REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE HISPANIC LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026, 6:00 PM CITY HALL, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 301 WEST 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 remotely, contact Christi Vitela at christi.vitela@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2792. telephone. To to speak register CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Amanda Afifi, Chair Dulce Castañeda Andrea Flores Johanna Moya Fábregas Lyssette Galvan AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Yesenia Ramos, Vice Chair Brian Peña Jesús Perales Elizabeth Morales Melissa Ruiz 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 February 24, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on the Austin Equity and Inclusion Office’s Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion, and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 3. Presentation by Communities in Schools of Central Texas regarding an economic mobility study and the impact of the organization on area students’ quality of life. 4. Discussion regarding Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence questions for Boards and Commissions presented at the February JIC Meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Expanding Digital Literacy and Technology Career Pathways. 6. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Supporting Maternal Services. 7. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Supporting Mental Health Services in Schools. 8. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Legal Services. 9. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for the Family Stabilization Program. 10. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for AISD Parent Support Specialists. 11. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Early …
Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission February 24, 2026 HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 24, 2026 The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Ramos called the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Yesenia Ramos, Vice Chair Melissa Ruiz Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amanda Afifi, Chair Andrea Flores Lyssette Galvan Elizabeth Morales Jesús Perales PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on January 27, 2026. The minutes from the meeting on January 27, 2026, were approved on Commissioner Perales’ motion, Commissioner Ruiz’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Galvan was off the dais. Commissioners Castañeda, Moya Fábregas, and Peña were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Communities in Schools of Central Texas regarding an economic mobility study and the impact of the organization on area students’ quality of life. Presentation by Sharon Vigil, CEO, Communities in Schools of Central Texas. The presentation was made by Sharon Vigil, CEO, Communities in Schools of Central Texas. 1 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission February 24, 2026 3. Presentation by Mama Sana Vibrant Woman regarding FY 2026-2027 budget recommendations. Presentation by Cherelle VanBrakle, Co-Executive Director of Development, Mama Sana Vibrant Woman. Withdrawn. 4. Presentation by the Coalition for Austin’s Arts and Spanish-Language Theatre (CAAST) regarding the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP) and FY 2026-2027 budget recommendations. Presentation by Iván Dávila, CAAST. The presentation was made by Veronica Pomata and Sol Bautista, CAAST members. 5. Conduct a public input session to collect feedback on the Commission’s Fiscal Year Budget Recommendations. Conducted. 6. Discussion on community input and feedback for Commission’s Fiscal Year Budget Recommendations. Discussed. 7. Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget recommendations. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Immigrant Working Group. Discussed. 9. Approve updates to the membership of the Arts and Culture Working Group. The motion to approve adding community members, Luis Ordaz and Veronica Pomata, to the Arts and Culture Working Group was approved on Commissioner Galvan’s motion, Commissioner Morales’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Castañeda, Moya Fábregas, and Peña were absent. WORKING GROUP …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-XXX]: Budget for AISD Parent Support Specialists Date of Approval: Recommendation: Affordability and access remain among the most highly rated concerns expressed by Austin residents, and the families served by AISD Parent Support Specialists (PSSs) are among those most vulnerable to rising costs and economic instability. PSSs are a proven, community-rooted workforce that connects Title I families to the City and County resources they need. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Maintain funding for AISD Parent Support Specialists. Background and Rationale: The City of Austin has an interlocal agreement with Austin Independent School District for the provision of resources connecting parents and families to family-centered and other social services. AISD Parent Support Specialists (PSSs), funded 50% by the City of Austin, are placed in Title I schools. PSSs identify, develop, and engage parents in their children's education by providing parent and family support, conducting communications and outreach, and creating parent leadership opportunities. AISD relies on PSSs to educate and refer students and their families to City and County resources, and to collaborate with social services community partners to alleviate stressors. Their work helps improve maternal, child, and adolescent health outcomes. Parent Support Specialists are rooted in the community and maintain meaningful relationships with the families they serve. Many are bilingual, communicating with families in their preferred language. These skills and relationships are especially vital during times of crisis. PSSs have provided critical community support during the pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, and other emergencies. Despite the essential nature of this work, PSS positions continue to go unfilled due to inadequate compensation. The PSS salary remains among the lowest for the demanding scope of the role. The City of Austin's own living wage is currently $22.05 per hour, and yet PSS positions have historically been posted near or below that threshold, leaving workers unable to keep pace with Austin's cost of living. The median home price in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area was approximately $439,000 as of late 2025. A PSS earning near the minimum wage cannot reasonably afford to live in the community they serve. Additionally, the Skills Requirements on the PSS job description indicate that some schools require the employee to be bilingual. If an employee must be bilingual to perform the job, they should receive a bilingual stipend. AISD already provides a $7,000 annual stipend for …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-XXX]: Budget for Early Childhood Education and Development Funding Date of Approval: Recommendation: At a moment when federal and state support for early childhood education is eroding, local governments must step up to invest in and protect this essential workforce. Childcare is not a private expense; it is public infrastructure, and it is foundational to Austin's economic health and the wellbeing of its families. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Maintain all current investments, contracts, and maintenance agreements in early childhood programs and infrastructure, including but not limited to: ○ Maintain funding for contracts related to services for families and children within Austin Public Health and Austin Economic Development, especially funding for multi-generational bilingual programs; ○ Maintain funding for public service child care service contracts funded through Federal HUD-CDBG funds that support parenting teens and Early Head Start; and ○ Maintain funding for current city programs related to childcare and children’s services. Rationale In the City of Austin, 30% of children under age 6 live in households with low income, and 94% of those children are children of color. In the broader Austin area, there are 63,000 children living in households below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Ready Families Collaborative (RFC) directly addresses this need through a network of nonprofit partners providing home-visiting, parent education, case management, and wraparound support. Current collaborative partners include AVANCE-Austin, which creates pathways to economic mobility for predominantly Latino families through high-quality, culturally responsive, two-generation programming that ensures school readiness for young children and opportunities for parents to build social and economic capital; the Communities in Schools ASPIRE Family Literacy Program, which provides free ESL and Adult Basic Education classes, as well as early childhood and parenting education for families with children ages 0–6 in South and Southeast Austin; the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, which breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty through contextualized literacy services; and Austin PBS Play to Learn, a research-based school readiness program in which adults and children participate together in learning activities spanning school readiness themes. The RFC does not stand alone. There are additional investments including Todos Juntos early childhood education program and Austin Child Guidance Center Infant & Early Childhood Services. Every $1 invested in early childhood programs results in a $7 return on investment, and a child who begins kindergarten ready to succeed …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-XXX]: Budget for Mini Grants Date of Approval: Recommendation: The City of Austin's Equity Office Mini Grant program is one of the most direct, community- rooted investments the City makes in the residents most harmed by systemic inequity. At a moment when federal funding is being cut, displacement is accelerating, immigration enforcement is intensifying, and homelessness continues to grow, the need for flexible, low- barrier funding for grassroots organizations has never been greater. The City must maintain and increase funding for this program. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Provide ongoing funding of $400,000 for the Equity Office Mini Grant Fund, maintaining the current funding level and preserving the program's three-tier grant structure of $10,000, $20,000, and $30,000 awards, with priority focus areas of immigrant inclusion, solidarity with unhoused people, and anti-displacement and displacement prevention. Rationale The Equity Mini Grant Fund has been offered annually since 2018, created in response to a City Council ordinance directing the Equity Office to develop a funding framework for equity initiatives, beginning with an initial allocation of $75,000. Since then the program has grown substantially in both funding and scope, and has become a vital lifeline for the grassroots organizations doing the most essential work in Austin's most vulnerable communities. What makes this program distinct is its design philosophy. The Equity Office explicitly recognizes the problematic operations of traditional community funding and seeks to foster alternative ways to support and respect the vision of individuals and organizations working alongside communities most affected by historical inequities. The Equity Office facilitates access for those who have not historically been able to participate in City programs like this, and highlights community-led solutions. Recipients are expected to understand the root causes of disparities and share the goal of community liberation rather than creating dependencies. Applications are accepted in English and Spanish, and priority is given to grassroots organizations and community-driven initiatives with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less, the organizations that traditional grantmaking most often leaves behind. The three priority areas the program has focused on reflect Austin's most urgent and intersecting challenges. Each of these areas has grown more critical in the current climate. Austin faces escalating federal immigration enforcement, a homelessness crisis that affects thousands of residents on any given night, and displacement pressures that are pushing low- income residents further from the …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL [Name of Board or Commission] Recommendation Number: [20260324-XXX] (XXX is the agenda item number): Supporting the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP) Date of Approval: Recommendation: Recommend that Austin City Council approve an additional $515,000 annual investment in the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) to strengthen its role as a civic launchpad for Latino performing arts and address longstanding inequities in cultural funding and infrastructure. Description of Recommendation to Council: ● Allocate $515,000 in additional annual funding to LAAP to support: o Dedicated technical support and staffing capacity o Marketing, audience development, and revenue strategy support o Essential lighting and sound infrastructure upgrades o Expanded cohort size and structured incubation programming ● Transition LAAP from a space-access model to a full incubation model, enabling: Integrated production and promotion support o o Skill-building in contracts, revenue diversification, and organizational development o Long-term sustainability planning for participating artists ● Establish LAAP as a coordinated civic anchor within a broader Latino theatre ecosystem by: o Strengthening partnerships across venues and institutions o Supporting storytelling, visibility, and documentation of Latino arts o Advancing language equity through dedicated Spanish-language outreach and evaluation criteria ● Ensure language and cultural equity by: o Allocating a meaningful percentage of resources to Spanish-language programming o Supporting bilingual marketing and audience engagement o Recognizing linguistic and cultural context in evaluation and funding decisions Rationale: Austin’s Latino community represents approximately 33% of the population but receives only 9% of cultural funding, reflecting a significant structural inequity in access to resources, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability. While LAAP has successfully expanded access to MACC facilities and supported artists in securing contracts, funding, and partnerships, it currently operates as a space-access model with limited, inconsistent support, resulting in uneven outcomes and limited long-term sustainability for artists. Key gaps include: Inconsistent technical and production support ● ● Limited staffing capacity to support artists across cohorts ● Lack of structured pathways for revenue diversification and audience development ● Insufficient infrastructure to meet professional production standards The proposed investment would enable LAAP to evolve into a true incubation model, addressing three critical elements simultaneously: 1. People (staffing and technical expertise) 2. Infrastructure (lighting, sound, and production capacity) 3. Program capacity (expanded cohorts and structured curriculum) This approach ensures that artists leave not only with a production, but with: ● A sustainability roadmap ● Diversified revenue …
Economic Mobility Austin Equity & Inclusion Our Time Together • Economic Mobility Overview • Quality-of-Life Studies: Key Connections • Building the Economic Mobility Index • Turning the Index Into Action • Upcoming Event 2 What Drives Economic Mobility Economic mobility is shaped by our systems, policies, and investments — not just individual effort. Mobility includes building wealth and long-term stability for future generations. Education, health, housing, childcare, and strong social conditions enable families to thrive. In Austin, persistent disparities limit opportunities, but a person’s future shouldn’t be determined by their neighborhood or systemic barriers. Beyond Wages Quality of Life We Shape Systems 3 Quality-of-Life Studies: Key Connections High-Level Themes Financial Progress & Economic Outcomes • Deeply affordable housing • • Utility assistance and energy relief Job pipelines and employment access programs Quality of Life & Well-Being • Pop-up clinics in high-need areas • Culturally competent healthcare training Inclusive planning processes for older • adults Opportunities & Access Teen job search portal • • Strengthen multilingual outreach • Partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and public agencies Families, Communities, & Systems • Neighborhood safety audits • Greening and beautification initiatives • Strengthen family-support systems through childcare access and wraparound services 4 Definition Economic mobility addresses systems to improve unfair conditions that influence whether individuals, families, and communities can prosper over time and across generations. It means access to opportunities and resources needed for basic needs, financial security, and a dignified, high quality of life — regardless of race, place, gender, or ability. 