Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, April 7, 2025 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 7, 2025 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Enrique Duran II Kristy Orr Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Michael Sierra-Arévalo Yasmine Smith PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 3, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on March 3, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Orr’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Smith was off the dais. Commissioner Bernhardt was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department. The presentation was made by Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department. Vice Chair Ruttan asked if APD is not making arrests, is that because criminal activity is not happening or does the data show later that they are just not able to arrest in that moment. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, April 7, 2025 Commissioner Smith asked for APD demographic data of individuals who are sent to the Sobering Center versus those who are cited and released, versus those going to jail during the next quarterly report. 3. 2026 Bond Development Update. Presentation by Eric Bailey, Assistant Director, Capital Delivery Services, Marcus Hammer, Assistant Director, Capital Delivery Services, Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department, Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Staff, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department, and Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department. The presentation was made by Eric Bailey, Assistant Director, Capital Delivery Services; Marcus Hammer, Assistant Director, Capital Delivery Services; Jeff Greenwalt, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department; Stephen White, Assistant Chief, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department; and Thayer Smith, Assistant Chief, Austin Fire Department. 4. Biannual Wildfire Readiness Update, Austin Fire Department. The presentation was made by Carrie Stewart, Division Chief, Austin Fire Department. Commissioner Nguyễn asked that the Wildfire Newsletter be distributed to the Public Safety Commission. 5. Presentation on the SIMLAB trailer, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. The presentation was made by Heather Phillips, …
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767 JOSÉ P. GARZA Telephone 512/854-9400 TRUDY STRASSBURGER DISTRICT ATTORNEY Telefax 512/854-4206 FIRST ASSISTANT Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report February 20251 Case Staffing Snapshot: 2/1/25 to 2/28/25 Cases Staffed Cases Not Filed by LEA Cases Declined by TCDA Cases Pending Further Investigation Cases Accepted Accepted Cases Previously Returned for Investigation APD Cases 27 11 0 10 6 3 Total 30 11 0 11 8 4 Case Prosecution Snapshot: 2/1/25 to 2/28/25 Cases Received for Prosecution Cases Rejected or Dismissed Cases Indicted Cases No Billed Cases Pled Cases Tried 12 12 15 0 7 1 Pending Cases By Year Received (as of 2/28/25) Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 # 3 7 11 33 Year 2023 2024 2025 # 52 114 32 1 The data summarized in this report was retrieved for analysis on March 12, 2025. Ronald Earle Building, 416 W. 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Cases Pled by Offense: 2/1/25 to 2/28/25 Assault Causes Bodily Injury Family Violence Indecent Assault Sexual Assault Trial Outcomes: 2/1/25 to 2/28/25† SEXUAL ASSAULT SEXUAL ASSAULT SEXUAL ASSAULT 1 4 2 NOT GUILTY NOT GUILTY NOT GUILTY † In the single case that was tried this month, the defendant was found not guilty on three counts. February 2025 Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report Page 2 of 4 About this Report The Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report endeavors to provide a monthly snapshot of adult sexual assault cases that are handled by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office (TCDA). For the purposes of this report, an adult sexual assault case can be any sexual assault case that is either staffed by TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit before it is accepted for prosecution, or that is assigned to TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit and is submitted, accepted, indicted, or otherwise prosecuted as one of the following offenses: Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in Custody or Under Supervision Improper Sexual Activity with a Committed Person Indecent Assault • Aggravated Kidnapping with Intent to Inflict Bodily Injury/Sexual Abuse • Aggravated Sexual Assault • Burglary of a Habitation with the Intent to Commit a Sexual Offense • • • • Failure to Comply/Duty to Register as a Sex Offender‡ • Hindering the Apprehension/Prosecution of a Known Felon/Sex Offender§ • Prohibited Sexual Conduct • Sex Trafficking of Persons • Sexual Assault • Sexual Exploitation by a Mental Health Services Provider • Sexual …
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767 JOSÉ P. GARZA Telephone 512/854-9400 TRUDY STRASSBURGER DISTRICT ATTORNEY Telefax 512/854-4206 FIRST ASSISTANT Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report January 20251 Case Staffing Snapshot: 1/1/25 to 1/31/25 Cases Staffed Cases Not Filed by LEA Cases Declined by TCDA Cases Pending Further Investigation Cases Accepted Accepted Cases Previously Returned for Investigation APD Cases 21 7 0 12 2 0 Total 23 8 0 13 2 0 Case Prosecution Snapshot: 1/1/25 to 1/31/25 Cases Received for Prosecution Cases Rejected or Dismissed Cases Indicted Cases No Billed Cases Pled Cases Tried 22 6 5 0 6 1 Pending Cases By Year Received (as of 1/31/25) Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 # 4 7 12 36 Year 2023 2024 2025 # 57 117 21 1 The data summarized in this report was retrieved for analysis on February 18, 2025. Ronald Earle Building, 416 W. 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Cases Pled by Offense: 1/1/25 to 1/31/25 Attempt to Commit Aggravated Kidnapping Sexual Abuse Indecent Assault Sexual Assault 1 2 4 Trial Outcomes: 1/1/25 to 1/31/25 SEXUAL ASSAULT GUILTY January 2025 Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report Page 2 of 4 About this Report The Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report endeavors to provide a monthly snapshot of adult sexual assault cases that are handled by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office (TCDA). For the purposes of this report, an adult sexual assault case can be any sexual assault case that is either staffed by TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit before it is accepted for prosecution, or that is assigned to TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit and is submitted, accepted, indicted, or otherwise prosecuted as one of the following offenses: Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in Custody or Under Supervision Improper Sexual Activity with a Committed Person Indecent Assault • Aggravated Kidnapping with Intent to Inflict Bodily Injury/Sexual Abuse • Aggravated Sexual Assault • Burglary of a Habitation with the Intent to Commit a Sexual Offense • • • • Failure to Comply/Duty to Register as a Sex Offender† • Hindering the Apprehension/Prosecution of a Known Felon/Sex Offender‡ • Prohibited Sexual Conduct • Sex Trafficking of Persons • Sexual Assault • Sexual Exploitation by a Mental Health Services Provider • Sexual Coercion Please note that criminal case data compiled in this report is not longitudinal. For example, cases resolved during the month that is the subject of this …
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY P.O. Box 1748, Austin, TX 78767 JOSÉ P. GARZA Telephone 512/854-9400 TRUDY STRASSBURGER DISTRICT ATTORNEY Telefax 512/854-4206 FIRST ASSISTANT Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report March 20251 Case Staffing Snapshot: 3/1/25 to 3/31/25 Cases Staffed Cases Not Filed by LEA Cases Declined by TCDA Cases Pending Further Investigation Cases Accepted Accepted Cases Previously Returned for Investigation APD Cases 8 3 0 4 1 0 Total 12 6 0 5 1 0 Case Prosecution Snapshot: 3/1/25 to 3/31/25 Cases Received for Prosecution Cases Rejected or Dismissed Cases Indicted Cases No Billed Cases Pled Cases Tried 15 12 15 0 5 2 Pending Cases By Year Received (as of 3/31/25) Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 # 2 7 9 27 Year 2023 2024 2025 # 43 105 45 1 The data summarized in this report was retrieved for analysis on April 14, 2025. Ronald Earle Building, 416 W. 