REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION March 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the ARTS COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn- live 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, call or email Jesús Varela at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, VACANT - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Kirtana Banskota, Muna Hussaini, Bailey Pownall, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 Arts Commission Regular Meeting on February 23, 2026. 1 of 3 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the March 2, 2026 Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach. 3. Update on actions taken at the March 11, 2026 Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston. 4. Discussion of the TEMPO on the Trail 2025-2026 Artist Final Designs Presentation by Mandi Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, The Trail Conservancy. 5. Report from Mayor’s Public Places Task Force by Commissioner Garza. 6. Update on meeting with Acting Director of Austin Convention Center, Katy Zamesnik, by Commissioner Anderson. 7. Discussion on creating technical workshops at Cultural Centers. 8. Discussion on The Long Center contract review. 9. Discussion of the Arts in Public Places ordinance update. STAFF BRIEFINGS 10. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 11. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 12. Staff briefing regarding an update on the ACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, ACME. 13. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 14. Discussion and approval on the 2027 Budget …
ARTS + CULTURE COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 11, 2026 “Conversation Stones” by Diego Miro-Rivera THE TIMELINE TEMPO ON THE TRAIL TIMELINE: • Oct. 20, 2025: Committee Selection • Oct. 29: Artists Notified • Nov. 14: Final Designs Due • Dec. 11: TAG Meeting • January: Fabrication • Feb. 27, 2026: Installations Began 113 32 AIPP UPDATES: • Nov. 3, 2025: AIPP Panel Briefing – Artist Selection • Nov. 17, 2025: Art Commission Briefing • March 2, 2026: AIPP Panel Briefing – Final Designs “Meet Me In The Park” Johnny Walker “Sun Poem” Ani Bradberry TEMPO ON THE TRAIL 2025-2026 Jasna Boudard - Sculpture at Seaholm Park enFOLD Collective - Sculpture at Pfluger Circle Jamal Hussain - New Media at Odom Pavilion Victoria Marquez - Mural under Lamar Bridge Vy Ngo - Sculpture at Auditorium Shores Priscilla Lustig & Steef Crombach - Sculpture at Lakeshore Seth Prestwood - Mural under Drake Bridge J.C. King - Sculpture at Holly Shores Overlook Thomas Lemanski - Sculpture at Holly Fishing Pier Priscilla Lustig & Steef Crombach - Sculpture at Lakeshore Seth Prestwood - Passages enFOLD Collective - Sunclipse Jasna Boudard - Wing Trace TJ Lemanski - Cenotaphs Victoria Marquez – Reverie UnderArch J.C. King – Ghost Harps Vy Ngo – All Boats Bloom Jamal Hussain - New Light Priscilla Lustig & Steef Crombach - Cazimi UPCOMING A+C ON THE TRAIL 113 32 • Saturday, April 11 – 9:00am – 11:00am • Seaholm Waterfront (Intake) Building • Meet the Artist • Visual Trail tour • Media Interviews • Bike Tours • Walking Tours “Meet Me In The Park” Johnny Walker UPCOMING A+C ON THE TRAIL 113 32 “Meet Me In The Park” Johnny Walker
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | March 23, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax – February 2026 H/MOT Penalties & Interest Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Total Revenue Approved Budget $511,252 $166,777,013 $167,288,265 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $15,968,425 January $126,055 $14,502,127 $14,628,182 $1,396,991 Year-to-date $437,545 $78,660,383 $79,097,928 $7,553,852 • Total HOT Collections February 2026 = $14,628,182 • 47% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund February 2026 = $1,396,991 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Austin Free Week • STOMP • FronteraFest • Spurs Austin International Half Marathon • Time Travel Half Marathon • Mark Morris Dance Group • The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short • Jo's Annual Chili Cookoff AUS Passenger Totals: 1,888,492 (December 2025) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 Progress Approved Budget $15,968,425 CAF Actuals $7,553,852 4 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – Quarterly Comparison $15.65 M $15.57 M $15.34 M $12.9 M 5 Questions? 6
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | March 23, 2026 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 3/22/26) FY24 Elevate FY25 Nexus FY25-26 Thrive (Year 1) FY25-26 Thrive (Year 2) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 230 230 (100%) 230 (100%) 230 (100%) 225 (98%) 177 (77%) 104 101 (97%) 101 (97%) 99 (95%) 34 (33%) n/a 35 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 32 (91%) 23 (66%) See year 1 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 9 (26%) N/A N/A Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $9,004,500 (97%) $9,265,000 $462,500 (89 %) $520,000 $3,610,000 (94%) $886,500 (23%) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 Grant Funded Activities Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Pamela Hart Sings the Devine Sarah Vaughn March 25 Women in Jazz (District 1) – Parker Jazz Club Trans Day of Visibility March 28 Gender Unbound (District 7) – Grassroots Leadership The ROAM Presents: Ruben Esquivel Through March 28 Really Small Museum (District 1) – Red Bluff Nature Preserve 6 FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities "Estamos Unidos" (We Are United) Mural Through April 1 Forty4 Design (MSA) – Café Hornitos Enduring Presence: Migration, Memory, and Becoming Through April 18 Sandra C. Fernandez (District 2) – Flatbed Center for Contemporary Printmaking Fusebox Festival April 13 – 19 Fuse Box Austin (District 3) – Various Locations 7 Questions? 8
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | March 23, 2026 Award Announcements! ▪ 731 Awards announced on March 16th (1,606 applications submitted) ▪ $24+ million in grant awards ($67+ million in requests) Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Program • 399 awards • $7.14 million • 22 awards • $1.32 million Elevate • 288 awards • $12.8 million Heritage Preservation Grant • 22 awards • $3 million 2 Award Notification ▪ Notification Letter (scores, minimum score required per program) ▪ Austin Live Music Fund (Musician/Promoter at $20k)– 47 ▪ Austin Live Music Fund (Musician/Promoter at $5k)– 17 ▪ Austin Live Music Fund Live Music Venue – 64 ▪ Creative Space Assistance Program – 75 ▪ Elevate Nonprofits – 88.00 ▪ Elevate Arts Groups – 92.00 ▪ Elevate Individual Artists – 93.33 ▪ Heritage Preservation Grant: Capital Projects – 36.67 ▪ Heritage Preservation Grant: Heritage Events – 54.67 ▪ Custom Report of Scores/ Panel Comments ▪ Link to Panel Meeting Recordings (Elevate) ▪ Awardee List posted to website (+new website) 3 Applicant Demographics Race ▪ 952 White (41%) ▪ 433 Hispanic (19%) ▪ 361 Black (16%) ▪ 120 Asian (5%) Gender ▪ 892 Women (39%) ▪ 1126 Men (49%) ▪ 138 Nonbinary (6%) ▪ 158 Prefer not to say (7%) ▪ 19 Middle Eastern, North African, Arab (1%) ▪ 19 Native American (1%) LGBTQ: 604 (26%) ▪ Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (0.2%) Disability Community: 289 (12%) ▪ 172 Multiracial (7%) Veteran: 45 (2%) ▪ 234 Prefer not to say/ not listed (10%) 4 Awardee Demographics Race ▪ 322 White (46.3%) ▪ 129 Hispanic (18.5%) ▪ 86 Black (12.4%) ▪ 43 Asian (6.2%) Gender ▪ 296 Women (42.5%) ▪ 302 Men (43.4%) ▪ 44 Nonbinary (6.3%) ▪ 54 Prefer not to say (7.8%) ▪ 9 Middle Eastern, North African, Arab (1.3%) ▪ 5 Native American (0.7%) ▪ 46 Multiracial (6.6%) LGBTQ: 185 (26.6%) Disability Community: 77 (11.1%) ▪ 56 Prefer not to say/ not listed (8%) Veteran: 7 (1%) 5 District Applicants & Awardees District # Applicants # Awardees Amount Requested Award Amount District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 ETJ Metropolitan Statistical Area 222 136 220 104 191 66 119 84 220 107 60 140 106 $ 9,220,256 $3,814,158.00 54 $ 5,220,000 $1,236,308.00 112 $ 8,419,292 $4,083,931.00 49 $ 79 $ 19 $ 49 $ …
