BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20240312-13: Home Delivered Meals for Older Adults WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2023/2024 the City of Austin removed funding for home delivered meals from the Safety Net Funding; and WHEREAS, prior to that, the City of Austin had consistently funded home delivered meals for older adults and people with disabilities since the 1970’s; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population represents 10.8% of the total population1 and the median age of Austin’s older adults is 72.7 years2; and WHEREAS, greater than 30% of Austin’s older adult population include groups that are historically underserved: • Asian older adults represent 7.4% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Black older adults represent 8.6% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Hispanic older adults represent 20.5% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Non-Hispanic or White older adults represent 60.8% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults3; and WHEREAS, of Austin’s older adults, 27.6% are individuals living with a disability and 9.5% are living below poverty.4 WHEREAS, despite Austin’s increase in the older adult population, increasing at a growth rate of 64.7% between 2010 and 2020 (from 55,695 in 2010, or 7.0% of population to 91,733 in 2020, or 9.5% of the population)5 City funding of older adult programs is less than of other cities of comparable size; and 1 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates and 2020 decennial census. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates 5 https://demographics-austin.hub.arcgis.com/apps/a4e31fc68d37449b8e3c044e249699bc/explore WHEREAS, people who are unable to prepare their own meals or are enduring economic hardships, home delivered meals are an upstream solution, helping them to stay in their homes, living with dignity and independence. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to fund home delivered meals in the amount of $700,000. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250312-14): Native American & Indigenous Community Commission WHEREAS, out of the sixty-seven City of Austin Boards and Commissions, none are focused on representing the needs of Native Americans and Indigenous communities1; and WHEREAS, all the City of Austin land was originally populated by local tribes, particularly the Coahuiltecan peoples and later the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Comanche, Delaware, Lipan Apache and Tonkawa with the acknowledgement that many tribes, known and unknown have resided and migrated on these lands and region over time; and WHEREAS, the local group, Great Promise for Native Americans has identified local members of the Native American & Indigenous Community interested in serving on such a commission; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to create a Native American & Indigenous Community Commission, comprised of eleven members for the purpose of advising and consulting with City Council on all matters that impact the Native American and Indigenous community, including preserving culture, economic development, education, and health & wellness. The commission shall evaluate and recommend programs, policies, and practices that create a positive impact; determine the needs of Native Americans and the Indigenous community in Austin and advise Council regarding these needs; and promote the contributions of Native Americans and the Indigenous community to the cultural, economic, and historical value of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging requests the Austin City Council to direct that commissioners are representatives from any of these groups, as well as federally and state recognized tribal members: • Great Promise for American Indians, • Central Texas Cherokee Township, • Chickasaw Community Council of Central Texas, • Native American HEART, and • Native American and Indigenous Collective. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging requests that the Austin City Council allows the commission to review its membership and community participation after the first 1 Boards and Commissions | AustinTexas.gov two years of operation and determine if additional representation from the Native American and Indigenous community groups is required. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, 4-3 vote with names of those voting no listed) Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is COMMISSION ON AGING ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory board to the council concerning the quality of life for older adults in the Austin area and to help ensure they are productive, independent, and healthy. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of fifteen members. Two members are nominated by the Mayor and each council member nominates one member. One member is appointed by Travis County Commissioners Court. One member is appointed by the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area. One member is appointed by Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority. (B) The commission should include members who are representatives of or sensitive to the needs of the older adult population. Members should have substantive knowledge on issues concerning older adults including but not limited to health, affordable housing, basic needs, transportation, social engagement and inclusion, and caregiver support. The commission should be inclusive and represent a diversity of ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, and national origin; and include older adults who are representatives of the Austin community. (C) A member serves at the pleasure of the appointing body. (D) City appointed board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. County-appointed board members serve for a term of two years beginning in February of the year of appointment. The tenure of a board member nominated by a council member runs concurrently with the tenure of the city council member who nominated the member. (E) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (F) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve-month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of …
