SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2025, 4:00 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Recap and discussion of the presentation made by Austin Public Health (APH) to the Equity Action Team (EAT) meeting on June 25, 2025 on the structure, funding mechanisms, and equity implications of APH. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to City Council regarding protecting and sustaining local public health infrastructure and equity at APH in Austin and discuss public and council engagement strategy. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please the City Clerk, at 512-974-3568 or contact Ryan Sperling at ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, June 25th, 2025, 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 Division) 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 Primary Representative: Justin Parsons Alternate Representative: Alexandra Anderson Nirali J Thakkar Nayer Sikder Commission for Women Diana Melendez Richard Bondi Melissa Ortega Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs 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 Becky Bullard Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Vacant Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Conor H. Kelly 1 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 REGULAR MEETING May 28th, 2025. 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. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. Discussion on Joint Inclusion Committee meeting norms and commissioner expectations, including a review of conduct guidelines for all commissioners, a review of the standard two-hour meeting duration, and strategies to maintain quorum throughout meetings. Discussion on attendance records for Joint Inclusion Committee commissioners, including a review of past absence rates and consideration of measures to support consistent participation. Discussion on JIC collaborating with other Public Safety Commission, Community Development Commission, Ethics …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250625-011): Community Investment Budget 2025/2026 WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to an inclusive and transparent budget development process that utilizes resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure budget priorities are being met1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has made community engagement a core pillar of its budget planning process, employing a diverse mix of tools and strategies—including multilingual surveys, public meetings, digital budget simulators, and data transparency initiatives—to ensure residents play a meaningful role in shaping the city's funding priorities; and WHEREAS, for the last several years, 30 to 40 community groups have come together on a yearly basis to create detailed budget recommendations known as the Community Investment Budget, issued by Equity Action; and WHEREAS, the 2025/2026 version of the Community Investment Budget includes closely mirrors Joint Inclusion Committee budget recommendations for funding Undoing Racism training, sustained funding for Family Stabilization Grant, additional funds for climate resilience initiatives and prepared meals; and WHEREAS, the 2025/2026 version of the Community Investment Budget addresses concerns that echo or are similar to Joint Inclusion Committee recommendations on additional funds for: Implementation of climate resilience and disaster preparedness initiatives, Immigrant legal and other support services, • • Numerous recommendations on enhancing childcare services, • • Expansion of programs offered by Office of Equity and Inclusion, • Culturally competent community engagement during emergencies, • Expansion of emergency shelters for inclement weather events, • Expansion of cool corridors, • Know Your Rights clinics, and • Expansion of technical apprenticeships and training. 1 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/city-budget Page 1 of 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to adopt the Community Investment Budget 2025/2026. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, 4-3 vote with names of those voting no listed) Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) Page 2 of 2
Expansion and Empowerment of the Community Liaison Office Proposal to Expand and Elevate the Austin Police Department Community Liaison Office Overview: In order to strengthen community policing, build trust with minoritized communities, and ensure that feedback from impacted groups shapes department policy and practice, we propose expanding and elevating the Community Liaison Office within the Austin Police Department (APD). Key Changes Proposed: ● Structural Elevation: Move the Community Liaison Office out of the Public Information Office (PIO) and establish it as an independent division that reports directly to the Chief of Police (or a designated Assistant Chief). ● Role Expansion: Assign both a civilian liaison and a sworn officer liaison for each major minoritized community (such as LGBTQ+, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Women). These teams would work in close partnership, giving community members the choice of engaging with a civilian or a sworn officer depending on the nature of their concern. ● Formalization of Sworn Officer Roles: Formalize the currently unofficial liaison roles many sworn officers already fulfill, making community liaison work an official, recognized part of their job duties and workload. ● Direct Communication Channels: Create dedicated public