Recommendation 20220323-005b: JIC Budget Recommendation for Resilience — original pdf
Recommendation
JOINT INCLUSSION COMMITTEE (JIC) BUDGET RECCOMENDATION ON RESILIENCY RECOMMENDATION #: 20220323‐005b Date: March 23, 2022 Subject: JIC Recommendation for Resilience Motioned By: Vincent Cobalis Seconded By: Rebecca Austen JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE BUDGET RECOMMENDATION FOR RESILIENCE For: Amanda Afifi, Vincent Cobalis, Raul Alvarez, Karen Crawford, Rebecca Austen, Charles Curry, Amy Temperley, Robin Orlowski. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Jamarr Brown & Gregory Smith Attest: Jeremy Garza, Staff Liaison, Equity Office: x_______________________________ DESCRIPTION: The Joint Inclusion Committee endorses the following recommendation from the Winter Storm Review Task Force, that addresses critical issues in resiliency that uniquely affects the quality of life for diverse communities represented from each commission member of the Joint Inclusion Committee. Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC), Recommendation Number 20220323‐005b: Winter Storm Review Task Force Recommendations RECOMMENDATION 20220323‐005b: WINTER STORM REVIEW TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS WHEREAS, the City of Austin and State of Texas experienced a severe winter storm in February, 2021 that had far‐reaching impacts to communities; and WHEREAS, the City Council commissioned the Winter Storm Review Task Force (“Task Force”) via Council Resolution 20210325‐067, to conduct public listening sessions and produce a report documenting the community feedback; and Page 1 of 2 VOTE WHEREAS, the Task Force included representation from most of the commissions that participate in the Joint Inclusion Committee; and WHEREAS, the final report published by the Task Force on July 30, 2021 documented findings and recommendations based on community feedback across the following categories: Communications Transparency of Information Loss of Community Trust Failure and Breakdown of the Electric Grid Water, Food and Essential Supplies Lack of Accountability and Services Infrastructure Breakdown and Failures Access to Shelter/Lodging Role of Nonprofits, Community Organizations and Neighborhood Groups Need for Mental Health Resources; and WHEREAS, while the winter storm affected the entire City, the report highlighted many areas where vulnerable or underserved communities represented by the JIC (including Black and Brown residents, seniors, families with young children, people with disabilities, non‐English speaking residents, people experiencing domestic and sexual violence, unhoused people, and others) experienced higher levels of trauma, had less access to resources, and experienced greater or longer term impacts from the effects of the winter storm; and WHEREAS, the report cited numerous recommendations to improve resiliency and responsiveness for future severe weather events or other crises; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the items not already addressed from the Task Force report be included by the City of Austin as a priority in the FY2022‐2023 budget. Attest: Jeremy Garza, Staff Liaison Page 2 of 2