JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a special meeting on WEDNESDAY, October 23rd, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Vice-Chair RICHARD BONDI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:09 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lisa Chang Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin & Nayer Sikder Commissions With Vacancies: Commissioners Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs African American Resource Advisory Commission: Commissioners Elaina Fowler or Antonio Ross Human Rights Commission: Commissioners Morgan Davis or Muneeb “Meebs”Aslam AGENDA REVISED 1 3. 4. 5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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. Cierra Maddison expresses gratitude for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s agenda item approving a Recommendation in support of Sunday Sessions ATX and that she will share the upcoming JIC’s community input meetings for the City’s FY26 budget. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2024. The minutes are approved at the October 23rd, 2024 Special Called meeting on COMMISSIONER LISA CHANG’s motion, COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’S second, on a 6-0 vote. (Off the dais: Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Commissioner Sonny Si, and Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission’s Amanda Afifi. Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commissions’ Elaina Fowler and Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner Morgan Davis.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on community input collected at the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices session on October 2nd, 2024. Discussion on what was shared during sessions. Discussion on the next steps from Commission on Aging requesting a City of Austin Implicit Bias Day. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI shares about connecting with Marion Sanchez through the Commission on Aging because the We All the Belong campaign is like the purpose of the event and there could be funding for it; shares that a public proclamation may be made; shares possibilities …
Special Called Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, December 18th 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST City of Austin Permitting and Development Center Room #1401 & 1402 (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin Texas 78752) and some members may be attending via 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 (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Diana Melendez Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Jennifer Powell Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Lisa Chang 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on OCTOBER 23RD, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Briefing on updates and opportunities for the City’s Open Government Partnership. (Ana DeFrates, Research Program Lead, Office of Innovation; Amanda Jasso, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager) Discussion on maintaining quorum through the FY2025-26 Budget Recommendation writing period by using the City’s holdover period. Discussion on the make-up session for the November 6th JIC’s Community Voices …
City of Austin & Open Government Partnership Presentation to Joint Inclusion Commission December 18, 2024 Special Called Meeting The Open Government Partnership In 2011, government leaders and civil society advocates came together to create a unique partnership - one that combines these powerful forces to promote transparent, participatory, inclusive, and accountable governance. The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is a multilateral initiative aimed at securing commitments from national and sub-national governments to promote open government, combat corruption, and improve governance. OGP By the Numbers 75 countries 104 local members 400+ action plans 5,000+ commitments 3 OGP Austin’s Origin Story OGP Austin Created City Council Resolution 20160225-017 confirmed the City of Austin’s interest in participating in the Open Government Partnership (OGP). 2017 2016 Action Plan Two Created Four commitments: ● ● ● ● Public Safety Data Transparency Inclusion in Court Contracting Community Housing Climate Resilience 2024 . 2019 Action Plan One Created Five commitments addressing: ● ● ● ● ● Homelessness An equity assessment tool Online information about city projects Better access to city council public meetings Inclusiveness in “smart city” processes Action Plan three Four inaugural commitments: ● ● ● ● Anticipatory governance & climate Economic resilience & workforce AI & accountability Enhanced equity assessments tools The OGP Action Plan Cycle 5 OPEN GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP 5 Approach ● ● Build on existing and emerging work rooted in robust community feedback Ensure a shared power analysis through equity training ● Apply a futures framework (strategic foresight) to ensure we are anticipating the needs of tomorrow Published Commitments Austin’s OGP Action Plan 2024-2028 🏛 AI accountability: Creating a framework to address bias, errors, and misuse in government AI tools with processes for evaluation, reporting, and resolution. 🌎 Climate adaptation: Developing a scalable process to adapt city operations to climate change, starting with a pilot program in partnership with Texas State University. ⚖ Economic resilience: Tackling economic inequality in the Eastern Crescent neighborhood through a cross-departmental team to support small businesses and guide policy through data. Commitments In development Austin’s OGP Action Plan 2024-2028 Equity Assessment Tool: Refine our internal equity assessment tools to ensure that the City of Austin is evaluating its programs, policies, and practices for impacts on our most marginalized residents, with the goal that everyone in our community has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. ○ Holding on the publication of our Equity Plan commitment pending …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, December 4th 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST City of Austin Permitting and Development Center Room #1203 (6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin Texas 78752) and some members may be attending via 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 (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Diana