Joint Inclusion Committee Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee - Hybrid Meeting Format, in-person at City Hall and Virtual/Online participation via WebEx
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 …
