DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240322-005 Subject: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Recommendations Date: March 22, 2024 Motioned By: Katy Jo Muncie Seconded By: Mikaela Frissell Introduction The DACC Advisory Board would like to thank the Austin City Council for supporting DACC, especially within the last year. Recent Council involvement with DACC has included the addition of two new housing-focused case managers and social service dollars, expanding DACC’s jurisdiction, and providing direction to implement a Mobile Court Pilot. DACC has made great strides forward this year, and has also seen a significant increase in demand for their services. Keeping in mind the anticipated limitations the City faces in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget process, the DACC Advisory Board has targeted its recommendations to address the most pressing needs for the people DACC serves. Our recommendations fall into three categories: (1) support for City Council initiatives, (2) increasing service capacity to meet community needs, and (3) increasing resources for operational needs. Recommendations Category 1: Support for City Council Initiatives 1. $254,178 of ongoing funding to fund full implementation of DACC Mobile Court. Category 2: Increase Service Capacity to Meet Community Needs 2. $729,116 of ongoing funding to augment DACC’s Intensive Case Management capacity by adding two housing-focused case manager FTEs and programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to housing. Category 3: Increase Resources for Operational Needs 3. $82,950 of ongoing funding for one Court Clerk Lead FTE to address increase in cases and support operational efficiencies. 4. $250,000 of ongoing funding and $87,500 one-time funding to support and enhance operations of the Violet KeepSafe Storage Program. 5. $250,000 for facility enhancements at DACC to support a trauma-informed environment and address operational needs. 6. Future Considerations: Plan for $2,187,348 of ongoing funding in Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for six grant-funded clinical case managers and programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to long-term, stable housing. Description of Recommendation to Council Category 1: Support for City Council Initiatives 1. $254,178 of ongoing funding to fund full implementation of DACC Mobile Court – As directed by Resolution No. 20230816-016, DACC implemented a Mobile Court Pilot to provide connection to court and case management services in geographically dispersed locations where people were already accessing services in the community. Data reflects that across the 18 Mobile Court service events during the Pilot, that services were well received and impactful for the people who engaged. During the …
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20240322-005 Subject: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Recommendations Date: March 22, 2024 Motioned By: Katy Jo Muncie Seconded By: Mikaela Frissell Introduction The DACC Advisory Board would like to thank the Austin City Council for supporting DACC, especially within the last year. Recent Council involvement with DACC has included the addition of two new housing-focused case managers and social service dollars, expanding DACC’s jurisdiction, and providing direction to implement a Mobile Court Pilot. DACC has made great strides forward this year, and has also seen a significant increase in demand for their services. Keeping in mind the anticipated limitations the City faces in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget process, the DACC Advisory Board has targeted its recommendations to address the most pressing needs for the people DACC serves. Our recommendations fall into three categories: (1) support for City Council initiatives, (2) increasing service capacity to meet community needs, and (3) increasing resources for operational needs. Recommendations Category 1: Support for City Council Initiatives 1. $254,178 of ongoing funding to fund full implementation of DACC Mobile Court. Category 2: Increase Service Capacity to Meet Community Needs 2. $729,116 of ongoing funding to augment DACC’s Intensive Case Management capacity by adding two housing-focused case manager FTEs and programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to housing. Category 3: Increase Resources for Operational Needs 3. $82,950 of ongoing funding for one Court Clerk Lead FTE to address increase in cases and support operational efficiencies. 4. $250,000 of ongoing funding and $87,500 one-time funding to support and enhance operations of the Violet KeepSafe Storage Program. 5. $250,000 for facility enhancements at DACC to support a trauma-informed environment and address operational needs. 6. Future Considerations: Plan for $2,187,348 of ongoing funding in Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget for six grant-funded clinical case managers and programmatic funding to continue connecting clients to long-term, stable housing. Description of Recommendation to Council Category 1: Support for City Council Initiatives 1. $254,178 of ongoing funding to fund full implementation of DACC Mobile Court – As directed by Resolution No. 20230816-016, DACC implemented a Mobile Court Pilot to provide connection to court and case management services in geographically dispersed locations where people were already accessing services in the community. Data reflects that across the 18 Mobile Court service events during the Pilot, that services were well received and impactful for the people who engaged. During the …
