REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026, 6:00 P.M. 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 VACANT 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 VACANT Teresa Ferguson Azeem Edwin Christopher Wilson Delphi Alvizo Dulce Castaneda Lila Igram VACANT Gabriel Arellano 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 of May 27, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Briefing on the Levers of Economic Mobility Index and recap of the 2026 Fair Housing Economic Mobility Conference. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity & Inclusion. Staff briefing regarding the Human Rights Impact Review. Briefing by Shafina Khaki, Human Rights Office, Austin Equity & Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. 7. Introduction of new Equity Officer Dr. Joseph Allen to the committee. Presentation by Dr. Joseph Allen, Equity Officer, and Dr. Lindsey Wilson, Director, Austin Equity & Inclusion. Presentation regarding the Austin Police Department (APD) Collective Sex Crimes Unit and discussion of APD engagement with the Joint Inclusion Committee. Presentation by Stephanie Gonzales, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, APD. Discussion on the newly established Native American and Indigenous Quality of Life Commission. Discussion …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at the Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in Austin, Texas. Chair Parsons called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Justin Parsons (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) Richard Bondi Craig McNary Tannya Oliva Martinez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amanda Afifi Lisa Chang Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on April 22, 2026. The minutes of the April 22, 2026 meeting were approved on Commissioner Bondi’s motion, Vice Chair Benson’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bullard, Edwin, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, Melendez, and Wilson were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding the Austin Resilience Network. Briefing by Austin Emergency Management staff. 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026 The briefing was made by Natalie Lyell, Resilience & Partnerships Manager, Austin Emergency Management. 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. The presentation was made by Jacob Reach, COO, Communities in Schools of Central Texas. Discussion regarding a potential special called meeting as a retreat for Joint Inclusion Committee members. Items 4 and 5 were taken up together. Discussion was held. Discussion on scheduling a briefing from Austin Police Department, questions to ask, and the potential for a special called meeting. Items 4 and 5 were taken up together. Discussion was held. 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. The motion to approve the formation of a FY2026-27 Budget Follow-Up Working Group to track this year’s budget recommendations across the budget cycle was approved on Commissioner Bondi’s motion, Commissioner McNary’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bullard, Edwin, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, Melendez, and Wilson were absent. Working Group members: Commissioners Benson and Chang Approve a recommendation regarding a proposed schedule for FY2027-28 Community Engagement. The recommendation regarding a proposed schedule for FY2027-28 Community Engagement was approved on Commissioner Benson’s motion, Commissioner McNary’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bullard, Edwin, …
Commission Recommendation Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20260624-008: Emergency Funding Recommendation for SAFE Alliance – Eloise House WHEREAS, Eloise House, operated by SAFE Alliance, is the only community-based, non- hospital forensic exam facility in Austin providing sexual assault forensic exams and rape kits at no cost to survivors, in a setting purposely built to provide: 1) Trauma-informed care 2) Outside the emergency room 3) Free from billing and 4) Staffed by advocates who remain with survivors throughout the process; and WHEREAS, Emergency rooms are not trauma-informed environments. Wait times are long, lighting is harsh, and staff rotate through 12-hour shifts without the continuity of care that survivors; and WHEREAS, The Mayor’s May 5, 2026 announcement proposed transitioning forensic nursing services to hospital systems and BRAVE Alliance, a Cedar Park-based organization with no demonstrated capacity at Austin’s scale; and WHEREAS, Eloise House, operated by SAFE Alliance conducts 600 forensic exams per year, serves 700 survivors per day, host 27,000 SAFEline contacts per year, and perform 95% of regional exams; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) recommends that the Austin City Council immediately pause the Mayor’s proposed transition of forensic nursing services to hospital systems and BRAVE Alliance and require a meaningful community input process that centers survivors, advocates, and the communities most impacted before any transition moves forward; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the JIC recommends Austin City Council and the Mayor’s Office, in partnership with Travis County allocate a minimum of $430,000 in funding to preserve Eloise House as a community-based, non-hospital forensic exam and advocacy center operated by SAFE Alliance from June 9 through September 30, 2026, and $200,000 to keep the SAFE domestic violence shelter open from October 2026 through October 2027; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City commit to a sustainable, multi-year funding strategy that ensures continuity of SAFE’s full wraparound model without displacement into hospital settings. Wrap around services include: 1) Forensic exams 2) Trauma- informed and culturally responsive care and advocacy 3) Shelter 4) Legal services; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this approach and intentionality reflect Austin’s commitment to investing into services and organizations that protect and support every Austinite, regardless of race, immigrations status, gender identity, income, or language. Date of Approval: June 24, 2026 Motioned By: Commissioner McNary Seconded By: Commissioner Edwin Vote: 10-0 For: Chair Parsons, Vice Chair Benson, Commissioners Afifi, Bondi, Chang, Edwin, McNary, Oliva …
