REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026 PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401/1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Joint Inclusion Committee may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Ryan Sperling, 512-974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Primary Representative: Justin Parsons (Chair) Nirali J Thakkar Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Diana Melendez Commission for Women Commission on Aging Richard Bondi Commission on Immigrant Affairs Diane Kanawati Commission on Veterans Affairs Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Tannya Oliva-Martínez Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) Lisa Chang Bryce F Laake-Stanfield Craig McNary Amanda Afifi Alternate Representative: Alexandria Anderson Nayer Sikder Becky Bullard Teresa Ferguson Azeem Edwin Christopher Wilson Delphi Alvizo Dulce Castaneda Lila Igram VACANT VACANT AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on April 22, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Resilience Network. Briefing by Austin Emergency Management staff. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Presentation regarding the work of Communities in Schools of Central Texas. Presentation by Jacob Reach, COO, and Sharin Vigil, CEO, Communities in Schools of Central Texas. Discussion regarding a potential special called meeting as a retreat for Joint Inclusion Committee members. Discussion on scheduling a briefing from Austin Police Department, questions to ask, and the potential for a special called meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. Approve the formation of a FY2026-27 Budget Follow-Up Working Group to track this year’s budget recommendations across the budget cycle. Approve a recommendation regarding a proposed schedule for FY2027-28 Community Engagement. Approve a recommendation for Inclusion of Infrastructure Equity and Medical Resilience in the Pilot Knob Library & …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, Apri 22, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Craig McNary Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Diane Kanawati Bryce Laake-Stanfield Nirali Thakkar Justin Parsons PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Hector Ordaz – General/Budget APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on March 25, 2026. The minutes of the March 25, 2026 meeting were approved on Commissioner Benson’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Parsons and Thakkar were off the dais. Commissioners Melendez, Bullard, Oliva-Martinez, and Igram were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026 2. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity & Inclusion. Withdrawn without objection. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation regarding Long Covid awareness and its impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. Presentation by Katie Drackert, Clear the Air ATX, and Dr. Michael Brode, Medical Director, UT Post Covid Clinic. Withdrawn without objection. 4. Discussion to compile questions from commissioners to ask Austin Police Department staff. Discussion was held. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Community Conversation Working Group on outreach to community members to prepare questions for a quarterly briefing request for Austin Equity and Inclusion. Update by Commissioner Thakkar. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Discussion on the commission’s current working groups and whether any should be dissolved, and possible approval of changes to working group membership. Discussion was held. The Independent Equity Office and Human Rights Office Working Group, Budget & Policy Priorities Working Group, and Emergency Preparedness Working Group were dissolved without objection. Craig McNary was added to the Digital Access working group without objection. 7. Discussion regarding the JIC’s recently-approved budget recommendations, and possible approval of the formation of a working group to follow-up on this year’s budget recommendations. Discussion was held. No action was taken. 8. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Laake-Stanfield nominated Chair Afifi to serve as Chair. Chair Afifi did …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Recommendation Number: [20260527-XXX]: Inclusion of Infrastructure Equity and Medical Resilience in the Pilot Knob Library & Resilience Hub Project WHEREAS, the Pilot Knob area is experiencing a rapid influx of high-density data centers equipped with advanced power hardening, while surrounding legacy residential neighborhoods remain on an aging grid; and WHEREAS, data center industrialization creates voltage fluctuations that pose a high risk of motor failure for standard residential HVAC systems and life-saving medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and power chairs; and WHEREAS, the medically vulnerable and disabled community in surrounding Austin neighborhoods, particularly those located within historically underserved District 2, face disproportionate life-safety risks during localized outages, making standard "cooling centers" insufficient for their needs; and WHEREAS, the City must ensure that infrastructure improvements made for industrial growth are extended to residential circuits to prevent vulnerable residents from being left on a "second-class" grid. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) encourage the Austin City Council to formally include specific language and funding in the November 2026 Bond to ensure the Pilot Knob Library and Resilience Hub serves as a high-capacity "Medical Triage Anchor". This includes scaling the facility for specialized medical plug-in capacity, coordinating with Austin Energy for residential grid hardening, and equipping the hub with industrial-grade redundant power systems to support medical devices. Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Seconded By: . Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