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (22, March 2024) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES 22, MARCH 2024 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 22, MARCH 2024, at 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD in Austin, Texas. Chair Lea Downey Gallatin called the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting to order at 8:09 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Mikaela Frissell, Dr. Anu Kapadia, Katy Jo Muncie, Robin G. Sontheimer Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely:, Vice-Chair Nicole Golden, Kergin Bedell, Kate Garza, and Roy Woody PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bill Brice – item #5 of the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on JANUARY 19, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of January 19, 2024, were approved on Board Member Mikaela Frissell’s motion, Board Member Dr. Anu Kapadia’s second on an (8-0) vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness response system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. None Roy Woody joined dais at 8:30am 1 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (22, March 2024) DACC Mobile Court Pilot Update on services provided, outcomes achieved and recommendations for continuing a Mobile Court program. (Downey Gallatin/ Golden) – Chris Anderson, Court Operations Manager, DACC and Bonnie Sultan with Sultan Justice Consulting. Chris Anderson discussed the progress and data of the Mobile Court program. Bonnie Sultan presented on her third-party analysis of the Mobile Court Program and presented the outcomes and recommendations. Her recommendations include: Implement a sustainable, fully staffed, DACC Mobile Court Program i. ii. Continue and expand upon stakeholder engagement to inform full Mobile Court Implementation Increase onsite staff to address impact on existing requests for DACC services with the implementation of Mobile Court Invest in Mobile Court transportation resources and technology iii. iv. Kate Garza left dais at 8:42am. Status of DACC operational areas including performance measures and services delivered through Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and Support Services. (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, DACC. Presently exploring the collection of data, numbers, and trend collecting. Trends in court services are increasing, and we’ll compare them in the upcoming report with …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD JANUARY 19, 2024 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 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 Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Kergin Bedell Mikaela Frissell Kate Garza Nicole Golden, Vice-Chair Dr. Anu Kapadia Faye Mills KatyJo Muncie Robin G. Sontheimer Roy Woody CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 (five) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING on NOVEMBER 17, 2023. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM FEEDBACK Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. DISCUSSION ITEMS FY24 DACC Budget Update (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Albert Castro, Financial, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) FY25 City of Austin Budget Timeline (Downey Gallatin/Golden) - Albert Castro, Financial, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) DACC Advisory Board Annual outlook and procedures (Downey Gallatin/ Golden) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Status of DACC operations (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) 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 Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Austin …
Downtown Austin Community Court FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET JANUARY 19, 2024 DACC – Budget Highlights • $644,550 in ongoing funding for two (2) Clinical Case Managers Funding included: ◦ $211,038 in salaries and fringe benefits ◦ $9,582 in equipment licenses & software ◦ $7,000 in vehicle preventative maintenance ◦ $416,930 in grant funding to sub-recipients DACC will partner with: ◦ Travis County ◦ Integral Care ◦ Central Health • $2,000,000 in one-time funding for a Diversion Center Pilot Program DACC – Budget Highlights • City Council provided direction and support for DACC to implement a Mobile Court Pilot Program ◦ The program will connect people in the community with solutions for resolving cases while providing an immediate connection to services and resource navigation through onsite case managers ◦ DACC will work with community stakeholders as it begins to implement this pilot ◦ At this time, a specific allocation of funding has not been granted to DACC, however, we have set up a task order to keep track of project costs City of Austin – Budget Highlights • 4% increase in base pay for regular employees hired on or before April 1, 2023 effective as of October 1, 2023 • A third personal holiday for all employees beginning January 1, 2024 • No premium rate increase for City medical coverage plans • Elimination of the initial six-month waiting period for new employees to use accrued vacation leave • Employee retirement contributions increased from 8% to 9% of base wages on January 1, 2024