Presented by: Nirali Thakkar, Cortez Consulting Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study Today’s Agenda Previous Engagement O ur Task and Approach Focus Group Engagement Update ◼ ◼ ◼ Previous Engagement Age-Friendly Austin Survey highlights from the preliminary results in the March 2024 Commission on Aging meeting: 1. The survey received 409 responses total. 2. A majority of respondents identified as white (76.8%). 3. Respondents predominantly resided in Districts 5, 9, and 10. 4. The zip codes with the highest number of responses were 78745, 78759, 78723, 78749, and 78704. Kaleel, H. (2024, March 13). March Commission on Aging Meeting. Austin, TX.https://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/120_1.htm The Task at Hand: Building Partnerships: Results of Outreach: ● The scope of work in this project asked for this QOL study to prioritize several older adults who had not yet been meaningfully engaged: ○ LGBTQ+ Older ○ BIPOC Older Adults ○ Low Income Older ○ Older Adults living Adults Adults Alone ● Rely on networks to facilitate introductions ● Provide transparency to the partnership ● Provide compensation to partners ● Create a mutually beneficial process (offer activities such as bingo, yoga, etc). ● Utilize the existing systems within an organization to spread the word ● Build trust and buy-in by visiting programming sites in January ● 22 community partners, 10 that supported the focus groups. ○ Foundation Communities (3 properties) ○ Family Eldercare (2 ○ Meals on Wheels (2 programs) programs) ○ Jewish Community Center ○ SAIVA + AVSA ○ Caregiving Cafe Focus Group Engagement Update 01 02 03 Change in Zip Codes Change in Demographics Unique Perspectives ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 78701 (Capitol Studios at 309 E 11th Street) 78741(Arbor Terrace, at 2501 S I-35 Frontage Road) 78752 (Spring Terrace at 7101 N I-35 Frontage Road) Increased inclusion of BIPOC communities Increased inclusion of low-income older adults Increased inclusion of LGBTQ+ older adults Individuals participated in Vietnamese, Spanish, and ASL Individuals who experienced difficulty seeing, walking (due to physical impairments), and remembering participated. Individuals who lived alone participated, offering the perspective of social isolation and its impacts.
Older Americans Month 2025 Proposed Mayor’s Proclamation Be it known that WHEREAS, Older Americans Month is observed nationally as a time to recognize the contributions of Older Americans, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older adults; and WHEREAS, the 2025 theme for Older Americans Month, "Flip the Script on Aging," focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging; and WHEREAS, Austin's growing population of older adults enriches our community with their strength, wisdom, and diverse life experiences, and the City of Austin is committed to honoring their contributions, exploring opportunities for them to stay active and engaged, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Age-Friendly Austin Program and the Commission on Aging, in alignment with the 2025 Older Americans Month theme, are dedicated to empowering aging and educating and encouraging older adults to prepare and plan for the future while actively participating in the present; and Now, therefore, I, Kirk Watson, Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas do hereby proclaim The Month of May 2025 as Older Americans Month in Austin.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20240312-009: Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that maps out a vision of Austin as a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all1; and WHEREAS, a City of Austin report identified that many non-English-speaking residents abstain from engaging in the community due to language barriers and the associated challenges with communicating2; and WHEREAS, a recent audit found the city is not adequately meeting the goals of the policy, established in 2014 to provide translation and interpretation services, intended to give people equitable access to programs and information, leaving people to try to navigate these systems alone3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, a recent experience by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, while working to get live interpretation for a commissioner, highlighted concerns about the current funding practice(s) of language accessibility for Boards and Commissions to get these services in a timely fashion, as well as the support process for Commissioners with Limited English Proficiency who require live interpretation services during the application process, onboarding, training, and meetings; and WHEREAS, both the work of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs and the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission were both recently impacted, attempting to obtain these services for active commissioners. Even after services were initially provided, there were inconsistencies in the provision of these services; and WHEREAS, although the City of Austin’s language access program complies with Executive Order 13166 and other relevant regulations, City staff informed the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Chair that the 1 City Embarks on Community-Wide Effort to Update Imagine Austin | AustinTexas.gov 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=367457 3 Austin is not doing enough to communicate with non-English speakers, audit finds | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/language-access-policy Administrative Bulletin on Language Access does not apply to Boards and Commissions, which appears to be inconsistent under "Applicability,” • "This administrative bulletin shall apply to all City of Austin departments, contractors, affiliates, and volunteers providing direct services, indirect services, and information …
