SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 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 February 3, 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Update from Austin Equity and Inclusion regarding the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion, and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation from Mama Sana Vibrant Woman regarding the FY 2026-2027 budget recommendations. Presentation by Cherelle VanBrakle, Co-Executive Director of Development, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman. 4. Presentation from the Paramount Theater regarding the renovations and preservation of the African American history in the theater. Presentation by Maica Jordan, Chief Development Officer, Paramount and State Theaters. 5. Discussion and update regarding the Social Services Framework presented at last JIC meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the support and funding of American Gateways in the FY 2026- 2027 Budget 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the support and funding of the Career, Research, Learning and Development Institute (CARLDI) in the FY 2026-2027 budget. 8. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the funding for social services in the FY 2026- 2027 Budget. 9. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the support and funding for Mama Sana Vibrant Woman in the FY 2026-2027 Budget. 10. Approve …
AFRICAN AMERICAN RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026 The African American Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center Room 1406. Chair Horton called the African American Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 5:41 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Daryl Horton, Chair Dr. Chiquita Eugene, Vice Chair Alexandria Anderson Roger Davis Sophia Dozier Justin Parsons Emmy Weisberg Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Joi Harden Kyron Hayes Antony Jackson Mueni Rudd Greg Smith Commissioners Absent: Nelson Linder Kenneth Loyde Antonio Ross PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Cherelle VanBrakle – Mama Sana Vibrant Woman 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the African American Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on January 6, 2026. The minutes from the meeting of January 6, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Parsons’ motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on a 10-0 vote. Vice Chair Eugene and Commissioner Rudd were off the dais. Commissioners Linder, Loyde, and Ross were absent. 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 FY26-27 budget. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. The presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, 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 School of Central Texas. The presentation was made by Sharon Vigil, Chief Executive Officer, Communities in School of Central Texas. Discussion regarding updates on the progress of the Election Mobilization Project. Update was given by Vice Chair Eugene. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Budget Working Group regarding their first planning meeting. Update was given by Commissioners Anderson, Dozier and Parsons. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Discussion on detention and immigration for Black Austinites Create a WG for Election Mobilization Project Update on Mission Accomplished for finding a space. Chief Davis to give an update on APD’s relationship to ICE and the African American Austinites crime rate. Full presentation from Mama Sana Vibrant Woman Presentation from Community Powered ATX to speak on immigration and ICE. The motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:22 p.m. was approved on Vice Chair Eugene’s motion, Commissioner Smith’s second without objection. 2
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL African American Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20260312-010: Support and funding of a Multicultural STEM Symposium in the FY 2026-2027 Budget. Date of Approval: Description of Recommendation to Council: Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2027 Budget related to Austin Multicultural STEM Symposium Recommendation To Council: WHEREAS, the City of Austin has experienced sustained economic growth driven in part by the expansion of the technology sector, supported through public incentives, tax benefits, and partnerships intended to strengthen the local economy and workforce; and WHEREAS, this growth has coincided with significant gentrification pressures that have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities, particularly Black residents, resulting in displacement and migration to the outer edges of the city; and WHEREAS, Black residents in Austin remain underrepresented in the technology workforce relative to the City’s overall population and continue to face historic barriers to STEM education access, workforce pipelines, and capital investment; and WHEREAS, while economic development efforts have focused on attracting and retaining technology companies, many communities lack early exposure, culturally relevant engagement, and structured pathways into STEM and technology related careers; and WHEREAS, early, age appropriate exposure to STEM learning and diverse career role models is a critical factor in building long term educational, economic, and workforce equity; and WHEREAS, Mayor Kirk Watson’s Gen ATX initiative prioritizes making Austin the best place to be a kid, with pillars centered on healthy kids, safe kids, and happy and successful kids, including fostering a sense of belonging and access to opportunity; and WHEREAS, inclusive, community rooted STEM programming directly supports these goals by connecting youth and families to educational