20250707-013: Protecting and Sustaining Local Public Health Infrastructure in Austin — original pdf

Recommendation

BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250707-013: Protecting and Sustaining Local Public Health Infrastructure in Austin WHEREAS, Austin Public Health (APH) provides vital population-level services that protect over 1.35 million residents, including immunization clinics, HIV and STD testing and treatment, refugee health screenings, violence prevention programming, substance misuse support, and neighborhood centers offering basic needs assistance; and WHEREAS, core public health infrastructure funding in the amount of $9,500,000 is currently at risk due to unstable federal funding streams and national-level proposals to reduce or eliminate key public health support; and WHEREAS, the federal political climate—marked by increasing hostility toward public health institutions—has created uncertainty for municipalities dependent on federal dollars, putting local public health outcomes in jeopardy; and WHEREAS, investing in public health not only enhances the quality of life for all but can also lead to substantial savings over time; and WHEREAS, In 2016, the Austin City Council, through RESOLUTION NO. 20160128-068, adopted a formal policy to invest in additional funding for health and social services; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City of Austin fully protect the $9,500,000 currently allocate to Core Public Health Infrastructure along with a dedicated $6,000,000 public health reserve fund to ensure the continuity of essential services in the event of further federal disinvestment or emergency needs; BE IT, FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the City of Austin prioritize funding for public health programs, advocate at the state and national levels for sustained investment in local public health systems and oppose federal-level efforts that jeopardize public health funding, particularly for historically underserved communities. Date of Approval: 7/7/2025 Record of the vote: 10-0 Motioned by: Commissioner Johnson Seconded by: Commissioner De La Rosa For: Chair Ortega, Vice Chair Dorantes, Commissioners De La Rosa, Edwin, Johnson, Joshi, Kaba, Kanawati, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Roy Absent: Commissioner Saucedo Attest: Nekaybaw Watson Nekaybaw Watson