Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers April 7, 2025 – Regular Meeting Item 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department. Vice Chair Ruttan asked if APD is not making arrests, is that because criminal activity is not happening or does the data show later that they are just not able to arrest in that moment. Pending. Commissioner Smith asked for APD demographic data of individuals who are sent to the Sobering Center versus those who are cited and released, versus those going to jail during the next quarterly report. Pending. July 7, 2025 – Regular Meeting Item 3. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department and update on the Automated License Plate Reader Program. Presentation by Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department. Chair Ramírez requested the most recent Berry Dunn Report. Received. Commissioner Bernhardt requested the next quarterly update include attrition rates for each of the academies and progress towards the 30 by 30 goal. Pending. Vice Chair Ruttan asked if the increases in Kidnapping/Abduction (100) and Drug/Narcotic Offenses (35A, 35B) and Pornography/Obscene Material (370) could be attributed to changes in enforcement patterns or whether it was a random variation. Pending. Item 5. Discussion of sexual assault data with Austin Police Department Sex Crimes Unit, Austin-Travis County Sexual Assault Response & Resource Team (SARRT), The SAFE Alliance, and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Commissioner Smith requested data related to narcotics in drinks as it relates to reported rapes. Pending. Commissioner Bernhardt also asked for data related to tracking those who have reported rapes who are unhoused. Pending.
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 5, 2025 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 5, 2025 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Kimberly Hidrogo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Angel Carroll Enrique Duran II David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Michael Sierra-Arévalo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on April 7, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on April 7, 2025, was approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Smith was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department. The presentation was made by Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department. Chair Ramírez asked for a follow up on what percentage of fire stations now have portable generators. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 5, 2025 3. 4. Discussion of sexual assault data with Austin Police Department, The SAFE Alliance, Travis County District Attorney's Office, Austin Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT), and members of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Project (CSCRM). Withdrawn. Presentation on firefighter cancer prevention and changes in funding for continued tracking of efforts by Austin Fire Department. The presentation was made by Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department and Heather Arispe, Public Safety Wellness Administrator, Austin Fire Department. Vice Chair Ruttan asked for a follow up on whether the City of Austin tracks or screens for certain cancers that may be considered a presumptive disability. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Training Academy Working Group on scheduled tour of APD Training Academy. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve updates to the membership of the Training Academy Working Group. The motion to approve Commissioner Hidrogo’s addition to the Training Academy Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Smith was absent. 7. Discussion and update on the work of the Wellness Center Working Group and approve the dissolution of the Wellness Center Working Group. …
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 2, 2025 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 2, 2025 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:17 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Enrique Duran II Pierre Nguyễn Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kimberly Hidrogo Kristy Orr Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Rubén Rivera Clemente – Harassment APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on May 5, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on May 5, 2025, failed on Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second on a 5-0 vote. Commissioner Smith abstained. Vice Chair Ruttan, Commissioners Carroll, Holmes, and Sierra-Arévalo were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. The presentation was made by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. 3. Discussion of current bylaws and update from the Bylaws Working Group on possible changes and next steps. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, June 2, 2025 Withdrawn. 4. 5. Discussion of the Office of the City Auditor’s audit and report of the Austin Police Department recruiting and hiring. Presentation by the Office of the City Auditor and Austin Police Department. The presentation was made by Corrie Stokes, City Auditor, Office of the City Auditor and Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department. Discussion of the Office of the City Auditor’s audit and report of automated license plate reader program. Presentation by the Office of the City Auditor and Austin Police Department. The presentation was made by Corrie Stokes, City Auditor, Office of the City Auditor, Jacob Perry, Auditor II, Office of the City Auditor, Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department, and Lee Knouse, Sergeant, Austin Police Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council to halt the automated license plate reader program while conducting a full audit and report to share with City Council and the Public Safety Commission and securing data in accordance with Resolutions 20220915-056 and 20230608- 085. The motion to approve the recommendation was made by Commissioner Smith and seconded by Commissioner Bernhardt. The motion …
Austin Police Department APD Quarterly Update Public Safety Commission July 7, 2025 Police Crime Reduction Course ▪ Robust three-day evidence-based policing model course taught by Dr. Jerry Ratcliffe – Dr. Ratcliffe is a former British police officer, college professor, and host of the Reducing Crime podcast. He works with police agencies around the world on crime reduction, leadership, and criminal intelligence strategy. ▪ Centered on crime reduction and the application of a structured decision-making process that clearly outlines roles and responsibilities ▪ Focused on evidence-based response plans to identify crime patterns, trends and chronic crime concerns and track crime reduction using crime data and analytics ▪ Approximately 34 sworn staff and 17professional staff participated 2 2 Crime Analysis Training ▪ Two-day training taught by Dr. Andrew Wheeler – Dr. Wheeler has a PhD in criminal justice and has worked with police departments and different criminal justice agencies across the US ▪ Focus on tools to address process automation and improve consistency and reliability of reports ▪ Part of larger strategy to enhance abilities of crime analysis team to better support sworn policing efforts ▪ Approximately 35 professional staff participated 3 3 ICAT Training Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) Training ▪ Only evidence-based de-escalation model ▪ Equip officers with the skills and strategies needed to safely and effectively manage critical incidents involving individuals who may be experiencing a behavioral crisis or are otherwise unarmed and non-compliant ▪ 16-hour ICAT training consists of classroom-based modules and live action scenarios ▪ Teaching ICAT regularly since 2019 – 100% of APD officers have had some version of ICAT with some attending multiple iterations – Currently teaching ICAT to the 154th Cadet Class and soon will teach the 155th ▪ Efforts to increase the effectiveness of ICAT throughout the department have ramped up – ICAT principles are being identified and emphasized throughout SOPs and Policy – New 4-hour refresher course created to reinforce ICAT principles – ICAT based debrief class currently being developed for FTOs and Supervisors Training Emphasis: ✓ De-escalation ✓ Communication ✓ Threat assessment ✓ Decision-making ✓ Reduce the need for force ✓ Enhance officer and public safety ✓ Build community trust 4 4 Public Assembly Code Enforcement (PACE) Team ▪ Pilot program (June 15- August 15, 2025) ▪ To address concerns for the E. 6th St District and promote community and tourist safety ▪ Collaborative departmental effort – Austin Fire Department …
BYLAWS OF THE Public Safety Commission Draft Changes for July 7 Meeting Discussion The name of the board is Public Safety Commission. ARTICLE 1. NAME. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory body to the city council on all budgetary and policy matters concerning public safety, including matters related to the Austin Police Department, the Austin Fire Department, the Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department, Homeland Security Emergency Management, Office of Violence Prevention, Forensic Science Center, and the Homeless Strategy Office, among others as relevant to public safety policies. Make recommendations on matters related to long-range comprehensive planning initiatives, access to and expenditure of state and federal grant funds, and other related public safety matters. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. The following boards and commissions shall nominate one of its members for appointment by the Council to serve as non-voting Public Safety Commission members List here (potential) Quality of Life commissions Joint Inclusion Committee African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Commission on Immigrant Affairs Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities Commission on Seniors Commission for Women Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Quality of Life a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. Advisory Commission l. m. n. Human Rights Commission Early Childhood Council College Student Commission (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (E) 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 a board member’s immediate family member, active military service, or the birth or adoption of the board member’s child for 90 days after the event. The board member must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the …
