REGULAR MEETING OF THE ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION February 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. City of Austin, Permitting & Development Center, Room 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory 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, call or email Christi Vitela at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Hanna Huang, Chair Sarah Chen Zachary Dolling Pierre Nguyễn Alpha Shrestha Seonhye “Sonny” Sin Kuo Yang CALL TO ORDER Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Xiyi Chen Hailey Easley Sabrina Sha Nayer Sikder Luan Tran AGENDA 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 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 17, 2024. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing by Angelica Benton-Molina, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager I, Equity Division, regarding the City of Austin Equity Office’s Undoing Racism Training and programs offered that include participation from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by American Gateways regarding their work in the Austin community providing legal services to the low income and immigrant communities. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways and Edna Yang, Co- Executive Director, American Gateways. 4. Discussion of Draft Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve updates to the membership of FY2026 Budget Working Group. 6. Approve updates to the membership of Asian American Resource Center Working Group. 7. Approve updates to the membership of the Food Security Working Group. 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Working Group to plan for meetings between AAPI community leaders and the City Manager's office. 10. Update from the FY2026 Budget Working Group on the Asian American Resource Center 11. Update from the FY 2026 Budget Working Group on the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) 12. Update from the Working Group …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 17, 2024 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on December 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang, Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Chen Zachary Dolling Hailey Easley Pierre Nguyễn Sabrina Sha Nayer Sikder Kuo Yang Commissioners Absent: Sarah Xiyi Chen Alpha Shrestha Sonny Sin Luan Tran PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL CALL TO ORDER Michael Ward Jr. - Austin Urban Technology Movement 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on November 19, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of November 19, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Commissioner Sarah Chen’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Sarah Xiyi Chen, Shrestha, Sin, and Tran were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation 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. The presentation was made by Marion Sanchez, Public Information and Marketing Manager, Communications and Public Information Office, Houmma Garba, Community Engagement Consultant, Communications and Public Information Office, David Wiechmann, Public Information Specialist Senior, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and David Alcorta, Community Engagement Specialist, Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Presentation regarding Austin American Resource Center (AARC) Phase 2 progress from Christina Bies, Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Department. The presentation was made by Christina Bies, Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Department. Discussion of the inclusion of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission's budget recommendations in the FY2025 Budget. Discussed. Approve updates to the membership of the budget working group. Commissioner Nguyễn was added to the working group without objection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Huang adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on XX’s motion, XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2. 4. 2
Asian American Quality of Life | Equity Office Staff Briefing February 18, 2024 The History of the Equity Office In 2015: Austin is the best place to live in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report & One of the most economically segregated cities in the U.S. according to the Martin Prosperity Institute Community Organized for Accountability Which led to… • In 2015, Council passed a resolution creating the Equity Office to administer an Equity Tool • After an extensive search and interview process, Chief Equity Officer Brion Oaks was hired in October 2016 “Maintaining the Spirit of the Resolution” • Brion intentionally followed the spirit of the resolution, engaging the community whose organizing resulted in the Office. • With these people he co-created the Equity Assessment Tool, and defined “equity” for the City of Austin. • In total volunteers dedicated over 900 hours to the process. 