REGULER MEETING Wednesday, April 6, 2022 Wednesday, April 6, 2022 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a hybrid regular meeting on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, with Chair Austen at Austin City Hall, 301 West Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701 in Room 1101, and the remaining members participating by videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 12:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Vanessa Bissereth Juliana Gonzales Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Neva Fernandez Priscilla Cortez Desiree Bermea Commissioners Absent: Vacant: Mayor Adler Appointee Josie Serrata Staff in Attendance: Juanita Martinez, Office of Civil Rights 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on March 2, 2022. The minutes from the regular meeting on March 2, 2022 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Flannery’s second on a vote of 8-0 vote. Commissioner Bermea off the dais. a. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the following working 2. OLD BUSINESS groups: i. Homelessness Discussion was held. No action was taken. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES ii. Public Safety Wednesday, April 6, 2022 Discussion was held. No action was taken. iii. Health Discussion was held. No action was taken. iv. Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls Discussion was held. No action was taken. Committee. Discussion was held. No action was taken. FY2022 budget. Discussion was held. No action was taken. FY2023 budget. Discussion was held. No action taken. b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion c. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin d. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin Brie L. Franco, City of Austin, Intergovernmental Relations Officer, made a presentation/briefing on Legislative Updates. a. Election of Commission Officers The motion to re-elect Chair Austen as Chair of the Commission for Women and Flannery Bope for Vice-Chair, was approved on Commissioner Neva Fernandez’ motion, Commissioner Bissereth’ second, on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioner Bermea off the dais. 3. BRIEFINGS 4. NEW BUSINESS Wednesday, April 6, 2022 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None ADJOURNMENT Chair Austen adjourned the meeting at 12:56 p.m. without objection.
Commission for Women Community Interest Announcement Women’s Bureau United States Department of Labor Building Connections: Women’s Bureaus and Women’s Commissions Tuesday, March 24, 2022 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. EDT 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. CDT (Texas) By videoconference To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-connections-womens-bureau-and-womens-commissions- tickets-291403494697 A quorum of commission members may be present. No action will be taken. For more information, please contact the commission’s staff liaison, Juanita Martinez, at (512) 974-3261 or by email at Juanita.Martinez@austintexas.gov.
CITY OF AUSTIN COMMISSION FOR WOMEN REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, March 2, 2022, 12:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, Room 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (10) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on a. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the following working groups: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 2, 2022. 2. OLD BUSINESS i. Homelessness ii. Safety iii. Health iv. Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee. c. Discussion and possible action regarding 2022 Commission Working Groups. d. Discussion and possible action regarding the City of Austin FY2022 & FY2023 budget. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Ryn Gonzales, Chair, City of Austin Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Quality of Life Advisory Commission, followed by discussion and possible action regarding the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. 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 contact Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov.
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a hybrid regular meeting on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 with Chair Austen at Austin City Hall, 301 West Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701 in Room 1101 and the remaining members participating by videoconference. REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, February 2, 2022 Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Vanessa Bissereth Priscilla Cortez Neva Fernandez Juliana Gonzales Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Josie Serrata Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on July 7, 2021. The minutes from the regular meeting on November 3, 2021 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Rattan’s second on a vote of 9-0. a. Discussion and possible action regarding updated from the following working 2. OLD BUSINESS groups: i. Homelessness ii. Safety Discussion was held. No action was taken. Discussion was held. No action was taken. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES iii. Health Discussion was held. No action was taken. iv. Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls Discussion was held. No action was taken. Wednesday, February 2, 2022 b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion Discussion was held. No action was taken. c. Discussion and possible action regarding 2021 Commission for Women Working Committee. Groups. Discussion was held. The following working group membership was adopted on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Rattan’s second on a vote of 9-0: Homelessness: Rebecca Austen, Vanessa Bissereth, Flannery Bope, and Pam Rattan Safety: Neva Fernandez, Juliana Gonzales, Josie Serrata, and Amanda Lewis* Health: Flannery Bope, Juliana Gonzales, Diana Melendez, and Josie Serrata Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls: Vanessa Bissereth, Priscilla Cortez, and Diana Melendez d. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin * Community participant FY2022 budget. Discussion was held. No action was taken. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Melissa Taylor, Vice Chair, City of Austin Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Quality of Life Advisory Commission, followed by discussion and possible action regarding the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. The presenter was unavailable. By unanimous consent the Commission agreed to return this item to a future agenda. b. Discussion and possible action regarding selection of members to represent the Commission for Women …
