REGULAR MEETING OF THE ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION March 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 Ryan Sperling at (512) 974-3568 or ryan.sperling@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 Siker Nirali Thakkar 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 February 18, 2025. 2. Discussion regarding who to include in the City Manager Office’s Asian American Leaders DISCUSSION ITEMS meeting in April. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS for the FY 2025-26 Fiscal Year. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Recommendations from the Budget Working Group regarding budget recommendations 4. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Customer and Front Desk Support. 5. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for AARC Senior Program 6. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for AARC Additional Staffing for Language Access. Performance Pavilion. 7. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Marketing & Community Engagement Staff for Cultural Centers. 8. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services. 9. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health. 10. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Asian American Community Health Navigators. 11. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Asian American Triage Health Navigators. 12. …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 18, 2025 The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on February 18, 2025, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive 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 Pierre Nguyễn Alpha Shrestha Sonny Sin Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Sarah Chen Sarah Xiyi Chen Zachary Dolling Nayer Sikder Luan Tran Commissioners Absent: Padmini Jambulapati, Vice Chair Hailey Easley Sabrina Sha Kuo Yang CALL TO ORDER None. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 1. Approve the minutes of the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 17, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of December 17, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Nguyễn’s motion, Commissioner Sarah Chen’s second on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioners Easley, Sha and Yang were absent. 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. The presentation was made by Angelica Benton-Molina, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager I, Equity and Inclusion Department. STAFF BRIEFING 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. The presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. 4. Discussion of Draft Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve updates to the membership of FY2026 Budget Working Group. Discussed. 6. Approve updates to the membership of Asian American Resource Center Working Group. The motion to add Sonny Sin to the Asian American Resource Center Working Group was approved on Chair Huang’s motion, Commissioner Shrestha’s second, on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioners Easley, Sha and Yang were absent. 7. Approve updates to the membership of the Food Security Working Group. The motion to add Sarah Xiyi Chen to the Food Security Working Group was approved on Commissioner Sin’s motion, Commissioner Chen’s second on a 9-0 vote. Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioners Easley, Sha and Yang were absent. 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Working Group …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-10 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Asian American Community Health Navigators Motioned by: Drafted by: Padmini Jambulapati (Vice Chair), Alpha Shrestha Seconded By: Asian American Community Health Navigators Description The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City increase funding for Community Health Navigator (CHN) services to address the growing needs of Austin's diverse Asian community. Since the pandemic, demand for CHNs has surged, and one- time grant funding has allowed for services in several Asian languages, including Arabic, Burmese, Chin Tedim, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Nepali, Hindi, and Vietnamese. If this funding expires, essential services for vulnerable populations will go unfunded, creating a significant gap in care. CHNs are critical for helping non-English-speaking residents navigate the healthcare system, schedule appointments, understand insurance, and complete paperwork. These trusted community members, who share cultural and linguistic ties with the populations they serve, play a key role in ensuring access to mental and physical healthcare. Without continued funding, hundreds of high-risk individuals will lose vital bilingual and cultural support. The lack of language access in healthcare often isolates non-native English speakers, leading to poor health outcomes. In 2024, 92% of CHN clients required help reading hospital materials. Without the city council’s continued funding, many refugees and immigrants will struggle to access necessary healthcare. With 10 out of the top 15 languages spoken by Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents in Austin being Asian languages, and a lack of Mandarin services, continued investment in CHNs is crucial. Expanding funding ensures all Austin residents can access essential care, improving the health and well-being of the entire community. Currently, there are 2 city contracts for these services, 1 ongoing and 1 one-time. Recommendation The Commission recommends that the city exercises expediency in the contracting process to ensure organizations providing the contracted CHN services have contracts for ongoing funding. Currently, a delay in new contracts has put funding for these services in a precarious situation with unknown timelines for extensions and when