Water & Wastewater Commission Review and Recommendation Health and Environment, Safety COA Strategic Direction: March 9, 2022 Commission Meeting Date: Council Meeting Date: Department: Financial Services Department Shay Ralls Roalson March 24, 2022 Client: Agenda Item Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an amendment to the professional services agreement with CDM Smith, Inc., for engineering services for the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant Conversion (OSGSH) in the amount of $4,051,654.63, for a total contract amount not to exceed $6,112,654.63. (District 8) Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Amount and Source of Funding Original contract was awarded through a qualifications-based selection process. January 23, 2020 – Council approved a professional services agreement with CDM Smith, Inc. for the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant Conversion (OSGSH) project. To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission on March 9, 2022. This amendment will be awarded in compliance with City Code 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 17.60% MBE and 19.33% WBE. Purchasing Language: Prior Council Action: Boards and Commission Action: MBE/WBE: The City operates three major water treatment plants (WTPs): Ullrich WTP, Davis WTP, and Handcox WTP. The Ullrich WTP has a firm treatment capacity of 167 million gallons per day and utilizes chloramine for disinfection. The chloramine process requires the combined use of a chlorine system and an ammonia system. Although the City has successfully and safely used chlorine throughout its various treatment facilities for more than 80 years, the City desires to incorporate inherently safer technologies when available and where feasible. The City completed a Preliminary Engineering report to evaluate the options available to improve the Ullrich WTP disinfection system. CDM Smith was selected to develop the recommended option in the Preliminary Engineering Report to convert the existing chlorine system to an onsite generation of sodium hypochlorite (OSGSH) process and to also convert the existing ammonia system to liquid ammonia sulfate (LAS). The recommended option will maximize repurposing and reuse of existing facilities, structures, and processes, where practical. An amendment to the professional services agreement is required to move the project forward into the design phase. The amendment includes design phase services (project management, permitting and environmental compliance, engineering design) and bid phase services. It is important for this project to move forward because of safety. If the project is not approved, the plant’s ability to …
Water & Wastewater Commission Review and Recommendation Health and Environment, Mobility March 9, 2022 Commission Meeting Date: Council Meeting Date: Department: Financial Services Department March 24, 2022 COA Strategic Direction: Client: Shay Ralls Roalson Agenda Item Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a professional services agreement with Pape-Dawson Consulting Engineers Inc., (staff recommendation) or one of the other qualified responders for Request for Qualifications Solicitation No. CLMP324A to provide engineering services for Project Connect – Water/Wastewater Utility Support Program in amount not to exceed $3,000,000. (Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9) Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Amount and Source of Funding Purchasing Language: Staff recommendation is the most qualified firm out of seven firms evaluated through the City’s qualification-based selection process. Prior Council Action: N/A Boards and Commission Action: MBE/WBE: March 9, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 22.0% MBE and 18.0% WBE participation. Project Connect is a comprehensive transit plan designed to enhance public transportation in Austin. It includes a new rail system, a downtown transit tunnel, and an expanded bus system. Project Connect involves multiple stakeholder agencies within City of Austin and partner agencies, including Austin Water. Ongoing coordination between Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), Capital Metro, and Austin Water have identified a number of significant water and wastewater utility conflicts. This contract will provide engineering support to manage risk by developing and evaluating alternative relocation alignments, estimating schedule and cost requirements for implementation, and coordinating construction sequencing to maintain adequate water and wastewater service to Austin Water customers. Coordination with other major projects such as the TxDOT I-35 Central Express project and the City’s Corridor Mobility Program may also be required. To support these goals, tasks may also include evaluation of projected water/wastewater demands and condition assessment of existing water and wastewater pipes, as well as preliminary engineering, final design, and construction phase services. All public impacts will be coordinated by ATP and the Project Connect team. If the contract is not secured, it will impact Austin Water’s ability to proactively plan for utility conflicts from Project Connect and limit Austin Water’s ability to identify and implement beneficial relocation options. This authorization provides for funding of the …
