Versión en español a continuación. Human Rights Commission Meeting April 19, 2021 Human Rights Commission to be held April 19, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (April 18, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the April 19, 2021 Human Rights Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov no later than noon, April 18, 2021 (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FECHA de la reunion April 19, 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (April 18, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Jonathan Babiak at (512) 974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que …
Briefing on Block 16 & 18 Development Projects East 11th & 12th Street Urban Renewal Board April 19, 2021 Topics for Discussion • Process Review & Project Status Update • Public Feedback • Suggested Tasks for Next Meeting 2 Process Overview Planning & Due Diligence • • Organize Internal Project Team (HPD, ORES, Law, Purchasing, & EDD) - Complete Contract with Financial Consultant - Underway Contract with Public Engagement Consultant -Underway Conduct: • • • • • Appraisal - Underway Survey - Underway Phase II ESA - Underway • Finalize Public Engagement Plan – Not Yet Started Public Engagement • • • Public Engagement Activities (To Be Determined) URB Finalizes Development Priorities & Evaluation Criteria/Scoring Draft Solicitation Solicitation Finalize & Publish Solicitation Close Solicitation • • • Minimum Responsiveness Check Third Party Financial Review • City Staff Evaluation/Scoring • URB Recommendation • City Council Selection • 3 Public Feedback • Desire to see Public Engagement Plan and general interest in robust engagement efforts in the area (AARAC) • Desire to include Schieffer House in Block 18 development plans (AARAC) • Desire to incorporate preservation of a live music use if not specifically Kenny Dorham’s Backyard in the Block 18 development plans (AARAC) 4 Suggested Tasks for Next Meeting • Board begins consideration, discussion, and providing direction on: • Key public stakeholders & public engagement priorities • Proposed Development Priorities for the purpose of starting broader public engagement • Proposed Evaluation Criteria • Other sections of 6909 Ryan Drive RFP • Staff: • Executes consultant contracts • Drafts Public Engagement Plan • Continues due diligence • Finalizes proposed schedule/process for discussion 5 6
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20210419-001a: City of Austin Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee hosted virtual Budget Engagement Community Forums on February 9, 2021, February 11, 20201, and March 3, 2021 to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities, and to help ensure and inclusive and transparent budget process that incorporates resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure community priorities are being met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Proposals: Public Safety IV. V. I. An open process and community input in selection of the next APD Police Chief II. Guidance from the community/quality of life commissions on the selection process instead of waiting for community input after final candidates have been selected. III. Divert Funds from APD to other social service agencies and non-police crisis intervention programs. Explore the possibility of establishing a fund that Peace Officers must pay into for insurance to cover the costs of abuse of force complaints and law suits. Establish a bonus incentive program for officers that maintain a professional record clear of abuse of force allegations. 1 I. II. Please see: Budget forum meeting February 9, 2021 at https://www.speakupaustin.org/budget-2022 Health and Environment I. II. Community approach for health care navigation and support: Resources exist for specific communities, but coverage is not consistent across all constituencies. The City of Austin should provide coordination/oversight to ensure resources are equitable and address gaps III. Outreach and Navigation: Digital Access: Includes Wi-Fi, devices, and training. Need to address different needs for seniors, kids in school, adults working from home, people with disabilities and/or who are homebound, people who need access to healthcare (e.g. telehealth), access to workforce development/job postings, etc. Targeted interventions specific to each community are needed. The City should include these recommendations in their digital inclusion strategic plan (TARA “Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs”) Funding should be provided for programs to enroll inmates released into the community in health care …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20210419-001a: City of Austin Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee hosted virtual Budget Engagement Community Forums on February 9, 2021, February 11, 20201, and March 3, 2021 to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities, and to help ensure and inclusive and transparent budget process that incorporates resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure community priorities