requests for proposals will occur. The commission also recommends that overall funding be increased to expand Community Health Navigator (CHN) services for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) communities within the Asian American population. This funding will support navigation services for highly needed language-specific groups such as Pashto, Farsi, Tagalog, Urdu, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and Nepali, who are at risk of losing critical assistance due to current …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-12 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Expanding Equity & Inclusion Trainings Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair), Padmini Jambulapati (Vice Chair) Seconded By: Expanding Equity & Inclusion Trainings Description The City continues to see an increase in reported hate crimes and hate incidents year to year since 2021. Currently, City initiatives around anti-hate are housed in a variety of different offices and departments. The We All Belong Campaign is housed in the Corporate Public Information Office, the Safe Place program is housed in the Austin Police Department, and Undoing Racism trainings are housed in the Office of Equity & Inclusion. While each program has varying degrees of public engagement and participation, City staff and public citizens would benefit from expanded access and visibility about these services. Additionally, the commission would like to suggest the addition of training around Bystander Intervention that equips staff and citizens on how to safely intervene and respond in situations of hate-based discrimination or violence. Recommendation The Commission recommends that Anti-hate campaigns and programs are adequately funded to have a hub for staff and citizens to easily access information about reporting hate-based incidents, current program offerings, and trainings the public can attend. Additionally, along with an expansion to the Undoing Racism training available to the public, we recommend that staff and citizens have access to Bystander Intervention training. Department Office of Equity & Inclusion, Communications & Public Information, Human Resources Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Appreciation, respect, and welcoming of all people and cultures; Lifelong Learning Opportunities Safety: Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Recovery Government that Works for All: Employee engagement; Stakeholder engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation; Transparency and ethical practices Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-13 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget Culturally Appropriate and Medically Necessary Foods during Emergency Operations Motioned by: Drafted by: Sonny Sin, Padmini Jambulapati, Sarah X. Chen Seconded By: Culturally Appropriate and Medically Necessary Foods during Emergency Operations Description Over the last twenty years, the City of Austin has experienced an unprecedented number of crises whether it’s pandemics, power outages, storms, or wildfires. In these challenging moments, Austin needs reliable food sources that can be distributed and used by all community members. As highlighted by Winter Storm Uri, current emergency food and inventory distribution systems do not adequately address the diverse dietary needs and medically necessary foods (e.g., halal, kosher, diabetic, vegetarian, low-sodium, allergen-free options) of the Asian community and the community at large. In the most recent census, the Asian American population is one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the Greater Austin region. The 2024 Austin/Travis County Food Plan, adopted by the City of Austin, emphasizes equitable access to nutritious and culturally relevant food, particularly during emergencies. This recommendation aims to ensure that emergency food provisions include culturally relevant options that reflect the diverse culinary traditions within the Asian American population in Austin/Travis County. This will involve partnerships with community organizations, cultural centers, and local businesses to identify and provide suitable food items. Recommendation The Commission recommends that the City of Austin allocate funding and resources to develop and implement a program for culturally appropriate and medically necessary emergency food provisions for all, with attention to gaps identified for serving Asian American communities. This program should: ● Reference the Austin-Travis County Food Plan to identify specific dietary needs and cultural food preferences within the Asian communities. ● Prioritize the incorporation of culturally relevant foods and preferences of Asian communities in the Disaster Food and Drinking Water Access Plan along with developing language access protocols to ensure the swift distribution of food and water during climate-related and other disasters to Asian communities. ● Partner with Asian community organizations, cultural centers, and local Asian-owned businesses to source and distribute culturally appropriate food items during disasters. ● Train emergency response personnel on language access needs, cultural sensitivity, and dietary needs of Asian American communities. ● Establish culturally competent distribution sites, potentially within existing Resiliency Hubs, or through partnerships with existing community centers. ● Create a list of approved vendors, …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-14 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget Parks and Recreation Expansion of Senior Programming Language Access Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair), AARC Workgroup Seconded By: Parks and Recreation Expansion of Senior Programming Description Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department’s (PARD) Senior Programs are housed in the 3 Senior