resources, career pathways, and local employers in trusted and accessible environments; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Austin allocate $250,000 in the FY 2027 budget directly to the Office of Equity and Inclusion for the sole purpose of planning, convening, and executing the inaugural Austin Multicultural STEM Symposium as a city sponsored, publicly accessible initiative advancing equitable access to STEM pathways; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Office of Equity and Inclusion establish and lead a cross departmental working group responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of the Austin Multicultural STEM Symposium, including program design, nonprofit coordination, corporate engagement, logistics, outreach, community engagement, and evaluation, to ensure clear accountability and measurable impact; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Office of Equity and Inclusion formally partner with Universal Tech Movement, under …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL African American Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20260312-011: Support and funding for Voting Accessibility in the FY 2026-2027 Budget. Date of Approval: Description of Recommendation to Council: Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2027 Budget related to Voting Accessibility Recommendation To Council: WHEREAS, civic participation through voting is a foundational element of United States democracy and a critical component of community trust, representation, and collective decision- making; and WHEREAS, voter turnout data in Travis County indicates that even in high-participation elections, a significant portion of eligible voters do not cast ballots, with participation rates commonly ranging between approximately 50 and 60 percent, signaling persistent barriers to access rather than lack of civic interest; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) have previously partnered to offer free public transit on Election Day to reduce transportation barriers for voters; and WHEREAS, many residents—particularly those working hourly, shift-based, frontline, or service- sector roles—rely on early voting periods to participate in elections due to limited schedule flexibility, caregiving responsibilities, disability considerations, and financial constraints; and WHEREAS, limiting free transit access to a single Election Day does not equitably serve voters who depend on early voting opportunities but may lack reliable or affordable transportation during those periods; and WHEREAS, extending free public transit to include all city-observed early voting days would meaningfully expand access, reduce cost and time barriers, and provide voters with the flexibility needed to participate in the democratic process; and WHEREAS, a defining characteristic of Austin is its commitment to community-centered solutions and partnerships with trusted local institutions that strengthen civic life and democratic participation; and WHEREAS, trusted community institutions such as churches, nonprofit organizations, and neighborhood-based groups often maintain existing transportation resources, including buses and vans, and have established relationships that allow them to support community members in safe, coordinated, and familiar ways; and WHEREAS, structured, organization-led transportation support on official Election Day can address last-mile and same-day accessibility challenges while providing meaningful opportunities for community partners to engage directly in supporting democratic participation; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Austin support and explore a partnership with CapMetro to extend free public transit access beyond Election Day to include all city- observed early voting periods and official voting hours, ensuring equitable transportation access for residents who rely on early voting opportunities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this expanded public transit access …
Social Services Framework Joint Inclusion Committee - February 26, 2026 Kerri Lang - Director, Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence Daniel Culotta - Assistant Director, Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence Agenda ▪ Context and Drivers ▪ Approach ▪ Input and Feedback ▪ Next Steps and Timelines ▪ Q&A and Discussion 2 Context & Drivers Background ▪ Drivers: ▪ The FY27 planned budget included $16.8M reductions across social services contract portfolio to balance ▪ Rather than making across-the-board cuts, ABOE is taking a data-driven approach to understand what we fund, how it aligns with community needs, and where efficiencies may exist ▪ What We’re Asking of the JIC: ▪ Help us understand which service areas are most critical to the communities you represent ▪ Inform the City’s prioritization process within the social services portfolio ▪ Provide feedback on our engagement strategy 4 Definitions • Social Services: Social services are coordinated programs and supports that help individuals and families meet essential needs and navigate social and economic challenges. These can include services related to education, healthcare access, workforce development, housing assistance, and income supports, and are intended to reduce disparities and promote stability and quality of life. A social service grant provides services to City residents or clients, rather than services to the City organization itself. • Social Services Contract: Pays someone to do something on behalf of the City that we would otherwise have to do; contracts are more rigorous and subject to procurement policy / contract law (Example: funding to a vendor to operate a City-owned homeless shelter) • Social Services Grant: Value-add with nonprofits, but not mandatory or