Seniors And Law enforcement Together (S.A.L.T.) would like to invite everyone above 55 years of age to our annual resource fair. Join us for Breakfast Presentations on how to avoid fraud, scams and more. Group activities Educational resources from our community partners Raffles THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 12 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM DITTMAR RECREATION CENTER 1009 WEST DITTMAR, AUSTIN TX 78745 To RSVP, scan the QR code, or visit https://forms.office.com/g/Y18LCcFevK, or contact APD Office of Community Liaison at (512) 974 - 4700
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2023 to 6/30/2024. Commission on Aging The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The Commission on Aging shall serve as an advisory board to the Council concerning the quality of life for older adults in the Austin area and to help ensure they are productive, independent, and healthy. The commission shall: (1) advise the Council on issues related to the older population in the Austin area; (2) evaluate and recommend programs, policies, and practices that create a positive impact and reduce the burden on older adults; (3) determine the needs of older adults in the Austin community, and advise Council (4) promote the contributions of older adults to the cultural, economic, and historical regarding these needs; and value of Austin. The Council encourages the commission to hold periodic joint meetings with the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities. Source: Ord. 20130926-081; Ord. No. 20141211-204, Pts. 17, 18, 7-1-15. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. This annual report for July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024, highlights the accomplishments of the Commission on Aging based on the responsibilities outlined in the mission statement of the Commission, the implementation of the Age Friendly Action Plan, Austin City Council’s Strategic Direction, and other important issues facing older adults in Austin. Annual Review July 2023-June 2024 Page 2 of 9 Advise the Council on issues related to the older adult population The Commission on Aging adopted recommendations on the following topics: Recommendation Number: (20240313-5): Commission on Aging FY 25 City of Austin Budget • Outreach for Community Preparedness • Support for GO Repair Programs • Gus Garcia Recreation Center Temporary Expansion Space • Expansion of Emergency Housing and Rental Assistance Program • Additional Immunization Funding • Pedestrian Signaling • Equity Office Funding • Parks & Recreation Funding • Budget Reporting Recommendation 20230809-008: Resilience Hubs and Relocation Recommendation 20231108-007: Additional Reporting Demographics Evaluate and recommend programs, policies, and practices that create a positive impact and reduce the burden on older adults: The Commission formed working groups to study, analyze and evaluate major strategies identified in the larger strategic Age Friendly Action Plan. However, in November 2023, the Commission on Aging voted to separate Domain 3 into its own …
3. 5. 6. REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING JUNE 12TH , 2024 AT NOON CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION 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, call or email Halana Kaleel, 512- 972-5019, Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov. CURRENT MEMBERS: Richard Bondi, Chair Gretchen Flatau, Vice-Chair Mariana Gonzalez Austin Adams Jacqueline Angel Emily De Maria Nicola Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte Vacancy since March 2024-AAA Vacancy since January 2024-District 1 Vacancy since May 2023-District 6 Martin Kareithi Fred Lugo Gloria Lugo Teresa Ferguson AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 2. Approve the minutes of the May 8th, 2024 Regular Commission on Aging Meeting. Staff Briefing regarding Age-Friendly Austin including update on the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan Update, Nicole Howe, Age Friendly Program Coordinator and Halana Kaleel, Public Health Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Public Health. Staff Briefing regarding vendor selection for the Older Adults Quality of Life Study, Alejandra Mireles, City of Austin Equity Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation on CapMetro’s Community Intervention Program, Holly Winge, Community Intervention Specialist, CapMetro. Discussion on the Age Friendly Austin Domains 4-6 Working Group on the October 8th Aging is Living Conference. Discussion of the updates to the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan. 7. Discussion on the May meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee. Discussion and approval of the Commission on Aging’s Annual Review and Report. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Halana Kaleel at Austin Public Health, at 512-972-5019, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission on Aging, please contact Halana Kaleel at 512-972-5019.