Joint Inclusion Committee Budget Process Update Art in Public Places: La Mujer by J Muzacz/Caminos Internship Program, 2022 FY26 BUDGET TIMELINE POLICY INPUT FORECASTING & BUDGET DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DELIBERATION & ADOPTION NEW FISCAL YEAR MARCH 31 APRIL 8 JULY 15 JULY 23 JULY 29 JULY 31 AUG. 5, 7 AUG. 13-15 OCTOBER 1 Board & Commission Recommendations Due Financial Forecast Presentation to Council City Manager’s Proposed Budget Presentation Work Session Work Session Public Hearing and Work Session Work Session Budget Readings & Tax Rate Hearings First Day of the Fiscal Year MAR APR JUL AUG OCT BOARDS & COMMISSIONS BUDGET PRIORITY SURVEY COMMUNITY INPUT MEETINGS OCT. 1 – SEP. 30 2 BIENNIAL BUDGET PLANNING AND ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS • Starting with the FY 2024-25 budget, the City adopted a structurally balanced, biennial budgeting approach. • Previously, unmet departmental needs were reviewed annually, but now enhancements are planned for the following fiscal year. • For example, during the FY 2025-26 budget process, most enhancements will be considered for FY 2026-27. • Details of the FY 2025-26 Proposed Budget and FY 2026-27 enhancement requests will be available when presented to City Council on July 15, 2025. 2/26/2025 3 BUCKETS NOT VENDORS • Focus on desired outcomes rather than specific vendors when making recommendations. • For example, suggesting that HR implement a paperless timesheet system sets a clear goal without prescribing a provider. • In contrast, recommending $1 million for ABC Enterprises to develop the system restricts management’s flexibility and undermines the competitive purchasing process. • Evaluate whether current programs or services need enhancements to ensure more equitable service delivery. 2/26/2025 4 BUDGET RECOMMENDATION ONLINE FORM • Boards and Commissions are requested to complete an online form after submitting their budget recommendations. • This form allows commissioners to specify which recommendations they want included in the budget development process. • Only one commissioner needs to complete the form, and multiple submissions are allowed. • Access the form here. • For any technical issues or questions, please contact Blake Johnson at blake.johnson@austintexas.gov. 2/26/2025 5 WHAT HAPPENS AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS ARE SUBMITTED? • Recommendations are assigned to the appropriate departments, which then draft responses and assess whether their existing budget can address the issues raised. • Common themes among the recommendations are identified and presented to city leadership alongside other public engagement findings. • Some recommendations require more time for detailed responses, so the Budget Public Engagement …
Foundations First: Austin ISD Early Learning Initiative Presentation to the City of Austin Early Childhood Council March 12, 2025 Heather E. Petruzzini The Foundations First: Early Learning District Initiative positions Austin ISD as a leader in early childhood education by ensuring equitable, high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning experiencesfor children from birth to grade 2. This initiative addres s es enrollment challenges, expands early childhood programs, and prioritizes foundational literacy, numeracy, and social/emotional developmentto clos e achievement gaps and prepare s tudents for long-term academic s ucces s . Long Term Success Post Secondary Outcomes 9 - 12 Outcomes 6 - 8 Outcomes 3 - 5 Outcomes Foundations First: Early Learning Initiative Thriving in K -2: Academic & Socio - Emotional Outcomes Pre-K Expansion & Kinder Ready Outcomes Simple & Seamless Enrollment HQ Birth - 3 Programming 3 When we prioritize in early childhood education by ensuring equitable, high-quality developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children from birth to grade 2, Aus tin ISD s tudents will be prepared to learn in 3rd grade and beyond, leading to long term pos itive outcomes that contribute to each individuals long term s ucces s . Foundations First: Early Learning Initiative K-2 Academic Outcomes Pre-K Expansion & Kinder Ready Outcomes Simple & Seamless Enrollment Birth - 3 Programming 44 Simple & Seamless Enrollment Goal: 100% of families feel satisfied with an enrollment experience that fostered trust and transparency (seamless & simple) ● Ease of enrollment ● Once enrolled in an associated/partner Childcare program, students can easily enroll in Austin ISD ● Recruitment from 0 -3 ○ Come and Stay awhile - or 15ish years or so . . . ● Continued priority for qualifying students ○ TEC §29.153 (b) ● Additional tuition seats are available. ○ Spring 2025 - Early Bird Tuition 5 Birth - 3 Programming Goal: Establish a high-quality 0-3 year childcare program that strengthens community trust in Austin ISD, actively engages families in their child's developmental milestones, and provides a strong foundation for future learning success. ● NAEYC Certified ○ Developmentally appropriate GVC ● Partnership with Travis County to offer high -quality programming for 0 - 3 ● High-quality and well supported teachers in all childcare settings 6 Pre-K Expansion Goal: Early Childhood Education in Austin ISD becomes a national model for providing students strong foundational skills in an equitable way that helps students become engaged and curious learners A national exemplar …