contact points (e.g., phone hotline numbers and emails) for each liaison team, and ensure they are prominently available on the APD website and communications. ● Training Responsibilities: Liaison officers would assist in training the broader police force on issues specific to their communities, such as: ○ Correct use of pronouns and respectful engagement with transgender residents ○ Cultural sensitivity and best practices for interacting with various minoritized groups ○ Awareness of systemic issues and culturally competent policing ● Commission and JIC Engagement: Require that liaisons regularly engage with their corresponding City of Austin Quality of Life Commissions (e.g., the Asian American QOL Commission, the LGBTQIA+ Commission) and provide updates and receive input. The liaisons should act as bridges between community representation bodies and APD leadership. ● Policy Feedback Role: Empower liaison teams to provide policy recommendations to APD leadership informed by the needs of their respective communities, ensuring direct integration of lived experiences into policing policy. Goals of This Proposal: ● Create more accessible, transparent, and culturally competent channels for communication between APD and minoritized communities. ● Ensure that community voices—especially those represented by the city's various commissions and the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC)—are actively heard and integrated into APD policies and practices. ● Build lasting trust by …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Jon Fortune, Deputy City Manager FROM: Carrie Rogers, Intergovernmental Relations Officer DATE: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 SUBJECT: Intergovernmental Relations Office – State Legislative Update 89th Texas Legislature Adjourns Sine Die The Texas Legislature adjourned their 89th Session Sine Die on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 12 p.m. A list of bills filed this session that would impact the City of Austin operations are attached. The Intergovernmental Relations Office will work with the Law Department and all City departments to review final bills passed and begin the work of implementing new laws. The legislative team, with regular engagement by Mayor Kirk Watson, worked with legislators throughout the session, including weekly committee schedules and daily floor alerts prepared for delegation members. The legislative team also collaborated routinely with city departments, peer cities and community stakeholders on shared priorities. We extend enormous appreciation to our partners, most especially the Austin legislative delegation, and Members across the state and their staff for working with our legislative team. The following update is based on information currently available. Local Government Preemption Several bills were filed relating to preemption of local government. • Senate Bill (SB) 2858 by Senator Creighton did not pass. SB 2858, considered the next iteration of House Bill (HB) 2127 passed during the 88th Texas Legislature, would have preempted local regulations that conflict with state statutes regarding, elections, health and safety, and criminal justice. The bill would have authorized the Attorney General to investigate alleged violations within three months and possibly withhold sales taxes during that time. • SB 18 by Representative Hull did not pass. The bill would have prohibited municipal libraries from receiving state or other public funding if they host events where a man presenting as a woman, or a woman presenting as a man, reads a story to a minor. PAGE: DATE: SUBJECT: 2 of 7 June 3, 2025 IGR State Legislative Update • SB 412 by Senator Middleton passed the Legislature and has been signed by the Governor, effective September 1, 2025. The bill amends the Texas Penal Code to remove the affirmative defense for individuals – such as educators, librarians, or parents – who distribute or display material deemed "harmful to minors" under the justification of having a scientific, educational, governmental, or similar purpose. • SB 689 by Senator Hughes did …
Community Investment Budget 2025/2026 The City’s budget is a reflection of our values. This year, our residents face serious new challenges from a federal administration that has already reversed the nation’s course on climate, equity, inclusion, civil rights and citizenship -- and our residents need help urgently. As American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds run out, and the Trump administration continues to cut off already approved grant funds, critical services to our most vulnerable are on the chopping block. We understand that Council cannot print money, but we expect every available dollar to be applied to community priorities and living wages for City workers. Locally, Austin made modest progress last year on long deferred costs (e.g. more parks require more park services, city worker COLA increases). We must now keep the police budget as flat as possible given the pay increase that must be covered this fiscal year. We urge Council to ensure that APD pays for its own proposed programming from existing departmental funds. The City must maintain what we have gained in other departments and support needed expansions like legal support for migrants, access to all books at the library, climate programs and other critical needs. The undersigned organizations jointly urge the city to fulfill the promise made to AFSCME (3%) when the Budget Office created a financial forecast right before urging passage of a police