Versión en español a continuación. Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission May 18, 2021 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission to be held May 18, 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (May 17, 2021 by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the May 18, 2021 Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison at Joshua Robinson at 512-974-9006 later than noon, (May 17, 2021). The following information is required: speaker name, item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to joshua.robinson@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission FECHA de la reunion (May 18, 2021) La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (May 17, 2021 antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunión, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta en Joshua Robinson at 512-974-9006 a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y un número de teléfono (debe …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQOLAC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 The AAQOLAC convened in a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Chair Yoshida called the Commission Meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Vince Cobalis, Sarah Chen, Kirk Yoshida, Hanna Huang, Pramod Patil, Shubhada Saxena, Molly Wang, Nguyen Stanton, and Debasree DasGupta Staff in Attendance: Rey Arellano, Assistant City Manager Joshua Robinson, Interim Senior Executive Assistant (Office of the City Manager) Marion Sanchez, Public Information Manager (Communication & Public Information Office) Houmma Garba, Language Access Coordinator (Communication & Public Information Office) Vanorda Richardson, Financial Manager (Parks & Recreation) Nicholas Johnson, Financial Analyst (Parks & Recreation) Citizen Communication: N/A 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Commission moved to approve minutes from AAQOLAC meeting on January 22, 2021 and March 16, 2021, with minor changes. Commissioner Chen motioned. Commissioner Huang seconded. Vote was 9-0. 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Workgroup Reports: document. materials. 1. Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Workgroup: Update provided in the backup 2. Health and Community Engagement Workgroup: Update provided in the backup 3. Arts and Culture Workgroup: Update provided in the backup materials. 4. Human Resources Workgroup: No update provided. 5. Business Planning Workgroup: No update provided. b. Update on the Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting – Commissioner Stanton provided an update. c. Follow-up Items: 1. Update on the AARC Master Plan – Update provided in the backup materials. 2. Update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget Recommendation Process 3. STAFF BRIEFING 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Update on language access from the Communication & Public Information Office (Houma Garba & Marion Sanchez) b. Presentation by Parks and Recreation Department concerning the department’s proposed budget a. Discussion and possible action on withdrawing the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 Community Engagement Consultant for Design Phase from the Commission's FY 2022 budget recommendations. - The Commission voted to withdrawal the AARC Master Plan Phase 2 Community Engagement Consultant for Design Phase from the Commission's FY 2022 budget recommendations. Moved by Commissioner Cobalis, Seconded by Commissioner DasGupta. Unanimous on a 9-0 vote (Commissioners Huang, Chen, Yoshida, DasGupta, Cobalis, Saxena, Stanton, Wang, and Patil) b. Discussion and possible action on an additional FY 2022 budget recommendation for a Business Process Consultant position at the Equity Office - The Commission voted to include an additional FY 2022 budget recommendation for a Business Process Consultant position at …
AARC Workgroup Notes (5/11/2021) Agenda; * Justin Schneider led the discussion and presentation of the Phase 2 Master Plan community engagement process (presentation slides and feedback attached). * Phase 2 timeline and contracting process: 1. Council approve Architect contract on June 6. * Finalize contract in August, 2. Council approve Construction Mgr at Risk (CMAR) contract July 29 * Finalize contract in October 3. Projected construction completion August 2022 * CelebrAsia virtual event on May 1, 2021 Watch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VCEBgh5ZfA * AARC Budget: With savings this year, $120K to add ballroom lighting, ceiling mounted projectors in classrooms and other upgrades to facility. Purchased under a Master agreement with Theater Supply company. * Other activities resource-center-event-calendar - Upcoming programs: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/asian-american- - Planning a Bi-Lingual youth Storytime summer series, still working on marketing * COVID 19 - Successful vaccine outreach to the Burmese Community - Summit DasGupta has prepared notes that doctors in the community can use to encourage vaccinations for patients - AARC is hosting a vaccine clinic with AACHI and APH on Saturday 5/15 for first dose and 6/19 for second dose ‐ From Binh Ly at Austin Public Health: Here’s the new and improved COA’s Covid website: http://www.austintexas.gov/covid19 And here are the communication tools including translated flyers and social media graphics. Another link that might be of interest: http://www.austintexas.gov/covidequity
Austin Parks and Recreation Department AARC Phase 2 Implementation Community Engagement Planning Session Justin Schneider, PARD May 11, 2021 Warm-up Exercise What do you love about the AARC? Share responses here: PollEv.com/AustinParks512, or Text AustinParks512 to 22333 once to join Today’s big question: Today’s big question: What does “successful” What does “successful” community engagement community engagement look like? look like? Outline • Overview of AARC 2019 Plan • Project Scope of Phase 2 • Overview of Community Engagement Process • Review of 2019 Plan input • CE scope for Phase 2 • Developing goals for engagement 2019 Planning Process • Oct. 2018 to May 2019 • City Council Approval on Sep. 19, 2019 • Community Engagement • 10 small group discussion meetings • 4 community meetings • 3 surveys for input • Additional letters and comments • Final approved plan: Phase 2 • Left open conversation around the scope for a performing arts center within budget AARC Phase 2 Overview The project seeks to increase programmatic possibilities for the popular AARC through the addition of a live performance theater, associated programmatic spaces and parking. It is intended to provide a place to empower Austin’s diverse communities through cultural understanding and life-enhancing opportunities. Community Engagement defined by COA Community Engagement is the practice of directly involving the community in a decision-making process. Community engagement can take many forms and approaches, but broadly speaking is a practice that aims to recognize the importance of public input to the development of public policies, decision- making and planning. IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GOAL INFORM To provide the public with balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the problems, alternatives and/or solutions. CONSULT To obtain public feedback on analysis, alternatives, and/or decision. INVOLVE To work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public issues and concerns are consistently understood and considered. COLLABORATE To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solution. EMPOWER To place final decision-making in the hands of the public. PROMISE TO THE PUBLIC We will keep you informed. We will keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision. We will work with you to ensure that your concerns and issues are directly reflected in the alternatives developed and provide feedback on …
Recommendation The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the “Equitable Chamber Funding Model,” developed by the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department (EDD), consider factors that do not disproportionately impact the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) Description of Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Asian American Quality of Life (AAQoL) Advisory Commission was created to advise the City Council on issues related to the Asian American Resource Center and provide on-going guidance and support for the City's Asian American Quality of Life Initiatives, and WHEREAS, EDD is developing an “Equitable Chamber Funding Model” for funding Multi-Ethnic Chamber Alliance (MECA) Chambers, and WHEREAS, Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in Austin/Travis County, which should result in higher Race/Equity Factor portion of the funding model, and WHEREAS, the funding model should include a “language factor” for which the GAACC should be credited for supporting over 20 Asian languages in their operations, and WHEREAS, the GAACC is instrumental in attracting international business investment and trade to Austin, and WHEREAS, in recent years, the GAACC has helped address increasing violence against Asian Americans and Asian American businesses, and WHEREAS, many immigrants are first generation business owners in need of support from GAACC, and WHEREAS, refugees may be more likely to open businesses, instead of applying for jobs, due to hiring qualifications and language barriers, and WHEREAS, at the February 4, 2021, City Council meeting, Councilmember Alter pointed to weaknesses in the “Funding Model,” suggesting that it should be modified to include: (1) meaningful language factors, (2) updates based on current census data, and (3) no disproportionate reduction in funding existing Chambers, and WHEREAS, on March 25, 2021, Council directed City staff to consult with the Chambers in advancing economic opportunity in Austin and submit a base funding model to Council by November 2021. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AAQoL Advisory Commission supports adjusting certain equity factors in the EDD “Equitable Chamber Funding Model” as directed by City Council to include a meaningful “language factors” and more focus on support for businesses than household income, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends limiting the disproportionate fiscal impact to the GAACC, estimated to be $48,000 annually.
