The Children’s Funding Project (CFP) Work Group1 White Paper (Version 2)2: Strategies for Local Investment in Early Child Care CONTENTS Overview The Case for Investment In Child Care Goals and Guiding Principles I. II. III. IV. Work to Date V. VI. VII. VIII. Recommended Strategies Costs and Economic Benefits Administration and Governance Next Steps and Timeline I. Overview This memo summarizes the work done by the Children’s Funding Project Work Group over the last 16+ months to understand the state of child care in Austin/Travis County and identify strategies to address quality, accessibility, equity, and sustainability. Pending polling and further stakeholder input, the Work Group recommends holding a Tax Rate Election (TRE) in November of 2024, to raise approximately $50 million to fund four major strategies to increase access to affordable, high quality child care for families who live, work, and play in Austin: Strategies 1. Subsidize Birth Through Age Three Contracted Slots 2. Expand Nontraditional Hour Care 3. Build Quality and Capacity 4. Create a Business-Government Alliance Polling and ongoing discussions will determine whether it is a city or county election. We further propose that the measure require reauthorization by the voters after 12 1 Members include Austin City Council Members Alison Alter, Vanessa Fuentes, Ryan Alter, and José Velásquez and members of their staff; David Smith and Margo Kinneberg (United Way for Greater Austin); Cathy McHorse (Austin Early Childhood Council);Tom Hedrick (Early Matters Greater Austin); and representatives from the Office of Travis County Judge Brown and Travis County Health and Human Services. 2 This white paper dated 2-9-24 has been revised to include clarification regarding the inclusion of Head Start and Early Head Start in our policy proposal, based on input from Child, Inc. (Albert Black). Previous revisions include input from Workforce Solutions Capital Area (Tamara Atkinson), allocation of contingency to two strategies (NTH and Business Government Partnerships), and the recalculation of census and economic data based on those revisions. Strategies for Local Investment in Early Child Care Children’s Funding Project Work Group | 2024 1 years. The Case for Investment in Child Care II. The lack of accessible, affordable child care is a growing crisis at the national, state, and local levels. The case for investment in early child care is compelling from a variety of perspectives: ● Workforce: Studies show that seven parents enter the workforce for every 10 new children in child care. In addition, …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20240416-04 Endorsement of the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup Recommendations WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 36% 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, Child Care 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 Urban Institute completed an analysis and set of recommendations regarding the dire lack of supply of nontraditional hour child care; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin's recently announced Infrastructure Academy is intended to expand the region's skilled trade sector and access to child care is an obstacle for the existing workforce, including the skilled trades; and WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Council has been presented a set of recommendations of the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup to alleviate low-income quality child care waiting lists; to expand nontraditional hours quality child care supply; to enhance the quality and capacity of family- based child care providers and to provide incentives for businesses to make child care more affordable to their employees, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin endorse the strategies outlined in the white paper by the Children’s Funding Project Workgroup and encourages the City of Austin to pursue all options for implementing the recommendations. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: ________________________________
Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile CITY OF AUSTIN WATER CONSERVATION PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC §288.2 and §288.5 May 2, 2024 Page 1 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Page 2 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Message from the Director Thank you for your interest in Austin’s most precious natural resource: water. The city was founded in the mid-1800s on the banks of the Colorado River to take advantage of that abundant water resource. Our water supply is just as critical today, but now we face unprecedented challenges: record high temperatures, record low flows into the Highland Lakes, water quality concerns, and continued rapid population growth. Together, we can meet these challenges. The City