BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20250212-004: Budget Recommendation Regarding Family Stabilization and Equity Office WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 32% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 94% of the children in households with low income under age 6 are children of color; and WHEREAS, decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the world because children born into poverty and children of color are disproportionately born early, at low weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, UpTogether has had proven social and economic outcomes from their recent City of Austin work; and WHEREAS, most families supported by the UpTogether project are families with young children; and WHEREAS, the Equity Office has managed and supported ongoing investment with UpTogether. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin make the $1.3 million investment in the Family Stabilization Grants permanent and create a clear path to expanding the investment to $3 million annually. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council encourages the Austin City Council to sustain investment in the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Equity Division as a vital City of Austin function. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20250212-005: Budget Process Recommendation WHEREAS, the current budget process timeline calls for all Boards and Commissions to finalize their budget recommendations by March 31 of each year; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) is one such Commission charged with giving voice to and integrating recommendations from 11 Commissions represented on it that touch underrepresented groups; and WHEREAS, many of the Boards and Commissions have ongoing discussions of budget priorities during December, January, and February of each year; and WHEREAS, those discussions are essential elements in gathering community input and allowing City Staff to complete staff work; and WHEREAS, it is problematic to request that the JIC be required to gather and integrate eleven different boards and commissions at the same the eleven commissions are consolidating their input. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends the deadline for the JIC to submit their budget recommendations be extended to April 30 of each budget year. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
Tourism Commission Board Meeting Feb. 12, 2025 Austin Tourism Public Improvement District ● 2% assessment fee on taxable hotel room nights for hotels with 100+ rooms ● Funding will allow for enhanced incentives for groups events at the Austin Convention Center and Palmer Events Center, as well as incentivizing in-house hotel groups. ● Allows for increased sales, marketing, advertising and research activities. ● Estimated $30 million in total collections in ● Collections begin April 1, 2025 and first payment expected in first full year August 2025 ● Working on obtaining a line of credit in advance to support initiatives before collections begin TPID Founding Board Alison Berg General Manager AT&T Conference Center Scott Blalock Vice Chair VP/ General Manager JW Marriott Austin Joe Bolash General Manager Hilton Austin Mike Culver General Manager Fairmont Austin Jeff Donahoe Board Chair General Manager Hyatt Regency Austin Rob Gillette General Manager Renaissance Austin Hotel Elizabeth Jackson Area General Manager Hampton Inn South Corynn Hansen General Manager Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Santosh Khanjee Principal Aiden Austin City Hotel Joanna McCreary General Manager W Austin Joseph Pagone Regional Vice President Westin Domain Neal Patel Owner Extended Stay America - North Central Andy Patel Board Secretary Owner Aloft Austin NW Ex Officio Denise Eisman President Austin Hotel & Lodging Association Tom Noonan President & CEO Visit Austin Paul Barnes Deputy Director Austin Convention Center Visitor Center: Phillips Building 103-105 5th Street SAVE THE DATE Tuesday, March 11th Join us for a grand opening event at the new Austin Visitor Center location 4:00pm - 7:00pm 103 E. Fifth St. Austin, TX 78701 SALES & SERVICES Steve Genovesi, Executive Vice President VISIT AUSTIN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (13) members make up the Visit Austin Executive Committee, a subcommittee of the Board who meet prior to the quarterly meetings to review/approve business activities and action items going before the Board. Skeeter Miller Immediate Past Chair Owner, The County Line, Inc Scott Blalock General Manager, JW Marriott Austin Joe Bolash General Manager, Hilton Austin Greg Chanon Secretary Attorney, Chanon Law Jennifer Currier, General Manager, Sonesta Select Austin North Rob Gillette Chairman General Manager, Renaissance Austin Hotel Cindy Lo President & Event Strategist, RED VELVET Tom Noonan CEO, Visit Austin Vijay Patel Humble Origins Hospitality Management Andy Loughnane President, Austin FC Joanna McCreary General Manager, W Austin Rodney Siebels Director, Global Events and Executive Programs, Hitachi Vantara Trisha Tatro Director, Austin Convention Center …