2020‐2021 Budget Recommendations Root Cause Analysis – Asian perspective missing from equity initiatives Story: What did you hear from the community? Recent events including the ongoing pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, and rising anti‐Asian violence have brought to the surface the many challenges facing the Asian community in Austin. During Winter Storm Uri, there were few protocols in place to get translated materials out to the community regarding cold weather resources, water and food distribution, and the recovery process. While the community volunteers stepped in to provide the much‐needed translations, much of the work was not completed until five days after the initial power outages. Issues around equity go far beyond lack of access to information and resources due to limited English proficiency of some community members. A significant percentage of Austin’s Asian American community are first generation immigrants from many disparate regions. These immigrant communities have a different set of needs, including access to legal services and navigating the health care system, from second generation+ Asian Americans. Problem: What is the problem you identify? In a few short years, the Equity Office team, in coordination with the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC), has made great strides in by providing equity training to City staff and others, implementing new equity‐ based programs, providing leadership during the Reimagining Public Safety process, and much more. However, due to a lack of capacity, the Equity Office has been unable to take on additional initiatives for the Asian American Community. Moreover, with anti‐Asian American violence on the rise, it is imperative that the City place additional focus ensuring their safety as well as all BIPOC communities in Austin. How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? Although Asian Americans are the fastest growing community in Austin, department‐level data consistently shows a low participation rate in many City programs and services. In addition, there are hard‐to‐reach pockets of immigrants that stand to benefit from increased access to City services. Lack of knowledge about City services and language barriers are contributing factors and require a set of outreach strategies to overcome. The stakes are even higher during an emergency event when a lack of access to services and information can have potentially deadly outcomes. Members of Austin’s Asian American community are also concerned about rising anti‐Asian hate. Asian American community leaders have called upon the City to track these types …
AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT D iv ersit y Rec ruit ing A U S T I N F I R E D E P A R T M E N T Our Mission Goes Beyond Our Name Our Mission Goes Beyond Our Name is the cornerstone of the Austin Fire Department (AFD). A leader in the fire service, AFD is on the cutting-edge of technology and training. A leader in the fire service, the Austin Fire Department protects lives and property through extensive fire prevention and safety education efforts, in addition to a quick and effective response to emergencies 2 Recruiting Update 2021 Hiring Process Overview Goal In 2021 AFD’s Recruiting Division faced historic challenges. Despite these challenges Recruiting was able to substantially improve on and exceed the successes and results of the 2019 recruiting cycle. The Recruiting Division strives to interest qualified, competitive candidates to participate in the Austin Fire Department’s hiring process. This is an important first step towards producing a more diverse workforce reflective of the city of Austin. Recruiting Campaign Initiatives The Global pandemic prevented AFD’s traditional recruiting approach of attending college expos, career fairs, and community events. Recruiting shifted to the following initiatives. 1. Candidate Interest Card Re-engagement 2. Texas Fire Service Recruiting Coalition 3. Digital Outreach 4. Adjunct Outreach 5. Print Outreach 6. Community Partnership Recruiting Update 2021 Hiring Process Target Candidates • Target Candidates are those who self identify as a member of an under- represented demographic group within AFD. • Under-represented groups within AFD are all minority groups, those who are multiracial, and women. • Non-target candidates are those who identify as white male or choose not to disclose their race or ethnicity. Recruiting Update 2021 Hiring Process Hiring Process Timeline Applications Written Exam Structured Oral Process Ranked List Conditional Offers April 16th – 30th June 15th – 17th July 13th – 15th August 30th Fall 2021 Recruiting Update 2021 Hiring Process 2021 Candidate Interest Cards Hiring Process 2021 • 5457 Candidate Interest Cards (CICs) 25% • 75% of CICs are from Target Candidates • A 33% increase in diversity representation when compared with 2019 CICs 75% • The most diverse pool of CICs in AFD history Recruiting Update 2021 Hiring Process 2021 Candidate Interest Cards Target Candidate Education Level 21% • 74.8% with some college background • 23.3% with a Bachelors or Masters Degree • 22% High School only background 2% 3% …
