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
COMMISSION ON SENIORS BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 20220309 -04Cvii SUPPORT FOR TRANSPORTATION AND VOLUNTEER DRIVER RIDE SERVICE FOR OLDER ADULTS Strategic Direction: Mobility Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY23 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Varteressian Recommendation Provide funding and/or partner with organizations which provide the volunteer driver ride programs in Austin (examples include Chariot, Drive a Senior, Capital City Village, and others). Description of Recommendation to Council Seconded By: Kareithi • Direct the City Manager to identify appropriate City department staff and have them engage in discussions with the volunteer driver ride program managers to determine needs. • Have City department staffs identify funds, staff support, or other potential partnerships. • Include funding for transportation services in contracts for social service programs serving older adults. • Provide funds to expand these programs, such as supporting van services with paid drivers Rationale: Volunteer ride share providers serve a critical need for our community’s senior and people with disabilities. Demand for this service is high. Many people in these populations cannot drive. While Parks and Recreation and Capital Metro have services to assist these populations, the demand far exceeds the capacity. Further, many older adults who do not qualify for Metro Access will not ride the bus (for example, because there is not a nearby bus stop). Austin has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the nation so demand will only continue to increase. Older adults responding to the Commission on Seniors budget survey often cited transportation as a barrier to accessing city programs and services. Comments submitted to the Commission from the public also show a strong preference by older adults for transportation by the own vehicle, a ride share or a volunteer driver program. Volunteer Driver Ride programs provide a means to get older adults to the doctor, grocery store, or other critical appointments. Rides to social and cultural events would provide a means to help reduce social isolation, but these rides have to be given lower priority when demand exceeds capacity. If the City provides help, it could allow the organizations to scale up to meet demand, improve the organization’s ability to provide services more equitably, and develop collaborations to share resources. These 1 of 2 organizations are largely dependent on grants and their clientele cannot afford to pay a service fee. Vote For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Angel, Bauman, Bordie, De Maria Nicola, Garcia-Pittman, Kareithi, Lopez-Guerrero, Spain, Temperley, Van Sickle Against: …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 20220309- 04Cviii PERMANENT COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS STRATEGY PLAN FOR SERVING OLDER ADULTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS Strategic Direction: Health and Environment Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY 23 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Garcia-Pittman Recommendation Seconded By: Temperley The Commission on Seniors recommends the Austin Public Health Homeless Services Division: 1. Transition the current temporary community health worker positions to 9 FTE permanent positions devoted to supporting the needs of persons experiencing homelessness. a. Of the allocated 9FTEs, 2 FTEs should be dedicated to serving the needs of persons 50 and older given the challenges and growth of this population as detailed below. 2. Develop and implement a strategy for serving the needs of older adults experiencing homelessness. Implementation should begin no later than January 1, 2023. The plan should: a. Identify the housing, health care, social, and other needs of older adults experiencing homelessness, including disability, long term care, dementia care, and caregiver support and develop programs to meet those needs; b. Ensure coordinated entry appropriately matches older adults with their needs; c. Include strategies to prevent older adults becoming homeless, such as deeply affordable housing and caregiver support; d. Develop the strategy in consultation with providers serving older adults and providers serving people experiencing homelessness (such as the collaborative described below). Rationale: Data provided by ECHO about the population experiencing homelessness in the Austin area shows that for all clients who entered a program between Oct 2019 and Oct 2020, 26% were age 50 or older. Nationally, data shows the number of older adults in the homeless population is growing rapidly and will continue to grow for the next decade. The number of older adults in the population of people experiencing homeless requires us to revisit and adapt assistance programs that were designed to address the needs of a much younger group and fail to account for medical, social, and emotional needs that emerge later in life. Older adults experiencing homelessness have diverse needs related to their housing, health care, social, and other needs. Further, the stresses of homelessness cause premature aging; Austin already classifies aged 55 and older in this population as older adults. In October 2020, a collaborative was formed in Central Texas to find ways to address the special needs of this aging homeless population. Members include representatives from both the aging and homeless space in non-profit, for- profit, and governmental organizations. Participants …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Ci AGE FRIENDLY