Art in Public Places Resolution No. 20250306-29 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | March 2026 Art in Public Places Background Established in 1985 by Ordinance 861009-A to direct the inclusion of works of art in capital projects. Initiated by arts community members, including Annette Carlozzi, modeled after Seattle • • Establishes the Art In Public Places Panel to review projects for recommendations to Arts Commission • 1% of construction project, AIPP allocation not to exceed $200,000 • Excludes architectural, engineering, administrative costs, costs for fees and permits, and indirect cost, such as interest during construction, advertising and legal fees Updated in 2002 by Ordinance 201031-25 to direct the: Response to inflation, increase in CIP projects in the 1998 bond, increase in staff costs due to market salary adjustments, and growing AIPP collection • Initiated by arts community members, including the AIPP Panel and Arts Commission and support from Margo Sawyer, John Yancey, Ann Graham, Dana Friis-Hansen, Anne Elizabeth Wynn, among many others • REPLACED: Increase to 2% of cost of a project to the city and REMOVED cap • CLARIFIED: Excludes debt issuance cost, demolition cost, equipment cost, permit and fee cost, and real property acquisition excluding parkland. 2 Art in Public Places Additional Background 2023 Arts Commission Recommendation 20230123-10: • Application of City Ordinance Chapter 7-2 (AIPP 2% for Art) to Public Private Partnerships (P3) projects. March 6, 2025 Resolution 20250306-029: • Council initiated • Review Chapter 7-2 and present recommended changes The Gathering Place, Samara Barks 3 Austin is a leader in the field of public art Art in Public Places By the numbers • 40-year-old program • Oldest % for Art program in Texas • 400+ artworks in the AIPP Collection • $20,000,000+ investment • Municipal-owned assets • Arts Commission & AIPP Panel advisory boards Tau Ceti by Josef Kristofoletti; Austin Convention Center 4 How’d we get here? Fall 2024 Interest from AIPP Panel to review Guidelines January 13, 2025 AIPP Panel approves Airport Phase I Artist Selections January 14, 2025 Panel Retreat Establish Guidelines Working Group January 30, 2025 City Council approved Convention Center Deaccessions February 2025 Austin Airport Artist Selections RCA pulled from Council agenda February 4, 2025 Past Matters starts Collection Survey February 24, 2025 Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment created March 6, 2025 City Council Resolution to assess the AIPP Ordinance & Guidelines March 2025 ACME leadership, City Manager, …
Asian American Resource Center Art Call – Item #7 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places Panel | March 2, 2026 Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Project Phase Scoping: Art Call (delayed from May 2025, formatting and eligibility edits) Artist(s) Name TBD Budget $90,000 Commission Funding Type Capital Improvement Project Sponsor Dept Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (AACME) Managing Dept AIPP, AACME Council District 1 2 AARC – Project Overview Call Summary / Site History: • One artist or artist-led team • Outdoors, 2D or 3D • Centers around development of a multipurpose pavilion integrated with existing great lawn • Envisioned as a flexible, year-round venue designed to host a variety of small to medium-sized programs and events Artwork Goals: • AIPP standard programmatic goals + • Speaks to and represents the Asian American experience in Austin, Texas, including • Diaspora, migration • Belonging, setting roots • Identity making, Asian American History, and/or local community building Timeline: • Call Open Spring 2026 • Artist Contracted Fall 2026 3 AARC – Art Call Requirements: • CV/Resume • 10-images of completed relevant artworks with descriptions • 4 short response questions • 3 professional references Eligibility: • Austin-based • Mid-career (newly defined) • Public artists are recognized in their fields and have a track record of exhibits, engaging communities, and completed projects in the public art realm. Minimum of five relevant completed projects with budgets up to $100,000. • Artists who have three or more permanent commissions represented in the AIPP public art collection; artists who are currently under an active contract for a permanent AIPP project; and artists who have completed a permanent AIPP project within the past year are not eligible to apply. 4 AARC – Artist Selection Process Selection Criteria: • Artistic merit, creative capacity, technical expertise of past work (30%) • Enthusiasm and ability in creating site-specific public artwork and working with local communities (40%) • Demonstrated experience in the field of public art (30%) Selection Process: • 3 visual arts professionals voting panelists • Additional community and City staff advise by providing their respective knowledge and expertise about the site, the community, the neighborhood, and the sponsor project • 1 round; score offline for short list, live discussion and vote 5 Next Steps Timeline: • AIPP Panel (Art Call) • Arts Commission (Art Call) March 2, 2026 March 23, 2026 Action needed: A motion to …
Shared Streets Art Call Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | March 2, 2026 Item #10 Art Call March 2, 2026 The Gathering Place, Samara Barks Project Name Project Phase Scoping: Art Call Artist(s) Name TBD – 3 artists Art Commission $170,000 / each Funding Type Sponsor Dept Bond ATPW Managing Dept n/a Council District City-wide 3 Shared Streets Project Overview Project Overview: • Pilot projects within ATPW • Shared streets are environments where people walk, bike and drive sharing the same space. • Accommodate all travel modes, ages, abilities, while prioritizing comfort and safety for pedestrians Project Goals: • Goal is to prioritize safety and comfort of pedestrians while allowing for bicycles and motor vehicles • Connect urban trails to our sidewalks/shared street, and bicycle networks • Build safe and comfortable way to walk and bike Timeline: • Vary by project 4 Shared Streets – Art Call Scope of Work: • Commission three artists or artist teams to create permanent artworks • Four locations identified by ATPW • Collaborate with stakeholders and surrounding communities • Design, fabricate, and install artworks within the right-of-way Considerations: (if applicable) • Pilot project for ATPW • Longterm maintenance • Right-of-way requirements Eligibility: • Local mid-career public artist Mid-career: public artists are recognized in their field and have a track record of exhibits, engaging communities, and completed projects in the public realm. Minimum of five relevant completed projects with budgets up to $100,000. 5 Shared Streets – Art Call Location 1: Avenue G and H and 55th St Artwork Opportunity: • Retrofit artwork into design plans: traffic circles, pedestrian crossing islands, bulb outs, chicanes Project Goal: • Converting pilot shared street to permanent project, including two Healthy Streets Project Timeline: • Project Design complete: spring 2026 • Construction starts: • Construction complete: fall/winter 2026 early 2027 Location 1: Avenues G and H and 55th St Project Area 6 Shared Streets – Art Call Location 2: Neils Thompson and Longhorn Blvd Artwork Opportunity: • Retrofit artwork into design plans: shared use path for both pedestrian and bicyclists Project Goal: • Converting pilot shared street to permanent project, including two Healthy Streets Location 2: Neils Thompson Drive and Longhorn Blvd Project Area & Schematic Design Project Timeline: • Construction starts: • Construction complete: under construction spring 2026 7 Shared Streets – Art Call Location 3: Davis Lane and Latta Drive Artwork Opportunity: • …
Northeast Service Center Suspended Artwork Art Call Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | March 2, 2026 Item #11 Art Call March 2, 2026 Two Live by Star, Angel Alcala NESC Suspended Artwork (Admin Building) Project Phase Selecting: Artist Selection Artist(s) Name TBD Art Commission $300,000 Funding Type CIP/Bond Sponsor Dept Austin Resource Recovery Austin Fleet Mobility Services Managing Dept Austin Financial Services Council District 1 NESC location: 8301 Johnny Morris Rd 3 Project Overview Project Overview: • First AIPP project within P3 delivery model • $3 million in Art Commissions • AIPP developed opportunities & budgets Project Goals: • New campus will consolidate services to one location • ARR: trash collection, recycling, composting, large brush collection and bulk items • AFMS: vehicle maintenance needs for City of Austin Timeline: • Phased approach: suspended artwork is the second project, additional opportunities in fall 2026 • Construction began fall 2025 • Campus opening fall 2027 North Campus: Austin Resource Recovery 4 Project Overview North Campus: Austin Resource Recovery South Campus: Austin Fleet Mobility Services Garage Façade Interior Suspended Artwork $1,800,000 $ 300,000 Cistern Murals x 2 Sculptures x 5 Total AIPP Opportunities $ 300,000 $ 600,000 $3,000,000 5 NESC Suspended Artwork – Art Call Scope of Work: • Site-specific permanent artwork • Suspended 3D artwork on the grand staircase • Encouraged use of recycled materials • Engage stakeholders and community • Artwork integrated into building design, including coordination with project team • Artist(s) that can meet installation timeline Considerations: • Users and visitors of the site (administrative building is open to the public) • Longterm maintenance, building is open 24/7 Eligibility: • Texas-based mid-career public artist Administrative Building Lobby, Grand Staircase Mid-career: public artists are recognized in their fields and have a track record of exhibits, engaging communities, and completed projects in the public art realm. Minimum of five relevant completed projects with budgets up to $100,000. 6 NESC Suspended Artwork – Art Call Artwork location on grand staircase in administrative building lobby 7 NESC Suspended Artwork (Admin Building) Artist Selection Process Selection Criteria: • Artistic merit, creative capacity, and technical expertise of past work (30%) • Enthusiasm and ability in creating site-specific public artwork and working with local communities (40%) • Demonstrated experience in the field of public art (30%) Artist Selection Panel: • Identify artist selection panelists (3 visual professionals) • Project advisors • Review applications …