of Austin’s 100-year Water Forward Integrated Water Resources Plan is focused on water conservation and water use efficiency, as well as strategies to strengthen the diversity of Austin’s water supply. Austin has come a long way over the last decade – in 2023, we used essentially the same amount of water as we did in 2011, despite having 140,000 more residents. But the impacts from climate change require us to become even more water-wise and water-efficient. The update of this Water Conservation Plan is required by the State of Texas every five years to provide short-term strategies to address changing conditions. Even more importantly, the update is a necessary part of the city’s future sustainability. This document describes Austin Water’s conservation initiatives, programs, and projects to help residents and businesses increase their water use efficiency. In addition, it describes how Austin Water is maximizing our water supply from the Highland Lakes through conservation and water reuse. Learn more about what you can do to conserve our most precious resource at AustinWater.org. Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E. Austin Water Director Page 3 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Table of Contents Executive Summary 5 Conservation Program History 7 Public Education and Information 9 Residential Customer Programs 11 Commercial Customer Programs 15 Regulatory Programs 17 Metering and Water Loss 20 Water Reuse 23 Water Rates 25 Goals for Water Use and Water Loss 26 Utility Profile 30 System Data 35 Appendices 42 Page 4 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Executive Summary The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water Development Board require an update to the City of Austin’s Water Conservation Plan …
CITY OF AUSTIN DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC § 288.20 and § 288.22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin, Texas PWS # 2270001 May 2, 2024 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan Table of Contents SECTION I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent ................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION II: Background ........................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION III: Trigger Conditions and Goals .................................................................................................... 8 SECTION IV: Drought Response Measures .................................................................................................. 11 SECTION V: Wholesale Contract Provisions ................................................................................................ 20 SECTION VI: Public Involvement ..................................................................................................................... 20 SECTION VII: Public Notification and Education ........................................................................................ 21 SECTION VIII: Coordination with Regional Planning Groups (RPG)...................................................... 21 SECTION IX: TCEQ Notification ....................................................................................................................... 21 SECTION X: Plan Review and Updates .......................................................................................................... 21 APPENDIX A: Water Conservation Code ....................................................................................................... 22 APPENDIX B: Water Conservation Penalty Code ........................................................................................ 23 APPENDIX C: Water Use Triggers for Water Use Management Ordinance .......................................... 24 APPENDIX D: Resolutions In Support of Adoption of The Drought Contingency Plan .................... 25 APPENDIX E: Resolution Adopting The 2024 Drought Contingency Plan ........................................... 26 APPENDIX F: Transmittal Letter to Regional Planning Group ................................................................. 27 APPENDIX F: Public Response to November 2023 Survey ........... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 1 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN City of Austin, Texas May 2024 Section I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent The City of Austin (the City) maintains a decades-long commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply through demand management measures. The latest update to Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan (the Plan) builds upon this legacy. This iteration of the Plan retains all measures from previous versions while incorporating new strategies to better address droughts in the future. Designed as a comprehensive strategy, the Plan focuses on addressing water shortages and emergencies, with specific attention to domestic water use, sanitation, fire protection, and public well-being. In accordance with Section 11.1272 of the Texas Water Code and Chapter 288 of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, the City regularly updates this plan, underscoring the importance of adaptability to evolving water supply dynamics. This document outlines the City's strategic response to challenges posed by demand surges, infrastructure constraints, and droughts, including historical critical droughts. Through coordination with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the Drought Contingency Plans of both the LCRA and the City are consistent in terms of targets and goals. The City’s plan is more proactive, including the implementation activities necessary …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MARCH 19, 2024 ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MARCH 19, 2024 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a Regular meeting on March 19, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang, Chair Satyajeet Dodia Pierre Nguyen Seonhye “Sonny” Sin Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen, Vice Chair Padmini Jambulapati Anna Lan Sabrina Sha Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan Nayer Sikder Luan Tran Lily Trieu Commissioners Absent: Mohsin Lari Kuo Yang PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission on February 20, 2024. 1. 1 ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MARCH 19, 2024 The minutes from the meeting of February 20, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nguyen’s motion, Vice Chair Chen’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Tran was off the dais. Commissioners Lari and Yang were absent. Discussion of a 2024 Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month proclamation. Discussed. Commissioner Sha offered to work on a proclamation. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the creation of a working group on food security. The motion to approve the creation of a working group on food security was approved on Commissioner Sin’s motion, Commissioner Nguyen’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Lari and Yang were absent. Commissioners Jambulapati, Sha, and Sin were added to the working group without objection. Approve the creation of a working group related to a GraduAsian graduation event. The motion to approve the creation of a GraduAsian graduation event working group was approved on Commissioner Nguyen’s motion, Commissioner Sha’s second on a 12- 0 vote. Commissioners Lari and Yang were absent. Chair Huang, Commissioner Nguyen, and Commissioner Sha were added to the working group without objection. Select an Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission member to represent the Commission to support the development and implementation of the Imagine Austin comprehensive engagement process. The motion to select Commissioner Lan to represent the Commission to support the development and implementation of the Imagine Austin comprehensive engagement process was approved on Chair Huang’s motion, Commissioner Lan’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Lari and Yang were absent. Action was taken on …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION APRIL 16, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Community-Based Process 12 months 1,100 working group hours Input from 300+ people Icons from the Noun Project: Community by Gan Khoon Lay, focus group by mikicon, committee by Adrien Coquet Community-Based Process “Being part of the working group was a great experience mainly because the members had diverse backgrounds, but the same goal. It was a rare learning experience.” Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people access knowledge, resources, and decision-making power • Streamline and explain historic review and designation processes • Support craftspeople, commissioners, and staff • Engage new partners …
AARC Workgroup Meeting Agenda/Notes • Purpose: Follow activities and updates affecting the Asian American Resource Center’s programs, Master Plan, Phase 2 and more. • Commissioners: Hanna Huang, Kuo Yang, Satyajeet Dodia, Luan Tran, Pierre Nguyen • Citizens: Vince Cobalis (NAAO), Kirk Yoshida (former AAQoL Commissioner), Debasree Dasgupta (NAAO), Schiller Liao (NAAO) • Relevant City Employees: AARC Staff, Laura Esparza (MCP Division Manager), PARD planning staff • Link to previous Workgroup Meeting minutes: https://app.box.com/s/gogzwhx8i32wnhrl9m54jww0e4yry1g1 Date: 4/15/2024 @ 12pm Location: Teams (organized by Tony Vo) Attended: Tony Vo, Christina Bies, Leslie Perez, Seon-Ju Seung-Bickley, Fabian Duran, Satyajeet Dodia, Hanna Huang, Vince Cobalis, Debasree DasGupta, Lila Grace Pandy Agenda: 1. AARC Staff Updates (departures, hires, delegation) a. Marketing