Austin Public Health Bond Proposals Process March, 2025 Agenda • Department Overview • Guiding Principles • APH Bond Funding History • APH Bond Success • Health Disparity Data • Bond Proposals Video on next slide... Austin Public Health: The Heart Mission: To prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all. Low-cost vaccinations Health screenings Infant & maternal health Birth and death certificates Diabetes education and prevention classes Food truck, restaurants, pool and water feature inspections Mosquito testing and abatement Rent assistance, food pantries, job application support Austin Public Health: Centers of Service Mission: To prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all. 14 WIC Clinics 6 Neighborhood Centers 2 Shots for Tots and Big Shots Clinics + Weekly Mobile Clinics Sexual Health Clinic Refugee Services Clinic Mom's Place Lactation Support Center Office of Vital Records Austin Public Health: Divisions Community Services Disease Prevention Health Promotion Environmental Health Services Health Equity and Community Engagement Epidemiology and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Office of the Medical Director Administrative Services Bond History- Austin Public Health -CIP Primary Funding Source = 100% General Bond Obligations -Less than 1% of the City Bond Funding since 1998 Year 1998 2000 2006 2010 2012 2013 2016 2018 2020 2022 Sum of Bond Appropriation $339,663,387 $163,342,202 $566,503,269 $89,930,362 $306,621,128 $64,995,063 $720,000,000 $925,000,000 $460,000,000 $350,000,000 Sum of APH Appropriation $11,145,000 $16,000,000 Grand Totals $3,986,055,411 $27,145,000 Bond History- Austin Public Health Bond Appropriation by City Department Transportation and Mobility Affordable Housing Transportation Infrastructure Transportation Parks and Recreation Flood Mitigation, Open Space, and Water Quality Protection Transportation Mobility Improvements Drainage and Open Space Libraries, Museums and Cultural Arts Faciities Public Safety Central Library Mobility Parks Parks Land and Facilities Public Safety Facilities Library and Cultural Centers Cultural Facilities Open Space and Watershed Protection Austin Public Health Open Spaces Flood Control, Erosion Control, Water Quality 0.00 200,000,000.00 400,000,000.00 600,000,000.00 800,000,000.00 1,000,000,000.00 Bond Appropriation by City Department What have APH bond projects done for you lately? Making our 2012 & 2018 Bond $tretch Dove Springs Public Health Center, 2024 Video on next slide... What have APH bond projects done for you lately? Making our 2012 & 2018 Bond $tretch MPOX mass vaccine distribution: Montopolis Recreation & Public Health Center, 2020 Multi-Agency Resource Center, Winter Storm, 2023: What have APH bond projects done for you lately? Making our 2012 & 2018 Bond $tretch: Women & Children’s Center, 2018 What have APH …
Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment Tourism Commission March 12, 2025 Angela Means, MPA, Director Effective February 24, 2025, the City of Austin officially established the Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME). This marks a significant step in Austin’s commitment to building a more vibrant and dynamic destination for arts, culture, music, and entertainment. 2 HOW WILL ACME BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY? • Provide centralized support for creatives and cultural organizations. • Enhance economic growth, tourism and civic engagement. • Foster collaboration between artists, cultural organizations, and local businesses. • Create inclusive, accessible spaces for residents to experience arts and culture. • Strengthens Austin’s identity as a global destination for creativity. 3 HOW WAS ACME FORMED? Economic Development Department Cultural Arts Arts in Public Places Music & Entertainment Parks & Recreation Department Museum & Cultural Programs Historic Tourism Special Events (Partial) Development Services Department Austin Center for Events Entertainment Services Austin Public Library Aviation African American Heritage & Cultural Facility Music & Art 4 WHAT ARE ACME’S 2025 GOALS? • Streamline operations • Implement community engagement programs • Launch the development of a comprehensive Strategic Plan • Reevaluation of Cultural Arts and Live Music grant program guidelines • Increase access to programming • Establish new collaborative partnerships with the community and partners across various sectors 5 5 HOW WILL ACME EXPLORE AND LEVERAGE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES? Grants and Sponsorships Private Sector Tap into local, state, and federal funding to support arts initiatives Seek partnerships with businesses and organizations to secure sponsorships for programs and events Engage with the private sector for donations, corporate sponsorships, and philanthropic contributions Crowdfunding & Fundraising Use crowdfunding platforms to finance specific cultural projects Organize fundraising events to raise awareness and funds for future programs 6 WHAT IS THE TIMELINE TO FULLY INTEGRATE ACME? Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 • Planning & Development • Growth & Expansion • Launch Programs • Establish Community Presence 7 ACME is committed to Building a Collaborative, Vibrant City. 8 8 Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment ACME@austintexas.gov 512-974-1624 Amplifying Austin’s Creative Spirit 9
