REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. Austin Energy Headquarters, Mueller Assembly Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Ryan Sperling, Office of the City Clerk, at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Kitty McLeod Katie Coyne Steven Rivas Brigitte Bandit Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Commissioner Mariana Krueger VACANT Rocío Fierro-Pérez Alexander Andersen Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) District 5 KB Brookins Asher Knutson J. Scott Neal (Chair) Garry Brown District 6 District 7 District 8 Morgan Davis Taylor Treviño Appointment District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission's regular meeting on April 21, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS Page 1 of 4 2. Presentation regarding the June 2026 groundbreaking of Family Eldercare’s LGBTQ housing development. Presentation by Oneka Gaskin, Annie Saldivar, Family Eldercare. 3. Discussion regarding whether the commission should take up LGBTQIA+-specific components of larger societal issues, such as immigration or affordable housing, or rely on other commissions to address those issues. 4. Discussion regarding the development of a handbook for new commissioners, as well as other ideas on how commissioners can become more engaged in non-leadership roles. 5. Discussion regarding a potential bylaw amendment to add a Secretary officer role. 6. Discussion regarding the commission’s work over the last year and the strategic direction of the commission, including which issues the commission should focus on in the coming year and whether the commission should have more or less direct engagement with individuals in the community at meetings. 7. Discussion on how commission meetings are run, including advice for the Chair, Vice Chair, and staff liaison. 8. Discussion regarding the …
Historical Marker Proposed Language This historical marker commemorates the contributions, struggles, and successes of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community, whose historically once-denigrated members spaned all have always spanned all genders, races, classes, creeds, generations, and origins. In earlier times, pLGBTQIA+ individuals eople lost their jobs, social standing, and sometimes event their lives lives for not conforming with societal norms and beingbeing sex- or gender-variant. Outside of the isolation of private homes, downtown bars and nightclubs o(cid:431)ered secret, safe havens for LGBTQ+ people to gather, recover, and be accepted amongst their peers. . Social justice movements in the 1960s advanceding the struggles for justice, acceptance, and equality. Civil rights e(cid:431)orts f, and freedom for women and racial minorities gave rise to a national gay and lesbian rights movement and the . Austin community was quick to join. respond. A local chapter of the Gay Liberation Front was founded in 1970, with the first National Gay Liberation Conference hosted here in 1971. A vibrant culture emerged volved with the help of restaurants, bars, retail shops, bookstores, theaters, churches and a wide variety of professionals and service providers. In the 1980s, a nightlife scene developed in this section of downtown in , known as thethe “old old warehouse” district around 4th Street and Colorado. Clubs with drag shows, entertainment, and dancinges provided social support by o(cid:431)ering safe places to opportunities for gathering and community building. During the AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s, the clubs o(cid:431)ered occasions for sex education, counseling, and fundraising – and solace. In the 21st cCentury, as the movement evolved to recognize all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Gender-fluid, and other segments of the community, these blocks of bars and co(cid:431)ee shops became integrated with the rest of downtown – much like the assimilation of queer representation into mainstream culture. With many of the political and social dreams of the leaders of past decades realized, Austin remains a vibrant place for all communities to call home. From 2000-2020 financial pressures brought on by market forces in a rapidly changing Austin challenged the business models which supported the historical LGBTQIA+ businesses in the area. Some of these establishments failed to survive when the COVID- 19 pandemic hit hardest in 2020. Despite these challenges and changes, this 4th street block Formatted: Superscript and the buildings on it, continue to represent Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community’s historical and future perseverance and identity.