Melendez Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Jennifer Powell Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam VACANT Lisa Chang 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on OCTOBER 23RD, 2024. Briefing on updates and opportunities for the City’s Open Government Partnership. (Ana Defrates, Research Program Lead, Office of Innovation; Amanda Jasso, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager) STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on a Joint Inclusion Committee member participating in the Open Government Partnership Workgroup while avoiding a quorum. Introduce new Joint Inclusion Committee members Philip Reichert and Curtis Wyman from the Commission on …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a special meeting on WEDNESDAY, October 23rd, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Vice-Chair RICHARD BONDI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:09 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lisa Chang Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin & Nayer Sikder Commissions With Vacancies: Commissioners Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs African American Resource Advisory Commission: Commissioners Elaina Fowler or Antonio Ross Human Rights Commission: Commissioners Morgan Davis or Muneeb “Meebs”Aslam AGENDA REVISED 1 3. 4. 5. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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. Cierra Maddison expresses gratitude for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s agenda item approving a Recommendation in support of Sunday Sessions ATX and that she will share the upcoming JIC’s community input meetings for the City’s FY26 budget. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2024. The minutes are approved at the October 23rd, 2024 Special Called meeting on COMMISSIONER LISA CHANG’s motion, COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’S second, on a 6-0 vote. (Off the dais: Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Commissioner Sonny Si, and Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission’s Amanda Afifi. Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commissions’ Elaina Fowler and Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner Morgan Davis.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on community input collected at the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices session on October 2nd, 2024. Discussion on what was shared during sessions. Discussion on the next steps from Commission on Aging requesting a City of Austin Implicit Bias Day. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI shares about connecting with Marion Sanchez through the Commission on Aging because the We All the Belong campaign is like the purpose of the event and there could be funding for it; shares that a public proclamation may be made; shares possibilities …
Regular Called Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, October 23rd 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via 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 (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs VACANT Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Diana Melendez Eliza Gordon Amanda Afifi (Chair) VACANT VACANT Daniela Silva Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Yuri G Barragán Jennifer Powell Lisa Chang CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION AGENDA 1 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 COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on community input collected at the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices session on October 2nd, 2024. Discussion on the next steps from Commission on Aging requesting a City of Austin Implicit Bias Day. Discussion on meeting with the College Student Commission. Discussion on LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Feasibility Study for a Cultural Center. Discussion on making quorum and using the hold over provision for the JIC Representatives from Districts 2, 4, 6, 7, 10 and Mayoral Appointees. Discussion on including Joint Inclusion Committee updates on home Commission monthly agendas. Discussion on promoting the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices sessions with Commissioners from home Commissions. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Approve a Recommendation to support Sunday Sessions ATX. Approve Commissioners attending, …
Special Called Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, October 23rd 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via 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 (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs VACANT Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Diana Melendez Eliza Gordon Amanda Afifi (Chair) VACANT VACANT Daniela Silva Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Yuri G Barragán Jennifer Powell Lisa Chang AGENDA REVISED 1 CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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 COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on community input collected at the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices session on October 2nd, 2024. Discussion on the next steps from Commission on Aging requesting a City of Austin Implicit Bias Day. Discussion on meeting with the College Student Commission. Discussion on LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Feasibility Study for a Cultural Center. Discussion on making quorum and using the hold over provision for the JIC Representatives from Districts 2, 4, 6, 7, 10 and Mayoral Appointees. Discussion on including Joint Inclusion Committee updates on home Commission monthly agendas. Discussion on promoting the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices sessions with Commissioners from home Commissions. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Approve a Recommendation to support Sunday Sessions ATX. Approve Commissioners …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:09 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin & Nayer Sikder Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell & Lisa Chang Commissions With Vacancies: Commission on Veterans Affairs Commissioners Absent: Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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. AGENDA 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2024. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER JENNIFER POWELL’s motion, COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’s second, on a 6-0 vote. (Off the dais: African American Resource Advisory Commission’s Commission Fowler, Commission for Women’s Commissioner Diana Melendez, and Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner Morgan Davis. Absent: Early Childhood Council’s Commissioner Eliza Gordon.) Presentation by Sunday Sessions ATX with an overview of the organization, upcoming opportunities for Community engagement, and needs for FY25. (Cierra Madison, Founder of Sunday Sessions ATX) Cierra begins presentation by providing context for Resolution 20240215-023. Shares that Austin’s Black and Brown communities do not have green spaces available to them. Shares that Sunday Sessions ATX has been rejected for permits, that the impacts of this has shown a bias when serving Austin’s Black and Brown owned businesses and communities. Cierra shares that because People of Color continue to be displaced from central Austin, it is important to provide a central local for Black and Brown people to socialize in green spaces. Sunday Sessions ATX asks for structural support and money in support of the organization’s work and the impact of the work. COMMISSIONER SONNY SIN thanks Cierra for presenting and asks if Sunday Sessions ATX has connected …
RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORT OF SUNDAY SESSIONS ATX WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is a community-focused organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity, well-being, and engagement through free, open-to-the-public music events hosted in outdoor greenspaces that reflect the City of Austin’s cultural identity and enhance its reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World"; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the significant social and economic benefits of supporting free community events, which attract visitors, support local businesses, and provide meaningful opportunities for community engagement; and WHEREAS, the City Council, in Resolution No. 20240215-023, acknowledged the challenges faced by event organizers due to rising costs, emphasizing the need for support to sustain free, accessible community events like "Blues on the Green," which contribute to Austin’s cultural vibrancy; and directed the City Manager to solicit input from the Arts, Music, and Quality of Life commissions in developing recommendations to support and sustain these events by utilizing partnerships across all areas of expertise involved in the live music and arts event space, with the goal of expanding opportunities for the City to co-sponsor community events that are centered around locality, diversity, and inclusivity; and further established an ordinance for associated fee waivers, co-sponsorships, or related budget authorizations needed to effectuate these goals; and WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is an ongoing, monthly event that aligns with the goals outlined in Resolution No. 20240215-023 by providing free access to local music, arts, and wellness activities, while creating inclusive and diverse spaces for Austinites; and WHEREAS, the ACE permitting fee presents a financial barrier for small, grassroots organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX, and waiving this fee on an ongoing basis would directly support the City’s goal of fostering open, accessible, and culturally enriching events; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to preserving and promoting accessible community events that reflect Austin’s diversity and vibrancy, including supporting organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX through fee waivers and other resources to ensure their long-term sustainability; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) requests that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager’s Office to waive the ACE permitting fees for Sunday Sessions ATX on a recurring, monthly basis in recognition of its valuable contributions to Austin’s cultural and community life, as part of the City's broader efforts to support free, public, and inclusive events; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) supports …
RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20241023-009: Support of Sunday Sessions ATX RECOMMENDATION FOR SUPPORT OF SUNDAY SESSIONS ATX WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is a community-focused organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity, well-being, and engagement through free, open-to-the-public music events hosted in outdoor greenspaces that reflect the City of Austin’s cultural identity and enhance its reputation as the "Live Music Capital of the World"; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin recognizes the significant social and economic benefits of supporting free community events, which attract visitors, support local businesses, and provide meaningful opportunities for community engagement; and WHEREAS, the City Council, in Resolution No. 20240215-023, acknowledged the challenges faced by event organizers due to rising costs, emphasizing the need for support to sustain free, accessible community events like "Blues on the Green," which contribute to Austin’s cultural vibrancy; and directed the City Manager to solicit input from the Arts, Music, and Quality of Life commissions in developing recommendations to support and sustain these events by utilizing partnerships across all areas of expertise involved in the live music and arts event space, with the goal of expanding opportunities for the City to co-sponsor community events that are centered around locality, diversity, and inclusivity; and further established an ordinance for associated fee waivers, co-sponsorships, or related budget authorizations needed to effectuate these goals; and WHEREAS, Sunday Sessions ATX is an ongoing, monthly event that aligns with the goals outlined in Resolution No. 20240215-023 by providing free access to local music, arts, and wellness activities, while creating inclusive and diverse spaces for Austinites; and WHEREAS, the ACE permitting fee presents a financial barrier for small, grassroots organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX, and waiving this fee on an ongoing basis would directly support the City’s goal of fostering open, accessible, and culturally enriching events; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to preserving and promoting accessible community events that reflect Austin’s diversity and