Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, January 5, 2026 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, January 5, 2026 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Enrique Duran II Michael Sierra-Arévalo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Holmes Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Scott Johnson – Distracted driving Carlos León - CapMetro APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on December 1, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on December 1, 2025, was approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Smith abstained. Commissioner Hidrogo was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police. Presentation by Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. The presentation was made by Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, January 5, 2026 3. 4. 5. Update on the Counsel at First Appearance Program. Presentation by Travis County Public Defender’s Office, Capital Area Private Defender Service, and Equity Action. The presentation was made by Adeola Ogunkeyede, Chief Public Defender, Travis County Public Defender’s Office, Ryan Crisler, CAPDS Director of Magistration, Travis County Public Defender’s Office, Katy Jo Muncie, CAPDS Director of Defense Services and Outreach, Travis County Public Defender’s Office, Geoff Burkhart, County Executive, Travis County Public Defender’s Office, Kristen Jernigan, Chief Counsel, Travis County Public Defender’s Office, Bob Batlan, Founding Member, Advocates for Social Justice Reform, Savannah Lee, Director of Policy and Operations, Equity Action. Discussion of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) status of the project as of Q3 2025. Presentation by Hannah Senko, Project Manager, CSCRM Project. Presentation by Hannah Senko, Project Manager, CSCRM Project. Discussion of Public Safety Commission officer roles, agenda, and succession planning. Discussed. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Office of Budget and Organizational Excellence G File Open Records Request Regular updates from Public Safety Unions Homeless Strategy Office Homeland Security ADJOURNMENT Chair Ramírez adjourned the meeting at 5:50 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the February 2, 2026 meeting on Commissioner Bernhardt's motion, Commissioner Duran's second, on an …
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION January 5, 2026 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music 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 Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Pedro Carvalho – Vice Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Clarissa Cardenas, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Penny Jo Pullus, Celeste Quesada 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 Music Commission meeting on December 1, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing on Live Music Fund collections by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (AACME). 3. Staff briefing on FY24 Austin Live Music Fund final reports by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, AAACME. 4. Staff briefing on Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) live music performances/booking by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, and Greg Gonzalez, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, AACME. 5. Staff briefing on AACME funding programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 6. Staff briefing on The Creative Reset Phase II by Candice Cooper, Acting Chief Administrative Officer and Marion Sanchez, Acting Public Information & Marketing Manager, AACME. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Downtown Commission update on priorities and recent actions by Parliamentarian Silva. 8. Music Commission strategic planning for 2026. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 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 (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Shelbi Mitchell at the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov, for …
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | January 5, 2026 AACME Funding Programs: Extension REVISED DEADLINE: December 19th at 6:59 p.m. WHY? ▪ New funding process for our community. ▪ Applicants who submitted their intake forms on time have adequate support and time to complete a brand-new process. ▪ Commitment to accessibility, equity, and meeting the community where they are. 2 REVISED Funding Program Timeline December 19, 2025 February 2026 April 2026 REVISED Application Deadline REVISED Panel Meetings Occur 6:59 PM REVISED Funding distribution begins (Activities are still for calendar year 2026) REVISED Austin Live Music Fund and Creative Space Assistance Program scored REVISED Panelists trained and assigned (Elevate and Heritage Preservation Grant) REVISED Funding Decisions announced Nexus Application Opens Thrive, Elevate, Austin Live Music Fund, and Heritage Preservation Grant application cycle begins January 2026 March 2026 July 2026 3 Funding Programs: Funds Available Austin Live Music Fund • $5,000 - $70,000 • Music Industry (musicians, independent promoters, venues) $7 Million ~370 awards Creative Space Assistance Program • $60,000 • Commercial creative spaces $1.6 Million ~25 awards Elevate • Up to $30,000 - $80,000 • Arts organizations, individual artists, creative businesses $13 Million ~250 awards Heritage Preservation Grant • $50,000 - $250,000 • Preservation projects and activities $3 Million ~25 awards 4 Eligible (Application sent) Ineligible (No Application sent) Applications Submitted Funding Programs: Application Status • 2,085 Intake Forms Submitted (2,065 EN; 20 SP) Austin Live Music Fund Creative Space Assistance Elevate Heritage Preservation EN SP EN SP EN SP EN SP Eligibility Forms Sent Eligibility Forms Submitted 1,377 1,111 16 299 10 6 138 0 1,399 1,060 25 247 8 14 125 1 991 4 72 0 855 9 67 1 ALL PROGRAMS TOTAL 3,381 2,455 1,999 120 2 66 0 205 5 58 0 456 806 3 64 0 680 7 46 0 1,607 5 Funding Programs: Austin Live Music Fund Detailed Applicant Breakdown ▪ $70,000 Live Music Venue Applicants - 46 ▪ $20,000 Applicants – 590 ▪ 49 Independent Promoters ▪ 541 Professional Musicians (3 Spanish) ▪ $5,000 Applicants – 173 ▪ 9 Independent Promoters ▪ 164 Professional Musicians 6 Funding Programs: Application Comparison Austin Live Music Fund ▪ 2024: 904 Submissions ▪ 2025: Elevate ▪ 2024: 554 Submissions ▪ 2025: ▪ 1,117 Eligibility Forms submitted ▪ 1,074 Eligibility Forms submitted ▪ 24% increase ▪ 93% increase ▪ 810 Applications Forms submitted ▪ 687 Application …
Music Commission Meeting Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | Jan 5, 2026 FY24 Austin Live Music Fund – Current Stats ▪ 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) ▪ 136 signed agreements so far out of 136 total grant agreements (100%) ▪ 136 completed Grant Agreement Orientations so far out of 136 total awardees (100%) ▪ 136 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent so far to awardees (100%) ▪ 135 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (99%) ▪ 106 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (78%) ▪ 55 final payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (40%) 2 Thank you! 3