Rep – Seon-Ju Seung-Bickley b. Rec Specialist (Senior Program) - next Monday c. Supervisor – hiring freeze, has to stop process and notify all applicants, Fabian is acting currently. Supervisor position didn’t go through market adjustment (Event Coordinator position earns more than it currently) d. Division Manager – Hanna sent some recs to Jodi Jay 2. AARC Program Updates a. World Taichi Day April 27 b. CelebrASIA May 18 – AAQoL Posting? c. Citizenship Clinic w/ American Gateways May 4 (USCIS will be present as well) d. Asian American Professionals Summit May 3 e. 4 Exhibits currently – Seniors photovoice, senior archiving, vessels: handle with care, Julia Lee artist talk 3. AARC Building/etc updates a. AC been doing well so far b. PARD rainy day fund is ½ mil – could cover major hvac failures 4. NAAO donor wall - a. Contractor secured, NAAO to approve funding at next meeting b. Next Steps: AARC needs mockup to go through PARD approvals, Schiller to follow up, then contract is drafted before construction & work can happen c. Moved from outside to main hallway next to Foyer d. Contract will also address what to do with existing wall 5. Phase 2 discussion & updated timeline a. Staff updates i. Christina is now at Capital Services Dept ii. Leslie Perez now PARD Liaison iii. Jackie Armstrong from Capital Services Dept taking notes b. Completed preliminary design in March programming session c. Multipurpose space 750 sq ft (30x25 ~50 occupants) connected to an Exterior multipurp platform/porch i. Kitchenette/BOH circulation 100sf ii. Will be near middle of lawn area outside of critical root zone of heritage trees iii. Concepts – Bar, Cavern iv. Staff & Commissioners shared feedback v. Pricing …
FINANCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT Central Procurement • 505 Barton Springs Road Ste 330 Austin, TX 78704 April 1, 2024 Subject: Recommendation for Award of RFQS 4400 SAR4006 Quality of Life Study for Austin’s Families with Young Children. The evaluation team has completed their process and has recommended award to Decision Information Resources, Inc. Susan Arbuckle Procurement Specialist IV Central Procurement, City of Austin 512-974-1773, Susan.arbuckle@austintexas.gov Page 1 of 1 Decision Information Resources, Inc Health Management Associates, Inc Sarah Mitran - Nathe Management Consulting Solicitation Number: Description: RFQS 4400 SAR4006 Quality of Life Study for Austin's Families with Young Children Evaluation Criteria Max Points Company Research, Qualifications and Experience (10.3) Community Engagement, Language Access, and Participant Compensation (10.4) Project Management and Experience (10.6) Personnel Qualifications and Experience (10.6) Sample Work Product (10.7) 40 30 10 10 10 Total 100 27 25 8 8 5 73 27 20 5 8 8 68 7 5 2 2 2 17 NOTE: As per Section 252.049 of the local government code, contents of a proposal shall remain confidential until a contract is awarded. Therefore, the matrix will include points awarded for price but exact pricing will not be disclosed.
April 16th Early Childhood Council Quality of Life Workgroup Study Update I. Update a. Recommendation for Council - Council May 30th b. No Contact Period (Email Susan Arbuckle if they contact you) II. Next Steps, after May 30th a. Check Availability of Commissioners and Vendor i. Email me your availability as soon as you can. b. Schedule Kick Off Meeting i. Virtual or in person? III. Initial Plans – Collaboration through SharePoint a. SharePoint Drive i. All three studies can cross collaborate (only open for workgroup members to ii. Maintain all documents shared, running notes (see below), contact information, avoid quorum) and anything as needed. iii. Contact Info/Workgroup members can change iv. If any difficulty with SharePoint, please let me know as soon as you can. b. Running Notes will Include i. Goal to ensure study is a tool for change ii. Expectation iii. Next Steps c. Communication Expectations will be monitored through a log IV. Questions
Mission We make it possible for all children to have access to a transformative early childhood education. A high-quality, anti-racist, early childhood education. Pre school p ractice s, p olicie s, and p e d ag og y that work tog e the r to cre ate an e nvironme nt that nurture s and culturally affirms all child re n b ut e sp e cially child re n of color. The d e sire to control Black and Brown b od ie s is re p lace d with the d e sire to allow child re n to b e fully curious. A place where administrators and teachers are d e e p ly aware of the ir imp licit b iase s and inte rnalize d anti- Blackne ss and have the skills to d isrup t the m. O UR CURREN T REALITY We partner with preschools & child care centers build anti-racist early learning environments What else is possible? DRO P - IN CARE FO R BLACK MO THERS • RISE will provide fre e o r lo w - c o s t , short- te rm, c u lt u ra lly c o n g ru e nt, high- q uality d rop - in child care , d e sig ne d for Black mothe rs and the ir child re n age s 6 we e ks through ag e 5. • Te am of care give rs, making $ 28- $ 35 p e r h o u r, will b e traine d in RISE’s • Eve ry m o m e n t m a t t e rs : this is not b ab ysitting; it is high- q uality care e ve n a n t i- ra c is t p e d a g o g y if it is short • Phase 1: Pare nts on p re mise s to e ngage in w o rk , e d u c a t io n / t ra in in g , e n jo ym e n t a c t ivit ie s o r re s t . • Sup p ort for p are nts who ne e d lo n g - t e rm c h ild c a re G O A LS …