Commission for Women Austin Commission for Women Recommendation 20220302-xxx: Recommendations for Women Experiencing Homelessness Whereas, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and Whereas, women and female-identifying persons (hereafter referenced as “women”) may be more vulnerable and less safe while experiencing homelessness; these risks are amplified for those with children; these women and children are often considered “invisible,” rather than living on the streets, they may be sleeping in cars, hotels, or shelters, or moving from one place to another with friends or family; being unhoused causes interrelated issues with stable housing, employment, child care, schooling, and family life; and Whereas, women with or without children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and any other form of sexual violence or trauma are at a greater risk; and Whereas, the capacity of short or long-term shelters and temporary/transitional housing for women and families is limited, and exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions; facilities may also lack services tailored to the specific needs of women and families; and Whereas, the Saint Louise House is a viable solution to help those in need; their mission as a nonprofit organization is dedicated to the success of women and their children moving from homelessness to healthy independent lives, striving to empower women and their children to overcome homelessness for generations to come; their proven program provides stable housing and wraparound services with highly-individualized support that fosters education, financial literacy, strong family relationships and healthy living, leading to a lifetime of self-sufficiency; and Whereas, since the Saint Louise House was founded in Austin in 2000, there have been 205 families served, 448 children served with 100% moving to the next grade level, and 90% of the women increasing self- sufficiency; in 2020 there were 12 successful graduations, 15 families moved out of homelessness into St. Louise House, and even with COVID-19, 80% of families continued to make progress toward self-sufficiency; and Whereas, the need for housing and services such as those provided by St. Louise House exceeds current capacity, with a waiting list for families needing guidance and assistance; and Whereas, the Commission for Women passed Recommendation 20210203-04b: Continued Funding for the Hotel Safety …
Austin Commission for Women Recommendation 20220302-xxx: Short Title WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, sexual violence is an issue that disproportionately impacts female-identifying individuals, and women and girls are particularly vulnerable to and impacted by sexual violence. WHEREAS, survivors of sexual violence face many barriers to accessing resources and safety, including fear of criminal justice systems, the lack of a financial safety net, religious and cultural barriers, fear of deportation, lack of awareness or knowledge of the legal system, lack of adequate childcare services, and lack of low-cost housing options. WHEREAS, as proven by both national and state data, sexual assault is still vastly under- reported, under-investigated by law enforcement, and under-prosecuted. WHEREAS, sexual assault survivors benefit from and are entitled to wraparound services in the aftermath of a sexual assault, and it is widely understood that access to resources such as counseling, legal services, housing, and basic needs improves outcomes for survivors including healing and recovery, as well as enables them to participate in the investigation and prosecution of their case should they wish to. WHEREAS, in the 2021 Mid-Year Recommendations Report, the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force called for resources earmarked for victims/survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking, regardless of law enforcement reporting and/or cooperation. WHEREAS, the City of Austin has made an ongoing commitment to survivors of sexual assault to ensure that their cases are handled appropriately and that they receive the support and resources they need. WHEREAS, on January 28, 2022, the City of Austin settled a lawsuit with sexual assault survivors, in which the City publicly committed to ensuring that in the future, survivors of sexual assault who come forward are treated seriously, are communicated with effectively, and will have their claims investigated thoroughly. WHEREAS, the City of Austin has invested significant resources into an independent evaluation of the Austin Police Department's handling of reported sexual assaults over 9 years. WHEREAS, the City of Austin Commission for Women has passed recommendations on dedicating resources and systems improvement for survivors of sexual violence, including eliminating the rape kit backlog and addressing the DNA lab closure (20160810-003a), the …
Contents Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................... 1 Community Partners ............................................................................................................................. 1 Research Team ..................................................................................................................................... 1 City of Austin ......................................................................................................................................... 1 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 3 Key Themes .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Key Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 4 Study Framework ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Key Themes Across Data Collection Tools ............................................................................................... 6 Introduction................................................................................................................................................ 9 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................. 9 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 9 COVID-19 Pandemic and Racial Unrest ............................................................................................... 9 LGBTQIA+ Population in US, Texas, and Austin ................................................................................ 10 Austin LGBTQIA+ History ................................................................................................................... 11 Research Advisory Board ................................................................................................................... 12 Qwell Foundation Prior Surveys.......................................................................................................... 13 Methodology ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Qualitative Findings ................................................................................................................................. 14 Stakeholder Interviews ........................................................................................................................ 15 Town Halls ........................................................................................................................................... 