Austin Police Department Sex Crimes Q1 2025 Public Safety Commission Meeting January-March, 2025 July 7, 2025 Reported Cases Overview Sex Crimes Reported Cases (misdemeanor and felony combined) ▪ 3-year trend data ▪ Q1 2025 number of cases Felony Reported Cases (rape, sodomy, sexual assault with object) ▪ 3-year trend data ▪ Q1 2025 number of cases Data Integrity ▪ Information title code New reports for adult victim cases 2 2 Sex Crimes Reported Cases (Adults Only) 200 160 120 80 40 0 Q1 2025: 374 Cases Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2022 2023 2024 2025 3 3 Felony Reported Cases (Adults Only) Rape, Sodomy, Sexual Assault with Object 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Q1 2025: 137 Cases Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2022 2023 2024 2025 4 4 Data Integrity Challenges and Improvements ▪ "Sex Crimes Information" Title Code – Identified data challenges occurring with the informational title code being used incorrectly – While all cases were being thoroughly investigated, detectives did not always change the title code of a case to a reportable offense such as rape, sodomy, or sex assault with an object – This resulted in fewer felony level cases reported out – Changed informational title code to “Sex Crimes Information” to reduce existing confusion and bring further attention to ensure the title code is appropriately reviewed – Began actively reviewing current and past cases to identify when changes to title codes should be made – Trained Detectives and Sgts to quickly change the informational title code when it comes in from Patrol to a reportable sex offense 5 5 Calls for Service Overview Sex Crimes Calls for Service ▪ 3-year trend data ▪ Q1 2025 number of calls for service Best Practices ▪ Patrol response ▪ Emergency Communications collaboration 6 6 Sex Crimes Calls for Service 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Q1 2025: 587 Calls for Service Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2022 2023 2024 2025 Source: APD CAD Calls (Current as of: 4/15/25) 7 7 Best Practices ▪ Patrol Response Protocol – Sex Crimes calls shall be designated at a Priority 0, 1, or 2. – Priority 2 Sex Crimes calls will not be downgraded to a lesser priority – APD will no longer hold Priority 2 and Priority …
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767 JOSÉ P. GARZA Telephone 512/854-9400 TRUDY STRASSBURGER DISTRICT ATTORNEY Telefax 512/854-4206 FIRST ASSISTANT Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report February 20251 Case Staffing Snapshot: 2/1/25 to 2/28/25 Cases Staffed Cases Not Filed by LEA Cases Declined by TCDA Cases Pending Further Investigation Cases Accepted Accepted Cases Previously Returned for Investigation APD Cases 27 11 0 10 6 3 Total 30 11 0 11 8 4 Case Prosecution Snapshot: 2/1/25 to 2/28/25 Cases Received for Prosecution Cases Rejected or Dismissed Cases Indicted Cases No Billed Cases Pled Cases Tried 12 12 15 0 7 1 Pending Cases By Year Received (as of 2/28/25) Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 # 3 7 11 33 Year 2023 2024 2025 # 52 114 32 1 The data summarized in this report was retrieved for analysis on March 12, 2025. Ronald Earle Building, 416 W. 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Cases Pled by Offense: 2/1/25 to 2/28/25 Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence Indecent Assault Sexual Assault Trial Outcomes: 2/1/25 to 2/28/25† SEXUAL ASSAULT SEXUAL ASSAULT SEXUAL ASSAULT 1 4 2 NOT GUILTY NOT GUILTY NOT GUILTY † In the single case that was tried this month, the defendant was found not guilty on three counts. February 2025 Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report Page 2 of 4 About this Report The Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report endeavors to provide a monthly snapshot of adult sexual assault cases that are handled by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office (TCDA). For the purposes of this report, an adult sexual assault case can be any sexual assault case that is either staffed by TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit before it is accepted for prosecution, or that is assigned to TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit and is submitted, accepted, indicted, or otherwise prosecuted as one of the following offenses: Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in Custody or Under Supervision Improper Sexual Activity with a Committed Person Indecent Assault • Aggravated Kidnapping with Intent to Inflict Bodily Injury/Sexual Abuse • Aggravated Sexual Assault • Burglary of a Habitation with the Intent to Commit a Sexual Offense • • • • Failure to Comply/Duty to Register as a Sex Offender‡ • Hindering the Apprehension/Prosecution of a Known Felon/Sex Offender§ • Prohibited Sexual Conduct • Sex Trafficking of Persons • Sexual Assault • Sexual Exploitation by a Mental Health Services Provider • Sexual …
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767 JOSÉ P. GARZA Telephone 512/854-9400 TRUDY STRASSBURGER DISTRICT ATTORNEY Telefax 512/854-4206 FIRST ASSISTANT Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report January 20251 Case Staffing Snapshot: 1/1/25 to 1/31/25 Cases Staffed Cases Not Filed by LEA Cases Declined by TCDA Cases Pending Further Investigation Cases Accepted Accepted Cases Previously Returned for Investigation APD Cases 21 7 0 12 2 0 Total 23 8 0 13 2 0 Case Prosecution Snapshot: 1/1/25 to 1/31/25 Cases Received for Prosecution Cases Rejected or Dismissed Cases Indicted Cases No Billed Cases Pled Cases Tried 22 6 5 0 6 1 Pending Cases By Year Received (as of 1/31/25) Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 # 4 7 12 36 Year 2023 2024 2025 # 57 117 21 1 The data summarized in this report was retrieved for analysis on February 18, 2025. Ronald Earle Building, 416 W. 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Cases Pled by Offense: 1/1/25 to 1/31/25 Attempt to Commit Aggravated Kidnapping Sexual Abuse Indecent Assault Sexual Assault 1 2 4 Trial Outcomes: 1/1/25 to 1/31/25 SEXUAL ASSAULT GUILTY January 2025 Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report Page 2 of 4 About this Report The Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report endeavors to provide a monthly snapshot of adult sexual assault cases that are handled by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office (TCDA). For the purposes of this report, an adult sexual assault case can be any sexual assault case that is either staffed by TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit before it is accepted for prosecution, or that is assigned to TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit and is submitted, accepted, indicted, or otherwise prosecuted as one of the following offenses: Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in Custody or Under Supervision Improper Sexual Activity with a Committed Person Indecent Assault • Aggravated Kidnapping with Intent to Inflict Bodily Injury/Sexual Abuse • Aggravated Sexual Assault • Burglary of a Habitation with the Intent to Commit a Sexual Offense • • • • Failure to Comply/Duty to Register as a Sex Offender† • Hindering the Apprehension/Prosecution of a Known Felon/Sex Offender‡ • Prohibited Sexual Conduct • Sex Trafficking of Persons • Sexual Assault • Sexual Exploitation by a Mental Health Services Provider • Sexual Coercion Please note that criminal case data compiled in this report is not longitudinal. For example, cases resolved during the month that is the subject of this …
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767 JOSÉ P. GARZA Telephone 512/854-9400 TRUDY STRASSBURGER DISTRICT ATTORNEY Telefax 512/854-4206 FIRST ASSISTANT Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report March 20251 Case Staffing Snapshot: 3/1/25 to 3/31/25 Cases Staffed Cases Not Filed by LEA Cases Declined by TCDA Cases Pending Further Investigation Cases Accepted Accepted Cases Previously Returned for Investigation APD Cases 8 3 0 4 1 0 Total 12 6 0 5 1 0 Case Prosecution Snapshot: 3/1/25 to 3/31/25 Cases Received for Prosecution Cases Rejected or Dismissed Cases Indicted Cases No Billed Cases Pled Cases Tried 15 12 15 0 5 2 Pending Cases By Year Received (as of 3/31/25) Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 # 2 7 9 27 Year 2023 2024 2025 # 43 105 45 1 The data summarized in this report was retrieved for analysis on April 14, 2025. Ronald Earle Building, 416 W. 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Cases Pled by Offense: 3/1/25 to 3/31/25† Indecent Assault Sexual Assault Sexual Coercion 3 1 2 Trial Outcomes: 3/1/25 to 3/31/25‡ SEXUAL ASSAULT (2 COUNTS) SEXUAL ASSAULT (1 COUNT) NOT GUILTY NOT GUILTY † In the five cases that pled, the defendant pled to two offenses in one case. ‡ In the two cases that were tried this month, the defendant was found not guilty on three counts. March 2025 Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report Page 2 of 4 About this Report The Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report endeavors to provide a monthly snapshot of adult sexual assault cases that are handled by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office (TCDA). For the purposes of this report, an adult sexual assault case can be any sexual assault case that is either staffed by TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit before it is accepted for prosecution, or that is assigned to TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit and is submitted, accepted, indicted, or otherwise prosecuted as one of the following offenses: Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in Custody or Under Supervision Improper Sexual Activity with a Committed Person Indecent Assault • Aggravated Kidnapping with Intent to Inflict Bodily Injury/Sexual Abuse • Aggravated Sexual Assault • Burglary of a Habitation with the Intent to Commit a Sexual Offense • • • • Failure to Comply/Duty to Register as a Sex Offender§ • Hindering the Apprehension/Prosecution of a Known Felon/Sex Offender** • Prohibited Sexual Conduct • Sex Trafficking of Persons • Sexual …
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767 JOSÉ P. GARZA Telephone 512/854-9400 TRUDY STRASSBURGER DISTRICT ATTORNEY Telefax 512/854-4206 FIRST ASSISTANT Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report May 20251 Case Staffing Snapshot: 5/1/25 to 5/31/25 Cases Staffed Cases Not Filed by LEA Cases Declined by TCDA Cases Pending Further Investigation Cases Accepted Accepted Cases Previously Returned for Investigation APD Cases 27 6 0 13 8 2 Total 34 7 0 18 9 2 Case Prosecution Snapshot: 5/1/25 to 5/31/25 Cases Received for Prosecution Cases Rejected or Dismissed Cases Indicted Cases No Billed Cases Pled Cases Tried Pending Cases By Year Received (as of 5/31/25) Year 2007 2019 2020 2021 # 1 2 2 6 Year 2022 2023 2024 2025 11 7 15 1 11 1 # 23 31 85 68 1 The data summarized in this report was retrieved for analysis on June 11, 2025. Ronald Earle Building, 416 W. 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Cases Pled by Offense: 5/1/25 to 5/31/25 Assault Causes Bodily Injury Attempt to Commit Promote Prostitution Attempt to Commit Unlawful Restraint Expose to Serious Bodily Injury Burglary of Habitation Intend Sex Offense Indecent Assault Sexual Assault Sexual Coercion 1 1 1 1 4 2 1 Trial Outcomes: 5/1/25 to 5/31/25 SEXUAL ASSAULT GUILTY May 2025 Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report Page 2 of 4 About this Report The Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report endeavors to provide a monthly snapshot of adult sexual assault cases that are handled by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office (TCDA). For the purposes of this report, an adult sexual assault case can be any sexual assault case that is either staffed by TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit before it is accepted for prosecution, or that is assigned to TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit and is submitted, accepted, indicted, or otherwise prosecuted as one of the following offenses: Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in Custody or Under Supervision Improper Sexual Activity with a Committed Person Indecent Assault • Aggravated Kidnapping with Intent to Inflict Bodily Injury/Sexual Abuse • Aggravated Sexual Assault • Burglary of a Habitation with the Intent to Commit a Sexual Offense • • • • Failure to Comply/Duty to Register as a Sex Offender† • Hindering the Apprehension/Prosecution of a Known Felon/Sex Offender‡ • Prohibited Sexual Conduct • Sex Trafficking of Persons • Sexual Assault • Sexual Exploitation by a Mental Health Services Provider • Sexual Coercion …