————[ Austin Tourism Commission, 2/12/25 ]———— Mission Statement Travel Texas’ mission is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state domestic and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to the state, thereby creating revenue and jobs. 2 Travel Texas • Travel Texas is the only entity responsible for tourism promotion to non-Texans. • Major activities performed under the program include advertising, public relations and marketing in domestic and international markets. • Travel research is conducted to provide a foundation to inform and direct the program’s tourism activities and encourage tourism development. 3 Return on Investment State taxes generated by influenced travel from outside the state were estimated at $246 million in FY24 – an increase of 16% over the prior year. I S N O L L M I 4 Halo Effect of Tourism Promotion Travel promotion helps to educate, inspire and ultimately influence travel while also improving perceptions of the state as a good place to: • Relocate a business • Start a career • Start a business • Live and play • Attend college 5 6 Tourism Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 7 Research & Development Texas Travel Industry Research Detailed industry research reports for travel and tourism in Texas by calendar year are available on request. • Economic Impact of Travel on Texas • Texas Domestic Visitor Profiles – Statewide and Regional • Texas International Visitors Report 9 Interactive Economic Impact Website Local estimates are available to assist travel industry partners with developing tourism. • Regional (tourism regions, heritage trails, MSA’s) • Legislative district • All 254 Counties • 300+ Cities 10 Texas Tourism Regions – Hill Country (2023, YOY) Travel Spending Employment Earnings Tax Revenue $12.3B up 1.2% 103.6K up 6.8% $4.6B up 10.6% $1.2B up 2.9% 11 Direct Travel Spending In 2023, spending by travelers to and within Texas was estimated at $94.8 billion. This spending generated an economic impact of $193.8 billion supporting 1.3 million Texas jobs. s n o i l l i B $100 $90 $80 $70 $60 $50 $40 $30 $20 $10 $- 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Current Dollars Inflation Adjusted (2023) Source: Dean Runyan Associates 12 Spending by Commodity (2023, 2022) Travel spending impacts many sectors of the economy with the largest commodity categories being food service, accommodations, local transportation and gasoline. Food Service Accommodations …
To: From: Date: Subject: Zero Waste Advisory Commission Richard McHale, Director, Austin Resource Recovery February 12, 2025 Director’s Monthly Report to the Zero Waste Advisory Commission Universal Recycling Ordinance The Universal Recycling Ordinance annual reporting period is open each fiscal year from October 1 through February 1. This year the department migrated to the public facing an online reporting system to a new software and database system. There is always concern when launching a new software platform, but this inaugural run was largely incident free, and the software programs are running smoothly and effectively. Public reporting rates continue to lag behind the anticipated performance. As of January 30, 43% of URO affected properties have been reported. Staff plan to take additional measures throughout the fiscal year to improve online submission rates. A strategic plan has been developed to deliver outreach, including email or mailed letters to non-submitting properties throughout the summer. Outreach is also being coordinated with the Austin Apartment Association, including a February 13 webinar. More information at: www.austinaptassoc.com/events. Circular Accelerator and Showcase applications open The City of Austin offers support to circular entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized enterprises. The Circular Austin Showcase provides the opportunity for circular economy businesses and entrepreneurs to compete for a cash prize in August each year. The Circular Austin Accelerator helps entrepreneurs improve their circular business ideas through workshops and 1:1 technical assistance. Applications are open February 3rd through March 16. More information at: www.austintexas.gov/circularshowcase. Lamp Repair Workshop On February 15, a lamp repair workshop will be held at Asian American Resource Center. This is a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the essential skills to troubleshoot and repair lamps. Learn more at: www.austintexas.gov/FixIt. On-Demand On January 13, 2025, ARR began citywide on-demand collections for Brush, Bulk and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Services. On-Demand Brush collection has serviced 568 appointments collecting 105 tons of material. On- Demand Bulk collection has serviced 3,010 appointments. The Bulk program has also diverted 22.5 tons of metals, appliances, electronics, rigid plastics, and tires from disposal area landfills. The HHW program serviced 497 appointments totaling 19.5 tons of material. The programs observed an immediate reduction in overtime hours for employees due to services being scheduled. The use of routing technology to collect scheduled appointments has also reduced the number of miles driven by ARR employees. Furniture Warehouse Grant Update The City of Austin received a SWIFR grant commitment up …