Corridor William Cannon Final Design Item #5 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | 2/19/26 Corridor William Cannon Project Phase Designing (Final) Artist(s) Name Brent Baggett Art Commission $104,000 Funding Type CIP Sponsor Dept TPW Managing Dept CDS Council District 2 5600 E William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX 78744 2 Corridor William Cannon Artist Introduction Brent Baggett “Winging it” Snohomish County Park, Everett, WA 2010 “Pioneer” El Centro Community College, Dallas, TX 2015 3 Community Engagement 4 "Relay" Final Design: Inspiration 5 Final Design: Visuals 6 Final Design: Site Plan 7 Final Design: Materials and Fabrication 8 Final Design: Installation 9 Artwork Budget Line Item Design (up to 20%) Artist Research | Community Engagement Concept Design Final Design Engineering & Construction Documents Design subtotal Fabrication / Install (minimum 80%) Materials Labor Shipping and installation Site Work Fabrication / Install subtotal Contingency 10% Total Amount $2,500 $6,000 $7,000 $2,500 $18,000 $30,000 $25,000 $5000 $10,000 $72,000 $10,000 % 2.5% 6% 7% 2.5% 18% 30% 25% 5% 10% 72% 10% $100,000 100% 10 Next Steps Timeline: • AIPP Panel • Arts Commission • Fabrication | Installation 3/2/26 3/23/26 Spring | Summer 2026 Action needed: A motion to approve the final design for the Corridor William Cannon Art in Public Places Project to the Arts Commission. 11
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Arts Commission Recommendation Number: 20260323-14: Arts Commission FY26 Budget Recommendations Date of Approval: March 23, 2026 RECOMMENDATION: 1. Fully fund AACME for all necessary Full-Time Employees to ensure full capacity for the Division and build a solid foundation for growth. City of Austin General Fund 2. All AACME staffing expenses and administrative fees to be sourced from the General Fund (or any other appropriate source) and NOT from limited Hotel Occupancy Taxes designated for Arts. (FY25-26 amount was approx. $548,000) / City of Austin General Fund 3. Fiscal support for Community Navigators to better support applicants during the cultural funding program application process, in particular for translation service providers. $1 Million / City of Austin General Fund 4. The addition of a Marketing Representative and a Community Engagement Specialist for each cultural facility: Asian American Resource Center, George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, Mexican American Culture Center, and the Dougherty Arts Center. JUSTIFICATIONS REC. 1. The new Division must be fully staffed in order to provide services to the Arts/Culture Community and the City. REC. 2. Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) are limited in their scope and should be used primarily for direct support of arts organizations, artists, and cultural programming rather than administrative expenses. Moving AACME funding to the General Fund ensures Long-Term Sustainability: Reliance on HOT for administrative costs creates funding instability, as these revenues fluctuate based on tourism trends. Shifting these costs to the General Fund ensures consistent support. This move aligns with Best Practices: Other cities with thriving arts ecosystems, such as San Francisco and Seattle, allocate administrative costs separately to ensure the majority of HOT revenues directly benefit arts organizations and creative workers. Rec. 3. Improves Equity and Accessibility – Many artists and cultural organizations, particularly those from underrepresented communities, face language and administrative barriers when applying for funding. Providing translation services ensures that all applicants, regardless of language proficiency, have an equal opportunity to access funding. Community Navigators will help to strengthen Grant Success Rates – Many small and emerging arts organizations lack administrative capacity to 1 of 2 navigate complex grant applications. Admin support for grant applications helps ensure more organizations successfully receive funding, leading to a more diverse and inclusive arts ecosystem. Supports Artists’ Well-Being – Many artists lack access to affordable healthcare, impacting their ability to sustain creative work. Community support for health services—such as mental health resources …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW COMMISSION (CPRC) FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026, 3:00 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS, ROOM 1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 The 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, please call or email Ryan Alvarez at 512-974-9090 or Ryan.Alvarez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Carlos Alfonso Greaves, Chair Ruben DeLaPaz Terry Flood Christopher Harris Lee Peterman Celesta Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Laura Cortes Franco, Vice Chair Darrick Eugene Marissa Johnson Lauren Pena Kathryn Russell Speakers who sign 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. Approval of the minutes of the Community Police Review Commission regular-called meeting of February 27, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding progress of work with the Police Technology Unit on an internal drive for the CPRC to access case files. Staff briefing regarding updates related to Austin Police Oversight, including an overview and key highlights; administrative and operational updates; commission support and follow-up; community engagement; policy highlights; and upcoming items and priorities from Director Gail McCant. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. interactions with federal Discussion of how the Community Police Review Commission could participate in public outreach events conducted by Austin Police Oversight (APO). Discussion of a recommendation to the Austin Police Department (APD) to create a public immigration authorities for public dashboard of all APD transparency. Discussion of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) requirements for CPRC commissioners and use of a shared drive for case review. Discussion of CPRC Workflow and any potential changes to the process. Discussion of Commissioner Review Working Groups A, B, and C’s progress, experience, & recommendation templates. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no …
Community Police Review Commission – Meeting Minutes Friday, February 27, 2026 COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW COMMISSION (CPRC) REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 The Community Police Review Commission convened for a regular-called meeting on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers (1001), located at 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Carlos Greaves, Chair, called the Community Police Review Commission meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Carlos Greaves, Chair Ruben De La Paz Darrick Eugene Terry Flood Lee Peterman Kathy Russell Commissioners Absent: Laura Cortes Franco, Vice Chair Christopher Harris Lauren Peña PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Peter Hunt spoke about a January 5 incident in South Austin in which APD officers responding to a disturbance reportedly identified an ICE administrative warrant for a woman at the scene and referred her to ICE, after which she was taken into custody and deported. He suggested the CPRC consider conducting a community review of the interaction to determine whether proper procedures were followed and noted that a formal complaint may not be possible since the individual involved is no longer in the country. He also raised broader concerns about APD policies related to administrative warrants. Judy Bradford presented testimony on behalf of a community member identified as “MTL,” describing a racially motivated attack near her home that was not reported to police due to fear and distrust of law enforcement. Ms. Bradford stated that this fear may discourage residents from reporting crimes and asked the Commission to review claims that officers may not always distinguish between judicial and administrative warrants. Ian McAdams spoke about concerns regarding cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. He stated that local police do not have independent authority to 1 Community Police Review Commission – Meeting Minutes Friday, February 27, 2026 detain individuals solely for civil immigration violations and raised concerns that such actions could present constitutional issues. Mr. McAdams encouraged greater transparency regarding any operational or financial impacts related to coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. Jim Crosby read testimony from a community member named “Donna” regarding a September 2024 traffic accident after which she was reportedly arrested, taken to jail, and later placed on an immigration hold. The testimony stated she remained detained for several months and experienced significant personal and family hardship, raising concerns about the arrest and detention process. Chanda …
