Regular Meeting of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Tuesday, September 2, 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 August 5, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing by George Maldonado, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Department regarding the updates to the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. 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 ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Presentation from Cydney Washington-Moore, Senior Project Manager, South by Southwest (SXSW) regarding community engagement initiatives for the African American community in Austin. Update regarding the August JIC meeting budget priorities and recommendations to council as they relate to African American Austinites. Discussion regarding a potential Recommendation to Council to revamp the Community Liaison Office. 7. Discussion regarding the 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. 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 …
African American Resource Advisory Commission Minutes August 5, 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 5, 2025 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility at 912 E 11th St, in Austin, Texas. Chair Horton called the African American Resources Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 5:41 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Daryl Horton, Chair Roger Davis Nelson Linder Justin Parsons Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alexandria Anderson Sophia Dozier 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 June 3, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Parsons’ motion, Commissioner Linder’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Davis and Rudd were off the dais. Vice Chair Eugene and Commissioners Jackson, Ross, and Weisberg were absent. 1 African American Resource Advisory Commission Minutes August 5, 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 provided by Ann Eaton, Assistant Director, Economic Development Department. Staff briefing from David Alcorta, Paraprofessional, Communication 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. Staff briefing postponed until September 2, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and approve the date, time, location and subjects of a 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Retreat. Discussed no action taken. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS SXSW’s impact on Black Austinites and how the commission can support them in improving engagement. Community Powered ATX’s impact on Black Austinites and how the commission can support them in improving engagement. Updates from the previous JIC meetings and informational clinics. Chair Horton adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m. without objection. 2
Austin Parks and Recreation Millennium Youth Entertainment Center Project Improvements Additional Information Additional Information Millennium Youth Entertainment Center • The Millennium Youth Entertainment Center (MYEC) opened to the public in June 1999. The 25-year-old facility features a 100-seat movie theater, roller skating arena, 16 bowling lanes, arcade area, an event area, and a food court. The Millennium serves as a place for youth to skate, bowl, play video games, or have birthday parties, and in addition, hosts special events, job fairs, private receptions, and movie festivals. • The Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) operates the MYEC in partnership with the Austin-Rosewood Community Development Corporation, a local government corporation. ASM Global, a venue management and services company, is the current manager of MYEC. Projects Improvements • Skating Rink Floor Replacement • Skating Rink and Theater Lighting and Audio Upgrades • ADA Compliance Facility Upgrades • Heating & Air Condition Rooftop Units Replacements (EUL) • Fire Alarm Control System Replacement (EUL) • Flat Roof Replacement (EUL) • AEDC Theatre Improvements Skating Rink Floor Replacement In June 2020, APR completed replacement of the MYEC skating rink’s flooring system with new hardwood floors to accommodate skating, basketball, and other event activities. Skating Rink and Theater Lighting and Audio Upgrades Completed in December 2023, the project converted the existing lights to modern LED lighting and provided an advanced DMX controller to control equipment including lights, fog machines, strobe lights and music- driven, flashing, colored lights. In addition, new audio and sound equipment, a lighting truss for stage lights, and two large video wall panels were installed to enhance live venue performances. ADA Upgrades In September 2023, APR corrected non-compliant items that were identified during the 2016 ADA assessment. These items are related to the restrooms, and addressed mounting heights for signage and mirrors, inadequate clearance space, protruding objects, non-compliant plumbing fixtures, and inaccessible ramps and parking stalls. Additionally, areas with carpet were replaced in the administrative offices, skating concession, arcade and theater areas. ADA Parking Stalls Carpet Replacement Roof Top HVAC Unit Replacements (End of Useful Life) Current Project The project replaced eight (8) roof-top HVAC equipment units, with Amtech serving as the consultant team. The Contractor, JM Engineering, was awarded the project in December 2023. The project was anticipated to start construction in Spring of 2024, but due to supply chain issues, the replacement work was delayed. Three units were installed temporarily in July …
Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies Houmma Garba - CPIO David Alcorta – HSEM September 2nd, 2025 Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies: Background The City Auditor conducted two audits: one in 2016 and another in 2021, involving language access services provided by the City, which culminated in a special report and staff response. The audits found that the City may not be meeting the needs of all non-English speaking Austinites because written policies did not align with actual practice. Additionally, the Auditor found that the City did not effectively communicate with community members before and during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, especially in language other than English. Because of this, limited English proficiency (LEP) Austinites may not have had the same access to important information and may have been disproportionately impacted. Austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/auditor/audit_reports/language_access_follow_up_may_2023.pdf September 2nd, 2025 Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies: Language Access Translation: The conversion of written communication from one language to another in a written form. An accurate translation is one that conveys the intent and essential meaning of the original text. Interpretation: Definitions The oral rendition of a spoken message from one language to another, preserving the intent and meaning of the original message. Threshold Language: The most common spoken languages in Austin other than English. Based on this data, and data on the percentage of people who identify as not speaking English “very well” is how HSEM determined the languages to provide translation and interpretation for. September 2nd, 2025 Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies: Limited English Proficiency September 2nd, 2025 What does Limited English Proficiency mean? Limited English Proficiency (LEP) A person with limited English proficiency (LEP) cannot speak, read, write or understand the English language at a level that permits him or her to interact effectively with City staff. Individuals who communicate with American Sign Language are covered in this definition, although other Federal laws and regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act apply and should be considered separately. Hello! ¡Hola! 你好！ 안녕하세요! Xin chào! नमस्ते! မင်္ဂလာပါ! Collaborative Partners • Communiations and Public Information Office • Homeland Security & Emergency Management • Ausitn Energy • Austin Water • Austin Public Health • And review by numerous community organizations. In 2022, CPIO, HSEM and a collaboration of the City’s departmental Language Access team members established an Emergency Language Access working group. September 2nd, 2025 The Working Group planning activities included: • Gathering LEP …
2025-2026 DEI REPORT THE SXSW DEI TEAM’S WORK IN THE COMMUNITY OUR 2025-2026 PROGRAM OVERVIEW A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF OUR PAST AND CURRENT SLATE OF EVENTS FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON. Since March 2025, we’ve hosted and/or sponsored 11 events focused on connecting with and uplifting the BIPOC and queer communities. Looking ahead, we plan to host additional events in the lead up to SXSW and SXSW EDU 2026. Examples of our programs/initiatives include but are not limited to: • SXSW DEI Business Mixer • SXSW Community Conversations • SXSW Pride Showcases • Songs In the Key Of Us • Tech Bytes OUR 2025-2026 PROGRAMMING & INITIATIVES IN MARCH, WE HOSTED OUR SECOND ANNUAL DEI BUSINESS MIXER DURING THE 2035 EVENT. THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, BRINGING TOGETHER A VIBRANT ARRAY OF BUSINESS LEADERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. OUR AIM IS TO BUILD A STRONGER, MORE INTERCONNECTED COMMUNITY THAT HELPS THESE ORGANIZATIONS GAIN VISIBILITY AND SCALE THEIR OPERATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, WE STAY IN ACTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH OUR LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MIXER ATTENDEES IN ORDER TO SHARE UPCOMING EVENTS, INITIATIVES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION. THIS JUNE, IN HONOR OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH, WE CO-SPONSORED SMILE BLAACK’S SONGS IN THE KEY OF US EVENT SERIES AND HOSTED THE OPENING MIXER AT THE SXSW CENTER. PHOTO CREDIT: DEANDRE ACOSTA EACH YEAR, THE SXSW PRIDE COMMITTEE SUPPORTS AND CELEBRATES THE DIVERSE AND VIBRANT LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY THROUGH A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY EVENTS AND INITIATIVES. THIS YEAR, THEY HOSTED A SERIES OF MUSIC SHOWCASES AND FUNDRAISERS TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE TRANSGENDER EDUCATION NETWORK OF TEXAS (TENT), ONE OF WHICH FEATURED AN ALL BLACK LINEUP IN HONOR OF BLACK MUSIC MONTH AND JUNETEENTH. THIS AUGUST, WE LAUNCHED OUR COMMUNITY CONVERSATION EVENT SERIES. THROUGH THESE INTERACTIVE AND ENRICHING EVENTS, OUR GOAL IS TO FURTHER THE PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COLLEAGUES WHILE DEEPENING OUR CONNECTIONS WITH LEADERS IN THE COMMUNITY. PHOTO CREDITS: KARLA BRUCIAGA (TOP), CHARLES OGAR (BOTTOM) LAST MONTH, WE ALSO HOSTED THE AUGUST EDITION OF TECH BYTES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNIVERSAL TECH MOVEMENT. THE EVENT FOCUSED ON HOW LOCAL CREATIVES CAN LEVERAGE EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES TO SCALE THEIR BUSINESSES. PHOTO CREDIT: CHARLES OGAR THANK YOU! cydney@sxsw.com
