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Recommendation 20200422-002A1 - Mental Health Services for Immigrants — original pdf
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Recommendation Number: 2020422-002A1 Regarding: Mental Health Services for the Immigrant Community WHEREAS, the community has presented concerns that mental health needs of the immigrant community are not being met, and that services are not culturally appropriate and may not be provided in needed languages WHEREAS, immigrant communities might not reach out for mental health services for a multitude of reasons, including experiences in their countries of origin and that treatment models might need to be different for different communities NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs is supporting the proposals of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission regarding mental health services, and of the Asian American Qualify of Life Commission, except we do not support taking funding from the Community Health Worker program. In addition to the organizations mentioned by those two commissions, we are aware that the City funds Catholic Charities to provide sliding scale mental health services to the immigrant community, and we support those efforts and would like to seek additional funding for them. PASSED by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs on April 22, 2020. Unanimously approved by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs on an 10-0 vote with Glenn Rosales and Banafsheh Madaninejad absent. Attest: Staff Liaison
Recommendation 20200422-002A2 - Immigrant Affairs Office — original pdf
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Recommendation Number: 20200422-002A2 Regarding: Development of Immigrant Affairs Office WHEREAS, we heard from the community an appreciation that the Immigrant Affairs position was created, and a recognition that one person cannot handle all of the work that will be required WHEREAS, an immigrant affairs office would address the needs of the immigrant community in Austin are met WHEREAS, Austin has a large and diverse immigrant community, with varying needs and varying degrees of involvement in city government. Those most impacted are largely unseen, whether because of language barriers, cultural concerns, or concerns related to immigration status. This office will be able to reach out to the community so that their voices can be heard. WHEREAS, the City of Austin funded one full time position within the Equity Office to work in immigrant affairs WHEREAS, there is a large, diverse immigrant community in Austin, and our commission’s hope is that the immigrant affairs office can go out into the community to learn their concerns, see where there are gaps in services, and assess the City’s ability to address their concerns NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs is making this recommendation so that our commission’s concerns about this can be recorded. The immigrant affairs coordinator just started in her position and will need time to begin her assessment of community needs as well as availability of private funding for adding additional staff and resources. However, it is important to note our concerns that one person cannot take on everything that will be required of this office, and the Commission on Immigrant Affairs would like this to be developed into a full office. PASSED by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs on April 22, 2020. Unanimously approved by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs on an 10-0 vote with Glenn Rosales and Banafsheh Madaninejad absent. Attest: Staff Liaison
Recommendation 20200422-002A3 - Legal Serv ices Funding — original pdf
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Recommendation Number: 2020422-002A3 Regarding: Increase in Legal Services Funding WHEREAS, we heard that from the community that legal services funding is crucial, and that there is still unmet need WHEREAS, there are immigrants who need access to counsel, and cannot afford attorneys. This is especially so for immigrants facing removal proceedings. WHEREAS, in a time of increased enforcement, more people are at risk of being placed in removal proceedings. In a time of increasingly restrictive immigration policy, people have more need of legal representation, as it’s become very complicated, and the risks of completing applications incorrectly are extremely high. Those most impacted are low income immigrants. WHEREAS, the City of Austin already funds legal services for low income immigrants who are Austin residents WHEREAS, there is a need for increased funding. Immigrants often work in the service industry and are being hard hit by the COVID-19 situation. To compound that, if they do not have work authorization, they are not eligible for unemployment, and if at least one person in the family does not have a social security number, the family is not eligible for the stimulus payment. This leaves immigrant families in a significantly worse situation than other Austin families at this time. Meanwhile, immigration rules continue to get more restrictive, so the need for legal representation increases. In fact, the President just tweeted that he would suspend all immigration, which puts immigrant families in Austin in dire need of representation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that we add funding. With an additional $130,000, Catholic Charities can hire an attorney to represent people in removal proceedings pro bono. With an additional $100,000, American Gateways can continue to represent families already benefiting from city funds, and also double the number of new cases they can take. PASSED by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs on April 22, 2020. Unanimously approved by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs on an 10-0 vote with Glenn Rosales and Banafsheh Madaninejad absent. Attest: Staff Liaison
