Recommendation 20260304-010: Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Recommendation — original pdf

Recommendation

RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Commission for Women Recommendation Number: 20260304-010: Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Recommendation Date of Approval: March 4, 2026 Recommendation: Organization: Mama Sana Vibrant Woman Subject: Maternal Health & Housing Stabilization Description of Recommendation to Council (1 of 2): Being a City of Austin partner since 2016, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman delivers culturally responsive maternal health to Black and Latinx communities. As needs continue to rise and the cost of living in Central Texas increases, funding for Mama Sana Vibrant Woman’s maternal health services was cut by 10% in FY26, and its rental assistance support was eliminated entirely. We strongly urge the City Council to restore and sustain the previous funding level of $900,000— $500,000 dedicated to housing stabilization and $400,000 to maternal health services. This is a critical stabilization strategy to prevent future family displacement, protect maternal health outcomes, and avoid far greater downstream public costs. Rationale: • Housing Stability: In 2025, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman served 288 households. They distributed $666,759 in rental assistance, directly preventing eviction. Research confirms that housing instability during pregnancy increases rates of low birth weight, preterm delivery, maternal mental health issues, and NICU admissions. • Proven Partnership with the City of Austin: Mama Sana Vibrant Woman has a strong track record of reasonably administering City funds, effectively collaborating with sister organizations, and responding quickly to emerging community needs. • Equity-Focused Intervention: Black and Latinx mothers in Austin experience disproportionately maternal morbidity and housing insecurity. In 2025, they supported 477 children. Mama Sana Vibrant Woman’s services directly counteract those disparities. Alignment with Commission for Women Mission/Vision/Values: Mama Sana Vibrant Women work aligns with the Commission for Women’s vision and values of recommending programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront women in social, economic, and vocational pursuits. These programs ensure Black and Latinx mothers remain safely housed, supported in their health, and connected to competent care—advancing a more just and inclusive Austin for families and mothers. To continue to cut funding from this organization will contradict the City’s commitments to prioritize women’s quality of health, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls. Organization: American Gateways Subject: Immigration Legal Services, Deportation Defense and Citizenship Support Description of Recommendation to Council (2 of 2): As a longstanding City of Austin partner, American Gateways provides high quality, low cost and free legal services to low income immigrants and refugees in Central Texas. Their work includes deportation defense, legal representation for survivors of violence, assistance for families navigating complex immigration systems, and citizenship clinics that help lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens. Given rising demand for immigration legal services and the increased vulnerability of mixed status and low income families, we strongly urge the City of Austin to restore and sustain robust funding levels for American Gateways’ immigration legal services contracts. These contracts have historically been renewed and amended to meet growing community needs, and sustained investment is essential to maintain that progress and prevent harmful service gaps. Rationale: Access to Due Process: Access to legal counsel dramatically increases the likelihood that immigrants can successfully navigate complex immigration proceedings. Deportation defense prevents unnecessary family separation and encourages that eligible individuals can assert their lawful claims to relief under federal law. Stabilizing Austin Families: When a primary wage earner is detained or deported, families face immediate economic crisis, housing instability, and long term trauma for children. Legal representation helps keep families together, stabilizes the income, and reduces reliance on emergency city services. Proven Partnership with the City of Austin: American Gateways has a strong history of responsibly administering City contracts, collaborating with community partners, and scaling services in response to emerging federal policy changes. Contract renewals and amendments have consistently reflected demonstrated needs and effective service delivery. Pathways to Citizenship and Civic Engagement: Citizenship clinics and naturalization assistance strengthen civic participation, economic mobility, and community integration. New citizens contribute more fully to Austin’s workforce, tax base, and civic life. Alignment with Commission for Women Mission/Vision/Values: American Gateways works directly advances the Commission for Women’s commitment to addressing inequities that affect women and families in social and economic life. Immigrant women, particularly survivors of violence and low wage workers, are disproportionately impacted by the lack of legal representation. By ensuring access to deportation defense, legal protections, and pathways to citizenship, the City supports women’s safety, economic stability, and full participation in the community life. Sustained funding aligns with Austin’s commitment to equity and to buildi a city where all women and families can thrive. Motioned By: Chair Bullard Seconded By: Commissioner Anderson Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Bullard, Vice Chair Tau, Commissioners Anderson, Harris, Melendez, Shaik, and Zayan Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: Commissioner Ramirez Absent: Commissioners Bissereth and Scheihing Attest: Chelsea Pfeifer (staff liaison)