Item 7: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

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RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: [20260325-007]: Social Services Funding Date of Approval: March 25th, 2026 Recommendation: Maintain current funding levels for social service contracts in the upcoming fiscal year (FY26) and avoid further reductions. General ask to maintain funding for organizations like: • Alliance for African American Health in Central Texas • African-American Men's Health Clinic • Austin Urban Technology Movement (AutmHQ) Description of Recommendation to Council: We recommend the City Council maintain funding for city social service contracts at current levels and avoid any additional cuts. Many of these organizations that currently hold city contracts deliver crucial services to some of our most vulnerable populations. As the commission charged with advising the city council on matters related to the quality of life of Austin’s African American residents, it is imperative that we continue to fund the resources these organizations need to sustain the impact they are making in our community. Additional cuts will most certainly result in a significant reduction of capacity to meet the community’s growing needs. Preserving these investments is essential to sustaining core community services, preventing cost escalation in other public systems, and protecting vulnerable populations during continued economic uncertainty. Rationale: • Social service contracts are cost-avoidance tools, not discretionary spending These contracts reduce demand on higher-cost public systems such as emergency medical care, law enforcement, child welfare, and homelessness response. Cuts to preventive and stabilization services often result in greater downstream expenditures that exceed any short-term budget savings. • Contract stability protects service continuity and workforce retention Maintaining funding ensures continuity of care for clients and reduces turnover among trained service professionals. Workforce instability leads to service disruptions, increased onboarding costs, and reduced program effectiveness. • Demand for services remains elevated Economic pressures, housing instability, public health impacts, and demographic shifts continue to drive demand for social services. Reducing funding at this time would widen service gaps and increase unmet needs in the community. Alignment with JIC Mission/Vision/Values: This 10% reduction is impacting numerous organizations that provide services for Austin’s most vulnerable communities to Austin’s most vulnerable communities, thereby directly affecting the quality of life. Ensuring funding for them directly supports JIC’s mission to advance, increase, and sustain racial equity in Austin by preserving essential services. Whether it's workforce training programs through Austin Economic Development or preventative health care screenings from Austin Public Health, any additional cuts to social service contracts would continue to perpetuate the disparities experienced by the communities the JIC represents. Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: __________________________________ (Staff or commissioner can sign)