REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025, 3:00 P.M AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Joint Inclusion Committee 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 Ryan Sperling, 512-974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Primary Representative: Justin Parsons Nirali J Thakkar Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Miriam Dorantes Commission on Veterans 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 VACANT Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Bryce F Laake-Stanfield Alice Navarro Amanda Afifi (Chair) Alternate Representative: Alexandria Anderson Nayer Sikder Becky Bullard Teresa Ferguson Diane Kanawati Christopher Wilson Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva VACANT KC Coyne Conor H. Kelly 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 Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on October 22, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding the development of a report to understand and address disparities in community conditions across neighborhoods. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the results of Get to Know Your Commissioners events. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Approve bylaw amendments to add a Secretary officer role. Approve changes to working group membership. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the FY2026-27 Budget Recommendations Working Group regarding its most recent working group meeting and progress on the working group goals. 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. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Alexandia Anderson Bryce Laake-Stanfield Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Diana Melendez Diane Kanawati Alice Navarro Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on September 24, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Benson’s motion, Commissioner Laake- Stanfield’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Bondi, Dorantes, and Parsons were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding the Homeless Strategy Office’s current homelessness response efforts and key metrics. Briefing by David Gray, Director, Homeless Strategy Office. The presentation was made by David Grey, Director, Austin Homeless Strategies & Operations. 1 3. Introduction of the Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (AACME) office. Briefing by Angela Means, Director, AACME. The presentation was made by Angela Means, Director, AACME. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Approve changes to working group membership. The motion to add Commissioner Anderson and Chair Afifi to the Bylaw Amendment Working Group was approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Laake- Stanfield’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Bondi, Dorantes, and Parsons were absent. Approve the Joint Inclusion Committee 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule. The Joint Inclusion Committee 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule was approved as amended on Commissioner Laake-Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Anderson’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Bondi, Dorantes, and Parsons were absent. The amendments were: Change meeting start times from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Strike November 25th and replace it with November 18th Strike December 30th and replace it with December 16th 6. Approve bylaw amendments to add a secretary officer role. Postponed until the December meeting without objection on Chair Afifi’s motion. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Changes to working group membership – Laake Stanfield Amend annual schedule -- Laake Stanfield ADJOURNMENT Chair Afifi adjourned the meeting at 5:07 p.m. without objection. 2
REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025, 3:00 PM. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Joint Inclusion Committee 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 Ryan Sperling, 512-974- 3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Primary Representative: Alternate Representative: Justin Parsons Alexandria Anderson Nirali J Thakkar Nayer Sikder Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs Miriam Dorantes Commission on Veterans Affairs Bryce F Laake-Stanfield 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 Alice Navarro Amanda Afifi (Chair) VACANT Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Becky Bullard Teresa Ferguson Diane Kanawati Christopher Wilson Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva VACANT KC Coyne Conor H. Kelly 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 regular meeting on September 24, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Briefing regarding the Homeless Strategy Office’s current homelessness response efforts and key metrics. Briefing by David Gray, Director, Homeless Strategy Office. Introduction of the Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (AACME) office. Briefing by Angela Means, Director, AACME. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Approve changes to working group membership. Approve the Joint Inclusion Committee 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule. Approve bylaw amendments to add a secretary officer role. 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. …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Bondi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 3:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Diane Kanawati Justin Parsons Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jerry Joe Benson Nayer Sikder Andrea McIllwain PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Luis Ordaz – ACME/Artist Access Program/Health Issues Hector Ordaz – ACME/Artist Access Program/Health Issues APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on August 27, 2025. The minutes of the August 27, 2025 meeting were approved on Alternate Member McIllwain’s motion, Committee Member Benson’s second on a 6-0 vote. Committee members Afifi, Chang, Dorantes, Laake-Stanfield, Melendez, and Navarro were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding the potential to change the commission’s meeting time and dates in 2026. Discussed. 