Coalition Meeting June 20, 2024 Affordable Childcare Now is a broad coalition convened by United Way for Greater Austin that comprises of Travis County civic organizations, businesses, and community members who support equitable access to affordable, quality childcare for all. 3 Benefits of Quality Childcare 7 The Case for Significant Investments in Childcare ➔ Workforce ➔ Affordability ➔ Accessibility ➔ School Readiness ➔ Ongoing School Success ➔ Market Failure ➔ Equity ➔ Social Returns “It’s time to start treating childcare as essential infrastructure — just as worthy of funding as roads and fiber optic cables.” Melinda Gates, 2021 8 Background: ➔The Success By 6 Coalition (SX6) has coordinated community-wide early childhood efforts since 2012. There are more than 100 organizations in the Coalition including local ISD’s, nonprofit partners, childcare programs, and County & City programs. ➔The Children’s Funding Project has provided technical assistance to support SX6 strategic planning to conduct a local cost analysis to understand gaps in funding for our early childhood education systems. It used revenue and local costs from 60 different For Profit and Nonprofit centers ➔Formed in 2000, the Learn All the Time Network (LATT) is the central Texas organizing intermediary for afterschool and summer programs. ➔LATT consists of 40 youth-service organizations including local ISDs, Travis County and City of Austin programs, and nonprofit providers. 10 Goals & Guiding Principles ➔ Increase Access ➔ Increase Access ➔ Improve Affordability ➔ Improve Affordability ➔ Invest in Quality ➔ Invest in Quality ➔ Grow the Workforce ➔ Grow the Workforce ➔ Strengthen the System ➔ Strengthen the System Adapted from Travis County Court Briefing ➔ Ground Solutions in Data ➔ Ground Solutions in Data ➔ Seek Equity ➔ Seek Equity ➔ Leverage Existing Assets ➔ Leverage Existing Assets ➔ Ensure Accountability and ➔ Ensure Accountability and Efficiency Efficiency 11 Recommended Strategies for Investment Collectively, we are bringing four proposed strategies for investing dedicated funding to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care on the cradle to career continuum. The Children’s Funding Project (CFP) Working Group identified strategies to increase access to early childhood care. Commissioner Travillion advocated and collaborated with Learn All the Time to develop strategies to provide afterschool/ summer care for school age children. Adapted from Travis County Court Briefing ➔ Expand Slots Early Childhood Afterschool/Summer ➔ Expand care in early ◆ ◆ morning, evening and weekend hours ➔ Build quality and capacity Early Childhood Afterschool/Summer …
Population Change and Demographic Trends for Austin’s Hispanic/Latina/o/x Population Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission June 25, 2024 Austin’s population has been doubling every 20 to 25 years. Recent growth has been at a slower rate. 1,137,983 961,855 974,447 Period of greatest growth 656,562 Period of fastest growth since 1900 251,808 National Ranking: 73rd 67th 56th 42nd 27th 16th 14th 11th 10th Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Censuses 1870 – 2020; 2022 Vintage Census Bureau Population Estimates; 2025, 2030 CoA Projections. 2 1,250,000 1,000,000 750,000 500,000 250,000 .974 million 4,428 0 The Hispanic population has always been a part of Austin’s growth history. 900000 800000 700000 600000 500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0 First time Hispanics were broken out from White. Black population split into “free” and “slave”. Initially measured simply as “Chinese”. “Mexican” included in Other Race. White Hispanic Black 1850 628 1860 2505 1870 2813 1880 7407 1900 1890 10956 16414 22366 27928 38209 73025 114652 161806 184859 232324 287166 353706 385271 452994 1940 1930 1980 1970 1950 1960 1990 2000 2010 2020 1920 1910 American Indian & Alaska Native Asian & Pacific Islander Population 9 10 1 8 2 14 22 27 29 4 40 10 107 39 184 170 622 1,003 1,756 1,967 2,002 3,642 14,141 31,421 49,560 86,381 1 989 1615 3587 3610 5822 7478 6921 14861 17667 24413 29845 42118 55824 66738 60760 66002 5014 9868 36623 64766 106868 200579 277707 312448 Asian & Pacific Islander Population American Indian & Alaska Native Black Hispanic White Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Historical Census 1790-1990; Texas Demographic Center 1980-2000; data.census.gov 2010-2020 3 Hispanic or Latina/o/x Population, Austin, 1970-2020 88% 312,448 77% 200,579 65% 106,868 277,707 38% 36,623 64,766 13% 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Hispanic Population Percent Change 312,448 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Historical Census Statistics for Large Cities and Other Urban Places in the U.S. 4 Where do Austinites come from? Place of Birth, 2022 Total Population Hispanics Asians Born in Texas Born in other US State Native born, outside US Born in Another Country 48% 32% 2% 18% 58% 13% 2% 27% 19% 18% 2% 61% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-Year Estimates Note: Figures in red represent a decrease since 2012, in blue an increase since 2012. 5 Components of Population Change, Austin Metro Area, 2022-2023 Drivers of Growth Migration continues to be a major component of growth …
REGULAR MEETING of the HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY-OF-LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, MAY 28th, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 Some members of the Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-life Resource Advisory Commission may be participating by video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles at (Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMISSIONERS Daniela Silva Amanda Afifi Vanessa Maldonado Ivanna Neri Kevin M Jackson Jr. Lyssette Galvan Jesus Perales Leonor Vargas Dulce Castañeda AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION’S REGULAR MEETING on APRIL 23, 2024. 1 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Cara Berton, Program Manager II - Planning Department - Sharing draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan for feedback. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discuss FY25 budget recommendation updates. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a Budget & Policy Priorities Workgroup. Approve a Language Access Workgroup. Approve a Public Safety & Immigrant Affairs Workgroup. Approve an Arts and Culture Workgroup. Approve a Community Outreach/Townhall Workgroup. Vote Primary and Secondary Representatives for the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC). (Meets the 4th Wednesday of the month from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.) 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. For additional information please call the Equity Office’s Community Services Program Coordinator, Alejandra Mireles at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission, please contact Alejandra Mireles by calling (512) 978-1793 or emailing alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. 5. 4. 5. 6. 7. -- 2
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION | MAY 28, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Why This Matters Changing city POP. Changing preservation field Existing preservation plan adopted Pixels, City of Austin, Austin History Center (PICA 36924), City of San Antonio Community-Based Process Historic Landmark Commission Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people access knowledge, resources, and decision-making power • Streamline and explain historic review and designation processes • Support craftspeople, commissioners, and staff • Engage new partners and audiences San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation, Bertha Rendon Delgado, Austin Asian American Film Festival How We Preserve Be strategic and effective. • Update designation criteria to reflect …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY-OF-LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The HISPANIC LATINO QUAITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION convened a REGULAR meeting on TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. CST, in CITY OF AUSTIN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 – CITY HALL (301 W. 2ND STREET; AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701). Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the HISPANIC LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Daniela Silva Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ivanna Neri (Co-Chair) Kevin Jackson Dulce Castaneda Leonor Vargas Lysette Galvan Commissioners Absent: Vanessa Maldonado Jesus Perales PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION’S REGULAR MEETING on MARCH 26, 2024. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER DANIELA SILVA’s motion, COMMISSIONER DULCE CASTAÑEDA’s second on a 6-0 vote (Absent: Commissioners Vanessa Maldonado and Jesus Perales). 1 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Lila Valencia, City of Austin Demographer, Presenting to Commission on 2024 City of Austin Demographics Updates and Impacts of. Postponed. Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator – APD; Fausto Rodriguez, Lieutenant – APD; Sadot Azzua – Public Information Specialist, SR. – APD. Presenting to Commission on City of Austin Procedures and Policies for Senate Bill 4. Lt. Rodriguez shares that City legal believes there is a little possibility that SB4 will pass, but there is communication ready to explain. APD is here because community is important to APD. We do not see there will be [SB4] encounters in Austin, Texas. Safe harbors are in place if needed. Sadot shares that APD maintains a relationship with Mexican consulate via “Coffee with Cop” session. Sador also shares that the City provides information in the identified 10 languages; Further, Stephanie Gonzales shares that there is an immigrant services network of Austin – victim services and Equity/Inclusion coordinator meets with them monthly to share what resources are available through longer conversations. Follow up question, COMMISISONER IVANNA NERI what if there is a group of community members that would like to get access to a workshop? Answer, APD can give you information about workshops, but APD is not hosting them. COMMISSIONER DULCE CASTAÑEDA thanks APD for the briefing and explains reason for requesting briefing. Follow …
Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission May 28, 2024 HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 28, 2024 The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission convened in a regular called meeting on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St in Austin, Texas. Chair Neri called the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Ivanna Neri, Chair Daniela Silva, Vice Chair Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amanda Afifi Dulce Castañeda Kevin Jackson Jr. Jesús Perales Leonor Vargas PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Cathy McHorse – Affordable Childcare Now Initiative APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission’s regular meeting on 4/23/24. The minutes from the meeting on 04/23/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Silva’s motion, Commissioner Perales’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Jackson was off the dais. Commissioners Galvan and Maldonado were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS Cara Bertron, Program Manager II - Planning Department - Sharing draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan for feedback. 