REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION September 23, 2025, 6:00 P.M. City Hall, Boards and Commissions Room #1101 301 West 2nd St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory 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 Christi Vitela, 512- 974-2792, christi.vitela@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Afifi, Chair Yesenia Ramos, Vice Chair Dulce Castañeda Lyssette Galvan Johanna Moya Fábregas Brian Peña Jesús Perales Melissa Ruiz AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten 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 1. Approve the minutes of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on August 26, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the City of Austin emergency language access plan from the Communications and Public Information Office and the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Michael Ward Jr., President and CEO, Universal Tech Movement, regarding an updated mission, digital inclusion efforts and ways in which the commission can support UTM's pathways into technology. 4. Discussion regarding the changes to the Get to Know Your Commission sessions. 5. Discussion regarding the Tax Rate Election and the changes to FY 26-27 budget engagement and recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve updates to the membership of the Immigration Working Group. 7. Approve the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission’s 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule. 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 call Christi Vitela at the City Clerk’s Department, at 512-974-2792, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For …
Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission August 26, 2025 HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, August 26, 2025 The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi Johanna Moya Fábregas Melissa Ruiz Yesenia Ramos Daniela Silva Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Dulce Castañeda Lyssette Galvan PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Raquel Rivera – Invitation to Ray Lozano’s Baile Folklórico de Texas Gavino Fernandez – College Access Program Luis Acosta – College Access Program APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on July 22, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of July 22, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Silva’s motion, Commissioner Galvan’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Peña and Perales were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission August 26, 2025 2. Staff briefing regarding an introduction and an overview of Austin Equity and Inclusion by the Commission’s new Executive Liaison Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion, Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion, and Enrique Serrano, Civil Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. The presentation was made by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion, and Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Austin Equity and Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of the Austin Equity and Inclusion Office’s Know Your Commission Events. Discussed. 4. Discussion of the Austin Police’s Automated License Plate Reader Program. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a Recommendation to Council to not authorize an Automated License Plate Reader Program. The Recommendation to Council in Opposition to Automated License Plate Reader Programs was approved on Commissioner Moya Fábregas’ motion, and Commissioner Galvan’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Peña and Perales were absent. 6. Approve the formation of Working Group focused on collaborating with relevant stakeholders (agencies, non-profits, service providers, the City of Austin, the faith community and others) to address disparities and enhance preventive measures for the Hispanic/Latino Immigrant community. The Working Group was formed on Vice Chair Ramos’ motion, Commissioner Ruiz’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Peña and Perales were absent. The motion to approve Chair Afifi, and …
Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm 1. January 27, 2026 2. February 24, 2026 3. March 24, 2026 4. April 28, 2026 5. May 19, 2026* 6. June 23, 2026 7. July 28, 2026 8. August 25, 2026 9. September 22, 2026 10. October 27, 2026 11. November 17, 2026* 12. December 15, 2026* *revised due to holiday
Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies Houmma Garba - CPIO David Alcorta – HSEM Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies: Background The City Auditor conducted two audits: one in 2016 and another in 2021, involving language access services provided by the City, which culminated in a special report and staff response. The audits found that the City may not be meeting the needs of all non-English speaking Austinites because written policies did not align with actual practice. Additionally, the Auditor found that the City did not effectively communicate with community members before and during Winter Storm Uri in 2021, especially in language other than English. Because of this, limited English proficiency (LEP) Austinites may not have had the same access to important information and may have been disproportionately impacted. Austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/auditor/audit_reports/language_access_follow_up_may_2023.pdf Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies: Language Access Translation: The conversion of written communication from one language to another in a written form. An accurate translation is one that conveys the intent and essential meaning of the original text. Interpretation: Definitions The oral rendition of a spoken message from one language to another, preserving the intent and meaning of the original message. Threshold Language: The most common spoken languages in Austin other than English. Based on this data, and data on the percentage of people who identify as not speaking English “very well” is how HSEM determined the languages to provide translation and interpretation for. Language Access Plan for Citywide Emergencies: Limited English Proficiency What does Limited English Proficiency mean? Limited English Proficiency (LEP) A person with limited English proficiency (LEP) cannot speak, read, write or understand the English language at a level that permits him or her to interact effectively with City staff. Individuals who communicate with American Sign Language are covered in this definition, although other Federal laws and regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act apply and should be considered separately. Hello! ¡Hola! 你好！ 안녕하세요! Xin chào! नमस्ते! မဂင်္လာပါ! Collaborative Partners In 2022, CPIO, HSEM and a collaboration of the City’s departmental Language Access team members established an Emergency Language Access working group. • Communiations and Public Information Office • Homeland Security & Emergency Management • Ausitn Energy • Austin Water • Austin Public Health • And review by numerous community organizations. The Working Group planning activities included: • Gathering LEP relevant data about existing City services and the communities the City serves. • A review …
BRING UNIVERSAL TECH MOVEMNT TO A COMMUNITY NEAR YOU Transforming Tech, One Career at a Time About Us Universal Tech Movement (UTM) is a community-driven EdTech 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects communities to the tech industry through workforce readiness, innovation, and economic advancement. Through employer, gonvernmental partnerships, UTM opens career pathways, supports business creation, and equips individuals to enter the tech industry, advance across it, and become engaged techies who strengthen the ecosystem. The Purpose Expanding Universal Tech Movement’s workforce readiness, innovation, and economic advancement services statewide will unlock transformative opportunities. Our efforts strengthen communities, create jobs, and fuel lasting economic growth. With our proven Universal Tech Pathways program, UTM is driving career advancement, business support, and innovation across the state. Beyond Training Barriers to opportunity are deep-rooted and complex. To fully succeed, participants need more than training — they need holistic support for stability and well-being. No single organization can do this alone. Universal Tech Movement serves as the gateway for communities to access digital equity, career opportunities, workforce readiness, innovation, and economic advancement — building a thriving tech ecosystem for all. Quality of Life Service Providers Digital Equity & Workforce Collaborators Lead Partner Universal Tech Movement Digital Equity Skills Training Job Placement Business Creation Innovation Tech Ecosystem for All Driving Innovation With Our Partners 1.Launch programs in key zip codes to build lasting and inclusive local tech ecosystems. 2.Collaborate with funders, employers, and community organizations to implement our proven model and grow the tech talent pool. 3.Expand opportunity in the tech ecosystem while addressing workforce needs and community challenges. 4.Investments change career trajectories and ensure long-term workforce readiness, innovation, and economic growth. Our Impact Participants • 1000+ served across Texas, • 49% male, 48% female, and 3% other Participant Ages • 5% under 18 • 25% ages 18-25 • 38% ages 26-35 • 30% ages 36-59 • 2% over 60 Race & Ethnicity • 55% Black • 24% Hispanic • 9% Multiracial • 9% White • 2% Asian • 1% Other Level of Income • Poverty line for a family of 5: $37,650 • 60% below poverty line • 60% earn < $13,000/year • 80% earn < $50,000/year Universal Tech Movement is headquarterd in Austin, TX with participants in 111 unique zip codes across Texas. Most frequent counties are Travis, Williamson, Bell, Tarrant, Harris, & Hays. Engaged in approximately 8 major Texas metropolitan communities: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, …
