20210322-002a FY 2021 2022 Budget Recommendation DRAFT — original pdf

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COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 2021-0322-002a: City of Austin Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee hosted virtual Budget Engagement Community Forums on February 9, 2021, February 11, 20201, and March 3, 2021 to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities, and to help ensure and inclusive and transparent budget process that incorporates resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure community priorities are being met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Proposals: Public Safety I. An open process and community input in selection of the next APD Police Chief II. Guidance from the community/quality of life commissions on the selection process instead of waiting for community input after final candidates have been selected. Please see: a. Budget forum meeting February 9, 2021 at https://www.speakupaustin.org/budget-2022 Health and Environment I. II. Community approach for health care navigation and support: Resources exist for specific communities, but coverage is not consistent across all constituencies. The City of Austin should provide coordination/oversight to ensure resources are equitable and address gaps III. Digital Access: Includes wifi, devices, and training. Need to address different needs for seniors, kids in school, adults working from home, people with disabilities and/or 1   Please see: who are homebound, people who need access to healthcare (e.g. telehealth), access to workforce development/job postings, etc. The City should include these recommendations in their digital inclusion strategic plan (TARA “Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs”) IV. Budget Forum meeting February 11, 2021 at https://www.speakupaustin.org/budget-2022 Economic Opportunity, Culture, & Affordability The City should study access to stable and affordable housing and transit. Funding for legal assistance for immigrants I. II. III. Operational funding for nonprofits IV. Additional funding for EDD, communications and outreach V. Increase economic opportunities, access to capital, small business support, and transit in East Austin VI. Address the need for digital access for seniors and low income neighborhoods, including VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. public libraries, senior centers, wifi hotspots Provide ADA compliant access for people with disabilities (transportation/accessible and affordable housing) Provide funding for repairs and more funding for rental assistance to prevent homelessness Explore the creation of worker owned cooperatives Provide funding for training to transition to new employment in careers with sustainable living wages to provide economic stability Provide funding for multigeneration programs and workplaces e.g. pathways to career and education for parents in low-income families, internship opportunities for seniors XII. More funding and support for existing cultural districts and community centers across all districts (Six Square Black Cultural District, LGBTQIA+ resources, Latino Cultural District, and Representation of Asian Arts and Culture) XVI. XVII. XIII. District 3 specific support for LGBTQIA+ professionals and nonprofits XIV. XV. Provide RISE funding beyond the pandemic Increase support for interpreters, translation, multi-lingual emergency response including Asian languages Inclusion centering on intersectionality across constituencies Provide affordable housing options for large low-income families, not just single/small units Provide funding to pathways to education and careers for people without documentation Provide and set aside emergency funds for natural and other catastrophies that impact the City of Austin XVIII. XIX. 2   Please see: XX. Approve funds to repay community organization, nonprofits, ngo’s and individuals that expended financial capital during the freeze of February 2021 in order to assist the community. Budget Forum meeting March 3, 2021 at https://speakupaustin.org-2022 CRT (Community Resiliance Trust) press releases and pending financial reports to the City Manager’s Office and Mayor Adler 3