RMMA PIAC MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, April 9, 2024 ROBERT MUELLER MUNICIPAL AIRPORT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024 The Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementation Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the Austin Energy Headquarters located at 4815 Mueller Boulevard Austin, TX 78723. The meeting was also offered via videoconference. Chair Jones called the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementation Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: • Michael Jones, Chair • Rick Krivoniak, Vice-Chair • Richard Brimer • Andrew Clements • Corky Hilliard • Christopher Jackson • Martin Luecke • Kenneth Ronsonette • Joshua Rudow • Kathy Sokolic Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL • None None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Minutes from the March 12, 2024, meeting was approved on Commissioner Hilliard’s motion, Commissioner Ronsonette’s second on a 9-0 vote; Commissioner Rudow was off the dais, Commissioner Neider was absent. 2. Staff update on Boards and Commissions Required Training: Kate Clark (Economic Development Department) reminded Commissioners to complete required training by May 10, 2024, to maintain eligibility to serve. STAFF BRIEFING 1 RMMA PIAC MEETING MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Tuesday, April 9, 2024 3. Nominations and Election of Officers. The Commissioners took nominations and held elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. a. The motion to approve overriding the term limit for Chair for Commissioner Jones was approved on Commissioner Hilliard’s motion, Commissioner Brimer’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Neider was absent. b. The motion to approve Commissioner Jones as Chair was approved on Commissioner Hilliard’s motion, Commissioner Sokolic’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Neider was absent. c. The motion to approve overriding the term limit for Vice Chair for Commissioner Krivoniak was approved on Commissioner Brimer’s motion, Commissioner Sokolic’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Neider was absent. d. The motion to approve Commissioner Krivoniak as Vice Chair was approved on Commissioner Sokolic’s motion, Commissioner Hilliard’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Neider was absent. DISCUSSION 4. Discussion by Catellus regarding Mueller Development updates: Brian Dolezal with Catellus provided updates on new restaurants and park openings, status of transportation and park infrastructure improvements, latest multifamily development, and upcoming events. 5. Discussion by RMMA PIAC on the Browning Hangar and associated property disposition: Commissioners discussed redevelopment options and long-term stewardship needs for the Hangar as well …
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES APRIL 9, 2024 The COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR MEETING on APRIL 9, 2024, at City Hall Boards and Commissions Room 1101, 301 West 2nd Street, in Austin, Texas. Some members of the commission participated by video conference. CALL TO ORDER Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 6:31pm with 12 members present. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Cheryl Thompson (Chair) Jose Noe Elias (Vice Chair) Jenny Achilles Bertha Delgado Estevan Delgado Cynthia Jaso Raul Longoria Michael Tolliver Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Steven Brown Jo Anne Ortiz Gavin Porter Julia Woods Board Members/Commissioners Absent: Miriam Garcia Staff Members in Attendance Nefertitti Jackmon Letitia Brown Ed Blake Evelyn Mitchell Cara Bertron Lisa Rodriguez Angel Zambrano 1 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Zenobia Joseph and Susana Almanza addressed the CDC. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the March 12, 2024, Community Development Commission meeting minutes. The minutes from the meeting of, March 12, 2024, minutes were approved on Vice Chair Elias’s motion, Commissioner Bertha Delgado’s second, on a 12-0-0 vote with Commissioner Garcia absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Conduct CDC annual officer elections. Current officer terms will expire at the end of April with new terms beginning May 1, 2024. City Code requires that all boards/commissions elect a Chair and Vice Chair. Chair Thompson called for nominations for Vice Chair. On Commissioner Bertha Delgado’s motion, Commissioner Ortiz’s second, Vice Chair Elias was elected to continue his service as Vice Chair on a 12-0-0 vote. Vice Chair Elias called for nominations for Chair. On Commissioner Tolliver’s motion, Commissioner Brown’s second, Chair Thompson was elected to continue her service as Chair on a 12-0-0 vote. 3. Discuss and vote on shortening speaking time duration and utilizing a round-robin format for discussions, ensuring all CDC members have a chance to speak on each item (Chair Thompson) Following discussion, the commissioners did not take action; however, it was agreed that speaker duration would be taken up on a meeting-by-meeting basis and that the Chair’s proposed guidelines would serve as a baseline for speaking time protocol. 4. Discuss and approve a recommendation from the Budget Working Group regarding the City of Austin 2024 – 2025 budget. Information on the budget can be found at: www.austintexas.gov/budget. (Chair Thompson) Following discussion of the proposed recommendation, Commissioner Delgado moved to approve the first friendly amendment to incorporate language about removing barriers to eligibility. …