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Cases Pled by Offense: 3/1/25 to 3/31/25† Indecent Assault Sexual Assault Sexual Coercion 3 1 2 Trial Outcomes: 3/1/25 to 3/31/25‡ SEXUAL ASSAULT (2 COUNTS) SEXUAL ASSAULT (1 COUNT) NOT GUILTY NOT GUILTY † In the five cases that pled, the defendant pled to two offenses in one case. ‡ In the two cases that were tried this month, the defendant was found not guilty on three counts. March 2025 Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report Page 2 of 4 About this Report The Adult Sexual Assault Monthly Report endeavors to provide a monthly snapshot of adult sexual assault cases that are handled by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office (TCDA). For the purposes of this report, an adult sexual assault case can be any sexual assault case that is either staffed by TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit before it is accepted for prosecution, or that is assigned to TCDA’s Sexual Assault Unit and is submitted, accepted, indicted, or otherwise prosecuted as one of the following offenses: Improper Sexual Activity with a Person in Custody or Under Supervision Improper Sexual Activity with a Committed Person Indecent Assault • Aggravated Kidnapping with Intent to Inflict Bodily Injury/Sexual Abuse • Aggravated Sexual Assault • Burglary of a Habitation with the Intent to Commit a Sexual Offense • • • • Failure to Comply/Duty to Register as a Sex Offender§ • Hindering the Apprehension/Prosecution of a Known Felon/Sex Offender** • Prohibited Sexual Conduct • Sex Trafficking of Persons • Sexual …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 TEMPLATE FOR STANDARD CITY BOARD BYLAWS BYLAWS OF THE ________________________ (Board Name) ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is _________________________ (board name as it appears in the Municipal Code). ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is ____________________. (Insert the information directly from the City Code.) ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (E) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of a board member’s immediate family member, active military service, or the birth or adoption of the board member’s child for 90 days after the event. The board member must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the next regular meeting of the board. Failure to notify the liaison before the next regular meeting of the board will result in an unexcused absence. (F) At each meeting, each board member shall sign an attendance sheet which indicates that the member does not have a conflict of interest with any item on that agenda, or identifies each agenda item on which the member has a conflict of interest. Failure to sign the sheet results in the member being counted as absent and his/her votes are not counted. (G) A member who seeks to resign from the board shall submit a written resignation to the chair of the board, the staff liaison, or the city clerk’s office. If possible, the resignation should allow for a thirty day notice so …
§ 2-1-171 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION. (A) The Public Safety Commission may include representatives from the Austin Police Association, the Austin Fire Fighters Association, the Austin/Travis County EMS Employee Association, Amigos en Azul, the Austin Police Women's Association, the Texas Peace Officer's Association, the Austin Hispanic Fire Fighters Association, the Austin African American Fire Fighters Association, Travis County Emergency Services District 4, the Austin Independent School District, the American Civil Liberties Union, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the NAACP, local business owners, one or more city neighborhoods, and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. (B) The Commission shall serve as an advisory body to the city council on all budgetary and policy matters concerning public safety, including matters related to the Austin Police Department, the Austin Fire Department, and the Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. The Commission shall make recommendations on matters related to long-range planning of public safety departments, departmental budgets, coordination of comprehensive planning initiatives, access to and expenditure of state and federal grant funds, and other related public safety matters. Source: Ord. 20090618-047; Ord. 20091001-033. (Supp. No. 168) Page 1 of 1 Created: 2024-12-06 10:10:49 [EST]
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE Downtown Commission ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Downtown Commission. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to advise the City Council and city staff regarding policies and projects impacting downtown Austin; serve as stewards for the Downtown Austin Plan and, as such: serve as a sounding board for the City Council and staff on the implementation of the Downtown Austin Plan and offer recommendations on amendments to the Downtown Austin Plan as needed; maintain liaison relationships with city staff and other boards and commissions; and perform other activities as directed by City Council. For purposes of this section, the downtown area is the area bounded by Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Interstate Highway 35, Lady Bird Lake and Lamar Boulevard. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven voting members appointed by the city council. The following boards and commissions shall nominate one of its members for appointment by the Council to serve as non-voting Downtown Commission members: a. Arts Commission b. Music Commission c. Design Commission d. Historic Landmark Commission e. Parks & Recreation Board f. Urban Transportation Commission g. Public Safety Commission (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (E) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve-month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of a board member’s immediate family member, active military service, or the birth or adoption of the board member’s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE Joint Inclusion Committee ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Joint Inclusion Committee. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity and inclusion and to promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees and task forces to increase and sustain equity, diversity and inclusion in the city. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of 10 members representing their respective board appointed by the city council from the African American Resource Advisory Commission, the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, the Commission on Seniors, the Commission for Women, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Quality of Life Advisory Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Early Childhood Council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (E) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of a board member’s immediate family member, active military service, or the birth or adoption of the board member’s child for 90 days after the event. The board member must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the next regular meeting of the board. Failure to notify the liaison before the next regular meeting of the board will result in an unexcused absence. (F) At each meeting, each board member shall sign an attendance sheet which indicates that the member …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE Public Safety Commission ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Public Safety Commission. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory body to the city council on all budgetary and policy matters concerning public safety, including matters related to the Austin Police Department, the Austin Fire Department, and the Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services Department. Make recommendations on matters related to long-range comprehensive planning initiatives, access to and expenditure of state and federal grant funds, and other related public safety matters. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of eleven members appointed by the city council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (E) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of a board member’s immediate family member, active military service, or the birth or adoption of the board member’s child for 90 days after the event. The board member must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the next regular meeting of the board. Failure to notify the liaison before the next regular meeting of the board will result in an unexcused absence. (F) At each meeting, each board member shall sign an attendance sheet which indicates that the member does not have a conflict of interest with any item on that agenda, or identifies each agenda item on which the member has a conflict of interest. Failure to sign the sheet results in the member being counted as absent and his/her votes are …
