1. 2. 3. REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, October 28, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St Austin, Texas Some members of the Human Rights 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, contact Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Alicia Weigel (She/They) Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on September 23, 2024. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on May 23, 2022. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on June 27, 2022. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on July 25, 2022. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on August 22, 2022. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on September 26, 2022. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on October 24, 2022. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on November 28, 2022. DISCUSSION ITEM Discussion of potential impacts of the approved Austin Police Department contract on police oversight efforts. 10. Discussion of opportunities for the Human Rights Commission to support District 3 Council office educational initiatives. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 11. Select a Human Rights Commission member to address a Travis Early College High School class to provide general information about the Human Rights Commission. Approve the Human Rights Commission 2025 meeting schedule. 12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting …
1. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on September 23, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Mariana Krueger Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Jeffrey Clemmons Morgan Davis Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Danielle Bryant Harriet Kirsh Pozen Srini Raghavan Michael Stevenson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on August 26, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of August 26, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to protect voting rights in Texas and Travis County. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Commissioner Weigel and seconded by Commissioner Clemmons. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Krueger. The amendment was to revise the fifth “Whereas” clause to read: “Whereas: August 6, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott announced that 1,150,000 have been taken off Texas’ voter rolls since 2021.” The amendment was approved on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. The following amendment was made by Chair Duhon and seconded by Vice Chair Zeidan. The amendment was to revise section 1 of the “Now, Therefore, be is resolved” clause to read: “1: The Commission calls on Council to pass a resolution calling on Congress to support the Freedom to Vote Act (H. R. 11, S. 1, 118th Congress), to set basic national standards to make sure all people in the United States can cast their ballots in the way that works best for them, regardless of what ZIP Code they live in, improve access to the ballot for people in the United States, advance commonsense election integrity reforms.” The amendment was approved on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Krueger and seconded by Commissioner Clemmons. The amendment was to revise section 2 of the “Now, Therefore, be is resolved” clause to read: “2: The Commission urges City Council to leverage its resources, where appropriate, to support the Travis …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, May 23, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Sareta Davis, Kimberly Brienzi, Kimberly Brienzi Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Alicia Weigel, Vice Chair Isabel Casas, Kristen Caballero, Idona Griffith, Malenie Areche, Commissioners Absent: Jared Breckenridge Jamarr Brown remotely joined at 6:09 p.m. Staff in Attendance: Damian Pantoja & Sammi Curless Start: 5:37 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Lindsay Southard - OPO June 25, 2022 Continuation of Townhall with the Mayor's office with people with disabilities - AACRC; hybrid - registration on SpeakupAustin.com/opotownhall 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission special called meeting of March 4, 2022. Commissioner G. Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge and J. Brown absent. Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of March 28, 2022. Commissioner G. Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge and J. Brown absent. Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission special called meeting of April 11, 2022. Commissioner G. Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge and J. Brown absent. Chair Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of April 25, 2022. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge and J. Brown absent. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and possible action regarding letter of support recognizing the disparate impact of the potential loss of lgbtqia+ identified business and heritage in the Warehouse District of Austin, Texas. (Davis, G. Brown) Committee. b. Discussion and possible action on alternate appointment to the Joint Inclusion Chair Davis made a motion to appoint Commissioner Brienzi to be the alternate for the Join Inclusion Committee. Commissioner Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge and J. Brown absent. c. Election of the Chair and Vice-Chair to the Human Rights Commission. (Davis, Casas) Recess: 6:08 p.m. Back in 6:10 p.m. Chair motion Casas, Griffith 2nd 9-0 Vice Chair Casas Chair motion G. Brown, Brienzi 2nd …