Water & Wastewater Commission Review and Recommendation Health and Environment COA Strategic Direction: March 9, 2022 Commission Meeting Date: Council Meeting Date: Department: Financial Services Department Shay Ralls Roalson March 24, 2022 Client: Agenda Item Recommend approval to award and execute a construction contract with Cedar Hills Construction, LLC, for the Southwest Allandale Neighborhood Water and Wastewater System Renewal project in the amount of $4,676,368.50 plus a $467,636.85 contingency, for a total contract amount not to exceed $5,144,005.35. (District 10) Funding in the amount of $4,931,043.53 is available in the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Amount and Source of Funding Lowest responsive bid of six bids received through a competitive Invitation for Bid solicitation. N/A March 9, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 17.62% MBE and 0.37% WBE participation. Purchasing Language: Prior Council Action: Boards and Commission Action: MBE/WBE: The Southwest Allandale Neighborhood Water and Wastewater System Renewal project is part of the Austin Water Renewing Austin Program. The Renewing Austin Program is an ongoing effort to replace or upgrade deteriorated and aging water mains with a documented history of multiple breaks. These water mains are in poor condition and impact service delivery. In addition, the program coordinates and includes wastewater lines in poor condition and in need of replacement within the project area. This project consists of the repair and replacement of existing water and wastewater lines located within the general boundaries of West Park Drive (west), Perry Lane (south), Bull Creek Drive (east), and Hancock Drive (north). The water system renewal includes approximately 6,125 linear feet of 8-inch and 12-inch water mains along with service lines to individual properties and associated appurtenances. The wastewater system renewal includes approximately 5,044 linear feet of 8-inch sanitary sewer lines, manholes, and service lines to individual properties. The work also includes upgrading the existing storm sewer system in conflict with the proposed water and wastewater line improvements as part of the coordination efforts by the Renewing Austin Program team. Due to the potential for unforeseen conditions, a 10% contingency in funding has been included to allow for the expeditious processing of any change orders. A contingency is an additional amount of money added to the construction budget to …
Water & Wastewater Commission Review and Recommendation Health and Environment COA Strategic Direction: March 9, 2022 Commission Meeting Date: Council Meeting Date: Department: Austin Water April 21, 2022 Client: Kevin Critendon Agenda Item Recommend approval of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 2-13 (Administrative Adjudication of Violations) relating to establishing administrative penalties and penalty ranges for water conservation violations and Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation) relating to obtaining and submitting evaluations. This item has no fiscal impact. Amount and Source of Funding Purchasing Language: N/A Prior Council Action: Boards and Commission Action: MBE/WBE: December 10, 2020 – Council approved an amendment to Chapter 6-4 which repealed the enforcement process and penalties for water conservation violations, reverting the process and penalty amounts of such violations to those described in Chapter 2-13. March 9, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission March 22, 2022 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission. N/A In addition to many incentive programs, Austin Water employs a wide range of ordinances intended to reduce potable water demand by city residents and businesses. On December 10, 2020, City Council approved City Code amendments that removed the administrative enforcement and penalty section of Chapter 6-4 -Water Conservation to defer to Chapter 2-13-23 – Administrative Adjudication of Violations. This change was intended to assure consistency