Austin Fire Department Rob Vires | Chief of Staff | Public Safety Commission Quarterly Presentation FY25 Q2 Emergency Response Time Trends As the City of Austin grows – and the demand for fire services increases – response times continue to increase. 84,473 86,641 89,541 89,563 81,973 86,636 87,935 92,612 89,797 Incident Volume 103,626 109,280 110,304 108750 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 Response Times 8:41 8:43 8:51 9:00 9:13 9:12 9:24 9:35 Response Time Standard: 8 minutes 9:58 10:28 9:55 10:28 10:32 120,000 70,000 11:00 10:00 9:00 8:00 7:00 6:00 5:00 4:00 3:00 2:00 1:00 0:00 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 FY25 Q2 | AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT | PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION QUARTERLY PRESENTATION 2 Station 54 Grand Opening • New Fire Station 54 opened on January 12th. • Grand Opening ceremony was held on March 8th. • Station 54 is shared with ATCEMS. • Station 54 is located in Council District 10, on RR 620. FY25 Q2 | AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT | PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION QUARTERLY PRESENTATION 3 Facility Improvement Projects Station 25 Anticipated opening: May 2025 Awaiting final inspection Station 25 Station 8 • Anticipated opening: May 2025 • Engine 8 is on-site; Ladder 8 is at Station 30 • Finishing punch-list items and final inspection Station 23 • Anticipated opening: May 2025 • Engine 23 is in a trailer at 8700 Cameron Road • Finishing punch-list items and final inspection Station 47 • Expected completion: May 2025 • Engine 47 is operating out of Station 34 • Final phase of remodel Station 20 • Expected completion: May 2025 • Engine 20 and Rescue 20 moved to Station 29 on January 6, 2025 • Final stages of remodel Station 21 • Driveway replacement began April 14, 2025. • Expected to last 6 weeks. • Engine 21 is operating out of Station 19 FY25 Q2 | AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT | PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION QUARTERLY PRESENTATION 4 Automatic Aid An Interlocal Agreement to dispatch the closest unit to a 911 call, regardless of department or jurisdiction. Auto Aid occurs multiple times per day and greatly contributes to decreased response times for Austin and Travis County. Recent Successes: • AFD Communications is actively working to move the Tellus CAD- to-CAD program to the cloud. This will allow us to expand Auto Aid with other neighboring departments if …
AUSTIN PUBLIC SAFETY WELLNESS CENTER Public Safety Cancer Screenings • Annual Exams include the following screenings: o Lung - Spirometry o Bladder - Urinalysis in urine sample o Prostate - Prostate Specific Antigen in bloodwork for those 40 and over o Thyroid - Checking thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) for those who are high risk 2 Screenings through Education Include: o Breast - self-screening education, mammography recommendation o Testicular - self-screening education o Cervical - general recommendation for a pap smear every 3 years, o Oral – education o Colorectal - education and recommendation for a colonoscopy when age guidelines are met Third-party collaboration: o Skin – screenings available monthly 3 Additional initiatives PFAS tests: • 78 tests have been performed – grant funded Ongoing education: • Annual attendance at the International Fire Service Cancer Symposium – University of Miami School of Medicine 4
Public Safety Commission - Questions & Answers April 7, 2025 – Regular Meeting Item 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Police Department. Vice Chair Ruttan asked if APD is not making arrests, is that because criminal activity is not happening or does the data show later that they are just not able to arrest in that moment. Pending. Commissioner Smith asked for APD demographic data of individuals who are sent to the Sobering Center versus those who are cited and released, versus those going to jail during the next quarterly report. Pending. May 5, 2025 – Regular Meeting Item 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department. Chair Ramírez asked for a follow up on what percentage of fire stations now have portable generators. Pending. Item 4. Presentation on firefighter cancer prevention and changes in funding for continued tracking of efforts by Austin Fire Department. Vice Chair Ruttan asked for a follow up on whether the City of Austin tracks or screens for certain cancers that may be considered a presumptive disability. Pending.
Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 5, 2025 PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 5, 2025 The Public Safety Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Ramírez called the Public Safety Commission Meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Nelly Paulina Ramírez, Chair Timothy Ruttan, Vice Chair Rebecca Bernhardt Kimberly Hidrogo Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Angel Carroll Enrique Duran II David Holmes Pierre Nguyễn Kristy Orr Michael Sierra-Arévalo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on April 7, 2025. The motion to approve the minutes of the Public Safety Commission regular meeting on April 7, 2025, was approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Smith was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Public Safety Quarterly Report, Austin Fire Department. The presentation was made by Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department. Chair Ramírez asked for a follow up on what percentage of fire stations now have portable generators. 1 Public Safety Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, May 5, 2025 3. 4. Discussion of sexual assault data with Austin Police Department, The SAFE Alliance, Travis County District Attorney's Office, Austin Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT), and members of the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Project (CSCRM). Withdrawn. Presentation on firefighter cancer prevention and changes in funding for continued tracking of efforts by Austin Fire Department. The presentation was made by Rob Vires, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department and Heather Arispe, Public Safety Wellness Administrator, Austin Fire Department. Vice Chair Ruttan asked for a follow up on whether the City of Austin tracks or screens for certain cancers that may be considered a presumptive disability. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Training Academy Working Group on scheduled tour of APD Training Academy. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve updates to the membership of the Training Academy Working Group. The motion to approve Commissioner Hidrogo’s addition to the Training Academy Working Group was approved on Vice Chair Ruttan’s motion, Commissioner Bernhardt’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Smith was absent. 7. Discussion and update on the work of the Wellness Center Working Group and approve the dissolution of the Wellness Center Working Group. …
REGULAR MEETING of the MUSIC COMMISSION May 5, 2025 6:30 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001, 301 W 2ND STREET, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Music Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Shelbi Mitchell, 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Nagavalli Medicharla - Chair, Joe Silva – Parliamentarian, Nelson Aguilar, Tami Blevins, Pedro Carvalho, Clayton England, Cornice “Ray” Price Jr., Celeste Quesada AGENDA CALL TO ORDER MUSICAL PERFORMANCE PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Music Commission Meeting on March 3 and April 7, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Live Music Fund collections briefing by Kim McCarson, Program Manager, Music & Entertainment Division, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment. 3. 2024 Austin Live Music Fund Statistics report briefing by Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager, ACME. 4. Cultural Funding Community Engagement briefing by Candice Cooper, Chief Administrative Officer, Office of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME) and Erica Shamaly, Music & Entertainment Division Manager, ACME. DISCUSSION ITEMS Input on recent increase in number of performance rights organizations and their licensing 5. revenue distribution practices with update from Michael Collins, Broadcast Media Inc. 6. Airport Music Program following presentation by Commissioner Strickland. 7. Artist in Residence Program at New Downtown Development following presentation by Megan Mills and Alex Perkins, Paseo ATX. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS 8. Conduct elections for Vice Chair and Secretary for 2025-2026 term. 9. Select a music commission representative for Downtown Commission vacancy. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Shelbi Mitchell at the Economic Development Department, at 512-974-6318, Shelbi.Mitchell@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Music …
MUSIC COMMISSION MEETING 5/05/2025 H O T E L O C C U P A N C Y T A X C O L L E C T I O N S L I V E M U S I C F U N D Kim McCarson Program Manager UPDATED 4.28.2025 FY 25 Year-to-Date Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Live Music Fund March 2025 w/ Encumbrances $48,397 FY25 Year-to-Date w/ Encumbrances $2,047,707 $17,874 $312,748 $827,586 $19,399 $338,773 $854,923 $12,938 $323,076 $798,287 $5,509 $217,400 $744,461 $4,573 $472,660 $716,095 $36,835 $335,537 $782,771 $19,180 $288,001 $856,608 $5,354 $172,557 $754,925 $48,397 $316,607 $809,445 $17,407 $159,710 $696,141 FY 23 FY 24 FY 25 October April November May December June January July February August March September