(BOARD NAME) MEETING MINUTES (Day, Month Date, Year) HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, June 27, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Gary Brown, Kimberly Brienzi, Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Isabel Casas, Sareta Davis, Malenie Arche, Idona Griffith Commissioners Absent: Jared Breckenridge , Kristian Caballero, Commissioners with approved absent waiver: Jamarr Brown Alicia Weigel remotely joined at 4:50 p.m. Staff in Attendance: Damian Pantoja Start: 5:41 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No Public Communication APPROVAL OF MINUTES Davis made a motion to approve the minutes from the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of May 23, 2022. Commissioner Brienzi seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge, Caballero, Weigel and J. Brown absent. NEW BUSINESS 1 (BOARD NAME) MEETING MINUTES (Day, Month Date, Year) a. Discussion A Food Plan will set clear Goals and Strategies to move toward a more equitable, sustainable & resilient food system and provide a coordinating structure for all food related initiatives. Presentation by the Office of Sustainability. b. Discussion and review the letter regarding the preservation of the 4th street district. 4th street area did not receive historic zoning for protection. Move to adopt this letter for City Council to review. (Davis, Griffith) 6-0 OLD BUSINESS a. Discussion of Commission goals for 2021-2022 in the following priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity No Report ii. Environment & Land Use No Report iii. Health Access & Nutrition No Report iv. Autonomy & Human Rights No Report Special meeting: No update on the report from HR/Legal Commissioner Davis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:33pm; Commissioner Griffin seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 with Commissioners Breckenridge, J. Brown, and Caballero absent. The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, July 25, 2022 Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Commissioners in Attendance: Isabel Casas, Vice Chair, Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kimberly Brienzi, Idona Griffith, Gary Brown, Chair, Sareta Davis, Malenie Arche, Isaiah Smith, Kristian Caballero, Alicia Weigel Commissioners absent: Jamarr Brown Staff in Attendance: Damian Pantoja Start: 5:35 p.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos Soto, Research Analyst at the Community Advancement Network (CAN) spoke about the work CAN has engaged over the past year. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes could not be approved. The agenda listed May 2022 oppose to June 2022. June 2022 Minutes will be reviewed and voted for approval in the August Regular Meeting. STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff Liaison to shared announcements regarding the attendance and videoconference policies. Chair G. Brown introduced the new commissioner: Isiah Smith. Chair G. Brown to shared how to connect with each commissioner before the August Regular Meeting. DISCUSSION ITEMS Douglas Ferguson with Voltage Control spoke regarding the SAFE Pledge a partnership with SFACE Alliance. August Agenda Discussion of Commission goals for 2022-2023 in the following priority areas of concern: i. Institutional Equity Conversation about the GRACE Act. Look into ways to protect unpaid employees such as interns from discrimination of Title VII. Commissioner of Brienzi would like an update on Homeless. J. Brown and S. Davis attended a conference at the LBJ school that had not been held in over 30 years. ii. Environment & Land Use iii. Health Access & Nutrition iv. Autonomy & Human Rights None None None DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS Commissioner Casas made a motion to approve and add a 5th Commission Goal for 2022 - 2023. Commissioner Davis seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0 with Commissioners J. Brown absent. A. Human Rights work by Commissioners was the goal added for 2022 - 2023. August Agenda Add a 3rd person August Agenda Review the status of the Bylaws (add the bylaws from 2015/2016) August Agenda Quality Life Study Human Rights: Brienzi to follow up. August Agenda ADJOURNMENT End: 6: 40 Commissioner Davis made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:40pm; Chair G. Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed on a vote of 7-0 with Commissioners J. Brown absent. The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting Monday, August 22, 2022 5:30 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: (V) Isaiah Smith (V) Alicia Weigel arrived at 5:59 pm (V) Gabriella Zeidan Idona Griffith Jamarr Brown Attended (P) Garry Brown, Chair (V) Isabel Casas, Vice Chair (V) Sareta Davis (V) Malenie Areche Did not Attend Kimberly Brienzi Kristian Caballero (P) = In-Person (V) - Virtual Staff: Damian Pantoja Start: 5:49 pm PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of July 25, 2022 - motion by S. Davis and second by Chair G. Brown. 6-10 with the following commissioners absent: K. Brienzi, K. Caballero, I. Griffith, J. Brown, A. Weigel STAFF BRIEFINGS - Completed 2. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding attendance report 3. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding videoconference policies 4. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding communication tools 5. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding resources made available 6. Staff Liaison to Welcome new Commissioner: Gabriella Zeidan DISCUSSION ITEMS- Completed 7. Review and discussion about the City of Austin Budget Recommendations 8. Discussion a new time and date to vote in a future meeting for the new Fiscal Year - add to the Sept Regular Meeting DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS - Completed 9. Opportunity for the Commissioners to discuss and possible vote on items for the next agenda. 10. Discuss, consider, and take possible action on steps to make the City of Austin Human Rights Commission more proactive. - put things more in stone for Sept Meeting 11. Discuss, consider, and take possible action for a larger presence in social media- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, other 12. Discuss, consider, and take possible action to approve By-Laws - G. Brown to take the lead 13. Discuss, consider, and take possible action how HRC will have presence at events in Austin 14. Discuss, consider, and take possible action on Pamphlet for the …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting - Minutes Monday, September 26, 2022 5:45 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Garry Brown, Chair P Isabel Casas, Vice Chair V Sareta Davis U Malenie Areche V - arrived virtually at 5:51 pm Isaiah Smith V - left at 6:34 pm Kimberly Brienzi P Jamarr Brown V - arrived virtually at 6:07 pm Kristian Caballero V Idona Griffith V Alicia Weigel V - left at 7:00 pm Gabriella Zeidan P V - Virtual Attendance P - In-Person Attendance U - Unexcused absence Start: 5:45 pm Late Arrival Commissioner M. Areche arrived virtually at 5:51 pm Commissioner J. Brown arrived virtually at 6:07 pm Early Departure Commissioner A. Weigel left at 7:00 pm Commissioner I. Smith left at 6:34 pm AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Cameras turned on to confirm attendance PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of June 27, 2022 • Motion by I. Griffith and second by I. Smith. 8-0 with the following commissioners absent: J. Brown, M. Areche, and S. Davis 2. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of August 22, 2022 • Motion by I. Griffith and second by I. Smith. 9-0 with the following commissioners absent: J. Brown, and S. Davis STAFF BRIEFINGS - COMPLETED 3. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding attendance report 4. Staff Liaison to share announcements regarding videoconference policies 5. Staff Liaison to share update about Social Media presences and feedback from City Clerk DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS - COMPLETED 6. Chair to discuss any steps to make the City of Austin Human Rights Commission more proactive. DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS 7. Discussion with the Commission to review and possible action a new time and date for future meeting in the new Fiscal Year • Motion by Chair G. Brown and seconded by K. Brienzi to keep meeting day on the …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting – Minutes Monday, October 24, 2022 5:45 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Jamarr Brown – A Kristian Caballero – V Idona Griffith - A Alicia Weigel - V (6:30) Gabriella Zeidan – V Garry Brown, Chair – P Isabel Casas, Vice Chair - V Sareta Davis – A Malenie Areche - V Isaiah Smith – P Kimberly Brienzi – P P – In person V – Virtual A – Absent CALL TO ORDER Start: 5:50 pm AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Complete 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of Sept 26, 2022: Commissioner Brienzi made the motion and Commissioner Smith second 8 – 0 2. Reminder of the next Commission Meetings – Reminder of the Monday after STAFF BRIEFINGS – Complete Thanksgiving DISCUSSION ITEMS – Complete 3. Discussion on how the commission can support Ms. O’Dell’s comments and concerns DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS – Complete 4. Discussion, update, and possible action regarding the participating in the Quality-of-Life Study – To vote on Dec 11, 2022 from 1 to 3 pm for item 6 5. Discussion, certation and possible action to form a budget workgroup – Chair G. Brown is on the Budget Workgroup 6. Discussion and possible action on scheduling and/or participating in the Quality of Life Study’s retreat – Motion was made by Chair G. Brown and seconded by Commission Weigel to schedule on Dec 11, 2022 from 1 to 4 pm; 8-0 7. Chair to discuss, give an update, and possible take action to regarding the By-Laws – rolled over to November 8. Discuss, give an update, and possible take action on how HRC will engage in Austin – Commissioner Zeidan wants to welcome a topic in January 2023 9. Continue discussion with the Commission to consider, and take possible action how to conduct and hold hearings on complaints 10. Opportunity for the …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Regular Meeting Monday, November 28, 2022 5:45 p.m. – Adjournment Austin City Hall, Board & Commission Room, 1101 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may speak up to three minutes on an item only once either in-person or remotely. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512-974-3253 or Damian.Pantoja@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: Jamarr Brown – A Kristian Caballero – V (5:58 pm) Idona Griffith – V Alicia Weigel - V Gabriella Zeidan – P (5:49 pm) Garry Brown, Chair – P Isabel Casas, Vice Chair – P Sareta Davis - V (6:53 pm) Malenie Areche – A Isaiah Smith – P (5:47 pm) Kimberly Brienzi – P P – Present V – Virtual A – Absent CALL TO ORDER Start: 5:45 pm AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Bob Kafka – spoke about an incident with a coffee franchise APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Complete 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting of Oct 24, 2022: Commissioner Griffith made the motion and Commissioner Smith second 8 – 0 2. Presentation how the commission can get involved regarding homelessness in the area: DISCUSSION ITEMS – Complete moved to January DISCUSSION AND ACTION TIEMS – Complete 3. Discussion and possible take action on creating a statement regarding the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs: Chair G. Brown made the motion and Commissioner Griffith second 6 – 1 – 1 4. Discussion and possible take action to post statement on approved City social Media 5. Chair to discuss, give an update, and possible take action to regarding the By-Laws: 6. Discuss, give an update, and possible take action on how HRC will engage in Austin: page: Complete Complete Complete 7. Continue discussion with the Commission to consider, and take possible action how to conduct and hold hearings on complaints: Complete 8. Opportunity for the Commissioners and City staff to discuss and possible vote on items for the next agenda: Complete ADJOURNMENT End: 6:59 pm Chair G. Brown made the motion and seconded by Commissioner Brienzi to adjourn; 8-0 The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote.
1. 2. REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, September 23, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St Austin, Texas Some members of the Human Rights 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, contact Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Alicia Weigel (She/They) Michael Stevenson Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA 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 Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on August 26, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM Approve a recommendation to Council to protect voting rights in Texas and Travis County. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American 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. Please contact Eric Anderson, Office of (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Eric Anderson at (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov. the City Clerk at
1. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on August 26, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Jeffrey Clemmons Harriet Kirsh Pozen Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Danielle Bryant Morgan Davis Mariana Krueger Srini Raghavan Commissioners Absent: Michael Stevenson Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos Soto – Community Advancement Network (CAN) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on July 22, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of July 22, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Clemmons’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Stevenson and Weigel were absent. STAFF BRIEFING 1 Staff briefing regarding the Homeless Assistance Outcomes Follow-Up from Ashley Diaz, Office of the City Auditor. The presentation was made by Ashley Diaz, Auditor I, Office of the City Auditor and Kelsey Thompson, Assistant City Auditor, Office of the City Auditor. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of takeaways and feedback from community back to school events and potential initiatives to support families and youth. Discussed. Discussion of training opportunities with the League of Women Voters for high school voter registration. Discussed. Update from the Budget working group regarding the inclusion of Human Rights Commission recommendations in the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget. Chair Duhon provided an update. WORKING GROUP UPDATE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2. 3. 4. 5. 2
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20240923-002: Recommendation to protect voting rights in Texas and Travis County Whereas: The single most important right in a democracy is the right to vote. Whereas: Whereas, over the course of history, various voter suppression laws in the United States have hindered, and even prohibited, certain individuals and groups from exercising the right to vote. Texas has a long history of voter suppression that included literacy tests and poll taxes. Whereas: On August 20, 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ordered raids with armed officers in an ongoing investigation of voter fraud. One warrant targeted LULAC volunteer Lidia Martinez, 87, of San Antonio. Whereas: Early September Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Travis and Bexar County in an effort to block local voter registration efforts. Whereas: August 6, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott announced that 1,150,000 have been taken of Texas’ voter rolls since 2021. Whereas: Only 42% of eligible Texans voted in 2022 – 40th in the nation, 4 points below the national average. Now, Therefore, be it resolved: The right to vote should be free of harassment, discrimination, and fear of retaliation. 1: A support to Congress to pass The Freedom to Vote Act (H. R. 11, S. 1, 118th Congress), to set basic national standards to make sure all people in the United States can cast their ballots in the way that works best for them, regardless of what ZIP Code they live in, improve access to the ballot for people in the United States, advance commonsense election integrity reforms. 2: Support to Travis County Commissioner’s courts efforts to get out the vote. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 1 of 1
