ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION March 28th, 2022 at 6:00 PM City of Austin Permitting & Development Center Public Conference Rm #1207 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Special Called Meeting Agenda Some members of the Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in person or via telephone. Remote speakers must register in advance (March 25 by Noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely, residents must: Call or email the Equity Office’s Commission Liaison, Jeremy Garza, at (512) 978-1797 or jeremy.garza@austintexas.gov, no later than noon March 25. The information required is the speaker’s 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). BOARD MEMBERS: Vince Cobalis, Pramod Patil, Pooja Sethi, Kirk Yoshida, Sarah Chen, Meena Mutyala, Kuo Yang, Fang Fang, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, Hanna Huang, and Salimah Shamsuddin. CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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 Consider approval of minutes from the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission (AAQOLAC) meetings on: a. February 15th, 2022 b. November 16th, 2022 2. OLD BUSINESS a. Workgroup/Project Report i. Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Workgroup ii. Health and Community Engagement Workgroup iii. Arts & Culture Workgroup iv. Human Resources Workgroup v. Business Planning Workgroup vi. Public Safety / Policing Project b. Update on the Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting(s) – Commissioner Cobais c. Follow-up Items: i. Update on AARC Master Plan – Commissioner Cobalis ii. Update on FY 2023 Budget Recommendation Process – Commissioner Yoshida 3. STAFF BRIEFING 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Equity-Based Preservation Plan – Presented by Elizabeth Brummett, Senior Planner in the Housing & Planning Department a. Discussion and possible action on a recommendation to City Council regarding the activation of the Joint Cultural Committee. b. Discussion and possible action on the election of officers to the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission. c. Discussion and possible action on Commission FY 2023 budget recommendations. d. Discussion and possible action update to commission bylaws (to replace “citizen” with “public” in all official documentation) in accordance with city council directive made …
EQUITY-BASED HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN Briefing to Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission—March 15, 2022 GOAL Replace Austin’s 1981 preservation plan with an inclusive, equity-focused, and community- oriented process and outcome WHY NOW? • Substantial population growth • High development pressure • Existing preservation plan approved in 1981 WHY NOW? EQUITY + COMMUNITY • How can we better recognize, preserve, and share important places and stories? • How can preservation policies and tools address essential issues like sustainability, affordability, and displacement? • How can citizens co-create preservation policies? ) t h g i r ( i n o s u c n l I l i a c o S d n a n o i t a v r e s e r P , ) r e t n e c d n a t f e l ( n i t s u A f o y t i C / r i a h C n e p O : s e g a m I EQUITY + COMMUNITY Images (clockwise from top): Westside Preservation Alliance/Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, Columbia University, City and County of San Francisco, Calle 24 Latino Cultural District, National Trust for Historic Preservation, San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation HISTORY MATTERS HISTORY MATTERS HISTORY MATTERS Historic landmark COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS Professional facilitator Community heritage survey Focus: vision for plan City staff from 12 departments Focus groups Cultural and heritage organizations, legacy businesses, neighborhood associations COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS Preservation Plan Working Group Recruitment through community partners $25/hour compensation available Laptop and wifi hotspot loans available COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS Preservation Plan Working Group 150 applicants Multipronged selection process – Short answers – Stakeholder representation – Lived experience + geographic diversity COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS 29 community members 22 ZIP codes 17 members opting into compensation AUSTIN WORKING GROUP COMMUNITY-BASED PROCESS ✓ Affordable housing advocate ✓ Archaeologist ✓ Architect ✓ Attorney ✓ Business owner ✓ City board or commission ✓ Community member ✓ Contractor ✓ Developer ✓ Economic development organization ✓ Educational institution ✓ Engineer ✓ Heritage organization ✓ Heritage tourism professional ✓ Historic property owner ✓ Historical commission (City, County, State) ✓ Landscape architect ✓ Neighborhood association ✓ Preservation organization ✓ Preservation consultant ✓ Religious institution ✓ Social justice organization ✓ Urban planner/planning organization LAYING THE FOUNDATION LAYING THE FOUNDATION MEETING SCHEDULE – PHASE 1 Apr. May Enforcement and protection Outreach, education, engagement Review and next steps June …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION #: 