5 Economic Mobility Index Human-centered, place-based tool for understanding conditions that shape residents’ ability to thrive in Austin. Visualizes neighborhood- level disparities as defined by economic mobility. Focuses on underlying conditions to guide service delivery and decision- making using data and community insights. Provides a common lens to support coordination, planning, and shared outcomes—without replacing existing tools. 6 Our Approach: Identifying Levers National Frameworks & Local Tools • Drivers of Poverty • Social Vulnerable Index • Justice 40 • Neighborhood Prosperity Dashboard etc. Hybrid Engagement Process • Quality of Life Studies • CoA Commissions • Internal & External Stakeholders • Every Texan Peer Cities Review 10 cities similar in: • State • Size • Demographics • Product CoA Levers of Economic Mobility • 3 Themes • 6 Sub-themes • 18 Levers of Economic Mobility 7 Building the Index Together Early childhood foundations shape mobility • Indicator: Enrollment in early education (public …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 202603XX-X FY 2026-2027 Expanding Digital Literacy and Technology Career Pathways Date: March 24, 2026 Subject: FY27 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Commissioner Seconded By: Commissioner Recommendation The City of Austin has a long-standing commitment to economic mobility, workforce development, and equitable access to opportunity for all residents. As technology continues to play a significant role in the regional economy, expanding access to digital skills training and workforce readiness opportunities is increasingly important to ensure that more residents can participate in the technology sector and access career opportunities. However, many low-income residents and communities of color continue to face barriers to entering and advancing within the technology workforce. Community-based organizations in Austin work to address these barriers by providing digital literacy training, workforce readiness programming, and exposure to technology career pathways. Expanding access to these types of programs can help ensure that more residents can participate in Austin’s technology economy and access higher-wage career opportunities. Description of Recommendation to Council • Provide $2 million annually to support community-based digital literacy and technology workforce development programming. Rationale Austin’s technology sector plays a significant role in the regional economy and continues to create economic opportunities. However, many residents, particularly those from low-income households, communities of color, and historically underrepresented groups, lack access to the resources, training, and professional networks necessary to enter the technology workforce. Universal Tech Movement (UTM) is one example of a community-based organization providing programming that introduces participants to digital skills and technology career pathways. Through community-centered programming, the organization helps address barriers to entering the technology workforce. To date, UTM has served more than 1,000 participants across Texas, representing 111 unique zip codes, and has built partnerships with employers, community organizations, and local institutions to expand access to careers in the technology sector. Many participants in UTM programs come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Approximately 60% of participants live below the poverty line, and a majority report annual incomes of less than $13K, highlighting the need for accessible workforce development opportunities that can lead to stable, higher-wage employment. Programs such as UTM’s Community Catalyst Program and similar initiatives help participants develop foundational digital literacy and workforce readiness skills while introducing them to career opportunities within the technology sector. Funding would support the expansion of programming that: • Provides digital literacy and technology training to residents who face barriers to entering the technology workforce …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [YYYYMMDD-XXX] (XXX is the agenda item number): Supporting Maternal Health Services in the FY 2026-2027 Date of Approval: Recommendation Maintain full funding for Mama Sana Vibrant Woman at FY26 levels ($900,000), including maternal health and perinatal housing stabilization services. Restore rental assistance support to at least prior-year levels to prevent further erosion of critical maternal health infrastructure serving Austin families. Description of Recommendation to Council Mama Sana Vibrant Woman (MSVW) has partnered with the City of Austin since 2016, providing culturally responsive maternal health services to Black and Latinx families during pregnancy and the first two years postpartum. Despite growing need and rising housing costs in Central Texas: • MSVW’s maternal health contract was reduced by 10% in FY26 • Rental assistance for perinatal families was fully eliminated The Commission urges the Austin City Council to restore and maintain prior funding levels of $900,000 ($500,000 for housing stabilization and rental assistance; $400,000 for maternal health). This request is a stabilization measure, not a program expansion, aimed at preventing family displacement, maternal health deterioration, and downstream public costs. 2025 Program Impact: MSVW services helped families remain stable during pregnancy and postpartum recovery by preventing eviction and reducing housing-related stress. • 218 households served • 477 children supported • $666,759 distributed in rental assistance Rationale • Housing Stability Is Health Care: Research shows that housing instability during pregnancy increases risks of low birth weight, preterm delivery, maternal mental health challenges, and NICU admissions. Stable housing is a key factor in improving maternal and infant health outcomes. • Equity-Focused Intervention: Black and Latinx mothers in Austin experience disproportionate maternal morbidity and housing insecurity. Programs provided by Mama Sana Vibrant Woman directly address these disparities through culturally responsive care and support. • Preventing Critical Service Gaps: Without restored funding, service reductions could result in longer waitlists for maternal health services, reduced rental assistance support, decreased capacity for follow-up and care coordination, more families experiencing instability during pregnancy and postpartum recovery • Proven Partnership with the City: Since 2016, MSVW has demonstrated a strong track record of responsibly administering City funds, collaborating with partner organizations, and responding to community needs. • Preserving Citywide Maternal Health Infrastructure: MSVW’s housing stabilization funding supports several maternal health organizations across Austin. Maintaining these resources helps preserve a coordinated network of services supporting pregnant and postpartum families. Alignment …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-XXX] Item 6 FY 2026-27 Budget for Supporting Mental Health Services in Schools Subject: Recommendation to allocate an additional $2 million to the Integrated Student Supports and Youth Services and Mental Health and Wellness grants for comprehensive integrated student support services and trauma-informed mental health services, early campus-based interventions for organizations such as Communities in Schools WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that race no longer predicts a person's quality of life outcomes; and the 2025 Austin Travis County Community Health Assessment identifies increasing access to mental healthcare as a critical goal WHEREAS, there is a continued need for increased investment to support the growing mental health challenges faced by students in Austin area schools; WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Initiative identifies food, housing and mental health services as primary pillars for community success; and WHEREAS, students in the Austin area continue to face significant barriers to, including high rates of poverty and lack of access to culturally competent intensive mental health services; and WHEREAS, House Bill 6 (89th) seeks to increase access to mental health services in public schools while also placing new implications for student discipline in the classroom, focused on proactive approaches to addressing student needs; and WHEREAS, other recent legislative changes have placed new considerations on services offered to students through school systems when providing mental health services and supports; and WHEREAS, Communities In Schools of Central Texas provides critical "safety net" services through multiple programs, including our campus-based Integrated Student Supports, Care Coordination and wraparound services, and intensive mental health & wellness services for students; and