REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Friday, May 9, 2025, 5:30pm Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Conor Kelly, Chair Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang DeLawnia Comer-HaGans Audrea Diaz Mickey Fetonte Jonathan Franks Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular called meeting on April 11, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the meeting on April 23, 2025. Discussion of the Equity and Inclusion Office’s Undoing Institutional Racism Training. Update regarding the most recent meeting of the Austin Transit Partnership Community Advisory Committee. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. Approve the formation of a Working Group to plan for a disability awareness event in October 2025. Select a Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities member liaison to participate in the interview panel and relay Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities authorized feedback on the interview process for the Civil Rights Officer. 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 the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792 or email call Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the …
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, April 11, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, April 11, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular called meeting on Friday, April 11, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St Austin, Texas. Chair Meyer called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang Audrea Diaz Conor Kelly Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Delawnia Comer-HaGans Kristen Vassallo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ron Lucy – Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Melinda Crockom – Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Azza Hassan – Sensory Club Austin Ru Johnson – Disability Mobility APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities special called meeting on March 28, 2025. 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, April 11, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on March 28, 2025, were approved Vice Chair Frank’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Fetonte, Murphy, and Slade were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Discussion regarding initial planning efforts for Disability Festival 2025. Discussed. Discussion regarding provisional ridership of paratransit on CapMetro. Presentation by Deb Miller, community stakeholder and advocate for the disabled. Discussed. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the meeting on March 26, 2025. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a Working Group to make a candidate qualities priority list for City of Austin interview panel participation. The motion to approve the formation of a Working Group to make a candidate qualities priority list for City of Austin interview panel participation was approved on Commissioner Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Diaz abstained. Commissioners Fetonte, Murphy, and Slade were absent. Chair Meyer, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Kelly, and Vassallo were added the Working Group without objection. 6. Approve a primary and secondary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to approve Lisa Chang as the primary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee was approved on Commissioner Chang’s motion, Chair Meyer’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Fetonte, Murphy, and Slade were absent. The motion to approve Commissioner Kelly as the secondary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee was approved on Commissioner Kelly’s motion, Chair Meyer’s second, on an 8-0 vote. …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Friday, April 11, 2025, 5:30pm Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang Delawnia Comer-HaGans Audrea Diaz Mickey Fetonte Conor Kelly Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities special called meeting on March 28, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Discussion regarding initial planning efforts for Disability Festival 2025. Discussion regarding provisional ridership of paratransit on CapMetro. Presentation by Deb Miller, community stakeholder and advocate for the disabled. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the meeting on March 26, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Approve the formation of a Working Group to make a candidate qualities priority list for City of Austin interview panel participation. Approve a primary and secondary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. 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 Christi Vitela at the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792 or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, please …
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, March 28, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, March 28, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a special called meeting on Friday, March 28, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St Austin, Texas. Chair Meyer called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:47 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Gabriel Arellano Conor Kelly Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on March 7, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on March 7, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Vassallo’s motion, Commissioner Arellano’s second on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Franks, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Fetonte, and Salazar were absent. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 2. Recommendations from the Budget Working Group regarding budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Discussed. 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, March 28, 2025 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Micromobility Devices Impeding Public Walkways. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Micromobility Devices Impeding Public Walkways was approved on Commissioner Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Franks, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Fetonte, and Salazar were absent. 4. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Recognizing and Celebrating People with Disabilities. The motion to approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Recognizing and Celebrating People with Disabilities was approved on Commissioner Vassallo’s motion, Commissioner Arellano’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Franks, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Fetonte, and Salazar were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Deb Miller – Provisional Ridership Officer Elections Nominations for primary and secondary representatives on the JIC Working Group for COA interview panel priorities list Joint Inclusion Committee update Chair Meyer motioned to adjourn the meeting at 5:54 p.m., Commissioner Vassallo seconded, and was approved without objection, 6-0. Vice Chair Franks, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Fetonte, and Salazar were absent. 2
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, April 11, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, April 11, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular called meeting on Friday, April 11, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St Austin, Texas. Chair Meyer called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang Audrea Diaz Conor Kelly Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Delawnia Comer-HaGans Kristen Vassallo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ron Lucy – Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Melinda Crockom – Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Azza Hassan – Sensory Club Austin Ru Johnson – Disability Mobility APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities special called meeting on March 28, 2025. 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, April 11, 2025 The minutes from the meeting on March 28, 2025, were approved Vice Chair Frank’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Fetonte, Murphy, and Slade were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Discussion regarding initial planning efforts for Disability Festival 2025. Discussed. Discussion regarding provisional ridership of paratransit on CapMetro. Presentation by Deb Miller, community stakeholder and advocate for the disabled. Discussed. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the meeting on March 26, 2025. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a Working Group to make a candidate qualities priority list for City of Austin interview panel participation. The motion to approve the formation of a Working Group to make a candidate qualities priority list for City of Austin interview panel participation was approved on Commissioner Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Diaz abstained. Commissioners Fetonte, Murphy, and Slade were absent. Chair Meyer, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Kelly, and Vassallo were added the Working Group without objection. 6. Approve a primary and secondary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee. The motion to approve Lisa Chang as the primary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee was approved on Commissioner Chang’s motion, Chair Meyer’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Fetonte, Murphy, and Slade were absent. The motion to approve Commissioner Kelly as the secondary representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee was approved on Commissioner Kelly’s motion, Chair Meyer’s second, on an 8-0 vote. …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Friday, March 28, 2025, 5:30pm Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. Conor Kelly Pete Salazar Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang Mickey Fetonte 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 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on March 7, 2025. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 2. 3. 4. Recommendations from recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. the Budget Working Group regarding budget DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Micromobility Devices Impeding Public Walkways. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Recognizing and Celebrating People with Disabilities. 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 Christi Vitela at the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792 or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov for additional information. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, please contact Christi Vitela at the City Clerk Department at 512-974-2792 or email christi.vitela@austintexas.gov.
