REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS JUNE 2, 2025 AT 6:30PM W. 3rd Street AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs 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, contact Gunjen Mittal at gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-6104. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Alondra Johnson Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Yohana Saucedo Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Meghana Roy AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up 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 Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on May 5, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager - Immigrant Affairs, regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. 3. Briefing by Jeremy Garza and Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator – Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion, regarding update on Quality-of-Life study of immigrants, refugees and other foreign-born community members. 4. Briefing by Dr. Wilson regarding status update for budget of Commission on Immigrant Affairs Study. PRESENTATION 5. Presentation by Academia Cuauhtli, a community-based education initiative focused on serving Austin’s immigrant and Spanish-speaking communities through culturally and linguistically sustaining programming regarding brief overview of our work and request support for our FY 2025–2026 budget recommendation 6. Presentation by Daniela Silva, from Worker’s Defense Action Fund regarding license plate readers pilot program. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Welcome new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. 8. Discussion regarding the planned sunsetting of the Equity Division’s Undoing Racism trainings for community members, City staff, and Commissioners. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Discussion and action on the proposal made by the Audit and Finance Committee regarding the Commission on Immigrant Affairs bylaws. 10. Discussion and action on approving a budget recommendation to amend the contract and close the remaining $90,000 gap for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Quality-of-Life Study. 11. Discussion and …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES) (05,MAY,2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 5, MAY, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR meeting on 5, MAY, 2025, at W. 3rd Street, AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 in Austin, Texas. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 6:41p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Chair, Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair, Alondra Johnson, Adrian De La Rosa, Aditi Joshi, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair, Adrian De La Rosa, Aditi Joshi, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, Jeanne “Canan” Kaba APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS (REGULAR) MEETING on 3, MARCH, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of (3/3/2025) were approved on MIRIAM DORANTES’S motion, ADRIAN DE LA ROSA’S second on a (7-0) vote. (AZEEM EDWIN AND YOHANA SAUCEDO, off the dais or absent) 2. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS (REGULAR) MEETING on 15, MARCH, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of (3/15/2025) were approved on JEANNE CANAN KABA’S motion, ADITI JOSHI’S second on a (7-0) vote. (AZEEM EDWIN AND YOHANA SAUCEDO, off the dais or absent) 3. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS (REGULAR) MEETING on 29, MARCH, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of (3/29/2025) were approved on ALONDRA JOHNSON’S motion, MIRIAM DORANTES’S second on a (7-0) vote. (AZEEM EDWIN AND YOHANA SAUCEDO, off the dais or absent) Amendment of time end 10:05am. 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES) (05,MAY,2025) STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. The presentation was made by (Rocio Villalobos, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager - Immigrant Affairs). 5. Staff briefing regarding peer commissions currently conducting Quality of Life studies. The presentation was made by (Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator – Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion). 6. Staff briefing regarding introductions. The presentation was made by (Dr. Wilson, Equity and Inclusion Director, Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion). 7. Staff briefing regarding introductions. The presentation was made by (Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion). DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. Discussion of welcoming new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Commissioner Lincoln-Goldfinch and Commissioner Johnson introduced themselves to the Commission. 9. Discussion on next steps for the Quality-of-Life Study. No discussion. 10. Discussion and update on …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250602010: Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Quality of Life Study WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Quality -of-Life Study represents the final installment of the five-part Quality of Life Study series originally funded through the $1.25 million allocation in the FY 2022–2023 City of Austin budget; and WHEREAS, due to inflation, increased engagement needs, and a recent $65,000 reallocation to support another study, only $310,000 currently remains available for this effort; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs has identified a highly qualified vendor with deep cultural competence and strong community trust who is prepared to begin immediately; the vendor is willing to proceed at the $310,000 level to meet the June 3rd contracting deadline; and WHEREAS, proceeding in this manner would require significant reductions to the study’s core components—either in its qualitative or quantitative methodologies—and would force the removal or limitation of essential safety protocols and language access services; and WHEREAS, these elements are critical for ensuring participant trust, security, and ethical engagement with immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born community members who are facing unprecedented levels of fear, state violence, institutional disenfranchisement; and WHEREAS, unlike any Quality-of-Life Study, this study must navigate: • An increasingly hostile political climate at both the state and federal levels, with targeted policies; • Heighten safety security requirements for participants and researchers alike; • A need for expanded multilingual engagement and interpretation services; WHEREAS, reducing the study’s scope due to budget constraints risk compromising its integrity, accuracy, and long-term policy value. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends City Council to not only support the full $400,00 budget for this study, but to direct the City Manager to instruct the Office of Equity & Inclusion to utilize its 25-26 operating budget to close the 90,000 gap through a contract amendment. This would allow the project to begin on time and ensure the full scope of work is completed with integrity, care, and cultural sensitivity that our immigrant communities deserve. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250602011: Opposing the Use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) Due to Their Impact on Immigrant Communities WHEREAS, Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) collect and store location data on every vehicle that passes their cameras; and WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department (APD) facilitates the basic operations of the Austin Regional Intelligence center (ARIC) where the agency actively shares data and intelligence with many law enforcement agencies, including federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and those who are WHEREAS, the data sharing structure places undocumented, at a heightened risk of surveillance, detention, and deportation for routine activities such as driving to work, school, or medical appointments; and immigrant residents, especially WHEREAS, a recent audit1 of the program found “that while the department largely complied with policies during the yearlong pilot, internal audit procedures and vendor contracts left room for improvement and potential privacy risks”2; and WHEREAS, the audit also raised concerns with the vendor Flock Safety’s language, which states Flock has a ‘non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual right’ to use and share anonymized data for development purposes3; and WHEREAS, this unchecked use of surveillance technology creates a chilling effect in immigrant communities, discouraging residents from seeking services, participating in civic life, or interacting with public institution due to fear of exposure and retaliation; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City of Austin oppose the deployment and expansion of ALPR systems that endanger the safety and dignity of immigrant communities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City of Austin commits to policies that protect immigrant residents from federal surveillance and prioritizes investments in community safety, legal services, and trust-based public infrastructure over tools that contribute to the criminalization of immigration.4 1 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=451731 2 https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2025/05/audit-flags-oversight-gaps-in-apd-license-plate-reader-pilot/ 3 Ibid., https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2025/05/audit-flags-oversight-gaps-in-apd-license-plate-reader- pilot/ Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250602-010: Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Quality of Life Study WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Quality -of-Life Study represents the final installment of the five-part Quality of Life Study series originally funded through the $1.25 million allocation in the FY 2022–2023 City of Austin budget; and WHEREAS, due to inflation, increased engagement needs, and a recent $65,000 reallocation to support another study, only $310,000 currently remains available for this effort; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs has identified a highly qualified vendor with deep cultural competence and strong community trust who is prepared to begin immediately; the vendor is willing to proceed at the $310,000 level to meet the June 3rd contracting deadline; and WHEREAS, proceeding in this manner would require significant reductions to the study’s core components—either in its qualitative or quantitative methodologies—and would force the removal or limitation of essential safety protocols and language access services; and these elements are critical for ensuring participant trust, security, and ethical WHEREAS, engagement with immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born community members who are facing unprecedented levels of fear, state violence, institutional disenfranchisement; and WHEREAS, unlike any Quality-of-Life Study, this study must navigate: • An increasingly hostile political climate at both the state and federal levels, with targeted policies; • Heighten safety security requirements for participants and researchers alike; • A need for expanded multilingual engagement and interpretation services; WHEREAS, reducing the study’s scope due to budget constraints risk compromising its integrity, accuracy, and long-term policy value. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends City Council to not only support the full $400,00 budget for this study, but to direct the City Manager to instruct the Office of Equity & Inclusion to utilize its 25-26 operating budget to close the 90,000 gap through a contract amendment. This would allow the project to begin on time and ensure the full scope of work is completed with integrity, care, and cultural sensitivity that our immigrant communities deserve. Date of Approval: June 2, 2025 Record of the vote: 7-0 Motioned by: Commissioner Saucedo Seconded by: Commissioner Kaba For: Chair Ortega, Vice Chair Dorantes, Commissioners De La Rosa, Johnson, Joshi, Kaba, Saucedo Absent: Commissioners Edwin, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Roy Attest: Nekaybaw Watson Nekaybaw Watson