Parallel Shift: Agustina Rodriguez 1/22/2024 1 Budget Process • Department proposals • Board and Commission recommendations • Audit recommendations • Items from Council (IFCs) Budget Development — Equity first approach starting in FY 2016 FY24 All City Funds - $5.5 Billion Uses of Funds Convention Center 5% General Fund Operations 24% Aviation 5% Austin Water 13% Austin Resource Recovery 2% GO Debt Service 4% Internal Service Operations 7% Other Expenses 6% Watershed Protection 2% Austin Energy 28% Transportation and Public Works 4% 1/22/2024 3 FY 2023-24 General Fund Budget $1.3 Billion FY 2023-24 Source of Funds 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% $630.5M $375.6M $164.0M $174.1M FY 2023-24 Use of Funds Austin Public Health 9% Parks and Recreation 9% EMS 9% Planning 1% Housing 1% Fire 18% Police 36% Forensic Science 1% Library 5% Transfers & Other 7% Animal Services 1% Municipal Court 3% Property Tax Sales Tax Utility Transfers Other Revenue 65.5% Personnel | 32.2% Contractuals & Commodities | 2.3% Other 1/22/2024 4 General Fund Five-Year Forecast Five-Year General Fund Outlook: FY24 – FY28 $1.3 million projected deficit by FY28 Balanced in FY24 $1,352 M $1,393 M $1,436 M $1,485 M $1,535 M FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 FY 2027-28 Base Expenditures Projected Revenue at Voter-Approval Rate 1/22/2024 5 FY24 Budget Timeline BOARDS & COMMISSIONS BUDGET PRIORITY SURVEY COMMUNITY INPUT MEETINGS MAY Financial Forecast Presentation to Council Department Budget & CYEs due May 3 JULY Proposed Budget Presentation to Council AUGUST Budget Public Hearing, Set Max Tax Rate, and Work Session JULY Community Input and Work Session AUGUST Work Session AUGUST Budget Readings and Tax Rate Hearings OCTOBER First day of the Fiscal Year MARCH Board & Commission recommendations due Department Financial Forecast due March 8 POLICY INPUT FORECASTING & BUDGET DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL DELIBERATION & ADOPTION NEW FISCAL YEAR 1/22/2024 6
DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures Agenda Introduction City Issued Email Hybrid Meetings Working Groups vs. Committee Retreat/Workshop/ Community Interest Announcement Attendance Annual Timeline for Board DACC Forecast Issues for Fiscal Year 2024 DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures 2 Introduction DACC Advisory Board is tasked with: Advising the Downtown Austin Community Court on policy and operational issues and advising City Council about the operations and policies of the court. DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures 3 City Issued Emails • City Code only authorizes the city issued email address for electronic communications to conduct business. We understand its challenging for everyone, but we must do our part. • If a board member uses their personal email, they are subject to open records. Please let us know if you wish to have your personal email taken off the distribution list. DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures Hybrid Meetings Members and Presenters need cameras on • We recommend cameras remain on at all times, but at minimum, they MUST be on during roll call, voting or while they are speaking. • Advisory Board Attendance and Conflict of Interest Form needs to be signed by all attendees and members attending through virtual meetings. DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures 5 Working Group vs. Committee Working Groups are Temporary • The working groups should only be used for temporary, short-term projects, reports, assignments, etc. Ongoing work is not appropriate for a working group. • The board can determine the size of a working group but the number of board members serving on the working group must be less than a quorum of the board. Committee • Please refer to Article 8 of bylaws. DACC Advisory Board will have no committees. • Each committee must be established by an affirmative vote of the board. A committee cannot meet until its creation is approved by the Council Audit and Finance Committee DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures 6 Retreat or Workshop Post an agenda? • With few exceptions, any gathering where a quorum will be present and Boards and Commission business will be discussed, conducted, or acted upon is considered a meeting by Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) and would require proper public notification – a posted agenda. DACC Advisory Board Annual Outlook and Procedures 7 Community Interest Announcement Post an agenda for Events? • When a quorum might …
DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (19, January 2024) DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 19, 2024 The DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on 19, JANUARY 2024, at 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD in Austin, Texas. Chair Lea Downey Gallatin called the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD Meeting to order at 8:08 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Vice-Chair Nicole Golden, and Katy Jo Muncie Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mikaela Frissell, Kate Garza, Faye Mills, and Roy Woody PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING on JANUARY 19. The minutes from the meeting of January 19, 2024, were approved on Board Member’s Katy Jo Muncie’s motion, Board Member Kate Garza’s second on an (7-0) vote. AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM FEEDBACK 2. Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. None 1 DACC ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES (19, January 2024) DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. FY24 DACC Budget Update (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Albert Castro, Financial, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Updated budget highlights were given to the Board, and they included the two case managers, the Mobile Court Pilot Program, and one-time funding for the Diversion Center, elements from the City of Austin’s budget as well. 4. FY25 City of Austin Budget Timeline (Downey Gallatin/Golden) - Albert Castro, Financial, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) Reviewed a schedule outlining the steps involved in submitting recommendations to Council. Create a working group to address and develop a budget recommendation that will be discussed for approval at the board meeting in March. Members Lea, Mikaela, Katy Jo, and Nicole are willing to join and Faye, if needed. 5. DACC Advisory Board Annual outlook and procedures (Downey Gallatin/ Golden) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) A review of procedures was given to the Board. Board member Mikaela Frissell left dais at 9:04am. 6. Status of DACC operations (Downey Gallatin/Golden) – Robert Kingham, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) DACC provided the Board a report of DACC services and Data Overview of Community Services, Court Services, Homeless Services and …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD NOVEMBER 18, 2022 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING CONFERENCE ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 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 Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Kergin Bedell Darilynn Cardona-Beiler, Vice Chair Jason English Sylvia Alvarado Kate Garza Nicole Golden Jocelyn Schwartz CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 (five) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on SEPTEMBER 30, 2022. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT 2. 3. 4. 5. AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM FEEDBACK Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. DISCUSSION ITEMS Status of DACC operations (Downey Gallatin/ Cardona-Beiler) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Downtown Austin Community Court geographic service area (GSA)/ and adjudicated offenses analysis project – Lauren Stott, DACC Business Process Specialist Adopt meeting schedule for 2023 (Downey Gallatin/ Cardona-Beiler) – Edna Staniszewski, DACC Business Process Specialist 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 Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board, please contact Edna Staniszewski at (512) 974-1260 or at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT REPORT For the Downtown Austin Community Court Geographic Service Area and Adjudicated Cases Analysis SEPTEMBER 2022 1 DACC GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS Report Introduction……….………………………………………………..………………………………………………Page 03 Section 1: Executive Summary………………………………………………..……………………………………….Page 04 Section 2: Geographic Service Area Analysis Project Overview………………………..………………Page 06 Section 3: Stakeholder Engagement Summary and Participant Snapshot……………..…………Page 07 Section 4: Emergent Themes and Data Analysis…………………………………………………..………….Page 10 Section 5: Summary and Next Steps…………………………………………………………………….………….Page 21 Appendix A: Stakeholder Engagement Approach and Methodology Detail……………..………Page 23 Appendix B: GSA Data Analysis Needs……………..………………………………………………….………….Page 27 Appendix C: Current DACC Geographic Service Area Map…………………..………..…….………….Page 29 Appendix D: List of Class C Misdemeanors……………………………………………..….……….………….Page 30 2 DACC GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT REPORT REPORT INTRODUCTION What is included in this document? This document is a comprehensive exhibit of the results from the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) stakeholder engagement process for its geographic service area (GSA) and adjudicated cases analysis project. This report includes an Executive Summary that begins on the next page. The Executive Summary is a brief overview of the general project, the engagement process and the resulting key takeaways. All of the information in the Executive Summary is included in subsequent sections of the document with greater detail and context. Following the Executive Summary is a detailed description of the GSA analysis project in Section 2: Geographic Service Area Analysis Project Overview. This section including DACC’s history and the purpose of the GSA analysis. A summary of the stakeholder engagement process, and a brief look at the participants, are included in Section 3: Stakeholder Engagement Summary and Participant Snapshot. Additional detail about the stakeholder engagement process is included in Appendix A. Section 4: Emergent Themes and Data Analysis is the longest section of this report, and includes synthesized data from the stakeholder engagement process. Eight themes are outlined in this section, which serve to inform the next steps of the GSA analysis project. The report concludes with Section 5: Summary and Next Steps. Included in the appendices are additional context and detail about the engagement processes, data analysis needs for the forthcoming project phase, a map of DACC’s current GSA, and a list of all Class C misdemeanors processed at DACC. 3 DACC GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT REPORT Section 1: GSA Stakeholder Engagement Data Synthesis Executive Summary DACC Background and Project Summary For more than 20 years, the Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) has provided justice diversion and …