The Office of Police Oversight (OPO) provides independent, impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department (APD). OPO and APD are separate departments within the City of Austin. OPO is staffed by civilians with oversight, legal, policy, and community engagement expertise. Mission: To provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department's conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public to increase transparency, and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community. Vision: To enhance a culture of accountability and transparency within policing in Austin. Common goals of police oversight: 1. Improving public trust 2. Ensuring accessible complaint processes 3. Increasing transparency 4. Deterring police misconduct 5. Promoting thorough, fair investigations 6. Improving policies, practices, and training 7. Improving the public’s understanding of police policy and training 8. Minimize legal risk associated with office misconduct The Office of Police Oversight recognizes that effective change requires a comprehensive approach beyond investigating complaints of alleged police misconduct. To achieve lasting improvements that benefit both the community and the police department, we prioritize robust data research, policy development, and community engagement. To this end, OPO is comprised of three divisions that work collaboratively to create positive change. • Complaint Division • Policy & Research Division • Communications & Community Engagement Division Having three distinct divisions in place enables a comprehensive approach to executing oversight that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and open communication. 1 Complaint Division The Complaint Division of the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) accepts complaints and compliments about the conduct of Austin Police Department (APD) officers. Anyone may submit complaints or compliments based on their own or someone else's experience. OPO accepts contacts via phone, email, U.S. mail, or online. Community members may also file complaints anonymously. Receiving anonymous feedback increases accessibility for community members who would otherwise be unwilling or unable to share their experiences. Throughout 2022, the OPO operated under the meet and confer agreement. 2021 ARBITRATION DECISION In December 2021, OPO modified its operating procedures within the Complaint Division. These changes were in response to an arbitration decision involving the Austin Police Association and the City of Austin. Per the arbitrator's direction, the OPO was no longer allowed to perform certain tasks that were previously within the purview of the Complaint Division, such as: • Receiving interview questions in advance • Change, modify, edit, or add suggestions to interview questions • Conduct preliminary reviews before a complaint investigation has been initiated …
OFFICE OF POLICE OVERSIGHT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR .................................................................................................................. 2 ABOUT OPO .................................................................................................................................................. 3 MISSION .................................................................................................................................................... 3 VISION ....................................................................................................................................................... 3 WHO WE ARE ............................................................................................................................................ 3 WHAT WE DO ............................................................................................................................................ 3 2023 SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................... 4 COMPLAINTS DIVISION ................................................................................................................................ 5 How did OPO process complaints in 2023? ............................................................................................. 7 Allegations by type (2023) ....................................................................................................................... 8 How did APD classify complaints in 2023? ............................................................................................ 16 How did OPO monitor complaint investigations conducted by APD? .................................................. 17 How many complaints were investigated in 2023? ............................................................................... 18 What happened at the end of an investigation? ................................................................................... 18 What Discipline Did APD Issue In 2023? ................................................................................................ 21 What kind of discipline did APD issue in 2023? .................................................................................... 21 What were officers disciplined for in 2023? .......................................................................................... 22 POLICY & RESEARCH DIVISION ................................................................................................................... 25 COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIVISION ................................................................ 26 Documents Related to Lawsuits Alleging Officer Misconduct .............................................................. 27 Community Engagement ........................................................................................................................ 27 Town Hall on Public Safety: People with Disabilities and Policing ....................................................... 28 Quarterly Police Oversight Implementation Workgroup ...................................................................... 28 Automated License Plate Reader Community Feedback ...................................................................... 28 Community Police Review Commission ................................................................................................ 28 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................................. 29 1 OFFICE OF POLICE OVERSIGHT 2023 ANNUAL REPORT MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR 2023 was a year of transition for the Office of Police Oversight (OPO). Nevertheless, the OPO staff demonstrated flexibility and resiliency in managing all the changes and staying focused on the mission. The meet and confer agreement with the Austin Police Association expired on March 31, 2023. I was appointed interim Director in June 2023, just weeks after voters approved a measure amending City Code Chapter 2-15 and placing the authority for the Community Police Review Commission in the City Code. This measure showed a strong community commitment to transparency and accountability. I was officially appointed permanent director in September 2023. Since my appointment, the Office of Police Oversight has diligently worked to align its policies and practices with the new measures. The Office of Police Oversight wholeheartedly believes that achieving meaningful change involves a comprehensive strategy that extends beyond just addressing complaints of police misconduct. We are committed to driving enduring enhancements for both the community and the police force through our emphasis on thorough data research, policy innovation, and active community engagement. With three dynamic divisions working in unison, OPO is unwavering in its commitment to positive transformation that cultivates trust and accountability. We are enthusiastic about …
Public Safety Commission Community Police Review Commission Update & 2023 Annual Report July 7, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. 1 About the Office of Police Oversight The mission of the Office of Police Oversight (OPO) is to provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department’s conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public to increase transparency and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community. ACCOUNTABILITY TRANSPARENCY PARTNERSHIPS 2 Community Police Review Commission 3 Community Police Review Commission (CPRC) ▪ Consists of eleven community volunteers selected by the City Manager. ▪ Separate and independent from the Austin Police Department. ▪ Re-established to align with Municipal Code 2- 15-4, Austin Police Oversight Act. ▪ Currently one vacancy. John Banaski Chair Laura Cortes Franco Vice Chair Maica Clutario Ruben Delapaz Darrick Eugene Terry Flood Carlos Greaves Christopher Harris DeMarris Jackson Kathy Russell 4 CPRC Regular Meetings ▪ Open to the public, no registration required. ▪ Sign up to speak by emailing cprc@austintexas.gov. ▪ Third Friday of the Month, 3-6PM, in the City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room. ▪ Free parking @ City Hall Garage (Parking can be validated). For more info: cprc@austintexas.gov atxpolicecommission.org 5 Missed the meeting? Catch up online! • All Community Police Review Commission meetings are recorded and published online on ATXN. – Visit austintexas.gov/watch-atxn-live – Select “Archive,” then “Boards and Commissions” – Use the filter on the right to see all CPRC recordings • Previous commission meeting recordings (2020- Present), including agendas and presentations are available on ATXN. 6 Complaints Process 7 OPO Complaint Process STEP 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 STEP 1: OPO RECEIVES COMPLAINT • OPO receives complaint, enters it into a shared database with APD. 8 OPO Complaint Process Step 1 STEP 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 STEP 2: PRELIMINARY REVIEW • As of October 1, 2023, OPO conducts a preliminary review of all complaints involving APD officers. • During preliminary review, OPO independently reviews the complaint for potential policy violations. • OPO has direct and unfettered access to all APD databases, including but not limited to, body-worn and dash camera footage, radio traffic, dispatch information, and GPS tracking data. • The community member advises OPO how they would like their complaint processed. 9 OPO Complaint Process Step 1 Step 2 STEP 3 Step 4 Step 5 STEP 3: PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION • OPO initiates a preliminary investigation if an egregious …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Public Safety Commission ____________________________________ The Public Safety Commission of the City of Austin meets the first Monday of each month. The Commission’s task is reviewing the City of Austin’s needs and concerns with regards to public safety through presentations, documents, and data provided by the three public safety departments– Austin Fire Department, Austin PoliceDepartment, and Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services – and from advocates, community organizations, and citizens. The three public safety departments offered quarterly updates on staffing, response times, improvements, departmental priorities and needs, and other timely topics. DISCUSSION ITEMS Regular called meetings between July 2024 and June 2024, committed agenda items and discussions to the following topics of concern to the commissioners, the city council, the community and advocates: • Presentations by Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services and Fleet Mobility Services on Public Safety Vehicles. • Discussion of Forensic Nursing with representatives from The Safe Alliance (SAFE) and Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT). • Approve a Recommendation to Council to include members of the Public Safety Commission and other Boards and Commission members in stakeholder groups meeting the Austin Police Department Chief Candidates. • Update on allowing a single stairway for multifamily development up to five stories. Public Safety Commission Annual Review and Work Plan 2024 - Page 2 • Discussion of Workers’ Compensation insurance program with Public Safety Unions and City of Austin representatives. • Update from Public Safety Commissioner on Austin Police Department Police Chief interview panel. • Update on Text to 911. • Approve a Recommendation to Council for Workers’ Compensation for Public Safety sworn staff to adopt a policy to remove barriers and reduce impact on staffing. • Update on the license plate reader program. • Update on Wildfire Readiness by Austin Fire Department, including an update on the PANO AI system by Austin Energy. • Discussion and overview of the Community Police Review Commission with the Office of Police Oversight and consideration of a Recommendation to Council. • Update on the October 2024 wildfire in East Austin. • Presentation regarding the new Public Safety Headquarters by Kimberly Olivares, Financial Services Department. • Presentation regarding the Death Notification Process within Victim Services by Kachina Clark, Austin Police Department. • Approve a Public Safety Commissioner to serve on the Downtown Commission as a non- …
