Recommendation 20250324-006: Budget Recommendation Providing Funding for Community Dialogues in the City of Austin — original pdf

Recommendation

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: (20250324-006): Budget Recommendation Providing Funding for Community Dialogues in the City of Austin Motioned by: Commissioner Clemmons Seconded by: Commissioner Duhon WHEREAS, the City Charter outlines that the Austin Human Rights Commission shall “initiate and facilitate discussions and negotiations between individuals and groups to lessen tensions and improve understanding in the community”; and, WHEREAS, the City Charter also outlines that the Austin Human Rights Commission shall, “institute and conduct educational programs to promote equal treatment, opportunity and understanding”; and, WHEREAS, the City Charter further outlines that the Austin Human Rights Commission shall “sponsor meetings, institutes, forums, and courses of instruction to lead to a clearer understanding and solution of human relations problems”; and, WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Charter, the Human Rights Commission formed a working group, the Intergroup Relations Working Group, for these purposes on January 27, 2025; and, WHEREAS, the working group shall propose that a series of up to 8 community dialogue sessions which will provide training, resources, and opportunities to bridge divides around topics related to immigration- based and other kinds of discrimination; and, WHEREAS, these dialogues have the potential to incur costs related to venue, travel, supplies, snacks, printing, and other preparatory materials. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $7,500 from the FY25 budget to aid in hosting up to 8 community dialogue sessions that promote greater understanding among members of our community who face discrimination related to immigration and other marginalized identities. Date of Approval: March 24, 2025 Record of the vote: Approved on an 8-0 vote.  For: Chair Duhon, Vice Chair Zeidan, Commissioners Aslam, Clemmons, Kirsh Pozen, Krueger, Khawar, Oliva Martínez Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Commissioners Bryant, Davis, Weigel Attest: _____________________________________________ (Human Rights Commission Staff Liaison)