Regular Meeting of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Tuesday, October 7, 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 September 2, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. 4. Staff briefing from Kim Wright, General Manager, The Millennium regarding the price to rent the Millennium, demographics of the community members that patron the center, and questions and concerns surrounding the amenities. Staff briefing from Susan Watkins, Division Manager, Housing Department regarding tenant and homeowner stabilization programs by the Housing Department. Staff briefing from Angela Means, Director, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (AACME), regarding current departmental priorities, initiatives, and key updates. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Presentation from Brittany Heckard, Community Engagement Liaison, Pleasant Hill Collaborative and A.J. Bingham, Community Engagement Director, Pleasant Hill Collaborative regarding the Six Square District Block 16/18 Project which is a multi-year development of the current 16 and 18 blocks on East 11th Street. 6. Discussion regarding Community Liaison Revamp Recommendation DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. Approve the 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule. Amend the 2025 Annual Meeting Schedule to add November 5th and December 2nd as meeting dates. 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 …
African American Resource Advisory Commission September 2, 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 2, 2025 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility at 912 E 11th St, in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Horton called the African American Resource Advisory Commission meeting to order at 5:44 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Daryl Horton, Chair Roger Davis Nelson Linder Justin Parsons Emmy Weisberg Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Sophia Dozier Joi Harden Kyron Hayes Mueni Rudd Greg Smith Commissioners Absent: Antony Jackson Antonio Ross PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Gabby Mata – Austin Commons APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 5, 2025. 1 African American Resource Advisory Commission September 2, 2025 The motion to approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 5, 2025 was approved on Commissioner Linder’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Anderson and Rudd were off dais. Commissioners Jackson and Ross were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing by George Maldonado, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Department regarding the updates to the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. The presentation was given by George Maldonado, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. 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. The presentation was made by David Alcorta, Paraprofessional, Communication and Public Information Office and Houmma Garba, Community Engagement Consultant, CPIO. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation from Cydney Washington-Moore, Senior Project Manager, South by Southwest (SXSW) regarding community engagement initiatives for the African American community in Austin. Presentation was given by Cydney Washington-Moore, Senior Project Manager, SXSW. Update regarding the August JIC meeting budget priorities and recommendations to council as they relate to African American Austinites. Discussed. Discussion regarding a potential Recommendation to Council to revamp the Community Liaison Office. Discussed. Discussion regarding the 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Discuss and approve the date, time, location and subjects of a 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Retreat. Discussed no action was taken. 2 African American Resource Advisory Commission September 2, 2025 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS …
African American Resource Advisory Commission September 2, 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, September 2, 2025 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility at 912 E 11th St, in Austin, Texas. Chair Horton called the African American Resource Advisory Commission meeting to order at 5:44 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Daryl Horton, Chair Roger Davis Nelson Linder Justin Parsons Emmy Goss Weisberg Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Sophia Dozier Joi Harden Kyron Hayes Mueni Rudd Greg Smith Commissioners Absent: Antony Jackson Antonio Ross PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Gabby Mata – Austin Commons APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 5, 2025. 1 African American Resource Advisory Commission September 2, 2025 The motion to approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on August 5, 2025 was approved on Commissioner Linder’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Anderson and Rudd were off dais. Commissioners Jackson and Ross were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing by George Maldonado, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Department regarding the updates to the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex. The presentation was given by George Maldonado, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation Department. 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. The presentation was made by David Alcorta, Paraprofessional, CPIO and Houmma Garba, Community Engagement Consultant, CPIO. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation from Cydney Washington-Moore, Senior Project Manager, South by Southwest (SXSW) regarding community engagement initiatives for the African American community in Austin. Presentation was given by Cydney Washington-Moore, Senior Project Manager, SXSW. Update regarding the August JIC meeting budget priorities and recommendations to council as they relate to African American Austinites. Discussed. Discussion regarding a potential Recommendation to Council to revamp the Community Liaison Office. Discussed. Discussion regarding the 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Discuss and approve the date, time, location and subjects of a 2025 African American Resource Advisory Commission Retreat. Discussed no action was taken. 2 African American Resource Advisory Commission September 2, 2025 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve the 2026 …