REGULAR MEETING of the ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION April 8, 2024, 6 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Animal Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT BOARD COMMISSIONERS: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Nancy Nemer, Parliamentarian, Travis County Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Ann Linder, D3 Paige Nilson, D4 Whitney Holt, D5 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, Vice Chair, D7 Sarah Huddleston, D9 Amanda Bruce, D10 Laura Hoke, Mayor CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on February 12, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Staff briefing regarding FY 2023 actual expenditures, including performance measures, for each Animal Services program (i.e., Shelter Services, Field Services, Spay/Neuter). Staff briefing regarding FY 2024 actual expenditures, as of the second quarter (March 31, 2024), for each Animal Services program (i.e., Shelter Services, Field Services and Spay/Neuter). Staff briefing on the year-to-date progress of the spay/neuter goals for the City of Austin. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of the License Agreement Report from Austin Pets Alive. Discussion of a potential ban on foie gras at Austin restaurants. Discussion of the Austin Animal Center "Urgent Placement List" Memorandum and Matrix. Discussion of the implementation of Ordinance No. 20240201-002 (An ordinance amending City Code Chapter 3-1 relating to disposition of an impounded animal, notice to rescue organization, reporting by animal shelter, removing Definitions; and adopting a bite scale). Approve recommendations on the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Animal Services Budget. Conduct officer elections for the Chair, Vice Chair, and Parliamentarian. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. 11. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 12. FUTURE AGENDA …
1. REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS APRIL 8, 2024 AT 6:30PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR. ROOMS 1401/1402 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS 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 Gunjen Mittal, 512- 972-6104, gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Victor Martinez, Vice Chair Virginia Badillo Jose Caceres Adrian De La Rosa Rennison Lalgee Kevin Countie Aditi Joshi Adnan Suleiman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 10 speakers signed up 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 Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 2/5/2024. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager with the Equity Office regarding updates on her work with Austin immigrant communities. DISCUSSION ITEMS Welcome new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Presentation from Office of Sustainability by Sergio Torres-Peralta will provide an overview of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan and how to get involved. Discussion on recruiting new members to this Commission to fill remaining seats. DISCUSSION AND ACTION Review and discuss the scope of the Quality-of-Life Study working group and update membership. Current members of QOL Study workgroup are: Commissioners Aditi Joshi, Rennison Lalgee, Melissa Ortega, Victor Martinez and Adrian De La Rosa. Review and discuss the scope of Budget working group and update membership. Current members of the Budget workgroup are: Commissioners Melissa Ortega and Adnan Suleiman. Discussion and approval of recommendation on budget reporting for Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Discussion and approval of recommendation on FY 24-25 Equity Office Funding Recommendation. Discussion and approval of recommendation on FY 24-25 Expansion of Emergency Housing and Rental Assistance Program Funding Recommendation. Discussion and approval of recommendation on FY 24-25 …
March 2024 Animal Services Report March 2024 AUSTIN ANIMAL SERVICES REPORT Animal Services News • The live outcome rate for March was 97.09%. • A total of 908 animals were brought to the shelter which included 487 dogs, 359 cats, 42 wild animals, 7 finches, 4 guinea pigs, 4 rabbits, a cockatiel, a chicken, a turtle and a pig. • A total of 480 animals were adopted (307 dogs, 173 cats). • A total of 91 dogs and cats were returned to their owners (RTOs and RTO-Adopt). • On March 3, there were 694 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (423 onsite, 269 in foster, 1 at APA, and 1 at • On April 1, there were 727 dogs and cats within the ASO inventory (383 onsite, 341 in foster, and 2 at a vet clinic a vet clinic). and 1 at Austin Pets Alive!). Animal Protection • Animal Protection Officers (APOs) returned 23 animals to their owners in the field. • Officers handed out 36 fencing assistance applications and implanted 1 microchip(s). • Officers impounded 141 injured animals and delivered approximately 37 wildlife animals to Austin Wildlife Rescue. • Officers entered 281 rabies exposure reports and submitted 52 specimens for rabies testing. We had 3 rabies positive bats, 1 rabies positive skunk and 1 destroyed bat. • 68 total coyote related activities o 26 Wild Sick o 1 Wild Speak o 3 Wild Injured o 20 Sightings o 2 o 2 o 1 Observations Encounters Incidents • Out of 55 coyote related reports, 25 reports fell within the reported behavior types. Behavior types include Sighting, Encounter, Incident, and Observation. “Observation” is defined as hearing coyotes howling and finding scat or footprints. o Encounters: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of encounters reported. ▪ An encounter involved a coyote coming face-to-face with pet. No incident occurred. ▪ An encounter involved a coyote following a resident and on-leash dog. o Incidents: Pets were a factor in 2/2 (100%) of incidents reported. ▪ An incident involved a coyote attempting to take an owned outside cat. ▪ An incident was reported but did not have anything stated in the memo and APO was unable to contact the caller. • Out of 55 related activities, 30 fell within the reported behavior types (wild sick, wild speak, and wild injured). March 2024 Animal Services Report Volunteer • There was 129% increase in reports …