are being met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Proposals: Public Safety I. An open process and community input in selection of the next APD Police Chief . II. Guidance from the community/quality of life commissions on the selection process instead of waiting for community input after final candidates have been selected. III. Divert Funds from APD to other social service agencies and non-police crisis IV. V. intervention programs. Explore the possibility of establishing a fund that Peace Officers must pay into for insurance to cover the costs of abuse of force complaints and law suits. Establish a bonus incentive program for officers that maintain a professional record clear of abuse of force allegations. Please see: a. Budget forum meeting February 9, 2021 at https://www.speakupaustin.org/budget-2022 HRC 20210419-001a: FY 2021-22 Budget Recommendation Health and Environment I. II. Community approach for health care navigation and support: Resources exist for specific communities, but coverage is not consistent across all constituencies. The City of Austin should provide coordination/oversight to ensure resources are equitable and address gaps. III. Outreach and Navigation: Digital Access: Includes wifi, devices, and training. Need to address different needs for seniors, kids in school, adults working from home, people with disabilities and/or who are homebound, people who need access to healthcare (e.g. telehealth), access to workforce development/job postings, etc. Targeted interventions specific to each community are needed. The City should include these recommendations in their digital inclusion strategic plan (TARA “Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs”). Funding should be provided for programs to enroll inmates released into …
Cultural Trust Update Austin Arts Commission Update: April 19, 2021 Cultural Trust Background and Goals INITIAL GOAL OF CULTURAL TRUST In 2018, the City resolved to support "a community arts stabilization trust, the ‘Austin Cultural Trust’, that creates, through purchase and long-term lease, affordable spaces that supports artists and arts organizations, preserves historic and iconic cultural buildings and spaces for creative and cultural uses, and functions in a way that provides for cultural assets to exist in all parts of the city" - Resolution 20201001-055 In 2020, the City identified “To support acquisition and preservation of cultural spaces within the City of Austin,” as a function of AEDC. - Resolution 20201001-055 Austin EDC Cultural Trust | 2 Cultural Trust Goals – First Initiative Guided by the recommendations of the Joint Arts and Music Commission,* research into best practices, and stakeholder feedback. AEDC will propose additional measures for the Cultural Trust to address other Austin cultural needs, but this first step is targeted toward acquiring and preserving spaces. • Create a competitive RFP to fund an initial set of organizations • Use AEDC as broker, asset and facilities manager to save City money • Leverage existing funds using AIDC or private debt • Spaces would be owned by the City as permanent cultural infrastructure but made available for use to organizations under a lease, license, operating agreement or other appropriate use agreement. • Prioritize support for organizations based on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles • Spaces would be made available to organizations at affordable rates *https://www.speakupaustin.org/bond-for-creative-space Austin EDC Cultural Trust | 3 Timeline RFI Issued Fall 2020 Market Research Nov 2020 Previous Cultural Work Review (CAMP, CSAP venue survey data, September Joint Arts & Music Commission Creative Space Bond update) Dec 2020 Review Past RFI and RFI Responses Jan 2021 Convene Advisory Committee + Conduct Outreach* Feb-Apr 2021 Issue an RFP Spring 2021 *Discussions with banks, philanthropy, impact capital, and City capital sources Austin EDC Cultural Trust | 4 Program Summary Competitive RFP to fund two types of projects as a first initiative Outcome: Acquire venues with associated qualified operators for long-term ownership by the City of Austin for the public benefit of enhanced access to creative and cultural facilities Priority: Financial and Operating Capacity Outcome: Provide affordable multi-use space for cultural organizations with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Priority: Policy Goal Alignment Anticipated outcome: 1-2 existing venues saved …