Austin Resilience Network Austin Emergency Management | Mass Care Resilience Hub Pilot Program ▪ Austin City Council Resolution ▪ Community Advisory Committee ▪ 6 Focus Areas ▪ Physical Resilience Upgrades to 6 City facilities ▪ 6 Power Backups, 4 Solar & Battery Backups ▪ 6 Mission Ready Packages ▪ 2 Community Gardens ▪ 16 Total Pilot Facilities: recreation, health & neighborhood centers 2 Pilot Program Wrap Up What went well Challenges Opportunities • Community Collaboration • Defining Resilience • Relationship Based • Equity Focus • Community Expectations • Build on Existing Trust • Increased Preparedness • Facilities • Scalable & Flexible • Location Focused 3 Austin Resilience Network (ARN) A network of City and community resources that equitably empower individuals to prepare for, endure, and bounce back stronger from community-wide shocks, stressors, and emergencies. ▪ Collaborative & community led ▪ Complex solutions for complex disasters ▪ Framework for strategic partnerships ▪ Empower organizations & community members ▪ Interagency collaboration 4 ARN Operations: Coordination & Information Sharing Bridge between community-based organizations and government agencies Promote real-time, 2-way information sharing Consolidate & organize information Connect unmet needs with existing resources 5 2025 Network Utilization: May Microburst 6 Who can be a Partner? Any organization willing to collaborate in a synchronized effort towards emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. • Trusted sources of information • Active responders during emergencies • Involved with the community • Engaged in disaster resilience • Provide goods or services to those in need Animal Welfare Sheltering Laundry Networks of organizations Tax Assistance Elder Care Mental Health Support Faith-based organizations Clothing Debris Removal Food Prep & Distribution Healthcare Navigation 7 Process Benefits Metrics 1. Outreach Mass Care Hotline • ARN Partnership Application • Exploratory Meetings • Operational Visits 2. Partnership • Sign an Agreement 3. Database • Dynamic and Real-time Information Information Sharing & Communication Resource Sharing Training 84 Signed ARN Partnership Agreements 70+ Organizations in Active Outreach 17 Operational Visits 8 9 Thank You Austin Emergency Management | May 2026
CIS in Austin Services and Outcomes Joint Inclusion Commission May 27, 2026 Integrated Student Support (ISS) Model Tier 3: Individualized Support • Working one-on-one with students • Intensive mental health supports • Providing basic needs • Home visits Tier 2: Targeted Programs • College campus tours • Self-esteem groups • Leadership groups • Friendship skill development Tier 1: Schoolwide Services • Attendance challenge • Red Ribbon Week • Kindness Week • Career Fairs • Basic Needs 2 Menu of Case Management Services Enrichment: Mental & Behavioral Health: • Behavior Intervention, Skill Building Activities, Conflict Resolution, Crisis Intervention • Mentoring • Professional Mental Health Services • Safety Intervention Student /Teacher Conferences • Field Trips Summer Camps and activities • • Creative Arts/ Recreation activities • Before and after school activities • School Climate activities Case Management/ Academics & Attendance: Goal Setting & Monitoring: • Individual goal setting for academic, attendance, and behavior needs • Goal-related intervention planning with student; monitoring check-ins • Case consultation, staffing, service coordination 3 • Tutoring and Homework Assistance Student / Teacher Conferences • • Attendance Interventions • Language Acquisition Support (Emergent Bilingual) Parent/ Family Engagement: • Home visits • Parent Conferences • Family referrals to community resources • Care Coordination & ASPIRE multi-generational learning programs Health & Human Services: • Basic Needs Assistance: (food, clothing, household, rental assistance, utilities) • Transportation assistance • Independent Living Skills Development • Agency Referrals CIS in Austin: 2025-26 Students and Services 72 Schools served 40,100 Students receive school-wide supports 6,525 Students receive intensive case management $433,000 Direct assistance to students & families 94% Qualify for Free or Reduced Lunch 21% Emergent Bilingual (English Language Learners) 17% Experience Family Conflict or Crisis 16% Special Education Program 5% Experiencing Homelessness 3% Have an incarcerated parent/guardian 94% of student body receiving school- wide supports 4 2024-25 Total Unique Services Provided: 188,173 ➢ 61,657 Behavior/mental health supports ➢ 70,923 Individual case management check-ins ➢ 20,931 Basic Needs Assistance ➢ 5,012 Tutoring/ Homework Assistance Sessions ➢ 3,023 Attendance Interventions ➢ 14,277 Parent/Family Engagement Activities 93,981 5 1,438 Intensive Home Visits 2024-25 Student Outcomes 99.9% 99.3% 90.8% 6 CIS Mental Health and Wellness Unit: Licensed therapists provide up to 12 free counseling sessions for high-need students 93% of students who scored as “moderate” or “severe” on clinical scales of depression and/or anxiety (PHQ9 and GAD7) showed a decrease in symptoms. 