ASO Information Request AnnualComprehensivelFinancialReport2023.pdf (austintexas.gov) Animal Services | City of Austin, TX Operating Expense Budget (austintexas.gov) Programs Animal Services Activity Transfers, Debt Service, and Other Requirements Support Services Division Placeholder Total Shelter Services Field Services Prevention Services FY23 Expenditures FY24 Expenditures 7,715,970 $ $ 5,137,188 $ $ 1,276,988 $ $ 1,301,793 $ $ 1,798,907 $ $ $ 722,266 $ $ $ - $ $ 13,176,253 9,118,735 2,318,357 1,739,162 3,431,484 1,492,425 1,326 18,101,488 10,237,143 The information requested can be found on the Open Budget ATX website and the ACAFR. I’m including links to those along with the requested information below. 1. a. FY 2023 Actual Expenditures: $18.1 million, Shelter Services: $9.1 million, Field Services: $2.3 million, and Prevention Services: $1.7 million. i. ii. iii. iv. FY 23 Performance Measures 2. FY 2024 Actual Expenditures as of the Second Quarter: $10.2 million, Live outcome percentage: 97% Number of animals sterilized in the community: 7,571 Number of spay/neuters performed at the Animal Center: 5,328 Percent of sheltered animals returned to owner: 9.33% Shelter Services: $5.1 million, Field Services: $1.3 million, and Prevention Services: $1.3 million. City of Austin - ePerformance Measures | AustinTexas.gov AnnualComprehensivelFinancialReport2023.pdf (austintexas.gov) Animal Services | City of Austin, TX Operating Expense Budget (austintexas.gov)
ANIMAL ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 The Animal Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 301 W. Second St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Clinton called the Animal Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ryan Clinton, Chair, Travis County Ann Linder, D3 Dr. Paige Nilson, D4 Luis Herrera, D6 Larry Tucker, D7, Vice Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lotta Smagula, D1 Beatriz Dulzaides, D2 Whitney Holt, D5 Dr. Amanda Bruce, D10 Commissioners Absent: Nancy Nemer, Travis County, Parliamentarian Sarah Huddleston, D9 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Rochell Vickery – Spay and Neuter Pat Valls-Trelles – EmanciPet Ben Joyce – Fois Gras Kristian Camtes – Fois Gras APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 Approve the minutes of the Animal Advisory Commission Regular Meeting on January 8, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of January 8, 2024, were approved with a correction to change the minutes meeting date from December 11, 2023, to January 12, 2024, on Commissioner Linder’s motion, Commissioner Herrera’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Huddleston and Nemer were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Overview of monthly reports provided by the Animal Service Center. Reports posted in backup materials. The presentation was made by Jason Garza, Deputy Chief and Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the creation of a Working Group regarding the Emancipet contract. A motion to approve the creation of a working group regarding the Emancipet contract was made by Commissioner Bruce and seconded by Commissioner Herrera. An amendment to change the name of the working group to “Spay & Neuter Contracts with the City of Austin” was made by Chair Clinton, seconded by Commissioner Bruce, and approved without objection. The motion to approve the creation of a working group on Spay & Neuter Contracts with the City of Austin was approved on Commissioner Bruce’s motion, Commissioner Herrera’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Huddleston and Nemer were absent. Approve the creation of a Working Group on owner-intended euthanasia at the Austin Animal Center. The motion to approve the creation of a working group on owner-intended euthanasia was made by Commissioner Nilson, seconded by Commissioner Linder, and approved on a 7-1 vote. Vice Chair Tucker voted nay. Commissioner Dulzaides abstained. Commissioners Huddleston and Nemer were absent. Discussion and approve possible recommendations regarding the Animal Services Office Budget. Discussed with no action taken. …
Information is from October 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024 Information compiled via ASO Power BI dashboards. Difference of outcomes - intakes Outcome Year (fiscal) Intake Year (fiscal) Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Dog totals Cat totals Totals Cats Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total Dog Adoption Transfer Euthanasia Died Missing Total RTO/RTO Adopt SNR (former SCRP) RTO/RTO Adopt 2024 2605 2159 4764 2024 2619 2312 4931 2024 14 153 167 2024 1564 82 369 48 25 1 223 2312 2024 1749 387 426 40 15 2 2619