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION July 7, 2025 6:30 PM AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Music Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Pedro Carvalho – Vice Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Scott Strickland – Secretary, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission meeting on June 2, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Formal endorsements of community programs and events briefing by Shelbi Mitchell, Program Coordinator, Music & Entertainment Division. 3. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 4. FY23 Austin Live Music Fund final reports briefing by Erica Shamaly, Division Manager, Music & Entertainment Division. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Video licensing of local musicians at the airport following presentation by Louie Carr, Own Path Media and Steve Carlos Kirk, Streak Systems. 6. Presentation on grant opportunities with non-profit organization, Housing Opportunities for Musicians & Entertainers (HOME Austin) by Hanna Cofer, Executive Director, HOME. 7. ACME funding guidelines update by Angela Means, Director and Morgan Messick, Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME). DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 8. Approval of recommendation for performance rights organizations and transparency in licensing revenue distribution practices following presentation by Secretary Strickland. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 7/07/2025 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 7.02.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund May 2025 w/ Encumbrances $352,635 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $3,216,539 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $352,635 $816,197 $48,397 $316,607 $809,445 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September
FY23 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot - Compliance Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Music Commission Meeting July 7, 2025 FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot • 367 Awardees for “Specific Future Projects” o 41 $5,000 Grant Awards o 326 $10,000 Grant Awards • Grant Agreements executed Oct–Dec 2023 • Agreement extensions provided to ensure 12-month terms and for compliant Awardees needing more time for awarded “Specific Future Projects” FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot Pilot Program Challenges • • Flawed Economic Development Department (EDD) Portal Large number of grant agreements Application / Reporting System • Switching from EDD Portal to Google reporting forms for static reporting templates • Awarding “Specific Future Projects” when music industry activities are fluid and often subject to change • Awardee inexperience with grant processes and expectations • Awardee personal challenges FY 2023 Live Music Fund Event Program Pilot • 4 Awardees forfeited before receiving any funds • 1 Awardee did interim report evidencing the 1st payment but paid back the 2nd payment (40% of award) and did not receive the 3rd payment of (10% of award) • 56 remaining non-compliant Awardees – Still Attempting Communication o 33 submitted an interim report evidencing the 1st payment, but no final report o 23 submitted no interim report ACME Awardee Non-Compliance Steps • STEP 1 - 1st Notice sent via e-mail to Awardee who is at least 15 business days delinquent in submitting report. Awardee has 10 business days to submit report or contact ACME. E-mail sent by ACME Grant Agreement Manager. • STEP 2 - 2nd Notice sent by certified mail to Awardee who is at least 30 business days delinquent or has submitted an incomplete report after the first delinquent notice. Awardee has 5 business days to submit a complete report. Letter signed by ACME Grant Agreement Manager. *Applicant will not be granted program extension request after second notice. • STEP 3 - Termination Notice sent by certified mail to Awardee who has not responded to and/or provided corrections or additional information. Letter signed by ACME Music & Entertainment Division Manager. Copy of Termination Notice sent to ACME Department Director. FY 2024 Austin Live Music Fund • 136 grant awards accepted out of 136 total grant awards (100%) • 135 signed agreements out of 136 total grant agreements (99%) • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations out of 136 …
Scaling Equity & Innovation in Austin Music A Model for Sustainable Creative Infrastructure Presented to: Austin Music Commission Created by: Louie Carr, Steve Carlos Kirk, Nathalie Phan Presented by: Louie Carr Date: July 7th, 2025 This presentation is a collaborative effort built from lived artist experiences, technical innovation, and forward-thinking policy strategy. Our goal is to help the Commission envision a long- term investment in infrastructure that makes Austin’s music economy more equitable, visible, and sustainable. Opening Vision "Austin doesn’t just have a music scene — it has a music economy. But that economy needs infrastructure. Not just stages, but systems. This is the blueprint." We built a framework that pays artists, showcases local talent, and doesn’t rely on the presence of a physical audience. In a city where affordability and visibility are growing challenges for musicians, this system creates a reliable and equitable pathway for music to remain a core part of Austin’s identity. What We Built (ABIA Recap) JetStream Fest: A collaborative livestream initiative with 23 participating airports across North America — streamed to over 46,000 viewers. Austin’s participation helped center local artists in a national cultural moment. Exterity VDMS System: Over 250 screen endpoints installed throughout ABIA allow seamless digital programming — from gate lounges to baggage claims — all controlled from a single hub. Remote-Controlled Stage: The Asleep at the Wheel performance demonstrated that we can operate a fully professional livestream performance — including lighting, sound, and camera ops — without a single person physically on site. Integrated Signage and Social Streaming: The system isn’t siloed — it connects to social media channels and physical signage across the airport, creating a scalable, multi-platform experience. Impact: ABIA has become one of Austin’s most functional and artist-supportive venues — without being a traditional music venue. It proves that with the right tools, any space can become a cultural amplifier. Artist Voices I love the opportunity to play shows at the airport. Having a regular paying gig, in a space where you meet people from all over the world. Travelers always tell me at my gigs how much their experience has been enhanced from having live music throughout the airport. It makes people happy, it gets them through waiting for their flights. It's a welcoming hello and reminder of time spent here in this vibrant city. A pilot even tipped me at my last gig at the airport...people care …
THE NEXT CHAPTER THE NEXT CHAPTER City of Austin Music Commission Presentation 7.7.2025 Hanna Cofer, Executive Director The HOME Mission HOME creates housing security for aging Austin area musicians. Criteria: Must be at least 55 years old Must have 20+ years history as a working musician in Central Texas Must reside within 70 miles of Austin Must show economic hardship The Need Aging musicians who defined Austin as the Music Capital of the World are operating without a safety net. The Solution: Provide housing assistance to alleviate a significant fiscal burden and allow these legends to age with dignity in their own homes and to stay in Austin, the city of their choice. The Austin housing crisis is growing, creating an increased burden on the creative sector which is causing many to leave the City. Many musicians are reliant on monthly income to pay housing bills, creating delinquency or other crisis when faced with unexpected circumstances such as illness or injury The Solution: Create temporary assistance for housing expenses while connecting musicians with additional services through a partner referral system. The Solution: Make emergency funding available with little effort and a quick turnaround time to give musicians a stopgap in difficult times. Annual Grant Program Emergency Grants Grants of $200 - 1,300 per month ongoing Annual cycle with reapplications required for following fiscal year consideration Payable directly to landlord, utility company, mortage company, etc. Strictly for housing expenses (rent, utilities, house insurance, mortgage, etc) One-time $500 grants for emergency situations Payable directly to artist Short grant application, 1-2 week turnaround time (applications approved administratively) Artists can apply once per calendar year An Increasing Need Age Breakdown of HAAM Clients 2024 Clients Age 50+ 652 2034 Clients Age 50+ 1,290+ Musicians Received HOME Grant Support (as of 7.2025) 304 Expansion Impact Grow Capacity for Emergency Grants to 100 Annually Annual Grants Doubled by Year 3 150+ Artists Served Annually within 2 years 100 80 60 40 20 0 Annual Grants Emergency Grants Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 The Team Board of Directors Nancy Coplin (President) Eve Monsees (Vice-President) Jaye Stepp (Treasurer) Denise Boudreaux (Secretary) Marcia Ball Deb Fleming Marsha Milam Shelley King Carolyn Wonderland Judy Cantilo Kimmie Rhodes Advisory Council Susan Antone, Ruthie Foster, Becky Tomblin, Darcie Fromholz, Leah Davies, Sarah Brown, Reenie Collins, Akina Adderly, Lindsey Bailey, Catarina Mazuca 2025 BUDGET Use of Funds Overhead 6.2% Program Staff 19% …