Community Police Review Commission – Meeting Minutes Friday, February 27, 2026 COMMUNITY POLICE REVIEW COMMISSION (CPRC) REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 The Community Police Review Commission convened for a regular-called meeting on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Austin City Hall, Council Chambers (1001), located at 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Carlos Greaves, Chair, called the Community Police Review Commission meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Carlos Greaves, Chair Ruben De La Paz Darrick Eugene Terry Flood Lee Peterman Kathy Russell Commissioners Absent: Laura Cortes Franco, Vice Chair Christopher Harris Lauren Peña PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Peter Hunt spoke about a January 5 incident in South Austin in which APD officers responding to a disturbance reportedly identified an ICE administrative warrant for a woman at the scene and referred her to ICE, after which she was taken into custody and deported. He suggested the CPRC consider conducting a community review of the interaction to determine whether proper procedures were followed and noted that a formal complaint may not be possible since the individual involved is no longer in the country. He also raised broader concerns about APD policies related to administrative warrants. Judy Bradford presented testimony on behalf of a community member identified as “MTL,” describing a racially motivated attack near her home that was not reported to police due to fear and distrust of law enforcement. Ms. Bradford stated that this fear may discourage residents from reporting crimes and asked the Commission to review claims that officers may not always distinguish between judicial and administrative warrants. Ian McAdams spoke about concerns regarding cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. He stated that local police do not have independent authority to 1 Community Police Review Commission – Meeting Minutes Friday, February 27, 2026 detain individuals solely for civil immigration violations and raised concerns that such actions could present constitutional issues. Mr. McAdams encouraged greater transparency regarding any operational or financial impacts related to coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. Jim Crosby read testimony from a community member named “Donna” regarding a September 2024 traffic accident after which she was reportedly arrested, taken to jail, and later placed on an immigration hold. The testimony stated she remained detained for several months and experienced significant personal and family hardship, raising concerns about the arrest and detention process. Chanda …
Review Structure & Workflow: Operational Review Pipeline Step 1: Simultaneous Transfer of IA Cases • All completed IA-reviewed cases that are forwarded to OPO will also be transmitted concurrently to CPRC. (§ 2-15-3 D.1) • CPRC will receive access to case summaries, timelines, and investigative status for every case to assess the effectiveness of the OPO and suggest improvements (§ 2-15-3 D.6) Step 2: Preliminary Assessment by Working Group • The Case Review Working Group will identify priority level of cases as: “high”, “medium”, or “low” based on: • Cases approaching the 12-month statute of review limitation • High-visibility or community-sensitive cases • Cases undergoing active adjudication or requiring rapid analysis • CPRC will track review timeliness, case aging trends, and disposition equity to evaluate impact. • • Every Monday a batch of up to 10 identified cases will be submitted to the CPRC Identified cases will be submitted to Chair and Vice-Chair Chair and Vice-Chair. • Within 48 hours, these cases will be assigned and accessible to the full commission staff for formal review, preparation, and deliberation. Step 3: Full Commission Review • CPRC will review no more than 25 cases per month • If a Commission Review Working Group does not meet a consensus on any given case then another Commission Review Working Group will also review it until a consensus is met based on the majority. Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) 2025 Case Review Working Group PURPOSE: CPRC Working Group Establish Case Review Working Group composed of 3 to 5 CPRC to complete a preliminary review and priority identi�ication of cases as “high”, “medium”, or “low” submitted to the Chair & Vice- Chair every Monday for 48-hour full commission review assignments. 1 Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) 2025 Commission Review PURPOSE: CPRC Working Group Establish Working Groups to fully review the cases as identi�ied by the Case Review Working group. Each commissioner will serve in at least 1 Commission Review Working Group with a minimum of 3 commissioners per group. If a Working Group does not meet a consensus on a recommended course of action after reviewing a case, then the case will also be reviewed by the remaining groups until a consensus is reached. 1
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026, AT 6:30 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs 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 : Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Caroline Solis AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Azeem Edwin Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Meghna Roy Yohana Saucedo 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 Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on March 2, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion and update regarding the Social Services Framework presented at last JIC meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a Recommendation to Council to expand and strengthen eviction prevention programs to protect housing stability. 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council to establish a dedicated funding framework for a universal immigration representation model. 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council to prioritize filling the Immigrant Affairs Manager position to strengthen city coordination and leadership. 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council to fund comprehensive equity and inclusion training across city departments. 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council to re-instate and fund the Family Stabilization Grant. 8. Approve a Recommendation to Council to maintain and increase funding support for American Gateways’ Immigrant Legal Services to ensure ongoing community access to representation. 9. Approve a statement of concern regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nekaybaw Watson at …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Dorantes called the meeting to order at 6:36pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Canan Kaba Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Caroline Solis Yohana Saucedo Commissioners Absent: Azeem Edwin Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Meghna Roy PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on February 2, 2026. The minutes from the February 2, 2026 regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs were approved during the regular meeting of March 2, 2026 on Commissioner Solis’ motion, Vice Chair Johnson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Kanawati was off dais. Commissioners Edwin, Lincoln-Goldfinch, and Roy were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update from the Quality-of-Life Study Working Group regarding progress with the Institutional Review Board, data collectors, and study practices. The update was given by Commissioner Kanawati. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a Recommendation to Council to expand and strengthen eviction prevention programs to protect housing stability. Chair Dorantes and Commissioner Saucedo have elected to work on amendments for this recommendation. This item was postponed until the upcoming special-called meeting. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Approve a Recommendation to Council to establish a dedicated funding framework for a universal immigration representation model. This item was postponed until the upcoming special-called meeting. Approve a Recommendation to Council to prioritize filling the Immigrant Affairs Manager position to strengthen city coordination and leadership. Commissioners Kanawati and Ortega elected to work on amendments for this recommendation. This item was postponed until the upcoming special-called meeting. Approve a Recommendation to Council to fund comprehensive equity and inclusion trainings across city departments. This item was postponed until the upcoming special-called meeting. Approve a Recommendation to Council to re-instate and fund the Family Stabilization Grant. Commissioner Joshi has elected to work on amendments for this recommendation. This item was postponed until the upcoming special-called meeting. Approve a Recommendation to Council to maintain and increase funding support for American Gateway’s Immigrant Legal Services to ensure ongoing community access to representation. Commissioners De La Rosa and Saucedo have elected to work on amendments to this recommendation. This item was postponed until the upcoming …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320- 003: Strategies to Slow Residential Evictions and Protect Immigrant Households WHEREAS, Recent local housing data shows eviction filings have climbed to levels not seen in several years, signaling ongoing instability in the rental market. While Austin’s economy has grown, rent burdens remain high, wages for many service and construction workers have not kept pace with housing costs, and affordable units remain limited. WHEREAS, Immigrant households face heightened vulnerability to eviction due to: • Concentration in low-wage and contract labor sectors • • Fear of interacting with legal systems due to immigration status concerns Language barriers limiting understanding of court processes • Mixed-status households avoiding public programs due to perceived immigration consequences • Higher likelihood of informal lease arrangements that limit legal protections WHEREAS, Evictions are not isolated housing events, they trigger cascading impacts on employment stability, school continuity, mental health, and long-term housing access. For immigrant workers, housing displacement often leads to job loss, wage theft exposure, and deeper economic precarity. WHEREAS, Slowing eviction proceedings, particularly through mediation, diversion, rental assistance linkage, and language access, allows families time to stabilize while reducing long-term public costs associated with homelessness, emergency shelter, and crisis response. WHEREAS, The Commission finds that proactive eviction prevention aligns with the City’s equity commitments and immigrant inclusion priorities and urges Council to act urgently to prevent avoidable displacement and family destabilization. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that the Austin City Council take immediate action to slow the pace of residential evictions in the City of Austin and strengthen stabilization measures for immigrant and mixed-status households amid significantly rising eviction filings in Travis County. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City Council to: . • Direct the City Manager to evaluate lawful mechanisms to extend eviction timelines, including pre-filing mediation requirements, enhanced notice periods, and eviction diversion coordination. •Council should direct the HACA Board to develop a plan now to support potentially impacted households and consult with the City’s Immigration Officer and the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. • Expand funding for emergency rental assistance, right-to-counsel programs, and eviction defense services, with culturally responsive outreach to immigrant and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) households. • Require strengthened language access standards for eviction notices, rental assistance applications, and tenant education materials. • Partner with Travis County courts to formalize …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-004 : Establish a Dedicated Funding Framework for a Universal Immigration Representation Model. WHEREAS, Austin, like the rest of the United States, has seen increased immigration enforcement in the community. Our neighbors are being detained at record levels, and the federal government has cut funding that previously supported pro se immigration legal assistance. Noncitizens are being detained at routine immigration court hearings and US Citizenship and Immigration Services interviews at never-before seen levels. WHEREAS, In South Central Texas, ICE arrested nearly 12,000 people during the first nine months of the Trump Administration—nearly double from the previous year. This includes all of ICE San Antonio field office’s jurisdiction (Austin and others) but is illustrative of the overall effect of the increased enforcement policies. WHEREAS, One in three children in Austin has at least one immigrant parent. Eighty-seven percent of those children are United States citizens. Therefore, the risk of permanent family separation is high. WHEREAS, Further, immigrant-led households in Austin earned $234.3 billion in 2023 and contributed $19.3 billion in combined state and local taxes. The financial impact of these policies are detrimental to the City of Austin. WHEREAS, The decrease in federal funding has resulted in immigration legal services budgets to be slashed or fully cut. This has resulted in layoffs at local immigration nonprofits and attorneys withdrawing their representation. Noncitizens are struggling to find legal assistance and are often turning to notarios who are engaging in unlicensed practice of law, damaging people’s chances of being granted immigration status. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends increasing funding for immigration legal assistance to expand deportation defense. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Seconded By: . Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-005 : Development of the Immigration Affairs Office WHEREAS, Ensuring immigrant inclusivity will build stronger educated communities that can contribute to economic growth, creative potential, and innovation throughout Austin and its society. WHEREAS, The City of Austin is committed to continuous improvement and inclusivity, and the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office would enhance the quality-of-life for all Austinites, ensuring that we remain equal to or superior to other cities that have already established similar offices. WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs has consistently recommended the development and/or expansion of an Immigrant Affairs Office over the years—Recommendation Number: 20190429- 5AI, Recommendation Number: 20200422-002A2, Recommendation Number: 20210301‐2b Recommendation Number: 20220307-2d—recognizing that one person is insufficiently supported in handling all the responsibilities and demands placed on them. WHEREAS, The following roles as essential to the Immigrant Affairs Office: • Immigrant Affairs Officer: leads strategy and sets direction for the Office, develops policies, and elevates immigrant affairs as a priority for the City. • Immigrant Affairs Program Manager: oversees programs and partnerships with City departments and community organizations focused on key areas like Civic Engagement, Naturalization / Citizenship, Economic Mobility, Employment Authorization Assistance, and Adult Education. • Community Engagement Coordinator (Immigrant Affairs): facilitates communication and collaboration between the City, immigrant leaders, and community organizations. Coordinates outreach efforts with immigrant communities and community partners and provides follow-up to connect people to social services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office with adequate staffing to serve as a centralized unit to coordinate services and support for our immigrant communities who are vulnerable to experiencing discrimination, marginalization, hate crimes, and/or persecution. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends Austin Equity and inclusion fill the vacant Immigrant Affairs Manager position; develop an Immigrant Affairs Office to ensure that the needs of Austin's immigrant community are recognized, supported, and effectively addressed, which would allow for stronger community engagement, more responsive services, as well as better coordination across city departments to close existing gaps; and develop a comprehensive budget plan focused on expanding staff, services, and infrastructures will promote the immigrant community’s economic mobility, human services (health care/food/legal services), education, and civic participation. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-006 : Fund Equity and Inclusion Training WHEREAS, The City of Austin continues to see an increase in reported hate crimes and hate incidents year to year since 2021. WHEREAS, Dismantling hate and bias in our community requires a collective effort and meaningful collaboration between the city, its staff, and residents. WHEREAS, An addition of Bystander Intervention training would empower staff and community members with the skills to safely intervene and respond to instances of hate-driven discrimination or violence. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends adequate funding be allocated to Anti-hate campaigns and programs, creating a centralized hub where both staff and citizens can easily access information on reporting hate-based incidents, current program offerings, and available public training. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends Austin Equity and Inclusion to expand outreach efforts to engage a broader and more diverse audience. We urge the city council to invest in the expansion of Undoing Racism training for the general public, and to ensure that both city staff and community members have access to Bystander Intervention training. These efforts are critical to fostering a safer, more inclusive, and better-informed community. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________ .