2024 Austin Live Music Fund Stats Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Music Commission Meeting – May 5, 2025 2024 Austin Live Music Fund – Latest Stats • 136 grant awards accepted so far out of 136 total grant awards (100%) • 135 signed agreements so far out of 136 total grant agreements (99%) • 134 completed Grant Agreement Orientations so far out of 136 total awardees (99%) • 132 completed Financial Information Forms out of 136 forms sent so far to awardees (97%) • 132 first payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (97%) • 70 second payments paid so far out of 136 total awardees (51%) • 18 fully paid and completed award of 136 awards (13%) As of 5/1/25 C I TY O F A U S T I N
Statement of the Austin Music Commission Submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office Re: Notice of Inquiry on Issues Related to Performing Rights Organizations Docket No. 2025-1 DRAFT Resolution: Equity and Transparency in Performing Rights Organizations Submitted by the Austin Music Commission Whereas, the city of Austin, Texas is nationally recognized as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” contributing significantly to the cultural and economic vitality of the United States through its diverse music community; and Whereas, Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) play a critical role in administering the licensing and royalty distribution for public performances of copyrighted music; and Whereas, the current structure and practices of PROs have presented increasing challenges related to transparency, equitable compensation, and administrative accessibility for independent artists, small venues, and marginalized communities; and Whereas, the proliferation of PROs without standardized licensing practices has created confusion and compliance burdens, especially for community-based venues and nonprofit cultural institutions; and Whereas, there is a lack of publicly accessible and verifiable data on royalty distribution across demographic, geographic, and genre-based lines, impeding efforts to ensure equity and accountability; and Whereas, significant portions of unclaimed or unmatched “black box royalties” are often distributed to major rights holders by default, without sufficient efforts to trace the original creators, disproportionately impacting emerging and underrepresented artists; and Whereas, many creators, particularly from BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income communities, face barriers to entry in understanding and engaging with the copyright system, PRO registration, and royalty tracking due to systemic inequalities in access, education, and language; and Whereas, local artists and venue operators should not be penalized by licensing frameworks that do not reflect actual usage or local contributions to the cultural economy; and Whereas, the Copyright Office has initiated a Notice of Inquiry on these issues, signaling an opportunity for federal engagement and reform; Now, therefore, be it resolved that the United States Congress recognize the urgent need for reform in the operation of Performing Rights Organizations to ensure equity, transparency, and accountability in the distribution of royalties and licensing practices; and Be it further resolved that Congress direct the U.S. Copyright Office and other relevant agencies to: 1. Mandate transparency from PROs in royalty collection and distribution, including public reporting by genre, geography, and demographic data; 2. Standardize licensing structures to protect small, nonprofit, and local venues from undue burden; 3. Create mechanisms to trace and equitably distribute black box royalties, with a priority …
Statement of the Austin Music Commission Submitted to the U.S. Copyright Office Re: Notice of Inquiry on Issues Related to Performing Rights Organizations Docket No. 2025-1 DRAFT May 5, 2025 Dear Register Perlmutter and Members of Congress, On behalf of the Austin Music Commission, we appreciate the opportunity to submit our perspectives regarding the evolving landscape of Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and their impact on our vibrant music community in Austin, Texas. Background Austin, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," thrives on a rich tapestry of musical talent, encompassing songwriters, performers, venues, and a diverse array of music industry professionals. Our city's cultural and economic vitality is deeply intertwined with the health of its music ecosystem. Concerns Regarding PRO Proliferation and Practices We acknowledge the historical role of PROs in simplifying the licensing process for public performances of musical works. However, recent developments have raised concerns: 1. 2. 3. Proliferation of PROs: The increase in the number of PROs has introduced complexities for venues and businesses, leading to confusion over licensing requirements and potential legal vulnerabilities (U.S. Copyright Office) Transparency in Licensing and Royalty Distribution: A lack of comprehensive disclosure regarding the works covered by PRO licenses and the methodologies for royalty distribution undermines trust and fairness in the system (U.S. Copyright Office) Impact on Local Artists: Independent and emerging artists in Austin often face challenges in receiving equitable compensation, as current distribution practices may favor more prominent rights holders. Recommendations To address these issues, we propose the following: • • • Standardization of Licensing Practices: Implementing uniform guidelines across PROs can reduce confusion and ensure venues can comply without undue burden. Enhanced Transparency: Mandating clear disclosure of licensed works and detailed royalty distribution reports will foster accountability and allow artists to verify their earnings.(U.S. Copyright Office) Support for Independent Artists: Establishing mechanisms to ensure fair compensation for all artists, regardless of their commercial stature, will promote a more equitable music industry. What’s completely missing from mandates regarding PROs: 1. Racial & Genre Equity in Royalty Distribution What's missing: No current mandate requires PROs to report demographic or genre data on who is getting paid—and who is not. This leads to systemic underpayment or invisibility for BIPOC artists, particularly in genres like hip-hop, Latin, gospel, or regional roots music. Recommendation: • • Urge Congress to commission or require PROs to conduct equity audits. Request a breakdown of …
Artist in Residence Paseo Hotel & Residences MEET PASEO • Opening Fall 2025 at 80 Rainey Street • Hotel, residences and hospitality • 12th floor pool deck with bar service, in-house coffee shop + bar, coworking lounges, yoga studio, sauna, fitness center, 48th floor rooftop pool, chef’s kitchen, and more • A fully integrated living experience blending design, wellness and culture What is AIR? Paseo's Artist in Residence (AIR) Program offers artists a unique opportunity to create, collaborate, and celebrate Austin’s arts community—all while living rent-free. Located in the heart of Rainey Street, it’s designed to help artists shape culture and connect through their craft. We believe artists shape the soul of a neighborhood. By removing barriers, we give them the freedom to experiment and engage, nurturing creativity that brings Rainey to life. Building on the success of Moontower Phoenix AIR—now in its third year—we’re bringing this proven model to Austin to deepen our commitment to the arts and community. Teaser Video How It Works What We Provide: • • A rent-free apartment at Paseo for one year Full access to amenities: coworking, café & bar, pool deck, fitness spaces, and more What’s Expected: • Host community events that align with your craft • One major artistic contribution (mural, exhibition, performance, etc.) • • Engage the Paseo community + share your journey on social Submit a final portfolio + reflection at the end of the residency Who Can Apply: • • All artists working in any medium at any stage of their career Apply under Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, Culinary Arts, Textile/Craft, or Other What's Next Help spread the word! Share with your networks. We’re calling on Austin’s creators to help shape the next chapter of Rainey Street. • • • • Applications open now through June 1 Panelist Judging in June o Jim Ritts – Paramount Theatre o Michael Hsu – Michael Hsu Office of Architecture o Ben Siegel – Banger’s + Rainey Business Coalition o Jackie Lee Young – Photographer & Creative Director o Matt Peters – Chef, Prélude + Maven o Heath Speakman – Co-founder, SprATX Artists announced early July Residency kicks off Fall 2025 Visit paseoatx.com/artist-in-residence to learn more and apply.