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 21, 2025 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Austin City Hall, 312 W 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701, Boards & Commissions Room. Commissioners in attendance in person: J. Scott Neal (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) Alexander Andersen Brigitte Bandit KB Brookins Garry Brown Katie Coyne Morgan Davis Rocio Fierro-Perez Mariana Krueger Kitty McLeod Brandon Wollerson Taylor Trevino Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 6:37 PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Julian Reyes, APD Misconduct Briana Arredondo, APD Misconduct APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission's special called meeting on March 17, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Fierro-Pérez’ motion, Vice Chair Benson’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Wollerson abstained. Commissioner Andersen was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding LGBTQIA+ related bills and actions in the 2025 Texas Legislature session. Presentation by Miriam Laeky, Government Affairs Director, Equality Texas. The presentation was made by Miriam Laeky, Government Affairs Director, Equality Texas. Page 1 of 4 3. Discussion with Austin Police Department on the state of its and its officers’ relations with the LGBTQIA+ community, including existing, pending and potential efforts to improve understanding, relations, and accountability. The presentation was made by Robin Henderson, Presentation by Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff; Michael Chancellor, Assistant Chief; and Michael Wilmore-Crumrine, Sergeant, Austin Police Department. The commission went into recess on Chair Scott’s motion, Commissioner Brookins’ second, on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. The commission went into recess at 9:20. The meeting was called back to order at 9:39 P.M. 4. Discussion regarding feedback from members of the public about amenities, services, programs, missions, and visions prioritized at a potential LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center, including those garnered from Mentimeter survey results. This item was withdrawn on Chair Neal’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. 5. Discussion regarding the location, date, procedures, and topics to be discussed at a potential LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission retreat. Discussion was held. The motion to waive the rules and allow the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to meet after 10 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Coyne’s motion, Commissioner Brown’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Recommendation …
Nominee Nominator T O T A L Pla n nin g D esig n/C o n stru ctio n m in g Pro gra m Fin a n ce/F u n draisin g H o u sin g City P olitics B o n d/P u blic F u n din g L G B T Q +/BIP O C Affiliatio n L G B T Q + Id e ntifie d BIP O C Id e ntifie d L o cal Prese n ce History of E n g a g e m e nt C o nfir m e d C o m m it m e nt to Pro cess N o C o nflict of Interest m e nts A n y Oth er C o m Commission Representative Cynthia "Cy" Herrera Jimmy Flannigan Miriam Conner Rodney Gonzalez Laura Esparza Celia Israel Danielle Skidmore Awais Azhar Tina Cannon Juan Benitez Kelle Martin Lesley Varghese Brandon Wollerson Kim Harding Danni Reichman Travis Holler David Colligan Mark Gilbert Marti Bier Taja D. Beekley Mia Parton Syd Young Crystal Walker James Lima Jefferson Lykins Joseph DePalma-Hinojosa Emmet Schelling Brad Pritchett Summary Stats Planning Design/Construction Programming Finance/Fundraising Housing City Politics Bond/Public Funding LGBTQIA+/BIPOC Orgs Represented LGBTQIA+ Identified BIPOC Identified Local Presence History of Engagement Jerry Joe Jerry Joe KC KC KB (also suggested by Anne) KC KC KC Jerry Joe KB Rocio Jerry Joe Jerry Joe KC KB KC Jerry Joe suggested by Anne KC KB KC KC Jerry Joe suggested by Anne KB Jerry Joe KB Jerry Joe 11 11 10 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 6 5 8 6 10 8 8 6 4 7 6 6 6 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 …
Historical Marker Proposed Language This historical marker commemorates the contributions, struggles, and successes of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community, whose historically-denigrated members spaned all genders, races, classes, creeds, generations, and origins. LGBTQIA+ individuals lost their jobs, social standing, and lives for not conforming with societal norms and being sex- or gender-variant. Outside of the isolation of private homes, downtown bars and nightclubs o(cid:431)ered secret, safe havens for LGBTQ+ people to gather, recover, and be accepted amongst their peers. Social justice movements in the 1960s advanced the struggles for justice, acceptance, and equality. Civil rights e(cid:431)orts for women and racial minorities gave rise to a national gay and lesbian rights movement and the Austin community was quick to join. A local chapter of the Gay Liberation Front was founded in 1970, with the first National Gay Liberation Conference hosted here in 1971. A vibrant culture emerged with the help of restaurants, bars, retail shops, bookstores, theaters, churches and a wide variety of professionals and service providers. In the 1980s, a nightlife scene developed in this section of downtown , known as the “old warehouse” district around 4th Street and Colorado. Clubs with drag shows, entertainment, and dancing provided social support by o(cid:431)ering safe places to gather and community build. During the AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s, the clubs o(cid:431)ered occasions for sex education, counseling, and fundraising – and solace. In the 21st century, as the movement evolved to recognize all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Gender-fluid, and other segments of the community, these blocks of bars and co(cid:431)ee shops became integrated with the rest of downtown – much like the assimilation of queer representation into mainstream culture. From 2000-2020 financial pressures brought on by market forces in a rapidly changing Austin challenged the business models which supported the historical LGBTQIA+ businesses in the area. Some of these establishments failed to survive when the COVID- 19 pandemic hit hardest in 2020. Despite these challenges and changes, this 4th street block and the buildings on it, continue to represent Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community’s historical and future perseverance and identity.
Task Force Selection Criteria Italicized are preferred experience 1. Professional Experience and Expertise: ○ Candidates should have experience in the planning, funding, or construction/founding of community/cultural centers, with preference given to those serving the LGBTQ+ community. ○ Experience in navigating government bureaucracy or in fundraising and development within nonprofit or governmental contexts. ○ Experience in the following fields: affordable housing, healthcare, community and regional/urban planning, architecture, foundations, non-profit management, and public administration ○ Prior involvement in significant ($100,000+) fundraising campaigns that demonstrate capability in securing large-scale funding for major projects. ○ Prior involvement in bond elections is highly regarded. 2. Organizational Representation: ○ Each candidate must represent a distinct organization or community group, with a limit of one representative per organization to ensure a diverse range of insights and avoid conflicts of interest. ○ Preference for candidates representing organizations that have a vested interest in the success of LGBTQ+ community initiatives, including historical contributions to such causes. 3. Diversity and Inclusion: ○ The selection process should prioritize diversity in terms of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion, age, and professional background to reflect the community's spectrum. ○ Efforts should be made to include voices from underrepresented groups within the LGBTQ+ community (example: youth, elders, BIPOC, people with disabilities, queer immigrants, unhoused/previously unhoused, working class), ensuring that the task force’s composition mirrors the community’s diversity. 4. Local Community Ties: ○ Candidates should have a history of doing community-engaged services, advocacy, or development activities. ○ One or more candidates should have ties to ongoing cultural center efforts (ex: the Black Embassy, the Veteran’s Cultural Center, the Intergenerational Cultural Center, the Dougherty Arts Center) ○ Strong preference for candidates who have established connections within Austin's local community and a deep understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities. ○ Strong preference for candidates who have established connections within Austin's local LGBTQ+ community and a deep understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities. 5. Commitment to Fairness and Transparency: ○ Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in both their professional conduct and their approach to the feasibility study. ○ They should be willing to engage in open dialogues, consider multiple perspectives, work democratically, and actively resolve conflict in a healthy manner. ○ Candidates will agree to prioritize community needs, with particular attention to the most vulnerable parts of the LGBTQ+ community. 6. Conflict of Interest Policy: ○ All …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 5/05/2025 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 4.28.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund March 2025 w/ Encumbrances $48,397 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $2,047,707 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $48,397 $316,607 $809,445 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September
2024 Austin Live Music Fund Stats Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Music Commission Meeting – May 5, 2025 2024 Austin Live Music Fund – Latest Stats • 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) • 135 signed agreements so far out of 136 total grant agreements (99%) • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations so far out of 136 total awardees (99%) • 132 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent so far to awardees (97%) • 132 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (97%) • 70 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (51%) • 18 fully paid and completed award of 136 awards (13%) As of 5/1/25 C I TY O F A U S T I N
Statement of the Austin Music Commission Submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office Re: Notice of Inquiry on Issues Related to Performing Rights Organizations Docket No. 2025-1 DRAFT Resolution: Equity and Transparency in Performing Rights Organizations Submitted by the Austin Music Commission Whereas, the city of Austin, Texas is nationally recognized as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” contributing significantly to the cultural and economic vitality of the United States through its diverse music community; and Whereas, Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) play a critical role in administering the licensing and royalty distribution for public performances of copyrighted music; and Whereas, the current structure and practices of PROs have presented increasing challenges related to transparency, equitable compensation, and administrative accessibility for independent artists, small venues, and marginalized communities; and Whereas, the proliferation of PROs without standardized licensing practices has created confusion and compliance burdens, especially for community-based venues and nonprofit cultural institutions; and Whereas, there is a lack of publicly accessible and verifiable data on royalty distribution across demographic, geographic, and genre-based lines, impeding efforts to ensure equity and accountability; and Whereas, significant portions of unclaimed or unmatched “black box royalties” are often distributed to major rights holders by default, without sufficient efforts to trace the original creators, disproportionately impacting emerging and underrepresented artists; and Whereas, many creators, particularly from BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income communities, face barriers to entry in understanding and engaging with the copyright system, PRO registration, and royalty tracking due to systemic inequalities in access, education, and language; and Whereas, local artists and venue operators should not