Backup_JSC_ClimateResilienceUpdate_20200422 — original pdf
Climate Resilient Austin Response to Resolution 20190509-019 1 Climate Resilience Activities Timeline Austin-specific climate projections by Dr. Katherine Hayhoe Climate Resilience Action Plan for City Assets and Operations. Toward a Climate-Resilient Austin The Integrated Water Resource Plan response to Council Resolution review of city codes for wildfire (Water Forward) Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire 2014 2016 2018 Response to Resolution 20190509-019 2020 2013 2015 CAMPO Extreme Weather vulnerability assessment of regional transportation Resolution 20131121-060 passed by Council, directs staff to identify climate change impacts Austin Community Climate Plan adopted by Council Global Covenant of Mayors signed by Mayor Adler City Council Policy Workshop on Resiliency 2017 Rockefeller Foundation holds Climate Adaptation Workshop Climate Resilience Action Plan for City assets and operations 2019 Atlas 14 Update Council + Resilience Resolution 20190808-078 2 Council Response Timeline August 26, 2019 Phase 1 Response March 9, 2020 Phase 2 Response M J J A S O N D J F M 2019 May 9, 2019 Climate Resilience Resolution 20190509-019 2020 3 Climate Resilience Resolution 20190509-019 Resilience Planning Directives • “perform a literature review of climate resilience plans of peer cities…” • “explore available, potential partnerships (such as the 100 Resilient Cities model)…” • “recommendations for creating a comprehensive, community-wide climate resilience plan that is fair, just, and equitable…” Chief Resilience Officer sources, to … • Recommendations should include funding options, such as grants or other revenue 1) fund a position for a Chief Resilience Officer and staff necessary to produce a resilience plan; or 2) hire a consultant to draft or assist city staff with drafting a comprehensive resilience plan; or 3) other recommendations for achieving this objective. 4 Case Studies Criteria for selecting cities: 1. Population between 600,000 and 1.5 million 2. At least one 100RC city (Boston, Dallas, DC) and one non-100RC city (San Antonio and Indianapolis) 3. At least one city that has attempted a combo mitigation/adaptation plan (Indianapolis) 4. At least two exemplary plans (Boston, Washington DC. According to USDN CRO) 5. At least two from Texas (Dallas and San Antonio) 6. At least three not directly impacted by sea-level rise (Dallas, Indianapolis and San Antonio) Selected Cities: 1. Boston 2. Dallas 3. Denver 4. Indianapolis 5. San Antonio 6. Washington D.C. 5 Case Studies Separate documents for mitigation and adaptation Stand alone plan led by Department of Environmental Health & consultant Stand alone plan led by 100RC consultant Single …
Backup_JSC_OverviewOfAustinCommunityGHGGoalsTrend_20200422 — original pdf
Joint Sust ainabilit y Com m it t e e Clim a t e P la n Re vis ion - Goa l Upda t e April 22, 20 20 1 How do we choose a goal? • What’s necessary to meet 1.5C • Take full responsibility in the global context • We have way more resources than others • We’ve already emitted way more than other • We’re already reducing more than others • Take responsibility for our historical emissions once beyond zero • What’s realistic in terms of adoption rates / change potential Remember this isn’t all just additional cost. Avoiding catastrophic climate change has a positive NPV Co-benefits of clear air, safety, less pollution, better ecosystems are all valuable 2 Benchmarking Net Zero Goals 2050 - Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, NYC, LA 2045 - Canberra 2040 - Reykjavik, Stockholm 2035 - Helsinki 2030 - Bristol, New Castle, Glasgow, Liverpool 2025 - Copenhagen 2021 - Adelaide 3 UN 2019 Gap Report • At a global scale emissions reductions scenarios are clear • It’s difficult for nations to divide emissions reductions equitably, let alone cities 4 C40 Deadline 2020 Report Austin is a ‘Steep Decline’ city. • • • GDP per capita is over $15,000 and emissions above the average for C40 ‘Emissions need to be immediately and rapidly reduced and the city is sufficiently developed to do so’ 5 Target Comparison ● Deadline 20/20’s Steep Decline curve is slightly outdated (2016) ● The UN Gap Report target is more recent than Deadline 20/20, but it represents a global average ● Steering 20/20 captures the urgency of the UN Gap report and the city specific recommendation of Deadline 20/20 as well as: ○ A Net Zero by 2040 goal ○ A more aggressive reduction schedule to show Austin is a global leader ○ Negative emissions targets beyond 2040 to account for historic emissions 6 Proposal • Move from Net Zero by 2050 to Net Zero by 2040 • Re-starting in 2020 • Follow the C40 Steep Decline Trajectory • Aiming for Climate Justice by 2050 – Taking responsibility for historical emissions – Deeply negative emissions 7 20 5 0 v. 20 4 0 St e e p 8 This is Possible, but very aggressive 9 What could it take to meet this goal trajectory in 2030? ■ Austin Energy meets REACH carbon reduction targets and renewable energy targets ■ …