6 City Equity Definition Racial equity is the condition when race no longer predicts a person’s quality of life outcomes in our community. The City recognizes that race is the primary determinant of social equity and therefore we begin the journey toward social equity with this definition. A Framework for Equity Equity Lens City of Austin Equity Network Departments that have Equity Staff • Transportation Public Works (1) • Austin Public Health (4) • Austin Public Library (1) • Austin Police Department (1) • Development Services Department (2) • Human Resources Dept • Parks and Recreation(1) • Austin Energy (1) • Economic Development Department • Austin Water • Watershed Other Depts: • Office of Sustainability • • Equity Coordination Team IDEA (TWP) (Watershed) • Equity Council (APH) • Austin Energy • Equity and Inclusion Workgroup (FSD) • DEIB (CTM) • CCCN (PARD) 9 Equity Office Trainings and Workshops Overview of Trainings People's Institute for Survival and Beyond Latine Challenge 11 Data Overall Participants: • Non-COA Participants: 348 (38%) (62%) • COA Participants: 569 Data • Partnered with AACHI about Anti- Asian hate. • Equity Office has been a big proponent of disaggregating data in the Asian Population – Socio economic Latine/Hispanic: 262 (27%) • Black: 149 (15%) • • White: 404 (42%) • • Asian: 56 (6%) • Other: 80 (8%) • Prefer not to Answer: 15 (2%) Indigenous: 4 (0%) Data • Partnered with AACHI about Anti- Asian hate. • Equity Office has been a big proponent of disaggregating data …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION January 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. City of Austin, Permitting & Development Center, Room 1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory 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, call or email Christi Vitela at (512) 974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Hanna Huang, Chair Sarah Chen Zachary Dolling Pierre Nguyễn Alpha Shrestha Seonhye “Sonny” Sin Kuo Yang CALL TO ORDER Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Xiyi Chen Hailey Easley Sabrina Sha Nayer Sikder Luan Tran AGENDA 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 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 17, 2024. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing by Angelica Benton-Molina, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager I, Equity Division, regarding the City of Austin Equity Office’s Undoing Racism Training and programs offered that include participation from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by American Gateways regarding their work in the Austin community providing legal services to the low income and immigrant communities. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways and Edna Yang, Co- Executive Director, American Gateways. 4. Discussion of the update to the Asian American Quality of Life Study. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve updates to the membership of FY2026 Budget Working Group. 6. Approve updates to the membership of Asian American Resource Center Working Group. 7. Approve updates to the membership of the Food Security Working Group. 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Working Group to plan for meetings between AAPI community leaders and the City Manager's office. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 9. Update from the FY2026 Budget Working Group on the Asian American Resource Center and capital improvement projects. 10. Update from the FY 2026 Budget Working Group on the …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 17, 2024 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on December 17, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang, Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Chen Zachary Dolling Hailey Easley Pierre Nguyễn Sabrina Sha Nayer Sikder Kuo Yang Commissioners Absent: Sarah Xiyi Chen Alpha Shrestha Sonny Sin Luan Tran PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL CALL TO ORDER Michael Ward Jr. - Austin Urban Technology Movement 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on November 19, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of November 19, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Commissioner Sarah Chen’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Sarah Xiyi Chen, Shrestha, Sin, and Tran were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation 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. The presentation was made by Marion Sanchez, Public Information and Marketing Manager, Communications and Public Information Office, Houmma Garba, Community Engagement Consultant, Communications and Public Information Office, David Wiechmann, Public Information Specialist Senior, Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and David Alcorta, Community Engagement Specialist, Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Presentation regarding Austin American Resource Center (AARC) Phase 2 progress from Christina Bies, Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Department. The presentation was made by Christina Bies, Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Department. Discussion of the inclusion of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission's budget recommendations in the FY2025 Budget. Discussed. Approve updates to the membership of the budget working group. Commissioner Nguyễn was added to the working group without objection. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Huang adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on XX’s motion, XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2. 4. 2