Cultural Funding Community Engagement Music Commission Briefing Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) May 5, 2025 Agenda 1. 2. 3. 4. ACME Funding Program Evaluation & Goals Combined Working & Focus Groups ACME Funding Guideline Updates Community Engagement Timeline ACME Funding Programs - Evaluation & Goals Programs Under Evaluation • Elevate / Nexus / Thrive • Austin Live Music Fund • Creative Space Assistance Program • Heritage Preservation Grant • Art in Public Places Evaluation Goals for ACME Funding Programs Centering underserved communities Encouraging artistic sustainability Reflecting Austin’s cultural richness Serving artists, organizations, and the public equitably Combined Working & Focus Groups ACME Community Engagement Team • • Corporate PIO, Program Staff, and Special Assignments Facilitator Historical Community Feedback • 2020-2025 Data Collection & Analysis New Working Group & Focus Groups • Groups Now Forming ACME Funding Guideline Updates Program Guideline Updates • Community-Focused Approach • Incorporating Engagement Feedback • Language Revision Community Engagement Timeline Questions Office of Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) Thank You For Your Partnership!
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. Austin Energy Headquarters, Mueller Assembly Room 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Ryan Sperling, Office of the City Clerk, at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Kitty McLeod Katie Coyne Steven Rivas Brigitte Bandit Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Commissioner Mariana Krueger VACANT Rocío Fierro-Pérez Alexander Andersen Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) District 5 KB Brookins Asher Knutson J. Scott Neal (Chair) Garry Brown District 6 District 7 District 8 Morgan Davis Taylor Treviño Appointment District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three- minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission's regular meeting on April 21, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS Page 1 of 4 2. Presentation regarding the June 2026 groundbreaking of Family Eldercare’s LGBTQ housing development. Presentation by Oneka Gaskin, Annie Saldivar, Family Eldercare. 3. Discussion regarding whether the commission should take up LGBTQIA+-specific components of larger societal issues, such as immigration or affordable housing, or rely on other commissions to address those issues. 4. Discussion regarding the development of a handbook for new commissioners, as well as other ideas on how commissioners can become more engaged in non-leadership roles. 5. Discussion regarding a potential bylaw amendment to add a Secretary officer role. 6. Discussion regarding the commission’s work over the last year and the strategic direction of the commission, including which issues the commission should focus on in the coming year and whether the commission should have more or less direct engagement with individuals in the community at meetings. 7. Discussion on how commission meetings are run, including advice for the Chair, Vice Chair, and staff liaison. 8. Discussion regarding the …
Historical Marker Proposed Language This historical marker commemorates the contributions, struggles, and successes of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community, whose historically once-denigrated members spaned all have always spanned all genders, races, classes, creeds, generations, and origins. In earlier times, pLGBTQIA+ individuals eople lost their jobs, social standing, and sometimes event their lives lives for not conforming with societal norms and beingbeing sex- or gender-variant. Outside of the isolation of private homes, downtown bars and nightclubs o(cid:431)ered secret, safe havens for LGBTQ+ people to gather, recover, and be accepted amongst their peers. . Social justice movements in the 1960s advanceding the struggles for justice, acceptance, and equality. Civil rights e(cid:431)orts f, and freedom for women and racial minorities gave rise to a national gay and lesbian rights movement and the . Austin community was quick to join. respond. A local chapter of the Gay Liberation Front was founded in 1970, with the first National Gay Liberation Conference hosted here in 1971. A vibrant culture emerged volved with the help of restaurants, bars, retail shops, bookstores, theaters, churches and a wide variety of professionals and service providers. In the 1980s, a nightlife scene developed in this section of downtown in , known as thethe “old old warehouse” district around 4th Street and Colorado. Clubs with drag shows, entertainment, and dancinges provided social support by o(cid:431)ering safe places to opportunities for gathering and community building. During the AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s, the clubs o(cid:431)ered occasions for sex education, counseling, and fundraising – and solace. In the 21st cCentury, as the movement evolved to recognize all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Gender-fluid, and other segments of the community, these blocks of bars and co(cid:431)ee shops became integrated with the rest of downtown – much like the assimilation of queer representation into mainstream culture. With many of the political and social dreams of the leaders of past decades realized, Austin remains a vibrant place for all communities to call home. From 2000-2020 financial pressures brought on by market forces in a rapidly changing Austin challenged the business models which supported the historical LGBTQIA+ businesses in the area. Some of these establishments failed to survive when the COVID- 19 pandemic hit hardest in 2020. Despite these challenges and changes, this 4th street block Formatted: Superscript and the buildings on it, continue to represent Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community’s historical and future perseverance and identity.
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 21, 2025 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Austin City Hall, 312 W 2nd St., Austin, TX 78701, Boards & Commissions Room. Commissioners in attendance in person: J. Scott Neal (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) Alexander Andersen Brigitte Bandit KB Brookins Garry Brown Katie Coyne Morgan Davis Rocio Fierro-Perez Mariana Krueger Kitty McLeod Brandon Wollerson Taylor Trevino Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 6:37 PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Julian Reyes, APD Misconduct Briana Arredondo, APD Misconduct APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission's special called meeting on March 17, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Fierro-Pérez’ motion, Vice Chair Benson’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Wollerson abstained. Commissioner Andersen was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding LGBTQIA+ related bills and actions in the 2025 Texas Legislature session. Presentation by Miriam Laeky, Government Affairs Director, Equality Texas. The presentation was made by Miriam Laeky, Government Affairs Director, Equality Texas. Page 1 of 4 3. Discussion with Austin Police Department on the state of its and its officers’ relations with the LGBTQIA+ community, including existing, pending and potential efforts to improve understanding, relations, and accountability. The presentation was made by Robin Henderson, Presentation by Robin Henderson, Chief of Staff; Michael Chancellor, Assistant Chief; and Michael Wilmore-Crumrine, Sergeant, Austin Police Department. The commission went into recess on Chair Scott’s motion, Commissioner Brookins’ second, on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. The commission went into recess at 9:20. The meeting was called back to order at 9:39 P.M. 4. Discussion regarding feedback from members of the public about amenities, services, programs, missions, and visions prioritized at a potential LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center, including those garnered from Mentimeter survey results. This item was withdrawn on Chair Neal’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. 5. Discussion regarding the location, date, procedures, and topics to be discussed at a potential LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission retreat. Discussion was held. The motion to waive the rules and allow the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to meet after 10 p.m. was approved on Commissioner Coyne’s motion, Commissioner Brown’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Recommendation …
Nominee Nominator T O T A L Pla n nin g D esig n/C o n stru ctio n m in g Pro gra m Fin a n ce/F u n draisin g H o u sin g City P olitics B o n d/P u blic F u n din g L G B T Q +/BIP O C Affiliatio n L G B T Q + Id e ntifie d BIP O C Id e ntifie d L o cal Prese n ce History of E n g a g e m e nt C o nfir m e d C o m m it m e nt to Pro cess N o C o nflict of Interest m e nts A n y Oth er C o m Commission Representative Cynthia "Cy" Herrera Jimmy Flannigan Miriam Conner Rodney Gonzalez Laura Esparza Celia Israel Danielle Skidmore Awais Azhar Tina Cannon Juan Benitez Kelle Martin Lesley Varghese Brandon Wollerson Kim Harding Danni Reichman Travis Holler David Colligan Mark Gilbert Marti Bier Taja D. Beekley Mia Parton Syd Young Crystal Walker James Lima Jefferson Lykins Joseph DePalma-Hinojosa Emmet Schelling Brad Pritchett Summary Stats Planning Design/Construction Programming Finance/Fundraising Housing City Politics Bond/Public Funding LGBTQIA+/BIPOC Orgs Represented LGBTQIA+ Identified BIPOC Identified Local Presence History of Engagement Jerry Joe Jerry Joe KC KC KB (also suggested by Anne) KC KC KC Jerry Joe KB Rocio Jerry Joe Jerry Joe KC KB KC Jerry Joe suggested by Anne KC KB KC KC Jerry Joe suggested by Anne KB Jerry Joe KB Jerry Joe 11 11 10 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 6 5 8 6 10 8 8 6 4 7 6 6 6 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 …
Historical Marker Proposed Language This historical marker commemorates the contributions, struggles, and successes of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community, whose historically-denigrated members spaned all genders, races, classes, creeds, generations, and origins. LGBTQIA+ individuals lost their jobs, social standing, and lives for not conforming with societal norms and being sex- or gender-variant. Outside of the isolation of private homes, downtown bars and nightclubs o(cid:431)ered secret, safe havens for LGBTQ+ people to gather, recover, and be accepted amongst their peers. Social justice movements in the 1960s advanced the struggles for justice, acceptance, and equality. Civil rights e(cid:431)orts for women and racial minorities gave rise to a national gay and lesbian rights movement and the Austin community was quick to join. A local chapter of the Gay Liberation Front was founded in 1970, with the first National Gay Liberation Conference hosted here in 1971. A vibrant culture emerged with the help of restaurants, bars, retail shops, bookstores, theaters, churches and a wide variety of professionals and service providers. In the 1980s, a nightlife scene developed in this section of downtown , known as the “old warehouse” district around 4th Street and Colorado. Clubs with drag shows, entertainment, and dancing provided social support by o(cid:431)ering safe places to gather and community build. During the AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s, the clubs o(cid:431)ered occasions for sex education, counseling, and fundraising – and solace. In the 21st century, as the movement evolved to recognize all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Gender-fluid, and other segments of the community, these blocks of bars and co(cid:431)ee shops became integrated with the rest of downtown – much like the assimilation of queer representation into mainstream culture. From 2000-2020 financial pressures brought on by market forces in a rapidly changing Austin challenged the business models which supported the historical LGBTQIA+ businesses in the area. Some of these establishments failed to survive when the COVID- 19 pandemic hit hardest in 2020. Despite these challenges and changes, this 4th street block and the buildings on it, continue to represent Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community’s historical and future perseverance and identity.