in application of administration violations across the City. As a result, the current penalties for all water conservation ordinance violations are included in Chapter 2-13-23 (A). Current penalties in Chapter 2-13-23 (A) for all water conservation ordinance violations also apply to a broad range of building code and property maintenance violations, outlined below: Current Penalties (§2-13-23 (A)) Not less than First Violation Second violation Third or subsequent violation $250 $500 $750 The proposed ordinance will add a new Section 2-13-24 to provide new penalties for certain water conservation and onsite water reuse requirements. These delineations will provide a more nuanced approach to penalties, particularly for residential customers, first violations, and allows for escalated penalties as drought stage restrictions increase. Austin Water Conservation will develop standard operating guidance regarding recommended penalties within the penalty ranges for the hearing officer. Such recommendations will generally be based upon the severity of the violation. The new Section 2-13-24 will establish penalties for the specific water conservation ordinance violations in a number of categories including commercial water facility evaluations and requirements, general regulations and requirements, …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS MARCH 9TH, 2022 AT 12:00PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 WEST 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 OR VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, please email or call Halana Kaleel at Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov or 512-972-5019. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Janee Briesemeister, Chair Peter Varteressian, Vice-Chair Natalie Cagle Jacqueline Angel Martha Bauman Patricia Bordie Emily De Maria Nicola Erica Garcia-Pittman AGENDA Amy Temperley Martin Kareithi Luz Lopez-Guerrero Sally Van Sickle Fred Lugo Diana Spain CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS FEBRUARY 9TH, 2022 MEETING 2. ANNOUNCEMENTS 3. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item i. Age-Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group ii. iii. Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group iv. Community Support and Health Services Working Group v. Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group Briesemeister) 4. NEW BUSINESS Award. Recommendations. 5. STAFF BRIEFINGS C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Commissioner De Maria Nicola) D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Chair A. Discussion and possible action on Commission on Seniors FY22 Community Service B. Discussion and possible action on working group for drafting, submitting, and monitoring FY23 Budget Recommendations. C. Discussion and possible action on Commission on Seniors FY23 City of Austin Budget A. Age-Friendly Austin Update, Tabitha Taylor, Age-Friendly Program Coordinator. B. Commission on Seniors FY 2022 Budget Survey, Halana Kaleel, Staff Liaison 6. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 7. 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 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20220309-3a: Budget Recommendation that Current Early Childhood Investments be Maintained WHEREAS, in the City of Austin only 36% of children under age 4 living in households with low-income are receiving any early learning services at all; and WHEREAS, 90% of these children age birth to 4 are children of color; and Whereas, decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the world because children born into poverty and children of color are disproportionately born early, at low-birth- weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the early childhood sector in Texas with an estimated loss of 22% of the state child care supply, as well as disproportionate impact on communities of color in Austin; and WHEREAS, current City investments in early childhood programs align with the goals and strategies of the Austin/Travis County Success By 6 Strategic Plan – a robust, data-driven community strategic plan designed to coordinate efforts, improve child and family outcomes as well as build more efficient and coordinated systems for equitable access; and WHEREAS, the investments align with the City of Austin Strategic Direction Strategic EOA.10: “Create equitable access to quality Early Childhood Education (ECE) by supporting families who do not qualify for existing free programs and cannot afford quality programs on their own, increasing availability of quality ECE programs, and encouraging living wages for ECE providers”; and WHEREAS, these investments also align with the Strategic Anchors of SD 2023 including equity, affordability, sustainability and resiliency, proactive prevention and community trust and relationships; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin maintain all current investments in early childhood programs and infrastructure including but not limited to: o Social Service Contracts o Staffing (2 FTE) positions specifically for early childhood through Austin Public Health o Leases for city-funded early childhood facilities o Essential infrastructure such as Family Connects and WIC programs that specifically serve families with young children prenatal to age 5. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________