20200422-2A.1: JSC Budget Recommendation Funding Climate Justice — original pdf
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20200422-2A.1 – Budget Recommendation – Funding Climate Justice The Joint Sustainability Committee urges the Austin City Council to make climate change mitigation and community resilience a top priority in the FY 2020/2021 budget and as the city seeks stimulus or recovery funding. The COVID-19 emergency has once again highlighted inequities and vulnerabilities in the Austin community and throughout the United States. In many cities, Black people represent a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. This may prove to be true for Austin. Past local disasters have had a disproportionate negative impact on Austin’s communities of color. Climate change will continue to exacerbate these inequities. It is critical to simultaneously respond to the COVID-19 emergency and the ongoing climate crisis, which will likely be the source of our next acute emergency situation. Racial equity is the condition when race no longer predicts a person’s quality of life outcomes in our community. The City of Austin Community Climate Plan revision process recognizes that racial inequity is wrong and solving the problem of climate change is impossible without racial equity. In Austin, this means our Climate Plan will only succeed if we center racial equity in the goals, strategies, and plans developed through the Revision Process. City of Austin infrastructure, policies, and investment have historically and systemically neglected and harmed low-income communities and communities of color. We acknowledge these injustices and the need to right these wrongs by changing city institutions, policies and programs and creating a culture of equity. To align with the Austin Strategic Direction 2023 Health and Environment and Economic Opportunity and Affordability outcomes, the Joint Sustainability Committee recommends that the Austin City Council prioritize the following principles in all aspects of the budget and as the city seeks stimulus and recovery funds from the federal government and other sources: 1. Reducing Emissions: The science is clear that rapid emissions reductions are needed now to avoid climate change impacts that we won’t be able to adapt to. While Austin has been a climate leader in many respects, we must redouble our efforts to reduce emissions more quickly from all sectors, including transportation, natural gas use in buildings, refrigerants, local industry and electricity. 2. Targeting Affordability Efforts Equitably: At this time when the city budget will be strained, it is especially important to target affordability measures to those who need them the most. While …
20200422-2A.2: JSC Budget Recommendation Funding Equitable Green Jobs Program — original pdf
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20200422-2A.2 – Budget Recommendation – Funding Equitable Green Jobs The Joint Sustainability Committee recommends funding: Program 1. Allocate $250,000 in the FY 2021 budget to continue and expand the Equitable Green Jobs program. This investment will allow the city to capitalize on lessons learned from the pilot programs being run by EcoRise, Central South Carpenters Regional Council, American Youthworks, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 520, Solar Austin and Huston-Tillotson University to increase access to green job training opportunities and develop a strong, locally-based pipeline to living wage jobs that support a just transition to a green economy. A permanent staff person should be established in the Equity Office to oversee and engage with this work. Record of the vote: Motion to approve by Commissioner Phillips, second by Commissioner Hadden. Motion passes 7 approve, 0 opposed, 2 abstained, 2 recused. Date of approval: April 22, 2020 Attest: __________________________________ Zach Baumer, Liaison Zach Baumer
20200422-2C: JSC Charitable Feeding Organization Permit Recommendation — original pdf