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, JANUARY 5th, 2026, AT 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd ST 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 December 1st, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the upcoming programs and services for immigrant support and a recap of Welcoming Week 2025. Presentation provided by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Rocio Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Manager and DACA Liaison Officer, Austin Equity, and Inclusion. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ primary representative for the Joint Inclusion Committee. 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 Austin City Clerk’s Office Department, at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs please contact Nekaybaw Watson at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Johnson called the Commission on Immigrant Affairs meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Alondra Johnson (Vice-Chair) Adrian De La Rosa Diane Kanawati Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Canan Kaba Melissa Ortega Yohana Saucedo Caroline Solis PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on November 3, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Joshi’s motion, Commissioner Kanawati’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Edwin was off the dais. Chair Dorantes and Commissioners Lincoln-Goldfinch and Roy were absent. 1 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding tenant and homeowner stabilization programs. Presentation provided by Susan Watkins, Division Manager, Austin Housing. The presentation was made by Susan Watkins, Division Manager, and Nefertitti Jackmon, Community Displacement Prevention Officer, Austin Housing. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Utility Assistance Program data and qualifications to apply. Presentation provided by Gerardo “Jerry” Galvan, Vice President of Customer Care Services, Austin Energy. The presentation was provided by Gerardo “Jerry” Galvan, Vice President of Customer Care Services, Austin Energy. Melissa Ortega dropped off in the middle of this item. 4. Staff briefing by Jennifer Peters, Division Manager Programs and Partnerships, Austin Public Library regarding an update on the enhanced library cards. The presentation was provided by Jennfier Peters, Division Manager of Programs and Partnerships and Christina Nelson, Division Manager, Austin Public Library. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Senior Business Process Consultant, Austin Equity and Inclusion regarding Mapping Opportunity and identifying disparities across different Austin communities. Presentation was provided by Gary Aaron, Senior Business Process Consultant, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion regarding Mapping Opportunity and identifying dipartites across different Austin communities. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. 7. Update on the Budget Working Group regarding last meeting. Update by Vice Chair Johnson and Commissioner Kanawati. Update on the Quality-of-Life Study reading last meeting. Update by Vice Chair Johnson. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Presentation about changes to the asylum process – Commissioner De La Rosa ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 8:50 p.m. on Commissioner Kanawati’s motion. 2
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Commissioner Ortega called the meeting to order at 6:41pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Melissa Ortega Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adrian De La Rosa Canan Kaba Diane Kanawati Meghna Roy Yohana Saucedo Caroline Solis Commissioners Absent: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Alondra Johnson, Vice Chair Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on December 1, 2025. 1 The minutes of the December 1st, 2025, regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved during the January 5th, 2026, regular meeting on Commissioner Kanawati’s motion, Commissioner Joshi’s second on a 9-0 vote. Chair Dorantes, Vice Chair Johnson, and Commissioner Lincoln-Goldfinch were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the upcoming programs and services for immigrant support and a recap of Welcoming Week 2025. Presentation provided by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Rocio Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Manager and DACA Liaison Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. The presentation was made by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Rocio Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Manager and DACA Liaison Officer. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ primary representative for the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to approve Commissioner Diane Kanawati as the primary representative for the Joint Inclusion Committee was approved on Commissioner Ortega’s motion, Commissioner Joshi’s second on a 9-0 vote. Chair Dorantes, Vice Chair Johnson, and Commissioner Lincoln-Goldfinch were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve the appointment of an alternate representative for the Joint Inclusion Committee. Human Rights Framework Presentation including milestones, expected outcomes, and commission feedback. – Joshi, Ortega Update from the Budget Working Group, Quality of Life Study Working Group, and U-Visa T-Visa Working Group. – Ortega, Joshi ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 7:26p.m. on Commissioner Ortega’s motion. The minutes of the January 5, 2026, regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs were approved during the February 2, 2026 regular meeting on Commissioner Kanawati’s motion, Commissioner Edwin’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Johnson and Commissioners Joshi, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Ortega, and Saucedo were absent. 2
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PANEL MONDAY, JANAURY 5, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. VIRTUAL MEETING Some members of the Art in Public Places Panel 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 Art in Public Places Manager Jaime Castillo at jaime.castillo@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-7852. CURRENT PANEL MEMBERS: Kristi-Anne Shaer, Chair Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison Camille Jobe Andrew Danziger, Vice Chair Bernardo Diaz Lindsey Millikan 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 Art in Public Places Panel Regular meeting on December 1, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding Art in Public Places Program, including Conservation, Current Projects and Milestones. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of Arts Commission Liaison Report on Action Items from December 15, 2025, Arts Commission Meeting. Presentation by Heidi Schmalbach, Arts Commission Liaison. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the Colony Park Pool Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Chirs Tobar and Celica Ledesma, Art in Public 5. 6. 7. Places Artists and Bryana Iglesias, AIPP Coordination, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to the Arts Commission for the Faulk History Center Art in Public Places Project Final Design. Presentation by Suzy Gonzalez, Art in Public Places Artist and Bryana Iglesias, AIPP Coordination, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a letter from the Art in Public Places Panel to the Arts Commission to support the clarification of how the AIPP 2% allocation is calculated. Presentation by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment. Approve a recommendation to Arts Commission for recommended updates to the Art in Public Places Ordinance, Guidelines, and Policies per …