WHEREAS, evidence-based services such as intensive mental health counseling provided by clinicians and social workers ensure students' unmet mental health needs are addressed through direct service to students and their families, with a family-centered, trauma-informed approach to connect students and their families to community resources; and . WHEREAS, these mental health services have shown decreases in clinical scales of depression and/or anxiety for student symptoms and improved scores in post-test evaluation assessments; and WHEREAS, Results from a recently released Harvard-Cornell Study from Opportunity Insights and EdRedesign Lab showed that three years of involvement in Communities In Schools of Central Texas leads to significantly higher income earnings over a student’s lifetime, increased yearly tax contributions, less reliance on public assistance and significantly reduced …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-XXX]: Budget for Legal Services Date of Approval: Recommendation: WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a long-standing commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community that values all of its residents, regardless of immigration status; and WHEREAS, immigrants contribute significantly to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Austin, but despite these contributions, many immigrants face significant barriers to accessing legal services; and WHEREAS, Congress passed a budget that increased ICE's annual budget and dramatically expanded immigration detention capacity, intensifying enforcement in communities across the country, including Central Texas; and WHEREAS, it is essential that immigrant communities obtain accurate advice and assistance, and the absence of reliable legal information has led some immigrants to cancel travel plans, avoid applying for citizenship, and miss court hearings, outcomes that compound harm to families and the broader community; and WHEREAS, we continue to hear from the community that legal services funding is crucial, and local service providers report that new client intake has surged since 2025, with current demand outpacing available resources; and WHEREAS, the people most impacted by the rapidly changing immigration policy landscape and the erosion of federal legal aid are low-income immigrants, who have the fewest resources to navigate an increasingly complex and high-stakes system; and WHEREAS, many immigrants in Austin who need access to counsel cannot afford attorneys, especially those facing removal proceedings; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin funds legal services for low-income immigrants who are Austin residents, and there continues to be a significant unmet need; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommends funding immigrant legal services at $750,000 total. Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: (Add the vote number here, even if unanimous) Example: 8-0 For: (For this and the below sections, list commissioner names in alphabetical order, starting with officers. If none, put “None.”) Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: __________________________________ (Staff or commissioner can sign)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-XXX]: Budget for the Family Stabilization Program Date of Approval: Recommendation: Affordability remains one of the most pressing concerns expressed by Austin residents. The Family Stabilization Grant Program offers flexible access to housing support, accords greater choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and provides more efficient and cost-effective housing assistance. The program has consistently served people of color, including Hispanic or Latino/a/x families, with over half of participants identifying as African American or Latina women. The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission has expressed strong support to expand program funding. Despite this, the FY 2025–2026 budget allocated only $1.3 million for the Family Stabilization Grant. The funding was subsequently eliminated after Austin voters rejected the Proposition Q tax rate increase in November 2025. The revised budget that followed cut the $1.3 million for Family Stabilization Program grants entirely. At the Joint Inclusion Committee FY27 Budget Input Session, residents made clear that the elimination of the Family Stabilization Grant Program from the FY26 base budget was a significant setback for Austin families. Community support for the program has only grown stronger in its absence. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Provide $3 million ongoing funding for the Family Stabilization Grants Rationale Housing affordability is one of the defining challenges facing Austin families. Federal housing programs have limited reach, and even residents who receive federal housing assistance continue to struggle. Approximately 40% of households nationally that receive a voucher never successfully lease a unit. In Austin, most voucher holders have only been able to move to less desirable housing on the outskirts of the city, compounding burdens related to transportation, food access, healthcare, and employment. Other forms of affordable housing assistance similarly fall short: units are only required to maintain affordability for a set period, rents are calibrated to Area Median Income levels that do not reflect the deep affordability residents actually need, and participants remain responsible for full rent even during periods of job insecurity. Research from the Urban Institute confirms that strategically applied cash relief can offer renters facing housing shocks more flexible support, accord more dignity and choice to renters in need, reduce exposure to voucher discrimination, provide housing access to excluded workers, and deliver more efficient and cost-effective help to those in urgent need. Austin's own experience bears this out. Roughly 60% of the money went …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20260324-005 FY 2026-2027 Expanding Digital Literacy and Technology Career Pathways Date: March 24, 2026 Subject: FY27 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: Commissioner Morales Seconded By: Commissioner Flores Recommendation The City of Austin has a long-standing commitment to economic mobility, workforce development, and equitable access to opportunity for all residents. As technology continues to play a significant role in the regional economy, expanding access to digital skills training and workforce readiness opportunities is increasingly important to ensure that more residents can participate in the technology sector and access career opportunities. However, many low-income residents and communities of color continue to face barriers to entering and advancing within the technology workforce. Community-based organizations in Austin work to address these barriers by providing digital literacy training, workforce readiness programming, and exposure to technology career pathways. Expanding access to these types of programs can help ensure that more residents can participate in Austin’s technology economy and access higher-wage career opportunities. Description of Recommendation to Council • Provide $2 million annually to support community-based digital literacy and technology workforce development programming. Rationale Austin’s technology sector plays a significant role in the regional economy and continues to create economic opportunities. However, many residents, particularly those from low-income households, communities of color, and historically underrepresented groups, lack access to the resources, training, and professional networks necessary to enter the technology workforce. Universal Tech Movement (UTM) is one example of a community-based organization providing programming that introduces participants to digital skills and technology career pathways. Through community-centered programming, the organization helps address barriers to entering the technology workforce. To date, UTM has served more than 1,000 participants across Texas, representing 111 unique zip codes, and has built partnerships with employers, community organizations, and local institutions to expand access to careers in the technology sector. Many participants in UTM programs come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Approximately 60% of participants live below the poverty line, and a majority report annual incomes of less than $13K, highlighting the need for accessible workforce development opportunities that can lead to stable, higher-wage employment. Programs such as UTM’s Community Catalyst Program and similar initiatives help participants develop foundational digital literacy and workforce readiness