Activity Centers and various recreation facilities such as the Gus Garcia Recreation, Lorraine Camacho Activity Center, Pickfair Activity Center, and more. Senior programs also are supplemented by Congregate Meal Programs (administered by Meals on Wheels) and Senior Transport Program both funded by the Capitol Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG). With the move of the Old Bakery & Emporium, the Asian American Resource Center, and the Mexican American Culture Center into the new Office of Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME), the majority of Parks and Recreation’s Senior Programs with significant translated materials and programs with language interpretation will leave the department. However, there are still significant opportunities for PARD to increase language access along with an expansion in senior programs to facilities underused during daytime programming hours like Montopolis Recreation Center, Northwest Recreation Center, and more. Additionally, areas like the Gus Garcia Recreation Center and the Pickfair Activity Center are fast outgrowing demand for senior activities due to space and staffing constraints. Seniors in the areas Northeast and Northwest of the City are lacking dedicated senior centers, the last of which was built in 1992. Recommendation The Commission recommends more dedicated Senior Programming Specialists and Coordinators within Recreation and Activity Centers in the Parks and Recreation Department. Additionally, Marketing Representatives or staff with Language Access experience are needed to do a review and make recommendations to improve processes for signing up and participating in Senior Programs, Congregate Meals at PARD sites, and Senior Transportation for those who are Limited English Proficient (LEP). Department Parks and Recreation Department Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Health & Environment: Accessibility to quality parks, trails, and recreational opportunities Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-15 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Updated Asian American Quality of Life Study Motioned by: Drafted by: Alpha Shrestha, Hanna Huang (Chair) Seconded By: FY 2025-26 Budget Related to Updated Asian American Quality of Life Study Description The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission recommends that the city allocate funding for an updated study on the Quality of Life assessment of Austin's Asian American residents. Since the last study in 2014, the Asian population in Austin and its surrounding areas has grown significantly from 6.3% to over 8%. Conducting a new survey would provide valuable insights into the evolving needs of this community, track changes in health disparities, and assess resource accessibility. Historically, Asian Americans have been underreported and underserved in health and social services. Data on this group is often not disaggregated due to the misconception of homogeneity within the population. Furthermore, the diversity of the Asian American community—ranging from different countries of origin to varying lengths of residence, social engagement, and socioeconomic status—makes it challenging to analyze and address their specific needs effectively. The 2016 report provided a comprehensive overview of Asian American health, including dental health, behavioral health, insurance coverage, mental health, aging health, and community resource utilization. However, the city continues to face challenges in effectively engaging with the Asian American population through surveys, studies, and planning efforts. Since the 2014 study, there has been no concerted effort to track changes or address the gaps identified in the 2016 report, especially since COVID-19 and the implication of the pandemic on the community. An updated study would be critical to understanding the current status of this community and ensuring that their needs are adequately met. Many presentations by City staff to our commission have indicated a trend in lack of data, knowledge, and methodology in serving and reaching Asian American communities beyond translating materials. Several City plans, surveys, and community input reports often only have the staff or marketing resources to translate documents but the use of translated materials by the communities they are targeting is not currently tracked either. 2016 Asian American Quality of Life Study final report Currently, there is a unique opportunity to work with the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Social Work to update the study. Dr. Shetal Vohra-Gupta has proposed and attained $25,000 to update the survey and conduct a small pilot for validation. …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-04 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Customer and Front Desk Support Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: AARC Customer & Front Desk Support Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division has an under-resourced need for front desk support that has been identified and requested since 2020. Pre-pandemic (2020), the AARC has garnered over 50,000 visitors at its peak. Post-pandemic, visitor and program attendance is already back at over 30,000 in FY2022-2023 and over 38,000 visitors in FY2023-2024. Currently, the AARC is the only cultural facility without a dedicated FTE for Front Desk and Reception support and is entirely staffed by temporary staff. This poses issues in staff turnover, safety, training, and support needed to appropriately respond to citizen inquiries and needs when they visit the facility during the 46 hours a week the facility is open to the public. Due to budget cuts and sweeping of funds from the Parks Department in the last 2 years, their temporary staff budget has been reduced, with front desk staff support needs taking more than 50% of the temporary staff budget. Reductions