ACME Funding Program Updates What’s New? The ACME team undertook a rigorous community engagement effort during the Spring-Summer 2025 with an aim to improve funding programs that impact the creative community in Austin, TX. Our community input via “The Creative Reset” showed us great opportunities to enhance, align, and maximize our program goals. Check out the highlights of what’s new. Unified Funding Goals & Improved User Experience • Familiar grant programs, with enhanced eligibility, transparency, and processes to build community trust • A new guideline format creates one set of funding program guidelines vs. individual guidelines with ACME priorities elevated, creating alignment across all funding programs • Application improvements include streamlined intake processes and eligibility screenings before applications open • Funding priorities are clearly defined to focus on creative space, arts nonprofit, and artist resiliency • Enhanced transparency and accessibility will be a focus as we move through our application process Eligibility, Scoring, Evaluation & Grant Awards • Eligibility groups like applicants together to create more alignment in the competitive categories (e.g. nonprofits with space compete as a category, nonprofits without space compete as a separate category, etc.) • Universal Appeals process adopted across ACME programs • Bonus points are now awarded to organizations who experienced federal funding recensions in the current fiscal year from NEA, IMLS, NEH in applicable programs • Operating budgets of eligible nonprofits inform grant award amounts, optimizing investments • Strengthened policies to prevent conflicts-of-interest and double dipping of grant funds, ensuring equitable distribution of funds to more individuals and organizations • Fiscal Sponsorship requirements have been strengthened while remaining optional • Award amounts have changed across programs, reflecting community and commission feedback • Panel Process Improvements include the use of “Olympic style scoring” and a narrative of video “applicant framing statement” opportunity to share more about the organization, project, and goals (non-scored) The next ACME Funding Program application will open in Fall of 2025. ACME Funding Programs: Eligibility At a Glance FUND SOURCE Cultural Arts Fund (HOT) Live Music Fund (HOT) General & Incentive Funds APPLICANT CATEGORY Thrive Elevate Nexus ALMF CSAP Historic Preservation Fund (HOT) Capital Projects (Requires historic designation and highlights the site’s local history) Heritage Events (History-informed preservation project that highlights the site’s local history) 501 (c)(3) Arts Nonprofit (Federal designation) Arts Nonprofit (State designation) 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit (Federal designation) Arts Group Individual Artist Musician / Promoter Live Music Venue Creative Space …
Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Austin's Creative Heartbeat Angela Means, ACME Director July 2025 The Profound Impact of Arts & Culture According to the Texas Cultural Trust 2025 State of the Arts Report 2 Birth of ACME: Answering Austin's Call Born from Community Passion ACME was established after decades of community advocacy for prioritizing arts and music in Austin's identity and governance. Perfect Timing Created during a critical funding shortage for the arts, when traditional sources like bank loans, donations, and federal grants were diminishing. Preserving Austin's Soul Art, music, and culture represent the heart of Austin—the unique vibe that retains locals and attracts visitors. 3 ACME's First Year: Building Trust Through Action 1 Community-Centered Approach Established transparency, active listening, and consistent availability to all stakeholders as core operational principles. 2 Effective Advocacy Successfully mediated resolutions during the controversial Airport expansion and Convention Center demolition projects, protecting local artists and artwork. 3 Research & Benchmarking Analyzed historical community data and conducted national/state benchmarking to identify best practices and industry standards. 4 The Creative Reset: Strategic Vision One-Year Strategic Planning Process Launched The Creative Reset (TCR) to establish ACME's mission, vision, goals, and measurable outcomes. Comprehensive Program Evaluation Reimagining our funding programs, cultural facilities, and special events through a data-driven approach. PHASE 1: Enhanced Funding Programs Austin Live Music Fund, Heritage Preservation , Nexus, Elevate, Thrive, Creative Space Assistance Program and Art in Public Places (AIPP) 5 Our Foundation: Listen First, Act Second ACME revolutionized our approach to community outreach, resulting in unprecedented participation in only 3 weeks! 1,200+ Survey Responses We gathered a broad spectrum of community perspectives. 70 200 Citywide Attendees Our citywide sessions saw active participation from over 200 individuals, fostering widespread dialogue. 50+ Staff Participants Dedicated staff members actively engaged in the process, ensuring internal alignment and expertise. 100 Targeted Focus Groups Through focused discussions, individuals contributed valuable insights in our targeted focus groups. Personalized One-on-One Sessions We conducted personalized one-on- one sessions, offering tailored opportunities for individual input. 6 What We Heard: Community Voices Shaping Our Path Affordability & Cost Barriers Addressing rising costs and financial barriers to participation. Process & Transparency Streamlining the grant application process and enhancing organizational accountability. Funding & Sustainability Ensuring adequate funding levels, fair distribution, and long-term financial health. 7 Venue Access, Transportation, Parking & Geographic Equity Expanding access to spaces with geographic equity. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion …
Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Program Guidelines - what’s new? Presented by Morgan Messick Assistant Director, Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Music Commission Meeting | July 7, 2025 What’s new for ACME Funding Programs? Unified Funding Goals & Improved User Experience • Familiar grant programs, with enhanced eligibility, transparency, and processes to build community trust • A new guideline format creates one set of funding program guidelines vs. individual guidelines with ACME priorities elevated, creating alignment across all funding programs • Application improvements include streamlined intake processes and eligibility screenings before applications open • Funding priorities are clearly defined to focus on creative space, arts nonprofit, and artist resiliency • Enhanced transparency and accessibility will be a focus as we move through our application process See the full “What’s New?” document at publicinput.com/thecreativereset Eligibility, Scoring, Evaluation & Grant Awards • Eligibility groups like applicants together to create more alignment in the competitive categories (e.g. nonprofits with space compete as a category, nonprofits without space compete as a separate category, etc.) • Universal Appeals process adopted across ACME programs • Strengthened policies to prevent conflicts-of-interest and double dipping of grant funds, ensuring equitable distribution of funds to more individuals and organizations • Award amounts have changed across programs, reflecting community and commission feedback See the full “What’s New?” document at publicinput.com/thecreativereset Measuring Program Impacts Austin Live Music Fund Applicant Award Amount Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $20,000 Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $5,000 Live Music Venue with operating budget over $100,000 $70,000 Grant Awards are for one and two-year terms and are based on the amount the awardee selects in their application that most appropriately matches their needs. Scoring Criteria Creative Space Assistance Program Applicant Award Amount All Applicants must have at least a $120,000 operating budget: • Live Music Venue • Performance Venue / Theatre • Museum / Art Gallery • Multi-Use $60,000 Grant Awards are for a one-year term and are based on the amount the awardee selects in their application that most appropriately matches their needs. Scoring Criteria Our Plan to Support the Ecosystem Realigning our Funding Programs • Access for All - Bridge legacy organizations and emerging creatives • Enhance Transparency - Demonstrate accountability measures and transparency tools that close the gap between community concerns and the funding process • Be of Service - Offer more support and resources Final Thoughts • We’ve listened …
DRAFT Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) _________________________ ACME Funding Program Guidelines 1 Updated 7/1/2025 DRAFT Table of Contents Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 3 ACME Funding Program Goals ................................................................................................................. 3 Funding Program Impacts ....................................................................................................................... 4 State of Texas Funding Requirements ...................................................................................................... 4 Expenses ................................................................................................................................................ 5 Awardee Requirements and Commitments .............................................................................................. 5 Grant Application .................................................................................................................................... 6 Evaluation & Review ................................................................................................................................ 6 Grant Agreements & Payments ................................................................................................................ 7 Accessibility Statement .......................................................................................................................... 8 Questions About Grant Guidelines? ......................................................................................................... 8 ACME FUNDING PROGRAM DETAILS ....................................................................................................... 9 Arts & Culture Grants........................................................................................................................... 9 Music & Venue Grants ........................................................................................................................ 14 Heritage Events & Landmark Capital Improvement Projects ................................................................. 19 APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix A: Definitions ...................................................................................................................... 25 Appendix B: Panelists ......................................................................................................................... 29 Appendix C: Appeals Process ............................................................................................................. 32 Appendix D: Insurance Requirements ................................................................................................. 33 Appendix E: Reporting Requirements .................................................................................................. 34 Appendix F: Conflict-of-Interest Policy ................................................................................................ 37 2 Updated 7/1/2025 DRAFT ACME OVERVIEW ______________________________________ Overview In February 2025, the City of Austin created the O(cid:431)ice of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME), to better support the City’s ongoing work with Austin’s creative community, making the city a stronger place for arts, culture, and music. ACME will: • O(cid:431)er clear and direct support for artists and cultural groups, • Help grow the local economy, attract visitors, and build stronger communities, • Support partnerships between artists, cultural groups, and businesses, • Create open and accessible spaces that connect residents and tourists through arts and culture, strengthening community identity and promoting collective storytelling, and • Help build Austin’s identity as a global city for creativity ACME is committed to Building a Collaborative, Vibrant City. ACME Funding Program Goals Austin is home to many creatives that draw tourists and locals alike to the community. A central initiative of ACME is to invest in the creative economy and expand access and participation in arts, music, and heritage by providing grant funding for activities that enrich the public, broaden tourism, and contribute to a vibrant community. ACME supports our community by prioritizing the preservation of creative space, the elevation of arts and arts nonprofits, and through events, projects, and music that contribute to the cultural fabric of Austin. Our programs support all Austinites with a focus on historically underrepresented communities in funding. Our goals and measures of success align with city wide plans, such as Imagine Austin and the City-Wide Strategic Plan. 3 Updated 7/1/2025 DRAFT Funding Program Impacts Performance Measures to Support Program …