19 Focus Groups ...................................................................................................................................... 23 Power Analysis .................................................................................................................................... 27 Quantitative Findings .............................................................................................................................. 30 Summation of Comparative Data ........................................................................................................ 30 Demographics ..................................................................................................................................... 31 Community and Social Connectedness .............................................................................................. 33 Economic Opportunity and Work ........................................................................................................ 37 Educational Opportunity and Access .................................................................................................. 41 Health .................................................................................................................................................. 43 Housing ............................................................................................................................................... 68 Personal Safety ................................................................................................................................... 70 Social and Public Services/Benefits .................................................................................................... 75 Overall Quality of Life .......................................................................................................................... 78 Disparities................................................................................................................................................ 79 Policy Priorities ........................................................................................................................................ 92 Findings Across Foundational Outcomes ............................................................................................... 93 Community and Social Connectedness .............................................................................................. 93 Economic Opportunity ......................................................................................................................... 94 Health .................................................................................................................................................. 94 Housing ............................................................................................................................................... 95 Safety .................................................................................................................................................. 96 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ........................................................................................................... 97 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 98 Key Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 98 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................. 101 About HMA Community Strategies ....................................................................................................... 102 Appendix ................................................................................................................................................... 103 Acknowledgments A. HMA Community Strategies is deeply grateful for the support and participation of countless LGBTQIA+ and allied organizations, groups, businesses, and community members throughout this project. Community Partners Research Team HMA Community Strategies Charles Robbins, MBA – Project Director Iliana Gilman, MA – Project Manager Michelle Parra, PhD Catherine Guerrero, MPH Ryan Maganini Research Advisory Board Alexander Anderson KB Richard Bondi Sha’nyia Baltimore Sam Davis Tabitha Hamilton Lex Keaton Rocky Lane Lais Milburn Philip Schnarrs Alexander Zapata City of Austin City of Austin’s Equity Office Brion Oaks, Chief Equity Officer Kellee Coleman, Business Process Consultant, Sr. Amanda Jasso, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager Rocío Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Program Manager Joshua Robinson, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator Enakshi Ganguly, Public Information Specialist, Sr. Brandon Kroos, Business Process Specialist LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Ruben Baeza Sandra Chavez Charles Curry Kannou Curette Tarik Daniels Deirdre Doughty Nan Dowling Saul Gonzalez Christina Gorczynski Kathryn Gonzales Terrance Hines Holly Kirby Rebecca Dreke Dr. Victor Martinez Melissa Taylor Brandon Wollerson Tarik Daniels 1 2 Executive Summary This report summarizes the results of the ShoutOut Austin Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual …
WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill 8 became law on September 1, 2021, essentially banning abortions after six weeks gestation and allowing private citizens to sue abortion providers. Historically, roughly 85% of abortions in Texas take place after six weeks gestations; and WHEREAS, there are nearly 7 million women of reproductive age in Texas, and The Texas Policy Evaluation Project estimates the law means only 16% of Texans seeking abortions will be able to access them in-state, and as many of 46% of people seeking abortions in Texans will carry their pregnancies to term against their will; and WHEREAS, a report from the Guttmacher Institute, Texas patients will now have to travel 20 times farther to get an abortion — increasing driving times an average of 3.5 hours each way. Already, people who struggle to make ends meet are often forced to delay abortion services because they need time to secure the funds. They are also less able to travel out of state to get the care they need; and WHEREAS, in Texas, like many states, a legacy of systemic racism has trapped Black women and Latinas in poverty at disproportionately high rates, and they likely will be most harmed by this ban; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission for Women recommends: The City of Austin should allocate funding to help buffer the impact of SB8 for Austin birthing individuals. 1. Funding should be allocated to Austin health centers that offer reproductive healthcare and who are now taking on additional and unplanned resources in the aftermath of the passing of SB8 in 2021. 2. Funding should be allocated to provide legal resources to support the current lawsuits that challenge SB8.