obligated. Shorter terms, less formal authorization (Example: funding to a not-for-profit to provide workforce development programs directly to the community) 5 City of Austin’s Social Services Landscape Contracts and Grants Service Category Lead Department FY26 Budget Service Description Homelessness Services Homeless Strategy and Ops $34.9M Child & Youth Public Health / Econ Dev. $9.2M Basic Needs Public Health Crisis Response and Rehab Community Court and Public Health Behavioral Health Public Health Health Equity Public Health Workforce Development Economic Development Violence Prevention Public Health HIV Services Public Health Community Planning Public Health $5.8M $10.5M $4.3M $3.5M $2.7M $2.4M $580K $359K TOTAL $74.2M Emergency Shelter Ops, Marshaling Yard, Rapid Rehousing After-school (Prime Time), Early Childhood, Youth Development Food Access, Utility & Rent Assistance, Survivor Support Community Court Diversion, Homeless Case Management Mental Health and …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL African American Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20260312-006: Support of American Gateways in the FY 2026-2027 Budget Date of Approval: Fund American Gateways at their Full Year 2026 request of $750,000 total ($570,000 core + $150,000 supplemental). Description of Recommendation to Council: We recommend the City Council maintain American Gateways’ funding at current levels. A cut could result in the loss of a staff member and significantly reduce capacity to meet the community’s growing need for immigration legal services. Currently, American Gateways receives more than 100 requests per week from individuals and families seeking legal guidance, support, and advocacy. American Gateways is one of the only organizations in the region providing immigration legal services grounded in a pro se (self-help) model, with additional support including "Know Your Rights" sessions and family planning services. They deliver critical legal and educational support that ensures immigrants, particularly those most at risk, including Black immigrants, can safely navigate the immigration system. Rationale: ● Crucial, Irreplaceable Services: American Gateways is one of the only providers in Austin offering free and low-cost immigration legal services to vulnerable populations. ● High Demand: Weekly requests for help exceed 100, showing the overwhelming demand for legal advocacy and information. ● Disproportionate Impact on Black Immigrants: Black immigrants face compounded barriers due to racial and immigration enforcement systems. Funding American Gateways helps mitigate these harms. ● Proactive, Scalable Approach: Their hybrid model—offering both direct services and legal education—maximizes reach and efficiency. Alignment with AARAC Mission/Vision/Values: This funding directly supports AARAC’s mission to advance racial equity in Austin by preserving essential services for immigrant communities, particularly Black immigrants. American Gateways provides culturally responsive, community-driven legal support that aligns with AARAC’s vision of justice, empowerment, and sustained local oversight. Defunding would compromise immigrant safety and contradict our shared values of equity, access, and accountability. Seconded By: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: __________________________________
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL African American Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20260312-007: Support the Career, Research, Learning and Development Institute in the FY 2026-2027 Budget. Date of Approval: Recommendation: Fund CARLDI full year ask of $190,000 Description of Recommendation to Council: The African American Resource Advisory Commission strongly urges the Austin City Council to include new, dedicated funding in the FY 2026–2027 budget to fully support the annual operating expenses of Career, Research, Learning and Development Institute (CARLDI). This sustained investment is essential to advancing equity for African Immigrant seniors in Austin. Without reliable funding, critical services that reduce social isolation, improve physical and mental health outcomes, and address longstanding economic disparities are placed at risk. CARLDI provides more than programming; it fosters belonging, dignity, and intergenerational connection. Investing in this organization ensures that seniors will unlock the skills needed to actively integrate, their lived experiences are recognized as community assets and will strengthen families and neighborhoods across Austin. This funding represents a tangible commitment to health equity, cultural preservation, and the well-being of a newly elderly population of our city. Rationale: ● ESL and Citizenship Education ○ Understand and navigate U.S. systems. Improve English language use, financial literacy and digital skills. ● Health Education ○ Access health care and public benefits such as CAN, CPR, etc ● Employment Opportunities ○ Re-enter the workforce or contribute through mentoring and community leadership. ● Mental and Physical Wellbeing ○ Build social connections that reduce isolation and improve well-being. Alignment with AARAC Mission/Vision/Values: This funding directly supports AARAC’s mission to advance racial equity in Austin by preserving essential services for immigrant communities, particularly Black immigrants. CARLDI’s work directly advances AARAC’s advisory priorities of equitable aging and economic inclusion by expanding access to culturally responsive programs and services for Austin’s rapidly growing Black immigrant community. Seconded By: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: __________________________________