vibrancy, including supporting organizations like Sunday Sessions ATX through fee waivers and other resources to ensure their long-term sustainability; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) requests that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager’s Office to waive the ACE permitting fees for Sunday Sessions ATX on a recurring, monthly basis in recognition of its valuable contributions to Austin’s cultural and community life, as part of the City's broader efforts to support free, public, and inclusive events; …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a special meeting on WEDNESDAY, October 23rd, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Vice-Chair RICHARD BONDI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:09 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lisa Chang Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin & Nayer Sikder Commissions With Vacancies: Commissioners Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs African American Resource Advisory Commission: Commissioners Elaina Fowler or Antonio Ross Human Rights Commission: Commissioners Morgan Davis or Muneeb “Meebs”Aslam 1 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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. Cierra Maddison expresses gratitude for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s agenda item approving a Recommendation in support of Sunday Sessions ATX and that she will share the upcoming JIC’s community input meetings for the City’s FY26 budget. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2024. The minutes are approved at the October 23rd, 2024 Special Called meeting on COMMISSIONER LISA CHANG’s motion, COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’S second, on a 6-0 vote. (Off the dais: Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Commissioner Sonny Si, and Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission’s Amanda Afifi. Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commissions’ Elaina Fowler and Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner Morgan Davis.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on community input collected at the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Community Voices and Choices session on October 2nd, 2024. Discussion on what was shared during sessions. Discussion on the next steps from Commission on Aging requesting a City of Austin Implicit Bias Day. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI shares about connecting with Marion Sanchez through the Commission on Aging because the We All the Belong campaign is like the purpose of the event and there could be funding for it; shares that a public proclamation may be made; shares possibilities that the event could be …
Regular Called Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, September 25th 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via 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 (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veteran Affairs VACANT Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Melissa Ortega Diana Melendez VACANT Eliza Gordon Amanda Afifi (Chair) VACANT VACANT Daniela Silva Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Yuri G Barragán Jennifer Powell Lisa Chang CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION AGENDA 1 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 COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Sunday Sessions ATX with an overview of the organization, upcoming opportunities for Community engagement, and needs for FY25. (Cierra Madison, Founder of Sunday Sessions ATX) Discuss updates from attending the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Budget Engagement Session with City Departments on September 7th, 2024. Discuss updates for collaborating with the College Student Commission. Discuss updates on the Commission on Aging’s initiative for a City of Austin Implicit Bias Day. Discuss updates on the Commission on Veteran Affairs becoming a member of the Joint Inclusion Committee. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve Commissioners attending the Joint Inclusion Committee’s FY25 Community Input Sessions on October 2nd, October 16th, November 6th, and November 20th, 2024. Approve the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Regular Meeting schedule (dates and location) for 2025. WORKING …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a SPECIAL called meeting on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the CITY HALL ROOM #1001 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:14 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin Commission for Women: Julie Glasser Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Early Childhood Council: Leonor Vargas or Eliza Gordon LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson or Yuri Barragán PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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. Cierra Madison, Founder of Sunday Sessions ATX shares program and requests to return as an agenda item. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JULY 24TH, 2024. 1 4. The minutes were approved at the SEPTEMBER 4th, 2024 Special Called meeting on COMMISSIONER ELAINA FOWLER’s motion, COMMISSIONER JULIE GLASSER’s second, on a 7-0 vote (Absent: Commission on Immigrant Affair’s Melissa Ortega; Early Childhood Council’s Leonor Vargas or Eliza Gordon; and LGTBQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Jerry Joe Benson or Yuri Barragán.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Kathy Mitchell, Equity Action, sharing information and updates on the FY25 Community Investment Budget as it relates to the FY25 Proposed Budget. Kathy shares Equity Action process for collaborating with City organizations to develop Community Investment Budget. Kathy shares information regarding Police contract funding and amendments that were included in the budget for housing support. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI shares with Kathy the timeline for the City Boards and Commissions to submit their budget recommendations and requests earlier information on Equity Action’s progress for the Community Investment Budget during the FY26 budget cycle. COMMISSIONER AMANDA AFIFI shares that the Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission considered the Community Investment Budget for FY24 to author FY25 budget recommendations. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discuss and approve representatives who are attending the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Budget …