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20220302-02d: Public Safety Recommendations Date: March 2, 2022 Subject: Public Safety Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Juliana Gonzales Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, sexual violence is an issue that disproportionately impacts female-identifying individuals, and women and girls are particularly vulnerable to and impacted by sexual violence; and WHEREAS, survivors of sexual violence face many barriers to accessing resources and safety, including fear of criminal justice systems, the lack of a financial safety net, religious and cultural barriers, fear of deportation, lack of awareness or knowledge of the legal system, lack of adequate childcare services, and lack of low-cost housing options; and WHEREAS, as proven by both national and state data, sexual assault is still vastly under- reported, under-investigated by law enforcement, and under-prosecuted; and WHEREAS, sexual assault survivors benefit from and are entitled to wraparound services in the aftermath of a sexual assault, and it is widely understood that access to resources such as counseling, legal services, housing, and basic needs improves outcomes for survivors including healing and recovery, as well as enables them to participate in the investigation and prosecution of their case should they wish to; and WHEREAS, in the 2021 Mid-Year Recommendations Report, the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force called for resources earmarked for victims/survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Human Trafficking, regardless of law enforcement reporting and/or cooperation; and 1 WHEREAS, the City of Austin has made an ongoing commitment to survivors of sexual assault to ensure that their cases are handled appropriately and that they receive the support and resources they need; and WHEREAS, on January 28, 2022, the City of Austin settled a lawsuit with sexual assault survivors, in which the City publicly committed to ensuring that in the future, survivors of sexual assault who come forward are treated seriously, are communicated with effectively, and will have their claims investigated thoroughly; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has invested significant resources into an independent evaluation of the Austin Police Department's handling of reported sexual assaults over 9 years; and WHEREAS, the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20220302-02d: Recommendations for Menstrual Equity Date: March 2, 2022 Subject: Menstrual Equity Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Flannery Bope Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, the average woman has her period for 2,535 days of her life, which is about seven years, and will spend about $18,000 on menstrual products. Tampons and pads are subject to sales tax and not covered by food stamps. For women below the poverty line, this means they may go without menstrual products, which may lead to missed work and school; and WHEREAS, to create equity for menstruating individuals, there is a growing movement to provide menstrual hygiene products in schools and workplaces for free; and WHEREAS, the commission requested, via recommendation 20190814-0303 on July 10, 2019, funding be put in place for the development and enactment of a menstrual equity program in all City facilities, and worked with Austin Public Health to launch a menstrual equity pilot program at several City facilities, WHEREAS, in 2019 Austin Public Health conducted a pilot project to distribute menstrual supplies to Austin residents via neighborhood centers, health centers, and other City facilities, and one outcome was that 72% of those receiving supplies saying it enabled them to not miss school. 1 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission for Women recommends for the FY2022-2023 budget: The City of Austin should allocate funding to Austin Public Health to distribute menstrual hygiene supplies, and implement the lessons learned from the 2019 pilot project. Date of Approval: March 2, 2022 Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, with two commissioners absent. Attest: Jonathan Babiak Jonathan Babiak, Staff Liaison 2
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20220302-02d: Recommendations for Mental Health Date: March 2, 2022 Subject: Mental Health Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Juliana Gonzales Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, the United States is currently in a mental health crisis and quickly approaching a second pandemic of mental health spillover and burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32340586/), for which Austin is not exempt (https://www.mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america); and WHEREAS, according to Mental Health America (https://mhanational.org/issues/2021/ranking- states), Texas is among the lowest ranked states in regards to access to mental health care; and WHEREAS, recent suicide data suggests that Austin suicide rates were on an increase over the last several years (https://www.livestories.com/statistics/texas/travis-county-suicide-deaths- mortality); and WHEREAS, disparities are apparent among mental health treatment for individuals from underserved communities in Austin (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, etc.), who