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20240923-002: Recommendation to protect voting rights in Texas and Travis County Whereas: The single most important right in a democracy is the right to vote. Whereas: Whereas, over the course of history, various voter suppression laws in the United States have hindered, and even prohibited, certain individuals and groups from exercising the right to vote. Texas has a long history of voter suppression that included literacy tests and poll taxes. Whereas: On August 20, 2024, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton ordered raids with armed officers in an ongoing investigation of voter fraud. One warrant targeted LULAC volunteer Lidia Martinez, 87, of San Antonio. Whereas: Early September Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Travis and Bexar County in an effort to block local voter registration efforts. Whereas: August 6, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott announced that 1,150,000 have been taken off Texas’ voter rolls since 2021. Whereas: Only 42% of eligible Texans voted in 2022 – 40th in the nation, 4 points below the national average. Now, Therefore, be it resolved: The right to vote should be free of harassment, discrimination, and fear of retaliation. 1: The Commission calls on Council to pass a resolution calling on Congress to support the Freedom to Vote Act (H. R. 11, S. 1, 118th Congress), to set basic national standards to make sure all people in the United States can cast their ballots in the way that works best for them, regardless of what ZIP Code they live in, improve access to the ballot for people in the United States, advance commonsense election integrity reforms. 2: The Commission urges City Council to leverage its resources, where appropriate, to support the Travis County Commissioners Court’s efforts to get out the vote. Date of Approval: September 23, 2024 Record of the vote: The recommendation was approved on Commissioner Weigel’s motion, Commissioner Clemmons’ second a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. Attest: ____________________________________________ Eric Anderson, Staff Liaison, Office of the City Clerk 1 of 1
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on September 23, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Mariana Krueger Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Jeffrey Clemmons Morgan Davis Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Danielle Bryant Harriet Kirsh Pozen Srini Raghavan Michael Stevenson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on August 26, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of August 26, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. 1. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 2. Approve a recommendation to Council to protect voting rights in Texas and Travis County. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Commissioner Weigel and seconded by Commissioner Clemmons. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Krueger. The amendment was to revise the fifth “Whereas” clause to read: “Whereas: August 6, 2024, Governor Greg Abbott announced that 1,150,000 have been taken off Texas’ voter rolls since 2021.” The amendment was approved on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. The following amendment was made by Chair Duhon and seconded by Vice Chair Zeidan. The amendment was to revise section 1 of the “Now, Therefore, be is resolved” clause to read: “1: The Commission calls on Council to pass a resolution calling on Congress to support the Freedom to Vote Act (H. R. 11, S. 1, 118th Congress), to set basic national standards to make sure all people in the United States can cast their ballots in the way that works best for them, regardless of what ZIP Code they live in, improve access to the ballot for people in the United States, advance commonsense election integrity reforms.” The amendment was approved on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Kirsh Pozen, Raghavan, and Stevenson were absent. The following amendment was made by Commissioner Krueger and seconded by Commissioner Clemmons. The amendment was to revise section 2 of the “Now, Therefore, be is resolved” clause to read: “2: The Commission urges City Council to leverage its resources, where appropriate, to support the Travis …
REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, August 26, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St Austin, Texas Some members of the Human Rights 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, contact Eric Anderson at eric.anderson@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-2562. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Alicia Weigel (She/They) Michael Stevenson Muneeb ‘Meebs’ Aslam (He/Him) Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Jeffrey Clemmons Srini Raghavan Harriett Kirsh Pozen Danielle Bryant 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 Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on July 22, 2024. Staff briefing regarding the Homeless Assistance Outcomes Follow-Up from Ashley Diaz, Office of the City Auditor. 1. 2. STAFF BRIEFING DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion of takeaways and feedback from community back to school events and potential initiatives to support families and youth. Discussion of training opportunities with the League of Women Voters for high school voter registration. Update from the Budget working group regarding the inclusion of Human Rights Commission recommendations in the City of Austin Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget. 3. 4. 5. WORKING GROUP UPDATE FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American 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. (512) 974-2562 or Please contact Eric Anderson, Office of eric.anderson@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Eric Anderson at (512) 974-2562 or eric.anderson@austintexas.gov. the City Clerk at
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JULY 22, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on July 22, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Morgan Davis Harriet Kirsh Pozen Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Meebs Aslam Danielle Bryant Mariana Krueger Srini Raghavan Michael Stevenson Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Jeffrey Clemmons PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on June 24, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of June 24, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Krueger abstained. Commissioner Stevenson was off the dais. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. Discussion of changing the Human Rights Commission December 23, 2024, meeting date. A motion to look into cancelling the Commission’s December 23, 2024, meeting and hold a of a December 16, 2024, special called meeting was approved on Commissioner Zeidan’s motion, Commission Bryant’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. Discussion of upcoming community back to school events. Discussed. 3. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approve the Human Rights Commission 2023 Annual Internal Report and Review, including the Commission’s goals and objectives for the next year. The 2023 Annual Internal Report and Review was approved with the following amendment on Commission Davis’ motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Clemmons was absent. The amendment was to revise Section 1. to include a list of the of all the recommendations approved by the Commission during the year covered by the report. The list will be in chronological order and include the title of each recommendation. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A presentation from the SIMS Foundation was requested by Vice Chair Zeidan and Chair Duhon. A discussion item related to future educational opportunities was requested by Vice Chair Zeidan and Commissioner Bryant. ADJOURNMENT Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the XX meeting on Commissioner XX’s motion, Commissioner XX’s second on a X-X vote. 2. 4. 2
Homelessness Assistance Outcomes Follow-Up OFFICE OF THE CITY AUDITOR August 2024 Background Background 2021 Follow-Up Background 2018 Allocation of City Resources Recommendation 1: Improve data about the homeless population Recommendation 2: Develop strategies to meet the current housing need Implemented In Progress 2018 Allocation of City Resources Recommendation 1: Implemented To improve the quality and accuracy of data collected about the homeless population. Improvements • The City uses Coordinated Assessments. • Data is published in the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition(ECHO)’s dashboard. 2018 Allocation of City Resources Recommendation 2: In Progress To develop and implement strategies to meet current need for housing. Permanent Supportive Housing Pipeline 1345 1228 Updates • The City increased the supply of Permanent Supportive Housing. • The City does not have a clear and updated goal. May 2024 Dec 2024 Dec 2025 Dec 2026 Dec 2027 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 237 988 530 2019 Outcomes of City Efforts Recommendation 1 Measure long-term success Recommendation 2 Improve contracts Recommendation 3 Enhance and develop new prevention programs Recommendation 4 Improve coordination among case management providers In Progress In Progress In Progress In Progress 2019 Outcomes of City Efforts Recommendation 1: In Progress To review how the City measures long-term success of homelessness efforts. Updates • The Homeless Strategy Office(HSO) is creating a strategic plan. Recommendation 2: In Progress Updates To ensure contracts include long-term outcomes, client feedback, client prioritization, and appropriate resources are dedicated. • Not all contracts require all items. • Vendors may still be taking actions towards items. 2019 Outcomes of City Efforts Recommendation 3: In Progress To enhance the capacity of existing homeless prevention programs and develop new programs. Updates • The Homeless Strategy Office(HSO) manages two prevention programs. • HSO plans to develop additional programs. Recommendation 4: In Progress To design and implement changes to improve coordination and collaboration among entities providing case management. Updates • The HSO and the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition(ECHO) host meetings with case management entities. Questions?