3. 4. REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING MAY 8TH, 2024 AT NOON CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION 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, call or email Halana Kaleel, 512- 972-5019, Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov. CURRENT MEMBERS: Richard Bondi, Chair Gretchen Flatau, Vice-Chair Mariana Gonzalez Austin Adams Jacqueline Angel Emily De Maria Nicola Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte Vacancy since March 2024-AAA Vacancy since January 2024-District 1 Vacancy since May 2023-District 6 Martin Kareithi Fred Lugo Gloria Lugo Teresa Ferguson AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 2. Approve the minutes of the April 10th, 2024 Regular Commission on Aging Meeting. Staff Briefing regarding Age-Friendly Austin including update on the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan Update and Older Americans Month Activities, Nicole Howe, Age Friendly Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health. Staff Briefing regarding the Equity-Based Preservation Plan, Cara Bertron, City of Austin Planning Department. Staff Briefing regarding the Commission on Aging Quality of Life Study Process and Timeline, Alejandra Mireles and Jeremy Garza, City of Austin Equity Office. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Recognition of the Commission on Aging Community Service Award Recipients Barbara Epstein and Neomi Delgado (Chair Bondi and Vice Chair Flatau) 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Presentation on the UT Austin 2024 L&L Symposium Findings, Alexandra De La Mora, LBJ School of Public Affairs and Lourdes Romañach Álvarez, School of Human Ecology, Human Development and Family Sciences. Discussion of the Older American’s Month Proclamation on May 2nd, 2024 (Chair Bondi). Discussion regarding the April 24th, 2024 Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting (Chair Bondi). Discussion regarding the Resolution concerning the use of City resources for regulation of gender related healthcare discussed at the May 2nd City of Austin Council meeting (Chair Bondi). Discussion regarding the outcome of the Older Americans Month Kickoff Event 2024 (Chair Bondi). Discussion regarding the Older Adult Educational Event planned for October 2024 (Chair Bondi). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 12. Approve the creation of a working group to monitor and advise …
COMMISSION ON AGING | MAY 8, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Why This Matters Changing city POP. Changing preservation field Existing preservation plan adopted Pixels, City of Austin, Austin History Center (PICA 36924), City of San Antonio Community-Based Process 12 months 1,100 working group hours Input from 300+ people Icons from the Noun Project: Community by Gan Khoon Lay, focus group by mikicon, committee by Adrien Coquet Community-Based Process “Being part of the working group was a great experience mainly because the members had diverse backgrounds, but the same goal. It was a rare learning experience.” Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people access knowledge, …
MAY 8TH, 2024 COMMISSION ON AGING QUALITY OF LIFE STUDY UPDATE 2 WHAT WILL THIS UPDATE COVER? • Recap • RCA – July 18th • Workgroup Members • What's next? • Questions? HISTORY: EQUITY OFFICE & QUALITY OF LIFE STUDIES 3 o Creation of Equity Office o Equity Office Work o Past Quality of Life Studies o Application of Quality-of-Life Studies RECAP Procurement: Publication, Evaluation, & RCA COA Formatting: Scope of Work & Evaluation Criteria Commissioner Vision 5 BREAKDOWN: VISION & FORMATTING o Retreats o Drafts of documents (scope of work/evaluation criteria) o COA Formatting o Feedback, feedback, feedback • From that feedback... o Gather evaluation team o Six vendors evaluated o Individually o Discussed over three days BREAKDOWN OF PROCUREMENT 6 o Best evaluated response selected o Pricing request received April 5th o Contract negotiation o Procurement – Council Agenda Timeline • April 2nd for May 30th Council Date • May 20th for July 18th Council Date WORKGROUP MEMBERS 8 WHAT'S NEXT? Kick Off Meeting • Communication Expectations • Vendor's first steps, for feedback • Questions Preparation for Kick Off • Workgroup Members • SharePoint Access • NDAs** • List of Organizations 9 QUESTIONS? THANK YOU! Alejandra Mireles Alejandra.Mireles@austintexas.gov Office: 512-974-8045 Mobile: 512-797-3375 Jeremy Garza Jeremy.Garza@austintexas.gov Office: 512-978-1798 Mobile: 512-992-9623
