BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250625-007): Additional Funds for Immigrant Affairs Quality of Life Study WHEREAS, Resolution No. 20140626-049 established the City of Austin as a “Welcoming City” to “celebrate the contributions of members of the immigrant community” and help immigrants feel welcome, secure, protected, free of fear, and free of discrimination. WHEREAS, initial funding for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Quality-of-Life Study pulls the remaining amount from the $1.25 million for Commission Quality-of-Life Studies in the FY 2022–2023 budget; and WHEREAS, the vendor for the Commission on Aging Quality-of-Life study currently underway had to overcome more community mistrust than anticipated to create a trust-based relationship with marginalized older adult groups in order to get their agreement to participate in focus groups and the study; and WHEREAS, this unforeseen expense triggered a request for an additional $65,000 to cover the ongoing vendor engagement with the community groups for the remainder of the study, continuing the trust- based relationship already established by the vendor; and WHEREAS, it was initially anticipated that an additional $65,000 needed for the Aging Quality of Life Study would be covered using the Office of Equity and Inclusion department’s general fund operating budget, however this amount was drawn from the remaining $375,000 allocated in the FY 2022–2023 budget for Commission Quality of Life Studies, resulting in an adjusted balance of $310,000 now available for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs has identified a highly qualified vendor and plans to engage this vendor through the exception process rather than through a competitive procurement; and WHEREAS, this vendor has a history of deep cultural competence and generating strong community trust and was prepared to begin as of June 3, 2025 and is willing to proceed at the $310,000 level to meet the June 3rd contract deadline, recognizing that certain items will need to be cut from its full proposal amount of $400,000; and Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, proceeding with only the $310,000 for the entire study necessitates significant reductions to the study’s core components (either in its qualitative or quantitative methodologies) and would force the removal or limitation of essential safety protocols, vendor time to enlighten participants of the value of the study, and provide language access services; and WHEREAS, these elements are critical for ensuring participant trust, security, and ethical engagement with immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born community members who …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250625-008): Additional Funds for Immigrant Affairs Quality of Life Study WHEREAS, Resolution No. 20140626-049 established the City of Austin as a “Welcoming City” to “celebrate the contributions of members of the immigrant community” and help immigrants feel welcome, secure, protected, free of fear, and free of discrimination. WHEREAS, initial funding for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Quality-of-Life Study pulls the remaining amount from the $1.25 million for Commission Quality-of-Life Studies in the FY 2022–2023 budget; and WHEREAS, the vendor for the Commission on Aging Quality-of-Life study currently underway had to overcome more community mistrust than anticipated to create a trust-based relationship with marginalized older adult groups in order to get their agreement to participate in focus groups and the study; and WHEREAS, this unforeseen expense triggered a request for an additional $65,000 to cover the ongoing vendor engagement with the community groups for the remainder of the study, continuing the trust- based relationship already established by the vendor; and WHEREAS, it was initially anticipated that an additional $65,000 needed for the Aging Quality of Life Study would be covered using the Office of Equity and Inclusion department’s general fund operating budget, however this amount was drawn from the remaining $375,000 allocated in the FY 2022–2023 budget for Commission Quality of Life Studies, resulting in an adjusted balance of $310,000 now available for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs has identified a highly qualified vendor and plans to engage this vendor through the exception process rather than through a competitive procurement; and WHEREAS, this vendor has a history of deep cultural competence and generating strong community trust and was prepared to begin as of June 3, 2025 and is willing to proceed at the $310,000 level to meet the June 3rd contract deadline, recognizing that certain items will need to be cut from its full proposal amount of $400,000; and Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, proceeding with only the $310,000 for the entire study necessitates significant reductions to the study’s core components (either in its qualitative or quantitative methodologies) and would force the removal or limitation of essential safety protocols, vendor time to enlighten participants of the value of the study, and provide language access services; and WHEREAS, these elements are critical for ensuring participant trust, security, and ethical engagement with immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born community members who …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250625-010): Community Investment Budget 2025/2026 WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to an inclusive and transparent budget development process that utilizes resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure budget priorities are being met1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has made community engagement a core pillar of its budget planning process, employing a diverse mix of tools and strategies—including multilingual surveys, public meetings, digital budget simulators, and data transparency initiatives—to ensure residents play a meaningful role in shaping the city's funding priorities; and WHEREAS, for the last several years, 30 to 40 community groups have come together on a yearly basis to create detailed budget recommendations known as the Community Investment Budget, issued by Equity Action; and WHEREAS, the 2025/2026 version of the Community Investment Budget includes closely mirrors Joint Inclusion Committee budget recommendations for funding Undoing Racism training, sustained funding for Family Stabilization Grant, additional funds for climate resilience initiatives and prepared meals; and WHEREAS, the 2025/2026 version of the Community Investment Budget addresses concerns that echo or are similar to Joint Inclusion Committee recommendations on additional funds for: Implementation of climate resilience and disaster preparedness initiatives, Immigrant legal and other support services, • • Numerous recommendations on enhancing childcare services, • • Expansion of programs offered by Office of Equity and Inclusion, • Culturally competent community engagement during emergencies, • Expansion of emergency shelters for inclement weather events, • Expansion of cool corridors, • Know Your Rights clinics, and • Expansion of technical apprenticeships and training. 1 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/city-budget Page 1 of 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to adopt the Community Investment Budget 2025/2026. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Motion by Commissioner Laake-Stanfield, Second by Commissioner Ortega, Unanimous on a 9-0 vote. Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice Chair, Richard Bondi Page 2 of 2 06/25/2025
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250625-008): Additional Funds for Immigrant Affairs Quality of Life Study WHEREAS, Resolution No. 20140626-049 established the City of Austin as a “Welcoming City” to “celebrate the contributions of members of the immigrant community” and help immigrants feel welcome, secure, protected, free of fear, and free of discrimination. WHEREAS, initial funding for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs’ Quality-of-Life Study pulls the remaining amount from the $1.25 million for Commission Quality-of-Life Studies in the FY 2022–2023 budget; and WHEREAS, the vendor for the Commission on Aging Quality-of-Life study currently underway had to overcome more community mistrust than anticipated to create a trust-based relationship with marginalized older adult groups in order to get their agreement to participate in focus groups and the study; and WHEREAS, this unforeseen expense triggered a request for an additional $65,000 to cover the ongoing vendor engagement with the community groups for the remainder of the study, continuing the trust- based relationship already established by the vendor; and WHEREAS, it was initially anticipated that an additional $65,000 needed for the Aging Quality of Life Study would be covered using the Office of Equity and Inclusion department’s general fund operating budget, however this amount was drawn from the remaining $375,000 allocated in the FY 2022–2023 budget for Commission Quality of Life Studies, resulting in an adjusted balance of $310,000 now available for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs has identified a highly qualified vendor and plans to engage this vendor through the exception process rather than through a competitive procurement; and WHEREAS, this vendor has a history of deep cultural competence and generating strong community trust and was prepared to begin as of June 3, 2025 and is willing to proceed at the $310,000 level to meet the June 3rd contract deadline, recognizing that certain items will need to be cut from its full proposal amount of $400,000; and Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, proceeding with only the $310,000 for the entire study necessitates significant reductions to the study’s core components (either in its qualitative or quantitative methodologies) and would force the removal or limitation of essential safety protocols, vendor time to enlighten participants of the value of the study, and provide language access services; and WHEREAS, these elements are critical for ensuring participant trust, security, and ethical engagement with immigrant, refugee, and foreign-born community members who …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250625-010): Community Investment Budget 2025/2026 WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to an inclusive and transparent budget development process that utilizes resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure budget priorities are being met1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has made community engagement a core pillar of its budget planning process, employing a diverse mix of tools and strategies—including multilingual surveys, public meetings, digital budget simulators, and data transparency initiatives—to ensure residents play a meaningful role in shaping the city's funding priorities; and WHEREAS, for the last several years, 30 to 40 community groups have come together on a yearly basis to create detailed budget recommendations known as the Community Investment Budget, issued by Equity Action; and WHEREAS, the 2025/2026 version of the Community Investment Budget includes closely mirrors Joint Inclusion Committee budget recommendations for funding Undoing Racism training, sustained funding for Family Stabilization Grant, additional funds for climate resilience initiatives and prepared meals; and WHEREAS, the 2025/2026 version of the Community Investment Budget addresses concerns that echo or are similar to Joint Inclusion Committee recommendations on additional funds for: Implementation of climate resilience and disaster preparedness initiatives, • • Numerous recommendations on enhancing childcare services, • • • • • • • Immigrant legal and other support services, Expansion of programs offered by Office of Equity and Inclusion, Culturally competent community engagement during emergencies, Expansion of emergency shelters for inclement weather events, Expansion of cool corridors, Know Your Rights clinics, and Expansion of technical apprenticeships and training. 1 https://www.austintexas.gov/page/city-budget Page 1 of 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to adopt the Community Investment Budget 2025/2026. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Motion by Commissioner Laake-Stanfield, Second by Commissioner Ortega, Unanimous on a 9-0 vote. _______ 10-0 vote. Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice Chair, Richard Bondi Page 2 of 2 06/25/2025
