Item 1: Draft Minutes for March 24 — original pdf

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Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 24, 2026 The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, March 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 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Yesenia Ramos, Vice Chair Melissa Ruiz Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amanda Afifi, Chair Dulce Castañeda Andrea Flores Lyssette Galvan Elizabeth Morales Jesús Perales PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Raquel Rivera Hector Ordaz Luis Ordaz APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on February 24, 2026. The minutes from the meeting on February 24, 2026 were approved on Commissioner Perales’ motion, Commissioner Castañeda’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 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. 1 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 The presentation was made 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. The presentation was made by Analleli Lopez Tavera and Katy Ayala, parent participants in the Communities in Schools of Central Texas services. 4. Discussion regarding Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence questions for Boards and Commissions presented at the February JIC Meeting. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Expanding Digital Literacy and Technology Career Pathways. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Expanding Digital Literacy and Technology Career Pathways was approved on Commissioner Morales’ motion, Commissioner Flores’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 6. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Supporting Maternal Services. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Supporting Maternal Services was approved on Commissioner Castañeda’s motion, Commissioner Ruiz’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 7. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Supporting Mental Health Services in Schools. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Supporting Mental Health Services in Schools was approved on Commissioner Galvan’s motion, Commissioner Perales’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 8. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Legal Services. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Legal Services was approved on Commissioner Perales’ motion, Commissioner Castañeda’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 9. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for the Family Stabilization Program. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for the Family Stabilization Program was approved on Commissioner Castañeda’s motion, Commissioner Ruiz’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 2 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 10. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for AISD Parent Support Specialists. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for AISD Parent Support Specialists was approved on Commissioner Morales’ motion, Commissioner Perales’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 11. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Early Childhood Education and Development. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council 12. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Equity Office Mini Grants. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Budget for Early Childhood Education and Development was approved on Chair Afifi’s motion, Commissioner Ruiz’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 14. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Latino Arts & Culture Community Navigator Program. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Latino Arts & Culture Community Navigator Program as follows was motioned by Commissioner Galvan and seconded by Vice Chair Ramos. “Recommendation Number: (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 3 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 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 $1.2 Million dollars in cultural arts HOT TAX funding out of the $24 Million+ awarded during the recent FY26 funding cycle; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Equity Office was created in 2016 to advance equity in all aspects of City operations 3; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends the implementation of a Latino Arts & Culture Navigator Program for FY26 and beyond, and that this role be housed within the City’s Equity Office for cross- departmental coordination and community alignment with ACME and other City departments related to cultural arts. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to, assisting in the coordination of City cultural arts funding and resource services, supporting community education, facilitating navigation and referral pathways, and working in partnership with nonprofit and community-based organizations that provide related services. 4 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends an initial allocation of $125,000 to support program coordination, community partnerships, training, and educational activities associated with this pilot effort, with the possible budget recommendations: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program be focused on education, navigation, coordination, and social-harm prevention, leveraging nonprofit and community partners where appropriate. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission requests an evaluation following the pilot period, including participation levels, coordination outcomes, service referrals, and community partner feedback, to inform future program development and potential expansion.” A motion to amend the recommendation and insert “-27” after “FY26” in the first BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED clause was approved on Commissioner Galvan’s motion, Vice Chair Ramos’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. The recommendation was approved as amended on Commissioner Galvan’s motion, Vice Chair Ramos’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 15. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Spanish-language Contracts for City of Austin Cultural Arts Contractors. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Spanish- language Contracts for City of Austin Cultural Arts Contractors as follows was motioned by Chair Afifi and seconded by Commissioner Galvan. “BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic Quality of Life Recommendation Number: (20260325-015) Spanish-Language Contracts for City of Austin Cultural Arts Contractors WHEREAS, approximately 32% of Austin’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino; 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 5 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 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, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic Quality of Life 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.” A motion to amend the recommendation and add an additional Be it Further Resolved clause as follows was approved on Vice Chair Ramos’ motion, Commissioner Galvan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. “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 to $12,000.” The recommendation was approved as amended on Chair Afifi’s motion, Commissioner Galvan’s second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 16. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Emergency Cultural Arts Grants for Latino Artists. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Emergency Cultural Arts Grants for Latino Artists as follows was approved on Vice Chair Ramos’ motion, Commissioner Morales’ second, on a 7-1 vote. Commissioner Castañeda voted nay. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. “BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (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 6 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 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 communities.” LGBTQIA+ disability and/or WHEREAS, from 2023- 2026, City staff and community stakeholders have documented a significant number of severe 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 inequity 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, Austin’s Hispanic / Latino artists and creative workers are central to the City’s cultural identity, economic vitality, and national reputation as a progressive City for art, culture, and creative expression; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic Quality of Life Commission with the support of the Spanish-Language / Hispanic / Latino / Latinx /Chicano arts community, urges the Austin City Council to support, through the City’s Stabilization Fund, a one-time allocation of $1.5 Million Dollars to fund impacted Spanish-speaking and Latino arts organizations, Hispanic arts groups, and creative individuals that were excluded in the FY26 ACME funding cycle. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that FIRST PRIORITY will be given to: Spanish-language applicants negatively impacted by the inaugural FY26 ACME Cultural Arts Funding Cycle, specifically, organizations, arts groups, and/or individual artists that: 7 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 • Were wrongfully denied access to applications due to the newly-established eligibility intake process • Were forced to abandon their applications due to inadequate and negligent Spanish- language translations that went unfixed by City Staff • Were unable to submit an application due to the severe disproportionate response- time from ACME and Long Center staff • Were denied funding due to the inflated score minimum of FY26, having received the same or higher score than their previously funded application. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that SECOND PRIORITY will be given to: Spanish-language and Latino / Hispanic cultural arts organizations, groups and individuals that have attempted to access the City’s Cultural Arts Funding Programs for the past 10 years without success, due to the continued inequity in the City’s overall process.” 17. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Funding for the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center – Phase 2 The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Funding for the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center – Phase 2 as follows was approved on Vice Chair Ramos’s motion, Commissioner Castañeda’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. “BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (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 ineffectual; and 8 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 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 meet the community needs • Enhanced safety measures, including fire, security, and emergency systems artists and the of BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends prioritizing upgrades that directly support artist residency programs, public arts events, community workshops, and cultural heritage programming; BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission requests ongoing reporting on the implementation of Phase 2 improvements, including timelines, budget expenditures, and outcomes to ensure accountability and community benefit.” 19. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Explore alternative funding resources for Cultural Arts, specifically state legislation that would increase the 15% HOT Tax Fund cap for funding programs. The motion to approve the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Explore alternative funding resources for Cultural Arts, specifically state legislation that would increase the 15% HOT Tax Fund cap for funding programs as follows was approved on Vice Chair Ramos’ motion, Commissioner Galvan’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Perales abstained. Commissioner Afifi was off the dais. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. “BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 9 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (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 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.” 18. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Funding for the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. The motion to approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Funding for the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center as follows was motioned by Vice Chair Ramos and seconded by Commissioner Perales. “BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Advisory Commission 10 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 Recommendation Number: (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, 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; andt 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 11 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 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 that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to reestablish and fund the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends an initial allocation of $1,000,000 to support the Latino Artist Residency Program (LARP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center, including program coordination, artist stipends, community partnerships, training, and educational activities associated with the residency, with possible budget recommendations including but not limited to: ● Paid stipends for participating artists across disciplines ● Dedicated rehearsal and creation space for resident artists ● Public presentations, performances, or exhibitions of new work ● Community engagement activities such as workshops, open rehearsals, and artist talks ● Professional development resources for resident artists ● Administrative and program coordination costs ● Marketing, outreach, and promotion to ensure broad community access and participation ● Accessibility accommodations to ensure equitable participation for all artists and audiences BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends the allocation of funding to support artist stipends, program administration, space usage, and public programming associated with the residency. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program be designed to support multidisciplinary Latino artists, including but not limited to dance, music, theater, visual arts, and culturally rooted practices. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program prioritize accessibility and equity by ensuring that opportunities are available to emerging, mid-career, and established Latino artists from diverse backgrounds. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission requests an evaluation of the program following its initial implementation, including artist participation, community engagement outcomes, and overall impact, to inform future funding and expansion.” The motion to amend the recommendation by inserting a second Whereas clause after the first Whereas clause as follows made by Vice Chair Ramos, seconded by Commissioner Galvan. 12 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission March 24, 2026 “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.” The amendment was approved on a 7-0 vote. Chair Afifi was off the dais. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. The recommendation was approved as amended on Vice Chair Ramos’ motion, Commissioner Galvan’s second, on a vote of 7-0. Chair Afifi was off the dais. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. 13. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Support the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP). The motion to withdraw the recommendation to Council regarding the FY 2026-27 Support the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP) was approved on Vice Chair Ramos’ motion, Commissioner Castañeda’s second, on a 7-0 vote. Chair Afifi was off the dais. Commissioners Moya Fábregas and Peña were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 20. Update on the work of the Immigrant Working Group since February 2026. 21. Update on the work of the Arts and Culture Working Group since February 2026. Commissioner Galvan provided an update. 21. Update on the work of the Arts and Culture Working Group since February 2026. Commissioner Galvan provided an update. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Austin Arts Culture Music and Entertainment Department (ACME) Presentation Austin Communications and Engagement Department (ACE) Presentation Officer Elections Workforce Development Arts and Culture Working Group Update ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Ramos adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.m. without objection. 13