Community Health Improvement Project (CHIP) Proposal: Understanding the Needs of Older Adults in Austin, TX through a Community-Engaged, Participatory Lens by Implementing a Photovoice Methodology Presented To: City of Austin, Commission on Aging City of Austin, Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Proposal Prepared by: Nirali Thakkar, MSSW-MPH Candidate Culture &Arts Activity Specialist, Asian American Resource Center Under the Guidance of: Van Doan, Culture & Arts Education Coordinator, Asian American Resource Center Tony Vo, Culture & Arts Education Manager, Asian American Resource Center Rafael Samper-Ternent, Associate Professor, UTHealth Science Center School of Public Health Table of Contents Executive Summary The Growing Portion of Older Adults Imagining an Age-Friendly City Gaps in Bringing Diverse Perspectives to the Age-Friendly Austin Survey What is Photovoice, and How Can it Address the Engagement Gap? Photovoice at the Asian American Resource Center Integrating Intergenerational Voices Bringing Together Participant Photos Why Replicate this Project? Final Thoughts Appendices References Adapting and Replicating the Project: A Step-by-Step Guide and Helpful Practices 14 2 3 3 3 4 5 6 12 13 14 17 18 25 3 Executive Summary This community health improvement project (CHIP) proposal identifies a need for public health professionals and city staff to implement unique engagement methods to include older adults in the planning and development of age-friendly cities in alignment with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework. This need is especially prevalent in Austin, TX, where older adults represent the fastest-growing population group. Photovoice is a method that encourages participants to take photos that display their experiences, perspectives, and needs on a specific topic. This method has been used successfully with older adults in different settings. The Asian American Resource Center, a city-funded pan-ethnic center in Northeast Austin, implemented a photovoice project and an intergenerational session between February- March of 2024 with a cohort of 14 participants. The organization’s project serves as an example of successful community engagement for the City of Austin to adapt and replicate at its centers to best understand the needs of older adults. This proposal uses the terms older adults and senior programming participants interchangeably—with senior programming participants aligning with language used within the City of Austin. The Growing Portion of Older Adults Older adults aged 65 and older represent a large and growing proportion of the U.S. population. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that from 2034 onwards, there will be 83.7 million older adults in the US, …
HIGHLIGHTING THE ROLE OF THE AARC IN FACILITATING THE W ELL-BEING OF OLDER ADULTS Culture & Arts Activity Specialist and Graduate Policy Intern, Asian American Resource Center To n y Vo Cu lt u r e & Ar t s Ed u c a t io n Ma n a g e r , As ia n Am e r ic a n R e s o u r c e Ce n t e r S e n io r P r o g r a m P a r t ic ip a n t s , As ia n Am e r ic a n R e s o u r c e Ce n t e r N ir a li Th a k k a r AGENDA 0 1 NATIONAL AND LOCAL INCREASE OF OLDER ADULTS 0 2 THE AARC AS A MEANINGFUL SP ACE FOR OLDER ADULTS 0 3 0 4 AARC’S P ROGRAMMING FUTURE HEAR FROM P ROGRAMMING P ARTICIP ANTS OLDER ADULTS IN AUSTIN Between 2010 -20 20 , t h e Asia n p o p u la t io n w a s t h e fa st e st - g ro w in g ra c e /e t h n ic it y g ro u p a m o n g o ld e r a d u lt s in Au st in . Th is is p a rt ic u la rly a p p a re n t in No rt h w e st a n d No rt h e a st Au st in . W ORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: AGE- FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES • The age -friendliness framework helps cities and communities plan for a setting where older adults can actively participate in society and age in place. • Since 2016, the City of Austin has shifted to this framework. Each year, the Commission on Aging provides recommendations to councilmembers across all 8 domains. P HOTOVOICE AT THE AARC • Our process focused on respect and social inclusion from the age -friendliness framework. • Participants received a photo journal (translated to Mandarin and Korean) with 6 prompts related to this domain. They took/selected one photo of their life to answer each question. 14 Participants AAPI and other ethnic minorities 6 6 Weeks Participants learned new technology (Airdrop) and connected with …