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION NUMBER (20240408-012) Recommendation on Early Childhood Investments WHEREAS, the immigrant population in Austin constitutes a significant and varied segment of their respective local communities, with many residing in families of mixed legal statuses; WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, they are 164,000 children who have at least one parent who is an immigrant, meaning one in three children in Austin falls into this category; WHEREAS, the overwhelming majority of these children with at least one immigrant parent are U.S. citizens, 87% were born in the United States; WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 31% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 90% of the children in households with low income under age 6 are children of color; and WHEREAS, decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the world because children born into poverty and children of color are disproportionately born early, at low-birth-weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, current City investments in early childhood programs align with the goals and strategies of the Austin/Travis County Success By 6 Strategic Plan – a robust, data-driven community strategic plan designed to coordinate efforts, improve child and family outcomes as well as build more efficient and coordinated systems for equitable access; and WHEREAS, the federal, state, and local economic recovery funds invested in early childhood systems and programs are expiring in 2024, including essential worker wage stipends for the early childhood workforce; and WHEREAS, Childcare Scholarship programs through Workforce Solutions Capital Area are at capacity, enrollment is closed, no new funding is available at this time, and as of March 2024, the estimated amount of time a family applying for a scholarship at that time will likely remain on a waitlist before they could expect to be outreached for enrollment is 24 months; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s recently announced Infrastructure Academy is intended to expand the region’s skilled trade sector and access to childcare is an obstacle for the existing workforce, including the skilled trades; and WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Council has had input from Success By 6, The Children’s Funding Project Workgroup, and GAVA, all calling for significantly increased local government investment in the Childcare sector, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION NUMBER (20240408‐014) Recommenda(cid:415)on to fund a Quality of Life Study of the immigrant communi(cid:415)es in Aus(cid:415)n Whereas, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was established through Ordinance No. 20171214-043 to advise the city council on matters of common concern to immigrants, and Whereas, a Quality of Life study of immigrant residents of Austin has never been done, and Whereas, out of the almost 1 million Austin residents, one out of five is foreign born, and Whereas, the Austin metro area has been the fastest growing area in the United States for the past 12 years in a row, and Whereas, the city of Austin is continuously planning on how to address the needs of residents regarding housing affordability, transit and transportation, access to schools and healthcare, and that these plans must consider demographic shifts in Austin, and Whereas, having data on the needs of the immigrant residents of Austin will allow this commission to make better recommendations to Council, and Whereas, this data will allow City of Austin staff to include the 20% of its residents who are foreign born in their comprehensive planning. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs requests that City Council fund a Quality of Life Study for Immigrant Residents of Austin in the amount of $250,000, comparably to other Quality of Life Studies funded in the past few years. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: ______________________________ Gunjen Mittal, Staff Liaison
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION NUMBER (20240408-009) Equity Office Funding and equity, WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity, equality, promotes WHEREAS, by prioritizing initiatives, programs, and services that promote inclusivity, combat discrimination, and address systemic inequities, the city endeavors to create a more just and equitable society for all its residents; principles upholds the of WHEREAS, the latest City of Austin Planning Department show Austin residents are 48% white, 32% Hispanic/Latina/o/x, 8% Asian/Asian American, 7% Black/African American, and 4% Multiracial; and WHEREAS, a recent survey by the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight indicated 22% of respondents identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, the Age-Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey indicates 76% of respondents identified as heterosexual or straight, with 12% of respondents identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ population including Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, Non-Binary and Gender Nonconforming; and WHEREAS, the Age-Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey indicates 23% of respondents were living with a disability; and WHEREAS, while not an all-inclusive list, all of the demographics specified above are at risk for discrimination and being targeted, generally the older adults in those populations are the most vulnerable; and WHEREAS, in the last twelve months, the City of Austin has seen an increase in discrimination, targeting and persecution of multiple ethnicities; and WHEREAS, the Equity Office mission is “To provide leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for Austinites and achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the nation for ALL;” and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Equity Office is currently operating without a permanently appointed Equity Officer; and WHEREAS, there are initiatives within the City of Austin to consolidate the Equity Office with other group(s). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs encourages the Austin City Council to act to maintain the Equity Office and further, to ensure adequate funding to hire and maintain a Chief Equity Officer, and to designate adequate resources to Austin residents who may be experiencing discrimination, marginalization, hate crimes, and/or persecution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs encourages the Austin City Council to support the Equity Office’s ongoing work to address the needs of Austinites and continue to convey that equity in Austin remains a high priority by …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION NUMBER (20240408-013) Recommendation on LGBTQIA+ Affirming Mental Healthcare WHEREAS, unlike many immigrants, LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers and refugees might not receive support from their diasporic or ethnic communities due to prevailing homophobia or transphobia that mirrors the persecutory conditions they faced in their country of origin; WHEREAS, Research suggests that the asylum application process can have detrimental effects on LGBTQIA+ individuals. A recent study highlighted that asylum seekers within this community endure adverse mental and physical health outcomes, alongside economic instability, while navigating a state of uncertainty during the waiting period; WHEREAS, the testimonies of LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers interviewed unveiled severe abuses in their countries of origin, including rape, assault, death threats, extortion, and the forced disappearance or murder of romantic partners and friends. These traumatic experiences exacerbate their mental health struggles; WHEREAS, numerous LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers are compelled to spend time in detention centers in both transit and host countries. Research indicates that conditions in these detention centers can be especially challenging for LGBTQIA+ immigrants, as they are frequently placed in jails or jail-like facilities, resulting in negative mental health consequences; WHEREAS, research suggests that LGBTQIA+ refugees and asylum seekers may continue to experience negative mental health outcomes given the multiple and compounded traumas they experience in their countries of origin and throughout the asylum and resettlement processes; WHEREAS, diagnoses commonly associated with this "lifetime of cumulative trauma" include depression, PTSD, dissociative disorders, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse; WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study identified that the Austin- Round Rock-Georgetown metropolitan area had the 3rd largest percentage of LGBTQIA+ people in the UnitedStates, with about 5.0% or 90,000 people identifying as LGBTQIA+; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin currently has an estimated 475-person waitlist for LGBTQIA+-focused mental health services; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study found that respondents are at high risk for serious mental health issues, including 42% for depression and 12% for suicidal ideation; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents reported having to put off getting health-related services in the past 12 months because of the cost of dental care (29%), mental health care (21%), medical care (18%), and gender-affirming care (9%) among the top services avoided due to cost; and WHEREAS, the City …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION NUMBER (20240408-011) Funding for Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Actions WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs was established through Ordinance No. 20171214-043 to advise the city council on matters of common concern to immigrants, WHEREAS, Immigrant survivors of abuse encounter significant obstacles when attempting to escape violence, particularly due to language barriers, social isolation, uncertain immigration status, and limited access to resources, WHEREAS, SAFE provides free and confidential services to all survivors of abuse, regardless of their immigration status, WHEREAS, in September 2019, the City Manager’s Office contracted the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), in conjunction with the Women’s Law Project and the Wellesley Centers for Women, to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the way sexual assaults reported to the Austin Police Department (APD) are investigated and processed; and WHEREAS, sexual assault lawsuits were filed and settlements were approved for Smith et. al. vs City of Austin and Senko et. al. vs City of Austin; and WHEREAS, on November 14, 2022, the final PERF report was released, Austin Police Department (APD) Review, Reported Sexual Assault Comprehensive Evaluation, and included comprehensive findings and over one hundred recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department worked with the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) to address the PERF recommendations and take actions, including revisions to APD policies and procedures; and WHEREAS, the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) was established in early 2023 to coordinate the full response to the PERF report, and includes representatives from APD, SARRT, nonprofit and community organizations, survivors and survivor advocates; and WHEREAS, the Commission for Women and Public Safety Commission formed a joint working group in 2023 to support and track the work of the CSCRM and report progress to their respective commissions; and WHEREAS, the work of the CSCRM is significant in scope, spanning multiple working groups, and has identified serious unmet funding requirements and additional needs for fiscal year 2024- 2025; and WHEREAS, funding has been allocated to support APD comprehensive sexual assault/trauma curriculum development and delivery, additional detective hours on misdemeanor and cold cases, the hiring of a CSCRM project manager, the implementation of a survivor survey and a stipend for volunteer project members, among others; and WHEREAS, law enforcement staffing shortages and hiring challenges are impacting support for survivors of sexual assault, and training and increased financial support and innovative approaches are needed to overcome …