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20240312-009: Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that maps out a vision of Austin as a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all1; and WHEREAS, a City of Austin report identified that many non-English-speaking residents abstain from engaging in the community due to language barriers and the associated challenges with communicating2; and WHEREAS, a recent audit found the city is not adequately meeting the goals of the policy, established in 2014 to provide translation and interpretation services, intended to give people equitable access to programs and information, leaving people to try to navigate these systems alone3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, a recent experience by the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, while working to get live interpretation for a commissioner, highlighted concerns about the current funding practice(s) of language accessibility for Boards and Commissions to get these services in a timely fashion, as well as the support process for Commissioners with Limited English Proficiency who require live interpretation services during the application process, onboarding, training, and meetings; and WHEREAS, both the work of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs and the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission were both recently impacted, attempting to obtain these services for active commissioners. Even after services were initially provided, there were inconsistencies in the provision of these services; and WHEREAS, although the City of Austin’s language access program complies with Executive Order 13166 and other relevant regulations, City staff informed the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Chair that the 1 City Embarks on Community-Wide Effort to Update Imagine Austin | AustinTexas.gov 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=367457 3 Austin is not doing enough to communicate with non-English speakers, audit finds | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/language-access-policy Administrative Bulletin on Language Access does not apply to Boards and Commissions, which appears to be inconsistent under "Applicability,” • "This administrative bulletin shall apply to all City of Austin departments, contractors, affiliates, and volunteers providing direct services, indirect services, and information …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20240312-13: Home Delivered Meals for Older Adults WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2023/2024 the City of Austin removed funding for home delivered meals from the Safety Net Funding; and WHEREAS, prior to that, the City of Austin had consistently funded home delivered meals for older adults and people with disabilities since the 1970’s; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population represents 10.8% of the total population1 and the median age of Austin’s older adults is 72.7 years2; and WHEREAS, greater than 30% of Austin’s older adult population include groups that are historically underserved: • Asian older adults represent 7.4% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Black older adults represent 8.6% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Hispanic older adults represent 20.5% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Non-Hispanic or White older adults represent 60.8% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults3; and WHEREAS, of Austin’s older adults, 27.6% are individuals living with a disability and 9.5% are living below poverty.4 WHEREAS, despite Austin’s increase in the older adult population, increasing at a growth rate of 64.7% between 2010 and 2020 (from 55,695 in 2010, or 7.0% of population to 91,733 in 2020, or 9.5% of the population)5 City funding of older adult programs is less than of other cities of comparable size; and 1 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates and 2020 decennial census. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates 5 https://demographics-austin.hub.arcgis.com/apps/a4e31fc68d37449b8e3c044e249699bc/explore WHEREAS, people who are unable to prepare their own meals or are enduring economic hardships, home delivered meals are an upstream solution, helping them to stay in their homes, living with dignity and independence. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to fund home delivered meals in the amount of $700,000. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: 10 to 0. Motioned by Commissioner Flatau, Seconded by Commissioner Anderson. Abstaining: Commissioners Bondi, Van de Putte. Attest: _____________________________________ (Chair) March 12, 2025.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250312-10): Increase Funding for Homeless Strategy Office WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographer has provided information that the aging population in Austin is the fastest growing segment of our city, currently representing 10.8% of our population1; and WHEREAS, in 2024 over 27.6% of our unhomed population in Austin was 50 years of age or older2; and WHEREAS, homelessness decreases a person’s life expectancy and unhouse people over 50 tend to present as much older medically and have a greater need for social services than other unhomed populations3; and WHEREAS, while Austin leads the nation in new affordable housing construction4, in order to address the dynamic and multifaceted natures of poverty, homelessness, and housing instability as well as to accelerate access to concrete supports, dismantle systemic inequities, and mitigate barriers to healthy living, individuals and families, especially older adults and their caregivers with low incomes need access to safe, stable, and affordable housing bolstered by wraparound supportive services5; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to approve additional funds and explore all available means to provide additional social services funding for the Homeless Strategy Office to allow them to better serve homeless people over 50 years of age in Austin. Date of Approval: ____________________________ Record of the vote: 11 to 0. Motioned by Commissioner Flatau, Seconded by Commissioner Van De Putte. 