Backup — original pdf

Backup

African American Resource Advisory Commission FY 25 Budget Recommendations Elaina Fowler, Chair (District 10) Charelle Vanbrakle, Vice Chair (District 4) Budget Recommendation #1 Austin Public Library Black Literature Expansion: $1.5M Justification: The current political climate has had a detrimental impact on youth who seek to connect with and learn from their cultural heritage through literature. This issue is particularly evident in the realm of African American authors and their works, which shed light on the struggles and experiences of African American communities. Public libraries are an integral part of our society, nurturing the minds of future generations. As Public Schools continue to reclaim their library autonomy it is vital Austin Public libraries expand their catalog to educate and inspire all individuals through the power of cultural reading. Public libraries serve as a vital resource for African American communities, offering summer reading programs and access to culturally specific literature and media. Therefore, the insufficient amount of African American literature in Austin Public Libraries would be a disservice to African Americans residing within the city limits and to all who have the curiosity to embrace diversity and learn from their stories. Investing in culturally significant African American literature would be a positive step for the Austin Public Library system, reinforcing Austin's commitment to inclusivity and diversity by addressing challenging topics such as institutional racism and implicit bias. It is essential for the City of Austin to increase the budget of the Austin Public Library beyond the zero-based budget to support a meaningful investment in African American literature within the library's collection. This investment would not only benefit the African American community but also underscore Austin's dedication to embracing diversity and promoting equitable access to valuable literary resources.  Budget Recommendation # 2 Hungry Hill Foundation: $750,000 concurrent 3 year funding Justification: In Austin, the African American population comprises only 7% of the total population, yet African Americans represent a significant portion, 36%, of those who are experiencing homelessness in the city. The historical context of segregation in Austin, as laid out in the 1928 Master Plan, has perpetuated inequalities and disparities that continue to affect the African American community today. The deliberate segregation and unequal allocation of resources to create a "negro district" have had lasting residential impacts that are still evident. It is crucial for the City of Austin to prioritize equitable access to opportunities for all residents, regardless of their race. Collective prosperity in Austin hinges on ensuring that every individual has fair access to resources and opportunities. To address the issue of homelessness and income inequality within the African American community, there is a call to provide pilot program funds that can showcase a different and more effective model, such as a multi-tiered workforce approach. The Hungry Hill Foundation is at the forefront of breaking the cycle of homelessness among Black individuals and offering them a chance to regain their dignity and stability. Through a holistic multi-tiered work and apprenticeship program, the Hungry Hill Foundation supports East Austin residents in transitioning from homelessness to self- sufficiency. The foundation aims to expand and establish a new model that can effectively address long-term homelessness and serve as a blueprint for replication within Austin and beyond. Budget Recommendation #3 Justification: Bethany Cemetery Maintenance and Signage: $43,300 ($20,300 per annum for ground maintenance) and ($23,000 for signage / one -time funding) Bethany Cemetery is a dynamic and valuable tourist destination in Austin. We envision the cemetery as a place that not only preserves the history of Austin’s African American community but also as an educational and cultural resource for the city of Austin. Maintaining the lush greenery of the lawn plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rich history of this distinctive and ancient location. In our endeavor to revitalize the surroundings and document the legacy of the cemetery, we are eager to form partnerships with local community members who share our dedication to conserving the heritage of East Austin. It is imperative that we invest in safeguarding the few remaining landmarks within the city. Our primary objective is to uphold the sanctity of Bethany Cemetery, amidst the encroaching urban developments, and regular upkeep of the grounds is a pivotal aspect of this endeavor. Neglecting the routine maintenance could leave it vulnerable to decay. It is necessary that the allocation of funds towards fundamental maintenance services including regular lawn mowing to control grass height, stimulate healthy growth, and enhance the cemetery's visual appeal. Fertilization and weed control are essential to nourish the grass and prevent weed infestations. Seasonal cleanup operations, like leaf removal and debris clearing, are vital for maintaining a neat and inviting outdoor space. By dedicating resources to these maintenance tasks, we can safeguard the cemetery's authenticity, augment our preservation initiatives, and encourage its utilization by educators, visitors, and all interested stakeholders in our community.  