REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS NOVEMEBER 4, 2024 AT 6:30PM CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W. 2nd ST. 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 Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Melissa Ortega, Chair Miriam Dorantes, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Luis Osta Lugo Victor Martinez Aditi Joshi Shweta Padmanabha Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Kevin T. Countie CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 October 7, 2024. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding the November 1, 2024, Naturalization Ceremony and November 2, 2024, Citizenship Clinic from Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager, Equity Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Anne Drane, CEO and Co-founder of SAWA SAWA, regarding the work of SAWA SAWA and the organization’s benefits to the community. Discussion of recent and upcoming Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Input Sessions. Discussion of planning a Commission on Immigrant Affairs retreat for early 2025. Discussion of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ goals and objectives for the next year as they relate to the Commission’s purpose and duties in City Code. Discussion of the scope and membership of the Budget working group. (Current members: Chair Ortega, Vice Chair Dorantes, Commissioner Joshi) 4. 5. 6. 7. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 8. Approve the creation of a working group to promote recognition of the contributions of immigrants to the economic and cultural vitality of Austin. 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. Please …
COMMISSION ON IMMIMGRANT AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2024 COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Ortega called the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Meeting to order at 6:46 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Melissa Ortega, Adrian De La Rosa Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Miriam Dorantes, Victor Martinez, Shweta Padmanabha, Jeanne “Canan” Kaba, Luis Osta Lugo, Kevin Countie PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 9/16/2024. The minutes from the special called meeting of September 16, 2024, were approved with the following amendment on Commissioner Martinez’s motion, Chair Ortega’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Joshi was absent. The amendment was to revise the action for items 8 through 14 to read “Withdrawn.” DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding general update and invitation for the Commissioners to spread the word about the citizenship clinic from Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager, Equity Office. The presentation was made by Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager, Equity Office. Discussion on planning a retreat for all Commissioners in the coming months. Discussed. COMMISSION ON IMMIMGRANT AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2024 4. Presentation by Amanda Rohlich, Business Process Consultant Sr., Food Policy Advisor, Office of Sustainability, on the Austin/Travis County Food Plan. The presentation was made by Amanda Rohlich, Business Process Consultant Sr., Food Policy Advisor, Office of Sustainability DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and approval of the Commissioners attending the Joint Inclusion Committee’s FY26 Community Input Sessions on October 2nd, October 16th, November 6th, and November 20th, 2024. Discussed with no action. Chair Ortega, Vice Chair Dorantes, Commissioner Countie, and Commissioner Kaba indicated they may attend the October 16, November 6, and November 20, 2024, sessions. Discussion and approval of The Commission on Immigrant Affairs' Regular Meeting schedule (dates and location) for 2025. The motion to approve the Commission on Immigrant Affairs 2025 meeting schedule was approved on Commissioner Martinez’s motion, Commissioner De La Rosa’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Joshi was absent. Discussion and approval of the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Regular Meeting schedule (dates and location) for 2025. Withdrawn. 6. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 was made by Commissioner Martinez and approved …
SAWA SAWA Creating Meaningful Connections through Kenyan Woven Art & Fashion Diversity, Sustainability, and Cultural Connection Mission: To create sustainable, handcrafted products that empower artisans and promote cultural exchange Vision: A world connected through responsible, meaningful fashion that enriches lives and communities globally Anne Drane, Founder of SAWA SAWA ABOUT US Anne Drane’s journey began in Kenya, where she grew up surrounded by vibrant, rich traditions that celebrated the resilience and creativity of her community. Years after moving to the United States, Anne found herself missing this unique connection to her homeland and the artistry that defined it. Driven by a desire to bridge her two worlds, Anne founded SAWA SAWA, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Kenyan women artisans. By connecting these artisans with consumers in Austin and beyond, SAWA SAWA offers a way for Austinites to experience and support the beauty of Kenyan craftsmanship in a sustainable, impactful way. The organization’s name, “SAWA SAWA”—meaning “it will be well”—echoes this message of hope and resilience. Each handcrafted product represents the unique stories and expertise of the women who create them, while fostering economic independence and preserving heritage. Through SAWA SAWA, Anne envisions a future where conscious consumers can make choices that connect them to the artisans behind their goods, creating meaningful connections between Austin and Kenya, one piece at a time. MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS Meaningful Cultural Immersion Travel ART IN PUBLIC SPACES SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS Agave Leather Beads Natural dye Grass Website sawasawausa.com linktr.ee/sawasawausa CONTACT DETAILS Email Address info@sawasawausa.com Phone Number 737-3330594