AUSTIN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST Strategic Direction: Government That Works Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY 23 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Spain Recommendation Fund an FTE to serve as Community Engagement Specialist to support implementation of the Austin Age Friendly Action Plan. Description of Recommendation to Council Seconded By: De Maria Nicola The Commission on Seniors recommends funding an Age Friendly Austin Community Engagement Specialist. The Community Engagement Specialist will support the Age-Friendly Program Coordinator with day-to-day operations including, but not limited to, implementing the Age Friendly Austin Communication and Community Engagement Plan, supporting internal and external aging partners, and engaging in strategic planning efforts. Duties would include promoting Age-Friendly programs and services at local recreation centers, faith-based centers, and older adult facilities; facilitating trainings related to age-friendly practices; strengthening community partnerships; analyzing community data; and developing educational materials, including an asset map of programs and services. The Commission on Seniors is dedicated to improving equity in programs and services for older adults. To help achieve this goal the Communications and Outreach Coordinator will serve as a liaison between the Age Friendly Austin program and older adults, with emphasis on increasing communication and engagement with People of Color, LGBTQIA persons, low-income communities and other underrepresented or vulnerable older adults. Background and Rationale: Austin has one of the fastest growing populations of both “seniors (aged 65 and older) and “pre- seniors (aged 50-64). In response to these rapidly changing demographics, Mayor Lee Leffingwell formed the Mayor’s Task Force on Aging in 2012. The task force was charged with building public awareness, analyzing the city’s resources and opportunities for growth, and creating a set of strategic recommendations to accommodate Central Texas’ fast-growing senior population. The Task Force recommended both creating the Commission on Seniors and having Austin join the World Health Organization network of Age Friendly Communities. 1 of 3 Beginning in 2015, Austin’s Commission on Seniors partnered with AARP, AustinUP, regional aging-related service organizations and community members to develop the Austin Age-Friendly Action Plan, a requirement of retaining the Age Friendly designation. In 2016 Council voted to adopt the Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan as an addendum to Imagine Austin. In May 2018, the Commission on Seniors recommended to the Mayor and City Council that “The city provide adequate personnel resources for a Senior Program Coordinator to coordinate implementation of the Age-friendly Austin Action Plan. …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Cii QUALITY OF LIFE STUDY OF OLDER ADULTS IN AUSTIN Strategic Direction: Government That Works Seconded By: Temperley Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY23 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Varteressian Recommendation Fund a Quality of Life Study of Older Adults in Austin. Description of Recommendation to Council In order to improve the quality of life for older adults, Austin must better understand the experience of these individuals and how intersections between age, race, ethnicity, and other demographics impact those experiences. The Commission on Seniors recommends allocating $250,000 to conduct a study to evaluate the quality of life of older adults in Austin. $250,000 is the amount allocated for two recent Quality of Life Studies (People with Disabilities and LGBTQIA) Rationale: There has never been a proper quality of life study of older adults. Nearly 10 years ago then Mayor Leffingwell’s task force conducted a survey as part of the Mayor’s Task Force on Aging. However, 77% of respondents were white and this survey did not break down findings by race, ethnicity, or gender identification. According to the 2010 Census the Austin area is one of the fastest-growing areas for both seniors (age 65 and older) and pre-seniors (age 55-64). The city demographer has not yet released detailed demographics on age from the 2020 Census, but it is expected these trends will continue. The Commission is well aware that we hear primarily from older adults who are already active and engaged in the community. We want to know what other members of the community need; indeed, we want to understand how to better engage will all segments of the community. As an example, the Commission drafts and widely distributes an annual budget survey as a tool to get community input on budget recommendations. However, the majority of survey respondents are white women aged 65-74. The Commission is seeking updated information about the community and granular information about the needs of diverse populations of older adults. A Quality of Life Study will enable the Commission, Council and City departments to: 1 of 2 • Understand how city programs and services are serving older adults and where there are gaps • Identify and remove barriers to participation • Ensure programs and services for older adults are equitable and inclusive Per Austin Code Section 2-1-132 the Commission on Seniors shall serves as an advisory board to the council concerning the …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Civ EXPANDING PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES TO OLDER ADULTS Strategic Direction: Health and Environment, Mobility, Culture and Lifelong Learning Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY2023 