20220328-004c1 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Ballroom Divider Motioned By: Fang Fang Seconded By: Vincent Cobalis AARC BALLROOM DIVIDER DESCRIPTION This recommendation would fund the installation of room dividers in the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Ballroom. This item is supported by the original Phase 1 Facility Master Plan to accommodate increased demand for mid-sized meeting space. During original construction of building, space was built with metal structure in place for future installation of partitions. The installation of the partitions will allow the ballroom to be separated into two to eight sections of multi-purpose dimensions for increase facility usage and flexibility. This was first proposed by the non-profit that founded the AARC to maximize the use of the ballroom for language classes, and the community continues to communicate the need to AARC staff. The divider would provide more flexibility in meeting the needs of the community. It would also allow for more efficient use of the space by allowing concurrent use by smaller groups. The cost to purchase and install the divider(s) is estimated to be one-time funding of $200,000. If funding is delayed, inflation and the rising cost of materials will likely make this item more expensive to purchase an install in the future. DEPARTMENT PARD/AARC VOTE ALIGNMENT WITH COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality of cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; 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. For: Kirk Yoshida, Fang Fang, Vince Cobalis, Hanna Huang, Sarah Chen, Azra Siddiqi, Meena Mutyala, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, and Kuo Yang. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Pramod Patil, Pooja Sethi, and Salimah Shamsuddin. Attest: Jeremy Garza, Staff Liaison, Equity Office: x_______________________________
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION #: 20220328-004c2 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Community Engagement & Outreach FTE for Cultural Arts Division Program Motioned By: Fang Fang Seconded By: Vincent Cobalis COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH FTE FOR CULTURAL ARTS DIVISION PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Over the past year, members from several different City commissions, led by Arts Commission Chair Castillo, have been informally meeting to discuss issues related to cultural arts finding and facilities. The group members and Chair Castillo have identified a need and opportunity for the Economic Development Department's Cultural Arts Division to have a full-time employee specifically dedicated to Community Engagement & Outreach. Cultural Arts Division program administrators have a full plate of tasks related to executing programs. Having a dedicated staffer, separate from the program administrator role, would allow that person to develop and create deeper connections between the Division and cultural arts community groups. This dedicated position would also help the division better understand the needs of potential cultural contractors that either do not typically access City cultural arts funding resources or are underrepresented in the group of those that do receive funding. In debriefs with EDD staff, the AAQoL Advisory Commission has learned that Asian American groups are typically underrepresented in the pool of applicants for cultural arts funding rounds. The cost is TBD but in the $65,000 range, ongoing. DEPARTMENT EDD/Cultural Arts Division ALIGNMENT WITH COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality of cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; 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: Kirk Yoshida, Fang Fang, Vince Cobalis, Hanna Huang, Sarah Chen, Azra Siddiqi, Meena Mutyala, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, and Kuo Yang. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Pramod Patil, Pooja Sethi, and Salimah Shamsuddin. Attest: Jeremy Garza, Staff Liaison, Equity Office: x____________________________
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION #: 20220328-004c4 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Staffing Motioned By: Fang Fang Seconded By: Vincent Cobalis AARC STAFFING DESCRIPTION Issue 1: Administrative Assistant The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), Museums & Cultural Programs has an FY 2023 Under Resourced Service Expectation for an FTE at the AARC. The Commission would like to request consideration and review of this unmet need for the Asian American community in Austin – a full-time administrative assistant at the AARC. A permanent staff member will ameliorate the trend of constant turnover in this position that has been filled by temporary contract staff. Having a stable employee in this position will serve to provide better access to City services for Asian/Asian-American Austin residents. The cost related to Issue 1 is $63,000 ongoing. Issue 2: AARC Unfilled Positions The AARC currently has several vacant positions that remain unfilled: • Marketing Rep A • Cultural Arts Specialist • Admin Specialist (has duties other than front desk) • Facility Manager The Commission recently received word from AARC staff