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20200422-2C – Charitable Feeding Organization Permit The following Austin‐Travis County Food Policy Board recommendation as worded was approved by the Joint Sustainability Committee on April 22, 2020. WHEREAS, the number of food insecure people in Travis County (17.3%) is higher than the national average (12.5%), making it critical to provide this population with constant and reliable access to food; and WHEREAS, the current city policy requires charitable feeding programs to acquire and maintain a Food Enterprise permit, though the majority of these programs are run by volunteers, who have limited time and financial resources as well as limited knowledge of the permitting requirements or the skills to successfully complete the process; and WHEREAS, many charitable feeding programs are offered in borrowed spaces located inside of buildings where they have no legal authority to modify the physical space; and WHEREAS, the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board is tasked with advising the Austin City Council and Travis County Commissioners' Court on the need to improve the availability of safe, nutritious, locally, and sustainably-grown food at reasonable prices for all residents, particularly those in need, by coordinating the relevant activities of city government NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board requests the Austin City Council to create a task force comprised of Austin Public Health, the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board, and other relevant stakeholders to amend the Food Enterprise permitting process for charitable feeding organizations in order to reduce the barriers of providing access to healthy foods for our community’s vulnerable and food insecure populations. Record of the vote: Motion to approve by Commissioner White, second by Commissioner Schneider. Motion passes 11 approve, 0 opposed. Date of approval: April 22, 2020 Attest: __________________________________ Zach Baumer, Liaison Zach Baumer
20200422-2D: JSC Climate Resilience Update Recommendation — original pdf
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Sustainability Committee Recommendation 20200422-2D – Climate Resilience Update Seconded by: Nhat Ho Motion by: Katie Coyne Approve with conditions Disapprove Postponement Date: 04/22/20 Agenda Item: 2D Subject: Climate Resilience Update Motion: X Approve RATIONALE: WHEREAS, the Joint Sustainability Committee recognizes that the future resilience of our City is a fundamental area of focus for this body; WHEREAS, climate and community resilience is generally defined as the ability to effectively manage and rebound from acute shocks and long-term stressors related not only to climate change and weather extremes, but to our ability to survive, adapt, and thrive in the face of chronic stresses such as racial inequities and social and economic disparities; WHEREAS, the Austin City Council passed Resolution No. 20190509-019 May 9th, 2019 directing City Manager to explore the best path forward for creating a comprehensive, community-wide climate resilience plan that is fair, just, and equitable; and, asked for recommendations for funding options for the hiring of a Chief Resilience Officer and a consultant to lead Resilience Planning efforts; WHEREAS, City staff delivered an interim memo on August 22, 2019 and an updated memo on March 9, 2020 outlining no clear path forward for a City-wide resilience plan or the hiring of a Chief Resilience Officer; WHEREAS, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic presents a new, but not unique and certainly not final, opportunity to more fully understand the concept of Austin as a “resilient community” in the larger context of a global event disrupting all manner of everyday activities, and straining a range of services and supplies on a local, state, national, and international level; WHEREAS, in this context, building a resilient Austin requires adopting strategies to achieve “community resilience” in the face of a myriad of acute disasters including pandemics and catastrophic events especially in communities experiencing chronic racial inequities and social disparities which make withstanding acute shocks and stressors more difficult; WHEREAS, work towards a resilient Austin applies to all categories of the adopted Austin Strategic Direction 2023, including Safety, Health and Environment, Economic Opportunity and Affordability, Mobility, Government That Works For All, and Culture and Lifelong Learning; WHEREAS, many City departments and community leaders are actively working on projects and programs that positively impact resilience outcomes but there is not a comprehensive vision for that work city-wide or regionally; WHEREAS, Austin needs a comprehensive resilience plan that builds on the adopted …
Approved Minutes — original pdf
Joseph Ramirez-Hernandez Juan Vences-Benitez COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANTS AFFAIRS Wednesday, April 22, 2020 1:30PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING Approved Meeting Minutes Board Members in Attendance: Karen Crawford, Chair Krystal Gomez, Vice-Chair Samuel Adair Adrian De La Rosa Board Members not in Attendance: Banafsheh Madaninejad Rennison Lalgee Montserrat Garibay Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Nicole Merritt Glenn Rosales Staff in Attendance: Connie H. Gonzales, Staff Liaison/APH Darrell Barnett, Manager/APH CALL TO ORDER at 1:35 pm 1. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 2020 Sam moved to approve the minutes with amendments Nicole seconded the motion Approved on 9-0 vote with Banafsheh, Glenn and Adrian not present. 