Tourism Commission Board Meeting Feb. 12, 2025 Visit Austin Boards ● Visit Austin Board of Directors ● Visit Austin Executive Committee ● Visit Austin Sports Commission Board of Directors ● Visit Austin Foundation Board of Directors ● Austin Tourism Public Improvement District Board Each Board meets quarterly to review business activities. R E T S O R D R A O B N T S U A T S V I I I Elizabeth Alderson Austin Detours Rob Gillette General Manager, Renaissance Austin Hotel Vijay Patel Humble Origins Hospitality Management Monica Andry President/CEO, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Ghizlane Badawi CEO, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Dianne Bangle CEO, Real Estate Council of Austin Will Bridges Antone’s Nightclub T.C. Broadnax City Manager, City of Austin Scott Blalock General Manager, JW Marriott Austin Joe Bolash General Manager, Hilton Austin Tina Cannon Executive Director, Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce Greg Chanon Attorney, Chanon Law Jennifer Currier General Manager, Sonesta Select Austin North Mark Duval President & CEO, Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce Jeremy Martin CEO, Austin Chamber of Commerce Nate Hardesty General Manager, THOMPSON AUSTIN| tommie Austin Tam Hawkins President & CEO, Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce Cindy Lo President & Event Strategist, RED VELVET | Strong Events Andy Loughnane President, Austin FC Beverly Magee General Manager, Four Seasons Austin David Masters Four Blue Plans, LLC Joanna McCreary General Manager, W Austin Skeeter Miller Owner, The County Line, Inc Tom Noonan CEO, Visit Austin Dewitt "De" Peart President & CEO, Downtown Austin Alliance Zo Qadri Council Member, District 9, City of Austin Jim Ritts CEO & Executive Director, Austin Theatre Alliance Rodney Siebels Director, Global Events and Executive Programs, Hitachi Vantara Steven Stout Executive Director, TSAE Trisha Tatro Director, Austin Convention Center Jordan Uppleger VP of Tournament Business, PGA TOUR Dottie Watkins President & CEO, CapMetro Kirk Watson Mayor, City of Austin VISIT AUSTIN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (13) members make up the Visit Austin Executive Committee, a subcommittee of the Board who meet prior to the quarterly meetings to review/approve business activities and action items going before the Board. Skeeter Miller Immediate Past Chair Owner, The County Line, Inc Scott Blalock General Manager, JW Marriott Austin Joe Bolash General Manager, Hilton Austin Greg Chanon Secretary Attorney, Chanon Law Jennifer Currier, General Manager, Sonesta Select Austin North Rob Gillette Chairman General Manager, Renaissance Austin Hotel Cindy Lo President & Event Strategist, RED VELVET …
Commission on Aging Regular Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 The Commission on Aging convened in a regular meeting at City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd St, Austin, Texas, 78701 and remotely. Chair Bondi called the Commission on Aging Meeting to order at 12:00pm. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Richard Bondi, Vice Chair Gretchen Flatau, Austin Adams, Gloria Lugo, Henry Van de Putte, Jacqueline Angel, Jennifer Scott, Martin Kareithi, Preston Tyree, Suzanne Anderson, Teresa Ferguson, and Tina Rodriquez. Board Members/Commissioners not in Attendance: Marianna Gonzalez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the December 11th, 2024, regular Commission on Aging Meeting. • The minutes from the meeting of December 11th, 2024, were approved by Commissioner Scott’s motion, Commissioner Angel’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Adams, Anderson, and Gonzalez were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion and review of Commission on Aging expiring terms (February 28th, 2025), the 60-day holdover period, and reapplying with appointing bodies for continued service. • Commissioners were reminded of upcoming expiring terms, the 60-day holdover period, and next steps if they would like to continue service on the Commission on Aging. 3. Discussion and update on the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan. • Brief update was provided on the plan, including that a draft was shared with the commissioners. 4. Discussion and update on communications with the City of Buda’s Commission on Aging. • Commissioners Adams and Anderson entered the dais. • Chair Bondi has been leading conversations with the City of Buda’s Commission on Aging, including opportunities for alignment and collaboration. 5. Update on the Joint Inclusion Committee’s process for City of Austin FY26 Budget recommendations as it relates to the Commission on Aging. 1 • The Joint Inclusion Committee will be receiving a presentation from the City of Austin Housing Department. Chair Bondi will provide update at the next meeting to the commissioners. 6. Request for and discussion on potential budget recommendations from the Commission on Aging for the FY26 City of Austin Budget. • Commissioners were asked to submit budget recommendations in a timely manner. • Commissioners will be taking action on budget recommendations at their February and March meetings. STAFF BRIEFINGS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 7. Staff Briefing regarding Age-Friendly Austin including update on the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan Update, Nicole Howe, Age Friendly Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health. • Program Coordinator Nicole Howe gave an update …