1. 2. 1 Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission May 28, 2024 The presentation was given by Cara Bertron, Program II, Historic Preservation Office, Planning Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discuss FY25 budget recommendation updates. Chair Neri, Vice Chair Silva and Commissioner Afifi provided updates. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve a Budget & Policy Priorities Workgroup. No action taken. Approve a Language Access Workgroup. The motion to approve the formation of a Language Access Workgroup to follow up on Recommendation 20240326-010 and possibly provide another report or recommendation was approved on Commissioner Afifi’s motion, Vice Chair Silva’s second on a 6-1 vote. Commissioner Castañeda voted nay. Commissioners Galvan and Maldonado were absent. Commissioner Afifi will primarily lead the Language Access Workgroup and Vice Chair Silva will provide secondary support. Approve a Public Safety & Immigrant Affairs Workgroup. The motion to approve the formation of a Public Safety & Immigrant Affairs Workgroup to monitor Senate Bill 4 and provide a budget recommendation was approved on Vice Chair Silva’s motion, Commissioner Vargas’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Galvan and Maldonado were absent. The Public Safety & Immigrant Affairs Workgroup membership includes Chair Neri and Commissioners Castañeda, Perales and Vargas. Approve an Arts and Culture Workgroup. The motion to approve the formation of an Arts and Culture Workgroup to improve the application process for culture and …
REGULAR MEETING of the HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY-OF-LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, APRIL 23rd, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 Some members of the Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-life Resource Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles at (Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMISSIONERS Daniela Silva Amanda Afifi Vanessa Maldonado Ivanna Neri Kevin M Jackson Jr. Lyssette Galvan Eliza May Jesus Perales Leonor Vargas Dulce Castañeda AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION’S REGULAR MEETING on MARCH 26, 2024. 1 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Lila Valencia, City of Austin Demographer, Presenting to Commission on 2024 City of Austin Demographics Updates and Impacts of. Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator – APD, and Fausto Rodriguez, Lieutenant – APD, Presenting to Commission on City of Austin Procedures and Policies for Senate Bill 4. 3. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Daniela Hernandez, Workers Defense Project – Presenting on the latest Community updates with Senate Bill 4; specifically, Senate Bill 4’s impact on the Latiné Community, and how Workers Defense Project is preparing for the implementation of Senate Bill 4. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Increase Funding for Community Navigators in the Economic Development Department’s Arts Funding Programs. Conduct officer elections for the Chair. Conduct officer elections for the Vice Chair. WORKING GROUPS/COMMITTEE UPDATES 8. Budget & Policy Priorities Workgroup – Updates from the last workgroup meeting related to policy matters and the FY 2024-25 budget. (Amanda Afifi, Sharon Vigil, Jesus Perales, Dulce Castañeda, and Leonor Vargas) Language Access Workgroup – Updates from the workgroup on issues pertaining to their assignment. (Amanda Afifi, Dulce Castaneda, Vanessa Maldonado, Daniela Silva, and Hector Ordaz) Public Safety & Immigrant Affairs Workgroup …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY-OF-LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The HISPANIC LATINO QUAITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION convened a REGULAR meeting on TUESDAY, MARCH 26rd, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. CST, in CITY OF AUSTIN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 – CITY HALL (301 W. 2ND STREET; AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701). Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the HISPANIC LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Daniela Silva Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ivanna Neri (Co-Chair) Jesus Perales Leonor Vargas Kevin Jackson Commissioners Absent: Eliza May Vanessa Maldonado Staff in Attendance: Equity Office, Community Services Program Coordinator – Alejandra Mireles Office of City Clerk, Business Process Specialist – Christi Vitela CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Martha Cotera, communicates support for recommendation supporting Academia Cuauhtli (agenda item six). 1 2. 3. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Carmen del Unda, communicates support for recommendation supporting Academia Cuauhtli (agenda item six). Emelio Zamora, communicates support for recommendation supporting Academia Cuauhtli (agenda item six). APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 4. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION’S REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 27th, 2024. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER JESUS PERALES’ motion, COMMISSIONER LYSETTEE GALVAN’s second on a 7-0 vote (Absent: Commissioners Vanessa Maldonado and Eliza May). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Supporting Hispanic/Latino College Graduates. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER JESUS PERALES’ motion, COMMISSIONER AMANDA AFIFI’s second on a 7-0 vote (Absent: Commissioners Vanessa Maldonado and Eliza May). Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for the Family Stabilization Program. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER DANIELA SILVA’s motion, COMMISSIONER JESUS PERALES’ second on a 7-0 vote (Absent: Commissioners Vanessa Maldonado and Eliza May). Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Re-Entry Programs. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER LYSETTE GALVAN’s motion, COMMISSIONER DANIELA SILVA’s second on a 7-0 vote (Absent: Commissioners Vanessa Maldonado and Eliza May). Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Immigrant Legal Services. Commissioners discuss and edit. Recommendation PASSESS on COMMISSIONER LEONOR VARGAS’ motion, COMMISSIONER LYSETTE GALVAN’s second on a 7-0 vote (Absent: Commissioners Vanessa Maldonado and Eliza …