contract, add modestly to fill well documented gaps in city services and ensure public safety through all possible means ($36.7M or 2.6% of this roughly $1.4B general fund budget), and continue to invest [NO CUTS] in the priorities listed below in community health, housing, affordability, sustainability and safety for FY25-26. As the President pushes for steep cuts to health coverage, SNAP benefits and more, now is not the time to walk back our local services to our most vulnerable people. New Funding Items ● Reentry navigators for jobs/housing formerly incarcerated [$1.4M] ● Immigration Legal Services for Low Income Families [$1M] ● Library books/materials [$900K] ● Workforce Development [$7.46M] ● Climate Plan Coordinator [$90K] ● Outreach and Engagement for Sustainability Incentives [$270k] ● Implementation of the Austin Climate Equity Plan [$270K] ● Sustainable Purchasing program manager [$110K] ● Pro-Climate/Pro-Health Food Implementation [$75K] ● Food Plan Waste Reduction/Diversion Programs [$755K] ● Austin Public Health [$734K] ● Forensic nursing pay increase [$300K] ● Early Childhood Education and Development [$550K] ● Office of Equity and Inclusion …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, MAY 28th, 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 3:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) African American Resource Advisory Commission: Justin Parsons Commission for Women: Becky Bullard Early Childhood Council: Alice Navarro Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission on Veterans Affairs: Bryce F Laake-Stanfield Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Conor Kelly Commissioners Not in Attendance: LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Nayer Sikder Human Rights Commission: Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam 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. 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. No public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING April 23rd, 2025. 1 The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s APRIL 23rd, 2025 MEETING were approved at the MAY 28th, 2025_MEETING on COMMISSIONER JUSTIN PARSON’s motion, COMMISSIONER CONOR KELLEY’s second, on an 8-0 vote (Absent: Asian American Advisory Commission’s Nayer Sikder, Human Rights Commission’s Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam, and LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Jerry Joe Benson or Katie Coyne). 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on May 7th, 2025. The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s May 7th, 2025 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING were approved at the MAY 28TH, 2025 MEETING on COMMISSIONER BECKY BULLARD's motion, COMMISSIONER CONOR KELLY'S second, on an 8-0 vote. (Absent: Asian American Advisory Commission’s Nayer Sikder, Human Rights Commission’s Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam, and LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Jerry Joe Benson or Katie Coyne.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation from Family Eldercare on LGBTQ Housing Groundbreaking at …
Introduction & Overview: Office of Equity and Inclusion Joint Inclusion Committee Presentation Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 3:00 PM Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director Enrique Serrano, Civil Rights Officer Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer Agenda Introductions • Who We Are Office Overview • Vision & Mission • Current Structure • Core Services Current Projects Connecting with Our Office 6/24/2025 2 Introductions Shafina Khaki Human Rights Officer Dr. Lindsey Wilson Director Enrique Serrano Civil Rights Officer 3 OUR VISION The Office of Equity and Inclusion helps shape a community and city government where every individual feels welcomed and has the resources and services they need to thrive. We’re dedicated to transforming systems to increase access, remove barriers to opportunity, address discrimination, and foster a community where all identities are respected. 6/24/2025 4 Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) OEI Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director Civil Rights Division Equity Division Human Rights Division Enrique Serrano, Civil Rights Officer Vacant, Equity Officer Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Officer 6/24/2025 5 CORE SERVICES Promote Human Rights: Provide advocacy and direct services that help residents access benefits, understand their rights, and connect to resources that uphold safety, dignity, and well-being. Carry Out the City’s Strategic Goals: Increase access, remove barriers to opportunities, and create inclusive spaces where all identities feel respected, seen, and valued. Provide Anti-Discrimination Protections: Investigate discrimination complaints related to Housing, Employment, Public Accommodations, and Fair Chance Hiring. City Ordinance Enforcement: Uphold the CROWN Act, Tenant’s Rights to Organize and other Key City Ordinances. Equity: Work to reduce racial and socioeconomic disparities by collaborating with all City departments to help identify and remove barriers in services. Community Engagement and Outreach: Build collaborative community relationships to advance Equity and improve the quality of life for Austinites. 6/24/2025 The items listed above represent key examples, though the list is not exhaustive. 6 Current Projects EQUITY CIVIL RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS • Quality of Life Studies • Mini-Grants • Equity Action Team & Equity Network Meetings • Normalize, Organize and Operationalize... 6/24/20 25 • Enforcing Civil Rights Laws Across • Know Your Rights/Benefits Multiple Sectors, leveraging technology to advance rights. • Collaborates with Community Members, Businesses, and Stakeholders: • Partnering with other agencies to promote civil rights initiatives (Immigrants, Veterans, ADA) • Advances the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Austinites • Anti-Hate/We All Belong • Community Meetings/Foster Belonging The items listed above represent key …