Budget Recommendation #4 Millennium Entertainment Complex: $400,000 Justification: The Millennium was constructed in 1999 to provide a safe space for recreational and cultural activities for youth and families of the East Austin community. While the original use of the Millennium remains consistent, the facility will seek to expand its programming and resource base in order to further serve the needs of an ever- growing community. Our vision moving forward is based on a stronger integration of economic initiatives, including corporate partnerships, fundraising, and creative resource development will be the key to long term sustainability. $30K Partnership Grants The Millennium is continually approached by community individuals and organizations to support health, educational, and cultural programs Lack financial resources often hinders the development of these initiatives. We request $30K to be dedicated to partnership grant to support requests of this type (including space hire, catering, AV) $120K Bowling Center Bowling equipment at Millennium is more than 50 years old having been received from Bergstrom AFB. (Unique opportunity because of the closure of Highland Lanes) It needs major upgrades and repair to compete with market competitors. The total renovation cost is $400K. A contribution of $120K would allow us to complete Phase I, adding lane lighting and bumpers to each of the 16 lanes.  Budget Recommendation #5 Torch Literary Arts: $350,000 Justification: The number one person most likely to read a book is a college‐educated Black woman. “2013 Pew Report / The Atlantic” 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. 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. Austin has experienced a steady decline in the African American population while the city continues to grow. Studies have attributed this to "a lack of sense of belonging" among other factors. Torch aims to build a community where Black women writers in Central Texas know they belong. A community that welcomes emerging writers and provides them with the resources to cultivate their writing and pursue a literary career. Providing our programs locally at no or low cost makes the dream of living a writer's life a reality for those who cannot afford the increasing expenses of traditional education and writing programs. Budget Recommendation #6 Establish an Austin Texas Poet Laureate Program: $50,000 (per Annum) Justification: Since the 1600’s, poet laureate positions have existed in cities, states, and countries to be stewards of poetry in their communities through programs that positively impact the public. As of 2022, Austin is the only major city in Texas without a Poet Laureate program, and we, the undersigned, are of the belief that Austin could benefit from a socio-politically engaged Poet Laureate who uses poetry to promote literacy across the city and to integrate poetry into the fabric of Austin’s history, politics, and culture. According to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies, Texas ranks 42nd among states supporting artists in the US. As of 2003, 121,074 adults in Central Texas either cannot read or struggle with reading. For decades, many local organizations have created and nurtured Austin’s poetry scene with little to no budget and recognition, yet, University of Texas at Austin has one of the most nationally recognized MFA programs, and Austin markets itself as a mecca for Texas arts. Having a poet laureate program would keep Austin accountable to its promise of being the arts center of Texas and assist with improving Austin’s literacy rate. Also, local poets deserve an opportunity to shine. An adult Poet Laureate program has the potential to inspire Austin residents to read and write; to celebrate Austin’s literary scene; to nurture and amplify Austin-based poets of all ages through performances, teaching, and public speaking; and to create new ways of understanding Austin’s policies and culture via poems written by the Poet Laureate. We, the undersigned, call on Austin City Council to please do the following:  Pass a resolution that makes Austin Poet Laureate an official city program run by the Austin Public Library and provides Austin Public Library the authority to choose a Poet Laureate.  Allow Austin Public Library to establish a City Poet Laureate Committee that includes a representative of the library, a representative of the arts commission, and members of the city’s literature community. The City Poet Laureate Committee will give input on the structure of the poet laureate position, review applications, and recommend City Poet Laureate nominees to the head of the public library. Budget Recommendation #7 City to participate funding the repair of Santa Rita Courts Housing Development Santa Rita Courts, with its cinderblock and brick walls, was built as one of the city’s first three 1939 public housing complexes, alongside Chalmers and Rosewood. In February 2024, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, which manages Santa Rita, planned to ask City Council members to remove their approval of another affordable housing project to give Santa Rita a better chance at the fierce state competition for competitive federal low-income tax credits, the country’s largest financing source for affordable housing. The conditions at Santa Rita, the housing authority argued, merited priority before unbuilt projects. In the competitive world of affordable housing finance, the agency argued that not all affordable housing was equal. Meanwhile residents at Santa Rita do not have central air or heating, but instead window air-conditioning units and water heaters, and the units' climates are made worse by poor circulation. Additionally, wet walls from humidity or cold airstreams have led to mold, and the current heating system prevents residents from running hot showers while keeping the heat on. The City of Austin has a fiduciary due diligence to maintain safe housing for the residents at Santa Rita Courts. Budget Recommendation #8 Recommendations/Chinatown Midblock Stop and Bus Shelter $250K 405 Daily Riders/*Minorities risk their lives crossing North Lamar midblock— 37,500 daily vehicles (COA, 2021 Hearing)! February 26, 2024: $60M McKalla Soccer Stop Opened, 70% Rail Riders = White vs. North Lamar “funding constraints” Safety is a Priority Title VI Disparate Impact: Close midblock stops (Chinatown: 405 riders; Metro Park) 2009: North Lamar 20-Month Study: 70% of pedestrian deaths occur midblock! March 6, 2024: Capital Metro will leave North Lamar midblock stops open. March 28, 2024: Vision Zero Update: Blacks = 7% of population: 17% deaths Funding Background: 2016-2020 Voters approved 3 bonds: $2B (2016: $720M; 2018: $925M; 2020: $460M