ASIAN AMERICAN RESOURCE CENTER SENIOR PROGRAMMING: NEEDS ASSESSMENT Prepared by Nirali Thakkar MPH Candidate, Intern TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to the AARC and Senior Programming ... 1 Purpose and Method ... 2 Strengths to Maintain ... 3 Quantitative Perspective: Strengths ... 4 Participant needs ... 5 Quantitative Perspective: Needs ... 6 Anticipated Changes ... 7 Follow up with Seniors ... 8 Appendix ... 9 C R A A e h t o t n o t c u d o r t n i i n A The Asian American Resource Center, or AARC, is a city-funded, pan-ethnic space housed in North Austin. First opened in 2013, the center hosts programming across the lifespan, including educational programming across the lifespan, artist exhibits, and family events. Its mission is accessible at this link: The AARC hosts a robust senior program on Monday- Thursdays from 10-1PM. Seniors in the program are able to register to receive transportation to the AARC at pre-determined stops through the City of Austin's Parks and Recreation Department. In addition, they can register to receive Meals on Wheels programming. Registered participants of the AARC enjoy a variety of wellness activities such as tai-chi, Bollywood, yoga, and ping-pong. The AARC welcomes community partners such as Austin Public Health, Austin Free Net, and more to offer technology, health education, and gardening classes. Finally, seniors with an interest in strengthening their English skills are able to participate in English corner with volunteers twice a week. To learn more about the senior program, click here. 1 Purpose and Method: The purpose of this report is to present a needs assessment for the senior program at the AARC. To inform this assessment, we utilized 2 forms of data collection. All questions and interviews were translated to Mandarin to increase the span of participants that were included. 1. 2. First, a total of 10 (n=10) seniors participated in semi- structured interviews. Seniors were asked to reflect on their experiences at the AARC and provide feedback. The results of these semi-structured interviews provided one set of data that informed seniors' needs for the program. In addition, the AARC hosted a "Lunch with the Manager" series. Twice in July, the AARC manager brought in dessert to celebrate the seniors who had a birthday in July. In the first session, he summarized feedback from the interviews and the changes in progress as a result of the feedback. …
Population Change and Demographic Trends for Austin’s Asian American Population Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission April 16, 2024 Austin’s population has been doubling every 20 to 25 years. Recent growth has been at a slower rate. 1,137,983 961,855 974,447 Period of greatest growth 656,562 Period of fastest growth since 1900 251,808 National Ranking: 73rd 67th 56th 42nd 27th 16th 14th 11th 10th Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Censuses 1870 – 2020; 2022 Vintage Census Bureau Population Estimates; 2025, 2030 CoA Projections. 2 1,250,000 1,000,000 750,000 500,000 250,000 .974 million 4,428 0 The Asian population has always been a part of Austin’s growth history. 900000 800000 700000 600000 500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0 First time Hispanics were broken out from White. Black population split into “free” and “slave”. Initially measured simply as “Chinese”. “Mexican” included in Other Race. White Hispanic Black 1850 628 1860 2505 1870 2813 1880 7407 1900 1890 10956 16414 22366 27928 38209 73025 114652 161806 184859 232324 287166 353706 385271 452994 1950 1930 2000 1960 2020 1940 1970 1990 1980 2010 1920 1910 American Indian & Alaska Native Asian & Pacific Islander Population 9 10 1 8 2 14 22 27 29 4 40 10 107 39 184 170 622 1,003 1,756 1,967 2,002 3,642 14,141 31,421 49,560 86,381 1 989 1615 3587 3610 5822 7478 6921 14861 17667 24413 29845 42118 55824 66738 60760 66002 5014 9868 36623 64766 106868 200579 277707 312448 Asian & Pacific Islander Population American Indian & Alaska Native Black Hispanic White Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Historical Census 1790-1990; Texas Demographic Center 1980-2000; data.census.gov 2010-2020 3 Asian & Pacific Islander Population, Austin, 1880-2020 100,000 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 - 86,381 86,381 500% 400% 300% 200% 100% 0% -100% 49,560 31,421 14,141 10 8 22 14 27 29 40 107 184 622 3,642 1880 1890 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Asian & Pacific Islander Population Percent Change Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Historical Census Statistics for Large Cities and Other Urban Places in the U.S. 4 Where do Austinites come from? Place of Birth, 2022 Total Population Hispanics Asians Born in Texas Born in other US State Native born, outside US Born in Another Country 48% 32% 2% 18% 58% 13% 2% 27% 19% 18% 2% 61% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-Year Estimates Note: …