2. OLD BUSINESS: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTIONS: A. Budget recommendations Mental Health Services for Immigrants: expand services to immigrants by requesting an increase in funding for Catholic Charities. (See recommendation No. 20200422-002A1) Immigrant Affairs Office: Expansion of the Immigrant affairs Office (See Recommendation No. 20200422-002A2) Legal Services Funding: expand services for immigrants by requesting an increase in funding for Catholic Charities. (See Recommendation No. 20200422-002A3) Nicole moved to create a resolution for PARD to establish a dual-language summer camp and CoIA board will provide guidance on procedures Adrian seconded the motion Approved on a 10-0 vote with Banafsheh and Glenn not present. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Board elections Bi-Lingual Summer Camp Resolution Introduce Rocio Villalobos of Immigrant Affairs Office. ADJOURNMENT Rennison moved to adjourn meeting at 1:30pm Sam seconded the motion Approved on 10-0 vote with Banafsheh and Glenn not present. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days before the meeting date. Please contact Stephanie Hayden at the Austin Public Health at (512) 972-5017 or email: stephanie.hayden@austintexas.gov, for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
20200422-2A part 1: COVID-19 :Responses for Women and Girls — original pdf
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20200422-02A Subject: Support of Commission for Women Resolution 20200417-03C: COVID-19 Responses for Women and Girls Motioned By: Austen Seconded By: Orlowski The Joint Inclusion Committee supports Commission for Women Resolution 20200417-03C: COVID-19 Responses for Women and Girls Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Inclusion Committee strengthens connections between City boards and commissions concerned with quality of life in Austin and advises the City Council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This resolution furthers equity, diversity and inclusion. For: Briesemeister, Austin, Solis, Crawford, Stanton, Curry, Orlowski Date: April 22, 2020 Recommendation See attached. Rationale: Vote Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Weigel, Jones Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair 1 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20200417-03C Date: April 17, 2020 Subject: COVID-19 Responses for Women and Girls Motioned By: Chair Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Sarah Tober Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body to the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager concerning the needs and problems of women in the Austin area and shall recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront women in social, economic and vocational pursuits; and WHEREAS, the City has been responsive to the needs of the community regarding the COVID- 19 pandemic, and Council passed Resolution No. 20200326-091 on March 26, 2020 to provide programs and resources to address the impact of the pandemic; and WHEREAS, the effects of the pandemic have amplified adverse impacts on women and girls due to shelter-in-place, job losses, school closures and other circumstances, including: • Increased health and safety risks for women and children experiencing abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, sex trafficking and homelessness, with heightened risks for women and children of color, LGBTQ+, disabled, immigrant/refugee status, and foster care or runaway youth; abusers may become more predatory and violent as they experience economic pressures, isolation and stress; many organizations have reduced or eliminated services, resulting in fewer options for victims; in-person visits by advocates have been restricted or suspended, and virtual contact may not be safe or practical; victims are reluctant to contact law enforcement or medical providers for issues unrelated to COVID- 19; • Increased caregiving responsibilities due to closures of childcare facilities and schools, which disproportionately fall to women; the need for skills, equipment, internet access and time to teach children, often while working; caregiving for elderly, sick or …
20200422-2A part 2: COVID-19 Equity in Food and Testing — original pdf
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20200422-02A Subject: Support of Hispanic/Latino American Quality of Life Commission Resolution 20200410-003a: COVID-19 Equity in Food and Testing Motioned By: Solis Seconded By: Orlowski Date: April 22, 2020 Recommendation The Joint Inclusion Committee supports Hispanic/Latino American Quality of Life Commission Resolution 20200410-003a: COVID-19 Equity in Food and Testing Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Inclusion Committee strengthens connections between City boards and commissions concerned with quality of life in Austin and advises the City Council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This resolution furthers equity, diversity and inclusion. For: Briesemeister, Austin, Solis, Crawford, Stanton, Curry, Orlowski See attached. Rationale: Vote Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Weigel, Jones Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair 1 of 3 BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission Recommendation Number: 20200410-003a - COVID-19 Equity in Food and Testing WHEREAS, early COVID-19 data around the nation indicates that the coronavirus is disproportionally