REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026, AT 5:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 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, contact Nekaybaw Watson, Nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov, 512-974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Lisa Chang, Vice-Chair Gabriel Arellano DeLawnia Comer-HaGans Lynn Murphy Alejandro San Martin Katie Simon Elizabeth Slade Kristen Vassallo 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 April 10, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Resilience Network. Presentation provided by James Redick, Director, Austin Emergency Management, Donny Cummings, Mass Care Coordinator, Austin Emergency Management and Natalie Lyell, Resilience and Partnership Manager, Austin Emergency Management. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation provided by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion regarding the Annual Internal Review and Report. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Approve the election of Chair. Approve the election of Vice Chair. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Austin Resilience Network. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nekaybaw Watson or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. Austin City Clerk’s Office, 512-974-2562 at at For more information on the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, please contact Nekaybaw …
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Kelly called the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities meeting to order at 5:36 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Conor Kelly, Chair Lisa Chang, Vice Chair Gabriel Arellano Alejandro “Alex” San Martin Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Delawnia Comer-HaGans Kristen Vassallo Commissioners Absent: Mickey Fetonte Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Hasan Kaya – Introduction to the Committee Melinda Crockom – Disability Employment Awareness Month Poster Competition APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Regular Meeting on March 13, 2026. The motion to approve the minutes of the March 13, 2026, regular meeting of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities was approved on Chair Kelly’s motion, 1 Commissioner San Martin’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Fetonte, Murphy, and Slade were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing from the Urban Design Division of Austin Planning regarding updates to the Great Streets program and accessibility improvements. Presentation given by Jill Amezcua, Principal Planner, Austin Planning. Presentation given by Jill Amezcua, Principal Planner, Austin Planning. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Savvy Tech regarding PDF and online document accessibility. Presentation by Benjamin Chen, technical lead, AIMRobotics, Jaxsen Day, digital disability researcher, University of Texas, and Katherine Chen, CEO, AIMRobotics. Presentation given by Benjamin Chen, technical lead, AIMRobotics, Jaxsen Day, digital disability researchers, University of Texas, and Katherine Chen, CEO, AIMRobotics. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve the election of Chair. The motion to approve Conor Kelly as Chair of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities was approved on Vice Chair Chang’s motion, Commissioner San Martin’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Fetonte, Murphy, and Slade were absent. 5. Approve the election of Vice Chair. The motion to elect Commissioner Chang as Vice Chair failed on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second on a 4-2 vote. Chair Kelly and Commissioners Comer- HaGans, Chang, and Vassallo voted aye. Commissioners Arellano and San Martin voted nay. Commissioners Fetonte, Murphy, and Slade were absent. The motion to elect Commissioner San Martin as Vice Chair failed on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a 2-4 vote. Commissioners Arellano and San Martin voted aye. Chair Kelly and Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Chang, …
Austin Resilience Network Austin Emergency Management | Mass Care Resilience Hub Pilot Program ▪ Austin City Council Resolution ▪ Community Advisory Committee ▪ 6 Focus Areas ▪ Physical Resilience Upgrades to 6 City facilities ▪ 6 Power Backups, 4 Solar & Battery Backups ▪ 6 Mission Ready Packages ▪ 2 Community Gardens ▪ 16 Total Pilot Facilities: recreation, health & neighborhood centers 2 Pilot Program Wrap Up What went well Challenges Opportunities • Community Collaboration • Defining Resilience • Relationship Based • Equity Focus • Community Expectations • Build on Existing Trust • Increased Preparedness • Facilities • Scalable & Flexible • Location Focused 3 Austin Resilience Network (ARN) A network of City and community resources that equitably empower individuals to prepare for, endure, and bounce back stronger from community-wide shocks, stressors, and emergencies. ▪ Collaborative & community led ▪ Complex solutions for complex disasters ▪ Framework for strategic partnerships ▪ Empower organizations & community