that the City’s Human Resource Department (HRD) has initiated the hiring process for the Marketing Rep A position and the Facility Manager position. However, two other positions remain unfilled with no timeline for future action. With the reopening of the facility and anticipated upcoming City of Austin fiscal challenges, it is imperative that the HRD prioritize the filling of vacant positions at the AARC. There is no cost associated with Issue 2 of this recommendation. DEPARTMENT PARD/Museums & Cultural Arts/AARC ALIGNMENT WITH COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality of cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; 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: Kirk Yoshida, Fang Fang, Vince Cobalis, Hanna Huang, Sarah Chen, Azra Siddiqi, Meena Mutyala, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, and Kuo Yang. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Pramod Patil, Pooja Sethi, and Salimah Shamsuddin. Attest: Jeremy Garza, Staff Liaison, Equity Office: x_______________________________
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION #: 20220328-004c5 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Mental Health Services Motioned By: Fang Fang Seconded By: Vincent Cobalis MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DESCRIPTION The Commission would like to request continued or increased funding of existing Asian Pacific Islander (API) focused mental health services at $100,000 annually through APH’s Health Equity contracting portfolio. For the FY 2020 City Budget, the AAQoL Advisory Commission submitted a budget recommendation for mental health education, outreach, and service provision in the amount of $200,000. This item was funded in the FY 2020 Approved Budget along with a similar recommendation from the LGBTQIA+ Commission in the total amount of $200,000 ($100,000 each). This funding is ongoing. Data from the City’s Asian American Quality of Life Initiative (Quantitative Study) showed higher levels of mental distress and serious mental illness across all of Austin’s largest Asian American ethnic groups when compared to the general U.S. population. In addition, these groups also exhibited low utilization levels of psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals (counselors, marriage therapists, social workers). There is no additional cost related to this recommendation unless the City can fund the Commission’s full FY 2020 recommendation amount of $200,000, which would be an increase of $100,000 ongoing. DEPARTMENT APH ALIGNMENT WITH COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Health & Environment: Healthy conditions among individuals (absence of unhealthy conditions); Accessibility to quality health care services, both physical and mental. VOTE VOTE For: Kirk Yoshida, Fang Fang, Vince Cobalis, Hanna Huang, Sarah Chen, Azra Siddiqi, Meena Mutyala, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, and Kuo Yang. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Pramod Patil, Pooja Sethi, and Salimah Shamsuddin. Attest: Jeremy Garza, Staff Liaison, Equity Office: x_______________________________
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION #: 20220328-004c6 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Immigrant Legal Services Motioned By: Fang Fang Seconded By: Vincent Cobalis IMMIGRANT LEGAL SERVICES DESCRIPTION The AAQoL Advisory Commission would like to recommend that the City increase funding for immigrant legal services. Travis County is experiencing an urgent need for immigrant legal services for low-income immigrants. The latest US Census data shows that 17.8% of the total population of Travis County is foreign born. Many of these individuals are low-income and do not have full legal status. Stress, fear, and heightened anxiety are constant companions for those in the immigrant community without legal status. Anxiety regarding deportation, family separation, and securing gainful employment are widespread concerns. Although many of these immigrants have a pathway to legal immigration status, they do not have the ability to secure it. Navigating a complex and opaque immigration system to secure legal status is often impossible without legal assistance and is cost-prohibitive to many low-income Austin/Travis County residents. Funding is needed to provide dedicated immigrant legal services to low-income Asian immigrants and others in Austin to address the large number of individuals seeking services for deportation defense and consultations. The immigrant Asian population in Austin is diverse and has specific language access needs, and, without additional funding, low-income individuals will not be able to access the protection and services they need. Additional ongoing funding in the amount of $100,000 would provide 50 one- on-one consultations to Asian immigrants as well as take on full representation of one new immigrant case per month. Outreach and education to the immigrant community could also be increased by five additional events. Cost is $100,000 ongoing. DEPARTMENT APH ALIGNMENT WITH COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Safety: Fair administration of justice. VOTE For: Kirk Yoshida, Fang Fang, Vince Cobalis, Hanna Huang, Sarah Chen, Azra Siddiqi, Meena Mutyala, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, and Kuo Yang. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Pramod Patil, Pooja Sethi, and Salimah Shamsuddin. Attest: Jeremy Garza, Staff Liaison, Equity Office: x_______________________________