are less likely to engage in services due to the lack of culturally-specific providers in the Austin community, and significant financial barriers; these issues were highlighted in the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life study (https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=368782); and 1 WHEREAS, the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force 2021 Mid Year Recommendations report (https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Completed%20RPS%20Taskforce%20Mid- Year%20Recommendations%20Report.pdf) highlights the need for mental health resources allocated to the community; and WHEREAS, on June 22, 2020 the Commission for Women passed Recommendation 20200622- 03A1: Race and Gender Equity (https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=342481), which included a recommendation to address disparate economic, health and safety impacts on women of color resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREAS, on April 17, 2020 the Commission for Women passed Recommendation 20200417- 03C: COVID-19 Responses for Women and Girls (https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=339033), which highlighted the physical and mental health issues affecting women and girls as a result of the pandemic; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission for Women recommends the following for the FY2022-2023 budget, to address the mental health needs of women, girls, individuals who identify as female, and the broader community: ● The City of Austin prioritize funding to diverse communities regarding mental healthcare, particularly for BIPOC and transgender individuals, including specific recommendations from the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. ● The City of Austin allocated $250,000 to implement the Reimagining Public Safety SSVVP group recommendation related to creating …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20220302-02d: Recommendations for Women Affected by SB8 Date: March 2, 2022 Subject: Women Affected by SB8 Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Josephine Serrata Recommendation to Council WHEREAS, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill 8 became law on September 1, 2021, essentially banning abortions after six weeks gestation and allowing private citizens to sue abortion providers. Historically, roughly 85% of abortions in Texas take place after six weeks gestations; and WHEREAS, there are nearly 7 million women of reproductive age in Texas, and The Texas Policy Evaluation Project estimates the law means only 16% of Texans seeking abortions will be able to access them in-state, and as many of 46% of people seeking abortions in Texans will carry their pregnancies to term against their will; and WHEREAS, a report from the Guttmacher Institute, Texas patients will now have to travel 20 times farther to get an abortion — increasing driving times an average of 3.5 hours each way. Already, people who struggle to make ends meet are often forced to delay abortion services because they need time to secure the funds. They are also less able to travel out of state to get the care they need; and WHEREAS, in Texas, like many states, a legacy of systemic racism has trapped Black women and Latinas in poverty at disproportionately high rates, and they likely will be most harmed by this ban; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Commission for Women recommends for the FY2022-2023 budget: 1 The City of Austin should allocate funding to help buffer the impact of SB8 for Austin birthing individuals. 1. Funding should be allocated to Austin health centers that offer reproductive healthcare and who are now taking on additional and unplanned resources in the aftermath of the passing of SB8 in 2021. 2. Funding should be allocated to provide legal resources to support the current lawsuits that challenge SB8. states for abortion care. 3. Funding should be allocated to provide practical support to help people travel to other 4. Funding to help women seeking prenatal care and healthcare options for those that choose to …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN RECOMMENDATION 20220302-02d: Women Experiencing Homelessness Date: March 2, 2022 Subject: Women Experiencing Homelessness Motioned By: Rebecca Austen Seconded By: Flannery Bope Recommendation to Council Whereas, the Commission for Women (“Commission”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls; and Whereas, women and female-identifying persons (hereafter referenced as “women”) may be more vulnerable and less safe while experiencing homelessness; these risks are amplified for those with children; these women and children are often considered “hidden” - rather than living on the streets, they may be sleeping in cars, hotels, or shelters, or moving from one place to another with friends or family; and Whereas, being unhoused causes interrelated issues with poverty, access to stable housing, employment, child care, schooling, and family life; according to a presentation from Saint Louise House to the Commission working group on August 4, 2021, 84% of homeless families are led by women, 53% of these mothers lack a high school diploma, and 92% have experienced abuse; and Whereas, women with or without children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and any other form of sexual violence or