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, May 28th, 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 Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert or Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega 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 Bryce F Laake-stanfield Alice Navarro Amanda Afifi (Chair) Morgan Davis or Jeffrey Clemmons Jerry Joe Benson Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Lisa Chang Conor H. Kelly 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 April 23rd, 2025. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on May 7th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation from Family Eldercare on LGBTQ Housing Groundbreaking at Cairn Point Montopolis (1013 Montopolis Drive; Austin, TX 78741) on June 18th at 9:30 a.m.-10.30 a.m., from Dr. Aaron Alarcon. Followed by discussion and questions. Discussion regarding updates to …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, May 28th, 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 Vacant 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 Vacant 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 Alice Navarro Amanda Afifi (Chair) Vacant Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Vacant Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Conor H. Kelly 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 REVISED 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 April 23rd, 2025. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on May 7th, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation from Family Eldercare on LGBTQ Housing Groundbreaking at Cairn Point Montopolis (1013 Montopolis Drive; Austin, TX 78741) on June 18th at 9:30 a.m.-10.30 a.m., from Dr. Aaron Alarcon. Followed by discussion and questions. Discussion regarding updates to the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Recommendation 20250326-019 Native American & Indigenous …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23RD, 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 3:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: African American Resource Advisory Commission, Justin Parsons Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Early Childhood Council, Andrea McIllwain Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Sonny Sin Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega 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: 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 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on FEBRUARY 26TH, 2025. The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s FEBRARY 26, 2025 MEETING were approved at the APRIL 23RD MEETING on COMMISSIONER LISA CHANG’s motion, COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’s second, on a 10-0 vote (Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs’ Philip Reichert and Curtis Wyman.) Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on MARCH 26TH, 2025. The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s MARCH 26, 2025 MEETING were approved at the APRIL 23RD MEETING on COMMISSIONER SONNY SIN’s motion, COMMISSIONER JUSTIN PARSON’s second, on a 10-0 vote (Absent: Commission on Veterans Affairs’ Phillip Reichert and Curtis Wyman.) 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). Sgt. Wilmore-Crumrine discusses the August conference. Presentation begins with Sgt. Wilmore-Crumrine describing that the City acknowledges that the LGBTQI+ community is experiencing a huge amount of anxiety and stress considering the political climate and because of incidents with the Austin Police Department. Sgt. Wilmore-Crumrine shares history of the organization and how the Austin …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a special called meeting on Wednesday, May 7th, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Rooms #1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 Vie-Chair RICHARD BONDI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:08 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: African American Resource Advisory Commission, Justin Parsons Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Becky Bullard Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Early Childhood Council: Andrea McIllwain Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Sonny Sin Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lisa Chang Member Commissioners with vacancies: Commission on Veterans Affairs 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 1 CALL TO ORDER: 3:08 p.m. 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. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion on bills filed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, as they relate to the bylaws and priorities of the Joint Inclusion Committee, and its member commissions; with possible, but not limited to, action items such as returning to member commissions to consider writing Recommendations, returning to member commissions’ workgroups for action, scheduling meetings with Council Members to share updates, scheduling meetings with Texas Senators or Representatives for collaboration, and/or developing topics for Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendations. Discussion on possible action items. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 2. 3. 4. Budget & Policy Priorities Workgroup – updates on the next steps of the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Recommendations, through the publishing of the City’s FY25-26 City Budget (Workgroup Members: Commissioners Justin Parsons, Richard Bondi, Amanda Afifi, Jerry Joe Benson, and Lisa Chang). Updates regarding connecting with council members. Texas Legislative Workgroup – updates on identifying bills from the 89th Legislative Session, which would impact the …
Get to Know Your Commission Days Date Week of July 7th Venue Zoom Week of July 14th Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center Week of August 11th George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center Week of August 18th Little Walnut Creek Branch - Austin Public Library Week of September 15th Zoom Week of September 15th Zoom Times: ● 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.? ● During the day?
JIC Community Input for FY27 Budget Recommendations Topic Date Budget Kick Off - Department Updates from FY26 Budget September 27th @ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Location PDC In Person Session 1 October 15th @5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Gustavo “Gus” L. Garcia Recreation Center In Person Session 2 October 29th In Person Session 3 November 12th George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center Little Walnut Creek Branch - Austin Public Library Virtual Session 4 December 10th Virtual Session 5 FY27 Budget Updates with Departments January 14th January 17th Zoom Zoom PDC
COMMISSION RESOLTUION JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE Recommendation Number: 20240528-011: 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice for all residents, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and other marginalized identities (LGBTQI+); and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee advises the Austin City Council on matters of equity, representation, and inclusion1; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee promotes 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 city2; and WHEREAS, the 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals brings together international experts, advocates, and professionals across law enforcement, corrections, judiciary, and other criminal justice sectors to promote human rights, best practices, and safety for LGBTQI+ individuals and communities; and WHEREAS, the Conference creates a global platform to share strategies for eliminating bias, improving community trust, and protecting the dignity of LGBTQI+ people within criminal justice systems; and WHEREAS, LGBTQI+ communities continue to experience disproportionate discrimination, violence, and criminalization, and efforts to promote inclusion, cultural competence, and accountability within criminal justice institutions are critical to public safety and community well-being; and 1 https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_CH2- 1CIBO_ART3PEJOCO_S2-1-204JOINCO 2 Ibid., Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, Austin, Texas, has a proud history of advancing progressive values and has declared itself a welcoming and inclusive city for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and its departments, including the Austin Police Department and other criminal justice stakeholders, can benefit from participation in international forums to learn and lead on LGBTQI+ equity issues. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion committee expresses its strong support for the 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals. The Committee urges relevant City departments and criminal justice entities in Austin to participate in and engage with the Conference, to strengthen equity practices and build global partnerships. The Committee encourages the City Council to recognize the significance of the Conference and to explore opportunities for Austin to host or collaborate in future events that center LGBTQI+ inclusion and justice. The Committee affirms its ongoing commitment to advocating for policies and programs that protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all LGBTQI+ individuals in Austin, especially in interactions with the criminal justice system. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the …
COMMISSION RESOLTUION JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE Recommendation Number: 20250528-011: 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice for all residents, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, two-spirit, and other marginalized identities (LGBTQI+); and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee advises the Austin City Council on matters of equity, representation, and inclusion1; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee promotes 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 city2; and WHEREAS, the 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals brings together international experts, advocates, and professionals across law enforcement, corrections, judiciary, and other criminal justice sectors to promote human rights, best practices, and safety for LGBTQI+ individuals and communities; and WHEREAS, the Conference creates a global platform to share strategies for eliminating bias, improving community trust, and protecting the dignity of LGBTQI+ people within criminal justice systems; and WHEREAS, LGBTQI+ communities continue to experience disproportionate discrimination, violence, and criminalization, and efforts to promote inclusion, cultural competence, and accountability within criminal justice institutions are critical to public safety and community well-being; and 1 https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_CH2- 1CIBO_ART3PEJOCO_S2-1-204JOINCO 2 Ibid., Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, Austin, Texas, has a proud history of advancing progressive values and has declared itself a welcoming and inclusive city for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and its departments, including the Austin Police Department and other criminal justice stakeholders, can benefit from participation in international forums to learn and lead on LGBTQI+ equity issues. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion committee expresses its strong support for the 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals. The Committee urges relevant City departments and criminal justice entities in Austin to participate in and engage with the Conference, to strengthen equity practices and build global partnerships. The Committee encourages the City Council to recognize the significance of the Conference and to explore opportunities for Austin to host or collaborate in future events that center LGBTQI+ inclusion and justice. The Committee affirms its ongoing commitment to advocating for policies and programs that protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all LGBTQI+ individuals in Austin, especially in interactions with the criminal justice system. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, MAY 28th, 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 3:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) African American Resource Advisory Commission: Justin Parsons Commission for Women: Becky Bullard Early Childhood Council: Alice Navarro Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission on Veterans Affairs: Bryce F Laake-Stanfield Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Conor Kelly Commissioners Not in Attendance: LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Nayer Sikder Human Rights Commission: Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam 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. 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. No public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING April 23rd, 2025. 1 The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s APRIL 23rd, 2025 MEETING were approved at the MAY 28th, 2025_MEETING on COMMISSIONER JUSTIN PARSON’s motion, COMMISSIONER CONOR KELLEY’s second, on an 8-0 vote (Absent: Asian American Advisory Commission’s Nayer Sikder, Human Rights Commission’s Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam, and LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Jerry Joe Benson or Katie Coyne). 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on May 7th, 2025. The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s May 7th, 2025 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING were approved at the MAY 28TH, 2025 MEETING on COMMISSIONER BECKY BULLARD's motion, COMMISSIONER CONOR KELLY'S second, on an 8-0 vote. (Absent: Asian American Advisory Commission’s Nayer Sikder, Human Rights Commission’s Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam, and LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s Jerry Joe Benson or Katie Coyne.) DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation from Family Eldercare on LGBTQ Housing Groundbreaking at …
Special Called Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, May 7th, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Rooms #1406 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr, Austin, TX 78752 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 Office) 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: Alexandria 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. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS 1. Discussion on bills filed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, as they relate to the bylaws and priorities of the Joint Inclusion Committee, and its member commissions; with possible, but not limited to, action items such as returning to member commissions to consider writing Recommendations, returning to member commissions’ workgroups for action, scheduling meetings with Council Members to share updates, scheduling meetings with Texas Senators or Representatives for collaboration, and/or developing topics for Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendations. …
Joint Inclusion Committee & Member Commissions City Code Joint Inclusion Committee African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs 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. The commission shall advise the city council on issues relating to the quality of life for the City's African American community and shall recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront African Americans in social, economic, and vocational pursuits, including:(1) health care;(2) housing, including affordable housing, home ownership, and homelessness;(3) entertainment opportunities for professionals and students;(4) employment; and (5) cultural venues, including museums, theaters, art galleries, and music venues.(D) The commission shall advise the council on matters related to the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility, the George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, and the African American Cultural Heritage District. The commission shall:(1) review and make recommendations to the council on aviation projects that the Department of Aviation proposes for the capital improvements program;(2) review and make recommendations to the council on proposed aviation grants, including airport trust funds administered by the Federal Aviation Administration;(3) review and make recommendations to the council on aviation contracts that are presented by the Department of Aviation to the council for action;(4) review and make recommendations to the council on the annual operating budget proposed by the Department of Aviation; and(5) review and make policy recommendations to the council on the quality of services at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to citizens of Austin and customers of the airport and long term planning of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The Commission on Aging shall serve as an advisory board to the council concerning the quality of life for older adults in the Austin area and to help ensure they are productive, independent, and healthy.The commission shall:(1) advise the council on issues related to the older adult population in the Austin area;(2) evaluate and recommend programs, policies, and practices that create a positive impact and reduce the burden on older adults;(3) determine the needs of older adults in the Austin community, and advise council regarding these needs; and(4) promote the contributions of older adults to the cultural, …