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION #: 20220328-004c7 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Community Health Navigators Motioned By: Fang Fang Seconded By: Vincent Cobalis COMMUNITY HEALTH NAVIGATORS DESCRIPTION The AAQoL Advisory Commission would like to recommend that the City increase funding for community health navigator (CHN) services. CHNs are providing an essential service for Austin’s Asian community, which has language access needs spanning multiple communities. Since the pandemic hit Austin in March of 2020, the demand for CHNs has spiked. One-time grant funding has helped meet these needs and allowed for the availability of services in multiple Asian languages, including Arabic, Burmese, Chin Tedim, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, Nepali, Hindi, and Vietnamese. As these one-time funds expire, essential services to vulnerable communities may cease to exist. Navigating the healthcare system can be a challenging task for native English speakers. For non-native English speakers, this challenge can be near impossible to overcome. Yet, accessing adequate health care services, is an essential service that some may say is a basic human right. Community health navigators assist Austin’s non-native English speakers schedule appointments, fill out required paperwork, apply for and understand health insurance benefits, and many more essential services. Austin’s Asian community is diverse with many non-native English speakers. The lack of language access services isolates many Austin residents, preventing them from participating in civic life, which can lead to feelings of isolation. The lack of language access services is especially acute when dealing with healthcare. The inability to access adequate diagnoses and care can lead to a multitude of poor, but in many cases preventable, outcomes. One-time Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) funding through Texas A&M University has allowed the City’s current service provider to hire three additional CHNs focused on COVID-19 outreach. These CHNs have expanded the services provider’s language portfolio to include Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese speakers. This one-time funding is set to expire on December 31, 2022. The Commission requests funding to cover the remainder of FY 2023 (January 1 to September 30) so that these critical services can continue. Cost is $112,500. DEPARTMENT APH ALIGNMENT WITH COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Health & Environment: Healthy conditions among individuals (absence of unhealthy conditions); Accessibility to quality health care services, both physical and mental. VOTE For: Kirk Yoshida, Fang Fang, Vince Cobalis, Hanna Huang, Sarah Chen, Azra Siddiqi, Meena Mutyala, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, and Kuo Yang. Against: None. Abstain: …
ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION #: 20220328-004c8 Date: March 28, 2022 Subject: Violence Against Asians & within Families Motioned By: Fang Fang Seconded By: Vincent Cobalis VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIANS & WITHIN FAMILIES DESCRIPTION The AAQoL Advisory Commission recommends ongoing funding that enables nonprofits to continue to provide services and other resources to underserved individuals and families, particularly Asians and Immigrants hindered by language and cultural barriers. Few agencies provide services focused on Asian American and immigrants. One such agency, AFSSA, has been a trusted, critical partner in Austin to reach underserved individuals and families for over 29 years. There are few nonprofit organizations in Austin/Travis County focused on the growing Asian and Immigrant populations, the fastest growing demographic in Central Texas, their services clearly align with the City’s Strategic Direction 2023 goals. AFSSA was originally focused on family violence and continues those services effectively, given adequate staffing. Other agencies serving these communities include AACHI and American Gateways. These agencies have been a conduit to bring other resources to families in communities hindered by language and cultural barriers. To meet the growing service demand the City should consider ongoing or increased investments in service contracts for professional human services that address the wellbeing and safety of AAPI and immigrant communities. In 2021 a portion of the funding from State of Texas was reduced and the City Council and Travis County augmented one agency’s funding, with the City adding $200,000 to maintain existing programs and meet the growing demand for services. The Commission recognizes the important role of these agencies serving AAPI and immigrant communities and supports their need for reliable funding to continue to meet the growing need in the Community. The Commission recommends that $200,000 added to the budget to support ongoing or increased investments in service contracts to offset potential federal and state funding cuts. This would enable existing agencies maintain support to underserved individuals and families, particularly Asians and Immigrants hindered by language and cultural barriers. Cost is $200,000 ongoing. ALIGNMENT WITH COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Health & Environment: Healthy conditions among individuals (absence of unhealthy conditions). For: Kirk Yoshida, Fang Fang, Vince Cobalis, Hanna Huang, Sarah Chen, Azra Siddiqi, Meena Mutyala, Zahra Shakur Jamal-Hassan, and Kuo Yang. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Pramod Patil, Pooja Sethi, and Salimah Shamsuddin. Attest: Jeremy Garza, Staff Liaison, Equity Office: x_______________________________ DEPARTMENT APH VOTE
