Joint Inclusion Committee Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee - Hybrid Meeting Format, in-person at City Hall with Virtual/Online participation via WebEx
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING AGENDA FEBRUARY 28th, 2024 REGULAR MEETING of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 MEETING AGENDA This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, and some members of the Commission may be participating in a 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 at the beginning of the meeting. Remote speakers must register in advance (February 27th by 12pm-Noon CST). To speak or attend remotely, residents must contact the Equity Office’s Community Services Program Coordinator, Alejandra Mireles, no later than 12pm-noon (CST) on Tuesday, February 27th, email alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. To register to speak remotely, the required registration information includes 1) the speaker’s name, 2) the item number(s) they wish to speak on, 3) whether they are for/against/neutral, email address, and 4) the telephone number the speaker will be using to participate (it must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). telephone 974-8045 and/or Please 2024. (512) call at CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Primary Representative: Alternate Representative: Serita Fontanesi Antonio Ross Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice- Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs Melissa Ortega Leonor Vargas Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission Morgan Davis Rebecca Austen Teresa Ferguson Jose Caceres Eliza Gordon Ivana Neri Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Charles Curry Melissa Taylor Jennifer Powell Lira Ramirez 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING AGENDA MEETING AGENDA FEBRUARY 28th, 2024 CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on January 24th, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Staff Briefing from Austin Transit Partnership on latest developments regarding Austin Light Rail. (Presenters: Lisa Storer, Program Manager, Sustainability and Design, Alvin Livingstone, SVP …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-004 RESOLUTION ON COMBATING ANTISEMITISM, ISLAMOPHOBIA, AND ANTI-ARAB SENTIMENTS IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND CALLS FOR A CEASEFIRE Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Human Rights Commission’s Recommendation 20231106_001 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and Calls for a Ceasefire. Motioned by: Commissioner Seconded by: Commissioner WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments are on the rise within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; WHEREAS, it is our duty as the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin to address and combat discrimination, prejudice, and hate in all its forms; WHEREAS, we recognize the importance of creating a community where every resident can live free from fear and discrimination; WHEREAS, we express profound sorrow and condemnation for the tragic loss of Israeli civilians in the attack on October 7th by Hamas, and we vehemently denounce the indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel, which has resulted in collective punishment upon the civilian population of Gaza; WHEREAS, we find it deeply troubling that a dehumanization narrative is being used to rationalize criminal acts of war within this ongoing conflict; WHEREAS, it is the solemn responsibility of the Austin City Council to uphold human rights principles and universal values; 1 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin firmly condemns all acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments within our city; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the City of Austin through all applicable agencies to: Vigorously combat acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by implementing programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and awareness. Provide support to victims of hate crimes related to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by ensuring that resources and assistance are readily available. Collaborate with community organizations to promote understanding, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue among different religious and ethnic communities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the City of Austin shall facilitate public awareness campaigns to educate our residents about the harmful effects of antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Arab, and Anti-Palestine Sentiments and encourage reporting of such incidents. BE IT FURTHER …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission’s 20240116-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Motioned by: Commissioner RECOMMENDATION: Seconded by: Commissioner In response to the ongoing Gaza Crisis and subsequent rise in hate-related incidents, the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that City Council directs City staff to execute a coordinated public awareness campaign combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab sentiment; for the Austin Police Department to develop a comprehensive coordinated response to victims of violence stemming from rhetoric of the Gaza Crisis; and calls on City Council to express support for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity, racial equity, and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, the attack on October 7th by Hamas has led to the tragic loss of Israeli civilians and the subsequent indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel has led to the continued loss of civilian lives in Gaza; WHEREAS, rhetoric as a result of the global conflict has led to incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments rising within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; WHEREAS, it is our duty as theJoint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin to address and combat discrimination, prejudice, and hate against Americans, immigrants, and refugees in all its forms in order to foster a community where every resident can live free from fear and discrimination; WHEREAS that the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin firmly condemns all acts of 1 antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments within our city; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin City Council is called upon to direct City staff in executing a coordinated public awareness campaign that combats acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by implementing programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and awareness; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Austin Police Department coordinate with relevant community organizations and direct service agencies to develop a comprehensive coordinated response of enhanced and culturally appropriate victim’s services for those who experienced violence related to the rhetoric …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-006 Transparent Hiring in Executive Leadership Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Asian American Quality-of-Life Recommendation 20240220-007 Transparent Hiring in Executive Leadership Motioned by: Commissioner Seconded by: Commissioner RECOMMENDATION: The Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that City Council members continue to direct the City Manager to cultivate a transparent and coordinated process of hiring executive leadership positions within the City of Austin, including the roles of the City Manager and Directors. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to upholding good governance principles, including transparency and public accountability; and WHEREAS, recent instances of five leadership positions, transitioning from interim to permanent without public notification and feedback, based on the City’s organizational chart released in September 2023 and January 2024, have raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the hiring process; and WHEREAS, additional questions remain regarding the efficacy of the grouping of strategic offices such as Equity, Sustainability, Civil Rights, Innovation, Small Minority Business Resources and Resilience, most which operate with interim or acting leadership and three under one acting director; and WHEREAS, Interim City Manager Jesús Garza, in a memo dated January 30, 2024, addressed these concerns by acknowledging ongoing communication with Council Members and outlining his plans for key personnel hires within the next 90 days; and WHEREAS, while the City Manager has discretion over hiring and organizational structure, the many appointed and newly created executive leadership positions since late 2022 has caused significant community and negative news concern; and WHEREAS, a transparent and inclusive hiring process fosters public trust, attracts qualified 1 candidates from diverse backgrounds, and ensures a deliberate selection of the best individual for the job; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: 1. Strongly urges City Council to direct the City Manager to properly and meaningfully reinforce the authority of the Strategic Offices of Equity, Sustainability, Civil Rights, Innovation, Small Minority Business Resources and Resilience as equals alongside other City Departments with Director information listed in the City’s organizational chart; 2. Advises the City Council to adopt a policy requiring the City Manager to prioritize public listing and a competitive application process for executive leadership positions, including positions only open to internal hires; 3. Recommends that City Council considers requiring new City Manager leadership provide them with more frequent or regularly scheduled executive staffing and leadership updates including discussion …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-004 RESOLUTION ON COMBATING ANTISEMITISM, ISLAMOPHOBIA, AND ANTI-ARAB SENTIMENTS IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND CALLS FOR A CEASEFIRE Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Human Rights Commission’s Recommendation 20231106_001 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and Calls for a Ceasefire. Motioned by: Commissioner Melissa Ortega Seconded by: Commissioner Morgan Davis WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments are on the rise within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; WHEREAS, the City of Austin created the Joint Inclusion Committee in City Ordinance No. 20200827-013 so that it 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 agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion of the city; WHEREAS, it is our duty as the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin to address and combat discrimination, prejudice, and hate in all its forms; WHEREAS, we recognize the importance of creating a community where every resident can live free from fear and discrimination; WHEREAS, we express profound sorrow and condemnation for the tragic loss of Israeli civilians in the attack on October 7th by Hamas, and we vehemently denounce the indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel, which has resulted in collective punishment upon the civilian population of Gaza; WHEREAS, we find it deeply troubling that a dehumanization narrative is being used to rationalize criminal acts of war within this ongoing conflict; WHEREAS, it is the solemn responsibility of the Austin City Council to uphold human rights principles and universal values; 1 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin firmly condemns all acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments within our city; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the City of Austin through all applicable agencies to: Vigorously combat acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by implementing programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and awareness. Provide support to victims of hate crimes related to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by ensuring that resources and assistance are readily …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission’s 20240116-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Motioned by: Commissioner Julie Glasser Seconded by: Commissioner Melissa Ortega RECOMMENDATION: In response to the ongoing Gaza Crisis and subsequent rise in hate-related incidents, the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that City Council directs City staff to execute a coordinated public awareness campaign combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab sentiment and for the Austin Police Department to develop a comprehensive coordinated response to victims of violence stemming from rhetoric of the Gaza Crisis. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity, racial equity, and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, the attack on October 7th by Hamas has led to the tragic loss of Israeli civilians and the subsequent indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel has led to the continued loss of civilian lives in Gaza; WHEREAS, rhetoric as a result of the global conflict has led to incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments rising within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; WHEREAS, it is our duty as the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin to address and combat discrimination, prejudice, and hate against Americans, immigrants, and refugees in all its forms in order to foster a community where every resident can live free from fear and discrimination; WHEREAS, that the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin firmly condemns all acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments within our city; 1 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin City Council is called upon to direct City staff in executing a coordinated public awareness campaign that combats acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by implementing programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and awareness; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Austin Police Department coordinate with relevant community organizations and direct service agencies to develop a comprehensive coordinated response of enhanced and culturally appropriate victim’s services for those who experienced violence related to the rhetoric from the conflict; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-006 Transparent Hiring in Executive Leadership Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Asian American Quality-of-Life Recommendation 20240220-007 Transparent Hiring in Executive Leadership Motioned by: Commissioner Serita Fontanesi Seconded by: Commissioner Morgan Davis RECOMMENDATION: The Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that City Council members continue to direct the City Manager to cultivate a transparent and coordinated process of hiring executive leadership positions within the City of Austin, including the roles of the City Manager and Directors. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to upholding good governance principles, including transparency and public accountability; and WHEREAS, recent instances of five leadership positions, transitioning from interim to permanent without public notification and feedback, based on the City’s organizational chart released in September 2023 and January 2024, have raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the hiring process; and WHEREAS, additional questions remain regarding the efficacy of the grouping of strategic offices such as Equity, Sustainability, Civil Rights, Innovation, Small Minority Business Resources and Resilience, most which operate with interim or acting leadership and three under one acting director; and WHEREAS, Interim City Manager Jesús Garza, in a memo dated January 30, 2024, addressed these concerns by acknowledging ongoing communication with Council Members and outlining his plans for key personnel hires within the next 90 days; and WHEREAS, while the City Manager has discretion over hiring and organizational structure, the many appointed and newly created executive leadership positions since late 2022 has caused significant community and negative news concern; and 1 WHEREAS, a transparent and inclusive hiring process fosters public trust, attracts qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, and ensures a deliberate selection of the best individual for the job; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: 1. Strongly urges City Council to direct the City Manager to properly and meaningfully reinforce the authority of the Strategic Offices of Equity, Sustainability, Civil Rights, Innovation, Small Minority Business Resources and Resilience as equals alongside other City Departments with Director information listed in the City’s organizational chart; 2. Advises the City Council to adopt a policy requiring the City Manager to prioritize public listing and a competitive application process for executive leadership positions, including positions only open to internal hires; 3. Recommends that City Council considers requiring new City Manager leadership provide them with more frequent or regularly scheduled executive staffing and …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 28th, 2024 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE convened a REGULAR meeting on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28th, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. CST in the CITY OF AUSTIN at the Boards and Commission Rooms #1101 in City Hall (301 W. 2nd 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 (Co-Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Serita Fontanesi Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Julie Glasser Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission: Melissa Taylor Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Staff in Attendance: Alejandra Mireles, Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office 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 COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on January 24th, 2024. 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 28th, 2024 The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER MORGAN DAVIS’s motion, COMMISSIONER MELISSA TAYLOR’s second on a 10-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing from Austin Transit Partnership on latest developments regarding Austin Light Rail. (Presenters: Lisa Storer, Program Manager, Sustainability and Design, Alvin Livingstone, SVP Engineering, and Yannis Banks, Public Involvement Manager) See back up for presentation. Staff in attendance to share advances of Austin’s Light Rail Project. Staff shares that the project is continuing, and work is being done in three areas – design, needing to meet National Environmental Protection Act, and receiving funding from the Federal Transit Authority. Staff share that a virtual open house will be available for voluntary feedback. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI asks a follow up question: will the south section/option 2 will include a pedestrian access; answer, yes at the station and in the changes around 22-29th street from 22nd-27 there would be buses and bike lanes running through the center, while car vehicles would be rerouted. COMMISSIONER SONNY SIN thanks staff for presentation, asks a follow up question: is safety is being considered around the elevated platform on the south of …