Immigrant Affairs Update prepared by Rocio Villalobos for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs November 4, 2024 Immigrant Affairs Update Overview ● Naturalization Ceremony at City Hall ● Citizenship Clinic ● Immigrant Inclusion Mini Grants Naturalization Ceremony ● Partnership with USCIS, federal judge, League of Women Voters of Austin ● 51 new citizens! ● Next ceremony at City Hall: December 6th Naturalization Ceremony Citizenship Clinic ● Partnership with American Gateways, Texas AFL-CIO, Asian American Resource Center, and Plumbers & Pipefitters union ● Helped approximately 50 people complete the N400 application for naturalization ● 2025 dates: April 12, September 13
1. REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS OCTOBER 7, 2024 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL 301 W. 2nd ST. ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live 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 Luis Osta Lugo Victor Martinez Aditi Joshi Shweta Padmanabha Jeanne Canan Kaba Kevin T. Countie CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 9/16/2024. STAFF BRIEFING DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Staff briefing regarding general update and invitation for the Commissioners to spread the word about the citizenship clinic from Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager, Equity Office. Discussion on planning a retreat for all Commissioners in the coming months. Presentation by Amanda Rohlich, Business Process Consultant Sr., Food Policy Advisor, Office of Sustainability, on the Austin/Travis County Food Plan. Discussion and approval of the Commissioners attending the Joint Inclusion Committee’s FY26 Community Input Sessions on October 2nd, October 16th, November 6th, and November 20th, 2024. Discussion and approval of The Commission on Immigrant Affairs' Regular Meeting schedule (dates and location) for 2025. Discussion and approval of the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Regular Meeting schedule (dates and location) for 2025. 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 through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT …
(COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (16, September, 2024) COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN, TEXAS The COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS convened in a SPECIAL CALLED meeting on 16, September, 2024 at 301 W. 2ND ST. in Austin, Texas. Chair Melissa Ortega called the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Meeting to order at 6:53 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Melissa Ortega, Miriam Dorantes Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Victor Martinez, Aditi Joshi, Shweta Padmanabha, Adrian De La Rosa, Jeanne Canan Kaba Board Members/Commissioners not in Attendance: Luis Osta Lugo, Kevin Countie PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 2/5/2023. The minutes from the meeting of (2/5/2023) were approved on ADITI JOSHI’S motion, SHWETA PADMANABHAM’S second on a (7-0) vote. COMMISSIONERS LUIS OSTA LUGO, KEVIN COUNTIE absent DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Introduction and welcome of new Commissioners. The Chair, Commissioner Ortega, welcomed the new Commissioners: Shweta Padmanabha, Jeanne Canan Kaba, Miriam Dorantes and asked them to introduce themselves. (COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS) MEETING MINUTES (16, September, 2024) DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION 3. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair The motion to approve Commissioner Melissa Ortega for Chair was approved on ADITI JOSHI’S motion, SHWETA PADMANABHAM’S second on a (7-0) vote. COMMISSIONERS LUIS OSTA LUGO, KEVIN COUNTIE absent The motion to approve Commissioner Miriam Dorantes for Vice Chair was approved on Miriam Dorantes’s motion, Adrian De La Rosa’s second on a (7-0) vote. COMMISSIONERS LUIS OSTA LUGO, KEVIN COUNTIE absent DISCUSSION AND ACTION membership. 5. Review and discuss the scope of the Quality-of-Life Study working group and update Current members of QOL Study workgroup are: Commissioners Aditi Joshi, Melissa Ortega, Victor Martinez and Adrian De La Rosa, All in favor for Commissioner Miriam Dorantes to join. Commissioner Ortega speaks on why it’s important to continue discussing why the CoIA should review all the budget recommendations. Victor Martinez voiced that he feels it’s not important to review the recommendations because he feels it’s a better use of time to work on future budget recommendations, since the budget has already been passed. Adrian also feels that this is a good opportunity to dig into the work Rocio Villalobos feels it can be a useful exercise of thinking about the Commission and what they want to consider to follow what the …