impacting Latino/Hispanic and African Americans; and WHEREAS, Latino/Hispanic and African American populations are often on the front lines of exposure to the pandemic and less likely to have health insurance and access to transportation, which complicates the ability to seek treatment for illnesses; and WHEREAS, mass loss of employment and financial strain has worsened food and resource insecurity and increased the urgent need for food resources. WHEREAS, the Austin community values equity and ensuring that all our vulnerable communities are protected and sufficiently served NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission urges the Austin City Council to ensure equitable testing of COVID-19 Austin prioritizing the Eastern Crescent by restricting and tailoring funds to specifically service these areas. Equitable testing includes geographic equity in location of testing sites, the use of community health workers to conduct mobile testing and contact tracing, distribution of personal protective equipment to community health workers and other frontline staff, and equitable services in care and recovery from COVID-19. All testing and treatment should incorporate racial and ethnic data collection. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission urges the Austin City Council to ensure equitable access to mobile social service and food distribution sites prioritizing the Eastern Crescent by restricting and tailoring funds to specifically service these areas. In the interest of equity as well as public health, food distribution should be decentralized through the use of neighborhood centers and other methods of mobile distribution opposed …
20200422-2A part 3: COVID-19 Minority Small Business Aid — original pdf
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20200422-02A Subject: Support of Hispanic/Latino American Quality of Life Commission Recommendation Number: (20200410-3a): COVID-19 Minority Small Business Aid Motioned By: Orlowski Seconded By: Austin Date: April 22, 2020 Recommendation The Joint Inclusion Committee supports Hispanic/Latino American Quality of Life Commission Recommendation Number: (20200410-3a): COVID-19 Minority Small Business Aid with the addition of support provided in multiple languages including American Sign Language and Braille. Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Inclusion Committee strengthens connections between City boards and commissions concerned with quality of life in Austin and advises the City Council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This resolution furthers equity, diversity and inclusion. For: Briesemeister, Austin, Solis, Crawford, Stanton, Curry, Orlowski See attached. Rationale: Vote Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Weigel, Jones Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair 1 of 3 BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20200410-3a): COVID-19 Minority Small Business Aid WHEREAS, immigrant-owned businesses in 2019 employed 8 million Americans; and WHEREAS, about 3.2 million immigrants ran their own businesses, making up one in every five entrepreneurs in the country; and WHEREAS, in Texas in 2018 there were: 389,455 immigrant entrepreneurs and 635,942 employees at immigrant- owned firms; and WHEREAS, in the Austin Metro Area in 2017 we had 25,037 immigrant entrepreneurs; and WHEREAS, local small businesses continue to shape and influence the local economic landscape of our city. Unlike other businesses, many local small Latino minority/women-owned businesses continue to face market and financial barriers and discrimination. People of color continue to earn less than their white counterparts and are routinely subjected to predatory lending and higher interest rates, which impairs their ability to raise traditional capital and financing. Much of these disparities are documented in previous City of Austin disparity study reports; and WHEREAS, to date, there are gaps in the proposed loan programs recommended by the City that do not serve/support many Latino own businesses and/or our immigrant owned businesses; and WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission’s purpose is to advise the City of Austin on Latino/Hispanic American quality of life; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission requests that Austin City Council: 1. Expand scopes of work, tasks and deliverables with existing service provider contracts with Trade Associations and Chambers in an effort to expand the City’s efforts to support local small businesses, enhance communications, …
20200422-2B part 1: Budget Request on Funding of Immigrant Legal Services — original pdf