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250602-011: Opposing the Use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) Due to Their Impact on Immigrant Communities WHEREAS, Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) collect and store location data on every vehicle that passes their cameras; and WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department (APD) facilitates the basic operations of the Austin Regional Intelligence center (ARIC) where the agency actively shares data and intelligence with many law enforcement agencies, including federal agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and those who are WHEREAS, the data sharing structure places undocumented, at a heightened risk of surveillance, detention, and deportation for routine activities such as driving to work, school, or medical appointments; and immigrant residents, especially WHEREAS, a recent audit1 of the program found “that while the department largely complied with policies during the yearlong pilot, internal audit procedures and vendor contracts left room for improvement and potential privacy risks”2; and WHEREAS, the audit also raised concerns with the vendor Flock Safety’s language, which states Flock has a ‘non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual right’ to use and share anonymized data for development purposes3; and WHEREAS, this unchecked use of surveillance technology creates a chilling effect in immigrant communities, discouraging residents from seeking services, participating in civic life, or interacting with public institution due to fear of exposure and retaliation; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City of Austin oppose the deployment and expansion of ALPR systems that endanger the safety and dignity of immigrant communities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City of Austin commits to policies that protect immigrant residents from federal surveillance and prioritizes investments in community safety, legal services, and trust-based public infrastructure over tools that contribute to the criminalization of immigration.4 1 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=451731 2 https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2025/05/audit-flags-oversight-gaps-in-apd-license-plate-reader-pilot/ 3 Ibid., https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2025/05/audit-flags-oversight-gaps-in-apd-license-plate-reader- pilot/ Date of Approval: June 2, 2025 Record of the vote: 7-0 Motioned by: Commissioner Johnson Seconded by: Commissioner De La Rosa For: Chair Ortega, Vice Chair Dorantes, Commissioners De La Rosa, Johnson, Joshi, Kaba, Saucedo Absent: Commissioners Edwin, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Roy Attest: Nekaybaw Watson Nekaybaw Watson
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MAY 5, 2025 AT 6:30PM W. 3rd Street AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs 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, contact Gunjen Mittal at gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-6104. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Alondra Johnson Azeem Edwin Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Yohana Saucedo Aditi Joshi Jeanne “Canan” Kaba AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up 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 Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on March 3, 2025. 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs special called meeting on March 15, 2025. 3. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs special called meeting on March 29, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 4. Briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager - Immigrant Affairs, regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. 5. Briefing by Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator – Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion, regarding peer commissions currently conducting Quality of Life studies. 6. Briefing by Dr. Wilson, Equity and Inclusion Director, Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion regarding introductions. 7. Briefing by Shafina Kakhi, Human Rights Officer, Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion regarding introductions. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. Welcome new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. 9. Discussion on next steps for the Quality-of-Life Study. 10. Discussion and update on the Joint Inclusion Committee Special Called Meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Discussion and approval for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ nomination and election for Chair. 12. Discussion and approval for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ nomination and election for Vice Chair. 13. Discussion and approval for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ nomination and election for JIC’s Primary Representative. 14. Discussion and approval for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ nomination and election for JIC’s …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (3, MARCH, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 3, MARCH, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR meeting on 3, MARCH, 2025, at AUSTIN CITY HALL, W. 3rd ST, ROOM 1101 in Austin, Texas. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 6:44p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely:, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo, Aditi Joshi DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on January 6, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of (1/6/2025) were approved on ADITI JOSHI’S motion, MIRIAM DORANTES’S second on a (7-0) vote. (KEVIN COUNTIE AND SHWETA PADMANABHA abstaining, off the dais or absent) STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding general updates on policies pertaining to the Immigrant Community. The presentation was made by Lieutenant Davis Christopher, Austin Police Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding the new citywide language access plan. The presentation was made by Houmma Garba, Language Access and Community Engagement Consultant from the Corporate Communications & Public Information Office. 4. Staff briefing regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. The presentation was made by Rocio Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Program Manager at the Office of Equity and Inclusion. 5. Staff briefing regarding timeline and steps for Quality of Life Study. The presentation was made by by Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator from (Equity Division) Office of Equity and Inclusion 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (3, MARCH, 2025) PRESENTATION 6. Presentation was regarding an update on their work, to highlight the effective use of the City's support as the recipient of a City of Austin grant to provide vital legal immigration services to low-income residents and advocate for continued funding for immigration legal services in next year's City budget. Presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director of American Gateways. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Discussion of welcoming new commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Chair Ortega welcomed new Commissioner Edwin to the Commission. Commissioner Edwin introduced himself and his work in the community. 8. Discussion of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Draft Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The Chair discussed the March 31st deadline for budget recommendations. Asked for other Commissioners to join drafting budget recommendations for FY25-26. …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) Meeting Minutes (29,MARCH, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES 29, MARCH, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on 29, MARCH, 2025, at CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOMS #1401 & 1402 in Austin, Texas. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 9:48 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin, Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office was approved on COMMISSIONER DORANTES’s motion and COMMISSIONER EDWIN’S second on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) 2. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and Anti- displacement Prevention Efforts. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts was approved on COMMISISONER (7-0) vote. EDWIN’S motion and COMMISSIONER JOSHI’S second on a (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) 3. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Maintain and Expand the Annual Contracts into a Five-Year Term for Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services. Tabled for April meeting. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) Meeting Minutes (29,MARCH, 2025) 4. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand Equity and Inclusion Trainings. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand Equity and Inclusion Trainings was and COMMISSIONER JOSHI’S second on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) on COMMISSIONER SAUCEDO’S motion approved 5. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Support Supplies for Strengthening Protections and Rights of Immigrant Students. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Support Supplies for Strengthening Protections and Rights of Immigrant Students was approved on COMMISSIONER DORANTES’S motion and COMMISSIONER JOSHI’S second on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (15, MARCH, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES 15, MARCH, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on 15, MARCH, 2025, at PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOMS #1401 & 1402, 6310 WILHELMINA DRIVE in Austin, Texas. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 11:16 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office was approved on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent). There were no 1st or 2nd motions to approve. 2. Approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and for Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and for Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts was approved on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) There were no 1st or 2nd motions to approve. 3. Approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to increase funding for The Family Stabilization Grant Program to $3 Million and to retain its funding as part of the City’s base budget. 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (15, MARCH, 2025) The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to increase funding for The Family Stabilization Grant Program to $3 Million and to retain its funding as part of the City’s base budget was approved on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) There were no 1st or 2nd motions to approve. Chair ORTEGA adjourned the meeting at 11:26 a.m. without objection. 2
REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS APRIL 7, 2025 AT 6:30PM W. 3rd Street AUSTIN CITY HALL ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs 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, contact Gunjen Mittal at gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-6104. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Kevin T. Countie Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Yohana Saucedo Shweta Padmanabha AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up 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 Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on March 3, 2. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs special called meeting on March 2025. 15, 2025. 3. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs special called meeting on March 29, 2025. STAFF BRIEFING 4. Briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager - Immigrant Affairs, regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. 5. Briefing by Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator – Equity Division, Office of Equity and Inclusion, regarding peer commissions currently conducting Quality of studies. Life DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Discussion on next steps for the Quality-of-Life Study. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discussion and approval for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ nomination and election 8. Discussion and approval for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ nomination and election for Chair. for Vice Chair. 9. Discussion and approval of working group to engage with the FY 2025-26 budget process, monitor its progress through Council, and gather feedback in preparation for developing FY 2027 budget recommendations. 10. Discussion and action on approving updates to the membership of Quality-of-Life Working 11. Discussion and approval of working group regarding U-Visa and T-Visa in collaboration with Group. Austin Police Department. 12. Discussion and action on approving membership of Commissioners and of community members—Karen Crawford, Krystal Gomez, and Jennifer Walker Gates—to join the working …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (3, MARCH, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES 3, MARCH, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a REGULAR meeting on 3, MARCH, 2025, at AUSTIN CITY HALL, W. 3rd ST, ROOM 1101 in Austin, Texas. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 6:44p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely:, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo, Aditi Joshi DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs regular meeting on January 6, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of (1/6/2025) were approved on ADITI JOSHI’S motion, MIRIAM DORANTES’S second on a (7-0) vote. (KEVIN COUNTIE AND SHWETA PADMANABHA abstaining, off the dais or absent) STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding general updates on policies pertaining to the Immigrant Community. The presentation was made by Lieutenant Davis Christopher, Austin Police Department. 3. Staff briefing regarding the new citywide language access plan. The presentation was made by Houmma Garba, Language Access and Community Engagement Consultant from the Corporate Communications & Public Information Office. 4. Staff briefing regarding general updates on immigrant affairs. The presentation was made by Rocio Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Program Manager at the Office of Equity and Inclusion. 5. Staff briefing regarding timeline and steps for Quality of Life Study. The presentation was made by by Alejandra Mireles, Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator from (Equity Division) Office of Equity and Inclusion 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (3, MARCH, 2025) PRESENTATION 6. Presentation was regarding an update on their work, to highlight the effective use of the City's support as the recipient of a City of Austin grant to provide vital legal immigration services to low-income residents and advocate for continued funding for immigration legal services in next year's City budget. Presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director of American Gateways. DISCUSSION ITEMS 7. Discussion of welcoming new commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Chair Ortega welcomed new Commissioner Edwin to the Commission. Commissioner Edwin introduced himself and his work in the community. 8. Discussion of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Draft Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The Chair discussed the March 31st deadline for budget recommendations. Asked for other Commissioners to join drafting budget recommendations for FY25-26. …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (15, MARCH, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES 15, MARCH, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on 15, MARCH, 2025, at PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOMS #1401 & 1402, 6310 WILHELMINA DRIVE in Austin, Texas. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 11:16 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office was approved on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent). There were no 1st or 2nd motions to approve. 2. Approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and for Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and for Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts was approved on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) There were no 1st or 2nd motions to approve. 3. Approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to increase funding for The Family Stabilization Grant Program to $3 Million and to retain its funding as part of the City’s base budget. 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (15, MARCH, 2025) The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to increase funding for The Family Stabilization Grant Program to $3 Million and to retain its funding as part of the City’s base budget was approved on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) There were no 1st or 2nd motions to approve. Chair ORTEGA adjourned the meeting at 11:26 a.m. without objection. 2