AAQOL ADVISORY COMMISSION – FY 2023 BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY Recommendation Status Notes #1 - AARC Ballroom Divider Complete Item also on Museums & Cultural Arts FY 2023 Under Resourced Service list #2 - Community Engagement & Outreach FTE for Cultural Arts Division Programs Complete Estimated cost at $65,000 #3 – Case Management Tool for Behavioral Health Complete but needs APH input (requested) No funding about identified yet #4 – AARC Staffing Complete #5 – Mental Health Services Complete Two issues: Administrative Assistant FTE & current vacancies LGBTQIA+ sent recommendation for continued funding of $100K (no increase) #6 – Immigrant Legal Services Complete #7 – Community Health Navigators Complete #8 – Violence Against Asians & Within Families Complete Added 3/28 RECOMMENDATION #1 – AARC BALLROOM DIVIDER DESCRIPTION 1 This recommendation would fund the installation of room dividers in the Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Ballroom. This item is supported by the original Phase 1 Facility Master Plan to accommodate increased demand for mid-sized meeting space. During original construction of building, space was built with metal structure in place for future installation of partitions. The installation of the partitions will allow the ballroom to be separated into two to eight sections of multi-purpose dimensions for increase facility usage and flexibility. This was first proposed by the non-profit that founded the AARC to maximize the use of the ballroom for language classes, and the community continues to communicate the need to AARC staff. The divider would provide more flexibility in meeting the needs of the community. It would also allow for more efficient use of the space by allowing concurrent use by smaller groups. The cost to purchase and install the divider(s) is estimated to be one-time funding of $200,000 DEPARTMENT PARD/AARC ALIGNMENT WITH COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Culture & Lifelong Learning: Quality of cultural venues, events, programs, and resources; 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 Health & Environment: Accessibility to quality health care services; Accessibility to quality parks, trails, and recreational opportunities RECOMMENDATION #2 – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH FTE FOR CULTURAL ARTS DIVISION PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Over the past year, members from several different City commissions, led by Arts Commission Chair Castillo, have been informally meeting to discuss issues related to cultural arts finding and facilities. The group members and Chair Castillo …
AARC Workgroup Notes: 3/8/2022 Attendance: • Kirk Yoshida • Debasree DasGupta • Christina Bies • David Nicks • Schiller Liao • Bianca Xoyamayagua-Galvan • Vince Cobalis Meeting Notes 1. AARC Phase 2 a. Architect (Trehan) and CMAR (Flintco) both executed b. Community Outreach underway i. Close survey 4/3/22 ii. Survey <https://publicinput.com/AARC-p2- survey?mc_cid=0fa8daa183&mc_eid=80e60c7742&mc_cid=dcde27ca69 &mc_eid=aea0d10724> iii. Conduct small group surveys led by facilitators in Korean, Burmese, and Vietnamese iv. Surveys are translated c. Conceptual Design in April, followed by schematic d. Coordinate with Watershed Protection timing 2. Budget recommendations a. Hiring challenges with starting wages b. HR fully staffed to provide assistance c. Have to use regular job descriptions for temps, instead of special class d. Consider funding increase for Carver e. Discussed funding ballroom partitions (previously recommended) f. Budget recommendations will be reviewed by Commission on 3/15 and also forwarded to JIC . JIC will consider joint recommendations on 3/23 g. Submission to Budget Office at end of March 3. Current budget – one-time funding with vacancy savings a. Exhibit lighting b. Internal and external signage c. Replace ballroom chairs d. Bianca to share additional unmet needs submitted 4. NAAO Wall a. Getting quote for plaques that can hold multiple names i. Room for more donations/names b. Request power wash once existing bricks removed c. Stain or paint 5. Hiring Status a. HR – vacancy report b. Intake meetings for Marketing Rep A (joint with MAAC and Carver) c. Exhibit Specialist (Reclass pending to Cultural and Arts Education Specialist) d. Admin Specialist 6. Program updates – see newsletter a. AAAFF collaboration b. Filmmaking series c. CelebrASIA 5/14 d. Senior Meal program – waiting for startup updates. i. Site visit end of month ii. Restart soon