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL African American Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20260312-008: Funding for social services in the FY 2026-2027 Budget. Date of Approval: Recommendation: Maintain current funding levels for social service contracts in the upcoming fiscal year (FY26) and avoid further reductions. General ask to maintain funding for organizations like: ● Alliance for African American Health in Central Texas ● African-American Men's Health Clinic ● Austin Urban Technology Movement (AutmHQ) Description of Recommendation to Council: We recommend the City Council maintain funding for city social service contracts at current levels and avoid any additional cuts. Many of these organizations that currently hold city contracts deliver crucial services to some of our most vulnerable populations. As the commission charged with advising the city council on matters related to the quality of life of Austin’s African American residents, it is imperative that we continue to fund the resources these organizations need to sustain the impact they are making in our community. Additional cuts will most certainly result in a significant reduction of capacity to meet the community’s growing needs. Preserving these investments is essential to sustaining core community services, preventing cost escalation in other public systems, and protecting vulnerable populations during continued economic uncertainty. Rationale: ● Social service contracts are cost-avoidance tools, not discretionary spending These contracts reduce demand on higher-cost public systems such as emergency medical care, law enforcement, child welfare, and homelessness response. Cuts to preventive and stabilization services often result in greater downstream expenditures that exceed any short-term budget savings. ● Contract stability protects service continuity and workforce retention Maintaining funding ensures continuity of care for clients and reduces turnover among trained service professionals. Workforce instability leads to service disruptions, increased onboarding costs, and reduced program effectiveness. ● Demand for services remains elevated Economic pressures, housing instability, public health impacts, and demographic shifts continue to drive demand for social services. Reducing funding at this time would widen service gaps and increase unmet needs in the community. Alignment with AARAC Mission/Vision/Values: This 10% reduction is impacting numerous organizations that provide services to Austin’s African American community, thereby directly affecting the quality of life. Whether it's workforce training programs through Austin Economic Development or preventative health care screenings from Austin Public Health, the over $5 million being cut from social service contracts continues to perpetuate the disparities experienced by the community this commission represents. The African American Resource Advisory Commission has …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL African American Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20260312-009: Support of Mama Sana Vibrant Woman in the FY 2026- 2027 Budget. Date of Approval: Recommendation: Maintain full funding for Mama Sana Vibrant Woman at FY26 levels ($900,000), including maternal health and perinatal housing stabilization services. Restore rental assistance support to at least prior-year levels to prevent further erosion of critical care infrastructure. Description of Recommendation to Council: Mama Sana Vibrant Woman (MSVW) has been a long-standing partner with the City of Austin since 2016, providing culturally responsive maternal health care to Black and Latinx communities. Despite the growing need and the rising cost of living in Central Texas, funding for MSVW’s maternal health services was reduced by 10% in FY26, and their rental assistance support was fully eliminated. We urge the City Council to restore and maintain prior funding levels—$900,000 total ($500,000 for housing stabilization and $400,000 for maternal health). This is not a request for expansion; it is a stabilization measure aimed at preventing family displacement, maternal health deterioration, and downstream public costs. In 2025 alone, MSVW: ● Served 218 households ● Supported 477 children ● Distributed $666,759 in rental assistance, directly preventing eviction and promoting safe postpartum recovery. Rationale: ● Housing Stability Is Health Care: Research confirms that housing instability during pregnancy increases rates of low birth weight, preterm delivery, maternal mental health issues, and NICU admissions. The data is clear: stable housing improves health outcomes. ● Equity-Focused Intervention: Black and Latinx mothers in Austin experience disproportionate maternal morbidity and housing insecurity. MSVW’s services directly counteract those disparities. ● Preventing Crisis-Level Gaps: Without restored funding, service reductions will lead to longer waitlists, decreased rental support, reduced follow-up, and more families falling through the cracks at a vulnerable life stage. ● Proven Partnership with the City: MSVW has a strong track record of responsibly administering City funds, effectively collaborating with sister organizations, and responding quickly to emerging community needs. ● Preserving Multi-Organizational Capacity: MSVW’s housing stabilization program also supports six other maternal health organizations. Without restored funding, citywide perinatal care infrastructure will fragment. Alignment with AARAC Mission/Vision/Values: MSVW’s work directly furthers AARAC’s goals of racial equity, family support, and displacement prevention. Their programs help keep Black and Latinx mothers housed, healthy, and connected to culturally competent care, ensuring a just and inclusive Austin. To cut funding now would undermine years of progress and contradict the City’s public …