Joint Inclusion Committee Regular Meeting 2025 Schedule 4th Wednesday of the Month, at 3 p.m. & Virtually in a Hybrid Format Boards and Commission Room #1101 at City Hall January 22nd February 26th March 26th April 23rd May 28th June 25th July 23rd August 27th September 24th October 22nd November (Thanksgiving holiday) December 4th (early, before winter holidays)
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:09 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin & Nayer Sikder Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell & Lisa Chang Commissions With Vacancies: Commission on Veterans Affairs Commissioners Absent: Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson AGENDA PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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. 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2024. The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER JENNIFER POWELL’s motion, COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’s second, on a 6-0 vote. (Off the dais: African American Resource Advisory Commission’s Commission Fowler, Commission for Women’s Commissioner Diana Melendez, and Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner Morgan Davis. Absent: Early Childhood Council’s Commissioner Eliza Gordon.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation by Sunday Sessions ATX with an overview of the organization, upcoming opportunities for Community engagement, and needs for FY25. (Cierra Madison, Founder of Sunday Sessions ATX) Cierra begins presentation by providing context for Resolution 20240215-023. Shares that Austin’s Black and Brown communities do not have green spaces available to them. Shares that Sunday Sessions ATX has been rejected for permits, that the impacts of this has shown a bias when serving Austin’s Black and Brown owned businesses and communities. Cierra shares that because People of Color continue to be displaced from central Austin, it is important to provide a central local for Black and Brown people to socialize in green spaces. Sunday Sessions ATX asks for structural support and money in support of the organization’s work and the impact of the work. COMMISSIONER SONNY SIN thanks Cierra for presenting and asks if Sunday Sessions ATX has connected …
Special Called Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, September 4th 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST Austin City Hall, Room 1001, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX and some member may be attending via 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 (Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: Antonio Ross Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Melissa Ortega Rebecca Austen Jose Caceres Leonor Vargas Amanda Afifi (Chair) Eliza Gordon Daniela Silva Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Yuri G Barragán Jennifer Powell Lisa Chang Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION AGENDA 1 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 COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JULY 24TH, 2024. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Kathy Mitchell, Equity Action, sharing information and updates on the FY25 Community Investment Budget as it relates to the FY25 Proposed Budget. Discuss and approve representatives who are attending the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Budget Engagement opportunity on September 7th, 2024. Approve the date and location of the Joint Inclusion Committee’s regular October meeting as October 23rd, 2024 in the Boards & Commissions Room #1101 at City Hall, at 3 p.m. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Budget & Policy Priorities Workgroup – updates on issues related to the FY24-25 City Budget (Workgroup Members: Commissioners Richard Bondi, Morgan Davis, Melissa Ortega). Investigating the involvement of Indigenous People and/or Native Americans to afford the group a voice Workgroup. (Workgroup Members: Commissioners Amanda Afifi, Richard Bondi, and Morgan Davis). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: ADJOURNMENT: …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a REGULAR meeting on WEDNESDAY, JULY 24TH, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the CITY PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER RM #1203 (6310 WILHELMINA DRIVE, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:11 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Nayer Sikder Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Rebecca Austen Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler or Antonio Ross Early Childhood Council: Leonor Vargas or Eliza Gordon PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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 COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JUNE 26TH, 2024. LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson 1 3. 4. 5. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. The minutes were APPROVED at the JULY 24th, 2024 Regular Joint Inclusion Committee meeting on COMMISSIONER JENNIFER POWELL’s motion, COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’s second, on a 6-0 vote. (Off the dais: Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Commissioner Nayer Sikder and Commission on Aging’s Richard Bondi. Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commission’s Commissioners Elaina Fowler or Antonio Ross and Early Childhood Council’s Commissioners Leonor Vargas and Eliza Gordon). Discuss Joint Inclusion Committee’s Annual Review and Report. COMMISSIONERS AMANDA AFIFI and RICHARD BONDI share with JIC the future goals of the Commission on Veteran Affairs joining the JIC, investigating the possible collaboration or involvement of Indigenous People and/or Native Americans to afford them a voice in the City, connecting with College Student Commission and/or Austin Travis County Public Health Commission. COMMISSIONERS share including their FY26 town halls and having a permanent presence and attendance in the Equity Action Team meetings. COMMISSIONERS share future goals in regard to APD training with community; current focus on new cadets. Discuss follow up with Budget Office regarding FY26 Community Input Budget Town Halls. Equity Office met to share that Work group would follow up on the Budget Office. Discuss LGPOA Conference, scheduled for August 5th-8th, …
