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
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 …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE HISPANIC LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 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 January 27, 2026. 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. 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. 4. Presentation by the Coalition for Austin’s Arts and Spanish-Language Theatre (CAAST) (LAAP) and FY 2026-2027 budget the Latino Artist Access Program regarding recommendations. Presentation by Iván Dávila, CAAST. 5. Conduct a public input session to collect feedback on the Commission’s Fiscal Year Budget Recommendations. 6. Discussion on community input and feedback for Commission’s Fiscal Year Budget Recommendations. 7. Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve updates to the membership of the Immigrant Working Group. 9. Approve updates to the membership of the Arts and Culture Working Group. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 10. Update on the work of the Immigrant Working Group since August 2025. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications …
Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission January 27, 2026 HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, January 27, 2026 The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi, Chair Yesenia Ramos, Vice Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Dulce Castañeda Andrea Flores Lyssette Galvan Elizabeth Morales Jesús Perales Melissa Ruiz PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Hector Ordaz – ACME/Spanish Language APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 16, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on December 16, 2025 were approved as amended below on Commissioner Galvan’s motion, Commissioner Morales’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Peña and Moya Fábregas were absent. The amendment was to show Commissioner Castañeda as present remotely. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and a request for the prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 26-27 budget. 1 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission January 27, 2026 The presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. 3. Conduct a public input session to collect feedback on the Commission’s Fiscal Year Budget Recommendations. Withdrawn. 4. Discussion on community input and feedback for Commission’s Fiscal Year Budget. Withdrawn. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Working Group. The motion to approve the formation of a Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Working Group was approved on Commissioner Morales’ motion, Vice Chair Ramos’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Peña and Moya Fábregas were absent. Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Ramos, Commissioners Galvan and Morales, and Hector Ordaz, community member, were added to the working group without objection. 6. Approve an update to the membership of an Arts and Culture Working Group. The motion to approve adding Hector Ordaz and Raquel Rivera, community members, to the Arts and Culture Working Group was approved on Commissioner Castañeda’s motion, Commissioner Perales’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Peña and Moya Fábregas were absent. 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Austin Police cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The motion to approve the recommendation was …
CIS Central Texas Services and Outcomes for Austin/Del Valle Students The Need for CIS Services • 1 in 3 children in Central Texas lives below 200% of the poverty line. • 1 in 4 children in Central Texas is food insecure. • 1 in 5 students has experienced sexual abuse or assault nationally. • 1 in 4 children nationally has experienced physical abuse by a caregiver. • 1 / 4 Americans had an alcoholic parent • 1 / 8 Americans witnessed their mother in an abusive relationship 3 How Trauma Impacts Students • Trauma changes how the brain processes information – survival mode over learning mode. • Students may struggle with memory, focus, and attention in class. • Trauma triggers can lead to fight, flight, or freeze responses, often seen as misbehavior. • Emotions live in the body – students may experience headaches, stomachaches, or restlessness. • Safety and connection are prerequisites for learning; without them, academic success is limited. • Consistent, supportive relationships are key to helping students regulate and re-engage. 4 Integrated Student Support (ISS) Model Menu of Case Management Services Enrichment: Mental & Behavioral Health: • Behavior Intervention, Skill Building Activities, Conflict Resolution, Crisis Intervention • Mentoring • Professional Mental Health Services • Safety Intervention Student /Teacher Conferences • Field Trips Summer Camps and activities • • Creative Arts/ Recreation activities • Before and after school activities • School Climate activities Case Management/ Academics & Attendance: Goal Setting & Monitoring: • Individual goal setting for academic, attendance, and behavior needs • Goal-related intervention planning with student; monitoring check-ins • Case consultation, staffing, service coordination • Tutoring and Homework Assistance Student / Teacher Conferences • • Attendance Interventions • Language Acquisition Support (Emergent Bilingual) Parent/ Family Engagement: • Home visits • Parent Conferences • Family referrals to community resources • Care Coordination & ASPIRE multi-generational learning programs Health & Human Services: • Basic Needs Assistance: (food, clothing, household, rental assistance, utilities) • Transportation assistance • Independent Living Skills Development • Agency Referrals Behavior Improvement by Targeted Need Area 7 Who We Serve in Austin 72 Schools 55 Austin ISD 13 Del Valle ISD 4 Harmony Public Schools 8 2024-25 Austin ISD Services 28,245 students received school-wide supports 5,114 students received intensive case management $433,569 direct assistance to students & families 94% of student body receive school- wide supports 81 community partnerships provided service 9 Total …