D OW N TOW N AU S T I N C O M M U N I T Y C O U R T GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA AND ADJUDICATED CASES ANALYSIS November 18, 2022 PROJECT SUMMARY DACC is conducting an analysis of its current and potential geographic service area (GSA) and adjudicated citations. Geographic service area: The neighborhoods for which DACC adjudicates citations. Currently: downtown, UT’s west campus, and east Austin Adjudicated cases: The charge codes, or offenses, that are heard at DACC. Currently Class C misdemeanors (includes Prop B and state camping ban violations) The purpose of this analysis is to understand the efficacy of DACC’s current GSA and adjudicated citations, and to determine whether expansion or alterations might better serve the community and DACC stakeholders. RESEARCH QUESTIONS How effective is DACC’s current set-up of geographic service area and adjudicated cases? Are there changes that should be considered, or potential reimagined operations structures that DACC management should explore? STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROCESS OPTION SET Option #1: DACC to Maintain Adjudication of Prop B/Statewide Camping Ban Violations Citywide; Expand Adjudication of Current Charge Codes (all other Class C misdemeanors) Citywide Option #1.5: DACC to Maintain Adjudication of Prop B/Statewide Camping Ban Violations Citywide; Expand Adjudication of Current Charge Codes (other Class C misdemeanors) to Other Parts of Austin on a Needs-Based Timeline Option #2: DACC to Maintain Current Charge Codes in Existing Geographic Service Area and Citywide Prop B/State Camping Ban Violations, Expand to Include Any Charge Codes for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Citywide Option #3: DACC to Drop Current Charge Codes, Adjudicate Only Citywide Prop B/State Camping Ban Violations, and Any Charge Codes for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Citywide CASE VOLUME DATA Option #1: DACC to Maintain Adjudication of Prop B/Statewide Camping Ban Violations Citywide; Expand Adjudication of Current Charge Codes (all other Class C misdemeanors) Citywide - Average (max) # of cases currently adjudicated at AMC that would come to DACC: 4,715 Option #1.5: DACC to Maintain Adjudication of Prop B/Statewide Camping Ban Violations Citywide; Expand Adjudication of Current Charge Codes (other Class C misdemeanors) to Other Parts of Austin on a Needs-Based Timeline - Average (max) # of Top 10 cases that would come to DACC instead of AMC: 3,915 Option #2: DACC to Maintain Current Charge Codes in Existing Geographic Service Area and Citywide Prop B/State Camping Ban Violations, Expand …
Alignment with Key Takeaways (below) from Stakeholder Engagement Process Expanding DACC’s GSA to other parts of Austin is supported by 93 percent of participants that chose to express their preference. DACC maintaining case types for housed people (instead of exclusively serving people experiencing homelessness) is supported by 69 percent of participants that chose to express their preference. More than 40 individual stakeholder references to geographic or service expansion directly emphasized the resources needed to maintain quality service levels. Stakeholders frequently discussed ways to strengthen opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness to connect to social service. Stakeholders expressed desire for elements such as access and equity to be prioritized in upcoming decision-making or recommendations regarding DACC’s GSA and adjudicated cases, with particular attention to the current exclusion of DACC’s benefits for people outside of the current GSA boundaries. In discussions/questions about citations, responses did not strongly align with any particular viewpoints. Some respondents said they want to see more enforcement for Class C misdemeanors; others prefer a more lenient approach. Stakeholders expressed need for more education about DACC in order to participate in productive conversations. There was also desire for more information sharing about DACC generally, particularly about available services and successful outcomes experienced by DACC defendants and clients. Stakeholders provided specific input on information that should be considered before any recommendations for change are made. This input ranged from cost analysis for staff expansion to data about DACC defendant/client diversity. Alignment with DACC's mission and purpose Does this option require policy change? Does this option require significant Court Services resources? Option #1: DACC to Maintain Adjudication of Prop B/Statewide Camping Ban Violations Citywide; Expand Adjudication of Current Charge Codes (all other Class C misdemeanors) Citywide Option #1.5: DACC to Maintain Adjudication of Prop B/Statewide Camping Ban Violations Citywide; Expand Adjudication of Current Charge Codes (other Class C misdemeanors) to Other Parts of Austin on a Needs-Based Timeline Option #2: DACC to Maintain Current Charge Codes in Existing Geographic Service Area and Citywide Prop B/State Camping Ban Violations, Expand to Include Any Charge Codes for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Citywide Option #3: DACC to Drop Current Charge Codes, Adjudicate Only Citywide Prop B/State Camping Ban Violations, and Any Charge Codes for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Citywide Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Incompatible Incompatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Compatible Incompatible - People experiencing homelessness receive other citations besides Prop B/State Camping Ban …
Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) DACC Geographic Service Area (GSA) Options Data Option #1: DACC to Maintain Adjudication of Prop B/Statewide Camping Ban Violations Citywide; Expand Adjudication of Current Charge Codes (all other Class C misdemeanors) Citywide Like Charge Codes at DACC, AMC The table below shows the total number of cases adjudicated at DACC from 2017-2019 in Row 1. In Row 2 (labeled AMC), those same cases cited outside of DACC’s GSA for the same three-year period are shown. Option #1 reflects an expansion of all current DACC cases city-wide. Court DACC AMC 2017 6,026 6,336 2018 2,842 4,649 2019 2,020 3,160 DACC’s average number of total adjudicated cases for the three-year period is 3,629. Average (maximum) number of cases currently adjudicated at AMC that would come to DACC in Option #1: 4,715 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Option #1.5: DACC to Maintain Adjudication of Prop B/Statewide Camping Ban Violations Citywide; Expand Adjudication of Current Charge Codes (other Class C misdemeanors) to Other Parts of Austin on a Needs-Based Timeline A needs-based timeline discussed at the staff level would include the initial expansion of DACC’s Top 10 cases. The table below represents the case increase to DACC if DACC absorbed the Top 10 cases cited outside of the current GSA (now going to AMC). DACC Top 10 Cases Adjudicated at AMC from 2017-2019 Court AMC 2017 4,953 2018 3,940 2019 2,853 Average (maximum) number of Top 10 cases that would come to DACC instead of AMC in Option #1.5: 3,915 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Option #2: DACC to Maintain Current Charge Codes in Existing Geographic Service Area and Citywide Prop B/State Camping Ban Violations, Expand to Include Any Charge Codes for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Citywide The chart below shows total people experiencing homelessness with cases adjudicated at AMC from 2017-2019. Court AMC 2017 4,029 2018 2,685 2019 2,248 Average (maximum) number of additional cases for people experiencing homelessness that would come to DACC in Option #2: 2,987. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Option #3: DACC to Drop Current Charge Codes, Adjudicate Only Citywide Proposition B/State Camping Ban Violations, and Any Charge Codes for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Citywide The tables below show the number of cases that would come to DACC, if DACC adjudicated only cases for the Proposition B/Statewide Camping Ban violations and other citations given only to people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Court DACC PEH/ Camping Ban Cases AMC PEH/ Camping Ban Cases Total PEH/Camping Ban Cases Court DACC Current …
1. SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING CONFERENCE ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 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 Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Kergin Bedell Darilynn Cardona-Beiler, Vice Chair Jason English Sylvia Alvarado Kate Garza Jocelyn Schwartz Nicole Golden CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 (five) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING on JULY 15, 2022. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM FEEDBACK 2. 3. 4. Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. DISCUSSION ITEMS Status of DACC operations (Downey Gallatin/ Cardona-Beiler) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Presentation of community engagement process results of Downtown Austin Community Court geographic service area (GSA)/ and adjudicated offenses analysis – Lauren Stott, DACC Business Process Specialist FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 5. 6. Update on Intensive Case Management program evaluation project Update on homelessness mapping initiative 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 Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board, please contact Edna Staniszewski at (512) …
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT REPORT For the Downtown Austin Community Court Geographic Service Area and Adjudicated Cases Analysis SEPTEMBER 2022 PROJECT SUMMARY DACC is conducting an analysis of its current and potential geographic service area (GSA) and adjudicated citations. Geographic service area: The neighborhoods for which DACC adjudicates citations. Currently: downtown, UT’s west campus, and east Austin Adjudicated cases: The charge codes, or offenses, that are heard at DACC. Currently Class C misdemeanors (includes Prop B and state camping ban violations) The purpose of this analysis is to understand the efficacy of DACC’s current GSA and adjudicated citations, and to determine whether expansion or alterations might better serve the community and DACC stakeholders. Current stage: Completion of stakeholder engagement period RESEARCH QUESTIONS How effective is DACC’s current set-up of geographic service area and adjudicated cases? Are there changes that should be considered, or potential reimagined operations structures that DACC management should explore? ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS SUMMARY STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT GOALS 1) Introduce the project to the stakeholder community 2) Educate the stakeholder community about DACC and the GSA analysis project 3) Provide stakeholders the opportunity to inform the project 4) Gather input from stakeholders to be used in future GSA/adjudicated cases discussions HOW WE REACHED STAKEHOLDERS Primary engagement period: June-August 2022 Stakeholder engagement partners: Austin Public Health, Public Information Office, Violet Keepsafe storage facility, Austin Public Library Promotion: Virtual and analog Online: Social media, City website, email distribution In the community: Flyers and promotion at DACC, libraries, cooling centers, Violet Keepsafe storage HOW WE ENGAGED WITH STAKEHOLDERS 1) Internal stakeholder workshops (4 total) 2) External community stakeholder meetings (3 total) 3) Open-house style 1:1 engagement opportunities (15 hours of in-person presence) 4) SpeakUp! Austin online community engagement hub WHO DID WE REACH? City staff who work with DACC or are affected by the GSA Internal stakeholders External stakeholders Members of the downtown community (business and residential) Members of the social services community People with lived experience of homelessness AHAC members People using Violet Keepsafe storage facility Results: 747 synthesizable data points ENGAGEMENT RESULTS WHAT THE DATA SHOWS SUMMARY OF THEMES Theme: Access to Resources (152 References) Summary: Respondents discussed general access to court and homelessness resources in Austin, and how DACC’s GSA can act as a facilitator for access, as well as a barrier. Quotes from Participants: “[I could] engage in a …
Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Special Called Meeting Minutes SEPTEMBER 30, 2022 The Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board convened in a Special Called meeting on September 30, 2022 at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road in Austin, Texas. Vice-Chair Darilynn Cardona-Beiler called the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Meeting to order at 8:06 a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Vice Chair Darilynn Cardona-Beiler Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Kergin Bedell, Jason English, Kate Garza, and Jocelyn Schwartz Approve the minutes of the Downtown Austin Community Court Advisory Board Regular Meeting on July 15, 2022. The minutes from the Regular meeting of July 15, 2022 were approved on Chair Lea Downey Gallatin motion, Board Member Jason English second on a (6-0) vote. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Yvonne Weldon APPROVAL OF MINUTES AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM FEEDBACK 2. N/A DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation of community engagement process results of Downtown Austin Community Court geographic service area (GSA)/ and adjudicated offenses analysis – Lauren Stott, DACC Business Process Specialist An explanation of the effectiveness of DACC's present GSA and adjudicated citations was provided to the Board in order to assess if expansion or modification could better benefit the community and DACC stakeholders. 1 1. To debate and offer a framework for what we would like to share feedback on, the board should form a working group. The three board members who volunteered were Chair Lea Downey Gallatin, Board Member Jason English and Board Member Kate Garza. The Board voted on forming a working group to present at the November meeting on Chair Lea Downey Gallatin motion, Board Member Jason English second on a (6-0) vote. 4. DISCUSSION ITEMS Status of DACC operations (Downey Gallatin/ Cardona-Beiler) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) No discussion took place at this time ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 8:55am. The minutes were approved at the November 18, 2022 meeting on Chair Lea Downey Gallatin motion, Board Member Jason English second on a (8-0) vote. 2
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT ADVISORY BOARD JULY 15, 2022 AT 8:00AM ONE TEXAS CENTER, STE 125, TRAINING CONFERENCE ROOM 505 BARTON SPRINGS RD AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704 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 Edna Staniszewski at edna.staniszewski@austintexas.gov or at (512) 974-1260. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Lea Downey Gallatin, Chair Darilynn Cardona-Beiler, Vice Chair Kate Garza Kergin Bedell Nicole Golden Jason English Jocelyn Schwartz CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA The first 5 (five) speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES the minutes of Approve ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING on MAY 20, 2022. the DOWNTOWN AUSTIN COMMUNITY COURT AUSTIN HOMELESSNESS SYSTEM FEEDBACK Individuals sharing first-hand account regarding their experiences being served through Austin’s homelessness system. Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to provide their feedback to the Board. DISCUSSION ITEMS Update on the project progress of Downtown Austin Community Court geographic service area (GSA)/ and adjudicated offenses analysis – Lauren Stott, DACC Business Process Specialist Status of DACC operations, any new trends noticed. Downey Gallatin/ Cardona-Beiler) – Pete Valdez, Court Administrator, Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) 2. 3. 4. a. Homeless Services b. Court Services c. Community Services d. General DACC Updates DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Annual Internal Review Report 5. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 6. 7. Update on Intensive Case Management program evaluation project Update on homelessness mapping initiative 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 Edna Staniszewski at Downtown Austin Community Court, at (512) 974-1260), for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas …