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 2024 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on November 19, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang, Chair Alpha Shrestha Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen Sarah Xiyi Chen Zachary Dolling Hailey Easley Nayer Sikder Sonny Sin Luan Tran Kuo Yang Commissioners Absent: Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Pierre Nguyễn Sabrina Sha PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL CALL TO ORDER None 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on October 15, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of October 15, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sarah Chen’s motion, Commissioner Sarah Xiyi Chen’s second on a 10-0 vote. Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioners Nguyễn and Sha were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding cultural arts funding from Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director, Economic Development Department. The presentation was made by Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director, Economic Development Department. Chair Huang requested information on the increase in funding to Asian American and Pacific Islander led organizations. Presentation regarding a health assessment project focused on the Asian and Asian American community in Austin, with an emphasis on updating the current Quality of Life survey, from Dr. Shetal Vohra-Gupta and Cheng Chow of the University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work. The presentation was made by Dr. Shetal Vohra-Gupta, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work and Cheng Cho, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Presentation regarding the Central Texas Food Bank Food Access Community Needs Assessment (CNA) and a CNA focus group with Vietnamese community members experiencing food insecurity from Tracy Ayrhart, Vice President of Strategic Insights, Central Texas Food Bank. The presentation was made by Tracy Ayrhart, Vice President of Strategic Insights, Central Texas Food Bank. Discussion of past and upcoming Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Input Sessions and Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission members attending. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve the Asian American Quality of Life …
Asian American Resource Center Pavilion Phase II Performance Pavilion AAQoL Commission Review Presentation December 17, 2024 Project Introduction + Goals D E C E M B E R 17, 2 024 2 ASIAN AMERICANRESOURCE CENTER Project Introduction As part of the Asian American Resource Center Master Plan Phase II Plan, this project is the creation of a pavilion within the great lawn area on the site. This pavilion aims to enhance the AARC by providing a versatile space where Austin’s diverse Asian American communities can come together to share their cultural heritage and participate in enriching programs. The pavilion will serve as a multipurpose, flexible venue, designed to blend with the existing great lawn and positioned between the AARC and upcoming Watershed Protection Department improvements. Planned as a year-round venue, the pavilion will host a variety of small or medium-sized events and programs. Key features of the pavilion include: A performance area Accessible facilities and amenities Infrastructure to support a range of community activities D E C E M B E R 17, 2 024 3 ASIAN AMERICANRESOURCE CENTER AARC Guiding Principles & Values MISSION STATEMENT The Asian American Resource Center’s mission is to create a space of belonging and healing for Asian American communities in Austin and beyond. We do this through community Collaborations and partnerships; providing rental space; organizing cultural, educational, and health wellness programs and curating art and historical exhibitions. We lead with our values and our vision, so that our diverse Solidarity - Recognizing our interconnectedness with ourselves and other communities of color. communities are supported and connected. VALUES Diversity - Acknowledging our cultures and histories. Peace - Creating space for healing and unity. Collaboration - Building relationships and co-creating. Intergenerational - Connecting through stories. D E C E M B E R 17, 2 024 4 ASIAN AMERICANRESOURCE CENTER AARC 2019 Vision Plan D E C E M B E R 17, 2 024 5 ASIAN AMERICANRESOURCE CENTER Vision Plan Event Lawn Programming Phase II within Scope of Work Classroom 1-8 and Conference Room (2,677sf) • Parking (222 spaces including existing parking) Phase I • Existing Building (18,000sf) Ballroom (5,022sf) Library/Computer Lab (422sf) Office Space (1,095sf) Storage Space (516sf) Commercial Kitchen (approx 650sf) • Existing Parking (91 spaces ) • Art in Public Places: Lotus Fountain Sculpture • Great Lawn Phase II • Performing Arts Building with Classrooms • Pavilion/Stage (1600sf) • Pedestrian Bridge • …
Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies Marion Sanchez - CPIO | Houmma Garba - CPIO David Wiechmann – HSEM December 17th, 2024 Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies: Background The City Auditor conducted two audits: one in 2016 and another in 2021, involving language access services provided by the City, which culminated in a special report and staff response. The audits found that the City may not be meeting the needs of all non-English speaking Austinites because written policies did not align with actual practice. Additionally, the Auditor found that the City did not effectively communicate with community members before and during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, especially in language other than English. Because of this, limited English proficiency (LEP) Austinites may not have had the same access to important information and may have been disproportionately impacted. Austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/auditor/audit_reports/language_access_follow_up_may_2023.pdf December 17th, 2024 Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies: Language Access Translation: Definitions The conversion of written communication from one language to another in a written form. An accurate translation is one that conveys the intent and essential meaning of the original text. Interpretation: The oral rendition of a spoken message from one language to another, preserving the intent and meaning of the original message. Longer bullet points Threshold Language: The most common spoken languages in Austin other than English. Based on this data, and data on the percentage of people who identify as not speaking English “very well” is how HSEM determined the languages to provide translation and interpretation for. December 17th, 2024 Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies: Limited English Proficiency December 17th, 2024 What does Limited English Proficiency mean? Limited English Proficiency (LEP) A person with limited English proficiency (LEP) cannot speak, read, write or understand the English language at a level that permits him or her to interact effectively with City staff. Individuals who communicate with American Sign Language are covered in this definition, although other Federal laws and regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act apply and should be considered separately. Hello! ¡Hola! 你好！ 안녕하세요! Xin chào! नमस्ते! မဂင်္လာပါ! Collaborative Partners • Communications and Public Information Office • Homeland Security & Emergency Management • Austin Energy • Austin Water • Austin Public Health • And review by numerous community organizations. In 2022, CPIO, HSEM and a collaboration of the City’s departmental Language Access team members established an Emergency Language Access working group. December 17th, 2024 The …
REGULAR MEETING of the ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION November 19, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST, AUSTIN, TX 78701 Some members of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory 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, call or email Eric Anderson at (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Hanna Huang, Chair Sarah Chen Zachary Dolling Pierre Nguyễn Alpha Shrestha Seonhye “Sonny” Sin Kuo Yang CALL TO ORDER Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Xiyi Chen Hailey Easley Sabrina Sha Nayer Sikder Luan Tran AGENDA 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 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on October 15, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Presentation regarding cultural arts funding from Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director, Economic Development Department. Presentation regarding a health assessment project focused on the Asian and Asian American community in Austin, with an emphasis on updating the current Quality of Life survey, from Dr. Shetal Vohra-Gupta and Cheng Chow of the University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Discussion of past and upcoming Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Input Sessions and Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission members attending. Presentation regarding the Central Texas Food Bank Food Access Community Needs Assessment (CNA) and a CNA focus group with Vietnamese community members experiencing food insecurity from Tracy Ayrhart, Vice President of Strategic Insights, Central Texas Food Bank. Approve the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission 2025 meeting location. Update from the food security working group regarding a review of the Austin-Travis County Food Plan and potential recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 7. 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 …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 15, 2024 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on October 15, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Jambulapati called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen Sarah Xiyi Chen Zachary Dolling Hailey Easley Pierre Nguyễn Nayer Sikder Luan Tran Commissioners Absent: Hanna Huang, Chair Sabrina Sha Sonny Sin Kuo Yang PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on September 17, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of September 17, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sarah Chen’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Huang, Commissioners Sha, Sin, and Yang were absent. None 1 STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding the Equity-Based Preservation Plan from Cara Bertron, Program Manager, Planning Department. The presentation was made by Cara Bertron, Program Manager, Planning Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation to Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan was approved on Commissioner Easley’s motion, Commissioner Sarah Chen’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Huang, Commissioners Sha, Sin, and Yang were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the inclusion of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission's approved budget recommendations in the City of Austin FY2025 Budget. Discussed. Discussion of upcoming Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Input Sessions and Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission members attending. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS CONTINUED 6. Approve the creation of a City of Austin FY2026 Budget working group. The motion to approve the creation of a City of Austin FY2026 Budget working group was approved on Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Commissioner Sarah Chen’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Huang, Commissioners Sha, Sin, and Yang were absent. Chair Huang, Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioner Dolling, and Commissioner Sarah Chen were added to the working group without objection. Approve the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission 2025 meeting schedule. The motion to approve the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission 2025 meeting schedule was approved on Commissioner Sarah Chen’s motion, Commissioner Nguyễn’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Huang, Commissioners …
Travis County Food Access Community Needs Assessment: Elevating Asian American Voices Dr. Tracy Ayrhart, Vice President of Strategic Insights November 19, 2024 AGENDA • About Central Texas Food Bank • Food Insecurity by the Numbers • Food Access Community Needs Assessments • Next Steps WHO WE ARE • We are the largest hunger-relief organization in Central Texas, and a member of Feeding Texas and Feeding America. • Founded in 1981, the Food Bank provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 250 nonprofit community partners and direct-service programs, serving about 93,000 people every week • Headquartered in Austin, the Food Bank serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. THE FUTURE IS F.R.E.S.H. Our approach to ensure every Central Texan has equitable access to nutritious food. • Provide immediate access to nutritious food • Provide the resources necessary for all Central Texans to access food on their own F Food Access (Distribution and Systems) R Research E Economic Stability S Sustainability H Health (food is medicine) FOOD INSECURITY BY THE NUMBERS: TRAVIS COUNTY • 16.2% of the population is food insecure, or 208,411 individuals • 1 in 5 children are food insecure (55,908) • 1 in 8 older adults are food insecure (23,108) are older adults Racial/Ethnic Composition 65.0% 46.7% 47.7% 33.3% 34.3% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 0% 15.3% 11.7% 10% 6.8% 14.0% 12.2% 7.3% 5.8% Black or African American Hispanic or Latino White Other & 2 or More Races/Ethnicities PLACE-BASED DISPARITIES • Disproportionately high food insecurity along the I-35 corridor, in the Eastern Crescent, and in rural corners of the county • Despite representing only 44% of Travis County’s overall population, these high need areas make up: • 59% of Travis County’s food insecure population • 61% of Travis County’s Black/African American population • 59% of Travis County’s Hispanic/Latino population MISSING VOICES: ASIAN POPULATION • Small sample size in public datasets • Small percentage (2%) of neighbors accessing CTFB services • May face unique barriers, including those related to cultural or dietary needs ELEVATING COMMUNITY VOICES: COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENTS Bell County Launch Feb 2025 Waco July 2023-Feb 2024 Williamson County March – Sept 2024 Travis County Sept 2024 – April 2025 Del Valle May – Nov 2023 Bastrop County June 2024 – Jan 2025 Hays County Jan – July 2024 METHODOLOGY (TRAVIS COUNTY) Create Initial Community Profile Community Discussion …
Cultural Arts Funding Update Economic Development Department November 19, 2024 Agenda Cultural Funding Review Process History Overview (FY24 Funding Requests/Distribution) 1. FY25 Launch Calendar 2. Past and Planned Promotion/Marketing of Programs 3. 4. Highlights of Awardees from AAPI led organizations 5. Questions Noting: All Cultural Funding programs are funded via Hotel Occupancy Tax. There are other programs run in our department, and with Rally Austin (a Local Government Corporation) utilizing other funding sources. Examples: - Creative Space Assistance Fund (General Fund, EDD) - Iconic Venue Fund (Managed by Rally Austin) C I T Y O F A U S T I N Cultural Funding Review Process History Cultural Funding – Reminders 2017: Cultural Funding Program Responsiveness Working Group 2018: Funding cuts for the first time (11%) COA Equity Statement: Strategic Direction 2023 Problem: Address 50 years of inequitable funding distribution. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Cultural Funding Review Process — Community Led C I T Y O F A U S T I N Cultural Funding Review Process – MJR Partners Report https://www.austintexas.gov/department/cultural-funding C I T Y O F A U S T I N Cultural Funding Review Process – Pilot Programs Approved by Arts Commission June 29, 2022 Solution: Holistic Funding Ecosystem addressing past disparities in funding. Note: Current Guidelines for these Pilot programs do not prevent awardees from being eligible in the following year of funding opportunities. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Cultural Funding – Pilot Program Investment Outcomes Grantee Investment by Demographics FY2015 - 2021 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Cultural Funding – Pilot Program Investment Outcomes Grantee Investment by Demographics FY2015 - 2021 Grantee Investment by Demographics FY 2023 - 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Cultural Funding – Pilot Program Investment Outcomes Note: 2015-2021 Investment was 18% Majority Diverse; 25% Equally Led; 57% Majority White/Prefer not to answer. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Cultural Funding Program Overview – FY 2024 Awards $17,475,000 Awarded (FY 25-26 Thrive, FY24 Elevate, FY24 Nexus) $3.3M Increase from previous cycle (FY23-FY24 Thrive, FY23 Elevate, FY23 Nexus) $63 Million In Total Requested Funds 366 Total Awards (FY 25-26 Thrive, FY24 Elevate, FY24 Nexus) 190 New to COA Cultural Funding Awardees 77% Majority Diverse Led 66% Women/Non-Binary …
Health Assessment on the Asian and Asian American Community in Austin Asian American Quality of Life Shetal Vohra-Gupta, Ph.D., MSW, Assistant Professor Cheng Chow, MPhil, PhD Student Steve Hicks School of Social Work The University of Texas at Austin Chinese Americans: 24% (5.4 million) Indian Americans: 21% (4.6 million) Filipinos:19% (4.2 million) Roots in Vietnam (2.2 million), Korea (1.9 million) and Japan (1.5 million) each have a population of at least 1 million. Asian population is on the rise in Texas The number of Asian Americans in Texas increased by 91,921 people from 2022 to 2023, amounting to over 1.7 million people in total. The fastest growing numbers were in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area, with 10.5% increase from 2022 to 2023 – First among U.S. metro areas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau Credit: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer Older age groups – the sharpest increase Social services? Healthcare access? Affordability? Chronic health conditions? Caregiver resources? Transportation? Social isolation? Support infrastructure? Source: U.S. Census Bureau Credit: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer Diversity of Asian population in Austin Ethnicity Total Asian Asian Indian Chinese Vietnamese Korean Filipino Pakistani Taiwanese Japanese Nepalese Two or more Asian groups Population 80,245 30,361 15,246 9,659 6,738 4,790 2,135 1,943 1,507 1,412 1,344 1,212 Share 100.0% 37.8% 19.0% 12.0% 8.4% 6.0% 2.7% 2.4% 1.9% 1.8% 1.7% Other Central Asian 1.5% Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2022 5-Year Estimates Asian American Health Assessment Health issues identified Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Behavioral Health, Healthcare Access Barriers Recommendations suggested Improve OUTREACH to subpopulations Focus on PREVENTION Increase ACCESS to health care Provide CULTURALLY SENSITIVE health care Asian American Quality of Life Survey Asian American Quality of Life Survey Major findings (N=2,609) • A majority of the survey participants (90.8%) were foreign-born immigrants • More than 28% of the overall sample had at least one chronic disease • Tobacco use more prevalent among Korean and Vietnamese while Koreans and Filipinos were least likely to engage in physical exercise and a healthy diet. • More than 11% reported an experience of unmet health care needs during the past 12 months (particularly in Koreans [15.4%] and Vietnamese [17.1%]) -inconsistent with the findings from national data (2.8% among Asians) • 20% of the sample reported the need for transportation and interpretation (particularly high in Koreans [29.5%], Chinese [24.0%], and Vietnamese [22.4%]) • The prevalence of mental distress and serve mental illness was 44.2% …
Health Assessment on the Asian and Asian American Community in Austin Shetal Vohra-Gupta, Ph.D., MSW, Assistant Professor Cheng Chow, MPhil, PhD Student Steve Hicks School of Social Work The University of Texas at Austin Chinese Americans: 24% (5.4 million) Indian Americans: 21% (4.6 million) Filipinos:19% (4.2 million) Roots in Vietnam (2.2 million), Korea (1.9 million) and Japan (1.5 million) each have a population of at least 1 million. Asian population is on the rise in Texas The number of Asian Americans in Texas increased by 91,921 people from 2022 to 2023 The fastest growing numbers were in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro area, with 10.5% increase from 2022 to 2023 – First among U.S. metro areas. Source: U.S. Census Bureau Credit: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer Older age groups – the sharpest increase Social services? Healthcare access? Affordability? Chronic health conditions? Caregiver resources? Transportation? Social isolation? Support infrastructure? Source: U.S. Census Bureau Credit: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer Population growth 33% 45% Natural Increase International Migration Internal Migraiton 22% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Vintage 2023. Diversity of Asian population in Austin - San Marcos - Round Rock Metro area Population Total Asian Asian Indian Chinese Filipino Japanese Korean Vietnamese ACS 2015 Estimation ACS 2023 Estimation 92,512 28,195 18,549 6,877 2,332 8,188 16,697 5.0% 1.5% 1.0% 0.4% 0.1% 0.4% 0.9% 193,555 81,618 37,099 12,366 2,473 9,893 19,786 7.8% 3.3% 1.5% 0.5% 0.1% 0.4% 0.8% Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey Estimates Asian American Health Assessment Health issues identified Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, Hepatitis B, Tuberculosis, Behavioral Health, Healthcare Access Barriers Recommendations suggested Improve OUTREACH to subpopulations Focus on PREVENTION Increase ACCESS to health care Provide CULTURALLY SENSITIVE health care Asian American Quality of Life Survey Asian American Quality of Life Survey Major findings (N=2,609) • A majority of the survey participants (90.8%) were foreign-born immigrants • More than 28% of the overall sample had at least one chronic disease • Tobacco use more prevalent among Korean and Vietnamese while Koreans and Filipinos were least likely to engage in physical exercise and a healthy diet. • More than 11% reported an experience of unmet health care needs during the past 12 months (particularly in Koreans [15.4%] and Vietnamese [17.1%]) -inconsistent with the findings from national data (2.8% among Asians) • 20% of the sample reported the need for transportation and interpretation (particularly high in Koreans [29.5%], Chinese [24.0%], and Vietnamese [22.4%]) • The prevalence …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 19, 2024 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on November 19, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Huang called the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hanna Huang, Chair Alpha Shrestha Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen Sarah Xiyi Chen Zachary Dolling Hailey Easley Nayer Sikder Sonny Sin Luan Tran Kuo Yang Commissioners Absent: Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Pierre Nguyễn Sabrina Sha PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL CALL TO ORDER None 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on October 15, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of October 15, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Sarah Chen’s motion, Commissioner Sarah Xiyi Chen’s second on a 10-0 vote. Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioners Nguyễn and Sha were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding cultural arts funding from Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director, Economic Development Department. The presentation was made by Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director, Economic Development Department. Chair Huang requested information on the increase in funding to Asian American and Pacific Islander led organizations. Presentation regarding a health assessment project focused on the Asian and Asian American community in Austin, with an emphasis on updating the current Quality of Life survey, from Dr. Shetal Vohra-Gupta and Cheng Chow of the University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work. The presentation was made by Dr. Shetal Vohra-Gupta, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work and Cheng Cho, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work. Presentation regarding the Central Texas Food Bank Food Access Community Needs Assessment (CNA) and a CNA focus group with Vietnamese community members experiencing food insecurity from Tracy Ayrhart, Vice President of Strategic Insights, Central Texas Food Bank. The presentation was made by Tracy Ayrhart, Vice President of Strategic Insights, Central Texas Food Bank. Discussion of past and upcoming Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Input Sessions and Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission members attending. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve the Asian American Quality of Life …
REGULAR MEETING of the ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION October 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST, AUSTIN, TX 78701 Some members of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory 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, call or email Eric Anderson at (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Hanna Huang, Chair Sarah Chen Zachary Dolling Pierre Nguyễn Nayer Sikder Luan Tran CALL TO ORDER Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Sarah Xiyi Chen Hailey Easley Sabrina Sha Seonhye “Sonny” Sin Kuo Yang AGENDA 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 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on September 17, 2024. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding the Equity-Based Preservation Plan from Cara Bertron, Program Manager, Planning Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 8. 9. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Discussion of the inclusion of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission's approved budget recommendations in the City of Austin FY2025 Budget. Discussion of upcoming Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Input Sessions and Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission members attending. Approve a recommendation to Council to adopt the Equity-Based Preservation Plan. Approve the creation of a City of Austin FY2026 Budget working group. Approve the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission 2025 meeting schedule. Update from the Community Health working group regarding potential goals and projects. Update from the Asian American Resource Center working group regarding the updated pavilion timeline. 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 …