Infrastructure Funding Strategies Christina Romero, Financial Manager III March 9, 2022 Overview Legislation Update TWDB Loans Update • SWIFT Loan for Reuse Projects & Advanced Metering Infrastructure • Drinking Water & Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) Projects • Aggregate Savings Future Projects for Potential TWDB Funding 3 Legislation Update $35.44 Billion to Texas Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) • Signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021 • Texas to receive $35.44 billion from IIJA • Per EPA, TWDB to receive $2.9 billion allocated over 5 years: • Estimated 71% of funds for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund • Estimated 29% of funds for Clean Water State Revolving Fund • Bureau of Reclamation, $8.3 billion allocated over 5 years Highways Public Transit Water Airports Bridges Electric Car Charging Network Broadband Wildfire Prevention Cybersecurity $ 26.9 B $ 3.3 B $ 2.9 B $ 1.9 B $ 0.5 B $ 0.4 B $ 0.1 B $ 53 M $ 42 M Source: Texas Will Benefit from the Long-Awaited Infrastructure Bill | Dallas Regional Chamber (dallaschamber.org) 4 TWDB SWIFT & SRF Loans SWIFT: • Reuse Projects - $65,605,000 • Advanced Metering Infrastructure - $80,195,000 DWSRF: CWSRF: • North Austin Reservoir and Pump Station - $43,200,000 • Ullrich WTP Pump Station Electrical Feed - $24,630,000 • Walnut Creek WWTP Pumping & Sludge Thickener - $42,300,000 • SAR WWTP Electrical Substation - $10,700,000 Aggregate Loan Savings 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 ) $ ( s r a l l o D f o s n o i l l i M TWDB Debt Service Loan Savings Loan Amount PV Savings $4.5 $45.2 2018 $2.0 $20.4 2017 $5.8 $21.2 2020 $.3 $3.0 2019 Fiscal Year $13.3 $71.1 $8.0 $36.8 2021 2022 $266.6 Million in TWDB Commitments (approved project amounts) $197.7 Million in Loan Closings To-Date $34 Million in Present Value Savings To-Date 6 Future Projects for Potential TWDB Funding SWIFT • Aquifer Storage and Recovery Drinking Water SRF • Ullrich WTP On-site Generation of Chlorine & Ammonium Sulfate Conversion, McNeil Road Water Transmission Main, Center Street Pump Station Replacement & Electrical Improv, South I-35 Elevated Water Tank, Southwest Parkway Southwest B Elevated Reservoir, Travis Heights Reclaimed Water Main, Galvanized Water Service Line Replacement Program Clean Water SRF • Walnut Creek WWTP Headworks Improvements, Primary Clarifier & Flow …
Community Needs Assessment Early Childhood Council Discussion and Public Hearing on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 22-23 Action Plan Agenda Review of FY 20-21 Performance Federal Reporting Process Community Needs Assessment/ Public Comment Schedule Provide Your Feedback Review of Past Performance A look at services provided with federal funding in FY 20-21 FY 20-21 Accomplishments Snapshot • Total number of people served through federally funded projects: 3,552 • Total number of people/households earning Extremely Low-Income (<30% MFI) served: 2,688 • Total number of federal dollars spent: Entitlement: $9,765,175 CARES Act: $10,196,749 4 Population Served by Income 2,688 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 411 406 85 Extremely Low Income (<30% MFI) Very Low Income (31%-50% MFI) Low Income (51%-80% MFI) >80% MFI 5 Population of Austin Vs. Population Served by Race Population of Austin Vs. Population Served by Ethnicity 120.00% 100.00% 80.00% 60.00% 40.00% 20.00% 0.00% 32.41% 33.90% 67.59% 66.10% Population Served, FY 20-21 Population of Austin, 2019 Not Hispanic/Latinx Hispanic/Latinx People Served by Investment Category Investment Category Persons/Households Served Special Needs Assistance Homeless Assistance Renter Assistance Homebuyer Assistance Homeowner Assistance Housing Development Assistance 33 Total 878 1,153 1,327 43 120 3,552 Austin Small Business Relief Grant Program Investment Category Businesses Served Other Community Development Assistance 89 8 FY 20-21 Services Provided- Goals vs. Outcomes Select Programs Childcare Services Youth/Mental