in temporary staffing to other AARC programs have been necessary to maintain appropriate staffing at the reception area for visitor assistance and safety. Recommendation Ongoing funding in one of the following options is recommended: ● 1 Administrative Specialist FTE (40 hours/week) with bilingual pay ● .75 Administrative Speciality PTE (30 hours/week) with bilingual pay plus an additional $20,000 (6 hours/week) temporary staffing for an entry-level administrative specialist ● $72,000 of total temporary funding was dedicated to Office Attendant I and II positions accounting for 63 hours a week total throughout the year. Inclusive of 2 staff for evening shifts for safety, training, and increased staffing for large events and rentals. Department Office of Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) / Museums & Cultural Programs Division / AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Vibrancy and sustainability of creative industry ecosystem; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-05 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Center (AARC) Senior Program Language Access Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Asian American Resource Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: AARC Senior Program Language Access Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division has a robust senior program that serves 60-70 participants daily Mondays through Thursdays and has served over 10,000 meals within the FY2023-2024 year alone. In the AARC budget from FY2022-2023 and FY2023-2024, there has been a significant unmet need for additional funding for expanded Senior Language Access. The AARC had $43,198 in FY2023-2024 budgeted for interpretation. Of this budget, most of the funding is utilized for Mandarin-language interpretation due to the need from Chinese-speaking seniors. The AARC staff has identified a need for Vietnamese and Korean interpretation for activities as well as to better serve seniors with language barriers for 1-2 days of the week during the senior programs at the facility. As the only senior program in the city with language access for Asian languages consistently available, it is essential that the AARC has an increased budget for additional language interpretation services to expand equitable access to our Asian American seniors. Recommendation An increase in funding for language access services is recommended to add Vietnamese and Korean-interpreted activity days to the AARC senior program. Department Office of Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) / Museums & Cultural Programs Division / AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Vibrancy and sustainability of creative industry ecosystem; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-06 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget AARC Additional Staffing for Performance Pavilion Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: AARC Additional Staffing for Performance Pavilion Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division is currently in progress constructing an outdoor performance pavilion on their great lawn along with AARC/Rutherford stormwater improvements to Walnut Creek Trail that include 2 pedestrian bridges. There is an anticipated need for additional staffing to create and support event rentals, maintenance, and education programs related to the new additions. AARC Phase 2 Projects Update Recommendation The commission recommends the addition of the following positions to support the new AARC Performance Pavilion to plan for and support the added facility: 1. Public Event Supervisor - increased event rentals and special events in new space 2. Building & Grounds Lead - new building addition to the AARC grounds to maintain and keep up to performance and rental standards along with day-to-day upkeep of AARC outdoor space 3. Culture & Education Coordinator - education staff that have familiarity with outdoor performance spaces and equipment Department Office of Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) / Museums & Cultural Programs Division / AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities: Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Vibrancy and sustainability of creative industry ecosystem; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Health & Environment: Accessibility to quality parks, trails, and recreational opportunities Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-07 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget Marketing & Community Engagement Staff for Cultural Centers Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: AARC Additional Staffing for Performance Pavilion Description The 4 culture centers of the Asian American Resource Center, George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, Mexican American Culture Center, and the Dougherty Arts Center within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division all serve unique sectors of the culture and arts communities in the City of Austin. These centers were all constructed due to community pressure for spaces that value specific arts and cultural communities that were not being adequately served by other City services. Due to their beloved statuses and long histories of community engagement, each requires marketing representatives and community engagement staff to appropriately engage and respond to the needs of the communities they were created in response to community needs for. Staff at each facility have reported the need over the years each facility having an overwhelming workload related to community engagement and marketing that has been split by current full- time staff or done by temporary staff. This division has several ongoing capital development and action plans in progress that require significant planning for community input and progress updates. Previously, the Public