skills while introducing them to career opportunities within the technology sector. Funding would support the expansion of programming that: • • Provides digital literacy and technology training to residents who face barriers to entering …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-006] Supporting Maternal Health Services in the FY 2026- 2027 Date of Approval: March 24, 2026 Recommendation Maintain full funding for Mama Sana Vibrant Woman at FY26 levels ($900,000), including maternal health and perinatal housing stabilization services. Restore rental assistance support to at least prior-year levels to prevent further erosion of critical maternal health infrastructure serving Austin families. Description of Recommendation to Council Mama Sana Vibrant Woman (MSVW) has partnered with the City of Austin since 2016, providing culturally responsive maternal health services to Black and Latinx families during pregnancy and the first two years postpartum. Despite growing need and rising housing costs in Central Texas: • MSVW’s maternal health contract was reduced by 10% in FY26 • Rental assistance for perinatal families was fully eliminated The Commission urges the Austin City Council to restore and maintain prior funding levels of $900,000 ($500,000 for housing stabilization and rental assistance; $400,000 for maternal health). This request is a stabilization measure, not a program expansion, aimed at preventing family displacement, maternal health deterioration, and downstream public costs. 2025 Program Impact: MSVW services helped families remain stable during pregnancy and postpartum recovery by preventing eviction and reducing housing-related stress. • 218 households served • 477 children supported • $666,759 distributed in rental assistance Rationale • Housing Stability Is Health Care: Research shows that housing instability during pregnancy increases risks of low birth weight, preterm delivery, maternal mental health challenges, and NICU admissions. Stable housing is a key factor in improving maternal and infant health outcomes. • Equity-Focused Intervention: Black and Latinx mothers in Austin experience disproportionate maternal morbidity and housing insecurity. Programs provided by Mama Sana Vibrant Woman directly address these disparities through culturally responsive care and support. • Preventing Critical Service Gaps: Without restored funding, service reductions could result in longer waitlists for maternal health services, reduced rental assistance support, decreased capacity for follow-up and care coordination, more families experiencing instability during pregnancy and postpartum recovery • Proven Partnership with the City: Since 2016, MSVW has demonstrated a strong track record of responsibly administering City funds, collaborating with partner organizations, and responding to community needs. • Preserving Citywide Maternal Health Infrastructure: MSVW’s housing stabilization funding supports several maternal health organizations across Austin. Maintaining these resources helps preserve a coordinated network of services supporting pregnant and postpartum families. Alignment with Commission …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-007] FY 2026-27 Budget for Supporting Mental Health Services in Schools Subject: Recommendation to allocate an additional $2 million to the Integrated Student Supports and Youth Services and Mental Health and Wellness grants for comprehensive integrated student support services and trauma-informed mental health services, early campus-based interventions for organizations such as Communities in Schools WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that race no longer predicts a person's quality of life outcomes; and the 2025 Austin Travis County Community Health Assessment identifies increasing access to mental healthcare as a critical goal WHEREAS, there is a continued need for increased investment to support the growing mental health challenges faced by students in Austin area schools; WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Initiative identifies food, housing and mental health services as primary pillars for community success; and WHEREAS, students in the Austin area continue to face significant barriers to, including high rates of poverty and lack of access to culturally competent intensive mental health services; and WHEREAS, House Bill 6 (89th) seeks to increase access to mental health services in public schools while also placing new implications for student discipline in the classroom, focused on proactive approaches to addressing student needs; and WHEREAS, other recent legislative changes have placed new considerations on services offered to students through school systems when providing mental health services and supports; and WHEREAS, Communities In Schools of Central Texas provides critical "safety net" services through multiple programs, including our campus-based Integrated Student Supports, Care Coordination and wraparound services, and intensive mental health & wellness services for students; and WHEREAS, evidence-based services such as intensive mental health counseling provided by clinicians and social workers ensure students' unmet mental health needs are addressed through direct service to students and their families, with a family-centered, trauma-informed approach to connect students and their families to community resources; and . WHEREAS, these mental health services have shown decreases in clinical scales of depression and/or anxiety for student symptoms and improved scores in post-test evaluation assessments; and WHEREAS, Results from a recently released Harvard-Cornell Study from Opportunity Insights and EdRedesign Lab showed that three years of involvement in Communities In Schools of Central Texas leads to significantly higher income earnings over a student’s lifetime, increased yearly tax contributions, less reliance on public assistance and significantly reduced involvement or …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-008]: Budget for Legal Services Date of Approval: March 24, 2026 Recommendation: WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a long-standing commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community that values all of its residents, regardless of immigration status; and WHEREAS, immigrants contribute significantly to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Austin, but despite these contributions, many immigrants face significant barriers to accessing legal services; and WHEREAS, Congress passed a budget that increased ICE's annual budget and dramatically expanded immigration detention capacity, intensifying enforcement in communities across the country, including Central Texas; and WHEREAS, it is essential that immigrant communities obtain accurate advice and assistance, and the absence of reliable legal information has led some immigrants to cancel travel plans, avoid applying for citizenship, and miss court hearings, outcomes that compound harm to families and the broader community; and WHEREAS, we continue to hear from the community that legal services funding is crucial, and local service providers report that new client intake has surged since 2025, with current demand outpacing available resources; and WHEREAS, the people most impacted by the rapidly changing immigration policy landscape and the erosion of federal legal aid are low-income immigrants, who have the fewest resources to navigate an increasingly complex and high-stakes system; and WHEREAS, many immigrants in Austin who need access to counsel cannot afford attorneys, especially those facing removal proceedings; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin funds legal services for low-income immigrants who are Austin residents, and there continues to be a significant unmet need; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommends funding immigrant legal services at $750,000 total. Motioned By: Commissioner Perales Seconded By: Commissioner Castañeda Vote: 8-0 For: Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Ramos, Commissioners Castañeda, Flores, Galvan, Perales, Morales, Ruiz Absent: Commissioners Peña and Moya Fábregas Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-009]: Budget for the Family Stabilization Program Date of Approval: March 24, 2026 Recommendation: Affordability remains one of the most pressing concerns expressed by Austin residents. The Family Stabilization Grant Program offers flexible access to housing support, accords greater choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and provides more efficient and cost-effective housing assistance. The program has consistently served people of color, including Hispanic or Latino/a/x families, with over half of participants identifying as African American or Latina women. The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission has expressed strong support to expand program funding. Despite this, the FY 2025–2026 budget allocated only $1.3 million for the Family Stabilization Grant. The funding was subsequently eliminated after Austin voters rejected the Proposition Q tax rate increase in November 2025. The revised budget that followed cut the $1.3 million for Family Stabilization Program grants entirely. At the Joint Inclusion Committee FY27 Budget Input Session, residents made clear that the elimination of the Family Stabilization Grant Program from the FY26 base budget was a significant setback for Austin families. Community support for the program has only grown stronger in its absence. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Provide $3 million ongoing funding for the Family Stabilization Grants Rationale Housing affordability is one of the defining challenges facing Austin families. Federal housing programs have limited reach, and even residents who receive federal housing assistance continue to struggle. Approximately 40% of households nationally that receive a voucher never successfully lease a unit. In Austin, most voucher holders have only been able to move to less desirable housing on the outskirts of the city, compounding burdens related to transportation, food access, healthcare, and employment. Other forms of affordable housing assistance similarly fall short: units are only required to maintain affordability for a set period, rents are calibrated to Area Median Income levels that do not reflect the deep affordability residents actually need, and participants remain responsible for full rent even during periods of job insecurity. Research from the Urban Institute confirms that strategically applied cash relief can offer renters facing housing shocks more flexible support, accord more dignity and choice to renters in need, reduce exposure to voucher discrimination, provide housing access to excluded workers, and deliver more efficient and cost-effective help to those in urgent need. Austin's own experience bears this out. Roughly 60% of …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-010]: Budget for AISD Parent Support Specialists Date of Approval: March 24, 2026 Recommendation: Affordability and access remain among the most highly rated concerns expressed by Austin residents, and the families served by AISD Parent Support Specialists (PSSs) are among those most vulnerable to rising costs and economic instability. PSSs are a proven, community-rooted workforce that connects Title I families to the City and County resources they need. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Maintain funding for AISD Parent Support Specialists. Background and Rationale: The City of Austin has an interlocal agreement with Austin Independent School District for the provision of resources connecting parents and families to family-centered and other social services. AISD Parent Support Specialists (PSSs), funded 50% by the City of Austin, are placed in Title I schools. PSSs identify, develop, and engage parents in their children's education by providing parent and family support, conducting communications and outreach, and creating parent leadership opportunities. AISD relies on PSSs to educate and refer students and their families to City and County resources, and to collaborate with social services community partners to alleviate stressors. Their work helps improve maternal, child, and adolescent health outcomes. Parent Support Specialists are rooted in the community and maintain meaningful relationships with the families they serve. Many are bilingual, communicating with families in their preferred language. These skills and relationships are especially vital during times of crisis. PSSs have provided critical community support during the pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, and other emergencies. Despite the essential nature of this work, PSS positions continue to go unfilled due to inadequate compensation. The PSS salary remains among the lowest for the demanding scope of the role. The City of Austin's own living wage is currently $22.05 per hour, and yet PSS positions have historically been posted near or below that threshold, leaving workers unable to keep pace with Austin's cost of living. The median home price in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area was approximately $439,000 as of late 2025. A PSS earning near the minimum wage cannot reasonably afford to live in the community they serve. Additionally, the Skills Requirements on the PSS job description indicate that some schools require the employee to be bilingual. If an employee must be bilingual to perform the job, they should receive a bilingual stipend. AISD already provides a $7,000 …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-011]: Budget for Early Childhood Education and Development Funding Date of Approval: March 24, 2026 Recommendation: At a moment when federal and state support for early childhood education is eroding, local governments must step up to invest in and protect this essential workforce. Childcare is not a private expense; it is public infrastructure, and it is foundational to Austin's economic health and the wellbeing of its families. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Maintain all current investments, contracts, and maintenance agreements in early childhood programs and infrastructure, including but not limited to: ○ Maintain funding for contracts related to services for families and children within Austin Public Health and Austin Economic Development, especially funding for multi-generational bilingual programs; ○ Maintain funding for public service child care service contracts funded through Federal HUD-CDBG funds that support parenting teens and Early Head Start; and ○ Maintain funding for current city programs related to childcare and children’s services. Rationale In the City of Austin, 30% of children under age 6 live in households with low income, and 94% of those children are children of color. In the broader Austin area, there are 63,000 children living in households below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Ready Families Collaborative (RFC) directly addresses this need through a network of nonprofit partners providing home-visiting, parent education, case management, and wraparound support. Current collaborative partners include AVANCE-Austin, which creates pathways to economic mobility for predominantly Latino families through high-quality, culturally responsive, two-generation programming that ensures school readiness for young children and opportunities for parents to build social and economic capital; the Communities in Schools ASPIRE Family Literacy Program, which provides free ESL and Adult Basic Education classes, as well as early childhood and parenting education for families with children ages 0–6 in South and Southeast Austin; the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, which breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty through contextualized literacy services; and Austin PBS Play to Learn, a research-based school readiness program in which adults and children participate together in learning activities spanning school readiness themes. The RFC does not stand alone. There are additional investments including Todos Juntos early childhood education program and Austin Child Guidance Center Infant & Early Childhood Services. Every $1 invested in early childhood programs results in a $7 return on investment, and a child who begins kindergarten …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260324-012]: Budget for Mini Grants Date of Approval: March 24, 2026 Recommendation: The City of Austin's Equity Office Mini Grant program is one of the most direct, community-rooted investments the City makes in the residents most harmed by systemic inequity. At a moment when federal funding is being cut, displacement is accelerating, immigration enforcement is intensifying, and homelessness continues to grow, the need for flexible, low-barrier funding for grassroots organizations has never been greater. The City must maintain and increase funding for this program. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Provide ongoing funding of $400,000 for the Equity Office Mini Grant Fund, maintaining the current funding level and preserving the program's three-tier grant structure of $10,000, $20,000, and $30,000 awards, with priority focus areas of immigrant inclusion, solidarity with unhoused people, and anti-displacement and displacement prevention. Rationale The Equity Mini Grant Fund has been offered annually since 2018, created in response to a City Council ordinance directing the Equity Office to develop a funding framework for equity initiatives, beginning with an initial allocation of $75,000. Since then the program has grown substantially in both funding and scope, and has become a vital lifeline for the grassroots organizations doing the most essential work in Austin's most vulnerable communities. What makes this program distinct is its design philosophy. The Equity Office explicitly recognizes the problematic operations of traditional community funding and seeks to foster alternative ways to support and respect the vision of individuals and organizations working alongside communities most affected by historical inequities. The Equity Office facilitates access for those who have not historically been able to participate in City programs like this, and highlights community-led solutions. Recipients are expected to understand the root causes of disparities and share the goal of community liberation rather than creating dependencies. Applications are accepted in English and Spanish, and priority is given to grassroots organizations and community-driven initiatives with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less, the organizations that traditional grantmaking most often leaves behind. The three priority areas the program has focused on reflect Austin's most urgent and intersecting challenges. Each of these areas has grown more critical in the current climate. Austin faces escalating federal immigration enforcement, a homelessness crisis that affects thousands of residents on any given night, and displacement pressures that are pushing low-income residents further from the …
Recommendation to Council Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission (20260324-014): Latino Arts & Cultural Community Navigator Program WHEREAS, approximately 32% of Austin’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino 1; and WHEREAS, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish the predominant language spoken in the City 2; and WHEREAS, Austin has a long history of systemic racism and racial inequity that continues today. Throughout history, communities of color have been excluded, marginalized, and discriminated against as a result of City policies and practices. This history was reinforced by segregationist policies throughout the 20th century affecting a range of Austin venues, including schools, public parks, and commercial businesses, among others, and WHEREAS, Spanish-speaking cultural arts organizations and individual artists continue to face inequitable access to Cultural Arts resources and services as a result of systemic and racial inequity, but also due to evolving City policies and the implementation of new procedures that fail to be culturally responsive and do not adequately address language access; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin’s Latino and Spanish-speaking community continues to voice the need for culturally-sensitive assistance, including and not limited to: 1. Application navigation 2. Access to Spanish-language contracts and grant agreements 3. Accurate, culturally competent Spanish translations of all application materials 4. Equitable panel review processes that account for better language access 5. Inclusion of bilingual and culturally competent grant panelists 6. Workshops and information sessions conducted fully in Spanish by native Spanish speakers, and promoted simultaneously alongside English-language materials 7. Post-award support in Spanish, including reporting and compliance assistance 8. Transparent communication regarding funding decisions in both languages WHEREAS, the City of Austin launched a pilot program for Community Navigator Partner in 2021to assist offering support to small businesses, nonprofits, and creative individuals impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. WHEREAS, a Community Navigator refers to an organization that has specialized knowledge and can assist artists with connecting to a web of support, resources, and information. These connections allow artists to grow and thrive. WHEREAS, there was no Spanish-language or Latino/Hispanic-focused Community Navigator selected in the 2021 cohort; and WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission passed a budget recommendation in April 2024 to Increase Funding for Community Navigators in the Economic Development Department’s Arts Funding Programs; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin’s Latino and Spanish-speaking arts community lost the opportunity to receive or apply for an estimated …
Recommendation to Council Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission (20260324-015): Spanish-Language Contracts for City of Austin Cultural Arts Contractors WHEREAS, approximately 32% of Austin’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino1; and WHEREAS, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish the predominant language spoken in the City2; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin began accepting Spanish-language applications for cultural funding programs in 2023 and subsequently awarded Spanish-language applicants; and WHEREAS, the Long Center—the City of Austin’s third-party contractor responsible for administering Cultural Arts Funding programs and processes—continues to decline the need to provide Spanish- language contracts to Spanish-speaking applicants who were awarded funding, citing that such provision is not required under its current agreement with the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin’s Spanish-speaking arts community has had to step in and act as translators for awarded applicants for the past 3 cultural arts funding cycles; NOW, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager and ACME to amend the Long Center’s Cultural Arts Funding Management Contract to ensure the provision of Spanish-language contracts to all Spanish-speaking applicants awarded funding, in order to promote equitable access and language inclusion. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the Long Center's Cultural Arts Funding Management is unable to provide Spanish Language contracts, we recommend that City Council outsources with a law firm to have Spanish Language contracts. It is estimated to cost between $10,000-$12,000 dollars. Date of Approval: March 24, 2026 Motioned by: Chair Afifi Seconded by: Commissioner Galvan Vote: 8-0 For: Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Ramos, Commissioners Castañeda, Flores, Galvan, Perales, Morales, Ruiz Absent: Commissioners Peña and Moya Fábregas Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison 1. United States Census Bureau: 2010 Census Report 2. Austin Demographics: 2026 City of Austin Website
Recommendation to Council Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission (20260324-016): Emergency Cultural Arts Funding for Latino Artists WHEREAS, approximately 32% of Austin’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino 1; and WHEREAS, 31% of Austinites speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish the predominant language spoken in the City 2; and WHEREAS, Austin has a long history of systemic racism and racial inequity that continues today. Throughout history, communities of color have been excluded, marginalized, and discriminated against as a result of City policies and practices. This history was reinforced by segregationist policies throughout the 20th century affecting a range of Austin venues, including schools, public parks, and commercial businesses, among others; and WHEREAS, The City of Austin redesignated all cultural funding programs in 2022 with the following equity impact and mission statement, that will prioritize: “Applicants that are representative of, serve, and are accountable to communities that are at immediate risk of cultural erasure and displacement within Austin and/or have been institutionally marginalized and under-funded by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division. This may include applicants that directly serve Black/African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Islander communities or LGBTQIA+ and/or disability communities.” WHEREAS, from 2023- 2026, City staff and community stakeholders have documented a significant number of severe inequity issues relating to outreach, eligibility determination, language access, and funding allocations to Spanish-speaking, Latino, Hispanic, Chicano, and Immigrant- focused arts organizations and creative individuals; and WHEREAS, the recent FY26 cultural arts funding process has significantly excluded Spanish- speaking, Latino, Hispanic, Chicano, Immigrant-focused arts organizations, and creative individuals due to: ● A new eligibility intake process ● Repeated lack of outreach ● An inflated scoring system due to high number of English-speaking applicants ● Disproportionate City staff response time in Spanish ● Continued wrong Spanish translations WHEREAS, The City of Austin’s Spanish-speaking and Latino arts ecosystem has been critically destabilized this FY26 by the following economic deficits of the cultural arts funding exclusions, as of March 24, 2026: ● 2 Latino heritage festivals that lost the ability to receive Heritage Project funding for a cumulative total of of up to $300,000; ● 14 arts organizations that lost the ability to receive ELEVATE funding for a cumulative total of $560,000; ● and 9 individual artists that lost the ability to receive a cumulative $240,000 ● Totaling approximately $1,200,000 in funding that was lost. WHEREAS, …