Hotel Occupancy Tax – Forecast Sylnovia Holt Rabb, Deputy Director Economic Development Department April 19, 2021 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 1 Cultural Arts Fund – FY21 Approved Budget C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 2 Cultural Arts Fund – Update with FY20 Actuals Cultural Arts Fund 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2020-21 2021-22 Actual Actual Estimated Amended Proposed 3,215,422 2,923,145 (695,565) (1,081,241) (4,034,625) 70,152 0 70,152 42,770 9,514 52,284 6,000 0 6,000 30,000 0 30,000 6,000 0 6,000 12,639,480 12,639,480 9,003,228 9,003,228 3,895,202 3,895,202 7,790,403 5,453,282 7,790,403 5,453,282 12,709,631 9,055,512 3,895,202 7,820,403 5,459,282 13,001,908 12,674,222 13,001,908 12,674,222 7,234,262 7,234,262 7,234,262 1,080,000 7,234,262 1,080,000 Revenue Interest Other Revenue Total Revenue Transfers In Other Funds Total Transfers In Total Available Funds Program Requirements Cultural Arts and Contracts Total Program Requirements Total Requirements 13,001,908 12,674,222 7,234,262 7,234,262 1,080,000 Excess (Deficiency) of Total Available Funds Over Total Requirements (292,277) (3,618,710) 586,141 586,141 30,000 Ending Balance 2,923,145 (695,565) (4,034,625) 586,141 344,657 C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 3 Economic Development Department Hotel Occupancy Tax Programs $14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 $- Cultural Arts Fund C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 4 Proposed COVID-19 Spending Framework-2021 – March 23rd American Rescue Plan FY 2021 ARP FY 2022 ARP Total Cultural Arts Fund $3.9 M $3.9 M $7.8 M Historic Preservation Fund $5.0 M $5.0 M $10.0 M Live Music Fund $1.1 M $1.1 M $2.2 M Austin Convention Center Fund $6.4 M $21.9 M $28.3 M Total $16.4 M $31.9 M $48.3 M C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T 5 Questions? C I T Y O F A U S T I N E C O N O M …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and Council FROM: Sylnovia Holt Rabb, Acting Director Economic Development Department DATE: April 14, 2021 SUBJECT: Update on Cultural Trust and Creative Space Bond On behalf of the team supporting organizational development and execution of priority projects, this memo serves as an update with you on the progress of the Cultural Trust and the determination of support for the execution of work for the Creative and Cultural Facilities Bond under the auspices of Austin Economic Development Corporation (AEDC). As you are aware, Mayor and Council provided direction to align the development of AEDC with the intent and creation of an “Austin Cultural Trust” through Resolutions 20160303-019, 20170216-040, 20170302-034, 20180215-082 and 20190808-072. Council further directed the City Manager to expedite a review of existing entities and resources that could be centralized to support the timely execution of recovery efforts that could secure or retain creative culture and community benefits in Resolutions 20200521-095 and 20200521-096. AEDC was officially created by Mayor and Council through Resolution 20201001-055 on October 1, 2020. Since that time, staff and consultants have organized a significant amount of research and work to refine the scope of the trust while working with legal teams to determine viability of roles for the organization to support the use of the $12 million Creative and Cultural Facilities Bond. Council also allocated $2.4 million for the Iconic Venue Fund as established in 20201203-046 to create leasing structures to acquire and permanently preserve creative and music venues that promote tourism, support equity, and represent Austin’s brand and history. Contracting with the AEDC The City and AEDC are developing an interlocal agreement to frame the partnership between both agencies and to identify land or buildings to be acquired or land on which buildings would be constructed by the AEDC on behalf of the City with these bond proceeds. EDD staff is consulting with the City Attorney and the City’s outside bond counsel to ensure use and operation of the facilities are within the legal framework for these funds. The interlocal agreement will be placed on a future Council agenda for consideration at the time that the agreement has been agreed upon by City staff and AEDC. Status of the Cultural Trust AEDC is in the process of finalizing findings and feedback in the development of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to support the …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MONDAY, April 19, 2021 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES The Human Rights Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Monday, April 19, 2021 via teleconference in Austin, Texas. Chair Sareta Davis called the Board Meeting to order at 3:31 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Davis, Vice Chair Jamarr Brown, Commissioner Breckenridge, Commissioner Garry Brown, Commissioner Caballero, Commissioner Casas, Commissioner Griffith, Commissioner Santana, and Commissioner Weigel. Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Human Resources Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None 1. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding recommendations related to the 2021-2022 City of Austin budget. (Davis/Brown, J.) The Commission discussed this item. Chair Davis moved to adopt the recommendation, Vice Chair Brown second. The recommendation was adopted on a vote of 9-0 with Commissioner Areche and Commissioner Museitif absent. ADJOURNMENT Chair Davis adjourned the meeting at 4:01 p.m. on unanimous consent. 1
