Agenda Item 4a_GAACC Resolution — original pdf

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Recommendation The Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the “Equitable Chamber Funding Model” developed by the City Economic Development Department 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 The City Economic Development Department is developing an “Equitable Chamber Funding Model” for funding 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 GAACC is instrumental in attracting international business investment and trade to Austin, and WHEREAS in recent years, 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. Refugees may be more likely to open businesses instead of applying for jobs, due to qualification and language barriers, NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Asian American Quality of Live Advisory Commission supports adjusting certain equity factors in the to the EDD “Equitable Chamber Funding Model” to include a “language factor” and more focus on support for businesses than on household income. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission supports the direction proposed by Council Member Alter in her February 4, 2021 proposed amendment. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends limiting the disproportional fiscal impact to GAACC