trauma are at a greater risk; and Whereas, the capacity of short or long-term shelters and temporary/transitional housing for women and families is limited, and exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions; shelters and temporary facilities may also lack services tailored to the specific needs of women and families; and Whereas, the Saint Louise House is a viable solution to help those in need; their mission as a nonprofit organization is dedicated to the success of women and their children moving from homelessness to healthy independent lives, striving to empower women and their children to 1 overcome homelessness for generations to come; their proven program provides stable housing and wraparound services with highly-individualized support that fosters education, financial literacy, strong family relationships and healthy living, leading to a lifetime of self-sufficiency; and Whereas, since the Saint Louise House was founded in Austin in 2000, there have been 205 families served, 448 children served with 100% moving to the next grade level, and 90% of the women increasing self-sufficiency; in 2020 there were 54 families with 125 children served, 12 successful graduations, …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 2, 2022 REGULER MEETING Wednesday, March 2, 2022 COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a hybrid regular meeting on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, with Chair Austen at Austin City Hall, 301 West Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701 in Room 1101, and the remaining members participating by videoconference. Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 12:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Vanessa Bissereth Juliana Gonzales Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Josie Serrata Commissioners Absent: Priscilla Cortez Neva Fernandez Vacant: District 2 Vacant: Mayor Adler Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on February 2, 2022. The minutes from the regular meeting on February 2, 2022 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Flannery’s second on a vote of 7-0. 2. OLD BUSINESS groups: a. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the following working COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES i. Homelessness Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Motion to approve the draft recommendations for Women Experiencing Homelessness with changes was approved. It was put forth by Chair Austen and seconded by Commissioner Rattan. The motion passed 7-0. ii. Public Safety Motion to approve the draft recommendations for Public Safety with changes was approved. It was put forth by Chair Austen and seconded by Commissioner Gonzales. The motion passed 7-0. iii. Health Motion to approve the draft recommendations for Women Affected by Senate Bill 8 with changes was approved. It was put forth by Chair Austen and seconded by Josie Serrata. Record of vote: Passed on a 6-1 vote, with Chair Austen, Vice Chair Bope, Commissioners Bissereth, Gonzales, Melendez, and Serrata in favor; Commissioner Rattan against; and two commissioners absent. Motion to approve the draft recommendations for Menstrual Equity with changes was approved. It was put forth by Chair Austen and seconded by Commissioner Flannery seconded. The motion passed 7-0. A motion to address mental health recommendations was put forth by Chair Austen and seconded by Commissioner Gonzales. The motion passed 7-0. iv. Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls Discussion was held. No action was taken. b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion c. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin Committee. Discussion was held. No action …
CITY OF AUSTIN COMMISSION FOR WOMEN REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, February 2, 2022, 12:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, Room 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of Commission for Women may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (10) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed three minutes to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on a. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the following working groups: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 3, 2021. 2. OLD BUSINESS i. Homelessness ii. Safety iii. Health iv. Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion Committee. c. Discussion and possible action regarding 2022 Commission Working Groups. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Melissa Taylor, Vice Chair, City of Austin Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Quality of Life Advisory Commission, followed by discussion and possible action regarding the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. b. Discussion and possible action regarding selection of members to represent the Commission for Women on the Joint Inclusion Committee. c. Discussion and possible action regarding the City of Austin FY2022 & FY2023 budget. d. Discussion and possible action regarding the 2022 Commission for Women Charter. 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 contact Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Commission for Women, please contact Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights, at 512-974-3203 or jonathan.babiak@austintexas.gov.