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, March 7, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, March 7, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular called meeting on Friday, March 7, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St Austin, Texas. Chair Meyer called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:37 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Gabriel Arellano Conor Kelly Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Lisa Chang Mickey Fetonte Jennifer Powell Kristen Vassallo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on February 7, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on February 7, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Powell’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Chair Meyer abstained. Commissioner Vassallo was off the dais. Commissioner Salazar was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, March 7, 2025 2. 3. 4. 6. Presentation and discussion of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Presentation by James May, Officer Housing & Community Development, Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, Housing Department and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. The presentation was made by James May, Officer Housing & Community Development, Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, Housing Department and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. Discussion of micromobility and obstruction of sidewalks. The presentation was made by Michael Kimbro, Program Manager III, Austin Transportation and Public Works, and Joseph Al-Hajeri, Parking Enterprise Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. Discussion of upcoming changes to the fare system at CapMetro. Discussed. 5. Discussion of bringing awareness to 2025 disability events in the Austin area. Discussed. Discussion of the City of Austin budget process, Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget recommendations and of proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Formation of a Working Group to research and write Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget recommendations. The motion to form a Working Group to research and write Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget recommendations was approved on Chair Meyer’s motion, Commissioner Kelly’s second and approved on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Franks was off the dais. Commissioner Salazar was absent. Chair Meyer and Commissioners Chang, Kelly, and Powell were added to the working group without objection. 8. Discussion of ways the …
BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Recommendation Number: (20250328-XXX): Micromobility Devices Impeding Public Walkways WHEREAS, micromobility devices blocking public walkways, such as electric scooters, pose a hazard and limit individuals with mobility and vision impairments from effectively utilizing walkways; and WHEREAS, the Committee for People with Disabilities has considered this issue by soliciting feedback from community members, micromobility providers, the Department of Transportation and Public Works; and WHEREAS, the Committee for People with Disabilities has determined that in addition to current efforts by the City of Austin and micromobility providers, more must be done to make walkways safe and passable for all members of the community, including individuals with disabilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds (1) to develop signage encouraging proper parking to be posted in areas where micromobility use is high, and (2) towards enforcement of section Chapter 12-2-15 of the Code of Ordinances requiring micromobility devices to be parked appropriately. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: X-X For: Against: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________ [NAME]
BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Recommendation Number: (20250328-XXX): Recognizing and Celebrating People with Disabilities WHEREAS, Austin has vibrant and robust communities of individuals with disabilities that make up a significant portion of Austin’s population; and WHEREAS, individuals with disabilities and their communities are often under resourced and more is needed to bring awareness to their issues; and WHEREAS, to bring awareness to and celebrate the Austin community of people with disabilities, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the City to sponsor, attend, and/or recognize community events celebrating important yearly milestones for communities made up of people with disabilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds for the Committee to sponsor, attend, or recognize community events or celebrations for the following yearly milestones for communities of people with disabilities: ● 15 May - Global Accessibility Awareness Day ● 26 July - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Anniversary ● October - National Disability Employment Awareness Month ● 3 December - International Day of Persons with Disabilities Date of Approval: March 28, 2025 Record of the vote: X-X For: Against: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________ [NAME]
BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Recommendation Number: (20250328-003): Micromobility Devices Impeding Public Walkways WHEREAS, micromobility devices blocking public walkways, such as electric scooters, pose a hazard and limit individuals with mobility and vision impairments from effectively utilizing walkways; and WHEREAS, the Committee for People with Disabilities has considered this issue by soliciting feedback from community members, micromobility providers, the Department of Transportation and Public Works; and WHEREAS, the Committee for People with Disabilities has determined that in addition to current efforts by the City of Austin and micromobility providers, more must be done to make walkways safe and passable for all members of the community, including individuals with disabilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds (1) to develop signage encouraging proper parking to be posted in areas where micromobility use is high, and (2) towards enforcement of section Chapter 12-2-15 of the Code of Ordinances requiring micromobility devices to be parked appropriately. Date of Approval: March 28, 2025 Record of the vote: 6-0 Motioned by: Commissioner Kelly Seconded by: Commissioner Vassallo For: Chair Meyer, Commissioners Arellano, Chang, Kelly, Slade, and Vassallo Against: None Absent: Vice Chair Franks, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, and Salazar Attest: Christi Vitela Staff Liaison