members ▪ Interagency collaboration 4 ARN Operations: Coordination & Information Sharing Bridge between community-based organizations and government agencies Promote real-time, 2-way information sharing Consolidate & organize information Connect unmet needs with existing resources 5 2025 Network Utilization: May Microburst 6 Who can be a Partner? Any organization willing to collaborate in a synchronized effort towards emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. • Trusted sources of information • Active responders during emergencies • Involved with the community • Engaged in disaster resilience • Provide goods or services to those in need Animal Welfare Sheltering Laundry Networks of organizations Tax Assistance Elder Care Mental Health Support Faith-based organizations Clothing Debris Removal Food Prep & Distribution Healthcare Navigation 7 Process Benefits Metrics 1. Outreach Mass Care Hotline • ARN Partnership Application • Exploratory Meetings • Operational Visits 2. Partnership • Sign an Agreement 3. Database • Dynamic and Real-time Information Information Sharing & Communication Resource Sharing Training 84 Signed ARN Partnership Agreements 70+ Organizations in Active Outreach 17 Operational Visits 8 9 Thank You Austin Emergency Management | May 2026
Austin Resilience Network Austin Emergency Management | Mass Care AEM Organization Structure Austin Emergency Management 2 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Central command and coordination hub where government agencies, emergency services, and partner organizations come together to manage emergencies and disasters. Unplanned Incidents Planned Events 3 Austin Resilience Network (ARN) Resilience Hub Pilot Program ▪ Austin City Council Resolution ▪ Community Advisory Committee ▪ 6 Focus Areas ▪ Physical Resilience Upgrades to 6 City facilities ▪ 6 Power Backups, 4 Solar & Battery Backups ▪ 6 Mission Ready Packages ▪ 2 Community Gardens ▪ 16 Total Pilot Facilities: recreation, health & neighborhood centers 5 Pilot Program Wrap Up What went well Challenges Opportunities • Community Collaboration • Defining Resilience • Relationship Based • Equity Focus • Community Expectations • Build on Existing Trust • Increased Preparedness • Facilities • Scalable & Flexible • Location Focused 6 Austin Resilience Network (ARN) A network of City and community resources that equitably empower individuals to prepare for, endure, and bounce back stronger from community-wide shocks, stressors, and emergencies. ▪ Collaborative & community led ▪ Complex solutions for complex disasters ▪ Framework for strategic partnerships ▪ Empower organizations & community members ▪ Interagency collaboration 7 Who can be a Partner? Any organization willing to collaborate in a synchronized effort towards emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. • Trusted sources of information • Active responders during emergencies • Involved with the community • Engaged in disaster resilience • Provide goods or services to those in need Animal Welfare Sheltering Laundry Networks of organizations Tax Assistance Elder Care Mental Health Support Faith-based organizations Clothing Debris Removal Food Prep & Distribution Healthcare Navigation 8 ARN Operations: Coordination & Information Sharing Bridge between community-based organizations and government agencies Promote real-time, 2-way information sharing Consolidate & organize information Connect unmet needs with existing resources 9 2025 Network Utilization: May Microburst 10 Process Benefits Metrics 1. Outreach Mass Care Hotline • ARN Partnership Application • Exploratory Meetings • Operational Visits 2. Partnership • Sign an Agreement 3. Database • Dynamic and Real-time Information Information Sharing & Communication Resource Sharing Training 85 Signed ARN Partnership Agreements 82 Organizations in Active Outreach 17 Operational Visits 11 Preparedness Resources CERT Trainings Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) August 21st -23rd Upcoming Preparedness Pop Ups District 6 Wed., June 17, 2026 3-6 p.m. Spicewood Springs Branch District 9 Wed., July 15, 2026 3-6 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch …
Economic Mobility: Accelerating Impact Austin Equity & Inclusion June 2026 Agenda • 2026 Fair Housing and Economic Mobility Conference: Recap • Economic Mobility Framework Resources • LEMI in Action: Live Demo • Operational Focus and Next Steps 2 Conference Reflections Keynote Panel Brought together policymakers, advocates, practitioners, community leaders, and business owners to connect efforts around a shared framework for systemic change. Attended by 283 participants 12 breakout sessions 50+ speakers Moderator: Miles Bloxon, Moderator, Producer & Host, KUT New Panelists: • Fran Rosebush Baylor, Senior Director, Asset Funders Network • Carmen Llanes, Executive Director, GAVA • Ingrid Taylor, CEO, United Way for Greater Austin • Henry Van de Putte, CEO, Meals on Wheels Central Texas • Sharon Vigil, CEO, Communities in Schools 3 Economic Mobility Framework: Workshop Recap • Introduced the Economic Mobility Framework and Index • Over 130 minutes, participants explored the tool, engaged in guided discussions, and worked across sectors to identify practical steps that advance economic mobility. 