JIC Community Input for FY27 Budget Recommendations Topic Date Budget Kick Off - Department Updates from FY26 Budget September 27th @ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Location PDC In Person Session 1 October 15th @5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center In Person Session 2 October 29th @5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center In Person Session 3 November 12th @5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Little Walnut Creek Branch - Austin Public Library Virtual Session 4 December 10th @5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Virtual Session 5 January 14th @5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. FY27 Budget Updates with Departments January 17th @5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Zoom Zoom PDC
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250625-007): Additional Funds for Immigrant Affairs Quality of Life Study WHEREAS, Resolution No. 20140626-049 established the City of Austin as a “Welcoming City” to “celebrate the contributions of members of the immigrant community” and help immigrants feel welcome, secure, protected, free of fear, and free of discrimination. WHEREAS, initial funding for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Quality-of-Life Study pulls the remaining amount from the $1.25 million for Commission Quality-of-Life Studies in the FY 2022–2023 budget; and WHEREAS, the vendor for the Commission on Aging Quality-of-Life study currently underway had to overcome more community mistrust than anticipated to create a trust-based relationship with marginalized older adult groups in order to get their agreement to participate in focus groups and the study; and WHEREAS, this unforeseen expense triggered a request for an additional $65,000 to cover the ongoing vendor engagement with the community groups for the remainder of the study, continuing the trust- based relationship already established by the vendor; and WHEREAS, it was initially anticipated that an additional $65,000 needed for the Aging Quality of Life Study would be covered using the Office of Equity and Inclusion department’s general fund operating budget, however this amount was drawn from the remaining $375,000 allocated in the FY 2022–2023 budget for Commission Quality of Life Studies, resulting in an adjusted balance of $310,000 now available for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs has identified a highly qualified vendor and plans to engage this vendor through the exception process rather than through a competitive procurement; and WHEREAS, this vendor has a history of deep cultural competence and generating strong community trust and was prepared to begin as of June 3, 2025 and is willing to proceed at the $310,000 level to meet the June 3rd contract deadline, recognizing that certain items will need to be cut from its full proposal amount of $400,000; and Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, proceeding with only the $310,000 for the entire study necessitates significant reductions to the study’s core components (either in its qualitative or quantitative methodologies) and would force the removal or limitation of essential safety protocols, vendor time to enlighten participants of the value of the study, and provide language access services; and WHEREAS, these elements are critical for ensuring participant trust, security, and ethical engagement with immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born community members who …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250625-008): Additional Funds for Immigrant Affairs Quality of Life Study WHEREAS, Resolution No. 20140626-049 established the City of Austin as a “Welcoming City” to “celebrate the contributions of members of the immigrant community” and help immigrants feel welcome, secure, protected, free of fear, and free of discrimination. WHEREAS, initial funding for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Quality-of-Life Study pulls the remaining amount from the $1.25 million for Commission Quality-of-Life Studies in the FY 2022–2023 budget; and WHEREAS, the vendor for the Commission on Aging Quality-of-Life study currently underway had to overcome more community mistrust than anticipated to create a trust-based relationship with marginalized older adult groups in order to get their agreement to participate in focus groups and the study; and WHEREAS, this unforeseen expense triggered a request for an additional $65,000 to cover the ongoing vendor engagement with the community groups for the remainder of the study, continuing the trust- based relationship already established by the vendor; and WHEREAS, it was initially anticipated that an additional $65,000 needed for the Aging Quality of Life Study would be covered using the Office of Equity and Inclusion department’s general fund operating budget, however this amount was drawn from the remaining $375,000 allocated in the FY 