Recommendation to Council Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation 20260324-017: Capital Improvement Funding for the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center – Phase 2 WHEREAS, The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center serves as a central hub for Latino arts, culture, and community engagement in the City of Austin and is the only cultural arts facility of this magnitude in the United States; and WHEREAS, The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center provides vital cultural programming, educational opportunities, and performance space for Austin’s Latino/Chicano/Immigrant artists, organizations, and the community at large; and WHEREAS, The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is the only Latino / Hispanic cultural arts center in the City of Austin – serving the approximately 32% of Austin’s population that identifies as Hispanic or Latino; and WHEREAS, There were critical architectural, design, and equipment aspects of The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center’s Phase 2 renovations that were value-engineered out of the original master plan; and WHEREAS, these eliminated features limit the cultural centers’ overall community impact and renders the facility impractical and ine(cid:431)ectual; and WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 20221208-068 directed the City Manager to: 1. Proceed with the construction of the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center WITHOUT a reduction in the scope of proposed work, and develop an estimate of the resulting funding gap for inclusion in the next applicable City of Austin General Obligation Bond Program. WHEREAS, correcting these critical features is imperative to the success of the grand reopening of the City’s only Latino / Hispanic Cultural center; and WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission has recognized capital improvements at the cultural center as a priority for sustaining and growing Latino arts programs; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to allocate $6,000,000 (Six Million Dollars) in funding for the completion of Phase 2 capital improvements, and/or items that were value engineered out of the original Phase 2 master plan at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that recommended capital improvements may include, but are not limited to: • Building and facility upgrades to ensure accessibility and ADA compliance • Improved lighting, sound, and audiovisual systems for performance and exhibition spaces • Renovation and addition of rehearsal, classroom, and gallery areas to …
Recommendation to Council Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation 20260324-018: Funding for the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center WHEREAS, Latino artists in Austin continue to face systemic barriers to sustainable artistic careers, including limited access to paid residency opportunities, space, and institutional support; and WHEREAS, Austin’s Latino community represents approximately 33% of the population but receives only 9% of cultural funding, reflecting a significant structural inequity in access to resources, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability, and WHEREAS, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center has historically served as a vital cultural hub for Latino arts, heritage, and community engagement in the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board Recommendation (20180110-0E4) objected to the implementation of an Artist Access Program (LAAP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center ; and WHEREAS, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center Advisory Board Recommendation (20180110-0E4) regarding the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) proposed new residency programs directed the City Manager to explore and support the development of culturally responsive residency opportunities at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, reflecting community priorities, increasing access for Latino artists, and strengthening the Center’s role as a bridge between the City of Austin and the community; and WHEREAS, the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) previously provided critical resources, visibility, and professional development opportunities for Latino artists across disciplines; and WHEREAS, the discontinuation of LARP has created a gap in equitable access to City-supported residency programs for Latino and culturally rooted artists; and WHEREAS, artist residency programs are a crucial tool to help local artists, nonprofits, and creatives continue to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic instability; and WHEREAS, investing in culturally specific programs supports the preservation, evolution, and visibility of Latino cultural practices, including dance, music, visual arts, and interdisciplinary work; and WHEREAS, community stakeholders and artists have expressed a strong need for dedicated space, funding, and institutional support to develop new work and engage with the public; and WHEREAS, the reestablishment of LARP would strengthen Austin’s cultural ecosystem by fostering community engagement, supporting local artists, and increasing access to culturally relevant programming; and WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission has identified investment in Latino arts infrastructure and opportunities as a key priority; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED …
Recommendation to Council Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission (20260324-019): Explore alternative funding resources for Cultural Arts, specifically state legislation that would increase the 15% HOT Tax fund cap for funding programs. WHEREAS, the City of Austin relies in part on Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds to support cultural arts programs, which are essential to the city’s economic vitality, cultural diversity, and tourism sector; and WHEREAS, current legislation limits HOT fund allocation to cultural arts programs to a 15% cap, restricting the ability of the City to fully support local artists, organizations, and cultural initiatives; and WHEREAS, increased funding flexibility could enhance equitable access to resources for underrepresented artists and culturally specific programs, including Latinx, Indigenous, and other historically marginalized communities; and WHEREAS, alternative funding strategies, including advocating for state legislation to raise the HOT tax allocation cap, could provide sustainable and expanded support for Austin’s arts ecosystem; and WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission has identified increased investment in cultural arts as a key priority to ensure long-term vitality and resilience of local arts organizations; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommends that the City Council direct the City Manager and appropriate staff to explore alternative funding strategies for cultural arts, including pursuing state legislative opportunities to increase the HOT tax allocation cap beyond the current 15%; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these efforts should prioritize equitable access and support for underrepresented artists and organizations, strengthening Austin’s cultural ecosystem and community engagement; BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission requests reporting on the outcomes of these exploratory efforts, including potential legislative strategies, financial projections, and anticipated impacts on local arts programs. Date of Approval: March 24, 2026 Motion: Vice Chair Ramos Second: Commissioner Galvan Record of Vote: 6-0 For: Vice Chair Ramos, Commissioners Castañeda, Flores, Galvan, Morales, Ruiz Abstain: Commissioner Perales Off Dais: Chair Afifi Absent: Commissioners Peña and Moya Fábregas Attest: Nekaybaw Watson,Staff Liaison