Information team from the Parks and Recreation Department or consultants were heavily relied on to complete these community input processes at the expense of construction bond dollars. This recommendation proposes having a dedicated Marketing Representative and Community Engagement Specialist for each site to preserve the institutional knowledge needed to keep the public up to date on each facility’s long-term planning processes, and unmet needs as well as deepen community connections. Lastly, each facility often is a hub and outlet for gathering input or sharing other City news from their specific cultural communities. For example, the City’s engagement in various surveys, action plans, etc with Asian American communities is often low. Oftentimes, the Asian American Resource Center marketing staff and facility are asked to help expand outreach to Asian American communities due to their use by that community. Recommendation The commission recommends the addition of the following positions 2 positions for each cultural facility. While we understand the marketing representatives may be housed within a central division or public information office, …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-08 Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Immigrant Legal Services Motioned by: Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) Description Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services Seconded By: The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) strongly recommends continued funding for the Austin Public Health (APH) Immigrant Legal Services, Pro Se services, and Citizenship Clinics programs in the FY 2025-26 budget. This program plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of Austin's immigrant population. This need is particularly needed at a time when regional and national policies continue to further reduce services for immigrants. Additionally, immigrant rights are being stripped due to frequent recent changes in immigration policies and inaccessible services. APH Immigrant Legal Services currently has several contracts in place for American Gateways, Catholic Charities, and RAICES. Many of these contracts are coming to an end. The closure of Refugee Services of Texas has further reduced options for legal immigration assistance available in the community for refugees, many of whom are from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. We strongly recommend continued funding for the APH Immigrant Legal Services program at a level that allows it to meet the growing needs of Austin's immigrant population. Contractors for this program provide critical legal assistance to immigrants in Austin. The program helps immigrants navigate the complex legal system, with a focus on areas like citizenship, deportation defense, and access to public benefits. Recommendation Continued ongoing funding of all current contracts along with an expansion for Pro Se services is recommended. Pro Se services provide immigrants with legal advice, help with paperwork, and coaching through the legal system. Although it stops short of full legal representation, these services are the most necessary to help immigrants navigate the immigration process since hearings and court dates may take years to schedule in the judicial system. Department Austin Public Health (APH) Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Government that works for all; Equity of City programs and resource allocation; Safety: Fair administration of justice Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-09 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Motioned by: Drafted By: Hanna Huang (Chair) & Padmini Jambulapati (Vice Chair) Seconded By: Austin Public Health Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Description The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission would like to recommend that the City increase funding for mental health services. In 2020, Austin Public Health (APH) put out a Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) 004 Asian Pacific Islander Mental Health Services that our commission also supported and recommended. There were two applicants and two awarded agencies: Northwest Austin Universal Health Clinic (NAUHC) for $100,000 and Young Women’s Christian Association (also known as YWCA) for $50,000. With the closure of NAUHC, the $100,000 API Mental Health amount was awarded to Get Up Project d/b/a Hope Medical Clinic to provide health education and navigation services prioritizing the Austin Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. While health navigation services are essential for the AAPI community, their use is very different from the original scope and intention of the RFGA. Given that the funding for mental health for this past fiscal year was diverted to health navigation services, the need is higher than ever to access essential mental healthcare for Austin’s Asian community. Our recommendation would be an ongoing amount that is applied to AAPI Mental and Behavioral Health but also to fund a Mental Health Directory specific to mental health specialists who work with members of Austin’s Asian community. The funds would go towards building community-building activities along with the creation of an updated directory of mental health specialists by language and by specialty. Recommendation Restoration of the full and ongoing amount of $150,000 for AAPI Mental Health Direct Services One-time funding to support administrative maintenance, directory expansion, and client matching for an Asian Behavioral Health Network Department Austin Public Health Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities: Health & Environment: Enjoying a sustainable environment and a healthy life, physically and mentally. A. Health conditions among the public B. Accessibility to quality health care services (physical and