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 RESOLUTION NO. WHEREAS, the City has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States for over a decade, resulting in rapidly increasing demands on housing, infrastructure, public safety, and other City resources; and WHEREAS, in 2023, the Texas State Legislature passed legislation restricting or criminalizing access to gender-affirming healthcare across Texas, which was subsequently signed by the governor and became law effective September 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, as a home-rule city, the City has the authority and responsibility to prioritize the use of its limited resources and taxpayer dollars to address the most urgent needs of all residents, including focusing the use of public safety resources on substantive and broad threats to residents’ safety and livelihood; and WHEREAS, City Council recognizes that families and healthcare providers in Austin are living in uncertainty and fear, and many are considering moving away or have already moved to other states to access medical care for their children or to be able to practice medicine freely in accordance with professional and ethical standards; and WHEREAS, multiple healthcare providers in Texas have scaled back healthcare services in response to legal challenges, perception of legal risk, harassment, or threats of violence; and WHEREAS, gender-affirming healthcare has been proven to be evidence- based, medically necessary, and lifesaving by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Page 1 of 6 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 Academy of Pediatricians, the Endocrine Society, the American Psychiatric Association, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, amongst other institutions; and WHEREAS, studies have shown that gender transition, including access to gender-affirming healthcare, improves the overall wellbeing of transgender people and that access to gender-affirming healthcare for youth is associated with better mental health outcomes and lower risks of suicide; and WHEREAS, over 94 percent of LGBTQ+ youth surveyed by the Trevor Project in late 2021 said recent politics have negatively impacted their mental health, and 93 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth surveyed by the Trevor Project in 2022 said they have worried about transgender people being denied access to gender-affirming medical care due to state or local laws; …
Commission on Aging Community Interest Announcement Third Annual Older Americans Month Kick Off Event Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 10:00am Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center 808 Nile St, Austin, TX, 78702 A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur. Halana Kaleel 512-972-5019
3. REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING APRIL 10TH, 2024 AT NOON CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION 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, call or email Halana Kaleel, 512‐972‐5019, Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov. CURRENT MEMBERS: Richard Bondi, Chair Gretchen Flatau, Vice‐Chair Mariana Gonzalez Austin Adams Jacqueline Angel Emily De Maria Nicola Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte Vacancy since March 2024‐AAA Vacancy since January 2024‐District 1 Vacancy since May 2023‐District 6 Martin Kareithi Fred Lugo Gloria Lugo Teresa Ferguson AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 2. Approve the minutes of the March 13th, 2024 Regular Commission on Aging Meeting. Staff Briefing regarding Age‐Friendly Austin including update on the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan, Older Americans Month activities, upcoming community events, and introducing the new Age Friendly AmeriCorps VISTA, Nicole Howe, Age Friendly Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health. Staff Briefing regarding Boards and Commissions Required Training: Sexual Harassment Awareness, Halana Kaleel, Staff Liaison, Commission on Aging. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation: Age of Change: Austin Population and Demographic Trends, Lila Valencia, City of Austin Demographer. Presentation: Imagining an Age‐Friendly Austin: A Photovoice Project Reflecting on Respect and Social Inclusion with Senior Participants at the Asian American Resource Center, Nirali Thakkar, Cultural & Arts Activity Specialist, Van Doan, Culture & Arts Education Coordinator, Jin Kim, Culture & Arts Activity Leader, and Senior Programming Participants, Asian American Resource Center. Discussion on Commission on Aging representation on the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan Working Groups. Update on the Joint Inclusion Committee City of Austin FY25 Budget Recommendations. Discussion and approval of Commission on Aging representation at the Older Americans Month Proclamation Reading on May 2nd, 2024. Discuss and create a Budget Working Group to monitor budget recommendations and follow up with Austin City Council and City of Austin Department Leaders regarding budget items from April‐September 2024. Conduct Officer Election for the Chair of the Commission on Aging (Chair Term, May 1st, 2024‐April 30th, 2025). Conduct Officer Election for the Vice‐Chair …
3. REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMISSION ON AGING MARCH 13TH, 2024 AT NOON CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM 301 W 2ND ST AUSTIN, TEXAS, 78701 Some members of the BOARD/COMMISSION 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, call or email Halana Kaleel, 512‐972‐5019, Halana.Kaleel@austintexas.gov. CURRENT MEMBERS: Richard Bondi, Chair Gretchen Flatau, Vice‐Chair Mariana Gonzalez Austin Adams Jacqueline Angel Emily De Maria Nicola Preston Tyree Henry Van de Putte Vacancy since March 2024‐AAA Vacancy since January 2024‐District 1 Vacancy since May 2023‐District 6 Martin Kareithi Fred Lugo Gloria Lugo Teresa Ferguson AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS/ANNOUNCEMENTS 2. Approve the minutes of the February 14th, 2024 Regular Commission on Aging Meeting. Staff Briefing regarding Age‐Friendly Austin Update, Nicole Howe, Age Friendly Program Coordinator, Austin Public Health. Staff Briefing of the Age‐Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey After Action Report, Halana Kaleel, Public Health Community Engagement Specialist, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discussion on updating the goals, strategies, and metrics of the Age Friendly Austin Action Plan. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and approval of the Commission on Aging FY24 Budget Recommendations including Outreach Funding for Emergency Preparedness, GO Repair Additional Funding, Temporary Space at Gus Garcia Recreation Center, Increased Funding for Emergency Housing and Utility Assistance, Additional Immunizations Funding, Leading Pedestrian Interval and Audio Pedestrian Signals, Equity Office, PARD Initiatives, and Budget Tracking. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Age Friendly Domains 4‐6 Working Group on Older Americans Month at Conley‐Guerrero Senior Activity Center, Saturday, May 4th and alignment with emergency preparedness efforts. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Halana Kaleel at Austin Public Health, at 512‐972‐5019, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20240313‐XXX): Additional Immunization Funding WHEREAS, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest‐growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health Immunizations Unit aims to provide a vaccine safety net for vulnerable Travis County Residents; and WHEREAS, Adults ‐ in particular older adults, as noted the fastest growing age group in Austin, with the Asian older population exhibiting the fastest growth‐‐have limited options for free and low‐cost vaccinations in Austin/Travis County; and WHEREAS, the Adult Safety Net (ASN) program removed the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) in September of 2021 due to lack of funds; and WHEREAS, the ASN program removed the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine (PCV20) in August of 2023 due to lack of funds; and WHEREAS, both of these vaccines are primarily recommended for older adults, with Shingrix being recommended for adults over 50 only; and WHEREAS, the APH Immunizations Unit purchased and administered over 900 shingles vaccines at a cost of approximately $180,000 including 300 shingles vaccines purchased so far in FY24 at a cost of $59,360; and WHEREAS, since August 2023 the APH Immunizations Unit purchased and administered over 170 doses of pneumococcal vaccine for a total of $44,465; and WHEREAS, the above purchases of these two vaccines have all been administered, the APH Immunizations Unit no longer has quantities available as a safety net for vulnerable residents; and WHEREAS, after the above dosages were administered, there’s an additional estimated unmet need of 3,500 Shingrix doses annually, representing 1,750 clients annually (Shingrix is a two‐dose series); and WHEREAS, after the above dosages were administered, there’s an additional estimated unmet need of 2,200 Pneumococcal vaccine doses annual, representing 2,200 clients annually; and WHEREAS, pricing for Shingrix vaccine is $1,862.19 for 10 doses as of 3/4/24; and WHEREAS, pricing for the PCV20 vaccine is $2,437.18 for 10 doses as of 3/4/24. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to earmark and allocate $308,500 for the purchase of 1,000 additional Shringrix shingles (at two doses per person) and 500 additional PCV20 vaccines to help support at risk older adults in the Austin area. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: () Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20240313‐XXX Budget Reporting WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions are tasked with making annual budget recommendations to City Council; and WHEREAS, there is currently not a central, easily accessible, publicly available repository for board and commission budget recommendations; and WHEREAS, there is currently not a central, easily accessible, publicly available way to track the status of board and commission recommendations within a fiscal year, or year over year; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions serve as a liaison between city government and community members, using community guidance to inform council budget recommendations, and council budget decisions to educate community members on council priorities; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Boards and Commissions experience term limits, transitions in leadership as well as membership, and changing priorities, all of which lead to a loss in institutional knowledge; and WHEREAS, Austin is the state capital, home of the state’s legislature, many of the legislature’s staff, and local as well as state policy advocates; and WHEREAS, it is reasonable that our city has the talent, skills, and resources necessary to develop a board and commission recommendation budget tracker. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission on Aging recommends funding and staffing to create a digital, user friendly, publicly available board and commission budget recommendation tracker. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this digital tracker can be as simple as a regularly updated excel spreadsheet on the board and commission’s website, or as robust as the Texas Legislature Online Bill Lookup website dependent on available funding and staff capacity. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this digital tracker will be a resource for budget recommendations for each fiscal year, starting with the FY2024 budget cycle. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this digital tracker will provide a brief summary of each recommendation with a link to the full recommendation, status update of where in the budget processes it is (submitted, under review by council, etc.), and a final outcome (accepted, rejected, modified, etc.), including any revised versions of the original recommendation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, this digital tracker will be a tool to increase transparency and engagement in the budget process amongst boards and commissions, city council, and the communities across Austin, furthering a shared goal of government that works for all. Date of Approval: Record of the vote: Attest: Page 1 of 1
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20240313‐XXX): Equity Office Funding WHEREAS, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest‐growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS the latest City of Austin Planning Department show Austin residents are 48% white, 32% Hispanic/Latina/o/x, 8% Asian/Asian American, 7% Black/African American, and 4% Multiracial; and WHEREAS, a recent survey by the City of Austin Office of Police Oversight indicated 22% of respondents identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, the Age‐Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey indicates 76% of respondents identified as heterosexual or straight, with 12% of respondents identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ population including Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two‐Spirit, Non‐Binary and Gender Nonconforming; and WHEREAS, the Age‐Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey indicates 23% of respondents were living with a disability; and WHEREAS, while not an all‐inclusive list, all of the demographics specified above are at risk for discrimination and being targeted, generally the older adults in those populations are the most vulnerable; and WHEREAS, in the last twelve months, the City of Austin has seen an increase in discrimination, targeting and persecution of multiple ethnicities; and WHEREAS, the Equity Office mission is “To provide leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for Austinites and achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the nation for ALL;” and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Equity Office is currently operating without a permanently appointed Equity Officer; and WHEREAS, there are initiatives within the City of Austin to consolidate the Equity Office with other group(s). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to act to maintain the autonomy of the Equity Office and further, to ensure adequate funding to hire and maintain an Equity Officer, and to designate adequate resources to Austin residents who may be experiencing discrimination, marginalization, hate crimes or persecution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to support the Equity Office’s ongoing work to address the needs of Austinites and continue to convey that equity in Austin remains a high priority by retaining the Equity Office’s autonomy. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: () Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member …
. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20240313‐XXX): Expansion of Emergency Housing and Rental Assistance Program WHEREAS, those aged 65 years and older, represent the fastest‐growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS, Austin continues to face a housing affordability crisis, particularly impacting renters that have seen multiple years of rental increases, and WHEREAS, the Age‐Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey indicates that older city residents want to age in‐place for as long as possible and respondents who are experiencing unstable housing cited this was due to lack of affordability and m gentrification; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has provided funding for the RENT program, now referred to as “I Belong in Austin” which has successfully provided renters emergency assistance for rent, moving, and storage/relocation to prevent eviction, displacement and homelessness; and WHEREAS, I Belong in Austin served a significant number of Austin individuals over 60 (14% of the total served) and continues to have an extensive waitlist, over 800 people when the program began this year and quickly grow to 4,000 before being capped indicating the continuing need for assistance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $15 million to support I Belong in Austin in the next fiscal year based on an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness in mitigating the affordability crisis and accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabilization, economic opportunity and affordability. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: () Attest: _____________________________________________ . (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20240313‐XXX): Gus Garcia Recreation Center Temporary Expansion Space WHEREAS, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest‐growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS, the Asian American population was the fastest‐growing race/ethnicity group among the Austin older population. The Asian American older population more than doubled from 2,051 in 2010 to 4,829 in 2020; and WHEREAS, the Gus Garcia Recreation Center currently serves a large percentage of Asian American older adults, aged 65 and older; and WHEREAS, 20231 participants at of all ages have increased significantly at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center over pre‐pandemic levels: Youth Programs 107%+ over 2019 levels Teen Programs 433%+ over 2019 levels Adult Programs 612% over 2019 levels Older Adult Programs 295% over 2019 levels; and WHEREAS, the physical space at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center is filled to capacity, with classes frequently having to occur in the lobby or programs being cancelled; and WHEREAS, due to space limitations, the older adult activities are severely curtailed during the months when the Summer Youth Programs are in operation, preventing expansion of adult and older adult programs that enrich the lives of adults and older adults; and WHEREAS, PARD is recommending expansion of the Gus Garcia Recreation Center to accommodate the vibrant and ethnically diverse older adult community that currently utilize the location; and WHEREAS, any permanent expansion will require a bond issue, which will likely delay opening of an expanded facility until 2028 at best. 1 These are incomplete counts for 2023 program participants at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the ______Commission on Aging_____________________ encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $30,000 annually for a 12’ x 60’ temporary space at the Gus Garcia Recreation Center to continue to encourage the participation of the diverse older adult community at that location. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: () Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20240313‐XXX): Outreach for Emergency Preparedness WHEREAS, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest‐growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS, the Age‐Friendly Austin Community Feedback Survey indicates a lack of knowledge about where to find information related to the needs of older adults and their family caregivers; and WHEREAS, in recent years, the winter storms and their aftermath raised concerns about reaching the "harder to reach" older citizens with timely information and assistance, indicating the need for a multi‐ modal approach to sharing information with older adults and their family caregivers; and WHEREAS, a multi‐modal approach to communication would require print, digital and face‐to‐face communications with attention to language access and access to individuals with disabilities. And in order to be effective, this approach would require earmarked funding for the Age Friendly Coordination team at Austin Public Health; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Aging has identified emergency preparedness as a key priority requiring ongoing multi‐modal outreach and communication multiple times each year to ensure consistent messaging and timely public awareness of essential programs and services related to preparedness for older individuals and family caregivers; and WHEREAS, community engagement with older individuals during Older Americans Month and needs assessment activities are essential to the overall public awareness of the growing population of older Austinites and their needs will require additional funding; and WHEREAS, existing effective multi‐modal outreach campaigns cost approximately $5,000 per campaign, proposed funding needs will be $30,000 for multiple emergency preparedness campaigns, Older Americans Month and ongoing community needs assessment activities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to earmark and allocate $30,000 to support Age Friendly Plan activities, to be allocated to multiple public awareness and educational outreach events related to informing older adults in the Austin area of emergency procedures and ongoing emergency preparedness planning for older adults and their family caregivers. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: () Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