Older Americans Month 2024 Proposed Mayor’s Proclamation Be it known that Whereas, Older Americans Month is observed nationally to encourage older adults to CONNECT through social participation, CREATE by engaging in activities that promote healthy learning, and CONTRIBUTE time, talent, and life experience to others; and Whereas, The 2024 theme for Older Americans Month is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on health and wellbeing; and Whereas, Austin includes a growing number of Older Americans who enrich our community through their strength, wisdom, and diverse life experiences, and the City of Austin is committed to acknowledging their many valuable contributions to society; and Whereas, The City of Austin’s Age-Friendly Action Plan strives to make our city more equitable for older adults with strategies to encourage them to be involved in the community, and efforts towards providing the services and support older Americans need to thrive and live independently for as long as possible; and Whereas, The City of Austin’s Age-Friendly Action Plan and the Commission on Aging strive to explore the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues in alignment with the theme of Older Americans Month 2024; and Whereas, The City of Austin recognizes the importance of bringing together all generations to engage in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being for the benefit of all, and recognizes that communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds are welcomed, included, and supported; Now, therefore, I, Kirk Watson, Mayor of the City of Austin, Texas do hereby proclaim The Month of May 2024 as Older Americans Month in Austin.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20240212XXX: Older Adult Focus at City Job Fairs WHEREAS, the City of Austin will hold the 14th Annual City of Austin Career Expo on April 2, 2025, designed to facilitate employer hiring needs and the employment needs of job seekers1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin regularly holds additional job fair(s) through the year2; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin regularly holds one 50+ Community Job Fair per year that includes employers that primarily specialize in providing jobs and resources for individuals who are over the age of 503 and are marketed to older adults who choose to or need to continue working past traditional retirement age; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population represents 10.8% of the total population4; and WHEREAS, older adults job seekers frequently face ageism5,6 and 78% of people between the ages of 40 and 65 said they had seen age discrimination in the workplace7; and WHEREAS, older adult job seekers re-entering the workforce may be out of touch with the latest technology; and WHEREAS, AARP is one of numerous sources advising unique approaches for older adults seeking employment8,9 ;and other 1 City of Austin Career Expo | AustinTexas.gov 2 City of Austin Fair Chance Hiring Job Fair on July 25 | AustinTexas.gov 3 City of Austin 50+ Community Job Fair on September 25 | AustinTexas.gov 4 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates and 2020 decennial census. 5 15 Frustrating Reasons Why People Over 50 Struggle to Find Jobs - Housely 6 https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2024/04/16/how-to-find-a-job-if-you-are-55-or-older/ 7 The 5 Secrets for Getting Hired After 50 8 The 5 Secrets for Getting Hired After 50 9 How To Find A Job If You Are 55 Or Older NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to direct the City to add one or two speakers to each job fair that would cover informational topics, such as how to: • repurpose a long career to pursue new interests, • navigate new technology involved in résumé submittal, and • maintain self-confidence during the job search. The Commission on Aging can research local professionals to assist with speaker placement if needed. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20240212XXX: Interpretation Services for Boards and Commissions WHEREAS, Imagine Austin is a 30-year plan that maps out a vision of Austin as a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all1; and WHEREAS, a City of Austin report identified that many non-English-speaking residents abstain from engaging in the community due to language barriers and the associated challenges with communicating2; and WHEREAS, a recent audit found the city is not adequately meeting the goals of the policy, established in 2014 to provide translation and interpretation services, intended to give people equitable access to programs and information, leaving people to try to navigate these systems alone3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, recently a commissioner on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs required live interpretation services at commission meetings. While these services were eventually arranged, City staff repeatedly informed the staff liaison and commissioners there was nothing in the City Code requiring interpretation services for commissioners, which delayed the request and even after services were established they were told there was no established funding for interpretation services for commissioners and that City staff weren’t really set up to provide the service; and WHEREAS, Austinites with limited English proficiency from effective commission service does not align with social equity vision put forth in Imagine Austin; 1 City Embarks on Community-Wide Effort to Update Imagine Austin | AustinTexas.gov 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=367457 3 Austin is not doing enough to communicate with non-English speakers, audit finds | KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to direct the City to establish a process to provide interpretation services to commissioners, to be made available to existing commissioners and offer such services on the application for new commissioners and approve appropriate funding. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
Commission on Aging Winter Weather Preparedness Sara Henry – Interim Chief Administrative Officer February 12, 2025 ReadyCentralTexas.org Winter Weather Preparedness: Agenda • Citywide Preparation Highlights Across the Enterprise • Cold Weather Shelters & Activation Triggers • Winter Shelter Plans • Warming Centers • Emergency Public Information Resources & EOC Operations • Council Communication: News Flashes & Liaison Officer Citywide Preparation Highlights Departments are preparing equipment, supplies, and staff for cold weather. Transportation and Public Works – conducted a field exercise to drive prescribed routes for road treatment, traffic signal exercise, ordered de-icing materials. Austin Energy – conducted an incident command exercise for winter weather preparation in October Austin Public Libraries – Pre-identified Warming Center locations for extended hours Fleet Services – Trained staff to properly apply chains to vehicle tires Parks and Recreation Department – coordinating mass care sites with HSEM + staging Mission Ready Packages HSEM Offered Six (6) Winter Weather Preparedness Trainings in November & December • Winter Weather Plan Review • Winter Weather Tabletop Exercise • • • • Liaison Officer training for CMO Advisors Public Information EOC Training for all City communication positions Public Information Lead PIO Training Public Information EOC Tabletop Exercise for Winter Weather Roster Cold Weather Shelters & Activation Triggers Cold Weather Shelters are for life safety & are primarily used by people experiencing homelessness. No one will be turned away. • Updated and simplified CWS Threshold for Activation: 35°F or lower using NWS Camp Mabry location Intake centralized at One Texas Center Shelter guests are bussed to shelter via CapMetro • Homeless Strategy Office (HSO) contracted with vendor to provide shelter to the first 300 people HSEM to coordinate surge operations over 300 people • Meals for shelters Coordinating with Building Services and APD for shelter security Coordinating with Animal Services for sheltering service animals • Distributing supplies to shelter locations (mats and blankets) • • • • Winter Shelter Plans NEW Mass Care & Shelter Division Winter 2024-2025 Shelter Management Strategy • Use City-owned facilities • Utilize City-owned Mission Ready Packages (MRP) which are pre-deployed at 9 locations with 72 hours of supplies • Utilize reassigned city staff as shelter managers and support staff • Offer training for shelter managers + emotional intelligence de-escalation training with HSO and NGO partners Warming Centers Warming Centers are available at City Facilities, including Libraries and Parks & Recreation Centers • Open during normal …
Kaleel, Halana From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Importance: High Kaleel, Halana Wednesday, January 29, 2025 4:08 PM Age Friendly Austin Dodo, Kodjo; Howe, Nicole; Aung, Yhun; Sperling, Ryan; Mireles, Alejandra Important Information Regarding Commission on Aging Terms Dear Commissioners, This email provides an update on upcoming expiring terms for the Commission on Aging. Expiring Terms: Several terms are expiring on February 28, 2025. The City Council is actively working to address all vacancies and reappointments. Important Reminders: Holdover Period: City Code allows current members to continue serving until a new member is appointed or up to 60 days after their term expires. Maximum Years of Service: The online system does not track the 8-year maximum service limit. This is tracked manually by the Office of the City Clerk (OCC). If you have served continuously since 2017, your term will expire regardless of what the online roster indicates. Council action can grant waivers to serve beyond 8 consecutive years. Reappointments: If you are reappointed, you may serve uninterrupted. However, you must complete refresher training and sign a new Oath of Office within 90 days of reappointment. New Members: New members must complete required training and sign an Oath of Office and Acknowledgment before serving. The OCC will notify me when a new member is eligible to begin service. Until then, please do not contact new members. OCC Workload: The OCC is currently managing the transition for over 400 board and commission members. Please be patient as they complete this process. Interested in Continuing Your Service? If your term is expiring and you are interested in continuing your service, please ensure you have a current online application and have contacted your appointing Council member. Thank you for your service to the Commission on Aging. Sincerely, Halana Kaleel Staff Liaison Commission on Aging 1 Halana Kaleel Pronouns: She, Her, Hers Public Health Community Engagement Specialist Planning and Evaluation Unit Health Equity and Community Engagement Division Austin Public Health O: (512) 972-5019 C: (512) 779-1162 Working Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm 2
Kaleel, Halana From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Follow Up Flag: Flag Status: Follow up Flagged Kaleel, Halana on behalf of Age Friendly Austin Tuesday, February 11, 2025 6:41 PM Kaleel, Halana Howe, Nicole; LaFuente, Laura; Dodo, Kodjo; Aung, Yhun; Sperling, Ryan; Mireles, Alejandra; APH Planning & Evaluation Nominations Open for the Commission on Aging Community Service Awards! Hello, The Commission on Aging is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the annual Community Service Awards! These awards recognize individuals dedicated to improving age- related services and advocating for older Austinites. The Commission on Aging is seeking nominations for two categories: Professional in Aging Services: Recognizing outstanding professionals in the field. Community Advocate or Volunteer: Honoring dedicated community members making a The Commission on Aging will select the recipients, who will be honored at the May Commission on Aging Meeting. This is an honorary award, no monetary prize is attached. Who Can Be Nominated? Nominees must meet the following criteria: Live or work in Austin. Cannot be a previous recipient of this award. Current Commission on Aging members, staff liaisons, and Age Friendly Action staff are difference. ineligible. How to Nominate: Anyone may submit a nomination! To nominate an individual who has demonstrated exceptional service to older adults and a commitment to building a strong, healthy, and happy aging community, please complete the nomination form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CoACSA Nomination Period: Nominations will be accepted throughout February and March. The Commission on Aging will then vote on the recipients at their April meeting. Deadline: Please submit your completed nomination form by end of day March 31st, 2025. We encourage you to submit your nominations early! Let's celebrate the individuals who are making a positive impact on the lives of older Austinites. Sincerely, 1 Halana Kaleel Commission on Aging Staff Liaison Halana Kaleel Pronouns: She, Her, Hers Public Health Community Engagement Specialist Planning and Evaluation Unit Health Equity and Community Engagement Division Austin Public Health O: (512) 972-5019 C: (512) 779-1162 Working Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm 2
Quality of Life Study on Aging Update to the Commission on Aging FEBRUARY 12, 2025 OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT PHOTOVOICE & SURVEY E-NEWSLETTER WHAT’S COMING? ECHO ● Cortez Consulting sent ● Broadening outreach to 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. AGE of Central Texas Alzheimer’s Association AACHI (Austin Asian Community Health Initiative) AISD Interfaith Action of Central Texas out a newsletter to all existing community partners and those we would like to work with in the upcoming engagement. ● The next issue will go out after focus groups conclude. City of Austin sites for survey and photovoice to expand community outreach to engage in the study. FOCUS GROUPS (Confirmed) 1. Foundation Communities (3 locations) 2. Austin Vietnamese Senior Association and South Asian International Volunteer Association 3. Rainbow Connections ATX and Golden Generation Austin Jewish Community Center Lyons Gardens and Golden Rollers Austin Caregiving Cafe Meals on Wheels 4. 5. 6. 7. ENGAGEMENT TIMELINE OUTREACH JANUARY-FEBRUARY Cortez Consulting hosted nine (9) informational sessions, meeting about ~120 individuals. SURVEY AND PHOTOVOICE MAY-JULY Distribution of survey and collection of photovoice with the aim for a display across Austin at public libraries. 2025 FOCUS GROUPS FEBRUARY-MARCH 8 focus groups are scheduled, 2-4 pending. Research team will use data to inform the creation of survey. Thank you!