Displacement Prevention Strategic Investments: Tenant and Homeowner Stabilization Services October 7, 2025 AARAC Content Our Work Citywide Stabilization Programs Community Initiated Solutions Our Partners Contact Us Community Initiated Solutions Citywide Displacement Prevention Strategies Funded Through Project Connect Funded Through Housing Trust Fund Tenant Stabilization Rental and utility assistance, case management, tenants’ rights, and community organizing. Homeownership Preservation and Expansion Community land trust accelerator, homeowner resiliency education, tax abatement strategy. Economic Mobility Estate planning, workforce training, financial literacy education Tenants’ Rights Assistance Program Tenant counseling and fair housing assistance Austin Cares: Tenant Relocation Assistance Development induced displacement assistance I Belong in Austin Eviction Prevention Program Representation Matters: Eviction Representation and Education Mediation and legal services for residents experiencing eviction Our Partners Citywide Displacement Prevention Strategies El Buen Samaritano I Belong in Austin Funding: $4 million Term: FY26 Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Representation Matters: Eviction Representation Funding: $230,000 Funding: FY26 Citywide Tenant Stabilization 6 Austin Tenants Council (project of TRLA Tenants Rights Assistance Program Funding: $300,000/annually Term: FY25-26 Laveer Logix Austin Cares: Tenant Relocation Assistance Program Funding: $950,000 Funding: FY24-26 Citywide Tenant Stabilization 7 Community Initiated Solutions Project Connect Anti-Displacement Funding Timeline 9 Project Connect Anti-Displacement Funding Investments Anti-Displacement dollars will be spent over the course of 13 years, guided by the Project Connect Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Council, Community Catalysts, the Project Connect Community Advisory Committee, and community members have all been key stakeholders responsible for informing budget priorities. The CAC will continue to work with community through expanded community engagement efforts and establish budget priorities every three (3) years. 10 Project Project Connect Connect Timeline of Funding Available FY23- FY25 Funding 11 El Buen Samaritano "We Belong Here: Nuestros Hogares" Funding: $3 million Term: through FY26 Community Initiated Solutions - Tenant Stabilization 12 Austin Voice for Education and Youth North Austin/Rundberg Community Stabilization Project Funding: $1.77 million Funding: through FY28 Communities in School of Central Texas Student & Family Housing Displacement Assistance Funding: $3.5 million Funding: through FY29 Community Initiated Solutions - Tenant Stabilization 13 Meals on Wheels Central Texas Child Assistance Program Funding: $2.38 million Term: through FY29 Austin Tenants' Council (TRLA) Preserving, Asserting, Growing the Rights of Austin Tenants Funding: $3 million Term: through FY29 Community Initiated Solutions - Tenant Stabilization 14 Workers Defense Project & Strengthening Tenant Action Combatting Displacement Funding: $2 million Funding: through FY26 Mama Sana Supporting mothers in Austin’s Maternal Health Equity Collaborative. Funding: …
Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (AACME) Austin's Creative Heartbeat Angela Means, AACME Director October 2025 The Profound Impact of Arts & Culture According to the Texas Cultural Trust 2025 State of the Arts Report 2 Birth of AACME: Answering Austin's Call Born from Community Passion AACME was established after decades of community advocacy for prioritizing arts and music in Austin's identity and governance. Perfect Timing Created during a critical funding shortage for the arts, when traditional sources like bank loans, donations, and federal grants were diminishing. Preserving Austin's Soul Art, music, and culture represent the heart of Austin—the unique vibe that retains locals and attracts visitors. 3 Effective February 24, 2025, the City of Austin officially established the Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (AACME). This marks a significant step in Austin’s commitment to building a more vibrant and dynamic destination for arts, culture, music, and entertainment. 4 HOW WILL AACME BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY? • Provide centralized support for creatives and cultural organizations. • Enhance economic growth, tourism and civic engagement. • Foster collaboration between artists, cultural organizations, and local businesses. • Create open, accessible spaces for residents to experience arts and culture. • Strengthens Austin’s identity as a global destination for creativity. 5 HOW WAS AACME FORMED? Economic Development Department Cultural Arts Arts in Public Places Music & Entertainment Parks & Recreation Department Museum & Cultural Programs Historic Tourism Special Events (Partial) Development Services Department Austin Center for Events Entertainment Services Austin Public Library African American Heritage & Cultural Facility Aviation Music & Art 6 WHAT ARE AACME’S 2025 GOALS? • Streamline operations • Implement community engagement programs • Launch the development of a comprehensive Strategic Plan • Reevaluation of Cultural Funding grant program guidelines • Increase access to programming • Establish new collaborative partnerships with the community and partners across various sectors 7 7 WHAT FACILITIES MAKE UP AACME? • African American Cultural and Heritage Facility + Dedrick Hamilton House • Asian American Resource Center • Dougherty Arts Center • Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center • George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center • Elisabet Ney Museum • O. Henry Museum 8 • Old Bakery & Emporium • Susanna Dickinson Museum • UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum • Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex • Montopolis Negro School • Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater • Renaissance Market (Right-of-Way) 8 AACME's First Year: Building Trust Through Action …
Block16 & 18 PRESERVING OUR PAST. SHAPING OUR FUTURE. FOR CITY OF AUSTIN AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION PRESENTED BY PLEASANT HILL COLLABORATIVE Who We Are Coalition of creatives, developers, architects, consultants, and community members Selected by the City of Austin to legacy build East 11th’s Block 16 & 18 corridor Mission: Legacy building through culture, equity, place Why This Matters East 11th is more than a street — it’s a story of resilience, innovation, and Black excellence. But gentrification, displacement, and disinvestment threaten that legacy. We see an opportunity to: Reclaim space Build generational wealth Create a cultural home for our community The Block 16 & 18 Project A multi-year plan for a vibrant cultural corridor, featuring: Affordable housing for residents Black-owned restaurants & retail Central cultural hub for art, history, and performance Community parking garage Public plazas & gathering spaces Cultural & Economic Impact TH E. 11 = CULTURAL DESTINATION EMPOWERING OWNERSHIP JOB & CAREER PATHWAYS COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATION Community- Informed Four guiding principles: 1.Cultural Preservation 2.Economic Equity 3.Intergenerational Leadership 4.Shared Stewardship Stakeholder Work Group Placemaking Opportunities Cultural Organizations Partnerships Neighborhood Association Meetings Press and Media Outreach How AARAC Can Support Champion the project as a model for urban development Advocate for City Council support and funding Partner on cultural programming for the future hub Help amplify this vision to broader Austin Let’s Continue Legacy Building in the District! pleasanthillcollaborative@gmail.com