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-007 : Reinstate funding for the Family Stabilization Grant WHEREAS, It can be very difficult for cities like Austin to meet their residents’ needs through subsidized house programs, as federal housing programs have limited reach and limited funding; and WHEREAS, Affordability continues to be one of the most common issues expressed by residents. The Family Stabilization Program offers more flexible access to housing support, accords more choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and offers more efficient and cost-effective housing; WHEREAS, According to findings from the Urban Institute’s report titled Evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, participants reported spending, on average, more than 50% of their pilot cash to cover housing costs, and the average share participants spent on housing was more than twice as much spending in any other category. WHEREAS, Improved housing security allowed participants to also focus on other goals, including financial investing, skills building, expanding their professional networks, and pursuing additional education; and for recipients, overall, median household incomes increased over time. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends ongoing funding of the Family Stabilization Program $3 million for FY26-27 as part of the City’s base budget. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: . Attest: _____________________________________________
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-008 : Expansion of Immigration Legal Services WHEREAS, Austin, like the rest of the United States, has seen increased immigration enforcement in the community. Our neighbors are being detained at record levels, and the federal government has cut funding that previously supported pro se immigration legal assistance. Noncitizens are being detained at routine immigration court hearings and US Citizenship and Immigration Services interviews at never-before seen levels. WHEREAS, In South Central Texas, ICE arrested nearly 12,000 people during the first nine months of the Trump Administration—nearly double from the previous year. This includes all of ICE San Antonio field office’s jurisdiction (Austin and others) but is illustrative of the overall effect of the increased enforcement policies. WHEREAS, One in three children in Austin has at least one immigrant parent. Eighty-seven percent of those children are United States citizens. Therefore, the risk of permanent family separation is high. WHEREAS, Further, immigrant-led households in Austin earned $234.3 billion in 2023 and contributed $19.3 billion in combined state and local taxes. The financial impact of these policies are detrimental to the City of Austin. WHEREAS, The decrease in federal funding has resulted in immigration legal services budgets to be slashed or fully cut. This has resulted in layoffs at local immigration nonprofits and attorneys withdrawing their representation. Noncitizens are struggling to find legal assistance and are often turning to notarios who are engaging in unlicensed practice of law, damaging people’s chances of being granted immigration status. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends increasing funding for immigration legal assistance to expand deportation defense. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Seconded By: . Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-009: Maintain Funding to Support American Gateways’ Immigrant Legal Services WHEREAS, Austin, like the rest of the United States, has seen increased immigration enforcement in the community. Our neighbors are being detained at record levels, and the federal government has cut funding that previously supported pro se immigration legal assistance. Noncitizens are being detained at routine immigration court hearings and US Citizenship and Immigration Services interviews at never-before seen levels. WHEREAS, In South Central Texas, ICE arrested nearly 12,000 people during the first nine months of the Trump Administration—nearly double from the previous year. This includes all of ICE San Antonio field office’s jurisdiction (Austin and others) but is illustrative of the overall effect of the increased enforcement policies. WHEREAS, One in three children in Austin has at least one immigrant parent. Eighty-seven percent of those children are United States citizens. Therefore, the risk of permanent family separation is high. WHEREAS, Further, immigrant-led households in Austin earned $234.3 billion in 2023 and contributed $19.3 billion in combined state and local taxes. The financial impact of these policies are detrimental to the City of Austin. WHEREAS, The decrease in federal funding has resulted in immigration legal services budgets to be slashed or fully cut. This has resulted in layoffs at local immigration nonprofits and attorneys withdrawing their representation. Noncitizens are struggling to find legal assistance and are often turning to notarios who are engaging in unlicensed practice of law, damaging people’s chances of being granted immigration status. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends maintaining the current funding for American Gateways’ Immigration Legal Services. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Seconded By: . Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320- 003: Strategies to Slow Residential Evictions and Protect Immigrant Households WHEREAS, Recent local housing data shows eviction filings have climbed to levels not seen in several years, signaling ongoing instability in the rental market. While Austin’s economy has grown, rent burdens remain high, wages for many service and construction workers have not kept pace with housing costs, and affordable units remain limited. WHEREAS, Immigrant households face heightened vulnerability to eviction due to: • Concentration in low-wage and contract labor sectors • Fear of interacting with legal systems due to immigration status concerns • Language barriers limiting understanding of court processes • Mixed-status households avoiding public programs due to perceived immigration consequences • Higher likelihood of informal lease arrangements that limit legal protections WHEREAS, Evictions are not isolated housing events, they trigger cascading impacts on employment stability, school continuity, mental health, and long-term housing access. For immigrant workers, housing displacement often leads to job loss, wage theft exposure, and deeper economic precarity. WHEREAS, Slowing eviction proceedings, particularly through mediation, diversion, rental assistance linkage, and language access, allows families time to stabilize while reducing long-term public costs associated with homelessness, emergency shelter, and crisis response. WHEREAS, The Commission finds that proactive eviction prevention aligns with the City’s equity commitments and immigrant inclusion priorities and urges Council to act urgently to prevent avoidable displacement and family destabilization. WHEREAS, Evictions increase homelessness and can cause economic distress for the city. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that the Austin City Council take immediate action to slow the pace of residential evictions in the City of Austin and strengthen stabilization measures for immigrant and mixed-status households amid . significantly rising eviction filings in Travis County, Williamson County, and other surrounding counties. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City Council to: • Direct the City Manager to evaluate lawful alternatives that may reduce and delay evictions where permitted, including extending applicable deadlines, prioritizing mediation, and providing enhanced notice requirements consistent with governing law and local policy. •Council should direct the HACA Board to develop a plan now to support potentially impacted households and consult with the City’s Immigration Officer and the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. • Expand funding for emergency rental assistance, right-to-counsel programs, and eviction defense services, with culturally responsive outreach to immigrant and …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-004 : Establish a Dedicated Funding Framework for a Universal Immigration Representation Model. WHEREAS, Austin, like the rest of the United States, has seen increased immigration enforcement in the community. Our neighbors are being detained at record levels, and the federal government has cut funding that previously supported pro se immigration legal assistance. Noncitizens are being detained at routine immigration court hearings and US Citizenship and Immigration Services interviews at never-before seen levels. WHEREAS, In South Central Texas, ICE arrested nearly 12,000 people during the first nine months of the Trump Administration—nearly double from the previous year. This includes all of ICE San Antonio field office’s jurisdiction (Austin and others) but is illustrative of the overall effect of the increased enforcement policies. WHEREAS, One in three children in Austin has at least one immigrant parent. Eighty-seven percent of those children are United States citizens. Therefore, the risk of permanent family separation is high. WHEREAS, Further, immigrant-led households in Austin earned $234.3 billion in 2023 and contributed $19.3 billion in combined state and local taxes. The financial impact of these policies are detrimental to the City of Austin. WHEREAS, The decrease in federal funding has resulted in immigration legal services budgets to be decreased or eliminated. This has resulted in layoffs at local immigration nonprofits and attorneys withdrawing their representation. Noncitizens are struggling to find legal assistance and are often turning to “notarios” or other entities who are engaging in unauthorized practice of law, damaging people’s chances of being granted immigration status. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends Austin City Council to increase funding for immigration legal assistance to expand access to deportation defense and ensure that immigrant residents have meaningful access to legal representation. Date of Approval: March 20, 2026 Motioned By: Chair Dorantes Seconded By: Commissioner Saucedo Vote: 8-0 For: Chair Dorantes, Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners De La Rosa, Joshi, Kaba, Ortega, Roy, and Saucedo . Absent: Commissioners Edwin, Kanawati, and Solis. Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-005 : Development of the Immigration Affairs Office WHEREAS, Ensuring immigrant inclusivity will build engaged and informed communities that can contribute to economic growth, creative potential, and innovation throughout Austin and its society. WHEREAS, The City of Austin is committed to continuous improvement and inclusivity, and the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office would enhance the quality-of-life for all Austinites, ensuring that we remain equal to or superior to other cities that have already established similar offices. WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs has consistently recommended the development and/or expansion of an Immigrant Affairs Office over the years—Recommendation Number: 20190429- 5AI, Recommendation Number: 20200422-002A2, Recommendation Number: 20210301‐2b Recommendation Number: 20220307-2d—recognizing that one person is insufficiently supported in handling all the responsibilities and demands placed on them. WHEREAS, the permanent, full-time Immigrant Affairs Program Manager position has been vacated and is currently being filled only on a temporary basis by an interim appointee who already has significant competing demands, placing the needs of Austin’s immigrant communities at risk of being deprioritized; and WHEREAS, the current staffing arrangement is structurally insufficient to provide the full-time attention and dedicated leadership this work requires; and WHEREAS, Austin’s immigrant communities represent more than 18% of the city’s population1, come from over 120 countries2, and speak more than 82 languages3; and WHEREAS, the Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX4 report by the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, highlights that the creation and dedicated staffing of the Immigrant Affairs Program Manager was a key factor in driving Austin’s high scores in government leadership, community outreach, and legal support; and 1 https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/austincitytexas/POP645224#POP645224 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=430901 3 https://www.austintexas.gov/communications/programs/ispeak-austin 4 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=367457 WHEREAS, The following roles as essential to the Immigrant Affairs Office: • Immigrant Affairs Officer: leads strategy and sets direction for the Office, develops policies, and elevates immigrant affairs as a priority for the City. • Immigrant Affairs Program Manager: oversees programs and partnerships with City departments and community organizations focused on key areas like Civic Engagement, Naturalization / Citizenship, Economic Mobility, Employment Authorization Assistance, and Adult Education. • Community Engagement Coordinator (Immigrant Affairs): facilitates communication and collaboration between the City, immigrant leaders, and community organizations. Coordinates outreach efforts with immigrant communities and community partners and provides follow-up to connect people to social services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-006 : Fund Equity and Inclusion Training WHEREAS, The City of Austin continues to see an increase in reported hate crimes and hate incidents year to year since 2021. WHEREAS, Dismantling hate and bias in our community requires a collective effort and meaningful collaboration between the city, its staff, and residents. WHEREAS, An addition of Bystander Intervention training would empower staff and community members with the skills to safely intervene and respond to instances of hate-driven discrimination or violence. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends adequate funding be allocated to Anti-hate campaigns and programs, creating a centralized hub where both staff and community members can easily access information on reporting hate-based incidents, current program offerings, and available public training. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends Austin Equity and Inclusion to expand outreach efforts to engage a broader and more diverse audience. We urge the city council to invest in the expansion of Undoing Racism training for the general public, and to ensure that both city staff and community members have access to Bystander Intervention training. These efforts are critical to fostering a safer, more inclusive, and better-informed community. Date of Approval: March 20, 2026 Motioned By: Chair Dorantes Seconded By: Commissioner Joshi Vote: 8-0 For: Chair Dorantes, Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners De La Rosa, Joshi, Kaba, Ortega, Roy, and Saucedo Absent: Commissioners Edwin, Kanawati, and Solis Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-007 : Reinstate funding for the Family Stabilization Grant WHEREAS, It can be very difficult for cities like Austin to meet their residents’ needs through subsidized house programs, as federal housing programs have limited reach and limited funding; and WHEREAS, Affordability continues to be one of the most common issues expressed by residents. The Family Stabilization Program offers more flexible access to housing support, accords more choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and offers more efficient and cost-effective housing; WHEREAS, According to findings from the Urban Institute’s report titled Evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, participants reported spending, on average, more than 50% of their pilot cash to cover housing costs, and the average share participants spent on housing was more than twice as much spending in any other category. WHEREAS, Improved housing security allowed participants to also focus on other goals, including financial investing, skills building, expanding their professional networks, and pursuing additional education; and for recipients, overall, median household incomes increased over time. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends ongoing funding of the Family Stabilization Program $3 million for FY26-27 as part of the City’s base budget. Date of Approval: March 20, 2026 Motioned By: Chair Dorantes Seconded By: Commissioner Saucedo Vote: 8-0 For: Chair Dorantes, Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners De La Rosa, Joshi, Kaba, Ortega, Roy, Saucedo Absent: Commissioners Edwin, Kanawati, and Solis. Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-008: RESTORE Funding to Support American Gateways’ Immigrant Legal Services WHEREAS, Austin, like the rest of the United States, has experienced a significant increase in immigration enforcement within the community, with neighbors being detained at record levels and federal funding for pro se immigration legal assistance significantly reduced; and WHEREAS, noncitizens are increasingly being detained at routine immigration court hearings and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services interviews at unprecedented levels, creating heightened fear and instability within immigrant communities; and WHEREAS, in South Central Texas, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested nearly 12,000 individuals during the first nine months of the Trump Administration, nearly double the previous year, including within the San Antonio field office jurisdiction, which encompasses Austin, illustrating the broader impact of intensified enforcement policies; and WHEREAS, one in three children in Austin has at least one immigrant parent, and 87 percent of those children are United States citizens, placing a substantial number of families at risk of permanent separation and long term economic and emotional harm; and WHEREAS, immigrant led households in Austin contributed significantly to the local economy, earning approximately 234.3 billion dollars in 2023 and contributing 19.3 billion dollars in combined state and local taxes, underscoring the critical role immigrant communities play in the city’s economic stability and growth; and WHEREAS, reductions in federal funding have resulted in substantial cuts to immigration legal services budgets, leading to layoffs at local nonprofit organizations, reduced legal representation, and increased reliance on unlicensed practitioners, often referred to as notarios, which places vulnerable individuals at risk of fraud and negatively impacts their ability to secure lawful status; and WHEREAS, access to competent and affordable immigration legal services is essential to ensuring due process, protecting family unity, and promoting community stability; and WHEREAS, local organizations such as American Gateways play a vital role in providing these services to low income immigrant communities in Austin and Travis County and Williamson County , yet recent budget reductions have limited their capacity to meet growing demand. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that the Austin City Council maintain and strengthen its investment in immigration legal services by restoring the recent 10 percent budget reduction to American Gateways Immigration Legal Services program; and . BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Commission strongly urges the City Council to prioritize the restoration of …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260302-005 : Development of the Immigration Affairs Office WHEREAS, Ensuring immigrant inclusivity will build stronger educated communities that can contribute to economic growth, creative potential, and innovation throughout Austin and its society. WHEREAS, The City of Austin is committed to continuous improvement and inclusivity, and the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office would enhance the quality-of-life for all Austinites, ensuring that we remain equal to or superior to other cities that have already established similar offices. WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs has consistently recommended the development and/or expansion of an Immigrant Affairs Office over the years—Recommendation Number: 20190429- 5AI, Recommendation Number: 20200422-002A2, Recommendation Number: 20210301‐2b Recommendation Number: 20220307-2d—recognizing that one person is insufficiently supported in handling all the responsibilities and demands placed on them. WHEREAS, the permanent, full-time Immigrant Affairs Program Manager position has been vacated and is currently being filled only on a temporary basis by an interim appointee who already has significant competing demands, placing the needs of Austin’s immigrant communities at risk of being deprioritized; and WHEREAS, the current staffing arrangement is structurally insufficient to provide the full-time attention and dedicated leadership this work requires; and WHEREAS, Austin’s immigrant communities represent more than 18% of the city’s population1, come from over 120 countries2, and speak more than 82 languages3; and WHEREAS, the Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX4 report by the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, highlights that the creation and dedicated staffing of the 1 https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/austincitytexas/POP645224#POP645224 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=430901 3 https://www.austintexas.gov/communications/programs/ispeak-austin 4 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=367457 Immigrant Affairs Program Manager was a key factor in driving Austin’s high scores in government leadership, community outreach, and legal support; and WHEREAS, The following roles as essential to the Immigrant Affairs Office: • Immigrant Affairs Officer: leads strategy and sets direction for the Office, develops policies, and elevates immigrant affairs as a priority for the City. • Immigrant Affairs Program Manager: oversees programs and partnerships with City departments and community organizations focused on key areas like Civic Engagement, Naturalization / Citizenship, Economic Mobility, Employment Authorization Assistance, and Adult Education. • Community Engagement Coordinator (Immigrant Affairs): facilitates communication and collaboration between the City, immigrant leaders, and community organizations. Coordinates outreach efforts with immigrant communities and community partners and provides follow-up to connect people to social services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends …
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Concerns Statement The Immigrant Affairs Commission of the City of Austin unequivocally condemns the recent actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE in this city, state, and country. Austin is a city that prides itself on being rooted in community. The City Charter itself reflects these values, declaring: “We the citizens of Austin, in reverence to the dignity and the enrichment of all people, do ordain and establish this Charter to assure economic, environmental, and cultural prosperity throughout our community.” Yet the continued presence and aggressive tactics of ICE in our city stand in direct conflict with Austin’s stated values. Such actions do not enrich all people, nor do they assure prosperity throughout our community. Instead, ICE’s approach to immigration enforcement has fostered fear in neighborhoods, separated families, and discouraged immigrant residents from accessing housing, schools, healthcare, and public safety services. When people are afraid to report crimes, seek medical care, or send their children to school, the entire community becomes less safe. Texas as a whole is home to the second-largest immigrant population in the United States, with approximately 5.1 million foreign-born residents. These numbers reflect a fundamental truth: immigrants are not outsiders to our community. They are our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and family members. Austin should be a place where everyone, regardless of immigration status, can live with dignity. Everyone in this city should be able to trust local institutions. Achieving that vision requires drawing a clear line between local government and federal immigration enforcement. Texas calls itself the state of friendship, yet hostility toward immigrant communities does not reflect that ideal. We call on city leaders to limit cooperation with ICE, strengthen sanctuary policies, and reaffirm that in Austin, belonging is not conditioned upon paperwork. But, upon our shared humanity.