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County Commission on Immigrant Affairs October 7, 2024 1 Today’s Topics ● Background ○ What is a food system ● How we Created the Austin Travis County Food Plan ○ What did Plan co-creation process look like? Who participated? ● What’s in the Plan and What’s Coming Next ○ Plan vision, goals, and strategy highlights ○ Next steps 2 2 Background 3 Some Food for Thought 4 Food Production: Where our food comes from, including everything from farming to ranching Food Processing & Distribution: What happens to food from where it is grown to when it reaches your plate, including how food is moved and processed. Food Markets & Retails: Where food is sold, purchased, or provided cost-free. Food Consumption & Access: How we eat our food, who struggles to get enough food, and what impact our consumption has on our health. Post-Consumption & Food Waste: What happens to the parts of food we don’t eat and the impact of food waste on the environment. Food Justice: How systemic racism & colonization impact how the food system works — or doesn’t work — for each member of our community. 5 Some of Our Food System Challenges Disasters and severe weather events: Winter Storms Uri and Mara Rapid community growth and planning for land use Supply chain disruptions: COVID-19 pandemic The climate impacts of the food system 6 How We Co-Created the Food Plan 7 Origins • • In June 2021, Austin City Council directed the City Manager to initiate a planning process. In December 2022, Travis County Commissioners Court approved formal Travis County participation in the plan. Why a Food Plan? • Sets clear goals and strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable, resilient food system. • Builds on existing plans and initiatives from the County, City, and community to tackle key food system issues. • Centers equity and the lived expertise of those most impacted by the current food system. 8 8 Project Timeline Phase 0: Planning for the Plan Phase 1: Vision Development Phase 2: Goal & Strategy Development Phase 3: Review and Ground truthing 2021 – Jan 2023 Mar – Aug 2023 Aug 2023 – Feb 2024 Mar – Aug 2024 ● Website launch 📶 4 World Cafes ☕ ● ● ● ● Building Community Awareness 📰 Release of State of the Food System Report 📚 Onboarding Planning Consultant⭐ Recruitment of …
COMMISSION ON IMMIMGRANT AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2024 COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Ortega called the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Meeting to order at 6:46 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Melissa Ortega, Adrian De La Rosa Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Miriam Dorantes, Victor Martinez, Shweta Padmanabha, Jeanne “Canan” Kaba, Luis Osta Lugo, Kevin Countie PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 9/16/2024. The minutes from the special called meeting of September 16, 2024, were approved with the following amendment on Commissioner Martinez’s motion, Chair Ortega’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Joshi was absent. The amendment was to revise the action for items 8 through 14 to read “Withdrawn.” DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding general update and invitation for the Commissioners to spread the word about the citizenship clinic from Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager, Equity Office. The presentation was made by Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager, Equity Office. Discussion on planning a retreat for all Commissioners in the coming months. Discussed. COMMISSION ON IMMIMGRANT AFFAIRS MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 7, 2024 4. Presentation by Amanda Rohlich, Business Process Consultant Sr., Food Policy Advisor, Office of Sustainability, on the Austin/Travis County Food Plan. The presentation was made by Amanda Rohlich, Business Process Consultant Sr., Food Policy Advisor, Office of Sustainability DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and approval of the Commissioners attending the Joint Inclusion Committee’s FY26 Community Input Sessions on October 2nd, October 16th, November 6th, and November 20th, 2024. Discussed with no action. Chair Ortega, Vice Chair Dorantes, Commissioner Countie, and Commissioner Kaba indicated they may attend the October 16, November 6, and November 20, 2024, sessions. Discussion and approval of The Commission on Immigrant Affairs' Regular Meeting schedule (dates and location) for 2025. The motion to approve the Commission on Immigrant Affairs 2025 meeting schedule was approved on Commissioner Martinez’s motion, Commissioner De La Rosa’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Joshi was absent. Discussion and approval of the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Regular Meeting schedule (dates and location) for 2025. Withdrawn. 6. 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 was made by Commissioner Martinez and approved …
1. SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL 301 W. 2nd ST. ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live 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 Victor Martinez, Vice Chair Miriam Dorantes Aditi Joshi Kevin T. Countie Adrian De La Rosa Luis Osta Lugo Jeanne Canan Kaba Shweta Padmanabham CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 2/5/2024. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 2. Welcome new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION Discussion and approval of the nomination of a Commission on Immigrant Affairs member to the Joint Inclusion Committee. Review and discuss the scope of the Quality-of-Life Study working group and update membership. Current members of QOL Study workgroup are: Commissioners Aditi Joshi, Melissa Ortega, Victor Martinez and Adrian De La Rosa. Review and discuss the scope of Budget working group and update membership. Current members of the Budget workgroup are: Commissioner Melissa Ortega. Discussion and approval of recommendation on budget reporting for Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Discussion and approval of recommendation on FY 24-25 Equity Office Funding Recommendation. Discussion and approval of recommendation on FY 24-25 Expansion of Emergency Housing and Rental Assistance Program Funding Recommendation. Discussion and approval of recommendation on FY 24-25 Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Actions Funding Recommendation. Discussion and approval of recommendation on FY 24-25 Early Childhood Investments Funding Recommendation. Discussion and approval of recommendation on FY 24-25 Budget for LGBTQIA+ Affirming Mental Healthcare. Discussion and approval of recommendation on budget for Quality of Life Study. Discussion and approval of recommendation …
1. REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS AUGUST 5, 2024 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL 301 W. 2nd ST. ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live 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 Victor Martinez, Vice Chair Jose Caceres Aditi Joshi Kevin T. Countie Adrian De La Rosa Luis Osta Lugo Shweta Padmanabham CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 2/5/2024. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager with the Equity Office regarding updates on her work with Austin immigrant communities. DISCUSSION ITEMS Welcome new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Presentation by Christian Duran from the Housing Department to present on 5-year federal funding plan to solicit input and discussion from Commissioners on spending priorities. Presentation by Amanda Rohlich from the Office of Sustainability to present an overview of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan and how to get involved by soliciting input and discussion from Commissioner. Discussion on recruiting new members to this Commission to fill remaining seats. DISCUSSION AND ACTION Discussion and approval of the nomination of a Commission on Immigrant Affairs member to the Joint Inclusion Committee. Review and discuss the scope of the Quality-of-Life Study working group and update membership. Current members of QOL Study workgroup are: Commissioners Aditi Joshi, Rennison Lalgee, Melissa Ortega, Victor Martinez and Adrian De La Rosa. Review and discuss the scope of Budget working group and update membership. Current members of the Budget workgroup are: Commissioners Melissa Ortega and Adnan Suleiman. Discussion and approval of recommendation on budget reporting for Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Discussion …
1. REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS JULY 1, 2024 AT 6:30PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PDC) 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE ROOM 1401 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live 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 Victor Martinez, Vice Chair Jose Caceres Aditi Joshi Shweta Padmanabham Kevin Countie Adrian De La Rosa CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 2/5/2024. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager with the Equity Office regarding updates on her work with Austin immigrant communities. DISCUSSION ITEMS Welcome new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Presentation by Christian Duran from the Housing Department to present on 5-year federal funding plan to solicit input and discussion from Commissioners on spending priorities. Presentation by Amanda Rohlich from the Office of Sustainability to present an overview of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan and how to get involved by soliciting input and discussion from Commissioner. Discussion on recruiting new members to this Commission to fill remaining seats. DISCUSSION AND ACTION Review and discuss the scope of the Quality-of-Life Study working group and update membership. Current members of QOL Study workgroup are: Commissioners Aditi Joshi, Rennison Lalgee, Melissa Ortega, Victor Martinez and Adrian De La Rosa. Review and discuss the scope of Budget working group and update membership. Current members of the Budget workgroup are: Commissioners Melissa Ortega and Adnan Suleiman. Discussion and approval of recommendation on budget reporting for Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Discussion and approval of recommendation on …
1. REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS JUNE 3, 2024 AT 6:30PM AUSTIN CITY HALL 301 W. 2ND ST ROOM 1101 AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch- atxn-live 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 Victor Martinez, Vice Chair Virginia Badillo Jose Caceres Kevin Countie Adrian De La Rosa Shweta Padmanabham Rennison Lalgee Aditi Joshi Adnan Suleiman CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING on 2/5/2024. Font Size: 12; Font: Times New Roman; Font Style: Regular 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing by Rocio Villalobos, Program Manager with the Equity Office regarding updates on her work with Austin immigrant communities. DISCUSSION ITEMS Welcome new Commissioners to Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Presentation by Christian Duran from the Housing Department to present on 5-year federal funding plan to solicit input and discussion from Commissioners on spending priorities. Presentation by Amanda Rohlich from the Office of Sustainability to present an overview of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan and how to get involved by soliciting input and discussion from Commissioner. Discussion on recruiting new members to this Commission to fill remaining seats. DISCUSSION AND ACTION Review and discuss the scope of the Quality-of-Life Study working group and update membership. Current members of QOL Study workgroup are: Commissioners Aditi Joshi, Rennison Lalgee, Melissa Ortega, Victor Martinez and Adrian De La Rosa. Review and discuss the scope of Budget working group and update membership. Current members of the Budget workgroup are: Commissioners Melissa Ortega and Adnan Suleiman. Discussion and approval of recommendation on budget reporting for Commission on Immigrant Affairs. Discussion and …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION NUMBER (20240408-009) Equity Office Funding and equity, WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity, equality, promotes WHEREAS, by prioritizing initiatives, programs, and services that promote inclusivity, combat discrimination, and address systemic inequities, the city endeavors to create a more just and equitable society for all its residents; principles upholds the of WHEREAS, the latest City of Austin Planning Department show Austin residents are 48% white, 32% Hispanic/Latina/o/x, 