1 “Age of Change, Austin’s Transforming Demographics 2010-2010”, City of Austin Planning Department, Published September 2023 and Updated August 2024. 2 “State of the HRS, A Report on the State of the Homelessness Response System in Austin/Travis County,” ECHO, August 2024, p. 11. 3 “State of the HRS, A Report on the State of the Homelessness Response System in Austin/Travis County,” ECHO, August 2024, p. 11. 4 https://www.kut.org/housing/2025-02-18/austin-tx-affordable-housing-construction-study 5 https://acf.gov/ocs/programs/ahssd March 12, 2025. Attest: _____________________________________________ (Chair)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250312-11): Funds for Senior Transportation Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographer has provided information that the aging population in Austin is the fastest growing segment of our city, currently representing 10.8% of our population1; and WHEREAS, according to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, as the nation’s aging population continues to rise – with 1 in every 5 Americans expected to be 65+ by 2020 – the provision of safe and accessible transportation options remains a top concern of older adults, caregivers and the communities where they live2; and WHEREAS, older adults and those with a disability who cannot secure rides to social events can feel isolated from their communities, which puts them at risk for depression and cognitive decline3; and WHEREAS, according to City of Austin transportation data in 2022, less than 50% of our population has access to innovative public transit service or is within one quarter mile of regular fixed route transit4, lack of access is even more difficult for older adults and people with disabilities as they often need door to door services; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to fund $250,000 in Austin Public Health’s Social Services grant funds annually specifically for older adult transportation programs, to insure our older adults and those with disabilities have access to medical appointments, food and necessities as well as social interaction to prevent isolation. 1 “Age of Change, Austin’s Transforming Demographics 2010-2010”, City of Austin Planning Department, Published September 2023 and Updated August 2024. 2 https://www.nadtc.org/about/transportation-aging-disability/unique-issues-related-to-older-adults-and- transportation/ 3 “How Access to Affordable Transportation Leads to Better Health Outcomes for Older Adults”, National Council on Aging, June 17, 2024. 4 https://data.austintexas.gov/Transportation-and-Mobility/M-C-3_Percentage-of-population-that-has-access-to- /p3t8-4eip Page 1 of 2 Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: 12 to 0. Motioned by Commissioner Anderson, Seconded by Commissioner Kareithi. Attest: _____________________________________________ (Chair Page 2 of 2 March, 12, 2025.)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250312-12): In Home Care for Older Adults WHEREAS, 9.5% of Austin’s population are 65 years of age or over (91,033) and 19.3% of Austin’s population are 55 years or over (185,570)1; and WHEREAS, most Americans want to age in their homes. In fact, in a survey from 2024, 75 percent of U.S. adults aged over 50 years said they would like to reside in their current residence for as long as possible2; and WHEREAS, in home care for older adults is an effective upstream solution for older adults, often preventing them from being unhoused. WHEREAS, in home care is typically less expensive than assisted living if the older adult needs 40 hours or less of paid home care each week3; and WHEREAS, nationwide over 3 million people received home health care in 20204; and WHEREAS, Austinites can expect to pay an average of $4,576 per month for home health care5; and WHEREAS, compared to the other three major Texas cities, the cost of home health care in Austin is higher6; and WHEREAS, Medicaid reimbursement for in home health care in Austin is $10.60 per hour, which is not a living wage; and WHEREAS, starting salary at McDonald’s in Austin is $11.00 per hour7; and 1 Austin Demographic Data Hub | Open Data | City of Austin Texas 2 Home care in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts | Statista 3 In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living Costs | Seniors Guide 4 FastStats - Home Health Care 5 Cost of Long Term Care by State | Cost of Care Report | Carescout 6 Home Care in Austin, TX | HomeCare.org NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to fund and explore all available means to provide reimbursement for in home care for older adults in Austin, including but not limited to adding applicable coverage provisions on in home care to City employee assistance programs or insurance plans. _____________ Date of Approval: __ ______________ Record of the vote: 9 to 0. Motioned by Commissioner Flatau, Seconded by Commissioner Gloria Lugo. Abstaining: Commissioners Anderson, Bondi, Van de Putte. Attest: ___________________________ 7 McDonald's salaries in Austin, TX: How much does McDonald's pay? | Indeed.com March 12, 2025.(Chair)
