Special Called Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) 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 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 Primary Representative: Justin Parsons Alternate Representative: Alexandria Anderson Sonny Sin 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 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 Lisa Chang Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne VACANT 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. 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. …
Joint Inclusion Committee & Member Commissions City Code Joint Inclusion Committee African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs 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. The commission shall advise the city council on issues relating to the quality of life for the City's African American community and shall recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront African Americans in social, economic, and vocational pursuits, including:(1) health care;(2) housing, including affordable housing, home ownership, and homelessness;(3) entertainment opportunities for professionals and students;(4) employment; and (5) cultural venues, including museums, theaters, art galleries, and music venues.(D) The commission shall advise the council on matters related to the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility, the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, and the African American Cultural Heritage District. The commission shall:(1) review and make recommendations to the council on aviation projects that the Department of Aviation proposes for the capital improvements program;(2) review and make recommendations to the council on proposed aviation grants, including airport trust funds administered by the Federal Aviation Administration;(3) review and make recommendations to the council on aviation contracts that are presented by the Department of Aviation to the council for action;(4) review and make recommendations to the council on the annual operating budget proposed by the Department of Aviation; and(5) review and make policy recommendations to the council on the quality of services at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to citizens of Austin and customers of the airport and long term planning of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Commission on Aging shall serve as an advisory board to the council concerning the quality of life for older adults in the Austin area and to help ensure they are productive, independent, and healthy.The commission shall:(1) advise the council on issues related to the older adult population in the Austin area;(2) evaluate and recommend programs, policies, and practices that create a positive impact and reduce the burden on older adults;(3) determine the needs of older adults in the Austin community, and advise council regarding these needs; and(4) promote the contributions of older adults to the cultural, …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, April 23rd, 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 Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega 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 Lisa Chang Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Vacant 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 on FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on MARCH 26TH, 2025. 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). DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. Discussion on reappointment of Primary and Secondary Representative to the Joint Inclusion Committee, before the end of …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 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 3:05 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 Commission: Nayer Sikder Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Becky Bullard Early Childhood Council: Alice Navarro 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. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JANUARY 22, 2025. 1 The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s JANUARY 22ND, 2025 MEETING were approved at the FEBRUARY 26th, MEETING on COMMISSIONER BECKY BULLARD’s motion, COMMISSIONER MORGAN DAVIS’ second, on a 10-0 vote. (Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs: Commissioners Phillip Reichert or Curtis Wyman) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions. Updates on member commission’s budget workgroups. Discussion on member Commissions FY26 Budget Recommendation’s topics and progress. Updates on member commissions’ budget recommendation topics; including funding updated quality of life studies, communicating with the arts commission, and supporting the Paramount Theatre. Discussion on maintaining quorum in the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissioners through the FY2025-26 Budget Recommendation writing period by using the City’s holdover period. Updates include attendance at member commissions. Discussion on updates from the Commission on Aging on the Age Friendly Action Plan as it relates to the JIC. Updates include a change in the vocabulary of the plan. The word initiatives will be used to allow for an addendum to the plan when the Commission on Aging’s …
African American Resource Advisory COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250304-004 Date: March 4, 2025 Subject: Austin Public Library Black Literature Expansion Motioned By: Commissioner Smith Seconded By: Commissioner Linder Recommendation $1.5M Description of Recommendation to Council It is essential for the City of Austin to increase the budget of the Austin Public Library beyond the zero- based budget by $1.5M to support a meaningful investment in African American literature within the library's collection. This investment would not only benefit the African American community but also underscore Austin's dedication to embracing diversity and promoting equitable access to valuable literary resources. African American Literature would recommend including but not limited to playwrights, books on tape and digital, hardcopy, movies. including documentaries, and hosting black authors, playwriters and poets to come speak at the APL. Rationale: The current political climate is having a detrimental impact on youth and young adults who seek to connect with and learn from their cultural heritage through literature. This issue is particularly evident in the realm of African American authors and their works, which shed light on the struggles and experiences of African American communities. Public libraries are an integral part of our society, nurturing the minds of future generations. As Public Schools continue to reclaim their library autonomy it is vital Austin Public libraries expand their catalog to educate and inspire all individuals through the power of cultural reading. Public libraries serve as a vital resource for African American communities, offering summer reading programs and access to culturally specific literature and media. Therefore, the insufficient amount of African American literature in Austin Public Libraries would be a disservice to African Americans residing within the city limits and to all who have the curiosity to embrace diversity and learn from their stories. Investing in culturally significant African American literature would be a positive step for the Austin Public Library system, reinforcing Austin's commitment to inclusivity and diversity by addressing challenging topics such as institutional racism and implicit bias. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recommendation $200,000 Description of Recommendation to Council $120K Bowling Center Bowling equipment at Millennium is more than 50 years old having been received from Bergstrom AFB. (Unique opportunity because of the closure of Highland Lanes) It needs major 1 of 3 upgrades and repair to compete with market competitors. Total renovation cost is $400K. A contribution of $120K would allow the Millennium to complete Phase I, adding lane lighting and bumpers to …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701) Vice-Chair RICHARD BONDI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Early Childhood Council: Alice Navarro Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Sonny Sin 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: Lisa Chang Commission on Veterans Affairs: 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. AGENDA 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 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025. Action Postponed. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions, including submitting the form for each budget recommendations. Discussion on reappointment to the Joint Inclusion Committee, before the end of April, by emailing the Chairs of Member Commissions, and the staff liaisons, to sponsor an agenda item. Discussion on supporting Joint Inclusion Committee’s Member Commissions’ budget recommendations by following up with appointing Council Members or Mayor (i.e., following up with appointing Council Members regarding the creation of the Native American and Indigenous Community Commission.) Discussion on upcoming April 16 Fair Housing Conference & Resource Hub and how the opportunity relates to the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Member Commissions’ priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. 9. Discussion and possible action on a Joint Inclusion Committee’s budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year Budget 25-26 regarding Translation and Interpretation Services for Boards …
Presentation to Joint Inclusion Committee Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association - Austin 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals August 5-8, 2025 proudtobeyourfriend.org Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association-Austin • LGPOA founded 2009 • Service, Education, Protection • First and only of its kind in Texas • 171 active, over 65 associate members • Why did we form? • It was a different time in the early 2000’s • Lawrence V. Texas – 2003 • We’ve always been a part of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community • Marched in Pride in uniform • It Gets Better Video (2012) (second police department in U.S. to do so) Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association-Austin • Murder of Monica Loera (January 22, 2016) • Brought community partners together to improve the relationship with the community • Department wide training • Policy changes • Public Information Office adopted GLAAD media model • Victim neutral affidavit • Search protocol • Change how we document in our reports • Training for every cadet class since 2016 • Engaging the transgender, gender non-conforming, gender non-binary, gender-fluid community • LGBTQIA+ intimate partner violence & sexual assault (first in Texas to do so) • Pulse Night Club Vigil on Fourth Street (June 13, 2016) City of Austin – Trans Inclusive Benefits Lesbian and Gay Peace Officers Association-Austin • First Pride car in Texas (2016) • I Am Like You Campaign (2018) • Attack of gay couple in downtown Austin (Hate Crime, January 23, 2019) • Officer Matthew Nonweiler’s relationship with bars helped solve case • Lauched SafePlace Program (August 7, 2019) • Pride patch (2021) – 1st in Texas; 1st in nation to use Progress Pride flag • Stop the Bleed Program (2023 & 2024) • Corporal Nonweiler & Detective Dawson 4th WORLD LGBTQI+ CONFERENCE FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSIONALS A one-of-a-kind conference For nearly a decade, this conference has provided a forum for LGBTQI+ criminal justice professionals, educators, and human rights advocates from all over the world to come together to discuss current challenges and meaningful solutions. This event provides valuable learning and networking opportunities, explores ideas for strengthening engagement with LGBTQI+ communities and building collaborations, and helps to identify strategies to ultimately lead to better policing practices and more inclusive agencies and communities. How/why did it come to Austin? The conference will help to Bridge the Gap between the LGBTQI+ community and the criminal justice profession so anyone, …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701) Vice-Chair RICHARD BONDI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Early Childhood Council: Andrea McIllwain Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Sonny Sin Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lisa Chang Commission on Veterans Affairs: 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. AGENDA 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 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025. Action Postponed. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions, including submitting the form for each budget recommendations. Discussion on reappointment to the Joint Inclusion Committee, before the end of April, by emailing the Chairs of Member Commissions, and the staff liaisons, to sponsor an agenda item. Discussion on supporting Joint Inclusion Committee’s Member Commissions’ budget recommendations by following up with appointing Council Members or Mayor (i.e., following up with appointing Council Members regarding the creation of the Native American and Indigenous Community Commission.) Discussion on upcoming April 16 Fair Housing Conference & Resource Hub and how the opportunity relates to the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Member Commissions’ priorities. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. 9. Discussion and possible action on a Joint Inclusion Committee’s budget recommendation for the City of Austin Fiscal Year Budget 25-26 regarding Translation and Interpretation Services for …