8% Asian/Asian American, 7% Black/African American, and 4% Multiracial; and WHEREAS, a recent survey by the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight indicated 22% of respondents identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, the Age-Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey indicates 76% of respondents identified as heterosexual or straight, with 12% of respondents identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ population including Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, Non-Binary and Gender Nonconforming; and WHEREAS, the Age-Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey indicates 23% of respondents were living with a disability; and WHEREAS, while not an all-inclusive list, all of the demographics specified above are at risk for discrimination and being targeted, generally the older adults in those populations are the most vulnerable; and WHEREAS, in the last twelve months, the City of Austin has seen an increase in discrimination, targeting and persecution of multiple ethnicities; and WHEREAS, the Equity Office mission is “To provide leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for Austinites and achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the nation for ALL;” and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Equity Office is currently operating without a permanently appointed Equity Officer; and WHEREAS, there are initiatives within the City of Austin to consolidate the Equity Office with other group(s). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs encourages the Austin City Council to act to maintain the Equity Office and further, to ensure adequate funding to hire and maintain a Chief Equity Officer, and to designate adequate resources to Austin residents who may be experiencing discrimination, marginalization, hate crimes, and/or persecution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs encourages the Austin City Council to support the Equity Office’s ongoing work to address the needs of Austinites and continue to convey that equity in Austin remains a high priority by …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION NUMBER (20240408-012) Recommendation on Early Childhood Investments WHEREAS, the immigrant population in Austin constitutes a significant and varied segment of their respective local communities, with many residing in families of mixed legal statuses; WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, they are 164,000 children who have at least one parent who is an immigrant, meaning one in three children in Austin falls into this category; WHEREAS, the overwhelming majority of these children with at least one immigrant parent are U.S. citizens, 87% were born in the United States; WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 31% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 90% of the children in households with low income under age 6 are children of color; and WHEREAS, decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the world because children born into poverty and children of color are disproportionately born early, at low-birth-weight, or with chronic illnesses, and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful at school; and WHEREAS, current City investments in early childhood programs align with the goals and strategies of the Austin/Travis County Success By 6 Strategic Plan – a robust, data-driven community strategic plan designed to coordinate efforts, improve child and family outcomes as well as build more efficient and coordinated systems for equitable access; and WHEREAS, the federal, state, and local economic recovery funds invested in early childhood systems and programs are expiring in 2024, including essential worker wage stipends for the early childhood workforce; and WHEREAS, Childcare Scholarship programs through Workforce Solutions Capital Area are at capacity, enrollment is closed, no new funding is available at this time, and as of March 2024, the estimated amount of time a family applying for a scholarship at that time will likely remain on a waitlist before they could expect to be outreached for enrollment is 24 months; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s recently announced Infrastructure Academy is intended to expand the region’s skilled trade sector and access to childcare is an obstacle for the existing workforce, including the skilled trades; and WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Council has had input from Success By 6, The Children’s Funding Project Workgroup, and GAVA, all calling for significantly increased local government investment in the Childcare sector, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION NUMBER (20240408-008) Budget Reporting WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions are tasked with making annual budget recommendations to City Council; and WHEREAS, there is currently not a central, easily accessible, publicly available repository for board and commission budget recommendations; and WHEREAS, there is currently not a central, easily accessible, publicly available way to track the status of board and commission recommendations within a fiscal year, or year over year; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions serve as a liaison between city government and community members, using community guidance to inform council budget recommendations, and council budget decisions to educate community members on council priorities; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions experience term limits, transitions in leadership as well as membership, and changing priorities, all of which lead to a loss in institutional knowledge; and WHEREAS, Austin is the state capital, home of the state’s legislature, many of the legislature’s staff, and local as well as state policy advocates; and WHEREAS, it is reasonable that our city has the talent, skills, and resources necessary to develop a board and commission recommendation budget tracker. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission on Immigrant affairs recommends funding and staffing to create a digital, user friendly, publicly available board and commission budget recommendation tracker. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this digital tracker can be as simple as a regularly updated excel spreadsheet on the board and commission’s website, or as robust as the Texas Legislature Online Bill Lookup website dependent on available funding and staff capacity. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this digital tracker will be a resource for budget recommendations for each fiscal year, starting with the FY2024 budget cycle. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this digital tracker will provide a brief summary of each recommendation with a link to the full recommendation, status update of where in the budget processes it is (submitted, under review by council, etc.), and a final outcome (accepted, rejected, modified, etc.), including any revised versions of the original recommendation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this digital tracker will be a tool to increase transparency and engagement in the budget process amongst boards and commissions, city council, and the communities across Austin, furthering a shared goal of government that works for all. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Motioned by: Commissioner Seconded By: Commissioner For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION NUMBER (20240408‐014) Recommenda(cid:415)on to fund a Quality of Life Study of the immigrant communi(cid:415)es in Aus(cid:415)n Whereas, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was established through Ordinance No. 20171214-043 to advise the city council on matters of common concern to immigrants, and Whereas, a Quality of Life study of immigrant residents of Austin has never been done, and Whereas, out of the almost 1 million Austin residents, one out of five is foreign born, and Whereas, the Austin metro area has been the fastest growing area in the United States for the past 12 years in a row, and Whereas, the city of Austin is continuously planning on how to address the needs of residents regarding housing affordability, transit and transportation, access to schools and healthcare, and that these plans must consider demographic shifts in Austin, and Whereas, having data on the needs of the immigrant residents of Austin will allow this commission to make better recommendations to Council, and Whereas, this data will allow City of Austin staff to include the 20% of its residents who are foreign born in their comprehensive planning. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs requests that City Council fund a Quality of Life Study for Immigrant Residents of Austin in the amount of $250,000, comparably to other Quality of Life Studies funded in the past few years. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: ______________________________ Gunjen Mittal, Staff Liaison
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS RECOMMENDATION NUMBER (20240408-011) Funding for Collective Sex Crimes Response Model Actions WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs was established through Ordinance No. 20171214-043 to advise the city council on matters of common concern to immigrants, WHEREAS, Immigrant survivors of abuse encounter significant obstacles when attempting to escape violence, particularly due to language barriers, social isolation, uncertain immigration status, and limited access to resources, WHEREAS, SAFE provides free and confidential services to all survivors of abuse, regardless of their immigration status, WHEREAS, in September 2019, the City Manager’s Office contracted the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), in conjunction with the Women’s Law Project and the Wellesley Centers for Women, to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the way sexual assaults reported to the Austin Police Department (APD) are investigated and processed; and WHEREAS, sexual assault lawsuits were filed and settlements were approved for Smith et. al. vs City of Austin and Senko et. al. vs City of Austin; and WHEREAS, on November 14, 2022, the final PERF report was released, Austin Police Department (APD) Review, Reported Sexual Assault Comprehensive Evaluation, and included comprehensive findings and over one hundred recommendations; and WHEREAS, the Austin Police Department worked with the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) to address the PERF recommendations and take actions, including revisions to APD policies and procedures; and WHEREAS, the Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) was established in early 2023 to coordinate the full response to the PERF report, and includes representatives from APD, SARRT, nonprofit and community organizations, survivors and survivor advocates; and WHEREAS, the Commission for Women and Public Safety Commission formed a joint working group in 2023 to support and track the work of the CSCRM and report progress to their respective commissions; and WHEREAS, the work of the CSCRM is significant in scope, spanning multiple working groups, and has identified serious unmet funding requirements and additional needs for fiscal year 2024- 2025; and WHEREAS, funding has been allocated to support APD comprehensive sexual assault/trauma curriculum development and delivery, additional detective hours on misdemeanor and cold cases, the hiring of a CSCRM project manager, the implementation of a survivor survey and a stipend for volunteer project members, among others; and WHEREAS, law enforcement staffing shortages and hiring challenges are impacting support for survivors of sexual assault, and training and increased financial support and innovative approaches are needed to overcome …
