Budget Recommendation 20260326-005: Funding to Conduct an Updated Asian American Quality of Life Study — original pdf

Recommendation

RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ASIAN AMERICAN QUALITY-OF-LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION (AAQoL) Recommendation Number: [20260326-005]: Funding to Conduct an Updated Asian American Quality of Life Study Date of Approval: March 26, 2026 Recommendation: The Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission recommends that the City of Austin allocate $200,000 in the FY 2027 budget to conduct an updated Asian American Quality of Life Study. Description of Recommendation to Council: Austin’s demographics have changed. The data guiding City decisions has not. This funding would support: ● Survey design, administration, and data analysis ● Participant incentives to ensure representative participation ● Community outreach and engagement ● Reporting and presentations to City departments and advisory bodies This investment accounts for population growth, inflation, and improved data collection methods compared to the 2014 study. Rationale: The City’s most recent Asian American Quality of Life Study was completed in 2016, using data collected in 2014. That data is now outdated and no longer reflects Austin’s current demographics. The UT Austin School of social work is currently working on an updated pilot based on our 2016 Asian American Quality of Life Study. Asian Americans are among the fastest-growing populations in Austin, with significant changes in population size, geographic distribution, languages spoken, housing conditions, economic stability, and health needs—particularly following COVID-19. Despite this growth, City departments continue to report limited and incomplete data on Asian American residents, making equitable planning and service delivery difficult. This study would help the City to optimize engagement with the Asian American community. The Asian American Quality of Life Commission has experienced that during City staff presentations; RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL we often hear staff do not have enough data or reference points that are updated in order to improve service delivery to Asian American communities in Austin. Without updated, disaggregated data, Asian American communities remain underrepresented in City decision-making and program design. The updated study would: ● Reflect current demographic and population changes ● Provide disaggregated data across Asian ethnic groups, age, language, and neighborhood ● ● Support data-driven planning and equitable service delivery across City departments Identify gaps in access to health, housing, economic, and City services The study will result in a public report and actionable findings for City use. Motioned By: Commissioner Huang Seconded By: Commissioner Chen Vote: 11-0 For: Chair Sin, Vice Chair Jambulapati, Commissioners Baig, Chen, Xiyi Chen, Huang, Li, Moledina, Shrestha, Sikder, and Yang Abstain: Commissioner Thakkar Absent: Commissioner Dolling Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison