REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026, AT 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET 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 Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Caroline Solis AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Azeem Edwin Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Wilson Ramirez Meghna Roy The first ten speakers signed up prior 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 August 3rd, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Create a list of questions and discussion items for City of Austin Departments for future presentations. 3. Discussion on the strategic impact of the commission (organizations you want to invite, recommendations you want to pass, and discussions you think are necessary to have publicly.) 4. Discussion on emergency relief funding and resources due to detentions resulting in family separation. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the 2027 Annual Meeting Schedule of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. 6. Approve a Recommendation to Council to Recognize the Recent APD Shooting & Create Supportive Measures to Provide Public Accountability. 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council to Support the Family and Community Affected by the September 20, 2026, Shooting. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding August meeting of the JIC. 9. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working group regarding recent meetings and study progress. (Current Members: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners: Edwin, Kaba, Kanawati, Joshi and Ortega) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Recommendation 20261005-006: Recognition of Recent APD Shooting & Supporting Measures to Provide Public Accountability WHEREAS, on July 24, 2026, 17-year-old Anthoneil Williams II was fatally shot by Austin Police Department (APD) officers at a neighborhood park near Baden Lane and Dessau Road; and WHEREAS, subsequent official reviews and Austin Police Department disclosures revealed that Anthoneil Williams II was unarmed and the object in his waistband was a water bottle at the time officers discharged their weapons; and WHEREAS, while the shooting remained under active investigation, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis publicly stated that “all points” indicated the incident was a “suicide by police,” assigning a possible motive to Anthoneil Williams II before the completion of independent and thorough investigations; and WHEREAS, the National Police Accountability Project (NPAP), a national organization dedicated to police accountability and civil rights, specifically criticized APD's rapid characterization of Anthoneil Williams II's death as “suicide by cop,” raising concerns that assigning such a label before a meaningful investigation shifts attention away from questions of de-escalation, use of force, and governmental accountability; and WHEREAS, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a national organization of police executives and law-enforcement professionals, recognizes that encounters involving individuals believed to be seeking a lethal police response should prompt specialized crisis intervention emphasizing time, distance, communication, patience, and de-escalation, and has documented that many such encounters can be resolved without the use of lethal force; and WHEREAS, terminology such as “suicide by cop” or “suicide by police,” particularly when used before an investigation has established a person's intent, risks shifting responsibility for a police- involved death onto the deceased, making that individual the perceived causal actor in their own death while prematurely shaping public understanding of the government's use of deadly force; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin should use neutral, fact-based language when communicating about police-involved deaths and should distinguish between evidence concerning a person's possible mental or behavioral health crisis and the separate question of whether officers' actions, tactics, de-escalation efforts, and use of force were appropriate; and WHEREAS, repeated patterns of officer misconduct, insufficient de-escalation, and unjustified use of force have historically inflicted severe trauma and deadly harm across Austin communities; and WHEREAS, civilian oversight bodies, including the Community Police Review Commission, require unfettered access to all body-worn camera footage, dispatch recordings, internal affairs files, and investigative materials to ensure true transparency, …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: [20261005-007]: Support for the Family and Community Affected by the September 20, 2026 ICE-Involved Shooting in Austin Date of Approval: 10/5/2026 Recommendation: The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that Austin City Council take immediate action to support our community member, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, his family, and the broader Austin immigrant community following the September 20, 2026, shooting of Mr. Garces Perez by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in North Austin. The Commission calls on Austin City Council to ensure access to medical care, legal support, transparency, and community safety resources for those affected, and to advocate for full accountability and an independent investigation into the incident. Description of Recommendation to Council: ● Direct City resources and staff, where legally permissible, to connect Mr. Garces Perez's family and legal counsel with available victim support services, translation and interpretation assistance, and mental health resources. ● Formally request that federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE, ensure Mr. Garces Perez receives immediate and adequate medical care for his injuries, and that he is not deported before a thorough, independent investigation into the shooting is completed, including an explanation for the lack of medical treatment. ● Support Austin Police Department's (APD) independent investigation into the incident and request that City Council receive regular public updates on the investigation's findings and any related body camera, dashcam, or witness video evidence. ● Request that City Council Members whose districts are directly affected by this incident, including Council Members Chito Vela (District 4) and Mike Siegel (District 7), work together on all outcomes related to this incident, given that the affected area sits along the seam between their districts. ● Request that the City of Austin and Travis County, including elected officials and executive staff, do everything within their power to ensure all facts of this case are shared publicly and are made language-accessible in at least English and Spanish. ● Call for full accountability for this incident, including ensuring the federal agent involved does not leave the state so that he may be questioned, publicly identify the federal agent by name, and that all relevant body camera footage is turned over to local authorities. ● Call on APD to prioritize peaceful de-escalation strategies and to uphold the constitutional right to assembly during public protests related to this incident. ● …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 310 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Dorantes called the meeting to order at 6:34pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alondra Johnson, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Jeanne Kaba Diane Kanawati Wilson Ramirez Meghna Roy Caroline Solis Commissioners Absent: Azeem Edwin Melissa Ortega Yohanna Saucedo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on July 6th, 2026. The minutes of the July 6th , 2026 regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved on Chair Dorantes’ motion, Commissioner Kaba’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Roy was off dais. Commissioners Edwin, Joshi, Ortega, and Saucedo were absent. 1 STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding the new Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) Dashboard. Presentation by Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Austin Police Oversight and Crystal Kimbrough, Policy Compliance Consultant, Austin Police Oversight. Briefing was given by Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Austin Police Oversight and Crystal Kimbrough, Policy Compliance Consultant, Austin Police Oversight. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Resilience Network. Presentation by Natalie Lyell, Resilience and Partnerships Manager, Austin Emergency Management. Briefing was given to Natalie Lyell, Resilience and Partnerships Manager, Austin Emergency Management. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding SAFE ATX. The motion to approve a recommendation to council regarding SAFE ATX was approved on Chair Dorantes’ motion, Commissioner Kanawati’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Edwin, Joshi, Ortega and Saucedo were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. 6. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee representative regarding the July meeting of the JIC. Update provided by Commissioner Kanawati. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working group regarding recent meetings and study progress. (Current Members: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners: Edwin, Kaba, Kanawati, Joshi, and Ortega) Update provided by Commissioner Kanawati. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS -Invite Austin Police to answer questions about Austin Police Oversight Officer Involved Shooting Dashboard -JIC Update on budget recommendations -Update from the Quality of Life Study working group ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 pm on Commissioner Joshi’s motion, Vice Chair Johnson’s second with no objection. The minutes of the July 6th regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS Recommendation 20261005-006: Recognition of Recent APD Shooting & Supporting Measures to Provide Public Accountability WHEREAS, on July 24, 2026, 17-year-old Anthoneil Williams II was fatally shot by Austin Police Department (APD) officers at a neighborhood park near Baden Lane and Dessau Road; and WHEREAS, subsequent official reviews and Austin Police Department disclosures revealed that Anthoneil Williams II was unarmed and the object in his waistband was a water bottle at the time officers discharged their weapons; and WHEREAS, while the shooting remained under active investigation, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis publicly stated that “all points” indicated the incident was a “suicide by police,” assigning a possible motive to Anthoneil Williams II before the completion of independent and thorough investigations; and WHEREAS, the National Police Accountability Project (NPAP), a national organization dedicated to police accountability and civil rights, specifically criticized APD's rapid characterization of Anthoneil Williams II's death as “suicide by cop,” raising concerns that assigning such a label before a meaningful investigation shifts attention away from questions of de-escalation, use of force, and governmental accountability; and WHEREAS, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a national organization of police executives and law-enforcement professionals, recognizes that encounters involving individuals believed to be seeking a lethal police response should prompt specialized crisis intervention emphasizing time, distance, communication, patience, and de-escalation, and has documented that many such encounters can be resolved without the use of lethal force; and WHEREAS, terminology such as “suicide by cop” or “suicide by police,” particularly when used before an investigation has established a person's intent, risks shifting responsibility for a police- involved death onto the deceased, making that individual the perceived causal actor in their own death while prematurely shaping public understanding of the government's use of deadly force; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin should use neutral, fact-based language when communicating about police-involved deaths and should distinguish between evidence concerning a person's possible mental or behavioral health crisis and the separate question of whether officers' actions, tactics, de-escalation efforts, and use of force were appropriate; and WHEREAS, repeated patterns of officer misconduct, insufficient de-escalation, and unjustified use of force have historically inflicted severe trauma and deadly harm across Austin communities; and WHEREAS, civilian oversight bodies, including the Community Police Review Commission, require unfettered access to all body-worn camera footage, dispatch recordings, internal affairs files, and investigative materials to ensure true transparency, …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: [20261005-007]: Support for the Family and Community Affected by the September 20, 2026 ICE-Involved Shooting in Austin Date of Approval: Recommendation: The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that Austin City Council take immediate action to support our community member, Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, his family, and the broader Austin immigrant community following the September 20, 2026, shooting of Mr. Garces Perez by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in North Austin. The Commission calls on Austin City Council to ensure access to medical care, legal support, transparency, and community safety resources for those affected, and to advocate for full accountability and an independent investigation into the incident. Description of Recommendation to Council: ● Direct City resources and staff, where legally permissible, to connect Mr. Garces Perez's family and legal counsel with available victim support services, translation and interpretation assistance, and mental health resources. ● Formally request that federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE, ensure Mr. Garces Perez receives immediate and adequate medical care for his injuries, and that he is not deported before a thorough, independent investigation into the shooting is completed, including an explanation for the lack of medical treatment. ● Support Austin Police Department's (APD) independent investigation into the incident and request that City Council receive regular public updates on the investigation's findings and any related body camera, dashcam, or witness video evidence. ● Request that City Council Members whose districts are directly affected by this incident, including Council Members Chito Vela (District 4) and Mike Siegel (District 7), work together on all outcomes related to this incident, given that the affected area sits along the seam between their districts. ● Request that the City of Austin and Travis County, including elected officials and executive staff, do everything within their power to ensure all facts of this case are shared publicly and are made language-accessible in at least English and Spanish. DRAFT ● Call for full accountability for this incident, including ensuring the federal agent involved does not leave the state so that he may be questioned, publicly identify the federal agent by name, and that all relevant body camera footage is turned over to local authorities. ● Call on APD to prioritize peaceful de-escalation strategies and to uphold the constitutional right to assembly during public protests related to this incident. ● …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026, AT 6:30 PM PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE 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 Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Yohana Saucedo AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Azeem Edwin Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Wilson Ramirez Meghna Roy Caroline Solis The first ten speakers signed up prior 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 August 3rd, 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing from Austin Equity and Inclusion regarding the goals and priorities of the Immigrant Affairs Manager. Briefing by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Houmma Garba, Immigration Affairs Manager, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Create a list of questions and discussion items for City of Austin Departments for future presentations. 4. Discussion of the strategic impact of the commission and ideas for organizations to invite, recommendations to consider, and future discussions to have. 5. Discussion on emergency relief funding and resources due to detentions resulting in family separation. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding August meeting of the JIC. 7. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working group regarding recent meetings and study progress. (Current Members: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners: Edwin, Kaba, Kanawati, Joshi and Ortega) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nekaybaw Watson at Austin …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2026, AT 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET 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 Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Yohana Saucedo AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Azeem Edwin Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Wilson Ramirez Meghna Roy Caroline Solis The first ten speakers signed up prior 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 July 6th , 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding the new Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) Dashboard. Presentation by Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Austin Police Oversight and Katrina Dorsey, Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Police Oversight. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Resilience Network. Presentation by Natalie Lyell, Resilience and Partnerships Manager, Austin Emergency Management. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding SAFE ATX. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding July meeting of the JIC. 6. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working group regarding recent meetings and study progress. (Current Members: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners: Edwin, Kaba, Kanawati, Joshi and Ortega) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nekaybaw Watson at Austin City Clerk’s Office Department, at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs please contact Nekaybaw Watson at 512-974-2562 or …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission of Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: [20260803-004]: Recommendation on SAFE Alliance & Eloise House Date of Approval: August 3, 2026 Recommendation: The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that the Austin City Council, in partnership with Travis County, ensure that Austin's response to domestic and sexual violence is grounded in a survivor-centered, trauma-informed continuum of care by maintaining investment in SAFE Alliance's survivor services and strengthening partnerships with SAFE Alliance to ensure survivors have seamless access to community-based advocacy, forensic services, shelter, counseling, legal services, and culturally responsive support. The Commission further recommends that the City prioritizes care models that minimize retraumatization and reduce barriers to accessing services, recognizing that trauma-informed care extends beyond the forensic exam and includes immediate advocacy, continuity of care, and coordinated wraparound services. The Commission also recommends that the City continues evaluating Austin's forensic exam system through meaningful engagement with survivors, advocates, and community-based organizations to ensure operational and funding decisions are guided by trauma-informed best practices and centered on the needs of survivors. Description of Recommendation to Council: SAFE Alliance has long operated Eloise House, Austin’s only community-based, non-hospital forensic exam center. The model integrates forensic nursing, crisis advocacy, legal services, shelter, counseling, and culturally responsive support into a coordinated continuum of care centered on survivor needs. Unlike a traditional hospital setting, Eloise House was intentionally designed to reduce trauma by providing: ● Trauma-informed forensic care ● A community-based setting outside the emergency room ● Services at no cost to survivors ● Advocates who remain with survivors throughout the forensic exam process ● Immediate connection to wraparound services, including shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning SAFE Alliance currently provides approximately: ● 600 forensic exams annually ● Services to more than 700 survivors each day ● More than 27,000 SAFEline contacts each year ● Services in which approximately 50% of clients identify as Hispanic/Latinx ● Approximately 95% of regional forensic exams were through Eloise House (prior to ending the forensic exams) Although the transition of forensic exams has occurred, the Commission remains concerned that separating forensic exams from SAFE Alliance’s integrated advocacy model may increase barriers to care for survivors. The Commission believes Austin should continue strengthening partnerships with SAFE Alliance to ensure survivors have seamless access to advocacy, wraparound services, and culturally responsive support throughout the forensic exam process and beyond. It is equally critical that the City not reduce or …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 310 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:38pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Alondra Johnson, Vice Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adrian De La Rosa Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Jeanne Kaba Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Caroline Solis Commissioners Absent: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Wilson Ramirez Meghna Roy Yohanna Saucedo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Salvador Espinoza – Funding SAFE Heidi Bray – Keep ICE out of Austin, and SAFE APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on June 1, 2026. The minutes of the June 1st, 2026 regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved on Commissioner Kanawati’s motion, Commissioner Joshi’s 1 second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Dorantes and Commissioners Ramirez, Roy, and Saucedo were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding an update to the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Briefing was given by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 3. 4. Staff briefing regarding the Human Rights Impact Review. Presentation by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Briefing was given by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Staff briefing regarding policy changes in lieu of SB 4. Presentation by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. Briefing was given by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Austin Resilience Network. The motion to approve a recommendation to council regarding the Austin Resilience Network was approved on Commissioner De La Rosa’s motion, Commissioner Joshi’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Dorantes and Commissioners Ramirez, Roy, and Saucedo were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. 7. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee representative regarding May and June meeting of the JIC. Update provided by Commissioner Edwin. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working group regarding recent meetings and study progress. (Current Members: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners: Edwin, Kaba, Kanawati, Joshi, and …
Officer Involved Shooting Dashboard Austin Police Oversight About Austin Police Oversight Austin Police Oversight is a separate and independent department from APD created to provide impartial oversight of the Austin Police Department’s conduct, practices, and policies to enhance accountability, inform the public to increase transparency and create sustainable partnerships throughout the community. ACCOUNTABILITY TRANSPARENCY PARTNERSHIPS 2 About Austin Police Oversight WHAT WE DO WHAT WE DO NOT DO ✓ Separate, independent, civilian oversight ✓ Review all community complaints ✓ We have full access to all APD databases ✓ Make recommendations to the Chief of Police & City Manager related to discipline, administrative policies and training ✓ Educate community members about the complaint process, our reports and recommendations, and their rights when interacting with law enforcement We do NOT work for or report to APD or the Chief of Police We do NOT oversee other law enforcement agencies We do NOT oversee criminal cases We do NOT administer discipline to officers We are NOT the final decision-makers on issues related to discipline and training 3 OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING DASHBOARD View Online 4 About Officer Involved Shootings ▪ An officer involved shooting is when an APD officer discharges their firearm. ▪ APO’s last OIS report was released in June 2020. 5 Making Information More Accessible The new Officer-Involved Shooting Dashboard was created to: • Transform historical reports into an interactive tool • • Increase transparency Improve public access to information • Support public understanding with data-driven insights What's included: Demographics (subject & officers) Incident Summaries Use of Force Details Trends over time Geographic Mapping Filter by district, year, etc. 6 Data Governance Incident summaries (date, location, outcome) Demographics (subjects & officers) Use-of-force details (weapon type etc) Trends over time (currently 5 years, 2018-2025) Geographic mapping of incidents Filters (year, district, etc.) Data Validation Processes ▪ Critical Incident Briefing (CIB) Info ▪ SIU Yearly Spreadsheets ▪ Internal Affairs (IA ) Case Files 7 Overview Page 8 Officer Insights 9 Subject Insights 10 Incident Details 11 Spanish Dashboard 12 User Accessibility and Testing ▪ English and Spanish language dashboard launched simultaneously ▪ User testing performed by APO staff and volunteers from the City’s Shared Voices program ▪ Logical tab order, high contrast alternative color themes etc. ▪ Meets Federal web accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.1) 13 What’s Next? • Establish a process for updating and maintaining the dashboard. • Present dashboard to community and commissions. • …
Austin Resilience Network Austin Emergency Management | Mass Care AEM Organization Structure Austin Emergency Management 2 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Central command and coordination hub where government agencies, emergency services, and partner organizations come together to manage emergencies and disasters. Unplanned Incidents Planned Events 3 Austin Resilience Network (ARN) Resilience Hub Pilot Program ▪ Austin City Council Resolution ▪ Community Advisory Committee ▪ 6 Focus Areas ▪ Physical Resilience Upgrades to 6 City facilities ▪ 6 Power Backups, 4 Solar & Battery Backups ▪ 6 Mission Ready Packages ▪ 2 Community Gardens ▪ 16 Total Pilot Facilities: recreation, health & neighborhood centers 5 Pilot Program Wrap Up What went well Challenges Opportunities • Community Collaboration • Defining Resilience • Relationship Based • Equity Focus • Community Expectations • Build on Existing Trust • Increased Preparedness • Facilities • Scalable & Flexible • Location Focused 6 Austin Resilience Network (ARN) A network of City and community resources that equitably empower individuals to prepare for, endure, and bounce back stronger from community-wide shocks, stressors, and emergencies. ▪ Collaborative & community led ▪ Complex solutions for complex disasters ▪ Framework for strategic partnerships ▪ Empower organizations & community members ▪ Interagency collaboration 7 Who can be a Partner? Any organization willing to collaborate in a synchronized effort towards emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. • Trusted sources of information • Active responders during emergencies • Involved with the community • Engaged in disaster resilience • Provide goods or services to those in need Animal Welfare Sheltering Laundry Networks of organizations Tax Assistance Elder Care Mental Health Support Faith-based organizations Clothing Debris Removal Food Prep & Distribution Healthcare Navigation 8 ARN Operations: Coordination & Information Sharing Bridge between community-based organizations and government agencies Promote real-time, 2-way information sharing Consolidate & organize information Connect unmet needs with existing resources 9 2025 Network Utilization: May Microburst 10 Process Benefits Metrics 1. Outreach Mass Care Hotline • ARN Partnership Application • Exploratory Meetings • Operational Visits 2. Partnership • Sign an Agreement 3. Database • Dynamic and Real-time Information Information Sharing & Communication Resource Sharing Training 85 Signed ARN Partnership Agreements 82 Organizations in Active Outreach 17 Operational Visits 11 Preparedness Resources CERT Trainings Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) August 21st -23rd Upcoming Preparedness Pop Ups District 6 Wed., June 17, 2026 3-6 p.m. Spicewood Springs Branch District 9 Wed., July 15, 2026 3-6 p.m. Twin Oaks Branch …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission of Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: [20260803-004]: Recommendation on SAFE Alliance & Eloise House Date of Approval: Recommendation: The Commission on Immigrant Affairs recommends that the Austin City Council, in partnership with Travis County, ensure that Austin's response to domestic and sexual violence is grounded in a survivor-centered, trauma-informed continuum of care by maintaining investment in SAFE Alliance's survivor services and strengthening partnerships with SAFE Alliance to ensure survivors have seamless access to community-based advocacy, forensic services, shelter, counseling, legal services, and culturally responsive support. The Commission further recommends that the City prioritizes care models that minimize retraumatization and reduce barriers to accessing services, recognizing that trauma-informed care extends beyond the forensic exam and includes immediate advocacy, continuity of care, and coordinated wraparound services. The Commission also recommends that the City continues evaluating Austin's forensic exam system through meaningful engagement with survivors, advocates, and community-based organizations to ensure operational and funding decisions are guided by trauma-informed best practices and centered on the needs of survivors. Description of Recommendation to Council: SAFE Alliance has long operated Eloise House, Austin’s only community-based, non-hospital forensic exam center. The model integrates forensic nursing, crisis advocacy, legal services, shelter, counseling, and culturally responsive support into a coordinated continuum of care centered on survivor needs. Unlike a traditional hospital setting, Eloise House was intentionally designed to reduce trauma by providing: ● Trauma-informed forensic care ● A community-based setting outside the emergency room ● Services at no cost to survivors ● Advocates who remain with survivors throughout the forensic exam process ● Immediate connection to wraparound services, including shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and safety planning SAFE Alliance currently provides approximately: ● 600 forensic exams annually ● Services to more than 700 survivors each day ● More than 27,000 SAFEline contacts each year ● Services in which approximately 50% of clients identify as Hispanic/Latinx ● Approximately 95% of regional forensic exams were through Eloise House (prior to ending the forensic exams) Although the transition of forensic exams has occurred, the Commission remains concerned that separating forensic exams from SAFE Alliance’s integrated advocacy model may increase barriers to care for survivors. The Commission believes Austin should continue strengthening partnerships with SAFE Alliance to ensure survivors have seamless access to advocacy, wraparound services, and culturally responsive support throughout the forensic exam process and beyond. It is equally critical that the City not reduce or eliminate funding for …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 310 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Dorantes called the meeting to order at 6:34pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alondra Johnson, Vice Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Jeanne Kaba Diane Kanawati Wilson Ramirez Meghna Roy Caroline Solis Commissioners Absent: Azeem Edwin Melissa Ortega Yohanna Saucedo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on July 6th, 2026. The minutes of the July 6th , 2026 regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved on Chair Dorantes’ motion, Commissioner Kaba’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Roy was off dais. Commissioners Edwin, Joshi, Ortega, and Saucedo were absent. 1 STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding the new Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) Dashboard. Presentation by Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Austin Police Oversight and Crystal Kimbrough, Policy Compliance Consultant, Austin Police Oversight. Briefing was given by Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Austin Police Oversight and Crystal Kimbrough, Policy Compliance Consultant, Austin Police Oversight. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Resilience Network. Presentation by Natalie Lyell, Resilience and Partnerships Manager, Austin Emergency Management. Briefing was given to Natalie Lyell, Resilience and Partnerships Manager, Austin Emergency Management. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding SAFE ATX. The motion to approve a recommendation to council regarding SAFE ATX was approved on Chair Dorantes’ motion, Commissioner Kanawati’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Edwin, Joshi, Ortega and Saucedo were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. 6. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee representative regarding the July meeting of the JIC. Update provided by Commissioner Kanawati. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working group regarding recent meetings and study progress. (Current Members: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners: Edwin, Kaba, Kanawati, Joshi, and Ortega) Update provided by Commissioner Kanawati. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS -Invite Austin Police to answer questions about Austin Police Oversight Officer Involved Shooting Dashboard -JIC Update on budget recommendations -Update from the Quality-of-Life Study working group ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:19 pm on Commissioner Joshi’s motion, Vice Chair Johnson’s second with no objection. The minutes of the August 3rd, 2026 regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026, AT 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET 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 Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Yohana Saucedo AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Azeem Edwin Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Wilson Ramirez Meghna Roy Caroline Solis The first ten speakers signed up prior 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 June 1st , 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding an update to the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Human Rights Impact Review. Presentation by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 4. Staff Briefing regarding policy changes in lieu of SB 4. Presentation by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Austin Resilience Network. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee representative regarding May and June meeting of the JIC. 7. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working group regarding recent meetings and study progress. (Current Members: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners: Edwin, Kaba, Kanawati, Joshi and Ortega) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: [20260706-005]: Inclusion of Infrastructure Equity and Medical Resilience in the Pilot Knob Library & Austin Resilience Network Project WHEREAS, the Pilot Knob area is experiencing a rapid influx of high-density data centers equipped with advanced power hardening, while surrounding legacy residential neighborhoods remain on an aging grid; and WHEREAS, data center industrialization creates voltage fluctuations that pose a high risk of motor failure for standard residential HVAC systems and life-saving medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and power chairs; and WHEREAS, the medically vulnerable and disabled community in surrounding Austin neighborhoods, particularly those located within historically underserved District 2, face disproportionate life-safety risks during localized outages, making standard "cooling centers" insufficient for their needs; and WHEREAS, the City must ensure that infrastructure improvements made for industrial growth are extended to residential circuits to prevent vulnerable residents from being left on a "second-class" grid. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs encourage the Austin City Council to formally include specific language and funding in the November 2026 Bond to ensure the Pilot Knob Library and Austin Resilience Network serves as a high capacity "Medical Triage Anchor". This includes scaling the facility for specialized medical plug-in capacity, coordinating with Austin Energy for residential grid hardening, and equipping the hub with industrial-grade redundant power systems to support medical devices. Date of Approval: July 6, 2026 Motioned By: Commissioner De La Rosa Seconded By: Commissioner Joshi Vote: 8-0 For: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners De La Rosa, Edwin, Joshi, Kaba, Kanawati, Ortega, and Solis Absent: Chair Dorantes, Commissioners Ramirez, Roy, and Saucedo . Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 310 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Dorantes called the meeting to order at 6:44pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Wilson Ramirez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Adrian De La Rosa Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Jeanne Kaba Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Commissioners Absent: Meghna Roy Yohanna Saucedo Caroline Solis PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on May 4, 2026. The minutes of the May 4th, 2026 regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved on Commissioner Kaba’s motion, Commissioner Kanawati’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Ortega was off the dais. Commissioners Roy, Saucedo, and Solis were absent. 1 STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding an update to the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Briefing was postponed without objection until July Commission on Immigrant Affairs meeting. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation from Communities in Schools discussing the programmatic impact. Presentation by Lauren Woods, Chief Student Success Officer, Communities in Schools and Rebecca Gamboa Gomez, Chief Student Success Officer, Communities in Schools. Presentation given by Rebecca Gamboa Gomez, Chief Student Success Officer. 4. Discussion on future priorities and goals of the commission. Discussion held. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the JIC representative regarding May meeting of the JIC. Update given by Commissioner Kanawati. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Austin Energy Management presentation regarding immigrant family disaster management JIC Meeting update regarding May and June meeting Quality of Life Working Group Update Recommendation in support of Communities in Schools Update from Immigrant Affairs Office about the Immigration Manager position and frequency of updates. Presentation from international organizations ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 pm on Chair Dorantes’ motion with no objection. 2
Economic Mobility: Accelerating Impact Austin Equity & Inclusion June 2026 Agenda • 2026 Fair Housing and Economic Mobility Conference: Recap • Economic Mobility Framework Resources • LEMI in Action: Live Demo • Operational Focus and Next Steps 2 Conference Reflections Keynote Panel Brought together policymakers, advocates, practitioners, community leaders, and business owners to connect efforts around a shared framework for systemic change. Attended by 283 participants 12 breakout sessions 50+ speakers Moderator: Miles Bloxon, Moderator, Producer & Host, KUT New Panelists: • Fran Rosebush Baylor, Senior Director, Asset Funders Network • Carmen Llanes, Executive Director, GAVA • Ingrid Taylor, CEO, United Way for Greater Austin • Henry Van de Putte, CEO, Meals on Wheels Central Texas • Sharon Vigil, CEO, Communities in Schools 3 Economic Mobility Framework: Workshop Recap • Introduced the Economic Mobility Framework and Index • Over 130 minutes, participants explored the tool, engaged in guided discussions, and worked across sectors to identify practical steps that advance economic mobility. 4 Economic Mobility Framework Assets Core Products Communications Technical Users Levers of Economic Mobility Index Report Framework At-a- Glance brochure Technical Document Levers of Economic Mobility Index (LEMI) FAQs LEMI ArcGIS layers StoryMap Tutorial Videos* Raw Data Economic Mobility | Austin Equity and Inclusion | AustinTexas.gov 5 LEMI Walkthrough Advancing Economic Mobility Operationalizing Visualizing Organizing Normalizing 7 Next Steps April 29, 2026 June 2026 August 2026 2026 Fair Housing & Economic Mobility Conference Launch of Levers of Economic Mobility Index (et. al) Boards & Commissions briefings EveryTexan Virtual Sessions Expanded Media Communications Creation of Resource (LEMI) Implementation Guide Resilient Cities Catalyst Austin Energy Affordable Energy Summit Presentation Community Member Virtual Sessions & Workshops Department Working Group Meetings Continuous Engagement Citywide Implementation May 2026 July 2026 September 2026 - 8 Learn More • Economic Mobility Website: • www.austintexas.gov/equity-inclusion/economic-mobility • Austin Equity & Inclusion Newsletter Sign up: • https://www.austintexas.gov/equity-inclusion • Stay tuned for virtual sessions & in-person workshop dates this summer! LEMI Report Index & Story Map Economic Mobility At-a-Glance 9
APD IMMIGRATION ENGAGEMENT – CALENDAR YEAR 2026 Austin Police regularly engage with immigration and other federal officials. The table below shows the number of instances by engagement type and year. Totals are based on reviewed January 1, 2026 - June 20, 2026. Immigration Engagement Type Assist Immigration/ Homeland Security Criminal Arrest Custody by ICE Information Gathering/Sharing Release Per Immigration Instructions Grand Total JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Total YTD Weekly Snapshot June 14, 2026 – June 20, 2026 2 1 2 1 0 6 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 2 2 6 0 2 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 8 3 5 4 Assist Immigration/ Homeland Security Criminal Arrest Custody by ICE Information Gathering/Sharing Release Per Immigration Instructions 22 Weekly Total # 0 0 1 0 0 1 IMMIGRATION ENGAGEMENT METHODOLOGY: Austin Police regularly engage with immigration and other Federal officials. To identify these instances in which contact occurred with these officials, we conducted a search of the records management system for title codes 3499 (Assist Other Agency), 4200 (Immigration Hold/Arrest) and 4201 (Immigration Status Inquiry) and also for the following terms: alien | immigrant | immigration | homeland | ice. Each case was manually reviewed to determine if the result indicated some type of engagement between immigration officials and Austin Police. We further categorized these findings into the following buckets: Assist Immigration/Homeland Security - Occasions where APD provided direct operational support or assistance to federal immigration or homeland security agencies during an enforcement or investigative activity. Criminal Arrest - Cases involving the arrest of an individual for a criminal offense, where immigration-related factors were also identified during the incident but not the reason for the arrest. Custody by ICE - Incidents where an individual was taken into custody by ICE. Information Gathering/Sharing- Instances where APD collected, exchanged, or verified information related to a subject, without direct enforcement action. Release per Immigration Instructions - Situations where no arrestable offense occurred and immigration officials indicated they would not be taking custody of the subject for an administrative immigration warrant at that time. …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: [20260706-005]: Inclusion of Infrastructure Equity and Medical Resilience in the Pilot Knob Library & Austin Resilience Network Project WHEREAS, the Pilot Knob area is experiencing a rapid influx of high-density data centers equipped with advanced power hardening, while surrounding legacy residential neighborhoods remain on an aging grid; and WHEREAS, data center industrialization creates voltage fluctuations that pose a high risk of motor failure for standard residential HVAC systems and life-saving medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and power chairs; and WHEREAS, the medically vulnerable and disabled community in surrounding Austin neighborhoods, particularly those located within historically underserved District 2, face disproportionate life-safety risks during localized outages, making standard "cooling centers" insufficient for their needs; and WHEREAS, the City must ensure that infrastructure improvements made for industrial growth are extended to residential circuits to prevent vulnerable residents from being left on a "second-class" grid. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Immigrant Affairs encourage the Austin City Council to formally include specific language and funding in the November 2026 Bond to ensure the Pilot Knob Library and Austin Resilience Network serves as a high capacity "Medical Triage Anchor". This includes scaling the facility for specialized medical plug-in capacity, coordinating with Austin Energy for residential grid hardening, and equipping the hub with industrial-grade redundant power systems to support medical devices. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Seconded By: . Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 310 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:38pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Alondra Johnson, Vice Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adrian De La Rosa Azeem Edwin Aditi Joshi Jeanne Kaba Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Caroline Solis Commissioners Absent: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Wilson Ramirez Meghna Roy Yohanna Saucedo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Salvador Espinoza – Funding SAFE Heidi Bray – Keep ICE out of Austin, and SAFE APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on June 1, 2026. The minutes of the June 1st, 2026 regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved on Commissioner Kanawati’s motion, Commissioner Joshi’s 1 second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Dorantes and Commissioners Ramirez, Roy, and Saucedo were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding an update to the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Briefing was given by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 3. 4. Staff briefing regarding the Human Rights Impact Review. Presentation by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Briefing was given by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Staff briefing regarding policy changes in lieu of SB 4. Presentation by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. Briefing was given by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding the Austin Resilience Network. The motion to approve a recommendation to council regarding the Austin Resilience Network was approved on Commissioner De La Rosa’s motion, Commissioner Joshi’s second on an 8-0 vote. Chair Dorantes and Commissioners Ramirez, Roy, and Saucedo were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. 7. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee representative regarding May and June meeting of the JIC. Update provided by Commissioner Edwin. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working group regarding recent meetings and study progress. (Current Members: Vice Chair Johnson, Commissioners: Edwin, Kaba, Kanawati, Joshi, and …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026, AT 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET 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 Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Yohana Saucedo AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Azeem Edwin Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Wilson Ramirez Meghna Roy Caroline Solis The first ten speakers signed up prior 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 4, 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing regarding an update to the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation from Communities in Schools discussing the programmatic impact. Presentation by Lauren Woods, Chief Student Success Officer, Communities in Schools and Rebecca Gamboa Gomez, Chief Student Success Officer, Communities in Schools. 4. Discussion on future priorities and goals of the commission. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the JIC representative regarding May meeting of the JIC. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nekaybaw Watson at Austin City Clerk’s Office Department, at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Commission on Immigrant Affairs please contact Nekaybaw Watson at 512-974-2562 or nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 310 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Dorantes called the meeting to order at 6:40pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Azeem Edwin Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Jeanne Kaba Diane Kanawati Caroline Solis Yohanna Saucedo Commissioners Absent: Melissa Ortega Meghana Roy PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on April 6, 2026. The minutes of the April 6, 2026, regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs were approved during the regular meeting on May 4, 2026, on Commissioner Kanawati’s motion, Commissioner Joshi’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Johnson and Commissioner Saucedo were off dais. Commissioners Ortega and Roy were absent. 1 STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing from Austin Police Victim Services Unit regarding the services they provide specifically to their immigrant community. Presentation by Kachina Clark, Victim Services and Employee Wellness Division Manager, Tracy Morris, Victim Services Manager, and Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. Briefing was given by Tracy Morris, Victim Services Manager and Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working Group regarding study timeline and progress made. (Commissioners: Johnson, Ortega, Joshi, Kaba, Kanawati, Edwin). Update was given by Commissioner Kanawati. Discussion on future priorities and goals of the commission. Discussion was held. 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a letter of support from the Commission on Immigrant Affairs for funding and staffing support for Academia Cuauhtli. The motion to approve the letter of support with the relevant recommendation number was approved on Vice Chair Johnson’s motion, Chair Dorantes’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Ortega and Roy were absent. 6. 7. Create a Budget Working Group to track the FY 2026-2027 approved recommendations of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. The motion to approve the creation of a Budget Working group that tracks the Fy2026- 2027 approved recommendations of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs with Chair Dorantes and Commissioners Kanawati, Saucedo, and Solis as members was approved on Vice Chair Johnson’s motion, Commissioner Kanawati’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Ortega and Roy were absent. Discussion to review and revise the scope and priorities of the U-Visa, T-Visa Working …
CIS in Austin Services and Outcomes Immigrant Affairs Commission June 1st, 2026 Integrated Student Support (ISS) Model Tier 3: Individualized Support • Working one-on-one with students • Intensive mental health supports • Providing basic needs • Home visits Tier 2: Targeted Programs • College campus tours • Self-esteem groups • Leadership groups • Friendship skill development Tier 1: Schoolwide Services • Attendance challenge • Red Ribbon Week • Kindness Week • Career Fairs • Basic Needs 2 Menu of Case Management Services Enrichment: Mental & Behavioral Health: • Behavior Intervention, Skill Building Activities, Conflict Resolution, Crisis Intervention • Mentoring • Professional Mental Health Services • Safety Intervention Student /Teacher Conferences • Field Trips Summer Camps and activities • • Creative Arts/ Recreation activities • Before and after school activities • School Climate activities Case Management/ Academics & Attendance: Goal Setting & Monitoring: • Individual goal setting for academic, attendance, and behavior needs • Goal-related intervention planning with student; monitoring check-ins • Case consultation, staffing, service coordination 3 • Tutoring and Homework Assistance Student / Teacher Conferences • • Attendance Interventions • Language Acquisition Support (Emergent Bilingual) Parent/ Family Engagement: • Home visits • Parent Conferences • Family referrals to community resources • Care Coordination & ASPIRE multi-generational learning programs Health & Human Services: • Basic Needs Assistance: (food, clothing, household, rental assistance, utilities) • Transportation assistance • Independent Living Skills Development • Agency Referrals CIS in Austin: 2025-26 Students and Services 72 Schools served 40,100 Students receive school-wide supports 6,525 Students receive intensive case management $433,000 Direct assistance to students & families 94% Qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch 21% Emergent Bilingual (English Language Learners) 17% Experience Family Conflict or Crisis 16% Special Education Program 5% Experiencing Homelessness 3% Have an incarcerated parent/guardian 94% of student body receiving school- wide supports 4 2024-25 Total Unique Services Provided: 188,173 ➢ 61,657 Behavior/mental health supports ➢ 70,923 Individual case management check-ins ➢ 20,931 Basic Needs Assistance ➢ 5,012 Tutoring/ Homework Assistance Sessions ➢ 3,023 Attendance Interventions ➢ 14,277 Parent/Family Engagement Activities 93,981 5 1,438 Intensive Home Visits 9,557 Community Partner-provided Services, totaling 6,815 Hours Closing Achievement Gaps for Emergent Bilingual Students 56% of Asian American CIS students served in Austin are “Emergent Bilingual” along with 27% of Hispanic students ➢ These students began the schoolyear with lower average course grades in core subjects. ➢ By the end of the school year, they …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026, AT 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET 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 Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Caroline Solis AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Azeem Edwin Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Meghna Roy Yohana Saucedo The first ten speakers signed up prior 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 April 6, 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing from Austin Police Victim Services Unit regarding the services they provide specifically to their immigrant community. Presentation by Kachina Clark, Victim Services and Employee Wellness Division Manager, Tracy Morris, Victim Services Manager, and Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working Group regarding study timeline and progress made. (Commissioners: Johnson, Ortega, Joshi, Kaba, Kanawati, Edwin) 4. Discussion on future priorities and goals of the commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a letter of support from the Commission on Immigrant Affairs for funding and staffing support for Academia Cuauhtli. 6. Create a Budget Working Group to track the FY 2026—2027 approved recommendations of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. 7. Discussion to review and revise the scope and priorities of the U-Visa, T-Visa Working Group. (Commissioners: Dorantes, Johnson, De La Rosa, Lincoln-Goldfinch, Saucedo, Ortega). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Nekaybaw Watson at Austin …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 310 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Dorantes called the meeting to order at 6:44pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Caroline Solis Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Meghna Roy Melissa Ortega Commissioners Absent: Azeem Edwin Jeanne Kaba Yohana Saucedo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Special Called Meeting on March 20, 2026. The minutes of the March 20, 2026, special called meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs were approved during the regular meeting on April 6, 2026, on Vice Chair Johnson’s motion, Chair Dorantes’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Ortega was off the dais. Commissioners Edwin, Kaba, and Saucedo were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing from Austin Police regarding an updated policy as it relates to immigration. Presentation given by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. Presentation given by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. 3. 4. Staff briefing from Austin Equity and Inclusion regarding the introduction of the Acting Immigration Manager and future recruitment and updates surrounding immigrant and refugee related work. Presentation given by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Houmma Garba, Acting Immigration Manager, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Presentation given by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Houmma Garba, Acting Immigration Manager, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Staff briefing regarding updates to the Levers of Economic Mobility. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. Presentation given by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Presentation from Academia Cuauhtli regarding a program update, information on their spring and summer programming, and shifting funding structures. Presentation by Dr. María Del Carmen Unda, Founder, Academia Cuauhtli, Dr. Angela Valenzuela, Acedemia Cuauhtli, and Dr. Emilio Zamora, Academia Cuauhtli. Presentation given by Dr. María Del Carmen Unda, Founder, Academia Cuauhtli. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve the election of Vice Chair. The motion to elect Commissioner Johnson as Vice Chair of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs was approved on Chair Dorantes’ motion, Commissioner De La Rosa’s second on …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission on Immigrant Affairs Recommendation Number: 20260504-005 Support of Academia Cuauhtli Programming and Expansion WHEREAS, since its founding in 2013, Academia Cuauhtli (founded by Nuestro Grupo, a community-based volunteer organization) was established at the ESB-MACC as a free Saturday culture and language revitalization academy for elementary school children and their parents, with a curriculum focused on Indigeneity, social justice, Tejano history, traditional arts, and danza Mexica and since July 2014, Academia Cuauhtli has served as an official educational enterprise partnered with the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Culture Center (ESB-MACC); WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli, administered through a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Austin, Austin Independent School District (AISD), and Nuestro Grupo embraces and fulfills the Commission on Immigrant Affairs mission of collaborative engagement by advocating for educational equity and well-being for immigrant, first-generation, and low socioeconomic background AISD students in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin; WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its mission expressed as “to honor our communities' cultural heritage, foster social justice, and reclaim our collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom” by serving as a means for the comprehensive advancement of the students and their parents—via its strong partnership with students’ parents—by providing a supportive and uplifting learning environment, as well as for providing for the social, and economic needs, including the extensive COVID-related assistance extended to its participant Latino families during the pandemic in Austin, Texas; WHEREAS, Academia Cuauthli fulfills its mission by enrolling from 2014-2023 over 800 AISD emergent bilingual students, trained over 250 Indigenous/Latinx public school teachers, hosted over 25 professional development workshops, initiated Cuauhtli’s Grow Your Own bilingual leadership development program for AISD teachers of color, and successfully implemented a research-university-community partnership between AISD, UT Austin’s College of Education Department of Educational Leadership and Policy faculty and graduate student researchers, the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies (LLILAS), the UT History Department, and the Austin community (see research publication link: https://academiacuauhtli.com/publications/); WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its mission in collaboration with the City of Austin when former Mayor Adler and the 2022 City of Austin Council Members granted Academia Cuauthli a dedicated, full-time employee to manage all educational programming with funding running through the Austin Parks and Recreation Department at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, together with generous support to fund Academia Cuauhtli throughout 2022-23; WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli …
APD Victim Services Serving our Immigrant Communities Austin Police Department | May 4, 2026 APD Victim Services Unit Overview • One of the largest Victim Services programs within a U.S. police department. • Services are available to victims/survivors whether they choose to report the crime or not, by calling 512-974-5037. • Staff do not inquire about immigration status; if disclosed, targeted resources and referrals are provided. • Supervisors and counselors teach at the APD Training Academy. • Active members of several coalitions and groups across Austin whose goals include enhancing services to all victims/survivors of crime. 2 Overview of Victim Services Teams Crisis Response Team Investigation Response Team • Supports the Austin community 24/7 • Supports and advocates for victims after a • Provides on-scene crisis counseling • Counselors are dispatched with officers • Addresses immediate needs • Provides advocacy within law enforcement • Assists with safety planning • Shares resources and referrals crime has occurred • Counselors are co-located with unit detectives • Provides support throughout the investigation and beyond • Offers trauma-informed, short-term counseling • Provides education on Criminal Justice System 3 Reporting Options and Confidentiality • Can call the Victim Services line (512-974-5037) with no current police report on file. • Limits of confidentiality when police report has been made (Michael Morton Act). • Victim Services support provided when reporting a crime. • Collaboration and referral to trusted community organizations external to APD. 4 Contact Information • Victim Services direct line: 512-974-5037 • Victim Services email: Victim.Services@austintexas.gov • For general questions regarding immigration: APDImmigrationInfo@austintexas.gov • For submitting a U visa Certification request: APDUvisaCertification@austintexas.gov • Victim Services website: www.austintexas.gov/police/divisions/victim-services 5
Recommendation Number: (add number) Resolution from the Commission Immigrant Affairs in Support of Academia Cuauhtli Programming and Expansion April 15, 2026 WHEREAS, since its founding in 2013, Academia Cuauhtli (founded by Nuestro Grupo, a community-based volunteer organization) was established at the ESB-MACC as a free Saturday culture and language revitalization academy for elementary school children and their parents, with a curriculum focused on Indigeneity, social justice, Tejano history, traditional arts, and danza Mexica and since July 2014, Academia Cuauhtli has served as an official educational enterprise partnered with the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Culture Center (ESB-MACC); WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli, administered through a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Austin, Austin Independent School District (AISD), and Nuestro Grupo embraces and fulfills the Commission on Immigrant Affairs mission of collaborative engagement by advocating for educational equity and well-being for immigrant, first-generation, and low socioeconomic background AISD students in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin; WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its mission expressed as “to honor our communities' cultural heritage, foster social justice, and reclaim our collective identities in pursuit of educational freedom” by serving as a means for the comprehensive advancement of the students and their parents—via its strong partnership with students’ parents—by providing a supportive and uplifting learning environment, as well as for providing for the social, and economic needs, including the extensive COVID-related assistance extended to its participant Latino families during the pandemic in Austin, Texas; WHEREAS, Academia Cuauthli fulfills its mission by enrolling from 2014-2023 over 800 AISD emergent bilingual students, trained over 250 Indigenous/Latinx public school teachers, hosted over 25 professional development workshops, initiated Cuauhtli’s Grow Your Own bilingual leadership development program for AISD teachers of color, and successfully implemented a research-university-community partnership between AISD, UT Austin’s College of Education Department of Educational Leadership and Policy faculty and graduate student researchers, the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies (LLILAS), the UT History Department, and the Austin community (see research publication link: https://academiacuauhtli.com/publications/); WHEREAS, Academia Cuauhtli fulfills its mission in collaboration with the City of Austin when former Mayor Adler and the 2022 City of Austin Council Members granted Academia Cuauthli a dedicated, full-time employee to manage all educational programming with funding running through the Austin Parks and Recreation Department at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, together with generous support to fund Academia Cuauhtli throughout …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a regular meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 310 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Dorantes called the meeting to order at 6:40pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Azeem Edwin Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Jeanne Kaba Diane Kanawati Caroline Solis Yohanna Saucedo Commissioners Absent: Melissa Ortega Meghana Roy PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on April 6, 2026. The minutes of the April 6, 2026, regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs were approved during the regular meeting on May 4, 2026, on Commissioner Kanawati’s motion, Commissioner Joshi’s second on a 7-0 vote. Vice Chair Johnson and Commissioner Saucedo were off dais. Commissioners Ortega and Roy were absent. 