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) Meeting Minutes (29,MARCH, 2025) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES 29, MARCH, 2025 The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on 29, MARCH, 2025, at CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOMS #1401 & 1402 in Austin, Texas. Chair MELISSA ORTEGA called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 9:48 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Melissa Ortega, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin, Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Aditi Joshi, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo, Miriam Dorantes, Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs Office was approved on COMMISSIONER DORANTES’s motion and COMMISSIONER EDWIN’S second on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) 2. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and Anti- displacement Prevention Efforts. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts was approved on COMMISISONER (7-0) vote. EDWIN’S motion and COMMISSIONER JOSHI’S second on a (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) 3. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Maintain and Expand the Annual Contracts into a Five-Year Term for Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services. Tabled for April meeting. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) 1 (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) Meeting Minutes (29,MARCH, 2025) 4. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand Equity and Inclusion Trainings. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Expand Equity and Inclusion Trainings was and COMMISSIONER JOSHI’S second on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the dais or absent) on COMMISSIONER SAUCEDO’S motion approved 5. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Support Supplies for Strengthening Protections and Rights of Immigrant Students. The motion to approve FY26 Budget Recommendation to Support Supplies for Strengthening Protections and Rights of Immigrant Students was approved on COMMISSIONER DORANTES’S motion and COMMISSIONER JOSHI’S second on a (7-0) vote. (COMMISSIONERS KEVIN COUNTIE, SHWETA PADMANABHA, off the …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MARCH 29th AT 9:30 A.M. CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER ROOMS #1401 & 1402 6310 WILHELMINA DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 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 Gunjen Mittal, 512- 972-6104, gunjen.mittal@austintexas.gov. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Bob Libal Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Meghna Roy Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Shweta Padmanabha Azeem Edwin Yohana Saucedo The first 10 speakers signed up 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. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Office. 1. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to develop a City of Austin Immigrant Affairs 2. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and Anti- displacement Prevention Efforts. 3. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Maintain and Expand the Annual Contracts into a Five-Year Term for Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services. 4. Approve FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Expand Equity and Inclusion Trainings. 5. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Support Supplies for Strengthening Protections and Rights of Immigrant Students. 6. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Allocate Funding for Printing and Distributing "Know Your Rights" Red Cards at Austin Public Library Locations. 7. Approve the FY 2025-26 Budget Recommendation to Increase Funding for The Family Stabilization Grant Program to $3 Million and Maintain its Funding as Part of the City’s Base Budget. 8. Approve the budget recommendation for reallocation of the Quality of Life Study funds for the FY 2025-26. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. TTY users route …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025032901: Development of the Immigrant Affairs Office WHEREAS, the City of Austin values inclusivity and recognizes the immense economic, social, and cultural contributions that people of all national origins and immigration statuses have made to this country1; and WHEREAS, the City Council declared Austin a Welcoming City through Resolution No. 20140320-049 to demonstrate that the City strives to include and support immigrants in all aspects of our city; and WHEREAS, we continue to hear appreciation for the creation of the Immigrant Affairs position, along with recognition that the scope of work required is too vast for one person to manage alone; and WHEREAS, the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office would ensure that the needs of Austin's immigrant community are recognized, supported, and effectively addressed, which would allow for stronger community engagement, more responsive services, as well as better coordination across city departments to close existing gaps; and WHEREAS, a comprehensive budget plan focused on expanding staff, services, and infrastructures will promote the immigrant community’s economic mobility, human services (health care/food/legal services), education, and civic participation; and WHEREAS, ensuring immigrant inclusivity will build stronger educated communities that can contribute to economic growth, creative potential, and innovation throughout Austin and its society; and WHEREAS, in Austin, more than 18% of the population are foreign-born2; and WHEREAS, Austin’s immigrant population comes from over 120 different countries3; and WHEREAS, according to City data at iSpeak Austin, more than 85 languages are spoken throughout the City, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home and 11.4% of Austinites speak English “less than very well”4; and WHEREAS, According to “Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX,” a report on the state of immigrant affairs at the City states that Austin has made consistent improvements and has scored highly in areas such as Government Leadership, Community Collaboration, and Legal Support; the same report also highlights areas where the City falls short in achieving a “Government That Works for All,” identifying key gaps in Civic Participation, Livability, and Job Opportunities5; and WHEREAS, research indicates that immigrant integration policies lead to favorable outcomes for both native and foreign-born residents of a city5; and 1 CITY OF AUSTIN 2025 Federal Legislative Agenda 119th Congress 2 https://www.census.gov 3 Austin Population Change and Demographic Trends 4 iSpeak Austin | AustinTexas.gov 5 Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX Report WHEREAS, the report …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025032902: Expand the Equity Mini Grant Funds to $600,000 in support of Immigrant Inclusion, Solidarity with Unhoused People, and for Anti-displacement Prevention Efforts WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Equity Office provides leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for all Austinites by working across City departments and with major institutions, non-profits, and grassroots organizations to advance racial equity; and WHEREAS, the inaugural Equity Mini Grant Fund was established in 2018 in response to Ordinance 20170913-001, which directed the Equity Office, to develop a funding framework for quality-of-life initiatives by allocating $75,000 to the Equity Mini Grant Fund; and WHEREAS, the Equity Office successfully implemented a more approachable and accessible granting framework, awarding the first round of grants in April 2018, and has since expanded its grant programs, including the Reentry Services Grant, which supports organizations transforming outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals through The Hub Award ($200,000 for 501(c)(3) non-profits providing wrap- around services) and The Spoke Award ($50,000 for direct service providers); and WHEREAS, additional funding opportunities, such as the Reimagining Public Safety Grants and potential future grants focused on immigrant and refugee support, underscore the City’s commitment to addressing systemic inequities through community-driven solutions; and WHEREAS, the Equity Mini Grant Fund has played a critical role in supporting grassroots and volunteer- led efforts addressing significant challenges, including COVID-19 recovery, public safety, homelessness response, and immigrant inclusion, demonstrating its value as a flexible and responsive funding mechanism; and WHEREAS, the FY25 Equity Mini Grant Fund prioritizes support for grassroots efforts organizing community-centered solutions in the areas of immigrant inclusion, solidarity with unhoused people, and anti-displacement/displacement prevention, recognizing these as urgent and critical equity issues in Austin; and WHEREAS, since the inception in 2018, the Equity Mini Grant Fund has supported 87 organizations with a total of $1,495,000 in funding, growing from an initial $75,000 in total grants to $450,000 in FY24-25; however despite this growth, the fund remains insufficient to fully address the scale and scope of community needs; increasing the fund to $600,000 would enable great investment in grassroots initiatives working to address systemic inequities; and WHEREAS, an expansion of the Equity Mini Grant Fund would provide additional unrestricted funding at various award levels ($10,000, $20,000, and $30,000), enabling a broader and deeper investment in community-driven initiatives that address disparities and uplift historically marginalized communities; THEREFORE, …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025032907: Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability WHEREAS, affordability continues to be one of the most common issues expressed by residents. The Family Stabilization Program offers more flexible access to housing support, accords more choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and offers more efficient and cost-effective housing; and WHEREAS, at the Community Voices & Choices: Joint Inclusion Committee FY26 Budget Input Sessions, several residents expressed support again for the ongoing funding of this program; and WHEREAS, according to findings from the Urban Institute’s report titled Evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, it can be very difficult for cities like Austin to meet their residents’ needs through subsidized house programs, as federal housing programs have limited reach and limited funding; and WHEREAS, even Austin residents that are lucky enough to receive federal housing assistance continue to struggle with housing issues, and about 40% of households nationally that receive a voucher never successfully lease a unit; and WHEREAS, in Austin, most voucher holders were only able to move to less desirable housing on the outskirts of the city, which may cause additional burdens like poor transportation options, limited access to healthy foods, limited access to medical care, and employment and caregiving challenges. WHEREAS, other forms of housing assistance provide specific housing units; however, this comes with its own problems. Residents have limited options, if any. Buildings are only required to keep their rents affordable for a certain period of time, and then they can increase rent, these units are set up to be affordable based on the area median income (AMI), and they do not provide the deep affordability that residents need; and WHEREAS, according to the report, Austin’s local affordable housing inventory lists six times the number of units with rents set to be affordable at 80 percent of AMI as units with rents set to be affordable at 30 percent of AMI, Additionally, these units offer set rental prices, and the person is still responsible for paying the full rent even if they experience job insecurity; and WHEREAS, according to findings from the Urban Institute’s report titled Evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, participants reported spending, on average, more than 50% of their pilot cash to cover housing costs, and the average share participants spent on housing was more than twice as much spending in any other …
