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 …
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 …
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: 2025032904: Budget Expand Equity and Inclusion Trainings. WHEREAS, the City of Austin continues to see an increase in reported hate crimes and hate incidents year to year since 2021; and WHEREAS, city initiatives around anti-hate currently are housed in a variety of different offices and departments, and WHEREAS, the We All Belong Campaign is housed in the Corporate Public Information Office, the Safe Place program is housed in the Austin Police Department, and Undoing Racism trainings are housed in the Office of Equity & Inclusion1; and WHEREAS, while each program has varying degrees of public engagement and participation, city staff and public citizens would benefit from expanded access and visibility about these services; and WHEREAS, some community members may not feel comfortable reporting acts of hate to the City of Austin or local law enforcement 2; and WHEREAS, the Equity Division advances its mission by hosting Undoing Racism in collaboration with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond; and WHEREAS, dismantling hate and bias in our community requires a collective effort and meaningful collaboration between the city, its staff, and residents; and WHEREAS, an addition of Bystander Intervention training would empower staff and community members with the skills to safely intervene and respond to instances of hate-driven discrimination or violence; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends adequate funding be allocated to Anti-hate campaigns and programs, creating a centralized hub where both staff and citizens can easily access information on reporting hate-based incidents, current program offerings, and available public trainings. THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Commission recommends expanding outreach efforts to engage a broader and more diverse audience. We urge the city council to invest in the expansion of Undoing Racism trainings for the general public, and to ensure that both city staff and community members have access to Bystander Intervention training. These efforts are critical to fostering a safer, more inclusive, and better-informed community. 1 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=427170 2 https://austin-against-hate-austin.hub.arcgis.com/ Date of Approval: __3/29/2025____________ Record of the vote: Unanimous Vote: 7-0 on Yohana Saucedo 1st and Aditi Joshi’s 2nd. For: Melissa Ortega (Chair), Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin, Canan Kaba, Miriam Dorantes (Vice Chair) Attest: _____Gunjen Mittal_____________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025032905: Providing Resources for Immigrant Students WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was established to advise the city council on matters of common concern to immigrants, particularly in the areas of health and human services, education, and the demographic makeup of the Austin immigrant community; and WHEREAS, recent tragic events, such as the suicide of Jocelynn Rojo-Carranza, an 11-year-old girl who was bullied over her family’s immigration status, highlight the severe and devastating impacts of immigration-related discrimination and the lack of adequate protections within schools; and WHEREAS, reports from immigrant families in Austin indicate that increased raids and threats of deportation have created a climate of fear, deterring families from seeking assistance, accessing education, or reporting incidents of violence or harassment for fear of being separated; and WHEREAS, immigrants in Austin, including students, face systemic challenges, bullying, harassment, and an overall lack of understanding about their rights and protections; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a responsibility to ensure that all residents, irrespective of immigration status, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive and that our schools provide a safe environment where all children can learn without fear of discrimination or retaliation; and WHEREAS, access to information about immigration laws and rights continues to be a barrier for many immigrants and their families, exacerbating their vulnerability, fostering distrust of local institutions, and jeopardizing their constitutional due process rights; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs of the City of Austin recommends that the city council allocate $250,000 in funding to support supplies and materials necessary for the implementation of immigrant student protections, rights to education, and family support services. This funding will ensure: 1. Traditional and Digital Media Distribution of Know Your Rights Materials a) Production of multilingual Know Your Rights guides tailored for students, families, and educators. b) Distribution of materials across all public schools, libraries, and community centers across the city prioritizing areas with Title I schools and communities with high immigrant populations (materials include, but are not limited to, “Know Your Rights” cards and Family Preparedness one-pagers). c) Development of digital and print resources for easy access through the City of Austin website and social media channels. 2. Development of Toolkits a) Creation of toolkits that include training materials and engagement resources on immigration rights and protections in partnership with …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025032906: Budget Recommendation Providing Funding for Printing and Distribution of "Know Your Rights" Red Cards at Austin Public Library Sites WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was established to advise the city council on matters of common concern to immigrants, particularly in the areas of health and human services, education, and the demographic makeup of the Austin immigrant community; and WHEREAS, public libraries serve as trusted and accessible community spaces where residents can receive critical information about their rights, particularly those related to immigration, law enforcement interactions, and workplace protections; and, WHEREAS, organizations such as the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and other advocacy groups have developed "Know Your Rights" red cards to help individuals understand their constitutional rights in various situations, including interactions with law enforcement and immigration officials; and, WHEREAS, ensuring that all Austin Public Library locations have printed "Know Your Rights" red cards available in multiple languages will empower community members with important legal information and contribute to greater public awareness and safety; and, WHEREAS, the costs associated with printing and distributing these materials include design, translation, printing, and distribution across all Austin Public Library branches; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs encourages the city council to allocate $25,000 for FY 2025–2026 budget to the Austin Public Library for the printing and distribution of "Know Your Rights" red cards at all library locations, ensuring that critical legal information is accessible to all community members. Date of Approval: __3/29/2025____________ Record of the vote: Unanimous Vote: 7-0 on Yohana Saucedo 1st and Aditi Joshi 2nd. For: Melissa Ortega (Chair), Adrian De La Rosa, Miriam Dorantes (Vice Chair), Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Attest: _____Gunjen Mittal_____________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025032908: Reallocation of Quality-of-Life Study Funds to the FY 2025–2026 Budget WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was established to advise the city council on matters of common concern to immigrants, and WHEREAS, in the FY 2022–2023 budget, the city council approved $1.2 million for Quality-of-Life studies, to be distributed among five commissions, including the Commission on Immigrant Affairs; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was unable to meet to discuss the Quality-of-Life Study process due to an ongoing shortage of members and other contributing factors; and WHEREAS, the funds are still available and must be reallocated to the FY 2025–2026; and WHEREAS, the results of the Quality-of-Life study will provide up-to-date and accurate information, equipping and guiding the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, particularly with our policy and budget recommendations to city council, as well as improving outreach and engagement efforts; and WHEREAS, in a time of increasingly restrictive immigration policies, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs is committed to partnering with researchers who prioritize anti-racist, equity-based approaches and implement strong safeguards in data collection and analysis; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs has not had a Quality-of-Life study and at this time we have incomplete information about our immigrant communities, which affects our ability to support and serve them; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs encourages city council to direct the Budget Office to reallocate the funds provided for a Quality-of-life study on FY2022–2023 to FY2025–2026. Date of Approval: __3/29/2025____________ Record of the vote: Unanimous Vote: 7-0 on Miriam Dorantes (Vice Chair) 1st and Aditi Joshi’s 2nd. For: Melissa Ortega (Chair), Adrian De La Rosa, Azeem Edwin, Canan Kaba, Yohana Saucedo Attest: _____Gunjen Mittal_____________ (Staff or board member can sign)
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 …