Resolution Supporting Consent Decree Reform for Performing Rights Organizations Submitted by: Austin Music Commission To: Austin City Council Date: [Insert Date] WHEREAS, Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World and home to thousands of working musicians, songwriters, and music industry professionals whose livelihoods depend on fair compensation for the public use of their creative works; and WHEREAS, BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) are governed by federal consent decrees imposed by the U.S. Department of Justice, dating back to the 1940s, which mandate that they offer blanket licenses to any user upon request—even before compensation is negotiated or agreed upon; and WHEREAS, these consent decrees remove the ability of BMI and ASCAP to withhold licenses or say “no” to unfair offers, placing their songwriter members at a significant disadvantage in negotiations with powerful licensees such as streaming platforms, radio networks, and large-scale venues; and WHEREAS, competing performing rights organizations such as SESAC and Global Music Rights (GMR) are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions and are free to selectively license their catalogs, negotiate higher rates, and withhold music when terms are not favorable—creating a regulatory imbalance that undermines equity for songwriters; and WHEREAS, the Music Modernization Act of 2018, while advancing mechanical licensing practices through the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), does not address the performance royalty inequities created by the outdated consent decree structure; and WHEREAS, these outdated decrees hinder innovation, suppress fair market rates, and disproportionately harm independent and mid-level songwriters, many of whom rely on BMI and ASCAP as their primary representation in public performance licensing; and WHEREAS, federal policymakers have previously reviewed these decrees but failed to implement meaningful reform, in part due to political pressure from large trade associations representing bars, hotels, and broadcasters who benefit from below-market licensing rates; and WHEREAS, a modern and competitive music licensing framework is necessary to sustain the creative economy in Austin and ensure that all songwriters are compensated justly for the use of their work; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin Music Commission recommends that the Austin City Council formally support federal consent decree reform, specifically the phasing out or modernization of the consent decrees that govern BMI and ASCAP, in order to restore fair negotiating rights and market parity for American songwriters. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Austin shall communicate this position …
Austin Music Commission Statement on Consent Decree Reform for Performing Rights Organizations As representatives of the Austin music community—home to thousands of working musicians, songwriters, and music industry professionals—the Austin Music Commission urges federal policymakers to re-examine and modernize the outdated consent decrees governing the operations of BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and ASCAP (the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers). These consent decrees, originating in the 1940s, were implemented to prevent anticompetitive behavior in the music licensing marketplace. However, in today’s complex and rapidly evolving digital economy, they no longer serve the interests of music creators. Under the current legal framework, BMI and ASCAP are required to offer licenses to any user— broadcasters, digital platforms, venues, etc.—upon request, regardless of whether payment or licensing terms have been agreed upon. This mandatory licensing obligation removes the organizations’ ability to withhold their catalogs during negotiations and weakens their leverage in securing fair market rates for the songwriters they represent. Meanwhile, other performing rights organizations, such as SESAC and Global Music Rights (GMR), are not bound by such consent decrees. These organizations can selectively license, demand higher payouts, and choose which artists to represent. This creates an uneven playing field in which BMI and ASCAP—who collectively represent the vast majority of American songwriters—are artificially constrained in negotiations while their competitors operate freely under modern market conditions. We believe the solution is not to expand outdated regulations to more organizations, but to relieve BMI and ASCAP from their decades-old consent decrees. By restoring their ability to negotiate in a truly free market, we can ensure all PROs operate under the same rules and songwriters are compensated more fairly across the board. Furthermore, we encourage Congress to take a closer look at the broader structural challenges facing music licensing—particularly the rate-setting procedures at the Copyright Royalty Board and the distribution of unmatched “black box” royalties—many of which continue to disproportionately benefit large publishers and platforms over the independent creators who power today’s music economy. As a city known for supporting creative talent, we stand in solidarity with the songwriters and music venues whose livelihoods depend on a fair and functional licensing system. We respectfully urge our federal partners to support reforms that restore equity and opportunity to the American songwriter. Signed, Austin Music Commission [Date]
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS JULY 7, 2025, 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd Street AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely or in person, contact Gunjen Mittal at gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-6104. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Miriam Dorantes, Vice-Chair Diane Kanawati Adrian De La Rosa Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Azeem Edwin Alondra Johnson Yohana Saucedo Aditi Joshi Meghana Roy AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on June 2, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding updates on the procurement process and budget of the Quality-of-Life Study by Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator and Jeremy Garza, Business Process Consultant – Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Welcome new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. 4. Update on the most recent Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) meeting held in June 2025, as it relates to the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the 2024-2025 Annual Internal Review Report. 6. Approve updates to the membership of the Quality-of-Life Working Group. (Working Group Members: Chair Melissa Ortega, Commissioners Alondra Johnson, Aditi Joshi, Jeanne C Kaba; Community Stakeholders: Karen Crawford, Krystal Gomez, Oscar Ponce, and Kirk Yoshida). 7. Approve updates to the membership of the Budget Working Group. (Working Group Members: Chair Melissa Ortega, Vice Chair Miriam Dorantes, and Commissioner Alondra Johnson). 8. Approve the amendments to Article 3 section A of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs bylaws regarding membership as proposed by the Audit and Finance Committee. 9. Approve the selection of a representative from the Commission on Immigrant Affairs to speak at the July 21st LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission meeting regarding how the LGBTQ Quality …
Commission on Immigrant Affairs Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 Commission on Immigrant Affairs REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, June 2, 2025 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Austin City Hall, W 3rd St, Room 1101 in Austin, Texas. Chair Ortega called the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting to order at 6:44 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Alondra Johnson Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Miriam Dorantes, Vice-Chair Aditi Joshi Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Meghna Roy Yohana Saucedo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigration Affairs regular meeting on May 5, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of May 5, 2025 were approved on Commissioner Joshi’s motion, Commissioner Lincoln-Goldfinch’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Edwin was absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 Commission on Immigrant Affairs Meeting Minutes June 2, 2025 2. 3. 4. Briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager – Immigrant Affairs, regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. The presentation was made by Rocio Villalobos, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager – Immigrant Affairs. Briefing by Jeremy Garza and Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator – Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion, regarding update on Quality-of-Life study of immigrants, refugees and other foreign-born community members. The presentation was made by Jeremy Garza and Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator – Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion. Briefing by Dr. Wilson regarding status update for budget of Commission on Immigrant Affairs Study. Withdrawn. PRESENTATION 5. 6. Presentation by Academia Cuauhtli, a community-based education initiative focused on serving Austin’s immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities through culturally and linguistically sustaining programming regarding brief overview of our work and request support for our FY 2025-2026 budget recommendation. The presentation was made by Angela Venezuela, Emilio Zamora, and Dr. Carmen Unda, founders and educators - Academia Cuauhtli. Presentation by Daniela Silva, from Worker’s Defense Action Fund regarding license plate readers pilot program. The presentation was made by Daniela Silva, from Worker’s Defense Action Fund. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. 8. Welcome new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Withdrawn Discussion regarding the planned sunsetting of the Equity Division’s Undoing Racism trainings for community members, City staff, and Commissioners. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Discussion and action on the proposal made by the Audit and Finance Committee regarding the …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-010: Community Investment Budget 2025/2026 WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to an inclusive and transparent budget development process that utilizes resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure budget priorities are being met1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has made community engagement a core pillar of its budget planning process, employing a diverse mix of tools and strategies—including multilingual surveys, public meetings, digital budget simulators, and data transparency initiatives—to ensure residents play a meaningful role in shaping the city's funding priorities; and WHEREAS, for the last several years, 30 to 40 community groups have come together on a yearly basis to create detailed budget recommendations known as the Community Investment Budget, issued by Equity Action; and WHEREAS, over 18 percent of Austin’s residents are foreign-born, and immigrant-founded businesses account for nearly one-quarter of new enterprises in the city, contributing significantly to Austin’s economy and civic vitality ; and WHEREAS, the 2025/2026 version of the Community Investment Budget addresses concerns that echo or are similar to Joint Inclusion Committee and the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommendations on additional funds for: Immigrant legal and other support services, • • Know Your Rights clinics, • Expansion of programs offered by Office of Equity and Inclusion, • Culturally competent community engagement during emergencies, • Expansion of emergency shelters for inclement weather events, • Expansion of technical apprenticeships and training, • • Numerous recommendations on enhancing childcare services. Implementation of climate resilience and disaster preparedness initiatives, and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs urges the Austin City Council to instruct the City Manager to work in partnership with the Community Investment Budget feedback process and to incorporate at least 50% of the recommendations, emphasizing that roughly only 11% were reflected in the last year’s budget. 1 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/city-budget Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-011: Establishment of an Immigrant & Refugee Emergency Fund WHEREAS, the United States is currently experiencing an aggressive second-term federal enforcement agenda, and the State of Texas is escalating anti-immigrant policies—including local law enforcement cooperation with ICE and bans on sanctuary protections—that have created fear, trauma, and disruption among immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born community members; and WHEREAS, these enforcement actions have led to an alarming increase in family separation, economic disruption, housing instability, and mental health crisis among Austin’s immigrant communities, including children whose caregivers have been detained or deported; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has declared itself a “Freedom City,” prioritizing protections for immigrant residents, advancing racial equity through its Equity Office, and striving to maintain a high quality of life for all residents ; and WHEREAS, over 18 percent of Austin’s residents are foreign-born, and immigrant-founded businesses account for nearly one-quarter of new enterprises in the city, contributing significantly to Austin’s economy and civic vitality ; and WHEREAS, Austin City Council and the City Manager have affirmed commitments to equity, inclusivity, and protecting marginalized communities through policies, investments, and Quality of Life research, especially within immigrant and refugee populations; and WHEREAS, the current environment necessitates emergency support mechanisms to address urgent needs—financial, emotional, and mental—resulting from immigration enforcement actions, especially among children and families experiencing ICE raids and caregiver detentions; and WHEREAS, no other entity in Texas is positioned to rapidly deploy funding or mental health services to support these affected community members at scale, making City-led action both necessary and uniquely effective; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. The Commission on Immigrant Affairs urges the Austin City Council to direct the City Manager to collaborate with relevant departments to establish an Immigrant & Refugee Emergency Assistance Fund, with the following features: • Immediate cash grants for families who lose their primary breadwinner due to ICE detention or deportation, to address rent, utilities, food, and other essential expenses; • Mental health counseling and trauma support for children and youth impacted by forced family separation; • Flexible funding pathways (such as a dedicated city-managed grant program or partnership with CBOs) to ensure swift, accessible delivery to impacted community members. 2. The Commission recommends that this fund be structured to: • Be activated within 30 days of Council approval; • Prioritize eligibility for families with children under 18 who have lost a …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-012: Support of Academia Cuauhtli Programming and Expansion WHEREAS, since its founding in 2013, Academia Cuauhtli (founded by Nuestro Grupo, a community-based volunteer organization) was established at the ESB-MACC as a free Saturday culture and language revitalization academy for elementary school children and their parents, with a curriculum focused on Indigeneity, social justice, Tejano history, traditional arts, and danza Mexica and since July 2014, Academia Cuauhtli has served as an official educational enterprise partnered with the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Culture Center (ESB-MACC); and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli, administered through a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Austin, Austin Independent School District (AISD), and Nuestro Grupo embraces and fulfills the purpose of “making Austin a place where its high quality of life is available to and accessible for all its citizens” by advocating for educational equity and well-being for Austin Independent School District students in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its vision statement expressed as “a future where children live with a thinking heart and the courage to pursue their aspirations within the liberating and sacred learning spaces” by overseeing the administrative operations for multiple year long projects which include: Saturday Esquelita (September-March), Summer STEM School (June-August), La Collaborativa Cuauhtli, Cuauhtli Teacher Curriculum Workshops, and a research team comprised of 11 qualitative and quantitative education scholars; and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its mission expressed as “to honor our communities' cultural heritage, foster social justice, and reclaim our collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom” by serving as a means for the comprehensive advancement of the students and their parents—via its strong partnership with students’ parents—by providing a supportive and uplifting learning environment, as well as for providing for the social, and economic needs, including the extensive COVID-related assistance extended to its participant Latino families during the pandemic in Austin, Texas; and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauthli fulfills its mission by enrolling from 2014-2024 over 800 AISD emergent bilingual students, trained over 250 Indigenous/Latinx public school teachers, hosted over 25 professional development workshops, initiated Cuauhtli’s Grow Your Own bilingual leadership development program for AISD teachers of color, and successfully implemented a research-university-community partnership between AISD, UT Austin’s College of Education Department of Educational Leadership and Policy faculty and graduate student researchers, the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-013: Protecting and Sustaining Local Public Health Infrastructure in Austin WHEREAS, Austin Public Health (APH) provides vital population-level services that protect over 1.35 million residents, including immunization clinics, HIV and STD testing and treatment, refugee health screenings, violence prevention programming, substance misuse support, and neighborhood centers offering basic needs assistance; and WHEREAS, core public health infrastructure funding in the amount of $9,500,000 is currently at risk due to unstable federal funding streams and national-level proposals to reduce or eliminate key public health support; and WHEREAS, the federal political climate—marked by increasing hostility toward public health institutions—has created uncertainty for municipalities dependent on federal dollars, putting local public health outcomes in jeopardy; and WHEREAS, investing in public health not only enhances the quality of life for all but can also lead to substantial savings over time; and WHEREAS, In 2016, the Austin City Council, through RESOLUTION NO. 20160128-068, adopted a formal policy to invest in additional funding for health and social services; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City of Austin fully protect the $9,500,000 currently allocate to Core Public Health Infrastructure along with a dedicated $6,000,000 public health reserve fund to ensure the continuity of essential services in the event of further federal disinvestment or emergency needs; BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City of Austin prioritize funding for public health programs, advocate at the state and national levels for sustained investment in local public health systems and oppose federal-level efforts that jeopardize public health funding, particularly for historically underserved communities. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-010: Community Investment Budget 2025/2026 WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to an inclusive and transparent budget development process that utilizes resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure budget priorities are being met1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has made community engagement a core pillar of its budget planning process, employing a diverse mix of tools and strategies—including multilingual surveys, public meetings, digital budget simulators, and data transparency initiatives—to ensure residents play a meaningful role in shaping the city's funding priorities; and WHEREAS, for the last several years, 30 to 40 community groups have come together on a yearly basis to create detailed budget recommendations known as the Community Investment Budget, issued by Equity Action; and WHEREAS, over 18 percent of Austin’s residents are foreign-born, and immigrant-founded businesses account for nearly one-quarter of new enterprises in the city, contributing significantly to Austin’s economy and civic vitality ; and WHEREAS, the 2025/2026 version of the Community Investment Budget addresses concerns that echo or are similar to Joint Inclusion Committee and the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommendations on additional funds for: Immigrant legal and other support services, • • Know Your Rights clinics, • Expansion of programs offered by Office of Equity and Inclusion, • Culturally competent community engagement during emergencies, • Expansion of emergency shelters for inclement weather events, • Expansion of technical apprenticeships and training, • • Numerous recommendations on enhancing childcare services. Implementation of climate resilience and disaster preparedness initiatives, and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs urges the Austin City Council to instruct the City Manager to work in partnership with the Community Investment Budget feedback process and to incorporate at least 50% of the recommendations, emphasizing that roughly only 11% were reflected in the last year’s budget. 1 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/city-budget Date of Approval: 7/7/2025 Record of the vote: 10-0 Motioned by: Commissioner Johnson Seconded by: Commissioner De La Rosa For: Chair Ortega, Vice Chair Dorantes, Commissioners De La Rosa, Edwin, Johnson, Joshi, Kaba, Kanawati, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Roy Absent: Commissioner Saucedo Attest: Nekaybaw Watson Nekaybaw Watson