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 …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE HISPANIC LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 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 December 16, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and a request for the prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 26-27 budget. 3. Conduct a public input session to collect feedback on the Commission’s Fiscal Year Budget Recommendations. 4. Discussion on community input and feedback for Commission’s Fiscal Year Budget. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Working Group. 6. Approve an update to the membership of an Arts and Culture Working Group. 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Austin Police cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update on the work of the Immigrant Working Group since August 2025. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Christi Vitela at the Austin City Clerk’s Office, at 512-974-2792 or christi.vitela@austintexas.gov, to request service or for …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number 20260127-007: Public Safety Practices, Constitutional Policing, and Community Trust Date of Approval: January 27, 2026 Recommendation The Hispanic or Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopt policies that strengthen public safety, protect constitutional rights, and ensure that all residents can seek emergency assistance and interact with law enforcement without fear or hesitation. Description of Recommendation to Council Based on input from community advocates and residents, concerns have been raised about public safety practices that affect officer safety, constitutional rights, and community trust, particularly in Hispanic and Latino communities. Advocates emphasized the importance of evidence-based public safety strategies that reduce escalation, support lawful decision making, and maintain a clear distinction between local public safety functions and federal immigration enforcement. Advocates also highlighted the need for robust constitutional law training and practical tools to support officers in the field, as well as concerns regarding the use of surplus military equipment in civilian policing. Rationale Community members report that fear of immigration enforcement can discourage residents from calling 911, reporting crimes, or cooperating with law enforcement, which undermines public safety for everyone. Policing practices grounded in constitutional law, discretion, and proportionality reduce harm, protect civil liberties, and strengthen community trust. Advocates identified the value of crisis intervention teams, mental health response, human trafficking response, and force review processes in improving officer safety and preventing escalation. Advocates also emphasized that accessible legal guidance, including quick reference materials in patrol vehicles, can support lawful decision making and reduce civil rights violations. Concerns were raised that military grade equipment designed for combat environments can erode community trust and conflict with community centered public safety approaches. Recommendation NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic or Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission expresses support for the following positions. 1. Local public safety functions should remain clearly separate from federal immigration enforcement activities, including opposition to participation in 287(g) agreements and opposition to accepting funding from a 287(g) source. 2. Policing policies and practices should prioritize constitutional rights, lawful discretion, and alternatives to arrest in nonviolent situations. 3. The Austin Police Department should expand and institutionalize constitutional law training at the police academy and through continuing education, including training on Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections, qualified immunity, and the impacts of arrests and jail bookings on families …
Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission December 16, 2025 HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, December 16, 2025 The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi, Chair Yesenia Ramos, Vice Chair Elizabeth Morales Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Andrea Flores Lyssette Galvan Jesús Perales PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Luis Ordaz Gutiérrez – Cultural Funding APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on November 18, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on November 18, 2025, were approved on Commissioner Galvan’s motion, Commissioner Morales’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas, Peña, and Ruiz were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding the development of a report by Austin Equity and Inclusion to in community conditions across neighborhoods. understand and address disparities Presentation by Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion. The presentation was made by Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity and Inclusion and Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity and Inclusion. 1 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission December 16, 2025 3. Presentation regarding Universal Tech Movement’s updated mission, digital inclusion efforts and ways in which the commission can support UTM's pathways into technology. Presentation by Michael Ward Jr., President and CEO, Universal Tech Movement. The presentation was made by Michael Ward Jr., President and CEO, Universal Tech Movement. 4. Discussion of the Public Spaces Task Force. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the creation of an Arts and Culture Working Group. The motion to create an Arts and Culture Working Group with Commissioners Galvan, Perales, and Ramos as members was approved on Commissioner Perales’ motion, Commissioner Morales’ second, on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Moya Fábregas, Peña, and Ruiz were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Update to the membership of the Arts and Culture Working Group Update to the membership of the Immigration Working Group Budget Presentation Workforce Development at the City of Austin ADJOURNMENT Chair Afifi adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. without objection. 2