Task Force Selection Criteria Italicized are preferred experience 1. Professional Experience and Expertise: ○ Candidates should have experience in the planning, funding, or construction/founding of community/cultural centers, with preference given to those serving the LGBTQ+ community. ○ Experience in navigating government bureaucracy or in fundraising and development within nonprofit or governmental contexts. ○ Experience in the following fields: affordable housing, healthcare, community and regional/urban planning, architecture, foundations, non-profit management, and public administration ○ Prior involvement in significant ($100,000+) fundraising campaigns that demonstrate capability in securing large-scale funding for major projects. ○ Prior involvement in bond elections is highly regarded. 2. Organizational Representation: ○ Each candidate must represent a distinct organization or community group, with a limit of one representative per organization to ensure a diverse range of insights and avoid conflicts of interest. ○ Preference for candidates representing organizations that have a vested interest in the success of LGBTQ+ community initiatives, including historical contributions to such causes. 3. Diversity and Inclusion: ○ The selection process should prioritize diversity in terms of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, religion, age, and professional background to reflect the community's spectrum. ○ Efforts should be made to include voices from underrepresented groups within the LGBTQ+ community (example: youth, elders, BIPOC, people with disabilities, queer immigrants, unhoused/previously unhoused, working class), ensuring that the task force’s composition mirrors the community’s diversity. 4. Local Community Ties: ○ Candidates should have a history of doing community-engaged services, advocacy, or development activities. ○ One or more candidates should have ties to ongoing cultural center efforts (ex: the Black Embassy, the Veteran’s Cultural Center, the Intergenerational Cultural Center, the Dougherty Arts Center) ○ Strong preference for candidates who have established connections within Austin's local community and a deep understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities. ○ Strong preference for candidates who have established connections within Austin's local LGBTQ+ community and a deep understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities. 5. Commitment to Fairness and Transparency: ○ Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in both their professional conduct and their approach to the feasibility study. ○ They should be willing to engage in open dialogues, consider multiple perspectives, work democratically, and actively resolve conflict in a healthy manner. ○ Candidates will agree to prioritize community needs, with particular attention to the most vulnerable parts of the LGBTQ+ community. 6. Conflict of Interest Policy: ○ All …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, May 5, 2025 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a special called meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723, Mueller Assembly Room. Commissioners in attendance in person: J. Scott Neal (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) Brigitte Bandit KB Brookins Garry Brown Katie Coyne Morgan Davis Mariana Krueger Steven Rivas Taylor Treviño Commissioners in attendance virtually: Alexander Andersen Kitty McLeod Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 6:43 PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission's regular meeting on April 21, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Brown’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Fierro-Pérez and Knutson were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding the June 2026 groundbreaking of Family Eldercare’s LGBTQ housing development. Presentation by Oneka Gaskin, Annie Saldivar, Family Eldercare. The presentation was made by Oneka Gaskin, PSH Program Director; Annie Saldivar, Program Manager; and Charles Curry, Board Member; Family Eldercare. Page 1 of 4 3. Discussion regarding whether the commission should take up LGBTQIA+-specific components of larger societal issues, such as immigration or affordable housing, or rely on other commissions to address those issues. Discussion was held. 4. Discussion regarding the development of a handbook for new commissioners, as well as other ideas on how commissioners can become more engaged in non-leadership roles. Discussion was held. 5. Discussion regarding a potential bylaw amendment to add a Secretary officer role. This item was postponed until the June 16, 2025 meeting on Chair Neal’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioners Fierro-Pérez and Knutson were absent. 6. Discussion regarding the commission’s work over the last year and the strategic direction of the commission, including which issues the commission should focus on in the coming year and whether the commission should have more or less direct engagement with individuals in the community at meetings. Discussion was held. 7. Discussion on how commission meetings are run, including advice for the Chair, Vice Chair, and staff liaison. Discussion was held. 8. Discussion regarding the necessity of working groups and whether the commission has too many. Discussion was held. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 9. Recommendation to the commission from the Task Force Candidate Selection Working Group on suggested candidates to …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025, 11:00 AM HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT’S LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E BEN WHITE, BLDG. 500 AUSTIN, TX 78741 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jolsna Thomas, Chair Mitchell Kreindler Farah Ahmed, Vice Chair Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Matthew Chustz, 512-974-2895, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. The committee may go into a closed session under the Open Meetings Act, Section 551.071, of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from legal counsel on any item on this agenda. CALL TO ORDER AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes from the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Regular Meeting on February 3, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Austin Police Department’s Corporal Detective written promotional examination administered April 14, 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.034, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 7. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Emergency Medical Services Clinical Specialist - Field written promotional examination administered on March 28, 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.034, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 7. Discussion and action regarding the request of one or more Austin Police Department candidates, to the Commission to appoint a three-member board per Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.022(c) for another mental or physical examination, as applicable. 5. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates and times. STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing from the Civil Service Office regarding promotional examination processes, disciplinary hearings, and fitness-for-duty actions. …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025, 11:00 AM HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT’S LEARNING AND RESEARCH CENTER 5202 E BEN WHITE, BLDG. 500 AUSTIN, TX 78741 Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jolsna Thomas, Chair Mitchell Kreindler Farah Ahmed, Vice Chair Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Matthew Chustz, 512-974-2895, Matthew.Chustz@austintexas.gov. The committee may go into a closed session under the Open Meetings Act, Section 551.071, of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from legal counsel on any item on this agenda. AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. Discussion regarding whether the Commission questions the fitness for duty determination made of a City of Austin Emergency Medical Services Captain-Communications, Jaelithe Barr, by the Captain’s personal physician under the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.081 and Rule 15.04 of the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Personnel Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations. Discussion and possible action to appoint a physician to examine a City of Austin Emergency Medical Services Captain, Jaelithe Barr, and to submit a report to the Commission, the Emergency Medical Services Chief, and the medic pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 143.081 and Rule 15.04 of the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Personnel Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations. EXECUTIVE SESSION 9. Discussion and deliberation regarding whether there is reason to question the fitness for duty determination made of a City of Austin Emergency Medical Service’s medic, Jaelithe Barr, by the Captain’s personal physician pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.081 and Rule 15.04 of the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical and Service Commission Rules Regulations. (Personnel Matters under Texas Government Code, Section 551.074) Personnel Civil 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 …
