REGULAR MEETING of the COMMISSION ON VETERAN AFFAIRS Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025 7:00 PM – Adjournment City of Austin Permitting & Development Center 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Room 1401/1402 Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Commission on Veteran Affairs may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by 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 comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, email the board liaison at Jesus.Simental@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Michael Mcinerney, Chair Amber Schleuning, Vice Chair Christopher Wilson William Dahlstrom Maria Brown-Spence Armando Gonzales Patrick Bissett Mark Balch Philip Reichert Curtis Wyman Gustavo Ramirez CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2025. AGENDA 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission on Veteran Affairs Regular Meeting of Jan 15, STAFF BRIEFINGS DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff briefing on creation of a social media webpage. 3. Presentation and discussion by Kim DeLorenzo from Tunnel to Towers Foundation on programs and services offered to veterans. 4. Presentation and discussion by David Gray from Homeless Strategy Office on addressing homelessness in the City of Austin. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Discussion and possible vote on budget resolutions for FY 2025. 6. Discussion and possible vote on proposal for veteran resource center and establishment of a military affairs office. 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 Jesus Simental at (512) 974-7742 or jesus.simental@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Veterans Affairs Recommendation Number: 20250219-006 WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to be a national leader in supporting its veteran and military community by providing comprehensive services and addressing critical issues such as housing, employment, mental health, and community reintegration; WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs has accumulated information concerning the needs of veterans in the Austin community through testimony from community members, veteran service organizations, non-profit groups, and city employees as well as the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment indicating that current support and access to Veteran services in Austin is insufficient; WHEREAS, the City Council passed Resolution No. 20240814-021 directing the City Manager to develop a Veterans Affairs Action Plan to address recommendations for staffing, budget, organizational structure, and resources necessary for the effective provision of services; WHEREAS, the Interim Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion reported to the Mayor and City Council in January 2025 that she reviewed and concurs with the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment that barriers exist in the City of Austin to ensuring local veterans have access to services and support; WHEREAS, the City Council has previously recognized the great need for Veteran support services and adopted Resolution No. 20211209-057 directing the City Manager to explore the establishment of a Veterans and Military Affairs Office, identifying costs, possible funding sources, and steps associated with establishing this office; WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs passed Recommendations No. 20200115-B003 and No. 20240320-006 encouraging consolidation of all veteran and military-related initiatives, programs, and personnel dispersed throughout the City of Austin government into a single office to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery; and WHEREAS, establishing an Office of Military and Veterans Affairs reporting to the City Manager, as is found in most large cities in Texas, will strengthen the City’s commitment to addressing the needs of Veterans in our community and supporting the Veterans and currently serving National Guard and Reserve members working in the City of Austin government. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Veterans Affairs recommends the creation of an Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. The Commission recommends the following: 1. The Office should report to the City Manager. Employees will engage with Federal, State, and County government officials and across the City of Austin government. 2. The Office should seek to maximize Federal and State funding available for Veteran programs to support City activities. 3. …