URBAN RENEWAL BOARD MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021, 5:30 – 9:30 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W. Pierce, Vice Chair Danielle Skidmore Amit Motwani the PURPOSE: The Board of Commissioners primary responsibility implementation and compliance of approved Urban Renewal Plans that are adopted by the Austin City Council. An Urban Renewal Plan's primary purpose is to eliminate slum and blighting influence within a designated area of the city. Nathaniel Bradford Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey to oversee is MINUTES Staff in Attendance Erica Leak Travis Pearlman Laura Keating Members in Attendance Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W. Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Jacqueline Watson Members Absent Danielle Skidmore Kobla Tetey Nathaniel Bradford CALL TO ORDER Chair Escobar called the meeting to order at 5:37pm with 4 members present. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 agenda items and items not posted on the agenda. Speaker who signed up against Item 3a: Mark Vornberg. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Approval of the March 15, 2021, Meeting Minutes. On Commissioner Motwani’s motion, Vice Chair Peirce’s second, the minutes from the URB’s March 15, 2021, meeting were approved on a 4-0-0 vote. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding the extension of the agreement between the Urban Renewal Agency and the City of Austin concerning the implementation of the East 11th and 12th Streets Urban Renewal Plan. Following discussion, on Vice Chair Pierce’s motion, Commissioner Watson’s second, a motion to renew the agreement for an additional year was approved on a 4-0-0 vote, with a request that the timeline for the deliverables be updated accordingly. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Consideration and possible action regarding request from Capitol View Arts/Rolling Rooster for a license agreement to use Urban Renewal Agency owned property at 1100 E 11th Street. Clifford Gillard addressed the board and discussion occurred. No action was taken. b. Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding background and next steps for property disposition of Urban Renewal Agency owned property (1100 E 11th St and 920 E 11th St). Travis Perlman presented. Following discussion, on Commissioner Watson’s motion, Commissioner Motwani’s second, a motion passed unanimously to approve Vice Chair Pierce to work with staff on recruiting a community engagement consultant. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Chair Escobar adjourned the meeting at …
Electric Utility Commission April 19, 2021 Minutes The Electric Utility Commission (EUC) convened a regularly scheduled meeting via videoconference/Webex. Meeting called to order by Chair Hopkins at 5:34 p.m. Also present were Commissioners Chapman, Ferchill, Funkhouser, Stone, Trostle and Weldon. Commissioners Hadden and Reed joined during the staff briefing. Commissioners Tuttle and Wray were absent. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL – Paul Robbins re Customer Assistance Program 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Approve minutes of the March 8, 2021 regular meeting. Motion (Trostle) to approve minutes; seconded (Chapman); passed on a vote of 7-0, with Commissioners Hadden and Reed off the dais and Commissioners Tuttle and Wray absent. NEW BUSINESS – CONSENT ( ) = Target Council Meeting Date; [ ] = RCA Type Items 2, 3, 5-9 unanimously recommended on consent (7-0, with Commissioners Hadden and Reed off the dais and Commissioners Tuttle and Wray absent). Following discussion, motion (Ferchill) to recommend Item 4; seconded (Weldon); recommended on a vote of 7-0, with Commissioners Hadden and Reed off the dais and Commissioners Tuttle and Wray absent. 2. (4/22) [Capital Contracting] Authorize award and execution of a construction contract with Austin Underground Inc. (MBE), for 301 W. 20th – Duct Bank WR project in the amount of $542,120 plus a $54,212 contingency, for a total contract amount not to exceed $596,332. 3. (4/22) [Purchasing] Authorize an amendment to an existing contract with Pike Enterprises Inc D/B/A Pike Electric LLC, for continued substation installation, repair, and maintenance services, for an increase in the amount of $2,000,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $5,000,000. 4. (4/22) [Purchasing] Authorize an amendment to an existing contract with Pike Enterprises Inc, to provide continued transmission and distribution electrical services, for an increase in the amount of $4,000,000, for a revised contract amount not to exceed $93,000,000. 5. (5/6) [Purchasing] Authorize negotiation and execution of a contract with Wesco Distribution, Inc., D/B/A Hi-Line Utility Supply Co, LLC aka Power Supply, for substation capacitor banks, for a term of five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,700,000. 6. (5/6) [Purchasing - Multi-Dept; AE’s portion approximately $9M] Authorize an amendment to an existing cooperative contract with Dell Marketing LP, to provide Dell hardware and software products and related services including maintenance and support, for an increase in the amount of $21,000,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $68,250,000. 7. (5/6) [Purchasing] …