APD’s Response to SB4 April 23, 2024 SB 4 Summary Creates 3 new offenses: Illegal Entry from Foreign Nation Illegal Reentry Refusal to Comply with Order to Return to Foreign Nation Safe Harbors Public, private, primary or secondary school Church, synagogue or other established place of worship Healthcare facility SAFE-ready facility Summary continued… Not in effect at this time No current or anticipated changes to APD’s internal policies APD’s Existing Policy General Order 330 Overview Interactions with Foreign Nationals APD will not consider race, color, religion, language or national origin when deciding whether to inquire into status APD will not inquire into status of a person who is a victim or witness to a crime, except under special circumstances All inquiries are documented and include the officer’s reason for asking, including in follow up investigations Overview continued… APD must inform detainee or arrestee that they are not compelled to respond to the inquiry and will not be subjected to additional action if they do not respond APD must comply with orders and requests for assistance from ICE and federal officials. This includes notification to an APD supervisor and confirmation of validity of detainer APD’s Response to the Community on SB4 Statements to the public regarding updates on status of SB4 Explanation to public that APD is unlikely to have probable cause to make warrantless arrests under SB4 Encouragement to victims and witnesses of crime to continue reporting to APD APD’s Response to the Community on SB4 Commitment to monitor ongoing litigation and keep community informed Continued engagement with immigrant communities while maintaining awareness of and sensitivity to SB4’s impact Questions…
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Committee Recommendation Number: (20240423-005) Resolution of the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Budget for Increase Funding for Community Navigators in the Economic Development Department’s Arts Funding Programs. Background: Every year The Economic Development Department (EDD) creates grant opportunities for local artists. Those opportunities are: Nexus, Live Music Fund, Elevate, Thrive and Creative Spaces Assistance Program. The current grant that’s open is Nexus which provides up to $5,000 to new and emerging local small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses to produce creative public projects. EDD has eleven navigators that assist with translation, support and anything that’s needed for communities interested in applying to successfully submit their grant applications. Timeline: ● NEXUS applications opened on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 ● Applications close on May 14th, 2024 (3 weeks from now) ● 28-day application window 2024 Community Navigators / Community Amplifiers 1. Austin Revitalization Authority (ARA) 2. Art Spark Texas 3. Business & Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas 4. Almost Real Things (ART) 5. Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) 6. Health Alliance For Austin Musicians (HAAM) 7. Mission Capital 8. On The Money Finance LLC 9. Greater Austin Performing Arts Center, Inc. dba The Long Center for Performing Arts 10. Visual Matters Consulting 11. The Volt Studios Feedback from the community provided to the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Arts and Culture Workgroup: 1. There are Spanish speaking groups that have been looking forward to applying and to date, only one out of the eleven Community Navigators (Almost Real Things) in the list above has publicly marketed any assistance or resources in Spanish relating to NEXUS or any other cultural arts funding program from the city. 2. None of the eleven community navigators have a documented history of working with Spanish-language / immigrant artists or cultural organizations. 3. There are only two upcoming info sessions that are in Spanish: a. ART General Info Session in Spanish May 4th, 2024 @ 2:30-4PM b. A general info session for anyone interested in the NEXUS program hosted by community navigator Almost Real Things. c. NOTE: This workshop is being offered so late in the process, that Spanish-language artists interested in applying only have 10 days to complete their applications. d. City of Austin Application Assistance April 29th & May 6th @ 5-8PM e. City of Austin will make Spanish-language interpreters available on …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY-OF-LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The HISPANIC LATINO QUAITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION convened a REGULAR meeting on TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. CST, in CITY OF AUSTIN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 – CITY HALL (301 W. 2ND STREET; AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701). Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the HISPANIC LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Daniela Silva Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Ivanna Neri (Co-Chair) Kevin Jackson Dulce Castaneda Leonor Vargas Lysette Galvan Commissioners Absent: Vanessa Maldonado Jesus Perales PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION’S REGULAR MEETING on MARCH 26, 2024. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER DANIELA SILVA’s motion, COMMISSIONER DULCE CASTAÑEDA’s second on a 6-0 vote (Absent: Commissioners Vanessa Maldonado and Jesus Perales). 1 STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Lila Valencia, City of Austin Demographer, Presenting to Commission on 2024 City of Austin Demographics Updates and Impacts of. Postponed. Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator – APD; Fausto Rodriguez, Lieutenant – APD; Sadot Azzua – Public Information Specialist, SR. – APD. Presenting to Commission on City of Austin Procedures and Policies for Senate Bill 4. Lt. Rodriguez shares that City legal believes there is a little possibility that SB4 will pass, but there is communication ready to explain. APD is here because community is important to APD. We do not see there will be [SB4] encounters in Austin, Texas. Safe harbors are in place if needed. Sadot shares that APD maintains a relationship with Mexican consulate via “Coffee with Cop” session. Sador also shares that the City provides information in the identified 10 languages; Further, Stephanie Gonzales shares that there is an immigrant services network of Austin – victim services and Equity/Inclusion coordinator meets with them monthly to share what resources are available through longer conversations. Follow up question, COMMISISONER IVANNA NERI what if there is a group of community members that would like to get access to a workshop? Answer, APD can give you information about workshops, but APD is not hosting them. COMMISSIONER DULCE CASTAÑEDA thanks APD for the briefing and explains reason for requesting briefing. Follow …
REGULAR MEETING of the HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY-OF-LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 26th, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-life Resource Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles at (Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 978-1793 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMISSIONERS Daniela Silva Amanda Afifi Vanessa Maldonado Ivanna Neri Kevin M Jackson Jr. Lyssette Galvan Sharon Vigil Jesus Perales Leonor Vargas Dulce Castañeda Eliza May AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION’S REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 27th, 2024. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Supporting Hispanic/Latino College Graduates. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for the Family Stabilization Program. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Re-Entry Programs. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Immigrant Legal Services. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Programs That Support Children and Youth. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Housing Stabilization Programs. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Early Childhood Education and Development. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Medical Clinics. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Language Access. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for iMOMS and Women’s Mind at Ease Conference. WORKING GROUPS/COMMITTEE UPDATES 12. Budget & Policy Priorities Workgroup – Updates from the last workgroup meeting related to policy matters and the FY 2024-25 budget. (Amanda Afifi, Sharon Vigil, Jesus Perales, Dulce Castañeda, and Leonor Vargas) Language Access Workgroup – Updates from the workgroup on issues pertaining to their assignment. (Amanda Afifi, Dulce Castaneda, Vanessa Maldonado, Daniela Silva, and …
REGULAR MEETING of the HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY-OF-LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 26th, 2024, at 6:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 REVISED AGENDA Some members of the Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-life Resource Advisory Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles at (Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 978-1793 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMISSIONERS Daniela Silva Amanda Afifi Vanessa Maldonado Ivanna Neri Kevin M Jackson Jr. Lyssette Galvan Sharon Vigil Jesus Perales Leonor Vargas Dulce Castañeda Eliza May AGENDA REVISED CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMISSION’S REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 27th, 2024. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Supporting Hispanic/Latino College Graduates. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for the Family Stabilization Program. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Re-Entry Programs. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Immigrant Legal Services. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Programs That Support Children and Youth. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Housing Stabilization Programs. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Early Childhood Education and Development. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Medical Clinics. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Language Access. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for iMOMS and Women’s Mind at Ease Conference. Approve a recommendation on the FY 2024-25 Budget for Increase Funding for Community Navigators in the Economic Development Department’s Arts Funding Programs. WORKING GROUPS/COMMITTEE UPDATES 13. Budget & Policy Priorities Workgroup – Updates from the last workgroup meeting related to policy matters and the FY 2024-25 budget. (Amanda Afifi, Sharon Vigil, Jesus Perales, Dulce Castañeda, and Leonor Vargas) …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-XXX Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY24-25 Budget Recommendation – Supporting On-Point Reentry Consortium Motioned By: Commissioner Lyssette Galvan Seconded By: Commissioner Amanda Afifi Recommendation On-Point Reentry Consortium (OPRC) stands out as a pioneering nonprofit, dedicated to empowering individuals who have been impacted by the judicial system to redefine their lives through successful reentry. Among the most vulnerable groups in our city, these individuals more than often are from diverse and underserved communities. By participating in OPRC, these individuals not only rebuild their lives but also become effective and contributing members of our community, enriching its fabric through their newfound skills and experiences. To address their needs effectively, the commission strongly advocates for funding to support one full-time employee (FTE) and programming at OPRC. Description of Recommendation to Council Allocate funding for an Executive Director at On-Point Reentry Consortium; $75,000, this includes salary, fringe benefits, and overhead costs. Allocate funding for services and programming at On-Point Reentry Consortium; $25,000. Rationale: According to the Texas Criminal Justice Data Snapshot by the Bureau of Justice Assistance at the US Department of Justice and Justice Center with The Council of State Governments, 15% of individuals who exited the judicial system in 2019 cycled back into the system within three years. Therefore, ensuring successful reintegration into society, particularly through wraparound services, is imperative to mitigate recidivism rates. The On-Point Reentry Consortium (OPRC) stands as a unique beacon in Austin and Texas, boasting unparalleled expertise and experience. Comprised of BIPOC women leaders trained by the National Institute of Corrections and the Department of Justice, OPRC’s work is paramount, especially in a state like Texas with high incarceration rates. It serves as a vital resource to reduce recidivism and reintegrate judicially impacted individuals into communities, tapping into an underutilized workforce pool. In the past year, OPRC achieved remarkable milestones: Serving approximately 600 judicially impacted individuals through tailored reentry- specific training, consulting, and coaching services, aiding them to rebuilding their lives and careers. 1 of 3 Donating over 3,600 hours of invaluable time and expertise, valued at more than $370,000, to sustain programming and support clients, despite lacking paid FTEs. Securing free office space from three esteemed community organizations, signifying recognition of OPRC’s value and impact while fostering collaboration. Training and certifying 80 community providers in evidence-based training from the Department of Justice …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-10 Seconded By: Motioned By: Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY25 Budget Recommendations Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability Recommendation Affordability is an issue that continues to come up year after year, and it was the most common issue expressed by residents at all three Quality of Life Townhalls. People continue to see increases in rent and housing costs. The family stabilization program offers more flexible access to housing support, accords more choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and offers more efficient and cost-effective housing. The current pilot shows funds are primarily helping Latino/a/x and Black families in the Eastern crescent. Gentrification has pushed families out of the areas they have been living in, some for generations. These permanent funds help keep people in their communities. Additionally, the program is also helping families whose communication is in a language other than English. Spanish was the second most common language requested on enrollment forms. D R A F T Rationale: According to findings from a recent brief from the Urban Institute titled Guaranteed Income as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability, unrestricted cash investment addresses gaps and deficits in policies designed to address America’s housing affordability crisis. The brief reported, “Insights from a research review and policymaker interviews suggest that strategically applied cash relief could accomplish the following: ● Establish the Family Stabilization Grants as a permanent City of Austin program ● Expand funding to $3 million 1. Offer renters facing one-time or intermittent housing shocks more flexible access to Description of Recommendation to Council 2. Accord more choice and dignity to any renter in need of housing support. 3. Reduce exposure to voucher discrimination and offer more housing choices to housing support. marginalized populations. 4. Provide increased housing access to excluded workers. 5. Offer more efficient and cost-effective housing help to those in urgent need now.” According to UpTogether’s Central Texas 12-Month Pilot of the Strength-Based Approach: Final Report, “Between July 2021 and March 2022 members decreased their reliance on government subsidies. Fewer members applied for subsidies, vouchers, or other similar housing assistance (from 27% to 19%). The percentage of members receiving any type of government housing assistance was cut by half (16% to 8%).” Cash is an efficient and equitable form of housing assistance. UpTogether uncovered on a previous report that only 16% of members were receiving housing …