Agenda Item 9: State Legislative Update on items related to Older Adults. Information provided by: Juanita Jackson, MPA, Business Process Consultant, Austin Public Health. Relating to committing the criminal offense of endangering a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual by engaging in certain conduct involving a controlled substance listed in Penalty Group 1-B of the Texas Controlled Substances Act. SB 1234 by Hancock, Identical, 02/11/2025 S Filed Author: Capriglione 11/12/2024 H Filed HB 166 Last Action: Caption Version: Introduced Caption: Companion: Author: Bernal 11/12/2024 H Filed HB 249 Last Action: Caption Version: Introduced Caption: Companion: Author: Bell, Cecil 11/12/2024 H Filed HB 382 Last Action: Caption Version: Introduced Caption: Companion: Author: Bucy 11/12/2024 H Filed HB 417 Last Action: Caption Version: Introduced Caption: Relating to installment payments of ad valorem taxes imposed on residence homesteads in certain counties. N/A Relating to an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the total appraised value of the residence homesteads of certain elderly persons and their surviving spouses. N/A Relating to early voting by mail by any qualified voter and to the repeal of certain criminal offenses concerning the solicitation and distribution of an application to vote by mail. Agenda Item 9: State Legislative Update on items related to Older Adults. Information provided by: Juanita Jackson, MPA, Business Process Consultant, Austin Public Health. Companion: SB 145 by Menéndez | et al., Identical, 02/03/2025 S Referred to State Affairs HB 628 by Meza, Duplicate, 11/12/2024 H Filed Author: Lopez, Ray 11/12/2024 H Filed HB 434 Last Action: Caption Version: Introduced Caption: Companion: Relating to creating a reimbursement program to reimburse certain supplemental nutrition assistance program recipients for the cost of certain food delivery service fees. SB 770 by Menéndez, Identical, 02/07/2025 S Referred to Health & Human Services Author: Schofield 11/12/2024 H Filed HB 455 Last Action: Caption Version: Introduced Caption: Companion: Author: Gervin-Hawkins 11/12/2024 H Filed HB 544 Last Action: Caption Version: Introduced Caption: Companion: HB 628 Last Action: Author: Meza 11/12/2024 H Filed Relating to the establishment of a limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that certain taxing units may impose on the residence homesteads of individuals who are disabled or elderly and their surviving spouses. HB 1829 by Shaheen, Duplicate, 01/13/2025 H Filed Relating to the imposition of consecutive sentences for more than one criminal offense of injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual arising out of …
This template is a guide for liaisons. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Zero Waste Advisory Commission Zero Waste Advisory Commission Resolution Proposed Merger of Zero Waste Advisory Commission and Resource Management Commission Whereas, a proposal has been made to merge the Resource Management Commission and the Zero Waste Advisory Commission to create a Resource Recovery and Management Commission; and Whereas, Austin Resource Recovery is one of four Enterprise Departments within the City of Austin and is responsible for meeting its annual financial responsibilities through efficient budgeting that provide Residents with a safe and cost effective collection and disposal service; Whereas, the Zero Waste Advisory Commission has independently introduced to ARR Staff new service and operational proposals and recommendations that have been implemented and have proven beneficial to Austin residents through improved diversion and disposal options; Whereas, the Zero Waste Advisory Commission petitioned Austin Resource Recovery to develop a long range Master Plan to guide the City’s future disposal, recycling and operational goals for the next 40 years; and Whereas, the purpose of the Zero Waste Advisory Commission is to review, evaluate and make recommendations to City Council, City Management and City Staff regarding policies concerning solid waste, recycling, organic and heavy brush collection pursuant to its Zero Waste Master Plan Goals; and and and This template is a guide for liaisons. Whereas, it is important for all enterprise departments to have an independent Board and/or Commission to provide public oversight and input in assuring the ratepayers are receiving the most efficient and cost effect services possible; and Whereas, the purpose of the Resource Management Commission is to advise the City Council in developing and reviewing city plans and policies concerning the efficient use of energy including alternative and renewable energy technologies and on energy and water conservation; and Whereas, the overlap between the Resource Management Commission and Zero Waste Advisory Commission is narrow in scope, and a merged Resource Recovery and Management Commission would require both City staff and Commissioners to engage on an expansive array of issues unrelated to their primary areas of expertise and day-to-day responsibility: Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the Zero Waste Advisory Commission recommends against merging the Zero Waste Advisory Commission with the Resource Management Commission. Resolution Date: February 12, 2025 Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: ___________________________________________________________________ Attest: ________________________________________