1 STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing from Austin Police Victim Services Unit regarding the services they provide specifically to their immigrant community. Presentation by Kachina Clark, Victim Services and Employee Wellness Division Manager, Tracy Morris, Victim Services Manager, and Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. Briefing was given by Tracy Morris, Victim Services Manager and Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update from Quality-of-Life Study Working Group regarding study timeline and progress made. (Commissioners: Johnson, Ortega, Joshi, Kaba, Kanawati, Edwin). Update was given by Commissioner Kanawati. Discussion on future priorities and goals of the commission. Discussion was held. 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a letter of support from the Commission on Immigrant Affairs for funding and staffing support for Academia Cuauhtli. The motion to approve the letter of support with the relevant recommendation number was approved on Vice Chair Johnson’s motion, Chair Dorantes’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Ortega and Roy were absent. 6. 7. Create a Budget Working Group to track the FY 2026-2027 approved recommendations of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs. The motion to approve the creation of a Budget Working group that tracks the Fy2026- 2027 approved recommendations of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs with Chair Dorantes and Commissioners Kanawati, Saucedo, and Solis as members was approved on Vice Chair Johnson’s motion, Commissioner Kanawati’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Ortega and Roy were absent. Discussion to review and revise the scope and priorities of the U-Visa, T-Visa Working …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026, AT 6:30 PM AUSTIN CITY HALL, ROOM 1101 301 W 2nd STREET 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 Nekaybaw Watson, 512-974-2562, nekaybaw.watson@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Miriam Dorantes, Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Diane Kanawati Melissa Ortega Caroline Solis AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Azeem Edwin Jeanne “Canan” Kaba Meghna Roy Yohana Saucedo The first ten speakers signed up prior 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 special called meeting on March 20, 2026. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing from Austin Police regarding an updated policy as it relates to immigration. Presentation given by Lee Rogers, Chief of Staff, Austin Police. 3. Staff briefing from Austin Equity and Inclusion regarding the introduction of the Acting Immigration Manager and future recruitment and updates surrounding immigrant and refugee related work. Presentation given by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Houmma Garba, Acting Immigration Manager, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 4. Staff briefing regarding updates to the Levers of Economic Mobility. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Presentation from Academia Cuauhtli regarding a program update, information on their spring and summer programming, and shifting funding structures. Presentation by Dr. María Del Carmen Unda, Founder, Academia Cuauhtli, Dr. Angela Valenzuela, Academia Cuauhtli, and Dr. Emilio Zamora, Academia Cuauhtli. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve the election of Vice Chair 7. Approve the election of Chair FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route …
COMMISSION ON IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026 The Commission on Immigrant Affairs convened in a special called meeting on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Dorantes called the meeting to order at 6:34pm. Commissioners in Attendance: Miriam Dorantes, Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alondra Johnson, Vice-Chair Adrian De La Rosa Aditi Joshi Canan Kaba Melissa Ortega Meghna Roy Yohana Saucedo Commissioners Absent: Azeem Edwin Diane Kanawati Caroline Solis PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs Regular Meeting on March 2, 2026. The minutes of the March 2, 2026, regular meeting of the Commission on Immigrant Affairs were approved during the special called meeting on March 20, 2026, on Chair Dorantes’ motion, Commissioner Saucedo’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Edwin, Kanawati, and Solis were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion and update regarding the Social Services Framework presented at the last JIC meeting. Withdrawn. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a Recommendation to Council to expand and strengthen prevention programs to protect housing stability. The motion to approve a recommendation to Council to expand and strengthen eviction prevention programs to protect housing stability as amended was approved on Chair Dorantes’ motion, Commissioner Saucedo’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Edwin, Kanawati, and Solis were absent. The motion to approve the amendment to insert “Williamson County, and other surrounding counties” after every mention of “Travis County” was approved on Commissioner Roy’s motion, Chair Dorantes’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Edwin, Kanawati, and Solis were absent. The motion to approve the amendment to insert “alternatives that may reduce and delay eviction where permitted, including extending applicable deadlines, prioritizing mediation, and providing enhanced notice requirements consistent with governing law and local policy,” and strike “mechanisms to extend eviction timelines, including pre- filing mediation requirements, enhanced notice periods, and eviction diversion coordination.” after, “Direct the City Manager to evaluate lawful” was approved on Commissioner Saucedo’s motion, Chair Dorantes’ second. Commissioners Edwin, Kanawati, and Solis were absent. 4. Approve a Recommendation to Council to establish a dedicated funding framework for a universal immigration representation model. The motion to approve a recommendation to Council to establish a dedicated funding framework for a universal immigration representation model was approved as amended on Chair Dorantes’ motion, Commissioner Saucedo’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Edwin, …
Economic Mobility Austin Equity & Inclusion Our Time Together • Economic Mobility Overview • Quality-of-Life Studies: Key Connections • Building the Economic Mobility Index • Turning the Index Into Action • Upcoming Event 2 What Drives Economic Mobility Economic mobility is shaped by our systems, policies, and investments — not just individual effort. Mobility includes building wealth and long-term stability for future generations. Education, health, housing, childcare, and strong social conditions enable families to thrive. In Austin, persistent disparities limit opportunities, but a person’s future shouldn’t be determined by their neighborhood or systemic barriers. Beyond Wages Quality of Life We Shape Systems 3 Quality-of-Life Studies: Key Connections High-Level Themes Financial Progress & Economic Outcomes • Deeply affordable housing • • Utility assistance and energy relief Job pipelines and employment access programs Quality of Life & Well-Being • Pop-up clinics in high-need areas • Culturally competent healthcare training • Inclusive planning processes for older adults Opportunities & Access Teen job search portal • • Strengthen multilingual outreach • Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies Families, Communities, & Systems • Neighborhood safety audits • Greening and beautification initiatives • Strengthen family-support systems through childcare access and wraparound services 4 Definition Economic mobility addresses systems to improve unfair conditions that influence whether individuals, families, and communities can prosper over time and across generations. It means access to opportunities and resources needed for basic needs, financial security, and a dignified, high quality of life — regardless of race, place, gender, or ability. 5 Economic Mobility Index Human-centered, place-based tool for understanding conditions that shape residents’ ability to thrive in Austin. Visualizes neighborhood- level disparities as defined by economic mobility. Focuses on underlying conditions to guide service delivery and decision- making using data and community insights. Provides a common lens to support coordination, planning, and shared outcomes—without replacing existing tools. 6 Our Approach: Identifying Levers National Frameworks & Local Tools • Drivers of Poverty • Social Vulnerable Index • Justice 40 • Neighborhood Prosperity Dashboard etc. Hybrid Engagement Process • Quality of Life Studies • CoA Commissions • Internal & External Stakeholders • Every Texan Peer Cities Review 10 cities similar in: • State • Size • Demographics • Product CoA Levers of Economic Mobility • 3 Themes • 6 Sub-themes • 18 Levers of Economic Mobility 7 Building the Index Together Early childhood foundations shape mobility • Indicator: Enrollment in early education (public …