Health Services Senior Services • Goal: 179 • Actual: 151 • Expended: $390,612 • Goal: 159 • Actual: 147 • Expended: $188,490 • Goal: 175 • Actual: 184 • Expended: $123,995 Tenant Based Rental Assistance Homelessness Services* Tenants’ Rights Assistance • Goal: 85 • Actual: 113 • Expended: $979,663 • Goal: 1,118 • Actual: 426 • Expended: $1,638,420 • Goal: 527 • Actual: 297 • Expended: $287,223 *This category includes Rapid Rehousing and Shelter Operation and Maintenance, funded by the Emergency Solutions Grant FY 20-21 Services Provided- Goals vs. Outcomes Select Programs Down Payment Assistance Architectural Barrier Removal-Owner Minor Home Repair • Goal: 25 • Actual: 43 • Expended: $1,585,999 • Goal: 80 • Actual: 29 • Expended: $567,166 • Goal: 200 • Actual: 85 • Expended: $781,409 Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program • Goal: 9 • Actual: 6 • Expended: $748,584 *includes General Fund dollars) Rental Housing Development Assistance • Goal: 411 • Actual: 335 • Expended: Federal: $269,585; GO Bonds: $22,057,711 Ownership Housing Development Assistance • Goal: 16 • Actual: 42 • Expended: Federal: $202,562; …
Community Needs Assessment Early Childhood Council Discussion and Public Hearing on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 22-23 Action Plan Agenda Review of FY 20-21 Performance Federal Reporting Process Community Needs Assessment/ Public Comment Schedule Provide Your Feedback Review of Past Performance A look at services provided with federal funding in FY 20-21 FY 20-21 Accomplishments Snapshot • Total number of people served through federally funded projects: 3,552 • Total number of people/households earning Extremely Low-Income (<30% MFI) served: 2,688 • Total number of federal dollars spent: Entitlement: $9,765,175 CARES Act: $10,196,749 4 Population Served by Income 2,688 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 411 406 85 Extremely Low Income (<30% MFI) Very Low Income (31%-50% MFI) Low Income (51%-80% MFI) >80% MFI 5 Population of Austin Vs. Population Served by Race Population of Austin Vs. Population Served by Ethnicity 120.00% 100.00% 80.00% 60.00% 40.00% 20.00% 0.00% 32.41% 33.90% 67.59% 66.10% Population Served, FY 20-21 Population of Austin, 2019 Not Hispanic/Latinx Hispanic/Latinx People Served by Investment Category Investment Category Persons/Households Served Special Needs Assistance Homeless Assistance Renter Assistance Homebuyer Assistance Homeowner Assistance Housing Development Assistance 33 Total 878 1,153 1,327 43 120 3,552 Austin Small Business Relief Grant Program Investment Category Businesses Served Other Community Development Assistance 89 8 FY 20-21 Services Provided- Goals vs. Outcomes Select Programs Childcare Services Youth/Mental Health Services Senior Services • Goal: 179 • Actual: 151 • Expended: $390,612 • Goal: 159 • Actual: 147 • Expended: $188,490 • Goal: 175 • Actual: 184 • Expended: $123,995 Tenant Based Rental Assistance Homelessness Services* Tenants’ Rights Assistance • Goal: 85 • Actual: 113 • Expended: $979,663 • Goal: 1,118 • Actual: 426 • Expended: $1,638,420 • Goal: 527 • Actual: 297 • Expended: $287,223 *This category includes Rapid Rehousing and Shelter Operation and Maintenance, funded by the Emergency Solutions Grant FY 20-21 Services Provided- Goals vs. Outcomes Select Programs Down Payment Assistance Architectural Barrier Removal-Owner Minor Home Repair • Goal: 25 • Actual: 43 • Expended: $1,585,999 • Goal: 80 • Actual: 29 • Expended: $567,166 • Goal: 200 • Actual: 85 • Expended: $781,409 Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Program • Goal: 9 • Actual: 6 • Expended: $748,584 *includes General Fund dollars) Rental Housing Development Assistance • Goal: 411 • Actual: 335 • Expended: Federal: $269,585; GO Bonds: $22,057,711 Ownership Housing Development Assistance • Goal: 16 • Actual: 42 • Expended: Federal: $202,562; …
Winter Storm Uri Implementation Plan QUARTERLY UPDATE Water & Wastewater Commission | March 9, 2022 Presentation Overview Prioritization, Implementation and Reporting Community Outreach and Messaging Winterization of Operations Stephanie Sue, P.E. Water Treatment Operations Manager Emergency Management Anna Bryan-Borja Assistant Director of Business Services Infrastructure Improvements Priorities Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E. Assistant Director of Engineering Services 2 Prioritization, Implementation & Reporting Prioritization – Commission Working Group Recommendations Implementation – Executive Chaired Teams • Community Outreach and Messaging (AD Randi Jenkins) • Operations (AD Rick Coronado) • CIP Projects (AD Shay Ralls-Roalson) • Emergency Management (AD Anna Bryan-Borja) • Systems Planning (AD Kevin Critendon) • Master Steering Committee (Director Greg Meszaros) Reporting • Quarterly Austin Water Oversight Committee Meetings • Quarterly Commission Meetings Example - 2018 Colorado River Flood 3 Status of Recommendations, as of March 2022 Parent Level Recommendation Count Percentage 43 28 8 79 54% 35% 10% 100% Status Completed Ongoing Not Started Grand Total 4 Community Outreach and Messaging 5 Communications Strategies Key Recommendations Adjust and enhance Winter Weather Preparedness messaging Increase use of My ATX Water portal notifications during emergencies Conduct targeted outreach to multi-family properties Enhance guidance and training for use of public notification systems 6 Winter Weather Preparedness Materials Tips, Social Posts, Notifications in 6 languages Toolkit Distribution Educational Videos and Tools 7 Additional Actions Underway Notifications Improvements • Warn Central Texas – preloaded service area maps • My ATX Water – staff cross-training, Standard Operating Procedures Media Coordination • Updates timed to align with news cycle • Radio ads convert to emergency messaging 3-1-1 Coordination • Service request routing improvements Multifamily Outreach • Winter Preparedness e-newsletter developed with Austin Energy • Quarterly communications planned 8 Service Outage Map 9 Emergency Management 10 Emergency Response Plan Updated Revised Emergency Response Plan includes: Extreme Cold Response Plan Decision Matrices: • Extreme Cold Conditions • General Operations Conditions Enhanced Emergency Communications Emergency Alternate Drinking Water Supplies Added Data on Wastewater Facilities Emergency Water Use Restrictions Procedures 11 Emergency Supplies Hub Warehouse Equipped for Incidents and Emergencies • Shelter in Place Supplies for staff: cots, blankets, meals ready to eat, bottled water, and hygiene kits • Emergency water distribution supplies for customers: bottled water, water totes, fire hydrant adaptors Two Potable Water Trucks Delivered …
ADDRESSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN AUSTIN: RESIDENTIALTECHNOLOGY STUDY P R E S E N T E D B Y : M E M E S T Y L E S , M P A , D E I F O U N D E R & P R E S I D E N T P A U L E T T E B L A N C , M P H F O U N D E R & C H I E F O F R E S E A R C H R E Y D A T A Y L O R , P H D What We Do At MEASURE MEASURE works to use data and education to mobilize communities to fight structural racism and eliminate social disparities. Through our CARE Model process and other tools, we ensure communities and institutions embrace lived-experience data of Powerful Black, Brown and Multiracial/Ethnic Communities to deconstruct underlying narratives and work together to find equitable solutions. Learn more at www.wemeasure.org Problem We Are Solving Lived-experience and quantitative data about complex social problems impacting Powerful Black, Brown and Multiracial/Ethnic Communities are not used effectively for justice due to racism, a lack of equitable data tools and village support. Our Theory Of Change IF we support Powerful Black, Brown and Multiracial/Ethnic Communities by providing free data support, training and work to cultivate community power-building to fight structural racism, THEN Powerful Black, Brown and Multiracial/Ethnic Communities will be equipped to use data to mobilize and eliminate social disparities ultimately resulting in a world free of health, education, justice and economic inequities. Our Anti-Racist Data Support Tools MEASURE CARE Model Equity Focus Group Tool Community Survey Design Tool Community Impact Metrics Tool This 3-6 month partnership Build highly-specific, lived Gather insights to take action Identify the long-term with a MEASURE facilitator will experience feedback from with a professionally designed intended impacts and result in a clear understanding community members with lived survey for your stakeholders and plan of how your solution experience through our equity with an equitable lens. aims to support your community. focus groups. measurable short-term outcomes to effectively address the issue you’re seeking to change. H I G H L I G H T E D E F G P R O J E C T S BUILDING EQUITY IN THE AUSTIN CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS CHILDREN'S OPTIMAL HEALTH IT'S TIME …