Development of Austin’s Environmental Investment Plan April 16, 2024 Environmental Investment Plan City Council passed a resolution on Feb. 15th, 2024 directing the City Manager and the Joint Sustainability Committee to develop recommendations for an Environmental Investment Plan that will provide funding to achieve the city’s environmental goals Projects Considered From City Plans Project ideas may come from one or more of these city plans ● Austin Climate Equity Plan ● Austin Parks and Recreation Land ● Austin Water Forward ● Watershed Protection Strategic Plan ● One Austin: Climate Resilience Action Plan ● Austin Strategic Mobility Plan ● Austin Resource Recovery Comprehensive Plan ● Austin Energy Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan ● Austin Parks and Recreation Long Range Plan Management Plan (Recommended Land Management Strategies and Climate Vulnerability Analysis) ● Austin/Travis County Community Wildfire Protection Plan ● Central Texas Regional Air Quality Plan ● Austin/Travis County Food Plan (in development) Analysis should identify options for fulfilling all or specific elements of these plans before their current target date Identify capital improvements or programs Prioritize options that: ● Reduce carbon emissions ● Decrease water usage and improve water quality and detention ● Advance the sustainability of City operations ● Improve community resilience Potential funding mechanisms ● Utility base rates ● General fund expenditures ● Grants ● General obligation / Revenue bonds Timeline ● March 27th – First public forum to generate ideas & collect community input ● April – JSC, staff, working groups pull draft recommendations together, analyses and cost estimates ● April 24th – Draft presentation of recommended projects ● May 1st – Final list of JSC recommendations due to Council ● May 30th – Council public hearing to consider the Plan ● June to August – Matching programs to funding mechanisms Opportunities to provide input to the plan Community Input: ● Written suggestions via this form or scan QR code ● JSC Regular Meeting April 24th ● JSC Special Called Meeting April 30th ● City Council Public Hearing May 30th RMC Input: ● Potential to support relevant recommendations via commission action at May 21st meeting thank you
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, April 15, 2024, at 6:30 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1407 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on March 11, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on transgender and sexual identity protections. 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation for an LGBTQ Community Cultural Center and related community 4. Conduct officer elections for positions of LGBTQ Commission chair and vice chair positions. 5. Discussion and vote on new Joint Inclusion Commission Representatives. issues. 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please get in touch with Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission, please get in touch …
1. 2. REGULAR MEETING of the AUSTIN-TRAVIS COUNTY FOOD POLICY BOARD MONDAY, APRIL 15th, 2024, FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 PM CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board 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, call or email Amanda Rohlich, 512-974-1364, Amanda.Rohlich@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Andrea Abel Lisa Barden, Vice-Chair Marissa Bell Mark Bethell Joi Chevalier, Chair Larry Franklin Kacey Hanson Rosamaria Murillo Natalie Poulos Sari Vatske 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 Approve the minutes of the Austin-Travis County Food Policy Board Regular Meeting from Monday, March 18, 2024 STAFF BRIEFING Update on the College Food Access with Central Texas Food Bank Contract, Ricardo Zavala, Public Health Program Manager II with Austin Public Health DISCUSSION ITEMS Discuss advocacy plan, talking points, and schedule for board member outreach to elected officials on food planning and board-approved budget recommendations. Board vacancies, appointments, and reappointments. Three vacancies from Judge Andy Brown, Commissioners Shea & Gomez. Andrea Abel’s reappointment by Judge Andy Brown. Kacey Hanson request to be renominated by Commissioner Travillion. Discussion of Joint Sustainability Committee meeting on March 27, 2024, Larry Franklin and Dr. Rosamaria Murillo Discussion and reminder for board members to complete the electronic learning training module on sexual harassment awareness by May 10th to avoid any issues with their eligibility to serve. An in-person training will be offered at City Hall on Tuesday, April 23rd at 9:30 am. Review Board Member Assignments (Note for Chair: take item out of order and discuss at end of meeting) DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS WORKING GROUP UPDATES Discuss and appoint Chair and Vice Chair Discuss and approve special called meeting for May 20th and cancel May 13th meeting Updates from the Food Planning Working Group regarding recent food planning activities, Community Advisory Committee …
AUSTIN INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLANNING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE April 15, 2024 --12:00pm Hybrid Special Called Meeting Austin Permitting and Development Center Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: Austin Integrated Water Resource Planning Community Task Force Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. The first 10 speakers to register will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns not on the agenda. To register, contact Emily Rafferty at emily.rafferty@austintexas.gov. The information required is the speaker’s name, item number(s) they wish to speak on if applicable, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT TASK FORCE MEMBERS: Voting Members: Bill Moriarty Sarah Faust Hani Michel Perry Lorenz Madelline Mathis Ex Officio Non-Voting Members: Austin Water: Kevin Critendon Austin Energy: Kathleen Garrett Austin Resource Recovery: Donald Hardee Housing and Planning: Tymon Khamsi Todd Bartee Robert Mace, Vice Chair Paul DiFiore Vanessa Puig-Williams Jennifer Walker, Chair Office of Innovation: Daniel Culotta Office of Sustainability: Lucia Athens Parks and Recreation: Liana Kallivoka Watershed Protection: Katie Coyne AGENDA CALL TO ORDER – PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Review and approve the meeting minutes from the Regular Task Force meeting on March 2. Update on Lower Colorado River and Highland Lakes water supply conditions 3. Presentation of Water Forward 2024 water management strategy characterization 4. Presentation of Water Forward 2024 plan update methodology 5. Staff update on Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a letter from the Water Forward Task Force to the Austin City Council regarding the Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan and Water Conservation Plan updates FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURN 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) …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE ELECTRIC UTILITY COMMISSION APRIL 15, 2024 6:00 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS/SHUDDE FATH CONFERENCE ROOM 4815 MUELLER BLVD AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Electric Utility Commission maybe participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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. To register contact Robin Otto, at Robin.Otto@austinenergy.com or via phone at 512-322-6254. AGENDA Members: Dave Tuttle, Chair Kaiba White, Vice Chair Ayo Akande Raul Alvarez Cesar Benavides Jonathon Blackburn Randy Chapman Mick Long Cyrus Reed Joshua Rhodes Vacant CALL MEETING TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 5 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 Electric Utility Commission Regular meeting on March 18, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Recommend approving issuance of a 5-year performance-based incentive to Starwood Capital Group LLC, for the installation of solar electric systems on their facility located at 10814 Jollyville Road, Austin, TX 78759, in an amount not to exceed $70,125.91. 3. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of three contracts for gas turbine repair and maintenance with ProEnergy Services LLC; Transcanada Turbines, Inc.; and Wood Group Pratt & Whitney Industrial Turbine Services LLC, each for up to five years for total contract amounts not to exceed $60,000,000, divided among the contractors. 4. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of amendments to two contracts for continued customer care and billing system hosting, maintenance, and support with Oracle America, Inc., to extend the term by three years and increase the amount by $33,400,000, for revised total contract amounts not to exceed $48,005,332. 5. Recommend authorizing negotiation and execution of an amendment to a contract for continued customer care and billing system licenses and support with Oracle America, Inc., to increase the amount by $6,750,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $38,962,083. 6. Recommend approving an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 15-9 as it relates to utility customers with certain medical vulnerabilities. 7. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair of the Electric Utility Commission. …