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20200422-02B Subject: Support of Commission on Immigrant Affairs Budget Request on Funding of Immigrant Legal Services Motioned By: Crawford Seconded By: Orlowski Date: April 22, 2020 Recommendation The Joint Inclusion Committee supports the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Budget Request on Funding of Immigrant Legal Services Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Inclusion Committee strengthens connections between City boards and commissions concerned with quality of life in Austin and advises the City Council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This resolution furthers equity, diversity and inclusion. For: Briesemeister, Austen, Solis, Crawford, Stanton, Curry, Orlowski See attached. Rationale: Vote Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Weigel, Jones Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair 1 of 2 Legal Services Funding passed by Commission on Immigrant Affairs on 4/22/20 1) What did you hear from the community? We heard that legal services funding is crucial, and that there is still unmet need 2) What problem are they addressing? Helping immigrants who need access to counsel, and cannot afford attorneys. This is especially so for immigrants facing removal proceedings. 3) How does the problem show up? Who is most impacted? In a time of increased enforcement, more people are at risk of being placed in removal proceedings. In a time of increasingly restrictive immigration policy, people have more need of legal representation, as it’s become very complicated, and the risks of completing applications incorrectly are extremely high. Those most impacted are low income immigrants. 4) Is there funding dedicated to address this problem? yes 5) which department administers it? Public Health 6) How much funding? One vendor receives $210,000, one vender receives $70,000 7) Which organization is funded? How long have they been funded? American Gateways and Catholic Charities 8) How is success measured? Number of people served 9) what are the impacts? Who is served? Outcomes? Where are the gaps? Are there demographics? There is a need for increased funding. Immigrants often work in the service industry and are being hard hit by the COVID-19 situation. To compound that, if they do not have work authorization, they are not eligible for unemployment, and if at least one person in the family does not have a social security number, the family is not eligible for the stimulus payment. This leaves immigrant families in a significantly worse situation than other Austin families at this time. Meanwhile, immigration rules continue to get more …
20200422-2B part 2: Budget Request on Funding of Immigrant Affairs Office — original pdf
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20200422-02B Subject: Support of Commission on Immigrant Affairs Budget Request on Funding of Immigrant Affairs Office Motioned By: Crawford Seconded By: Orlowski Date: April 22, 2020 Recommendation The Joint Inclusion Committee supports the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Budget Request on Funding of Immigrant Affairs Office Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Inclusion Committee strengthens connections between City boards and commissions concerned with quality of life in Austin and advises the City Council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This resolution furthers equity, diversity and inclusion. For: Briesemeister, Austen, Solis, Crawford, Stanton, Curry, Orlowski See attached. Rationale: Vote Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Weigel, Jones Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair 1 of 2 Immigrant Affairs Office passed by Commission on Immigrant Affairs on 4/22/20 1) What did you hear from the community? Appreciation that the Immigrant Affairs position was created, and recognition that one person cannot handle all of the work that will be required 2) What problem are they addressing? Whether the needs of the immigrant community in Austin are met 3) How does the problem show up? Who is most impacted? We have a large and diverse immigrant community, with varying needs and varying degrees of involvement in city government. Those most impacted are largely unseen, whether because of language barriers, cultural concerns, or concerns related to immigration status. This office will be able to reach out to the community so that their voices can be heard. 4) Is there funding dedicated to address this problem? There is funding for one staff person 5) which department administers it? Equity 6) How much funding? $100,000 7) Which organization is funded? How long have they been funded? n/a this is a city staff position 8) How is success measured? This is a new position so how success will be measured is to be determined 9) what are the impacts? Who is served? Outcomes? Where are the gaps? Are there demographics? There is a large, diverse immigrant community in Austin. Our hope is that the immigrant affairs office can go out into the community to learn their concerns, see where there are gaps in services, and assess the City’s ability to address their concerns 10) How do we solve for the problem? We are including this request so that our commission’s concerns about this can be recorded. The immigrant affairs coordinator just started in her position …
20200422-2B part 3: Budget Request on RISE funding — original pdf