Joint Inclusion Committee COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250423-011 Date: April 23, 2025 Subject: Austin Public Library Black Literature Expansion Motioned By: Commissioner Parsons Seconded By: Commissioner Davis Recommendation $1.5M Description of Recommendation to Council It is essential for the City of Austin to increase the budget of the Austin Public Library beyond the zero- based budget by $1.5M to support a meaningful investment in African American literature within the library's collection. This investment would not only benefit the African American community but also underscore Austin's dedication to embracing diversity and promoting equitable access to valuable literary resources. African American Literature would recommend including but not limited to playwrights, books on tape and digital, hardcopy, movies. including documentaries, and hosting black authors, playwriters and poets to come speak at the APL. Rationale: The current political climate is having a detrimental impact on youth and young adults who seek to connect with and learn from their cultural heritage through literature. This issue is particularly evident in the realm of African American authors and their works, which shed light on the struggles and experiences of African American communities. Public libraries are an integral part of our society, nurturing the minds of future generations. As Public Schools continue to reclaim their library autonomy it is vital Austin Public libraries expand their catalog to educate and inspire all individuals through the power of cultural reading. Public libraries serve as a vital resource for African American communities, offering summer reading programs and access to culturally specific literature and media. Therefore, the insufficient amount of African American literature in Austin Public Libraries would be a disservice to African Americans residing within the city limits and to all who have the curiosity to embrace diversity and learn from their stories. Investing in culturally significant African American literature would be a positive step for the Austin Public Library system, reinforcing Austin's commitment to inclusivity and diversity by addressing challenging topics such as institutional racism and implicit bias. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recommendation $200,000 Description of Recommendation to Council $120K Bowling Center Bowling equipment at Millennium is more than 50 years old having been received from Bergstrom AFB. (Unique opportunity because of the closure of Highland Lanes) It needs major 1 of 3 upgrades and repair to compete with market competitors. Total renovation cost is $400K. A contribution of $120K would allow the Millennium to complete Phase I, adding lane lighting and bumpers to each …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, March 26th, 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 Commission for Women Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Becky Bullard 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 REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions, including submitting the form for each budget recommendations. Discussion on reappointment to the Joint Inclusion Committee, before the end of April, by emailing the Chairs of Member Commissions, and the staff liaisons, to sponsor an agenda item. Discussion on supporting Joint Inclusion Committee’s Member Commissions’ budget recommendations by following up with appointing …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250326-0XX): Quality of Life Studies for Commissions WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee is currently made up of eleven commissions each representing a specific demographic; and WHEREAS, each of the member commissions of the Joint Inclusion Committee is tasked with representing their specific demographic and information, such as is contained in a thorough Quality of Life Study is vital to such representation; and WHEREAS, results from Quality of Life studies can have significant impact on the work of Joint Inclusion Committee member commissions, as it may take months or years to implement the issues that surface from these studies; and WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission had a quality of life study that was completed 2006; and WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission had a quality of life study that was completed 2013; and WHEREAS, the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission had a quality of life study that was completed 2015; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs has not had a quality of life study; and WHEREAS, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, and Queer Quality of Life Advisory Commission and the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities each had a quality of life study that was completed 2021; and WHEREAS, there was a recent study completed at the state level on Veterans Affairs that was completed in 2024; and WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission had funds approved for a quality of life study, initially expected to be spent in 2022 or 2023, but ended up not having the study; and Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Council, the Commission for Women, and the Commission on Aging all have quality of life studies in progress; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to fund Quality of Life studies for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, the African American Resource Advisory Commission, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission, the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission, at an approximate cost of $800K each in the upcoming budget cycle. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to fund a quality of life study for the Commission on Veterans Affairs, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, and Queer Quality of Life Advisory Commission, the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, in …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250326-010): Expansion of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Outreach WHEREAS, there is increased awareness and anxiety about the potential risk of wildfires in Austin1 2; and WHEREAS, according to FEMA National Risk Index3, the natural hazard risk for Travis County is relatively high4; and WHEREAS, four years after the deadly blackout in the Austin area due downed power lines and the power grids’ reliability remains in question5 and outages continue6 7; and WHEREAS, while power outages impact the entire population, studies confirm that children, non-English speakers, racial/ethnic minorities, and older adults are at greater risk during power outages than the general population8; and WHEREAS, most Austinites are not aware of the potential risks of different types of natural disasters in their geographic area, such as wildfires, flood, ground water contamination, and wind damage, etc.; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management already has an extensive plan involving City, County, and Police, Fire, and Sherrif departments9; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to expand the groups included in the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Team to include the following: 1 As wildfire anxiety grows, Austin plans to designate half the city as at risk of fire damage - Austin MonitorAustin Monitor 2 First Warning: Extreme wildfire risk on Tuesday | KXAN Austin 3 National Risk Index | FEMA.gov 4 Community Report - Travis County, Texas | National Risk Index 5 Four years after deadly blackout, doubts remain over reliability of Texas’ power grid : NPR 6 Power outages slam Central Texas due to high winds 7 Ice storm, wild weather reveals vulnerability of Austin's power grid - CSMonitor.com 8 Understanding the social impacts of power outages in North America: a systematic review - IOPscience 9 basic_plan_update_10-24.pdf Page 1 of 2 • • Inclusion of a broad spectrum of grass roots community organizations in the notification and reporting of incidents as they are best positioned to reach out to their respective demographics, Inclusion employers in the notifications of emergencies and additional of as many people are likely to be in touch with their employers during these events. Contacting employers could be coordinated with the Secretary of State who has records of organizations doing business in the area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250312-10): Increase Funding for Homeless Strategy Office WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographer has provided information that the aging population in Austin is the fastest growing segment of our city, currently representing 10.8% of our population1; and WHEREAS, in 2024 over 27.6% of our unhomed population in Austin was 50 years of age or older2; and WHEREAS, homelessness decreases a person’s life expectancy and unhouse people over 50 tend to present as much older medically and have a greater need for social services than other unhomed populations3; and WHEREAS, while Austin leads the nation in new affordable housing construction4, in order to address the dynamic and multifaceted natures of poverty, homelessness, and housing instability as well as to accelerate access to concrete supports, dismantle systemic inequities, and mitigate barriers to healthy living, individuals and families, especially older adults and their caregivers with low incomes need access to safe, stable, and affordable housing bolstered by wraparound supportive services5; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to approve additional funds and explore all available means to provide additional social services funding for the Homeless Strategy Office to allow them to better serve homeless people over 50 years of age in Austin. Date of Approval: ____________________________ Record of the vote: 11 to 0. Motioned by Commissioner Flatau, Seconded by Commissioner Van De Putte. 1 “Age of Change, Austin’s Transforming Demographics 2010-2010”, City of Austin Planning Department, Published September 2023 and Updated August 2024. 2 “State of the HRS, A Report on the State of the Homelessness Response System in Austin/Travis County,” ECHO, August 2024, p. 11. 3 “State of the HRS, A Report on the State of the Homelessness Response System in Austin/Travis County,” ECHO, August 2024, p. 11. 4 https://www.kut.org/housing/2025-02-18/austin-tx-affordable-housing-construction-study 5 https://acf.gov/ocs/programs/ahssd March 12, 2025. Attest: _____________________________________________ (Chair)
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: (20250312-11): Funds for Senior Transportation Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographer has provided information that the aging population in Austin is the fastest growing segment of our city, currently representing 10.8% of our population1; and WHEREAS, according to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, as the nation’s aging population continues to rise – with 1 in every 5 Americans expected to be 65+ by 2020 – the provision of safe and accessible transportation options remains a top concern of older adults, caregivers and the communities where they live2; and WHEREAS, older adults and those with a disability who cannot secure rides to social events can feel isolated from their communities, which puts them at risk for depression and cognitive decline3; and WHEREAS, according to City of Austin transportation data in 2022, less than 50% of our population has access to innovative public transit service or is within one quarter mile of regular fixed route transit4, lack of access is even more difficult for older adults and people with disabilities as they often need door to door services; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to fund $250,000 in Austin Public Health’s Social Services grant funds annually specifically for older adult transportation programs, to insure our older adults and those with disabilities have access to medical appointments, food and necessities as well as social interaction to prevent isolation. 1 “Age of Change, Austin’s Transforming Demographics 2010-2010”, City of Austin Planning Department, Published September 2023 and Updated August 2024. 2 https://www.nadtc.org/about/transportation-aging-disability/unique-issues-related-to-older-adults-and- transportation/ 3 “How Access to Affordable Transportation Leads to Better Health Outcomes for Older Adults”, National Council on Aging, June 17, 2024. 4 https://data.austintexas.gov/Transportation-and-Mobility/M-C-3_Percentage-of-population-that-has-access-to- /p3t8-4eip Page 1 of 2 Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: 12 to 0. Motioned by Commissioner Anderson, Seconded by Commissioner Kareithi. Attest: _____________________________________________ (Chair Page 2 of 2 March, 12, 2025.)