96% improved their individual academic, attendance, …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Recommendation Number: [20260527-XXX]: Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Engagement Budget Process Schedule WHEREAS, In 2017, City Council passed City Ordinance No. 20170913-001, which included the 2017 Budget Rider Concept Menu Item E-17; and WHEREAS, This City Ordinance directs the Equity Office to “create a new and different process for the City Manager’s proposed budget that advances and incorporates the community’s voices, as expressed through the Quality-of-Life Commissions, into the Budget Process.”; and WHEREAS, after the City Ordinance went into effect and during the FY18 budget process, it equated to “nearly $6,000,000 of the proposed budget [that] went to initiatives recommended by the QOL Commissions, representing a 600% increase over the amount of QOL recommendations that were funded during FY 2017-18.”; and WHEREAS, the JIC exists to advise council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity and inclusion and to promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees and task forces to increase and sustain equity, diversity and inclusion in the city. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) proposes the following schedule of community engagement budget sessions to gather input and feedback that reflect the needs of community to be considered in the FY28 budget planning. Session Date Format Purpose Approved Budget Adoption: August 12-14 Meeting with Departments “FY28 Kick Off” (Commissioners and City Departments) Saturday, September 26th (ACL festival is the first two weekends in October) Virtual or in person at the PDC Board and Commissions will follow-up on their FY27 budget recommendations FY26-27 Begins: October 1, 2026 . Community Input Session 1 (Commissioners and Community) Community Input Session 2 (Commissioners and Community) Community Input Session 3 (Commissioners and Community) Wednesday, October 7th 6-7:30 p.m. In person, at Gus Garcia Recreation Center Identify priorities in preparing to write FY28 Recommendations. Wednesday, October 14st 6-7:30 p.m. (Could be UT&OU away game - TBD) Virtual, through Zoom Identify priorities in preparing to write FY28 Recommendations. Saturday, October 17th 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. In person, at Wildflower* Identify priorities in preparing to write FY28 Recommendations. Election Day: November 3rd November-January 2027 February 2027 March 2027 Commissions Work with City Departments though Briefings Commissions Write Draft FY28 Recommendations Commissions Approve FY28 Recommendations
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Recommendation Number: [20260527-007]: Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Community Engagement Budget Process Schedule WHEREAS, In 2017, City Council passed City Ordinance No. 20170913-001, which included the 2017 Budget Rider Concept Menu Item E-17; and WHEREAS, This City Ordinance directs the Equity Office to “create a new and different process for the City Manager’s proposed budget that advances and incorporates the community’s voices, as expressed through the Quality-of-Life Commissions, into the Budget Process.”; and WHEREAS, after the City Ordinance went into effect and during the FY18 budget process, it equated to “nearly $6,000,000 of the proposed budget [that] went to initiatives recommended by the QOL Commissions, representing a 600% increase over the amount of QOL recommendations that were funded during FY 2017-18.”; and WHEREAS, the JIC exists to advise council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity and inclusion and to promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees and task forces to increase and sustain equity, diversity and inclusion in the city. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) proposes the following schedule of community engagement budget sessions to gather input and feedback that reflect the needs of community to be considered in the FY28 budget planning. Session Date Format Purpose Approved Budget Adoption: August 12-14 Meeting with Departments “FY28 Kick Off” (Commissioners and City Departments) Saturday, September 26th (ACL festival is the first two weekends in October) Virtual or in person at the PDC Board and Commissions will follow-up on their FY27 budget recommendations FY26-27 Begins: October 1, 2026 . Community Input Session 1 (Commissioners and Community) Community Input Session 2 (Commissioners and Community) Community Input Session 3 (Commissioners and Community) Wednesday, October 7th 6-7:30 p.m. In person, at Gus Garcia Recreation Center Identify priorities in preparing to write FY28 Recommendations. Wednesday, October 14st 6-7:30 p.m. (Could be UT&OU away game - TBD) Virtual, through Zoom Identify priorities in preparing to write FY28 Recommendations. Saturday, October 17th 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. In person, at Wildflower* Identify priorities in preparing to write FY28 Recommendations. Election Day: November 3rd November-January 2027 February 2027 March 2027 Commissions Work with City Departments though Briefings Commissions Write Draft FY28 Recommendations Commissions Approve FY28 Recommendations Date of Approval: May 27, 2026 Motioned By: Vice Chair Benson Seconded By: Commissioner McNary Vote: 8-0 For: Chair Parsons, Vice Chair Benson, Commissioners Afifi, …