Motioned By: Date: March 26, 2024 HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-13 Supporting Early Childhood Education and Development Funding Subject: FY24 Budget Recommendations Description of Recommendation to Council ● $1.5 M Austin Public Health multi-year allocation to Early Childhood Education and Recommendation Early childhood educators, caregivers and parents of young children deserve livable wages and affordable childcare: the two are not mutually exclusive. Local governments are crucial to investing/highlighting early childhood educators especially when state and federal governments are not. Childcare is a public good, it is economic infrastructure. Seconded By: D R A F T parents with high needs they are available ○ $500,000 Pilot early childhood mini-grants providing emergency financial relief for home-based licensed providers and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers; Center Based Care ○ Earmark $250,000 to fund a future contract with a qualified nonprofit, selected through a competitive bidding process, to provide health insurance support and ACA website navigation assistance, specifically for the early childhood workforce. Support specific to Early Childhood providers can include, but is not limited to: ■ Education on required documentation ■ Ability to schedule appointments with Early Childhood providers when care providers and families (toys, curriculum, technology, etc) available at APH Neighborhood Centers and APL branch libraries. ○ $250,000 to establish a no-cost lending library & EC resource center for child ■ Directly dispersed to childcare centers & registered licensed to support ○ $500,000 Early childhood education and development scholarships Development funding: ● Recommend updating the eligibility focus to include home-based childcare providers (licensed and FFN). Rationale: The cost of childcare is one of the biggest expenses families face. It is a daunting task to find affordable, high quality childcare. According to UT News, “The average cost for infant care in Texas is $777 per month, or $9,324 per year — nearly 14% of the state’s median household income of $67,321 and more expensive than a year of in-state tuition at a four-year public college.” Every child in Austin should be able to access high quality childcare without causing financial strain on the family. Childcare providers may encounter financial burdens that make it difficult for them to provide services on a consistent basis. Unexpected issues can derail childcare services. It can take time to navigate insurance claims while continuing to try and run a business. There are times the home-based childcare center may have to close as a …
HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-10 Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY25 Budget Recommendations Motioned By: We continue to hear from the community concerns regarding underfunding of immigration legal services. Only a small number of individuals are served with the current funding. There are very few organizations in Austin that have the ability to provide legal services to our immigrant communities pro bono. One of the service providers is American Gateways. They are currently only able to meet 25% of the need. The need for legal services continues to expand due to the complicated immigration legal system. Seconded By: D R A F T WHEREAS, we continue to hear from the community that legal services funding is crucial; and WHEREAS, there are immigrants who need access to counsel, and cannot afford attorneys. This is especially so for immigrants facing removal proceedings; and WHEREAS, in a time of changes in immigration policy, people have more need for legal representation, as it has become very complicated; and WHEREAS, it is essential that immigrant communities obtain accurate advice and assistance; and WHEREAS, the people most impacted by the complicated changes in immigration policy are low-income immigrants; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin funds legal services for low income immigrants who are Austin residents, and there is still unmet need; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life recommends that the $490,000 allocated in FY 2023-2024 for immigration legal services become a permanent budget allocation in FY 2024-2025 and beyond. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: Amanda Afifi, Chair Commissioner Neri, Commissioner Silva, Commissioner Afifi, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner Perales, Commissioner Castañeda, Commissioner Galvan, Commissioner Jackson Jr., Commissioner May, Commissioner Vigil, Commissioner Maldonado D R A F T
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20240326‐XXX) (XXX is the agenda item number): Housing Stabilization Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, many low‐income families may be one hardship away from losing housing or other basic needs; and WHEREAS, the majority of zip codes where the median family income is 60% MFI and below are areas with high populations of Latine residents; and WHEREAS, Latine Austinites face high levels of housing insecurity, creating an even heavier burden on other household expenses such as food, utilities, costs associated with schooling, medical expenses, and childcare; and WHEREAS, falling behind on rent and getting evicted leads to increased barriers to accessing stable housing in the future and often leads to Austinites falling into homelessness; and WHEREAS, having access to one‐time direct cash assistance to use for emergency needs outside of rental, mortgage, or tax payments could help alleviate emergency gaps that force households to choose between paying for rent/mortgage or covering other essential expenses; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds towards launching an emergency supplemental assistance pilot program for low‐income residents. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