2022–2023 budget for Commission Quality of Life Studies, resulting in an adjusted balance of $310,000 now available for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs has identified a highly qualified vendor and plans to engage this vendor through the exception process rather than through a competitive procurement; and WHEREAS, this vendor has a history of deep cultural competence and generating strong community trust and was prepared to begin as of June 3, 2025 and is willing to proceed at the $310,000 level to meet the June 3rd contract deadline, recognizing that certain items will need to be cut from its full proposal amount of $400,000; and Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, proceeding with only the $310,000 for the entire study necessitates significant reductions to the study’s core components (either in its qualitative or quantitative methodologies) and would force the removal or limitation of essential safety protocols, vendor time to enlighten participants of the value of the study, and provide language access services; and WHEREAS, these elements are critical for ensuring participant trust, security, and ethical engagement with immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born community members who …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250625-010): Community Investment Budget 2025/2026 WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to an inclusive and transparent budget development process that utilizes resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure budget priorities are being met1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has made community engagement a core pillar of its budget planning process, employing a diverse mix of tools and strategies—including multilingual surveys, public meetings, digital budget simulators, and data transparency initiatives—to ensure residents play a meaningful role in shaping the city's funding priorities; and WHEREAS, for the last several years, 30 to 40 community groups have come together on a yearly basis to create detailed budget recommendations known as the Community Investment Budget, issued by Equity Action; and WHEREAS, the 2025/2026 version of the Community Investment Budget includes closely mirrors Joint Inclusion Committee budget recommendations for funding Undoing Racism training, sustained funding for Family Stabilization Grant, additional funds for climate resilience initiatives and prepared meals; and WHEREAS, the 2025/2026 version of the Community Investment Budget addresses concerns that echo or are similar to Joint Inclusion Committee recommendations on additional funds for: Implementation of climate resilience and disaster preparedness initiatives, Immigrant legal and other support services, • • Numerous recommendations on enhancing childcare services, • • Expansion of programs offered by Office of Equity and Inclusion, • Culturally competent community engagement during emergencies, • Expansion of emergency shelters for inclement weather events, • Expansion of cool corridors, • Know Your Rights clinics, and • Expansion of technical apprenticeships and training. 1 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/city-budget Page 1 of 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to adopt the Community Investment Budget 2025/2026. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Motion by Commissioner Laake-Stanfield, Second by Commissioner Ortega, Unanimous on a 9-0 vote. Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice Chair, Richard Bondi Page 2 of 2 06/25/2025
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, 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 Division) 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 Primary Representative: Justin Parsons Alternate Representative: Alexandra Anderson Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Commission for Women Diana Melendez Becky Bullard Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert or Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega 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 Bryce F Laake-stanfield Alice Navarro Amanda Afifi (Chair) Morgan Davis or Jeffrey Clemmons Jerry Joe Benson Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Lisa Chang Conor H. Kelly 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. 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING April 23rd, 2025. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on May 7th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation from Family Eldercare on LGBTQ Housing Groundbreaking at Cairn Point Montopolis (1013 Montopolis Drive; Austin, TX 78741) on June 18th at 9:30 a.m.-10.30 a.m., from Dr. Aaron Alarcon. Followed by discussion and questions. Discussion regarding updates to …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, 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 Division) 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 Primary Representative: Justin Parsons Alternate Representative: Alexandra Anderson Vacant Nayer Sikder Commission for Women Diana Melendez Becky Bullard Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega 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 Alice Navarro Amanda Afifi (Chair) Vacant Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Vacant Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Conor H. Kelly 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 REVISED 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. 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING April 23rd, 2025. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on May 7th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation from Family Eldercare on LGBTQ Housing Groundbreaking at Cairn Point Montopolis (1013 Montopolis Drive; Austin, TX 78741) on June 18th at 9:30 a.m.-10.30 a.m., from Dr. Aaron Alarcon. Followed by discussion and questions. Discussion regarding updates to the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Recommendation 20250326-019 Native American & Indigenous …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23RD, 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: African American Resource Advisory Commission, Justin Parsons Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Early Childhood Council, Andrea McIllwain Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Sonny Sin Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs: Philip Reichert or Curtis Wyman 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES AGENDA 1 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025. The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s FEBRARY 26, 2025 MEETING were approved at the APRIL 23RD MEETING on COMMISSIONER LISA CHANG’s motion, COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’s second, on a 10-0 vote (Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs’ Philip Reichert and Curtis Wyman.) Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on MARCH 26TH, 2025. The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s MARCH 26, 2025 MEETING were approved at the APRIL 23RD MEETING on COMMISSIONER SONNY SIN’s motion, COMMISSIONER JUSTIN PARSON’s second, on a 10-0 vote (Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs’ Phillip Reichert and Curtis Wyman.) STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. Briefing on the Austin Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association and the 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals August 5-8, 2025 by Sgt. Michael Wilmore-Crumrine (he/him). Sgt. Wilmore-Crumrine discusses the August conference. Presentation begins with Sgt. Wilmore-Crumrine describing that the City acknowledges that the LGBTQI+ community is experiencing a huge amount of anxiety and stress considering the political climate and because of incidents with the Austin Police Department. Sgt. Wilmore-Crumrine shares history of the organization and how the Austin …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a special called meeting on Wednesday, May 7th, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Rooms #1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Vie-Chair RICHARD BONDI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:08 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: African American Resource Advisory Commission, Justin Parsons Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Becky Bullard Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Early Childhood Council: Andrea McIllwain Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Sonny Sin Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lisa Chang Member Commissioners with vacancies: Commission on Veterans Affairs 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 1 CALL TO ORDER: 3:08 p.m. 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. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion on bills filed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, as they relate to the bylaws and priorities of the Joint Inclusion Committee, and its member commissions; with possible, but not limited to, action items such as returning to member commissions to consider writing Recommendations, returning to member commissions’ workgroups for action, scheduling meetings with Council Members to share updates, scheduling meetings with Texas Senators or Representatives for collaboration, and/or developing topics for Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendations. Discussion on possible action items. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 2. 3. 4. Budget & Policy Priorities Workgroup – updates on the next steps of the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Recommendations, through the publishing of the City’s FY25-26 City Budget (Workgroup Members: Commissioners Justin Parsons, Richard Bondi, Amanda Afifi, Jerry Joe Benson, and Lisa Chang). Updates regarding connecting with council members. Texas Legislative Workgroup – updates on identifying bills from the 89th Legislative Session, which would impact the …
Get to Know Your Commission Days Date Week of July 7th Venue Zoom Week of July 14th Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center Week of August 11th George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center Week of August 18th Little Walnut Creek Branch - Austin Public Library Week of September 15th Zoom Week of September 15th Zoom Times: ● 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.? ● During the day?
JIC Community Input for FY27 Budget Recommendations Topic Date Budget Kick Off - Department Updates from FY26 Budget September 27th @ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Location PDC In Person Session 1 October 15th @5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center In Person Session 2 October 29th In Person Session 3 November 12th George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center Little Walnut Creek Branch - Austin Public Library Virtual Session 4 December 10th Virtual Session 5 FY27 Budget Updates with Departments January 14th January 17th Zoom Zoom PDC