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2025 MINUTES FOR THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025 The Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Building 500, Austin TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Commission Chair Jolsna Thomas Commissioner Vice Chair Farah Ahmed Commissioner Mitchell Kreindler Staff in Attendance: Jaclyn Gerban, Assistant City Attorney Nathan Brown, Assistant Director Matthew Chustz, M&CS Manager Cyndi Gordon, Civil Service Coordinator Rogue Huitron, Civil Service Coordinator Meca Thompson, Civil Service Coordinator Abby Varela, MCS Coordinator Sylvester Martin, MCS Coordinator CALL TO ORDER Chair Thomas called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Meeting of January 10, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of January 10, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Ahmeds’ motion, Commissioner Kreindler’s second on a 2-0-1 vote. Commissioner Kreindler abstained from this item because they were not a commissioner on the date of the meeting. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2025 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action regarding the request of one or more Austin Fire Department candidates, to the Commission to appoint a three-member board per Texas Local Government Code section 143.022(C) for another mental examination. Discussion was held and no action was taken because the request to appoint a three- member board was withdrawn by the candidate. 3. Discussion and action to approve future meeting dates and times. Discussion was held regarding future meeting dates and times. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Report from the Civil Service Office regarding promotional exam processes, disciplinary hearings, and fitness-for-duty actions. Cyndi Gordon, Civil Service Coordinator, delivered the briefing to the Commission with Municipal and Civil Service Manager Matthew Chustz, and Civil Service Coordinators Rogue Huitron and Meca Thompson. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Thomas and Vice Chair Ahmed’s requested an item on the next agenda for discussion and action to approve future meeting dates and times. ADJOURNMENT Chair Thomas adjourned the meeting at 10:14 AM without objection.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY MAY 5, 2025 MINUTES FOR THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MAY 5, 2025 The Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Building 500, Austin TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Commission Chair Jolsna Thomas Commission Vice Chair Farah Ahmed Commissioner Mitchell Kreindler Staff in Attendance: Jaclyn Gerban, Assistant City Attorney Nathan Brown, Assistant Director Matthew Chustz, M&CS Manager Cyndi Gordon, Civil Service Coordinator Rogue Huitron, Civil Service Coordinator Meca Thompson, Civil Service Coordinator Abby Varela, MCS Coordinator Sylvester Martin, MCS Coordinator CALL TO ORDER Chair Thomas called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Meeting of February 3, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of February 3, 2025, were approved on Vice Chair Ahmed’s motion, Commissioner Kreindler’s second on a 3-0 vote. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES MONDAY MAY 5, 2025 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Austin Police Department’s Corporal Detective written promotional examination administered on April 14, 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.034, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 7. The motion to approve the appeal of exam question 49 and to accept answers A & D as correct, was approved on Commissioners Kreindler’s motion, Vice Chair Ahmed’s second on a 3-0 vote. 3. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Emergency Medical Services Clinical Specialist – Field written promotional examination administered on March 28, 2025, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 143.034, and the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations, Rule 7. The motion to approve the appeal of exam questions 40 and 54 and mark all responses as correct, was approved on Chair Thomas motion, Vice Chair Ahmed’s second on a 3-0 vote. 4. Discussion and action regarding the request of one or more Austin Police Department candidates, to the Commission to appoint a three-member board per Texas Local Government Code section 143.022(C) for another …
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MAY 5, 2025 AT 6:30PM W. 3rd Street AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Gunjen Mittal at gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-6104. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Alondra Johnson Azeem Edwin Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Yohana Saucedo Aditi Joshi Jeanne “Canan” Kaba AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on March 3, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs special called meeting on March 15, 2025. 3. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs special called meeting on March 29, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 4. Briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager - Immigrant Affairs, regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. 5. Briefing by Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator – Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion, regarding peer commissions currently conducting Quality of Life studies. 6. Briefing by Dr. Wilson, Equity and Inclusion Director, Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion regarding introductions. 7. Briefing by Shafina Kakhi, Human Rights Officer, Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion regarding introductions. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. Welcome new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. 9. Discussion on next steps for the Quality-of-Life Study. 10. Discussion and update on the Joint Inclusion Committee Special Called Meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Discussion and approval for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ nomination and election for Chair. 12. Discussion and approval for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ nomination and election for Vice Chair. 13. Discussion and approval for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ nomination and election for JIC’s Primary Representative. 14. Discussion and approval for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ nomination and election for JIC’s …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (3, MARCH, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 3, MARCH, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR meeting on 3, MARCH, 2025, at AUSTIN CITY HALL, W. 3rd ST, ROOM 1101 in Austin, Texas. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 6:44p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely:, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo, Aditi Joshi DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on January 6, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of (1/6/2025) were approved on ADITI JOSHI’S motion, MIRIAM DORANTES’S second on a (7-0) vote. (KEVIN COUNTIE AND SHWETA PADMANABHA abstaining, off the dais or absent) STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding general updates on policies pertaining to the Immigrant Community. The presentation was made by Lieutenant Davis Christopher, Austin Police Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding the new citywide language access plan. The presentation was made by Houmma Garba, Language Access and Community Engagement Consultant from the Corporate Communications & Public Information Office. 4. Staff briefing regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. The presentation was made by Rocio Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Program Manager at the Office of Equity and Inclusion. 5. Staff briefing regarding timeline and steps for Quality of Life Study. The presentation was made by by Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator from (Equity Division) Office of Equity and Inclusion 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (3, MARCH, 2025) PRESENTATION 6. Presentation was regarding an update on their work, to highlight the effective use of the City's support as the recipient of a City of Austin grant to provide vital legal immigration services to low-income residents and advocate for continued funding for immigration legal services in next year's City budget. Presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director of American Gateways. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Discussion of welcoming new commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Chair Ortega welcomed new Commissioner Edwin to the Commission. Commissioner Edwin introduced himself and his work in the community. 8. Discussion of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Draft Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The Chair discussed the March 31st deadline for budget recommendations. Asked for other Commissioners to join drafting budget recommendations for FY25-26. …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) Meeting Minutes (29,MARCH, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES 29, MARCH, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on 29, MARCH, 2025, at CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOMS #1401 & 1402 in Austin, Texas. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 9:48 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin, Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office was approved on COMMISSIONER DORANTES’s motion and COMMISSIONER EDWIN’S second on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) 2. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and Anti- displacement Prevention Efforts. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts was approved on COMMISISONER (7-0) vote. EDWIN’S motion and COMMISSIONER JOSHI’S second on a (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) 3. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Maintain and Expand the Annual Contracts into a Five-Year Term for Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services. Tabled for April meeting. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) Meeting Minutes (29,MARCH, 2025) 4. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand Equity and Inclusion Trainings. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand Equity and Inclusion Trainings was and COMMISSIONER JOSHI’S second on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) on COMMISSIONER SAUCEDO’S motion approved 5. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Support Supplies for Strengthening Protections and Rights of Immigrant Students. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Support Supplies for Strengthening Protections and Rights of Immigrant Students was approved on COMMISSIONER DORANTES’S motion and COMMISSIONER JOSHI’S second on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (15, MARCH, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES 15, MARCH, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on 15, MARCH, 2025, at PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOMS #1401 & 1402, 6310 WILHELMINA DRIVE in Austin, Texas. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 11:16 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office was approved on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent). There were no 1st or 2nd motions to approve. 2. Approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and for Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and for Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts was approved on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) There were no 1st or 2nd motions to approve. 3. Approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to increase funding for The Family Stabilization Grant Program to $3 Million and to retain its funding as part of the City’s base budget. 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (15, MARCH, 2025) The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to increase funding for The Family Stabilization Grant Program to $3 Million and to retain its funding as part of the City’s base budget was approved on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) There were no 1st or 2nd motions to approve. Chair ORTEGA adjourned the meeting at 11:26 a.m. without objection. 2