mental) Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-04 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Customer and Front Desk Support Motioned by: Commissioner Sin Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup AARC Customer & Front Desk Support Seconded By: Commissioner Nguyễn Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division has an under-resourced need for front desk support that has been identified and requested since 2020. Pre-pandemic (2020), the AARC has garnered over 50,000 visitors at its peak. Post-pandemic, visitor and program attendance is already back at over 30,000 in FY2022-2023 and over 38,000 visitors in FY2023-2024. Currently, the AARC is the only cultural facility without a dedicated FTE for Front Desk and Reception support and is entirely staffed by temporary staff. This poses issues in staff turnover, safety, training, and support needed to appropriately respond to citizen inquiries and needs when they visit the facility during the 46 hours a week the facility is open to the public. Due to budget cuts and sweeping of funds from the Parks Department in the last 2 years, their temporary staff budget has been reduced, with front desk staff support needs taking more than 50% of the temporary staff budget. Reductions in temporary staffing to other AARC programs have been necessary to maintain appropriate staffing at the reception area for visitor assistance and safety. Recommendation Ongoing funding in one of the following options is recommended: ● 1 Administrative Specialist FTE (40 hours/week) with bilingual pay ● .75 Administrative Speciality PTE (30 hours/week) with bilingual pay plus an additional $20,000 (6 hours/week) temporary staffing for an entry-level administrative specialist ● $72,000 of total temporary funding was dedicated to Office Attendant I and II positions accounting for 63 hours a week total throughout the year. Inclusive of 2 staff for evening shifts for safety, training, and increased staffing for large events and rentals. Department Office of Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) / Museums & Cultural Programs Division / AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Vibrancy and sustainability of creative industry ecosystem; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-05 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Center (AARC) Senior Program Language Access Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget for Asian American Resource Motioned by: Commissioner Nguyễn Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: Commissioner Chen AARC Senior Program Language Access Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division has a robust senior program that serves 60-70 participants daily Mondays through Thursdays and has served over 10,000 meals within the FY2023-2024 year alone. In the AARC budget from FY2022-2023 and FY2023-2024, there has been a significant unmet need for additional funding for expanded Senior Language Access. The AARC had $43,198 in FY2023-2024 budgeted for interpretation. Of this budget, most of the funding is utilized for Mandarin-language interpretation due to the need from Chinese-speaking seniors. The AARC staff has identified a need for Vietnamese and Korean interpretation for activities as well as to better serve seniors with language barriers 32 to 40 hours a month during the senior programs at the facility. As the only senior program in the city with language access for Asian languages consistently available, it is essential that the AARC has an increased budget for additional language interpretation services to expand equitable access to our Asian American seniors. Recommendation An increase in funding for language access services is recommended for 32 to 40 hours of additional interpretation per month to add Vietnamese and Korean-interpreted activity days to the AARC senior program. Department Office of Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) / Museums & Cultural Programs Division / AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Vibrancy and sustainability of creative industry ecosystem; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Health & Environment: Accessibility to quality parks, trails, and recreational opportunities Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. Vote: 11-0 For: Chair Huang, Commissioners Chen, Xiyi Chen, Dolling, Easley, Nguyễn, Siker, Sin, Thakkar, Yang, Shrestha. Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissionner Sha Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-06 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget AARC Additional Staffing for Performance Pavilion Motioned by: Commissioner Sin Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: Commissioner Xiyi Chen AARC Additional Staffing for Performance Pavilion Description The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) facility within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division is currently in progress constructing an outdoor performance pavilion on their great lawn along with AARC/Rutherford stormwater improvements to Walnut Creek Trail that include 2 pedestrian bridges. There is an anticipated need for additional staffing to create and support event rentals, maintenance, and education programs related to the new additions. AARC Phase 2 Projects Update Recommendation The commission recommends the addition of the following positions to support the new AARC Performance Pavilion to plan for and support the added facility: 1. Public Event Supervisor - increased event rentals and special events in new space 2. Building & Grounds Lead - new building addition to the AARC grounds to maintain and keep up to performance and rental standards along with day-to-day upkeep of AARC outdoor space 3. Culture & Education Coordinator - education staff that have familiarity with outdoor performance spaces and equipment Department Office of Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) / Museums & Cultural Programs Division / AARC Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities: Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality, accessibility, and diversity of civic and cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; Vibrancy and sustainability of creative industry ecosystem; Quality of lifelong learning opportunities. Health & Environment: Accessibility to quality parks, trails, and recreational opportunities Government That Works for All: Condition of City facilities and technology; Public engagement and participation; Equity of City programs and resource allocation. For: Chair Huang, Commissioners Chen, Xiyi Chen, Dolling, Easley, Nguyễn, Siker, Sin, Thakkar, Yang, Shrestha. Absent: Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissionner Sha Vote: 11-0 Against: None Abstain: None Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-07 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget Marketing & Community Engagement Staff for Cultural Centers Motioned by: Commissioner Shrestha Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) & AARC Workgroup Seconded By: Commissioner Nguyễn AARC Additional Staffing for Performance Pavilion Description The 4 culture centers of the Asian American Resource Center, George Washington Carver Museum & Cultural Center, Mexican American Culture Center, and the Dougherty Arts Center within the Arts, Culture, Music, & Entertainment (ACME) Office’s Museums & Cultural Programs Division all serve unique sectors of the culture and arts communities in the City of Austin. These centers were all constructed due to community pressure for spaces that value specific arts and cultural communities that were not being adequately served by other City services. Due to their beloved statuses and long histories of community engagement, each requires marketing representatives and community engagement staff to appropriately engage and respond to the needs of the communities they were created in response to community needs for. Staff at each facility have reported the need over the years each facility having an overwhelming workload related to community engagement and marketing that has been split by current full- time staff or done by temporary staff. This division has several ongoing capital development and action plans in progress that require significant planning for community input and progress updates. Previously, the Public Information team from the Parks and Recreation Department or consultants were heavily relied on to complete these community input processes at the expense of construction bond dollars. This recommendation proposes having a dedicated Marketing Representative and Community Engagement Specialist for each site to preserve the institutional knowledge needed to keep the public up to date on each facility’s long-term planning processes, and unmet needs as well as deepen community connections. Lastly, each facility often is a hub and outlet for gathering input or sharing other City news from their specific cultural communities. For example, the City’s engagement in various surveys, action plans, etc with Asian American communities is often low. Oftentimes, the Asian American Resource Center marketing staff and facility are asked to help expand outreach to Asian American communities due to their use by that community. Recommendation The commission recommends the addition of the following positions 2 positions for each cultural facility. While we understand the marketing representatives may be housed within a central division …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-08 Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Seconded By: Commissioner Nguyễn Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Immigrant Legal Services Motioned by: Commissioner Chen Drafted by: Hanna Huang (Chair) Description Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission (AAQoL) strongly recommends continued funding for the Austin Public Health (APH) Immigrant Legal Services, Pro Se services, and Citizenship Clinics programs in the FY 2025-26 budget. This program plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of Austin's immigrant population. This need is particularly needed at a time when regional and national policies continue to further reduce services for immigrants. Additionally, immigrant rights are being stripped due to frequent recent changes in immigration policies and inaccessible services. APH Immigrant Legal Services currently has several contracts in place for American Gateways, Catholic Charities, and RAICES. Many of these contracts are coming to an end. The closure of Refugee Services of Texas has further reduced options for legal immigration assistance available in the community for refugees, many of whom are from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. We strongly recommend continued funding for the APH Immigrant Legal Services program at a level that allows it to meet the growing needs of Austin's immigrant population. Contractors for this program provide critical legal assistance to immigrants in Austin. The program helps immigrants navigate the complex legal system, with a focus on areas like citizenship, deportation defense, and access to public benefits. Recommendation Continued ongoing funding of all current contracts along with an expansion for Pro Se services is recommended. Pro Se services provide immigrants with legal advice, help with paperwork, and coaching through the legal system. Although it stops short of full legal representation, these services are the most necessary to help immigrants navigate the immigration process since hearings and court dates may take years to schedule in the judicial system. Department Austin Public Health (APH) Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Government that works for all; Equity of City programs and resource allocation; Safety: Fair administration of justice Vote: 11-0 For: Chair Huang, Commissioners Chen, Xiyi Chen, Dolling, Easley, Nguyễn, Siker, Sin, Thakkar, Yang, Shrestha. Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissionner Sha Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-09 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Recommendation on the FY 2025-26 Budget related to Austin Public Health Motioned by: Commissioner Chen Drafted By: Hanna Huang (Chair) & Padmini Jambulapati (Vice Chair) Seconded By: Commissioner Xiyi Chen Austin Public Health Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Mental Health Description The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission would like to recommend that the City increase funding for mental health services. In 2020, Austin Public Health (APH) put out a Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) 004 Asian Pacific Islander Mental Health Services that our commission also supported and recommended. There were two applicants and two awarded agencies: Northwest Austin Universal Health Clinic (NAUHC) for $100,000 and Young Women’s Christian Association (also known as YWCA) for $50,000. With the closure of NAUHC, the $100,000 API Mental Health amount was awarded to Get Up Project d/b/a Hope Medical Clinic to provide health education and navigation services prioritizing the Austin Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. While health navigation services are essential for the AAPI community, their use is very different from the original scope and intention of the RFGA. Given that the funding for mental health for this past fiscal year was diverted to health navigation services, the need is higher than ever to access essential mental healthcare for Austin’s Asian community. Our recommendation would be an ongoing amount that is applied to AAPI Mental Health Direct Services and additionally fund an AAPI Mental & Behavioral Health Directory. The funds would go towards building community-building activities along with the creation of an updated directory of mental health specialists by language and by specialty. Recommendation Restoration of the full and ongoing amount of $150,000 for AAPI Mental Health Direct Services that was partially diverted to health navigation services. One-time funding to support administrative maintenance, directory expansion, and client matching for an AAPI Mental & Behavioral Health Directory. Department Austin Public Health Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities: Health & Environment: Enjoying a sustainable environment and a healthy life, physically and mentally. A. Health conditions among the public B. Accessibility to quality health care services (physical and mental) Vote: 10-0 For: Chair Huang, Commissioners Chen, Xiyi Chen, Dolling, Nguyễn, Siker, Sin, Thakkar, Yang, Shrestha. Against: None Abstain: None Recuse : Easley Absent: Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissionner Sha Attest:
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) RECOMMENDATION 20250318-10 Date: March 18, 2025 Subject: Asian American Community Health Navigators Motioned by: Commissioner Siker Drafted by: Padmini Jambulapati (Vice Chair), Alpha Shrestha Seconded By: Commissioner Thakkar Asian American Community Health Navigators Description The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City increase funding for Community Health Navigator (CHN) services to address the growing needs of Austin's diverse Asian community. Since the pandemic, demand for CHNs has surged, and one- time grant funding has allowed for services in several Asian languages, including Arabic, Burmese, Chin Tedim, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Nepali, Hindi, and Vietnamese. If this funding expires, essential services for vulnerable populations will go unfunded, creating a significant gap in care. CHNs are critical for helping non-English-speaking residents navigate the healthcare system, schedule appointments, understand insurance, and complete paperwork. These trusted community members, who share cultural and linguistic ties with the populations they serve, play a key role in ensuring access to mental and physical healthcare. Without continued funding, hundreds of high-risk individuals will lose vital bilingual and cultural support. The lack of language access in healthcare often isolates non-native English speakers, leading to poor health outcomes. In 2024, 92% of CHN clients required help reading hospital materials. Without the city council’s continued funding, many refugees and immigrants will struggle to access necessary healthcare. With 10 out of the top 15 languages spoken by Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents in Austin being Asian languages, and a lack of Mandarin services, continued investment in CHNs is crucial. Expanding funding ensures all Austin residents can access essential care, improving the health and well-being of the entire community. Currently, there are 2 city contracts for these services, 1 ongoing and 1 one-time. Recommendation The Commission recommends that the city exercises expediency in the contracting process to ensure organizations providing the contracted CHN services have contracts for ongoing funding. Currently, a delay in new contracts has put funding for these services in a precarious situation with unknown timelines for extensions and when requests for proposals will occur. The commission also recommends that overall funding be increased to expand Community Health Navigator (CHN) services for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) communities within the Asian American population. This funding will support navigation services for highly needed language-specific groups such as Pashto, Farsi, Tagalog, Urdu, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), and Nepali, who are at risk of losing critical …