URBAN RENEWAL BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20210419-2a Seconded By: Watson Date: 4/19/2021 Subject: Renewal of the agreement between the Urban Renewal Agency and the City of Austin concerning the implementation of the East 11th and 12th Streets Urban Renewal Plan. Motioned By: Pierce Recommendation Authorize the negotiation and execution of an amendment to extend the Agreement Concerning Implementation of the East 11th and 12th Streets Urban Renewal Plan between the City and the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) for an additional year. Description of Recommendation to Council The current agreement ends September 30, 2021. This recommendation would extend the agreement until September 30, 2022. Vote For: Escobar, Pierce, Watson, Motwani Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Skidmore, Tetey, Bradford Attest: Laura Keating 1 of 1
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Community Interest Announcement Rally to #Stop Asian Hate April 17, 2021 4:00 P.M. Huston-tillotson University 900 Chicon St, Austin, Texas 78702 A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken.
Versión en español a continuación. College Student Commission Meeting Friday, April 16, 2021 College Student Commission to be held 04/16/2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (Thursday, April 15, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the 04/16/2021 College Student Commission Meeting, members of the public must: • Call or email the board liaison at 512-972-5042 or david.alcorta@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). • Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. • Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. • Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. • Handouts or other information may be emailed to david.alcorta@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. • If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live 1 Reunión del Comisión de Estudiantes Universitarios Viernes, 16 de abril de 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (Jueves, 15 de abril de 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en 512-972-5042 o david.alcorta@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe ser el número que se utilizará …
Name of Board or Commission: College Student Commission Request Number: 20210416-003a Description of Item: City of Austin College Student Food Insecurity Grant Program intended to fund initiatives and programs aimed at assisting food-insecure students across college campuses in Austin. Board or Commission Vote to refer item to Council: Unanimously approved (8-0-0) Date of Approval of Request: 04/16/2021 Attachments: ☒ Yes ☐ No If yes, please list the attachments: 20210122-3b: College Food Insecurity Grant Program Attest: David Alcorta (Staff Liaison), Jared D. Breckenridge (Chair), Jessica Riley (Co-Chair) MAYOR’S OFFICE USE ONLY Council Committee Assigned: ☐Audit and Finance Committee ☐Austin Energy Utility Oversight Committee ☐Mobility Committee ☐Health and Human Services Committee ☐Housing and Planning Committee Recommend a Fiscal Analysis be completed? Recommend a Legal Analysis be completed? Notes: Mayor Signature & Date: 1 COLLEGE STUDENT COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number #20210122-3b College Food Insecurity Grant Program WHEREAS, the City of Austin College Student Commission has been established and authorized to advise members of the Austin City Council on topics that affect college students here in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin both historically and in present time continues to have a young college student population that is greater than or equal to approximately 100,000+ students; and WHEREAS, the Food Insecurity Working Group was created by the College Student Commission to form productive solutions to combating food insecurity across college campuses in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Food Insecurity Working Group has been informed and guided by partnerships with experts on this pressing matter, such as representatives from the Central Texas Food Bank, wherein we have explored a variety of potential local solutions; and WHEREAS, the food security needs of each Austin college are unique, and the available services at each campus are at varying levels of development and financial support; and WHEREAS, the development of a city grant program would allow for targeted investment in tailored community-based solutions that build on preexisting university programming and infrastructure; and WHEREAS, a study conducted in March 2020 by The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice, which surveyed “38,602 students attending 54 colleges and universities in 26 states,” found that as a result of the devastating economic impacts of COVID-19, “rates of food insecurity among students ranged from 42% to 56% at two-year institutions and from 33% to 42% at four-year institutions;1” and 1 Goldrick-Rab, S., Coca, V., Welton, C. …