Economic Mobility: Accelerating Impact Austin Equity & Inclusion June 2026 Agenda • 2026 Fair Housing and Economic Mobility Conference: Recap • Economic Mobility Framework Resources • LEMI in Action: Live Demo • Operational Focus and Next Steps 2 Conference Reflections Keynote Panel Brought together policymakers, advocates, practitioners, community leaders, and business owners to connect efforts around a shared framework for systemic change. Attended by 283 participants 12 breakout sessions 50+ speakers Moderator: Miles Bloxon, Moderator, Producer & Host, KUT New Panelists: • Fran Rosebush Baylor, Senior Director, Asset Funders Network • Carmen Llanes, Executive Director, GAVA • Ingrid Taylor, CEO, United Way for Greater Austin • Henry Van de Putte, CEO, Meals on Wheels Central Texas • Sharon Vigil, CEO, Communities in Schools 3 Economic Mobility Framework: Workshop Recap • Introduced the Economic Mobility Framework and Index • Over 130 minutes, participants explored the tool, engaged in guided discussions, and worked across sectors to identify practical steps that advance economic mobility. 4 Economic Mobility Framework Assets Core Products Communications Technical Users Levers of Economic Mobility Index Report Framework At-a- Glance brochure Technical Document Levers of Economic Mobility Index (LEMI) FAQs LEMI ArcGIS layers StoryMap Tutorial Videos* Raw Data Economic Mobility | Austin Equity and Inclusion | AustinTexas.gov 5 LEMI Walkthrough Advancing Economic Mobility Operationalizing Visualizing Organizing Normalizing 7 Next Steps April 29, 2026 June 2026 August 2026 2026 Fair Housing & Economic Mobility Conference Launch of Levers of Economic Mobility Index (et. al) Boards & Commissions briefings EveryTexan Virtual Sessions Expanded Media Communications Creation of Resource (LEMI) Implementation Guide Resilient Cities Catalyst Austin Energy Affordable Energy Summit Presentation Community Member Virtual Sessions & Workshops Department Working Group Meetings Continuous Engagement Citywide Implementation May 2026 July 2026 September 2026 - 8 Learn More • Economic Mobility Website: • www.austintexas.gov/equity-inclusion/economic-mobility • Austin Equity & Inclusion Newsletter Sign up: • https://www.austintexas.gov/equity-inclusion • Stay tuned for virtual sessions & in-person workshop dates this summer! LEMI Report Index & Story Map Economic Mobility At-a-Glance 9
Human Rights Human Rights Human Rights Impact Review Austin Equity and Inclusion What is a Human Rights Framework? A human rights framework evaluates government performance through the lens of residents’ rights, dignity, and equitable access to services. Rather than asking whether programs exist, it asks whether people's rights are being fulfilled and where barriers remain. Why is it necessary and how does it support the City? Policies and services can exist without reaching those who need them most. A human rights framework helps identify gaps, improve accountability, and ensure that city decisions advance dignity, equity, and access for all residents. 2 Co-Created Impact Review The City engaged Henekom Group, a human rights consulting firm, to conduct an independent Human Rights Impact Review. The review included research across 160+ sources, engagement with more than 300 stakeholders, and a community workshop with 120 participants to identify and prioritize human rights risks and opportunities across 12 key issue areas. The resulting recommendations were co-created, reflecting community input and best practice from international human rights standards. 3 City of Austin - Human Rights Framework "Design and implement a Human Rights framework for assessing existing City services and programs to improve accessibility and responsiveness for residents' needs." 160+ 300+ 120 Sources and commissions reviewed Stakeholders identified and engaged Registered workshop attendees 92 Issues identified 69 Proposed mitigations for salience 4 Steps to Conduct a Human Rights Impact Review Issue Identification → Mitigation Identification → Stakeholder Engagement → Implementation 1 2 3 4 5 6 Desk Research Dec 2025-Jan 2026: 12 issue areas, 160+ sources Issue & Mitigation Identification Defined salient human rights issues and potential mitigations Stakeholder Mapping Built 300+ stakeholder list with community and City Council recommendations Landscape Assessment Reviewed existing programs, initiatives, ordinances, and laws informed by community and City Council Activity Set-Up Designed with pre-identified issues and mitigations, with blank tabs available for write-ins Facilitator Training Trained facilitators with landscape insights to avoid duplicating existing mitigations 7 Human Rights Workshop - Building Consensus Multi-stakeholder dialogue at March 23 workshop, approximately 120 attendees 8 9 10 11 12 HeneKom’s Activity Analysis Scored and identified salient issues and mitigations for priority action Post Workshop Survey Sent to all registered stakeholders unable to attend Human Rights Post Workshop Mitigations Report Developed feasible municipal strategies based on knowledge-based best practices research City of Austin - Cross-Functional Integration Mapped mitigations across City departments City of Austin - …
Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) Project Briefing Joint Inclusion Committee Austin Police | June 24, 2026 Project Background The Collective Sex Crimes Response Model (CSCRM) project was born in 2023 out of many challenges experienced by the Austin Police (APD) Sex Crimes Unit (SCU) in the last decade, including: ▪ 2016: Systemic issues in its DNA lab that ultimately led to its closure; ▪ 2017: The withdrawal of APD sworn from the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (A/TC SARRT); ▪ 2018: An investigative report that highlighted APD’s improper use of Exceptional Clearance in the closure of sexual assault cases; ▪ 2018 & 2020: Two class-action lawsuits filed against the City for the improper handling of sexual assault investigations (Smith v COA, Senko v COA); and ▪ 2022: Over 100 recommendations for change were reported by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) after a comprehensive and multi-year assessment of APD’s SCU. 2 Project Overview A formal project was needed due to… ▪ The deep history ▪ The lack of community trust and constrained relationships ▪ The need for formal communications and status updates ▪ The size, complexity, and importance of the work Project Scope (123 total items): ▪ PERF report recommendations – 103 items ▪ Survivor lawsuit settlement – 16 items ▪ Project scope addition – 4 item Workgroup Model: ▪ Each item of scope has been assigned to one of five Workgroups ▪ Each Workgroup is led by two co-chairs (1 APD Individual, 1 Non-APD Individual) 1. Project Management 2. Policy, Response, & Investigation 3. 4. Data & Metrics 5. Outreach & Partnerships Training Policy, Response, & Investigations Outreach & Partnerships Project Management Training Data & Metrics 3 Project Team Members Engagement with community advocates and partners is a priority. The project team includes 33 total members: ▪ APD Sworn (x8) ▪ APD Victim Services (x8) ▪ APD Civilian (x4) ▪ Community Advocates & Partners (x13) ▪ Asian Family Support Services of Austin (AFSSA) ▪ Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team (SARRT) ▪ Independent Subject Matter Experts (Ind.) ▪ SAFE Alliance (SAFE) ▪ Survivors ▪ Travis County Attorney’s Office (TCAO) ▪ Travis County District Attorney’s Office (TCDAO) ▪ Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) RACI Model: ▪ (R)esponsible = APD ▪ (A)ccountable = APD ▪ (C)onsulted = Project Members, Project Workgroups, Project Steering Committee ▪ (I)nformed = City Council, Commission for Women, Public Safety Commission, …
Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 202606242026-001 Date: June 24, 2026 Organization: SAFE Alliance – Eloise House Subject: Emergency Funding Recommendation for SAFE Alliance - Eloise House - DRAFT Recommendation: WHEREAS, Eloise House, operated by SAFE Alliance, is the only community-based, non- hospital forensic exam facility in Austin providing sexual assault forensic exams and rape kits at no cost to survivors, in a setting purposely built to provide: 1) Trauma-informed care 2) Outside the emergency room 3) Free from billing and 4) Staffed by advocates who remain with survivors throughout the process; and WHEREAS, Emergency rooms are not trauma-informed environments. Wait times are long, lighting is harsh, and staff rotate through 12-hour shifts without the continuity of care that survivors; and WHEREAS, The Mayor’s May 5, 2026 announcement proposed transitioning forensic nursing services to hospital systems and BRAVE Alliance, a Cedar Park-based organization with no demonstrated capacity at Austin’s scale; and WHEREAS, Eloise House, operated by SAFE Alliance conducts 600 forensic exams per year, serves 700 survivors per day, host 27,000 SAFEline contacts per year, and perform 95% of regional exams; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) recommends that the Austin City Council immediately pause the Mayor’s proposed transition of forensic nursing services to hospital systems and BRAVE Alliance and require a meaningful community input process that centers survivors, advocates, and the communities most impacted before any transition moves forward; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the JIC recommends Austin City Council and the Mayor’s Office, in partnership with Travis County allocate a minimum of $430,000 in funding to preserve Eloise House as a community-based, non-hospital forensic exam and advocacy center operated by SAFE Alliance from June 9 through September 30, 2026, and $200,000 to keep the SAFE domestic violence shelter open from October 2026 through October 2027; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City commit to a sustainable, multi-year funding strategy that ensures continuity of SAFE’s full wraparound model without displacement into hospital settings. Wrap around services include: 1) Forensic exams 2) Trauma- informed and culturally responsive care and advocacy 3) Shelter 4) Legal services; and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this approach and intentionality reflect Austin’s commitment to investing into services and organizations that protect and support every Austinite, regardless of race, immigrations status, gender identity, income, or language.