BOARD AND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Recommendation Number: (20250328-004): Recognizing and Celebrating People with Disabilities WHEREAS, Austin has vibrant and robust communities of individuals with disabilities that make up a significant portion of Austin’s population; and WHEREAS, individuals with disabilities and their communities are often under resourced and more is needed to bring awareness to their issues; and WHEREAS, to bring awareness to and celebrate the Austin community of people with disabilities, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the City to sponsor, attend, and/or recognize community events celebrating important yearly milestones for communities made up of people with disabilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds for the Committee to sponsor, attend, or recognize community events or celebrations for the following yearly milestones for communities of people with disabilities: ● 15 May - Global Accessibility Awareness Day ● 26 July - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Anniversary ● October - National Disability Employment Awareness Month ● 3 December - International Day of Persons with Disabilities Date of Approval: March 28, 2025 Record of the vote: 6-0 Motioned by: Commissioner Vassallo Seconded by: Commissioner Arellano For: Chair Meyer, Commissioners Arellano, Chang, Kelly, Slade, and Vassallo Against: None Absent: Vice Chair Franks, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, and Salazar Attest: Christi Vitela Staff Liaison
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, March 28, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, March 28, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a special called meeting on Friday, March 28, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St Austin, Texas. Chair Meyer called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:47 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Gabriel Arellano Conor Kelly Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on March 7, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on March 7, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Vassallo’s motion, Commissioner Arellano’s second on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Franks, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Fetonte, and Salazar were absent. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 2. Recommendations from the Budget Working Group regarding budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Discussed. 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, March 28, 2025 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Micromobility Devices Impeding Public Walkways. The motion to approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Micromobility Devices Impeding Public Walkways was approved on Commissioner Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Franks, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Fetonte, and Salazar were absent. 4. Approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Recognizing and Celebrating People with Disabilities. The motion to approve a Budget Recommendation to Council regarding Recognizing and Celebrating People with Disabilities was approved on Commissioner Vassallo’s motion, Commissioner Arellano’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Franks, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Fetonte, and Salazar were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Deb Miller – Provisional Ridership Officer Elections Nominations for primary and secondary representatives on the JIC Working Group for COA interview panel priorities list Joint Inclusion Committee update Chair Meyer motioned to adjourn the meeting at 5:54 p.m., Commissioner Vassallo seconded, and was approved without objection, 6-0. Vice Chair Franks, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Fetonte, and Salazar were absent. The minutes were approved at the April 11, 2025, meeting on Vice Chair Frank’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Fetonte, Murphy, and Slade were absent. 2
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Friday, March 7, 2025, 5:30pm Austin City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd Street Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. Conor Kelly Jennifer Powell Pete Salazar Kristen Vassallo CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Lisa Chang Mickey Fetonte 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 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on February 7, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS Presentation and discussion of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Presentation by James May, Officer Housing & Community Development, Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, Housing Department and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. Discussion of micromobility and obstruction of sidewalks. Discussion of upcoming changes to the fare system at CapMetro. Discussion of bringing awareness to 2025 disability events in the Austin area. Discussion of the City of Austin budget process, Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget recommendations and of proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Formation of a Working Group to research and write Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget recommendations. Discussion of ways the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities can work with and advise the City of Austin Human Resources Department and formation of a Working Group to develop a training on City Code Chapter 5-6. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 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 …
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, February 7, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, February 7, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular called meeting on Friday, February 7, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St Austin, Texas. Commissioner Kelly called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:48 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Gabriel Arellano Conor Kelly Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang Mickey Fetonte Jennifer Powell Pete Salazar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Melanie Babbitt – IDD need for higher caregiver rates. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on December 13, 2024. The minutes from the meeting on December 13, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Salazar’s motion, Commissioner Kelly’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Chair Meyer, Vice Chair Franks, and Commissioner Vassallo were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding the City of Austin emergency language access plan from the Communications and Public Information Office and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, February 7, 2025 The presentation was made by Marion Sanchez, Community Engagement Manager, Communications and Public Information Office, David Wiechmann, Acting Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and David Alcorta, Community Engagement Specialist, Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the Equity Office’s Undoing Institutional Racism Training, including the feasibility of attendance and accessibility considerations. The presentation was made by Angelica Benton-Molina, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager, Equity Office. 