallace, President and CEO, Huston-Tillotson University. Presentation regarding American Gateways’ work supporting the immigrant community in Austin. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Discussion regarding subjects discussed at recent Joint Inclusion Committee meetings relating to the African American Resource Advisory Commission. Update on Joint Inclusion Committee meetings subjects by Commissioners Parsons and Anderson. Discussion regarding scheduling, procedures, and topics to discuss at a potential commission retreat. Discussed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Presentation from Mission Accomplished regarding updates on actions being taken at Colony Park. Presentation from Dr. Wilson – Director – Office of Equity and Inclusion Presentation from City Demographer regarding demographic data disclosure for each commissioner’s district. Chair Horton adjourned the meeting at 7:31 p.m. without objection. 2