City of Austin Commission for Women 2022 Charter • Austin will be the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls Vision Mission Definition Values • The Commission for Women serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the city council and city manager to prioritize women’s quality of life, so that Austin becomes the most equitable city in the nation for women and girls. • The Commission for Women defines “women and girls” as individuals who identify as female, including those who are transgender and non-binary. • We prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion • We raise awareness, are a resource, and take action through our expertise on women's issues • We recognize the achievements of women who make an impact on equity • We collaborate among the community and city leadership to accomplish collective goals • We are tenacious and drive results Quality of Life Issues and Priorities for Women and Girls • Economic equity, including access to opportunity, workplace equity, affordability, housing and homelessness, childcare, and non-discrimination (e.g., CEDAW) • Safety, including sexual assault, domestic violence, trafficking, violence prevention, public safety and policing reform, victim services, and survivor experience • Health, including mental and physical well-being, access to quality and affordable healthcare, menstrual equity, maternal mortality, reproductive and sexual health, and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic • Gender and race equity, including the intersection of disparities across race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation These issues are a priority for the Commission for Women, and they define our work through 2023. We will measure our success on these issues and use them as benchmarks for the quality of life of women and girls. We will collaborate with city departments, community organizations, the Equity Office, and other Commissions (via the Joint Inclusion Committee), particularly regarding issues that affect women and girls of color. We will monitor key City of Austin leadership positions to ensure candidates make these issues a priority. We will champion these issues through recommendations, aligned working groups, budget planning, and recognition of those who advance equity for women and girls. Page 1 City of Austin Commission for Women 2022 Charter 2022 Working Groups & Goals Working Groups 2022 Goals Homelessness Research and recommend actions to address women and children with housing vulnerabilities or experiencing homelessness. Analyze the intersection of homelessness with safety and mental health, including shelter and housing for women …
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MINUTES The Commission for Women convened for a hybrid regular meeting on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 with Chair Austen at Austin City Hall, 301 West Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701 in Room 1101 and the remaining members participating by videoconference. REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, February 2, 2022 Chair Austen called the Commission Meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Rebecca Austen, Chair Flannery Bope, Vice Chair Vanessa Bissereth Priscilla Cortez Neva Fernandez Juliana Gonzales Diana Melendez Pam Rattan Josie Serrata Staff in Attendance: Jonathan Babiak, Office of Civil Rights CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Consider approval of the minutes from the Commission for Women regular meeting on November 3, 2021. The minutes from the regular meeting on November 3, 2021 were approved on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Rattan’s second on a vote of 9-0. a. Discussion and possible action regarding updated from the following working 2. OLD BUSINESS groups: i. Homelessness ii. Safety Discussion was held. No action was taken. Discussion was held. No action was taken. COMMISSION FOR WOMEN MEETING MINUTES iii. Health Discussion was held. No action was taken. iv. Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls Discussion was held. No action was taken. Wednesday, February 2, 2022 b. Discussion and possible action regarding updates from the Joint Inclusion Discussion was held. No action was taken. c. Discussion and possible action regarding 2021 Commission for Women Working Committee. Groups. Discussion was held. The following working group membership was adopted on Chair Austen’s motion, Commissioner Rattan’s second on a vote of 9-0: Homelessness: Rebecca Austen, Vanessa Bissereth, Flannery Bope, and Pam Rattan Safety: Neva Fernandez, Juliana Gonzales, Josie Serrata, and Amanda Lewis* Health: Flannery Bope, Juliana Gonzales, Diana Melendez, and Josie Serrata Recognition of Equity for Women and Girls: Vanessa Bissereth, Priscilla Cortez, and Diana Melendez d. Discussion and possible action regarding the recommendation for the City of Austin * Community participant FY2022 budget. Discussion was held. No action was taken. 3. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation by Melissa Taylor, Vice Chair, City of Austin Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Quality of Life Advisory Commission, followed by discussion and possible action regarding the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. The presenter was unavailable. By unanimous consent the Commission agreed to return this item to a future agenda. b. Discussion and possible action regarding selection of members to represent the Commission for Women …