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-011: Establishment of an Immigrant & Refugee Emergency Fund WHEREAS, the United States is currently experiencing an aggressive second-term federal enforcement agenda, and the State of Texas is escalating anti-immigrant policies—including local law enforcement cooperation with ICE and bans on sanctuary protections—that have created fear, trauma, and disruption among immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born community members; and WHEREAS, these enforcement actions have led to an alarming increase in family separation, economic disruption, housing instability, and mental health crisis among Austin’s immigrant communities, including children whose caregivers have been detained or deported; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has declared itself a “Freedom City,” prioritizing protections for immigrant residents, advancing racial equity through its Equity Office, and striving to maintain a high quality of life for all residents ; and WHEREAS, over 18 percent of Austin’s residents are foreign-born, and immigrant-founded businesses account for nearly one-quarter of new enterprises in the city, contributing significantly to Austin’s economy and civic vitality ; and WHEREAS, Austin City Council and the City Manager have affirmed commitments to equity, inclusivity, and protecting marginalized communities through policies, investments, and Quality of Life research, especially within immigrant and refugee populations; and WHEREAS, the current environment necessitates emergency support mechanisms to address urgent needs—financial, emotional, and mental—resulting from immigration enforcement actions, especially among children and families experiencing ICE raids and caregiver detentions; and WHEREAS, no other entity in Texas is positioned to rapidly deploy funding or mental health services to support these affected community members at scale, making City-led action both necessary and uniquely effective; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: 1. The Commission on Immigrant Affairs urges the Austin City Council to direct the City Manager to collaborate with relevant departments to establish an Immigrant & Refugee Emergency Assistance Fund, with the following features: • Immediate cash grants for families who lose their primary breadwinner due to ICE detention or deportation, to address rent, utilities, food, and other essential expenses; • Mental health counseling and trauma support for children and youth impacted by forced family separation; • Flexible funding pathways (such as a dedicated city-managed grant program or partnership with CBOs) to ensure swift, accessible delivery to impacted community members. 2. The Commission recommends that this fund be structured to: • Be activated within 30 days of Council approval; • Prioritize eligibility for families with children under 18 who have lost a …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-012: Support of Academia Cuauhtli Programming and Expansion WHEREAS, since its founding in 2013, Academia Cuauhtli (founded by Nuestro Grupo, a community-based volunteer organization) was established at the ESB-MACC as a free Saturday culture and language revitalization academy for elementary school children and their parents, with a curriculum focused on Indigeneity, social justice, Tejano history, traditional arts, and danza Mexica and since July 2014, Academia Cuauhtli has served as an official educational enterprise partnered with the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Culture Center (ESB-MACC); and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli, administered through a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Austin, Austin Independent School District (AISD), and Nuestro Grupo embraces and fulfills the purpose of “making Austin a place where its high quality of life is available to and accessible for all its citizens” by advocating for educational equity and well-being for Austin Independent School District students in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin; and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its vision statement expressed as “a future where children live with a thinking heart and the courage to pursue their aspirations within the liberating and sacred learning spaces” by overseeing the administrative operations for multiple year long projects which include: Saturday Esquelita (September-March), Summer STEM School (June-August), La Collaborativa Cuauhtli, Cuauhtli Teacher Curriculum Workshops, and a research team comprised of 11 qualitative and quantitative education scholars; and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its mission expressed as “to honor our communities' cultural heritage, foster social justice, and reclaim our collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom” by serving as a means for the comprehensive advancement of the students and their parents—via its strong partnership with students’ parents—by providing a supportive and uplifting learning environment, as well as for providing for the social, and economic needs, including the extensive COVID-related assistance extended to its participant Latino families during the pandemic in Austin, Texas; and WHEREAS, Academia Cuauthli fulfills its mission by enrolling from 2014-2024 over 800 AISD emergent bilingual students, trained over 250 Indigenous/Latinx public school teachers, hosted over 25 professional development workshops, initiated Cuauhtli’s Grow Your Own bilingual leadership development program for AISD teachers of color, and successfully implemented a research-university-community partnership between AISD, UT Austin’s College of Education Department of Educational Leadership and Policy faculty and graduate student researchers, the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-013: Protecting and Sustaining Local Public Health Infrastructure in Austin WHEREAS, Austin Public Health (APH) provides vital population-level services that protect over 1.35 million residents, including immunization clinics, HIV and STD testing and treatment, refugee health screenings, violence prevention programming, substance misuse support, and neighborhood centers offering basic needs assistance; and WHEREAS, core public health infrastructure funding in the amount of $9,500,000 is currently at risk due to unstable federal funding streams and national-level proposals to reduce or eliminate key public health support; and WHEREAS, the federal political climate—marked by increasing hostility toward public health institutions—has created uncertainty for municipalities dependent on federal dollars, putting local public health outcomes in jeopardy; and WHEREAS, investing in public health not only enhances the quality of life for all but can also lead to substantial savings over time; and WHEREAS, In 2016, the Austin City Council, through RESOLUTION NO. 20160128-068, adopted a formal policy to invest in additional funding for health and social services; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City of Austin fully protect the $9,500,000 currently allocate to Core Public Health Infrastructure along with a dedicated $6,000,000 public health reserve fund to ensure the continuity of essential services in the event of further federal disinvestment or emergency needs; BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City of Austin prioritize funding for public health programs, advocate at the state and national levels for sustained investment in local public health systems and oppose federal-level efforts that jeopardize public health funding, particularly for historically underserved communities. Date of Approval: 7/7/2025 Record of the vote: 10-0 Motioned by: Commissioner Johnson Seconded by: Commissioner De La Rosa For: Chair Ortega, Vice Chair Dorantes, Commissioners De La Rosa, Edwin, Johnson, Joshi, Kaba, Kanawati, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Roy Absent: Commissioner Saucedo Attest: Nekaybaw Watson Nekaybaw Watson
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Commission on Immigrant Affairs The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: § 2-1-126 - COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS. (B)The commission shall: (1) advise the city council on issues of common concern to immigrants, particularly in the areas of health and human services, education, and the demographic makeup of the Austin immigrant community; (2) monitor requirements of federal, state, and local immigration, welfare and other laws that affect immigrants, and recommend to the city council actions to maximize the benefits to local immigrants under existing laws and to minimize the adverse impacts to local immigrants under the laws; (3) promote recognition of the contributions of the foreign-born to the economic and cultural vitality of Austin; and (4) promote the availability of, and promote accessibility to, local educational, economic, legal, and social resources for immigrants. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. (Reference all reports, recommendations, letters or resolutions presented to the City Council on mission-specific issues. If some of the elements of the mission statement were not acted on by the board in the past year, the report should explain why no action was taken.) The Commission on Immigrant Affairs (CoIA) submitted its budget recommendations to City Council for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. These recommendations were shared with City Council and relevant staff, in alignment with the commission’s advisory role to promote equitable access to educational, economic, legal, health, human services, and social resources for immigrant communities. Annual Review and Work Plan Year Page # In addition to presenting specific recommendations, the commission also emphasized the importance of reporting by advocating for a more strategic and collaborative approach to the budget recommendation process, in keeping with its advisory responsibility. The commission’s approved budget recommendations were as follows: Recommendation 20240916-006 Subject: Budget Reporting Recommendation 20250303-014: Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions Recommendation Number: 20250329-007: Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability Recommendation Number: 20250329-008: Reallocation of Quality-of-Life Study Funds to the FY 2025–2026 Budget Recommendation Number: 20250329-006: Providing Funding for Printing and Distribution of 'Know Your Rights' Red Cards at Austin Public Libraries Recommendation Number: 20250329-005: Providing Resources for Immigrant Students Recommendation Number: 20250329-004: Budget Expand Equity and Inclusion …
