20260728-010: Recommendation to Council to Protect Community-Based Organizations — original pdf

Recommendation

RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resources Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260728-010]: Recommendation on Community-Based Organizations Date of Approval: July 28, 2029 Recommendation: The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council prioritize continued investment in community-based organizations that provide wraparound services and avoid funding reductions that would diminish the capacity of trusted organizations serving Austin residents. The Commission further recommends that budget decisions recognize community-based organizations as essential public health infrastructure because they serve as community hubs that connect residents to multiple services, provide culturally responsive support, and address complex and interconnected needs. If reductions to community-based contracts are being considered, the Commission recommends that the City evaluate the potential long-term fiscal impacts of those reductions, including the potential increased demand on crisis response systems, healthcare services, housing interventions, and other publicly funded programs. Description of Recommendation to Council: Families rarely experience challenges in isolation. Individuals seeking assistance with housing instability may also require food assistance, behavioral health services, workforce development, childcare, legal assistance, transportation support, or assistance navigating public benefits. Community-based organizations serve as accessible entry points that help residents navigate these interconnected systems while providing services rooted in the communities they serve. During our Public Health Workgroup meeting with community members, participants emphasized the importance of protecting organizations that function as community hubs by providing multiple services under one roof or connecting residents to coordinated networks of care. Participants also highlighted the importance of ensuring these spaces remain welcoming, trusted, and accessible for immigrant and mixed-status families who may be hesitant to seek services through traditional government systems. Rationale: Community-based organizations represent critical public health infrastructure in our city. Their work extends beyond direct service delivery by strengthening neighborhood relationships, connecting residents to available resources, preventing crises before they occur, and improving long-term health and economic outcomes. Reducing funding for community-based organizations does not eliminate community need, it reduces the community’s capacity to respond. Funding reductions may result in fewer staff, reduced operating hours, longer wait times, and diminished access to essential services at a time when many organizations are already experiencing increased demand. The Commission also recommends that any proposed reductions to community-based service contracts include consideration of the long-term fiscal impacts associated with reduced access to prevention and early intervention services. When residents lose access to community supports, unmet needs may escalate and result in increased utilization of higher-cost crisis systems, including emergency response, healthcare services, homelessness interventions, and other publicly funded programs. A comprehensive budget analysis should consider both immediate savings and potential downstream costs to the City and its residents. Community-based organizations also represent an important segment of Austin’s workforce. Funding reductions may lead to layoffs and reduced community capacity during a challenging economic climate, limiting both employment opportunities and the availability of critical services for Austin residents. The Commission recognizes that final funding recommendations are still under development. Regardless of which contracts are ultimately proposed for reduction, the Commission urges the Austin City Council to carefully consider the long-term consequences of reducing investments in community-based organizations and prioritize funding decisions that preserve the partnerships, workforce capacity, and preventive services that make Austin’s public health and social service system effective, equitable, and responsive to community needs. Motioned By: Commissioner Afifi Seconded By: Commissioner Morales Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Galvan, Vice Chair Castañeda, Commissioners Afifi, Flores, Morales, Perales, and Ruiz Absent: Commissioner Ramos Attest: Nekaybaw Watson, Staff Liaison