JANUARY 2022 A D D R E S S I N G T H E D I G I T A L D I V I D E I N A U S T I N : R E S I D E N T I A L T E C H N O L O G Y S T U D Y Paulette Blanc, MPH | Urenna Onyewuchi, PhD | Reyda Taylor, PhD | A L I V E D - E X P E R I E N C E B L A C K P A P E R A B O U T M E A S U R E MEASURE is a research and public education organization led by Black women and dedicated to using data and technology to pursue community-defined goals. Since its founding in 2015, MEASURE has provided over 3014 hours of free antiracist evaluation support to our community to increase their access to and use of data. MEASURE believes that, when used strategically, data provides a common language upon which community members can meet and increase their knowledge about the causes and work together to create equitable change and increase awareness. A B O U T C I T Y O F A U S T I N T H E O F F I C E O F T E L E C O M M U N I C A T I O N S & R E G U L A T O R Y A F F A I R S ( T A R A ) The Office of Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs (TARA) provides consumer protection through regulatory oversight, access to information and communications technology resources and infrastructure, and generates revenue to support City services (1,2). One of TARA's activities is to promote digital inclusion through access to information and communications technology and trainings. C I T Y O F A U S T I N ' S R E S I D E N T I A L T E C H N O L O G Y S T U D Y The Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Residential Technology Study is building off of previous efforts that began in 1998 to understand residents' sentiments around the internet (3). The FY21 study’s goal is to gain a greater understanding of digital inclusion in Austin, particularly …
AUTHORS Urenna Onyewuchi, PhD, Paulette Blanc, MPH, Reyda Taylor,PhD REFERENCES See page 2 REDLINING DE-SEGREGATION OF SCHOOLS SILICON HILLS DIGITIAL INCLUSION PROGRAMS COVID-19 PANDEMIC DIGITAL INEQUITY IN AUSTIN, TEXAS UNPACKING THE HISTORY OF INJUSTICE 1928 MASTER PLAN CREATED The 1928 Master Plan created a "Negro District" which required all Black Austinites to move to East Austin. This plan evolved into the segregation of the Hispanic/Latino community as well (2). Public policies like the National Housing Act of 1934, which established and reinforced housing segregation (also known as "redlining"), have contributed to unequal opportunities and have marginalized certain groups of people (3). The echoes of this policy still influence our cityscapes. With educational funding tied to property. taxes, and in extension the value of the housing in a neighborhood, redlining still contributes to the systematic denial of resources to Black and poor neighborhoods. 1934 FREEDMAN COMMUNITIES Juneteenth, June 19, 1865 marked Black emancipation from slavery. An 1865 City Council meeting called for extreme policing and punishing of “idle” Black people (1).; anti-Black violence was praised. During this time Freedman communities in Austin were established (1). 1865 2000s SOCIAL MEDIA Modern social media emerges and quickly becomes a means for sharing information, making connections, and news updates. (11). Notably during the 2021 Winter Storm Uri many resources were being shared via social media and people without digital access were at a disadvantage. 1953 UNDER-REPRESENTATION 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS In 1953, Austin adopted a model for city council based on "at large" positions, limiting place-based representation (4). In subsequent years "The Gentlemen's Agreement" was adopted. These systems prevented non-White groups from being able to win elections to the City Council. The Civil Rights Act was the second to the last act that threw out Jim Crow laws. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 dealt a crucial blow to discrimination in the workforce by making it illegal for any business, private or public, to practice discriminatory hiring (and firing) practices (9). Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 decision in Brown vs. Board of Education, the AISD Board of Trustees originally adopted a policy of integration (5). Austin started as a high-tech hub in the '80s, and was known as “Silicon Hills.” The initial tech industries hosted in Austin included semiconductor (AMD, Samsung, Motorola/Freescale/NXP, Applied Materials), enterprise software (IBM, Trilogy, Tivoli, National Instruments) and computer hardware (Dell, IBM, Apple) (10). The Clinton administration began plans for …
