20200115-B003: Creation of the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs — original pdf

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION City of Austin Commission on Veterans Affairs Recommendation Number: 20200115-B003 Creation of the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to be a national leader and community model in healing the military civilian divide by intentionally reintegrating those who have served as well as their families into our communities with purpose; WHEREAS, the City of Austin has prioritized veteran issues such as becoming an effective zero homeless veteran city and seeks to hire and support veterans and their families in order to send a message to United States military veterans that they are welcomed and honored in the city of Austin; WHEREAS, the City of Austin should capitalize upon being uniquely situated to recruit and retain defense spending and investment that has significant positive impact on our economy such as Camp Mabry and the Army Futures Command; WHEREAS, principles of the chain of command and accountability dictate the need for an office solely responsible for achieving the above-mentioned goals. Moreover, such an office presents substantial opportunities to reduce costly duplicative efforts through effective coordination and a cohesive vision; WHEREAS, the creation of such an office would send an important message about the City of Austin to veterans everywhere and give those who have served a more clear and direct voice in city government. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Austin Commission on Veterans Affairs recommends the Austin City Council that the Department of Veterans and Military Affairs be created forthwith. Date of Approval: January 15, 2020 Record of the Vote: Approved on a 6-0 vote with board member Bingham abstaining and 3 board members absent (Collura-Rosenberg, Ehlinger, Just) Attest: ___________________________________________