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260320-009: RESTORE Funding to Support American Gateways’ Immigrant Legal Services WHEREAS, Austin, like the rest of the United States, has experienced a significant increase in immigration enforcement within the community, with neighbors being detained at record levels and federal funding for pro se immigration legal assistance significantly reduced; and WHEREAS, noncitizens are increasingly being detained at routine immigration court hearings and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services interviews at unprecedented levels, creating heightened fear and instability within immigrant communities; and WHEREAS, in South Central Texas, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested nearly 12,000 individuals during the first nine months of the Trump Administration, nearly double the previous year, including within the San Antonio field office jurisdiction, which encompasses Austin, illustrating the broader impact of intensified enforcement policies; and WHEREAS, one in three children in Austin has at least one immigrant parent, and 87 percent of those children are United States citizens, placing a substantial number of families at risk of permanent separation and long term economic and emotional harm; and WHEREAS, immigrant led households in Austin contributed significantly to the local economy, earning approximately 234.3 billion dollars in 2023 and contributing 19.3 billion dollars in combined state and local taxes, underscoring the critical role immigrant communities play in the city’s economic stability and growth; and WHEREAS, reductions in federal funding have resulted in substantial cuts to immigration legal services budgets, leading to layoffs at local nonprofit organizations, reduced legal representation, and increased reliance on unlicensed practitioners, often referred to as notarios, which places vulnerable individuals at risk of fraud and negatively impacts their ability to secure lawful status; and WHEREAS, access to competent and affordable immigration legal services is essential to ensuring due process, protecting family unity, and promoting community stability; and WHEREAS, local organizations such as American Gateways play a vital role in providing these services to low income immigrant communities in Austin and Travis County and Williamson County , yet recent budget reductions have limited their capacity to meet growing demand. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that the Austin City Council maintain and strengthen its investment in immigration legal services by restoring the recent 10 percent budget reduction to American Gateways Immigration Legal Services program; and . BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Commission strongly urges the City Council to prioritize the restoration …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION WEDNESDAY. MARCH 19TH, 2026 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST, AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Technology Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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 Dan Martinez at (512)974-3510 or dan.martinez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Steven Apodaca, Chair Ibiye Anga Nicholas Eastwood Suzanna Heritage Milena Pribic Brian AM Williams AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Benjamin Combee Rachel Frock Keith Pena-Villa Thomas Rice The first ten speakers signed up to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting 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 Technology Commission Regular meeting on February 11th, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Presentation from Austin Technology Services on the state of their consolidation project Update on the applications received for the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program 2026 grant cycle (Dan Martinez, Business Process Specialist, Austin Economic Development) 4. Technology Commission 2026 budget recommendations, draft text finalization DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Approval of recommendation for continued funding for public computer access and digital inclusion library services Approval of recommendation for continued public and private partnerships for digital inclusion projects Approval of recommendation for continued level of funding for the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program Approval of recommendation for additional funding for the City of Austin to upskill their workforce in using AI tools Approval of recommendation for continued funding for the Austin Technology Services consolidation project 10. Approval of recommendation for additional or continued funding for the City of Austin website refresh project. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 11. 12. Group updates from the Artificial Intelligence and Public Surveillance working group on their recent meeting and future status of the working group Update from the town hall listening session working group on the final updates after the town hall listening session. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of …
2026 GTOPs Applications Received Executive Summary March 4th, 2026 GTOPs Core Overview $40,000 $320,000 2 GTOPs provides matching grant funds to Austin organizations to increase access to technology, provide digital/technology training, and to increase access to the Internet, particularly in underserved segments of our community. ● Half of award is pre-paid and the second half is paid at the mid-point of the contract (upon successful first half) ● Significant contract negotiation process ● Requires insurance ● Expected Number of Awards: 8-9 GTOPs Core Applications Received ● Total Applications Received: 33 ● 7 projects to increase the number of devices ● 26 projects to increase skills and knowledge of digital technologies ● 13 Creative Media Skills Training Projects ● 5 IT Middle Skill Training Projects GTOPs provides matching grant funds to Austin organizations to increase access to technology, provide digital/technology training, and to increase access to the Internet, particularly in underserved segments of our community. ● Half of award is pre-paid and the second half is paid at the mid-point of the contract (upon successful first half) ● Significant contract negotiation process ● Requires insurance ● Expected Number of Awards: 8-9 3 GTOPs Core Received Applications Breakdown Applications in Red were considered by staff to be ineligible New Applicants to the Program ● Texas Council on Family Violence ● Vortex Repertory Company ● The Museum of Fine Arts ● Hispanic Alliance of the Performing Arts ● DAWA - Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action ● Hindu Charities for America ● Association for Women in Technology - Austin 4 ● Indie Meme Film Festival and Programs ● Impact Austin Foundation ● Boys and Girls Club of South Central Texas ● LeadHer to Purpose ● QWELL Community Foundation ● Fisterra Projects ● People’s Community Clinic ● SaulPaul Foundation ● Global Impact Initiative GTOPs Core Received Applications Breakdown Applications in Green are past recipients Returning Applicants to the Program ● SAIVA ● Foundation Communities ● Todos Juntos Learning Center ● El Buen Samaritano ● EGBI - Economic Growth Business Incubator ● Austin Speech Labs ● Creative Action ● AVANCE-Austin ● Cine Las Americas 5 ● E4 Youth, Inc. ● Art Spark Texas ● Family Eldercare ● American Youthworks Inc ● The Arc of the Capital Area ● Austin Groups for the Elderly ● Brave Communities ● Art Curatorial Inc
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE TECHNOLOGY COMMISSION THURSDAY. MARCH 19TH, 2026 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST, AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Technology Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 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 Dan Martinez at (512)974-3510 or dan.martinez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Steven Apodaca, Chair Ibiye Anga Nicholas Eastwood Suzanna Heritage Milena Pribic Brian AM Williams Carina Alderete, Vice Chair Benjamin Combee Rachel Frock Keith Pena-Villa Thomas Rice AGENDA REVISED CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting 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 Technology Commission Regular meeting on February 11th, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation from Austin Technology Services on the City’s Information Technology cost optimization. 3. Update on the applications received for the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (Dan Martinez, Business Process Specialist, Austin Economic 2026 grant cycle Development). 4. Technology Commission 2026 budget recommendations, draft text finalization. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Approval of recommendation for continued funding for public computer access and digital inclusion library services. Approval of recommendation for continued public and private partnerships for digital inclusion projects. Approval of recommendation for continued level of funding for the Grant for Technology Opportunities Program. Approval of recommendation for additional funding for the City of Austin to upskill their workforce in using AI tools. Approval of recommendation for continued funding for the Austin Technology Services consolidation project. 10. Approval of recommendation for additional or continued funding for the City of Austin website refresh project. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 11. 12. Group updates from the Artificial Intelligence and Public Surveillance working group on their recent meeting and future status of the working group. Update from the town hall listening session working group on the final updates after the town hall listening session. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1203 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the committee 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 Cara Bertron at (512) 974-1446 or cara.bertron@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS Judah Rice, Chair Jeffrey Acton Trey McWhorter AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order or, for remote participation, no later than noon the day before the meeting, 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 Operations Committee regular meeting on February 18, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding ways to approach concerns about structural issues in older buildings. Presentation by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Austin Planning, and Kalan Contreras, Principal Planner, Austin Planning. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of potential changes to the Land Development Code regarding historic preservation. PUBLIC HEARINGS/DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion and possible action on eligible expenses for the historic district tax abatement. 5. Discussion and possible action on Historic Sign Standards. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Cara Bertron at Austin Planning at (512) 974-1446 or cara.bertron@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Operations Committee, please contact Cara Bertron at (512) 974-1446 or cara.bertron@austintexas.gov.