a c c e s s i s p o w e r 2022 updates agenda 01 02 03 04 05 06 Overview Digital Literacy Training New Programs Current State of Affairs Future Planning Closing overview UNDERSTANDING THE LEGACY 26+ years of history in Austin Pioneering women in leadership roles A trusted resource for the community A champion for underserved populations Ana Sisnett on the cover of Austin Chronicle for Austin Free-Net, 2003 "Part of why we do what we do is to teach people about the pervasiveness of the technology, how it's in their lives whether they want it or not." - Ana Sisnett "Looking To The Future" Austin Chronicle, 2001 Partners and sponsors overview TURNING A NEW LEAF Update the organization, honor the legacy Evolve with technology and the needs of our community Focus on our strengths Reach 3,000 community members digital literacy training Community needs during Pandemic Device acquisition Access Remote Learning AFN services through Pandemic Over 300 devices donated to AISD Senior Tech Program Remote learning Computer Lab Access . . Staff member, John Fierro, gets devices ready for AISD Digital Inclusion week 2021 Assisted COA with the DIW Art Poster Contest Created Digital Inclusion PSAs in partnership with Austin Public . Digital Inclusion week 2021 Hosted two panels with popular digital inclusion topics and panelist . Digital Inclusion week 2021 Hosted two panels with popular digital inclusion topics and panelist . digital literacy training Post Pandemic Planning Transition into remote, onsite and hybrid instruction Updated classes and workshops to reflect community interest and needs New programs to meet community needs and incentivize participation Return to Community Partner sites Add new partner sites New and Updated Classes and Workshops 2022 first quarter Google Suite Class - An introduction to Google Suite web applications like Gmail, Google Docs, and the Google Drive. Organize it, Online! - Fundamentals of digital productivity tools including digital calendars, Google tasks, Microsoft tasks, and more. Microsoft Office Class - An overview of all things Microsoft Office, like Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint. City of Austin Resources - An introduction to resources provided by the City of Austin for Austin residents. You've Got Mail! Digital Dating 101 - Learn all about love online. Online dating, dating applications, and navigating online dating world safely. Rapid Retrain Guide for Veterans - A brief introduction to veteran benefit applications, veteran employment opportunities and the Veteran's Rapid …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Cvi RENTAL AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS Strategic Direction: Economic Opportunity and Affordability Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY23 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Temperley Seconded By: Lopez-Guerrero Recommendation Expand funding for rental and utility assistance for all; and unlink rental payments for older adults from calculations based on median family income. Description of Recommendation to Council The Commission on Seniors recommends increasing funding for rental and utility assistance funding and programs for all, including older adults and discontinue basing rental payments for older adults on area median family income. Background and Rationale: Agencies serving older adults report that they are receiving an increased number of requests for rental and utility assistance. Austin is facing an unprecedented housing crisis as rent and utility costs increase. This has an even greater impact on older adults who are living on fixed incomes such as social security. A recent study, which compares the growth in the Social Security cost of living adjustments with increases in the costs of goods and services typically used by retirees, found that since 2000 Social Security benefits have lost 32% of their buying power. (https://www.thestreet.com/retirement/social- securitys-cola-raise-cant-keep-up-with-inflation) Housing costs and rents continue to increase exponentially in Austin. As noted in the City of Austin Comprehensive Market analysis for 2020 ( https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Housing/Austin%20HMA_final.pdf ) ● Austin’s median rent increased 38% from 2010 ● Naturally occurring (market-rate) affordable rentals continued to decline Additional funds are needed to support older adults who may be at high risk for homelessness due to these increasing costs. Housing costs were cited as concerns of residents during the budget townhalls held by the Joint Inclusion Committee member commissions. An older adult from the Mueller neighborhood noted that affordable housing supported by the city base qualifications, and rent, on area median family income. However, median family income in Austin continues to rise at a much higher rate than social security or other retirement plans. The Commission on Seniors supports the request to no longer base rent increases for older adults on changes to area median family income. Vote For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Angel, Bauman, Bordie, De Maria Nicola, Garcia-Pittman, Kareithi, Lopez-Guerrero, Lugo, Spain, Temperley, Van Sickle Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Cagle Attest: _______________________________________ Janee Briesemeister, Chair