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Kareithi Recommendation The Commission on Seniors recommends the following budget items that will maintain and expand Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) programs and services for older adults. Seconded By: Van Sickle • Fund three temporary 20-hr/wk drivers and one temporary dispatcher to support the increase in routes and the high demand for private rides. • Fund an FTE Administrative Assistant position at each of the 18 PARD facilities serving the Adult 50+ Community. • Equitable Funding for the George Washington Carver Museum. Description of Recommendation to Council PARD provides numerous programs that serve older adults in Austin, including congregate meals and transportation to meals and some other appointments. PARD needs additional funding and staff to ensure all older adults who want to participate are able. • Funding three parti-time designated drivers and a dispatcher for the Senior Transportation Program will ensure PARD’s ability to serve the Adult 50+ Community while expanding congregate meal programs. • Funding 18 FTE Administrative Assistants at each of the 18 PARD facilities servicing the Adult 50+ Community will ensure an equitable standard of administrative operations for each site that is consistent and the same throughout the Community Recreation Division. Funding permanent positions should reduce turnover of staff in administrative positions. • The Carver is underfunded when compared to the Asian American Resource Center (estimated $100,000 to $200,000 less) and Mexican American Cultural Center (about $400,000 less). Additional funding would be used for temporary staff, commodities, and contracts. This funding is not currently in the PARD budget. Rationale: Senior Transportation Program: PARD offers participants rides through the Senior Transportation Program. The program is partially funded through a grant with the Capital Area Council of Governments that provides reimbursement for rides provided to facilities that participate in the Congregate Meal Program. Pre-pandemic this program 1 of 2 provided daily ride routes to 8 senior and recreation centers throughout the City of Austin as well as private rides to doctor’s appointments and personal errands. These routes were provided to all registered participants living within a 5-mile radius of the center. In 2019 Council approved the expansion of the congregate meal program from 8 to 10 sites. When the congregate meal program …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Cv COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS FOR OLDER ADULTS Strategic Direction: Health and Environment Seconded By: Angel Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY23 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Bordie Recommendation Support expansion of scope and funding for Community Health Workers for Older Adults to serve additional program participants outside of Foundation Community permanent supportive housing properties. Description of Recommendation to Council In 2018 Council approved a request from the Commission on Seniors to fund Community Health Workers focused on older adults. Foundation Communities Inc. was awarded funding from Austin Public Health in 2019 to implement aging-in-place with navigation and care management services provided by a Community Health Worker with training and expertise in serving older adults (age 55+). City of Austin-Seniors 55+ (COA-SNR 55+) project services focused on increased access to preventive services, medical appointments, and other supports to address physical health, mental health, and dental health needs. To date services have been provided to residents of Foundation Community permanent supportive housing properties. This recommendation supports expansion of services to participants residing outside of Foundation Community properties to enhance capacity for a broader scope and reach to individuals residing in single family homes or other multi-family settings. Commission on Seniors understand this $125,000 of initial funding will remain in the APH budget. This recommendation adjusts the approach to include a broader reach within existing funding levels. The Commission supports additional funding to enable the program to serve more older adults Background and Rationale: In 2018 Council approved a request from the Commission on Seniors to fund Community Health Workers focused on older adults. Foundation Communities Inc. was awarded funding from Austin Public Health in 2019 to implement aging-in-place with navigation and care management 1 of 2 services provided by a Community Health Worker with training and expertise in serving older adults (age 55+). A short period of initial program implementation occurred prior to the pandemic with a focus on the approved grant deliverables but when the pandemic hit, Foundation Communities made a necessary pivot to develop a new process for services delivery. This flexibility supports the value of an approach which uses a Community Health Worker model focused on not just health care supports but all social determinants of health, transportation, health literacy, nutrition supports, etc. An external evaluation conducted in 2021 included both qualitative and quantitative assessment of project services and participant outcomes. Both residents and staff …
COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Ciii MAINTAIN FUNDING FOR EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ON SENIOR HOMESTEAD TAX EXEMPTION Strategic Direction: Affordability and Government That Works Seconded By: Spain Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY2023 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Van Sickle Recommendation The Commission on Seniors recommends the City Manager continue to designate at least $20,000 for door to door and other community-based education and outreach on the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. Rationale: In 2018 the Commission on Seniors adopted Recommendation Number: 20181114- 4B: Recommendation on Senior Property Tax Assistance, calling for education and outreach to older adults on the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. Community comments identified high property taxes as a barrier to affordability for older adults living in gentrifying parts of Austin. Further, the Commission heard from older adults that they were unaware of the exemptions they were entitled to and/or needed assistance to apply. The Council passed Resolution 20190822-070 endorsing the Commission on Seniors resolution. The Council receives periodic updates on implementation of the resolution. http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/pio/document.cfm?id=354893 A relatively new state law makes older adults who have inherited their homes with other relatives eligible for a 100% exemption by filing an updated application with the appraisal district. See: https://law.utexas.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/08/2020-12-ECDC-heirproperty_2pg.pdf The FY2022 budget includes $20,000 for this initiative in response to the Commission on Seniors request. The Commission on Seniors recommended in-person, community-based interaction with households identified as potential beneficiaries of the Senior Homestead Tax Exemption. This could include community events and, if appropriate, going door-to-door, to assist older adults in completing the required paperwork to receive these exemptions and potentially save thousands of dollars on their property taxes. However, due to the pandemic new strategies are being developed. We are hopeful that in-person outreach will be viable in the next fiscal year. Ensuring older adults receive all the tax exemptions they are due is a low-cost way to improve affordability and reduce displacement. 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
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATON NUMBER: 20220309-3a1 REGARDING: Increasing City Support of Digital Literacy Training with Austin Free-Net WHEREAS, digital literacy training is a necessary City service to ensure members of the public can equitably access online City resources; WHEREAS, COVID-19 has closed many in-person service options and made in-person contact inherently more risky; WHEREAS, the current labor market is particularly challenging for non-profit organizations; WHEREAS, the current City contractor for provision of digital literacy training services has requested an increase in the City funding in order to be able to hire qualified staff and support robust service delivery; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission recommends that the City contract with Austin Free-Net providing digital literacy training services be increased from $198,000 annually to $298,000 annually. Date of Approval: March 9, 2022 Record of the vote: Motion to recommend $100,000 in additional funding for Austin Free-Net made by Commissioner Dasgupta, seconded by Chair Pitts, passed on a vote of 7-0. ATTEST: ___________________________________ Jesse Rodriguez City of Austin Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATON NUMBER: 20220309-3a2 REGARDING: Producer Workforce Development WHEREAS, investment in producer training for underserved segments of the community is needed to ensure equitable access to the creative economy; WHEREAS, Austin Film Society won the contract with the City to provide producer workforce development training, distribution of local content over public cable channels, and maintenance of the public access television facility; WHEREAS, Austin Film Society’s final best offer was for $925,000 annually, but the City was only able to offer $875,000 annually (leaving a $50,000 gap in year one); WHEREAS, $400,000 of that $875,000 was only secured with federal grant funds for one year, leaving a $450,000 gap for year two; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission recommends that the City allocate $450,000 to support producer workforce training by Austin Film Society. Date of Approval: March 9, 2022 Record of the vote: Motion to recommend $450,000 to support the Austin Film Society’s Producer Workforce development program made by Commissioner Apodaca, seconded by Commissioner DasGupta, passed on a vote of 7-0 ATTEST: ___________________________________ Jesse Rodriguez City of Austin Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATON NUMBER: 20220309-3a3 REGARDING: Community Technology Interns WHEREAS, the City began, in late 2019, a pilot program to refurbish retired City computers and make them available for public benefit via distribution to community non-profits; WHEREAS, that pilot program is now established as formal service offered by the City named The Community PC Program and has deployed over 1,743 devices since inception; WHEREAS, the Community PC Program processes over 500 devices annually, on average; WHEREAS, the Community PC Program is poised to increase the number of devices made available to the community every year by seeking private sector device donations, which would proportionally increase the amount of staff needed to refurbish the devices and administratively support the program; WHEREAS, administrative and technology interns would allow the Community PC Program to provide more IT support to device recipients; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Community Technology and Telecommunications Commission recommends that the City allocate sufficient funds to support a technical intern and an administrative intern to support the Community Technology division of Financial Services Department. Date of Approval: March 9, 2022 Record of the vote: Motion to recommend funding for two interns at $15 and $20 dollars per hour to support the Community Technology unit of Financial Services Department made by Chair Pitts, seconded by Commissioner Eiland passed on a vote of 7-0. ATTEST: ___________________________________ Jesse Rodriguez City of Austin Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs
Water & Wastewater Commission Regular Meeting Minutes March 9, 2022 APPROVED: April 13, 2022 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on March 9, 2022, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Boulevard in Austin, Texas and via videoconference. AGENDA Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Travis Michel (District 3) Chien Lee, Chair (District 4) Christianne Castleberry, Vice Chair (District 5) Vacant (District 6) Judy Musgrove (District 7) Christy Williams (District 8) Grant Fisher (District 9) Susan Turrieta (District 10) Commissioners in Attendance: William Moriarty, Jesse Penn, Alex Navarro, Travis Michel, Chien Lee, Christianne Castleberry, Judy Musgrove, Christy Williams, Grant Fisher, Susan Turrieta CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:12 p.m. by Chair Lee. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no registered speakers for Public Communication. A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes from the February 16, 2022 Water and Wastewater regular called meeting were approved on a 9-0 vote on Commissioner Moriarty’s motion and Commissioner Michel’s second with Commissioner Turrieta off the dais and one vacancy. B. ITEMS FOR COMMISSION’S REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL TO CITY COUNCIL 1. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract with Eurofins Abraxis, Inc. to provide consumable test kits for water monitoring analysis, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $500,000. Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on a 9-0 vote on Commissioner Moriarty’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second with Commissioner Turrieta off the dais and one vacancy. 2. Recommend approval to award a contract with Chemrite, Inc. to provide liquid sodium permanganate, for a term of five years in the amount not to exceed $4,109,500. Recommended by The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Blanca Madriz at Austin Water, 512-972-0115 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Water and Wastewater Commission, please contact Blanca Madriz at Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov. the Water and Wastewater Commission on a 9-0 vote on Commissioner Moriarty’s motion and Commissioner Musgrove’s second with Commissioner Turrieta off the dais and one vacancy. 3. Recommend approval …
REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, March 9, 2022 EARLY CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MINUTES The Early Childhood Council (ECC) convened on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Board Members in Attendance: Chair McHorse, Vice Chair Worthington, Council Members Alvarez, Demby, Gordon, Hedrick, Hosking Pulido, Huston, Paver, and Schennum Staff in attendance: Caitlin Oliver, Donna Sundstrom, Cindy Gamez, and Michelle Rodriguez CALL TO ORDER – Chair McHorse called the meeting to order at 8:37 a.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizen communication. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES from February 9, 2022, meeting – Member Huston moved to approve the minutes from the February 9, 2022, regular meeting. The minutes were approved by a unanimous vote of 8-0 (Vice Chair Worthington and Member Demby not on the dais at time of vote). 2. PRESENTATIONS a. Briefing from the Housing and Planning Department and discussion on the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Action Plan Community Needs Assessment Presenters: • Jamey May, Housing and Community Development Officer, Housing and Planning • Natasha Ponczek, Program Manager, Austin Public Health • Helen Howell, Public Health Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health • Katie Horstman, Senior Research Analyst, Housing and Planning The Housing and Planning Department (HPD) and Austin Public Health (APH) presented an overview of the City’s federally funded HPD programs in fiscal year 2021-2022 and requested feedback on the FY22-23 action plan. Under the FY20-21 action plan, HPD served over 3,500 individuals. Many of the programs ran into difficulties during the pandemic. For example, some programs were paused because activities were not able to be held in-person. For the Tenants Rights Assistance program, which offers repair remediation services, some tenants fell behind with paying rent during the pandemic which meant they were not in “good standing” to petition repairs. Some programs, like Child Care Services CV, are ongoing, whereas some programs, like RENT, have concluded. The presenters reported that over 3,000 households served by the following programs had children under 5: • Down Payment Assistance • Architectural Barrier Removal • Minor Home Repair • Homeowner Rehabilitation • RENT 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 The presentation slides with additional details and program statistics have been posted to the Early Childhood Council website as backup material. Helen Howell works closely with HPD to manage the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Special Needs Assistance contracts. She provided an update on FY20-21 activities and outcomes related to child care assistance. Services under this contract that relate to child care are the following …