Date: April 22, 2020 Subject: JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20200422-02B Support of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Budget Request on RISE funding. Stanton Seconded By: Orlowski Motioned By: Recommendation The Joint Inclusion Committee supports the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Budget Request on RISE funding. Description of Recommendation to Council See attached. Rationale: The Joint Inclusion Committee strengthens connections between City boards and commissions concerned with quality of life in Austin and advises the City Council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This resolution furthers equity, diversity and inclusion. Vote For: Briesemeister, Austen, Solis, Crawford, Stanton, Curry, Orlowski Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Weigel, Jones Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair 2020-2021 Budget Recommendations Root Cause Analysis Story: What did you hear from the community? This request is related to the RISE relief approved by Austin City Council on April 09, 2020 of 15 million dollars allocated to the Austin community to fill the gaps in the Austin community to either lower income communities, communities that are unemployed or underemployed. Furthermore, it is the mission of the resolution that, “RISE relief can be achieved by expanding the capacity and reach of community-based organizations that may already be in partnership with the City of Austin, but may also require new partnerships with specialized providers with existing models to reach particular populations in new ways that meet impacted families where they are. Services and direct assistance should target populations who are traditionally marginalized or typically face additional barriers to enrolling in assistance programs, such as, but not limited to, language barriers. Services and assistance should be distributed by providers that have a history of trust and success in reaching communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrant communities, and other historically marginalized communities.” Problem: What is the problem you identify? There are few Asian organizations that are directly in place in Austin to direct this funding towards eligible members of the Asian community in Austin. Furthermore, there is a large segment of the Austin Asian population that that might not be eligible for the stimulus payments under the CARES Act signed into law by the federal government. This affects many Asian families here in Austin. How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? There is a large segment of the Austin Asian population that that might not be eligible for …
20200422-2B part 4: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Commission budget recommendation on transportation — original pdf
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20200422-02B Date: April 22, 2020 Recommendation Subject: Support of the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Commission budget recommendation on transportation Motioned By: Solis Seconded By: Orlowski The Joint Inclusion Committee supports the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Commission budget recommendation on transportation. Description of Recommendation to Council The Joint Inclusion Committee strengthens connections between City boards and commissions concerned with quality of life in Austin and advises the City Council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This resolution furthers equity, diversity and inclusion. For: Briesemeister, Austen, Solis, Crawford, Stanton, Curry, Orlowski See attached. Rationale: Vote Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Weigel, Jones Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair Form Name: Submission Time: Browser: IP Address: Unique ID: Location: Your Information Commission Budget Recommendation Form April 24, 2020 1:54 pm Chrome 81.0.4044.122 / Windows 66.90.190.251 604118981 Your Name Angelica Erazo Your Commission Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Email BC-Amanda.Afifi@austintexas.gov After question three, which questions from the flowchart are you prepared to answer? Is there funding? Which department holds the funding? What are the impacts, and gaps? Root Cause Analysis Story: What did you hear from the community? This recommendations looks to provide equitable transportation options and services in traditionally and currently underserved Hispanic and African American communities throughout the city. Time and time again, we are hearing that a lot of resources are being allocated for transportation; however, there continues to be lack of sidewalks, lack of lighting for people to walk safely during the night, and lack of viable public transportation options for the Eastern Crescent specifically. People on the Eastern Crescent rely more on public transportation, walking, etc., and barely have access to viable transportation options. While biking is a great alternative, creating bike trails is not the only solution. Additionally, Cap Metro has shades on several of the bus stops on the Western Crescent, but people on the East Side have no shade and Cap Metro is very unreliable. Sometimes people have to wait hours to get onto the bus. Also, the request for speed bumps is more difficult now and negatively impacts safety. When you drive on the west side, there are a bunch of speed bumps, but you do not see the same on the east side. The cops are always speeding down the street incredibly fast and violating the speed limit without having their lights on. This is incredibly …