1 3. Discussion on the progress of the Public Safety Commission changes to allow for Quality- of-Life Commissions to attend and participate. Discussed. 4. Discussion regarding the potential to create a Secretary position on the commission. Discussed. 5. Discussion regarding best practices for agenda finalization meetings. Discussed. 6. Discussion regarding potential dates for virtual input sessions in October and November. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve the formation of a working group to explore the structure of the Equity Office as an independent office and establishing the Human Rights Division as an independent office. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to explore the structure of the Equity Office as an independent office and establishing the Human Rights Division as an independent office was approved on Alternate Member Kanawati’s motion, Committee Member Parsons’ second on a 6-0 vote. Committee members Afifi, Chang, Dorantes, Laake-Stanfield, Melendez, and Navarro were absent. The motion to approve Committee Members Benson, Boni, Parsons, and Kanawati as members of the working group was approved on Alternate Member McIllwain’s motion, Alternate Member Sikder’s second on a 6-0 vote. Committee members Afifi, Chang, Dorantes, Laake-Stanfield, Melendez, and Navarro were absent. 8. Approve the formation of a working group to provide feedback on the City’s digital access program. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to provide feedback on the City’s digital access program was approved on Alternate Member Kanawati’s motion, Committee Member Parson’s second on …
Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (AACME) Austin's Creative Heartbeat Angela Means, AACME Director October 2025 The Profound Impact of Arts & Culture According to the Texas Cultural Trust 2025 State of the Arts Report 2 Birth of AACME: Answering Austin's Call Born from Community Passion AACME was established after decades of community advocacy for prioritizing arts and music in Austin's identity and governance. Perfect Timing Created during a critical funding shortage for the arts, when traditional sources like bank loans, donations, and federal grants were diminishing. Preserving Austin's Soul Art, music, and culture represent the heart of Austin—the unique vibe that retains locals and attracts visitors. 3 Effective February 24, 2025, the City of Austin officially established the Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (AACME). This marks a significant step in Austin’s commitment to building a more vibrant and dynamic destination for arts, culture, music, and entertainment. 4 HOW WILL AACME BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY? • Provide centralized support for creatives and cultural organizations. • Enhance economic growth, tourism and civic engagement. • Foster collaboration between artists, cultural organizations, and local businesses. • Create open, accessible spaces for residents to experience arts and culture. • Strengthens Austin’s identity as a global destination for creativity. 5 HOW WAS AACME FORMED? Economic Development Department Cultural Arts Arts in Public Places Music & Entertainment Parks & Recreation Department Museum & Cultural Programs Historic Tourism Special Events (Partial) Development Services Department Austin Center for Events Entertainment Services Austin Public Library African American Heritage & Cultural Facility Aviation Music & Art 6 WHAT ARE AACME’S 2025 GOALS? • Streamline operations • Implement community engagement programs • Launch the development of a comprehensive Strategic Plan • Reevaluation of Cultural Funding grant program guidelines • Increase access to programming • Establish new collaborative partnerships with the community and partners across various sectors 7 7 WHAT FACILITIES MAKE UP AACME? • African American Cultural and Heritage Facility + Dedrick Hamilton House • Asian American Resource Center • Dougherty Arts Center • Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center • George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center • Elisabet Ney Museum • O. Henry Museum 8 • Old Bakery & Emporium • Susanna Dickinson Museum • UMLAUF Sculpture Garden and Museum • Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex • Montopolis Negro School • Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theater • Renaissance Market (Right-of-Way) 8 AACME's First Year: Building Trust Through Action …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 BYLAWS OF THE Joint Inclusion Committee ARTICLE 1. NAME. The name of the board is Joint Inclusion Committee. ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND DUTIES. The purpose of the board is to advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity and inclusion and to promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees and task forces to increase and sustain equity, diversity and inclusion in the city. ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP. (A) The board is composed of 10 members representing their respective board appointed by the city council from the African American Resource Advisory Commission, the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, the Commission on Seniors, the Commission for Women, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Quality of Life Advisory Commission, the Human Rights Commission and the Early Childhood Council. (B) A member serves at the pleasure of the city council. (C) Board members serve for a term of four years beginning March 1st on the year of appointment. (D) An individual board member may not act in an official capacity except through the action of the board. (E) A board member who is absent for three consecutive regular meetings or one-third of all regular meetings in a “rolling” twelve month timeframe automatically vacates the member’s position subject to the holdover provisions in Section 2-1-27 of the City Code. This does not apply to an absence due to illness or injury of the board member, an illness or injury of a board member’s immediate family member, active military service, or the birth or adoption of the board member’s child for 90 days after the event. The board member must notify the staff liaison of the reason for the absence not later than the date of the next regular meeting of the board. Failure to notify the liaison before the next regular meeting of the board will result in an unexcused absence. (F) At each meeting, each board member shall sign an attendance sheet which indicates that the member …
Our Vision: Everyone has access to stable housing and the support they need to thrive. HSO Strategic Pillars System Leadership We are a trusted system leader, working collaboratively to ensure an efficient, accessible, and effective homeless response. Impactful Community Investments We make investments that resolve individual experiences of homelessness and result in meaningful system change. Crisis Response System Management We ensure that people experiencing homelessness have easy access to basic needs, outreach, crisis shelter, and other services to support survival and pathways to stable housing. Communications Through public dialogue and intentional communication with stakeholders, we strengthen community trust, align efforts and drive systemwide impact. Investing in our People We pursue a culture of continuous learning, creating a collaborative, supportive, and engaging workplace that centers growth, development, and well-being. Our staff are inspired and empowered to drive meaningful change. We’re building the capacity to serve more households and reduce unsheltered homelessness. We’re getting upstream with prevention and early intervention, serving more Austinites more quickly. Example Housing Situations • People facing eviction • People with low incomes who are severely rent burdened • People experiencing partner or family violence • People who are doubled up or living in other unstable housing situations HSO Investments in Early Intervention • Digital navigation and resource hotline • Prevention programs for households/youth • Diversion resources for quick resolution of new homelessness • Leverage brick-and-mortar facilities such as shelters and navigation centers to provide rapid exit funds. Help Households Exit Homelessness & Then Promote Stability Stabilize Divert Quickly Resolve Crisis When Not Prevented Prevent Problem Solve Before Crisis Happens $34,000-$40,000 Average cost of RRH or PSH services and subsidy per client per year. $2,040 Average one-time cost per early intervention per client. Spotlight: Digital Innovations PEH Text Alert System • Launched in 2023 to enhance emergency notifications. • Reaches more than 5,000 subscribers. Navigation Hotline • Staffed 60 hours per week. • Immediate screening for early intervention eligibility. • Live referrals to appropriate resources. • 1/3 of callers are families with children. Service Pods • Deployed at high traffic social and health service locations, like navigation centers and emergency rooms. • Video conferencing and tele-health capabilities. • Clients can complete or update a housing assessment. • Reduces need to visit brick-and-mortar locations. Online Resource Finder • Launched austintexas.gov/opennow in 2025. • Provides interactive, up-to-date information on the availability and locations of resources. We’re learning from our successes …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 AT 3:00 PM. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Joint Inclusion Committee 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 Ryan Sperling, 512-974- 3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Primary Representative: Alternate Representative: Justin Parsons Alexandria Anderson Nirali J Thakkar Nayer Sikder Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs Miriam Dorantes Commission on Veterans Affairs Bryce F Laake-Stanfield 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 Alice Navarro Amanda Afifi (Chair) VACANT Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Becky Bullard Teresa Ferguson Diane Kanawati Christopher Wilson Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Conor H. Kelly 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 regular meeting on August 27, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Discussion regarding the potential to change the commission’s meeting time and dates in 2026. Discussion on the progress of the Public Safety Commission changes to allow for Quality-of-Life Commissions to attend and participate. Discussion regarding the potential to create a Secretary position on the commission. Discussion regarding best practices for agenda finalization meetings. Discussion regarding potential dates for virtual input sessions in October and November. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. 9. Approve the formation of a working group to explore the structure of the Equity Office as an independent office and establishing the Human Rights Division as an independent office. Approve the formation of a working group to provide feedback on the City’s digital access program. Approve the formation of …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR/SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MONTH DATE, YEAR The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a REGULAR/SPEICAL CALLED meeting on Wednesday, MOTH, YEAR, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair NAME called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Alexandria Anderson Bryce Laake-Stanfield Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang Miriam Dorantes Diana Melendez Alive Navarro Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Marisa Luisa Guiterrez – Language Access Hector Ordaz – Language Access APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on June 25, 2025. Items 1 and 2 were taken up at the same time. The minutes of the June 25, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Laake- Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Benson was off the dais. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on July 23, 2025. 2. 1 The minutes of the July 23, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Laake- Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Benson was off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion regarding accessibility frameworks, community needs, and usage of the City of Austin digital products. Presentation by Luisa Apolaya Torres, Sr. Service Designer, Communications & Technology Management Department. The presentation was made by Luisa Apolaya Torres, Sr. Service Designer, Communications & Technology Management Department. Discussion regarding the potential to create a secretary or parliamentarian officer role on the commission. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to Council supporting an independent equity office. Discussion was held. No action was taken. Approve the formation of a working group to finalize a recommendation regarding a revamp of Austin Police Department’s Office of the Community Liaison. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to finalize a recommendation regarding a revamp of Austin Police Department’s Office of the Community Liaison was approved on Commissioner Chang’s motion, Commissioner Laake-Stanfield’s second on a 10-0 vote. Working group members: Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Benson, Chang, and Laake-Stanfield. Approve the formation of a working group to provide budget recommendations for the City of Austin’s FY2026-27 budget. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to provide budget recommendations for the City of Austin’s FY2026-27 budget was approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2025 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Alexandria Anderson Bryce Laake-Stanfield Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang Miriam Dorantes Diana Melendez Alive Navarro Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Marisa Luisa Guiterrez – Language Access Hector Ordaz – Language Access APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on June 25, 2025. Items 1 and 2 were taken up at the same time. The minutes of the June 25, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Laake- Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Benson was off the dais. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on July 23, 2025. 2. 1 The minutes of the July 23, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Laake- Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Benson was off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion regarding accessibility frameworks, community needs, and usage of the City of Austin digital products. Presentation by Luisa Apolaya Torres, Sr. Service Designer, Communications & Technology Management Department. The presentation was made by Luisa Apolaya Torres, Sr. Service Designer, Communications & Technology Management Department. Discussion regarding the potential to create a secretary or parliamentarian officer role on the commission. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to Council supporting an independent equity office. Discussion was held. No action was taken. Approve the formation of a working group to finalize a recommendation regarding a revamp of Austin Police Department’s Office of the Community Liaison. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to finalize a recommendation regarding a revamp of Austin Police Department’s Office of the Community Liaison was approved on Commissioner Chang’s motion, Commissioner Laake-Stanfield’s second on a 10-0 vote. Working group members: Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Benson, Chang, and Laake-Stanfield. Approve the formation of a working group to provide budget recommendations for the City of Austin’s FY2026-27 budget. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to provide budget recommendations for the City of Austin’s FY2026-27 budget was approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Bondi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 3:07 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Diane Kanawati Justin Parsons Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jerry Joe Benson Nayer Sikder Andrea McIllwain PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Luis Ordaz – ACME/Artist Access Program/Health Issues Hector Ordaz – ACME/Artist Access Program/Health Issues APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on August 27, 2025. The minutes of the August 27, 2025 meeting were approved on Alternate Member McIllwain’s motion, Committee Member Benson’s second on a 6-0 vote. Committee members Afifi, Chang, Dorantes, Laake-Stanfield, Melendez, and Navarro were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding the potential to change the commission’s meeting time and dates in 2026. Discussed. 1 3. Discussion on the progress of the Public Safety Commission changes to allow for Quality- of-Life Commissions to attend and participate. Discussed. 4. Discussion regarding the potential to create a Secretary position on the commission. Discussed. 5. Discussion regarding best practices for agenda finalization meetings. Discussed. 6. Discussion regarding potential dates for virtual input sessions in October and November. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve the formation of a working group to explore the structure of the Equity Office as an independent office and establishing the Human Rights Division as an independent office. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to explore the structure of the Equity Office as an independent office and establishing the Human Rights Division as an independent office was approved on Alternate Member Kanawati’s motion, Committee Member Parsons’ second on a 6-0 vote. Committee members Afifi, Chang, Dorantes, Laake-Stanfield, Melendez, and Navarro were absent. The motion to approve Committee Members Benson, Boni, Parsons, and Kanawati as members of the working group was approved on Alternate Member McIllwain’s motion, Alternate Member Sikder’s second on a 6-0 vote. Committee members Afifi, Chang, Dorantes, Laake-Stanfield, Melendez, and Navarro were absent. 8. Approve the formation of a working group to provide feedback on the City’s digital access program. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to provide feedback on the City’s digital access program was approved on Alternate Member Kanawati’s motion, Committee Member Parson’s second on …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2025, 3:00 PM. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Joint Inclusion Committee 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 Ryan Sperling, 512-974- 3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Primary Representative: Alternate Representative: Justin Parsons Alexandria Anderson Nirali J Thakkar Nayer Sikder Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs Melissa Ortega Commission on Veterans Affairs Bryce F Laake-Stanfield 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 Alice Navarro Amanda Afifi (Chair) Jeffrey Clemmons Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Becky Bullard Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Vacant Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Conor H. Kelly 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. 2. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on June 25, 2025. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on July 23, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion regarding accessibility frameworks, community needs, and usage of the City of Austin digital products. Presentation by Luisa Apolaya Torres, Sr. Service Designer, Communications & Technology Management Department. Discussion regarding the potential to create a secretary or parliamentarian officer role on the commission. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to Council supporting an independent equity office. Approve the formation of a working group to finalize a recommendation regarding a revamp of Austin Police Department’s Office of the Community Liaison. Approve the formation of a working group to provide budget recommendations for the City of Austin’s FY2026-27 budget. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the Budget & …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a special called meeting on July 22, 2025, in the Boards and Commissions Room at City Hall located at 301 W 2ND St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Joint Inclusion Committee meeting to order at 3:11 p.m. Members in Attendance: Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Bondi, and Alternate Member Anderson. Members in Attendance Remotely: Commissioner Benson, Chang, Clemmons, Melendez, Ortega, and Alternate Member Sikder. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee special called meeting on July 11, 2025. A motion to approve the July 11, 2025, minutes was approved on Commissioner Chang’s motion, Commissioner Thakkar’s second on a 9-0 vote. A motion to reconsider Item 1 to replace the vote of Commissioner Thakkar with Alternate Member Sikder was approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Chang second on a 9-0 vote. The July 11, 2025, minutes were approved on Commissioner Chang’s motion, Commissioner Sikder’s second on a 9-0 vote. 2. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on June 25, 2025. A motion to postpone the item until August XX was approved on Vice Chair Bondi’s motion, Commissioner Benson’s second on a 9-0 vote. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to City Council regarding the proposed expansion of the Austin Police Department’s Office of the Community Liaison, including feedback and suggestions from Joint Inclusion Committee members. Discussion was held. Approve a recommendation to Council supporting an independent equity office. Item was postponed to August XX on Vice Chair Bondi’s motion, Commissioner Clemmons’ second on a 9-0 vote. JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025 8. Approve membership changes to committee working groups. A motion to add the following members to working groups was approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Ortega’s second on an 9-0 vote. Future Commission Working Group Members: Chair Bondi, Vice Chair Afifi, Commissioners Clemmons and Laake-Stanfield. Legislative Working Group Members: add Commissions Clemmons and Laake- Stanfield. 9. Approve the committee’s 2024-2025 annual internal review report. Committee members discussed potential goals. No action taken. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Discussion regarding the possibility of creating an additional officer role, such as secretary, on the committee. Discussion was held. Discussion regarding promotion and virtual sessions of upcoming Know Your Commissions …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, JUNE, 25th, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission on Veterans Affairs: Bryce Laake-Stanfield Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Alexandria Anderson Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Nirali J Thakkar Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Miriam Dorantes Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Early Childhood Council: Andrea McIllwain Human Rights Commission: Jeffrey Clemmons LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lisa Chang and Conor H. Kelly PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jenny E. Achilles, Commissioner from the Community Development Commission. Shares overview and purpose of the Community Development Commission. Monica Guzman, District 4 resident, organizer, and Equity Action Team member. Shares comments around the history of the Equity Division, the Equity Assessment Tool, Undoing Racism Workshops, establishing the Equity Division and Human Rights Division to have direct access to department directors and staff, public process for hiring of an Equity Officer. Alexia LeClerq, Community Powered ATX and PODER. Shares comments around Undoing Racism Workshops, emergency response, and funding for the immigrant affairs quality of life study. Celine Rendon, District 8 resident and Housing Justice Organizer. Shares comments 1 around the Equity Overlay Community Powered ATX presented a year ago. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING May 28th, 2025. The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s MAY 28TH, 2025 MEETING were approved at the JUNE 25TH, 2025 MEETING on COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI’s motion, COMMISSIONER JEFFREY CLEMMONS’ second, on an 11-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing to provide an introduction and overview of the Office of Equity and Inclusion by Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion, Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer, Office of Equity and Inclusion, and Enrique Serrano, Civil Rights Officer, Office of Equity and Inclusion. Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Shafina Khaki, and Enrique Serrano share briefing to provide an introduction and overview at 7 mins and 11 secs of recording through 17 minutes and 45 seconds. Including information on the Office …
Access and Use of City of Austin’s Digital Products Seeking Joint Inclusion Committee’s Perspective on August 27th, 2025 Luisa Apolaya Torres, Sr. Service Designer CTM Digital Strategies & Solutions luisa.apolayatorres@austintexas.gov Digital Strategies & Solutions Team @ CTM Human-centered design Accessibility Virtual Reality AI Governance Forms Consolidation User Testing UX Design Advocating for great digital experiences for all city residents. What are digital products? City of Austin’s Website Service Portals (Austin 311 Online Portal, City of Austin Utilities, City of Austin Job Search, etc) Mobile Apps (CapMetro, Austin 311) Community Outreach Groups (Austin Public Health, SpeakUpAustin.org) What factors can affect access and use? Findability of Information Language Access Digital Literacy Language Literacy Accuracy of Information Familiarity with Resources Ease of Use Trust in the Product What does the use of digital products by the residents of your communities in Austin look like? What products do they access? How do they access? When do they access? What is their relationship with these products? Factors for Access and Use Digital literacy Findability of information English literacy Familiarity with resources provided by the city Trust in the product to find accurate information What can a reimagining of digital products accessible for your communities in Austin look like? What needs are already identified, if any? Are there opportunities to improve a current product? Are there opportunities to create a new digital product?
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2025 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Alexandria Anderson Bryce Laake-Stanfield Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang Miriam Dorantes Diana Melendez Alive Navarro Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Marisa Luisa Guiterrez – Language Access Hector Ordaz – Language Access APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on June 25, 2025. Items 1 and 2 were taken up at the same time. The minutes of the June 25, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Laake- Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Benson was off the dais. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on July 23, 2025. 2. 1 The minutes of the July 23, 2025 meeting were approved on Commissioner Laake- Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Benson was off the dais. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Discussion regarding accessibility frameworks, community needs, and usage of the City of Austin digital products. Presentation by Luisa Apolaya Torres, Sr. Service Designer, Communications & Technology Management Department. The presentation was made by Luisa Apolaya Torres, Sr. Service Designer, Communications & Technology Management Department. Discussion regarding the potential to create a secretary or parliamentarian officer role on the commission. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Approve a recommendation to Council supporting an independent equity office. Discussion was held. No action was taken. Approve the formation of a working group to finalize a recommendation regarding a revamp of Austin Police Department’s Office of the Community Liaison. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to finalize a recommendation regarding a revamp of Austin Police Department’s Office of the Community Liaison was approved on Commissioner Chang’s motion, Commissioner Laake-Stanfield’s second on a 10-0 vote. Working group members: Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Benson, Chang, and Laake-Stanfield. Approve the formation of a working group to provide budget recommendations for the City of Austin’s FY2026-27 budget. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to provide budget recommendations for the City of Austin’s FY2026-27 budget was approved on Commissioner Anderson’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a …