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION http://www.austintexas.gov/cttc MINUTES Regular Meeting Wednesday – March 9, 2022 – 6:30 PM City Hall – Boards and Commissions ‐ Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street ‐ Austin, TX 78701 Please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/cityclerk/boards_commissions/meetings/10_1.htm for backup material associated with this agenda. All ATXN (City Channel 6) programming is cablecast on Spectrum, Grande Communications, and Google Fiber on their cable channel 6, on AT&T U‐ Verse Channel 99 and webcast online. Over 20 meetings per month, including this commission meeting, are available on demand online, typically within a few hours of the cablecast. Schedules and video can be found at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/atxn-video-archive. CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Sophie Gairo ‐ Mayor Steve Adler Nehemiah Pitts III ‐ Council Member Natasha Harper‐Madison, District 1 Steven Apodaca – Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, District 2 Malcolm Yeatts ‐ Council Member Sabino “Pio” Renteria, District 3 Vacant ‐ Council Member Gregorio Casar, District 4 Dave Floyd ‐ Council Member Ann Kitchen, District 5 Vacant ‐ Council Member Mackenzie Kelly, District 6 Maxine Eiland ‐ Council Member Leslie Pool, District 7 Jennifer Ramos ‐ Council Member Paige Ellis, District 8 Nicole Thompson – Council Member Kathie Tovo, District 9 Sumit DasGupta ‐ Council Member Alison Alter, District 10 Commission Members Present Nehemiah Pitts III Commission Members Attending Remotely Steven Apodaca Malcolm Yeatts Dave Floyd Maxine Eiland Nicole Thompson Sumit DasGupta Unexcused Absence Jennifer Ramos Sophie Gairo CALL TO ORDER Meeting Called to order at 6:38 pm. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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. No members of the public signed up to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 9, 2022 Motion to approve the February 9th meeting minutes made by Commissioner DasGupta, seconded by Commissioner Thompson passed on a vote of 8-0. 2. STAFF AND COMMUNITY BRIEFINGS (A member of the public may not address a board at a meeting on an item posted as a briefing) a. FY 2021 Residential Technology Study: Qualitative Analysis of the Digital Divide in Austin by MEASURE Austin (Paulette Blanc, Meme Styles, and Reyda Taylor) The Presentation by MEASURE Austin can be viewed here: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=378693 The draft report by MEASURE can be viewed here: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=378696 The timeline of historical inequities by MEASURE can be viewed here: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=378694 b. Update …
1 COMMISSION ON SENIORS REGULAR MEETING MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9TH, 2022 The Commission on Seniors convened a Regular Meeting at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions, 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas, 78702 and remotely. Board Members in Attendance: Chair, Janee Briesemeister, Vice Chair, Peter Varteressian, Amy Temperley, Diana Spain, Emily De Maria Nicola, Erica Garcia‐Pittman, Fred Lugo, Jacqueline Angel, Luz Lopez‐Guerrero, Martha Bauman, Martin Kareithi, Patricia Bordie, and Sally Van Sickle. Commissioner Lugo left dais at 1:12pm and returned at 1:17pm. Commissioner Van Sickle left dais at 1:11pm and returned at 1:13pm. Board Members not in Attendance: Natalie Cagle Staff in Attendance: Tabitha Taylor and Halana Kaleel, Austin Public Health Presenters: None Chair, Janee Briesemeister called the Board Meeting to order at 12:05 pm. The Commission introduced themselves. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION A. No Public Communication 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE COMMISSION ON SENIORS FEBRUARY 9TH, 2022 MEETING A. The minutes from the February 9th, 2022, meeting was approved on Vice Chair Varteressian motion, Commissioner Lopez‐Guerrero second on a 13‐0 vote. Commissioner Cagle was absent. 2. ANNOUCEMENTS A. Meeting has occurred with auditor’s office about audit of older adults access to services. These are preliminary discussions; the office will reach back out to the commissioners around June 2022. Please send recommendations to Chair Briesemeister. 3. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action Commission Work Plan – Standing Item No discussion currently. B. Discussion and possible action from Working Groups – Standing Item Age Friendly Action Plan Implementation Working Group Transportation, Housing and Outdoor Spaces Working Group No discussion currently. No discussion currently. i. i. ii. iii. Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment Working Group This working group needs a new member, meets every 4th Tuesday of the month. iv. v. i. ii. iii. i. ii. iii. iv. v. 2 Community Support and Health Services Working Group Emergency Preparedness and Response Working Group No discussion currently. No discussion currently. C. Discussion and possible action from Joint Inclusion Committee – Standing Item (Chair Briesemeister) i. No discussion currently. D. Discussion and possible action of City of Austin Budget – Standing Item (Chair Briesemeister) i. Working group will meet after the next Joint Inclusion meeting on March 29th. 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and possible action on Commission on Seniors FY22 Community Service Award. The Commission on Seniors FY22 Community Service Award survey …