4. Discussion of bringing awareness to 2025 disability events in the Austin area. Discussed. 5. Discussion of scooters impeding the walkways on sidewalks. The presentation was made by Eli Davis, Lime. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discussion of ways the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities can work with and advise the City of Austin Human Resources Department and formation of a Working Group to develop a training on City Code Chapter 5-6. Discussion of the City of Austin Budget process and formation of a Working Group to research and write budget recommendations. 6. 7. Postponed. Postponed. None. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 pm was approved on Commissioner Salazar’s motion Commissioner Chang’s second on a 6-0 vote. Chair Meyer, Vice Chair Franks, and Commissioner Vassallo …
Discussion on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 25-26 Action Plan for federal grants. Agenda Funding and Engagement Cycle Background Federal Grants Overview FY23-24 Goals, Outcomes & Impact FY25-26 Priorities How do we fund our programs? HUD Annual Entitlement Grants Housing Trust Fund Approved City Bonds City Operating Budget Project Connect Anti-Displacement Funds CARES Act The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates entitlement funding to municipalities and state governments. The City of Austin applies for approximately $14 million in annual grant entitlements across four grants for affordable housing, community development, economic development, and public services. These grants are part of a 5-year cycle. Consolidated Plan (5-Year) Allocates federal resources to housing and community development Action Plan (1-Year) Summarizes actions, activities and federal/non- federal resources in the Consolidated Plan Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (1-Year) End-of-year report on progress toward consolidated plan 4 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback immediate help stability trust building wealth access 5 2024 Community Needs Assessment Feedback from Boards & Commissions Mayor's Committee on People with Disabilities Transparency & Accountability What is the total funding for housing programs? What has changed since you came to us last? How are you holding partners accountable? Outreach and Engagement How are you reaching our community? Data and Impact How great is the need? How are you serving our community? Funding Possibilities Programs and projects specific to each community Disappointment and Distrust More questions than input Calls for accountability The committee members wanted to see more data on people with disabilities and expressed frustration in not being able to find the information anywhere. They encouraged staff to work more directly with the City demographer to understand the needs of this specific demographic and to track how many people applying for programs identified as having a disability. Committee members had questions about home repair programs and fees associated with the repairs if the homeowner passes away. They were curious about how the budget fluctuates depending on needs and what dollars are protected when budgetary priorities change. Committee members asked about the requirements of development partners, including how long the affordability of properties will remain and what terms developers agree to for accessibility. Our Response HUD Funding Sources 8 Programs & Activities Overview FY 23-24 9 Goals & Outcomes FY 23-24 10 Who Did We Serve? Fiscal Year 22-23 Snapshot 1,856 # households served FY 23-24 …
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, March 7, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, March 7, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular called meeting on Friday, March 7, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St Austin, Texas. Chair Meyer called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:37 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Elisabeth Meyer, Chair Gabriel Arellano Conor Kelly Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jonathan Franks, Vice Chair Lisa Chang Mickey Fetonte Jennifer Powell Kristen Vassallo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular meeting on February 7, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on February 7, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Powell’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Chair Meyer abstained. Commissioner Vassallo was off the dais. Commissioner Salazar was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Friday, March 7, 2025 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation and discussion of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Presentation by James May, Officer Housing & Community Development, Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, Housing Department and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. The presentation was made by James May, Officer Housing & Community Development, Rocio Pena-Martinez, Grants Program Manager, Housing Department and Julie Smith, Engagement Specialist, Housing Department. Discussion of micromobility and obstruction of sidewalks. The presentation was made by Michael Kimbro, Program Manager III, Austin Transportation and Public Works, and Joseph Al-Hajeri, Parking Enterprise Manager, Austin Transportation and Public Works. Discussion of upcoming changes to the fare system at CapMetro. Discussed. Discussion of bringing awareness to 2025 disability events in the Austin area. Discussed. Discussion of the City of Austin budget process, Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget recommendations and of proposed budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Formation of a Working Group to research and write Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget recommendations. The motion to form a Working Group to research and write Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget recommendations was approved on Chair Meyer’s motion, Commissioner Kelly’s second and approved on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Franks was off the dais. Commissioner Salazar was absent. Chair Meyer and Commissioners Chang, Kelly, and Powell were added to the working group without objection. 8. Discussion of ways the …