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number 20260127-007: Public Safety Practices, Constitutional Policing, and Community Trust Date of Approval: Recommendation The Hispanic or Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council adopt policies that strengthen public safety, protect constitutional rights, and ensure that all residents can seek emergency assistance and interact with law enforcement without fear or hesitation. Description of Recommendation to Council Based on input from community advocates and residents, concerns have been raised about public safety practices that affect officer safety, constitutional rights, and community trust, particularly in Hispanic and Latino communities. Advocates emphasized the importance of evidence-based public safety strategies that reduce escalation, support lawful decision making, and maintain a clear distinction between local public safety functions and federal immigration enforcement. Advocates also highlighted the need for robust constitutional law training and practical tools to support officers in the field, as well as concerns regarding the use of surplus military equipment in civilian policing. Rationale Community members report that fear of immigration enforcement can discourage residents from calling 911, reporting crimes, or cooperating with law enforcement, which undermines public safety for everyone. Policing practices grounded in constitutional law, discretion, and proportionality reduce harm, protect civil liberties, and strengthen community trust. Advocates identified the value of crisis intervention teams, mental health response, human trafficking response, and force review processes in improving officer safety and preventing escalation. Advocates also emphasized that accessible legal guidance, including quick reference materials in patrol vehicles, can support lawful decision making and reduce civil rights violations. Concerns were raised that military grade equipment designed for combat environments can erode community trust and conflict with community centered public safety approaches. Recommendation NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic or Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission expresses support for the following positions. 1. Local public safety functions should remain clearly separate from federal immigration enforcement activities, including opposition to participation in 287(g) agreements and opposition to accepting funding from a 287(g) source. 2. Policing policies and practices should prioritize constitutional rights, lawful discretion, and alternatives to arrest in nonviolent situations. 3. The Austin Police Department should expand and institutionalize constitutional law training at the police academy and through continuing education, including training on Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections, qualified immunity, and the impacts of arrests and jail bookings on families and communities. 4. …
Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission January 27, 2026 HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, January 27, 2026 The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi, Chair Yesenia Ramos, Vice Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Dulce Castañeda Andrea Flores Lyssette Galvan Elizabeth Morales Jesús Perales Melissa Ruiz PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Hector Ordaz – ACME/Spanish Language APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission regular meeting on December 16, 2025. The minutes from the meeting on December 16, 2025 were approved as amended below on Commissioner Galvan’s motion, Commissioner Morales’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Peña and Moya Fábregas were absent. The amendment was to show Commissioner Castañeda as present remotely. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by American Gateways regarding successes with the City of Austin and a request for the prioritization of immigration funding in the FY 26-27 budget. 1 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission January 27, 2026 The presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. 3. Conduct a public input session to collect feedback on the Commission’s Fiscal Year Budget Recommendations. Withdrawn. 4. Discussion on community input and feedback for Commission’s Fiscal Year Budget. Withdrawn. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve the formation of a Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Working Group. The motion to approve the formation of a Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Working Group was approved on Commissioner Morales’ motion, Vice Chair Ramos’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Peña and Moya Fábregas were absent. Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Ramos, Commissioners Galvan and Morales, and Hector Ordaz, community member, were added to the working group without objection. 6. Approve an update to the membership of an Arts and Culture Working Group. The motion to approve adding Hector Ordaz and Raquel Rivera, community members, to the Arts and Culture Working Group was approved on Commissioner Castañeda’s motion, Commissioner Perales’ second, on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Peña and Moya Fábregas were absent. 7. Approve a Recommendation to Council regarding Austin Police cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The motion to approve the recommendation was …