4 Economic Mobility Framework Assets Core Products Communications Technical Users Levers of Economic Mobility Index Report Framework At-a- Glance brochure Technical Document Levers of Economic Mobility Index (LEMI) FAQs LEMI ArcGIS layers StoryMap Tutorial Videos* Raw Data Economic Mobility | Austin Equity and Inclusion | AustinTexas.gov 5 LEMI Walkthrough Advancing Economic Mobility Operationalizing Visualizing Organizing Normalizing 7 Next Steps April 29, 2026 June 2026 August 2026 2026 Fair Housing & Economic Mobility Conference Launch of Levers of Economic Mobility Index (et. al) Boards & Commissions briefings EveryTexan Virtual Sessions Expanded Media Communications Creation of Resource (LEMI) Implementation Guide Resilient Cities Catalyst Austin Energy Affordable Energy Summit Presentation Community Member Virtual Sessions & Workshops Department Working Group Meetings Continuous Engagement Citywide Implementation May 2026 July 2026 September 2026 - 8 Learn More • Economic Mobility Website: • www.austintexas.gov/equity-inclusion/economic-mobility • Austin Equity & Inclusion Newsletter Sign up: • https://www.austintexas.gov/equity-inclusion • Stay tuned for virtual sessions & in-person workshop dates this summer! LEMI Report Index & Story Map Economic Mobility At-a-Glance 9
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities (MCPWD) Recommendation Number: [20260612-007]: Inclusion of Infrastructure Equity and Medical Resilience in the Pilot Knob Library & Austin Resilience Network Project WHEREAS, the Pilot Knob area is experiencing a rapid influx of high-density data centers equipped with advanced power hardening, while surrounding legacy residential neighborhoods remain on an aging grid; and WHEREAS, data center industrialization creates voltage fluctuations that pose a high risk of motor failure for standard residential HVAC systems and life-saving medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and power chairs; and WHEREAS, the medically vulnerable and disabled community in surrounding Austin neighborhoods, particularly those located within historically underserved District 2, face disproportionate life-safety risks during localized outages, making standard "cooling centers" insufficient for their needs; and WHEREAS, the City must ensure that infrastructure improvements made for industrial growth are extended to residential circuits to prevent vulnerable residents from being left on a "second-class" grid. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities (MCPWD) encourage the Austin City Council to formally include specific language and funding in the November 2026 Bond to ensure the Pilot Knob Library and Austin Resilience Network serves as a high-capacity "Medical Triage Anchor". This includes scaling the facility for specialized medical plug-in capacity, coordinating with Austin Energy for residential grid hardening, and equipping the hub with industrial-grade redundant power systems to support medical devices. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Seconded By: . Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities (MCPWD) Recommendation Number: [20260612-007]: Inclusion of Infrastructure Equity and Medical Resilience in the Pilot Knob Library & Austin Resilience Network Project WHEREAS, the Pilot Knob area is experiencing a rapid influx of high-density data centers equipped with advanced power hardening, while surrounding legacy residential neighborhoods remain on an aging grid; and WHEREAS, data center industrialization creates voltage fluctuations that pose a high risk of motor failure for standard residential HVAC systems and life-saving medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and power chairs; and WHEREAS, the medically vulnerable and disabled community in surrounding Austin neighborhoods, particularly those located within historically underserved District 2, face disproportionate life-safety risks during localized outages, making standard "cooling centers" insufficient for their needs; and WHEREAS, the City must ensure that infrastructure improvements made for industrial growth are extended to residential circuits to prevent vulnerable residents from being left on a "second-class" grid. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities (MCPWD) encourage the Austin City Council to formally include specific language and funding in the November 2026 Bond to ensure the Pilot Knob Library and Austin Resilience Network serves as a high-capacity "Medical Triage Anchor". This includes scaling the facility for specialized medical plug-in capacity, coordinating with Austin Energy for residential grid hardening, and equipping the hub with industrial-grade redundant power systems to support medical devices. Date of Approval: June 12, 2026 Motioned By: Commissioner Vassallo Seconded By: Vice Chair San Martin Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Chang, Vice Chair San Martin, Commissioners Comer-HaGans, Murphy, Slade, Simon, Vassallo Absent : Commissioner Arellano . Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison
