Item 5: REVISED Draft language for budget recommendation on the Immigration Affairs Office and Officer Position — original pdf

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RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260302-005 : Development of the Immigration Affairs Office WHEREAS, Ensuring immigrant inclusivity will build stronger educated communities that can contribute to economic growth, creative potential, and innovation throughout Austin and its society. WHEREAS, The City of Austin is committed to continuous improvement and inclusivity, and the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office would enhance the quality-of-life for all Austinites, ensuring that we remain equal to or superior to other cities that have already established similar offices. WHEREAS, The Commission on Immigrant Affairs has consistently recommended the development and/or expansion of an Immigrant Affairs Office over the years—Recommendation Number: 20190429- 5AI, Recommendation Number: 20200422-002A2, Recommendation Number: 20210301‐2b Recommendation Number: 20220307-2d—recognizing that one person is insufficiently supported in handling all the responsibilities and demands placed on them. WHEREAS, the permanent, full-time Immigrant Affairs Program Manager position has been vacated and is currently being filled only on a temporary basis by an interim appointee who already has significant competing demands, placing the needs of Austin’s immigrant communities at risk of being deprioritized; and WHEREAS, the current staffing arrangement is structurally insufficient to provide the full-time attention and dedicated leadership this work requires; and WHEREAS, Austin’s immigrant communities represent more than 18% of the city’s population1, come from over 120 countries2, and speak more than 82 languages3; and WHEREAS, the Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX4 report by the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, highlights that the creation and dedicated staffing of the 1 https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/austincitytexas/POP645224#POP645224 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=430901 3 https://www.austintexas.gov/communications/programs/ispeak-austin 4 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=367457 Immigrant Affairs Program Manager was a key factor in driving Austin’s high scores in government leadership, community outreach, and legal support; and WHEREAS, The following roles as essential to the Immigrant Affairs Office: • Immigrant Affairs Officer: leads strategy and sets direction for the Office, develops policies, and elevates immigrant affairs as a priority for the City. • Immigrant Affairs Program Manager: oversees programs and partnerships with City departments and community organizations focused on key areas like Civic Engagement, Naturalization / Citizenship, Economic Mobility, Employment Authorization Assistance, and Adult Education. • Community Engagement Coordinator (Immigrant Affairs): facilitates communication and collaboration between the City, immigrant leaders, and community organizations. Coordinates outreach efforts with immigrant communities and community partners and provides follow-up to connect people to social services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends the development of an Immigrant Affairs Office with adequate staffing to serve as a centralized unit to coordinate services and support for our immigrant communities who are vulnerable to experiencing discrimination, marginalization, hate crimes, and/or persecution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs urgently recommends the restoration of a permanent, full-time Immigrant Affairs Program Manager position to coordinate services, which would strengthen community engagement, improve service responsiveness, and enhance coordination across city departments. The temporary appointment represents a step backward for Austin’s immigrant communities. The Commission on Immigrant Affairs calls on the City of Austin to commit to a permanent hire and to pursue the development of a fully resourced division. The Commission recommends that the role encompass the following: 1. Advise, aid, and collaborate with city leadership and departments with policies and procedures that better address the needs of immigrant communities. 2. Monitor, gather, and analyze data to evaluate service delivery, create strategic decisions, and identify areas, including but not limited to health, education, human services, for investment to improve quality-of-life outcomes for immigrant communities. 3. Track federal, state, and local laws affecting immigrants that influence policy and regulatory frameworks. 4. Support and champion the full participation of immigrant communities in the city’s civic landscape, with a focus on pathways to leadership, including but not limited to serving on boards and commissions, participating in public forums, and pursuing citizenship for those eligible to apply. 5. Connect immigrant communities with workforce development, training and education opportunities that advance economic mobility, support local business initiatives, and contribute to overall community resilience. 6. Provide guidance, resources, and technical assistance to city departments and community organizations serving immigrant communities. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends Austin Equity and inclusion fill the vacant Immigrant Affairs Manager position; develop an Immigrant Affairs Office to 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 develop 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. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________