be penalized by licensing frameworks that do not reflect actual usage or local contributions to the cultural economy; and Whereas, the Copyright Office has initiated a Notice of Inquiry on these issues, signaling an opportunity for federal engagement and reform; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the United States Congress recognize the urgent need for reform in the operation of Performing Rights Organizations to ensure equity, transparency, and accountability in the distribution of royalties and licensing practices; and Be it further resolved that Congress direct the U.S. Copyright Office and other relevant agencies to: 1. Mandate transparency from PROs in royalty collection and distribution, including public reporting by genre, geography, and demographic data; 2. Standardize licensing structures to protect small, nonprofit, and local venues from undue burden; 3. Create mechanisms to trace and equitably distribute black box royalties, with a priority …
Statement of the Austin Music Commission Submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office Re: Notice of Inquiry on Issues Related to Performing Rights Organizations Docket No. 2025-1 DRAFT May 5, 2025 Dear Register Perlmutter and Members of Congress, On behalf of the Austin Music Commission, we appreciate the opportunity to submit our perspectives regarding the evolving landscape of Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and their impact on our vibrant music community in Austin, Texas. Background Austin, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," thrives on a rich tapestry of musical talent, encompassing songwriters, performers, venues, and a diverse array of music industry professionals. Our city's cultural and economic vitality is deeply intertwined with the health of its music ecosystem. Concerns Regarding PRO Proliferation and Practices We acknowledge the historical role of PROs in simplifying the licensing process for public performances of musical works. However, recent developments have raised concerns: 1. 2. 3. Proliferation of PROs: The increase in the number of PROs has introduced complexities for venues and businesses, leading to confusion over licensing requirements and potential legal vulnerabilities (U.S. Copyright Office) Transparency in Licensing and Royalty Distribution: A lack of comprehensive disclosure regarding the works covered by PRO licenses and the methodologies for royalty distribution undermines trust and fairness in the system (U.S. Copyright Office) Impact on Local Artists: Independent and emerging artists in Austin often face challenges in receiving equitable compensation, as current distribution practices may favor more prominent rights holders. Recommendations To address these issues, we propose the following: • • • Standardization of Licensing Practices: Implementing uniform guidelines across PROs can reduce confusion and ensure venues can comply without undue burden. Enhanced Transparency: Mandating clear disclosure of licensed works and detailed royalty distribution reports will foster accountability and allow artists to verify their earnings.(U.S. Copyright Office) Support for Independent Artists: Establishing mechanisms to ensure fair compensation for all artists, regardless of their commercial stature, will promote a more equitable music industry. What’s completely missing from mandates regarding PROs: 1. Racial & Genre Equity in Royalty Distribution What's missing: No current mandate requires PROs to report demographic or genre data on who is getting paid—and who is not. This leads to systemic underpayment or invisibility for BIPOC artists, particularly in genres like hip-hop, Latin, gospel, or regional roots music. Recommendation: • • Urge Congress to commission or require PROs to conduct equity audits. Request a breakdown of …
Artist in Residence Paseo Hotel & Residences MEET PASEO • Opening Fall 2025 at 80 Rainey Street • Hotel, residences and hospitality • 12th floor pool deck with bar service, in-house coffee shop + bar, coworking lounges, yoga studio, sauna, fitness center, 48th floor rooftop pool, chef’s kitchen, and more • A fully integrated living experience blending design, wellness and culture What is AIR? Paseo's Artist in Residence (AIR) Program offers artists a unique opportunity to create, collaborate, and celebrate Austin’s arts community—all while living rent-free. Located in the heart of Rainey Street, it’s designed to help artists shape culture and connect through their craft. We believe artists shape the soul of a neighborhood. By removing barriers, we give them the freedom to experiment and engage, nurturing creativity that brings Rainey to life. Building on the success of Moontower Phoenix AIR—now in its third year—we’re bringing this proven model to Austin to deepen our commitment to the arts and community. Teaser Video How It Works What We Provide: • • A rent-free apartment at Paseo for one year Full access to amenities: coworking, café & bar, pool deck, fitness spaces, and more What’s Expected: • Host community events that align with your craft • One major artistic contribution (mural, exhibition, performance, etc.) • • Engage the Paseo community + share your journey on social Submit a final portfolio + reflection at the end of the residency Who Can Apply: • • All artists working in any medium at any stage of their career Apply under Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, Culinary Arts, Textile/Craft, or Other What's Next Help spread the word! Share with your networks. We’re calling on Austin’s creators to help shape the next chapter of Rainey Street. • • • • Applications open now through June 1 Panelist Judging in June o Jim Ritts – Paramount Theatre o Michael Hsu – Michael Hsu Office of Architecture o Ben Siegel – Banger’s + Rainey Business Coalition o Jackie Lee Young – Photographer & Creative Director o Matt Peters – Chef, Prélude + Maven o Heath Speakman – Co-founder, SprATX Artists announced early July Residency kicks off Fall 2025 Visit paseoatx.com/artist-in-residence to learn more and apply.
Austin Fire Department Rob Vires | Chief of Staff | Public Safety Commission Quarterly Presentation FY25 Q2 Emergency Response Time Trends As the City of Austin grows – and the demand for fire services increases – response times continue to increase. 84,473 86,641 89,541 89,563 81,973 86,636 87,935 92,612 89,797 Incident Volume 103,626 109,280 110,304 108750 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 Response Times 8:41 8:43 8:51 9:00 9:13 9:12 9:24 9:35 Response Time Standard: 8 minutes 9:58 10:28 9:55 10:28 10:32 120,000 70,000 11:00 10:00 9:00 8:00 7:00 6:00 5:00 4:00 3:00 2:00 1:00 0:00 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 Q2 | AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT | PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION QUARTERLY PRESENTATION 2 Station 54 Grand Opening • New Fire Station 54 opened on January 12th. • Grand Opening ceremony was held on March 8th. • Station 54 is shared with ATCEMS. • Station 54 is located in Council District 10, on RR 620. FY25 Q2 | AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT | PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION QUARTERLY PRESENTATION 3 Facility Improvement Projects Station 25 Anticipated opening: May 2025 Awaiting final inspection Station 25 Station 8 • Anticipated opening: May 2025 • Engine 8 is on-site; Ladder 8 is at Station 30 • Finishing punch-list items and final inspection Station 23 • Anticipated opening: May 2025 • Engine 23 is in a trailer at 8700 Cameron Road • Finishing punch-list items and final inspection Station 47 • Expected completion: May 2025 • Engine 47 is operating out of Station 34 • Final phase of remodel Station 20 • Expected completion: May 2025 • Engine 20 and Rescue 20 moved to Station 29 on January 6, 2025 • Final stages of remodel Station 21 • Driveway replacement began April 14, 2025. • Expected to last 6 weeks. • Engine 21 is operating out of Station 19 FY25 Q2 | AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT | PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION QUARTERLY PRESENTATION 4 Automatic Aid An Interlocal Agreement to dispatch the closest unit to a 911 call, regardless of department or jurisdiction. Auto Aid occurs multiple times per day and greatly contributes to decreased response times for Austin and Travis County. Recent Successes: • AFD Communications is actively working to move the Tellus CAD- to-CAD program to the cloud. This will allow us to expand Auto Aid with other neighboring departments if …
AUSTIN PUBLIC SAFETY WELLNESS CENTER Public Safety Cancer Screenings • Annual Exams include the following screenings: o Lung - Spirometry o Bladder - Urinalysis in urine sample o Prostate - Prostate Specific Antigen in bloodwork for those 40 and over o Thyroid - Checking thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) for those who are high risk 2 Screenings through Education Include: o Breast - self-screening education, mammography recommendation o Testicular - self-screening education o Cervical - general recommendation for a pap smear every 3 years, o Oral – education o Colorectal - education and recommendation for a colonoscopy when age guidelines are met Third-party collaboration: o Skin – screenings available monthly 3 Additional initiatives PFAS tests: • 78 tests have been performed – grant funded Ongoing education: • Annual attendance at the International Fire Service Cancer Symposium – University of Miami School of Medicine 4
Cultural Funding Community Engagement Music Commission Briefing Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) May 5, 2025 Agenda 1. 2. 3. 4. ACME Funding Program Evaluation & Goals Combined Working & Focus Groups ACME Funding Guideline Updates Community Engagement Timeline ACME Funding Programs - Evaluation & Goals Programs Under Evaluation • Elevate / Nexus / Thrive • Austin Live Music Fund • Creative Space Assistance Program • Heritage Preservation Grant • Art in Public Places Evaluation Goals for ACME Funding Programs Centering underserved communities Encouraging artistic sustainability Reflecting Austin’s cultural richness Serving artists, organizations, and the public equitably Combined Working & Focus Groups ACME Community Engagement Team • • Corporate PIO, Program Staff, and Special Assignments Facilitator Historical Community Feedback • 2020-2025 Data Collection & Analysis New Working Group & Focus Groups • Groups Now Forming ACME Funding Guideline Updates Program Guideline Updates • Community-Focused Approach • Incorporating Engagement Feedback • Language Revision Community Engagement Timeline Questions Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Thank You For Your Partnership!
Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers April 7, 2025 – Regular Meeting Item 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department. Vice Chair Ruttan asked if APD is not making arrests, is that because criminal activity is not happening or does the data show later that they are just not able to arrest in that moment. Pending. Commissioner Smith asked for APD demographic data of individuals who are sent to the Sobering Center versus those who are cited and released, versus those going to jail during the next quarterly report. Pending. May 5, 2025 – Regular Meeting Item 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department. Chair Ramírez asked for a follow up on what percentage of fire stations now have portable generators. Pending. Item 4. Presentation on firefighter cancer prevention and changes in funding for continued tracking of efforts by Austin Fire Department. Vice Chair Ruttan asked for a follow up on whether the City of Austin tracks or screens for certain cancers that may be considered a presumptive disability. Pending.
