RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260325-040: Safe and Proud Austin Entertainment Corridor Life Safety Pilot Package WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ establishments and entertainment venues have been repeatedly targeted in acts of mass violence across the United States, including the 2016 attack at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, which resulted in 49 fatalities, and the 2022 attack at Club Q in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which resulted in five fatalities and numerous injuries; and WHEREAS, federal and national law enforcement assessments have identified LGBTQIA+ gathering spaces as recurring targets of ideologically motivated violence; and WHEREAS, following the New Orleans Mardi Gras vehicle attack, the City of Austin moved rapidly to implement protective safety measures within the Sixth Street Entertainment District to mitigate risk in a high density corridor; and WHEREAS, it has now been more than one year since that incident, and recent violence on March 1 within proximity to Bettie Naylor Street demonstrates that high density LGBTQIA+ cultural corridors in Austin face comparable risk exposure; and WHEREAS, Bettie Naylor Street, historically recognized as Fourth Street between Congress Avenue and Rio Grande Street, serves as Austin's primary LGBTQIA+ cultural corridor and functions as a concentration of bars, coffee shops, entertainment venues, and affirming small businesses that draw high pedestrian volumes; and WHEREAS, adjacent affirming businesses on Lavaca Street and Colorado Street, including establishments such as The Iron Bear and Highland, are integral components of this corridor ecosystem and lie within close proximity to recent public safety incidents; and WHEREAS, consistency in public safety infrastructure deployment across entertainment districts is essential to equitable risk mitigation, municipal resilience, and liability management; and WHEREAS, targeted deployment based on documented risk exposure, concentration of historically targeted establishments, and proximity to recent violent incidents represents a tiered and defensible public safety approach; and WHEREAS, rapid intervention during the first minutes of a life threatening emergency, including severe bleeding events and sudden cardiac arrest, significantly increases survival outcomes; and WHEREAS, public safety best practices emphasize layered mitigation strategies including early notification, immediate hemorrhage control, defibrillation access, community CPR activation, and coordinated emergency response; and WHEREAS, the Austin Travis County EMS Chief Medical Officer requested funding for Community CPR Alerting and AED Deployment to Enhance Equity, including investment in the GoodSAM platform to improve cardiac arrest outcomes through real time scene awareness and verified responders, and alignment with this corridor safety pilot would strengthen equity focused cardiac survival …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: [20260325-031] FY 2026-27 Budget for Supporting Mental Health Services in Schools Subject: Recommendation to allocate an additional $2 million to the Integrated Student Supports and Youth Services and Mental Health and Wellness grants for comprehensive integrated student support services and trauma-informed mental health services, early campus-based interventions for organizations such as Communities in Schools WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that race no longer predicts a person's quality of life outcomes; and the 2025 Austin Travis County Community Health Assessment identifies increasing access to mental healthcare as a critical goal WHEREAS, there is a continued need for increased investment to support the growing mental health challenges faced by students in Austin area schools; WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Initiative identifies food, housing and mental health services as primary pillars for community success; and WHEREAS, students in the Austin area continue to face significant barriers to, including high rates of poverty and lack of access to culturally competent intensive mental health services; and WHEREAS, House Bill 6 (89th) seeks to increase access to mental health services in public schools while also placing new implications for student discipline in the classroom, focused on proactive approaches to addressing student needs; and WHEREAS, other recent legislative changes have placed new considerations on services offered to students through school systems when providing mental health services and supports; and WHEREAS, Communities In Schools of Central Texas provides critical "safety net" services through multiple programs, including our campus-based Integrated Student Supports, Care Coordination and wraparound services, and intensive mental health & wellness services for students; and WHEREAS, evidence-based services such as intensive mental health counseling provided by clinicians and social workers ensure students' unmet mental health needs are addressed through direct service to students and their families, with a family-centered, trauma-informed approach to connect students and their families to community resources; and . WHEREAS, these mental health services have shown decreases in clinical scales of depression and/or anxiety for student symptoms and improved scores in post-test evaluation assessments; and WHEREAS, Results from a recently released Harvard-Cornell Study from Opportunity Insights and EdRedesign Lab showed that three years of involvement in Communities In Schools of Central Texas leads to significantly higher income earnings over a student’s lifetime, increased yearly tax contributions, less reliance on public assistance and significantly reduced involvement or prevention of involvement in …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: [20260325-033]: FY 2026-2027 Budget for the Family Stabilization Program Date of Approval: Recommendation: Affordability remains one of the most pressing concerns expressed by Austin residents. The Family Stabilization Grant Program offers flexible access to housing support, accords greater choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and provides more efficient and cost-effective housing assistance. The program has consistently served people of color, including Hispanic or Latino/a/x families, with over half of participants identifying as African American or Latina women. The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission has expressed strong support to expand program funding. Despite this, the FY 2025–2026 budget allocated only $1.3 million for the Family Stabilization Grant. The funding was subsequently eliminated after Austin voters rejected the Proposition Q tax rate increase in November 2025. The revised budget that followed cut the $1.3 million for Family Stabilization Program grants entirely. At the Joint Inclusion Committee FY27 Budget Input Session, residents made clear that the elimination of the Family Stabilization Grant Program from the FY26 base budget was a significant setback for Austin families. Community support for the program has only grown stronger in its absence. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Provide $3 million ongoing funding for the Family Stabilization Grants Rationale Housing affordability is one of the defining challenges facing Austin families. Federal housing programs have limited reach, and even residents who receive federal housing assistance continue to struggle. Approximately 40% of households nationally that receive a voucher never successfully lease a unit. In Austin, most voucher holders have only been able to move to less desirable housing on the outskirts of the city, compounding burdens related to transportation, food access, healthcare, and employment. Other forms of affordable housing assistance similarly fall short: units are only required to maintain affordability for a set period, rents are calibrated to Area Median Income levels that do not reflect the deep affordability residents actually need, and participants remain responsible for full rent even during periods of job insecurity. Research from the Urban Institute confirms that strategically applied cash relief can offer renters facing housing shocks more flexible support, accord more dignity and choice to renters in need, reduce exposure to voucher discrimination, provide housing access to excluded workers, and deliver more efficient and cost-effective help to those in urgent need. Austin's own experience bears this out. Roughly 60% of the money went toward housing, …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: [20260325-034]: FY 2026-2027 Budget for AISD Parent Support Specialists Date of Approval: Recommendation: Affordability and access remain among the most highly rated concerns expressed by Austin residents, and the families served by AISD Parent Support Specialists (PSSs) are among those most vulnerable to rising costs and economic instability. PSSs are a proven, community-rooted workforce that connects Title I families to the City and County resources they need. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Maintain funding for AISD Parent Support Specialists. Background and Rationale: The City of Austin has an interlocal agreement with Austin Independent School District for the provision of resources connecting parents and families to family-centered and other social services. AISD Parent Support Specialists (PSSs), funded 50% by the City of Austin, are placed in Title I schools. PSSs identify, develop, and engage parents in their children's education by providing parent and family support, conducting communications and outreach, and creating parent leadership opportunities. AISD relies on PSSs to educate and refer students and their families to City and County resources, and to collaborate with social services community partners to alleviate stressors. Their work helps improve maternal, child, and adolescent health outcomes. Parent Support Specialists are rooted in the community and maintain meaningful relationships with the families they serve. Many are bilingual, communicating with families in their preferred language. These skills and relationships are especially vital during times of crisis. PSSs have provided critical community support during the pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, and other emergencies. Despite the essential nature of this work, PSS positions continue to go unfilled due to inadequate compensation. The PSS salary remains among the lowest for the demanding scope of the role. The City of Austin's own living wage is currently $22.05 per hour, and yet PSS positions have historically been posted near or below that threshold, leaving workers unable to keep pace with Austin's cost of living. The median home price in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metropolitan area was approximately $439,000 as of late 2025. A PSS earning near the minimum wage cannot reasonably afford to live in the community they serve. Additionally, the Skills Requirements on the PSS job description indicate that some schools require the employee to be bilingual. If an employee must be bilingual to perform the job, they should receive a bilingual stipend. AISD already provides a $7,000 annual stipend for certified bilingual …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: [20260325-36]: FY 2026-2027 Budget for Mini Grants Recommendation: The City of Austin's Austin Equity & Inclusion, Equity Division Mini Grant program is one of the most direct, community-rooted investments the City makes in the residents most harmed by systemic inequity. At a moment when federal funding is being cut, displacement is accelerating, immigration enforcement is intensifying, and homelessness continues to grow, the need for flexible, low-barrier funding for grassroots organizations has never been greater. The City must maintain and increase funding for this program. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Provide ongoing funding of $400,000 for the Austin Equity & Inclusion, Equity Division Mini Grant Fund, maintaining the current funding level and preserving the program's three-tier grant structure of $10,000, $20,000, and $30,000 awards, with priority focus areas of immigrant inclusion, solidarity with unhoused people, and anti-displacement and displacement prevention. Rationale The Equity Mini Grant Fund has been offered annually since 2018, created in response to a City Council ordinance directing Austin Equity & Inclusion, Equity Division to develop a funding framework for equity initiatives, beginning with an initial allocation of $75,000. Since then the program has grown substantially in both funding and scope, and has become a vital lifeline for the grassroots organizations doing the most essential work in Austin's most vulnerable communities. What makes this program distinct is its design philosophy. Austin Equity and Inclusion, Equity Division explicitly recognizes the problematic operations of traditional community funding and seeks to foster alternative ways to support and respect the vision of individuals and organizations working alongside communities most affected by historical inequities. Austin Equity and Inclusion, Equity Division facilitates access for those who have not historically been able to participate in City programs like this, and highlights community-led solutions. Recipients are expected to understand the root causes of disparities and share the goal of community liberation rather than creating dependencies. Applications are accepted in English and Spanish, and priority is given to grassroots organizations and community-driven initiatives with annual operating budgets of $500,000 or less, the organizations that traditional grantmaking most often leaves behind. The three priority areas the program has focused on reflect Austin's most urgent and intersecting challenges. Each of these areas has grown more critical in the current climate. Austin faces escalating federal immigration enforcement, a homelessness crisis that affects thousands of residents on any given night, and displacement …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: [20260325-038] LGBTQ Legal Navigation and Community Safety Coordination WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ residents in Texas increasingly face confusion and risk due to evolving state policies and administrative requirements related to identity documents, civil rights protections, and access to services; and WHEREAS, timely access to accurate education, navigation support, and trusted referrals can prevent avoidable crises that may lead to housing instability, employment disruption, and disconnection from essential services; and WHEREAS, community stakeholders have identified a need for practical assistance including support with name and gender marker changes, tenant and workplace rights navigation, and connections to trusted nonprofit service providers; and WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors continue to report concerns about safety, harassment, and accessibility in public spaces, particularly during major community events and peak nightlife hours; and WHEREAS, community-based, non-enforcement safety strategies such as de-escalation training, bystander intervention, and coordinated safe-walk partnerships can reduce harm and strengthen community confidence; and WHEREAS, Austin Equity & Inclusion and Human Rights Division are positioned to coordinate civil rights education, community navigation, and harm-prevention programming across City departments and community partners; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee has identified coordinated legal navigation and community safety infrastructure as one of its highest priorities for the year; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to establish a pilot LGBTQ Legal Navigation and Community Safety Coordination Program. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends the creation of one full-time employee (FTE) LGBTQ Program Administrator or Manager position to lead, coordinate, and implement this program, and that this role be housed within Austin Equity & Inclusion for cross-departmental coordination and community alignment. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this FTE would be the direct point of contact at the City of Austin for the LGBTQIA+ community, including responsibilities coordinating City services, supporting community education, facilitating navigation and referral pathways, and working with nonprofit and community-based organizations that provide related services. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that program activities may include: • Know-your-rights education and informational materials • Legal navigation and referral support, including assistance related to name and gender marker changes • Tenant, employment, and civil rights navigation resources • De-escalation and bystander intervention training • Coordination of community-based safety efforts such as safe-walk partnerships during major events and peak activity periods BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: [20260325-041] Housing Assistance Grants for LGBTQIA+ and Queer Artists WHEREAS, Austin’s artists and creative workers are central to the City’s cultural identity, economic vitality, and national reputation as a center for live performance and creative expression; and WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ and queer artists, including drag performers and nightlife creatives, contribute significantly to Austin’s arts and entertainment ecosystem while often facing heightened economic precarity, housing instability, and displacement pressures; and WHEREAS, rising housing costs continue to disproportionately impact artists and cultural workers, threatening the sustainability of Austin’s creative communities and cultural districts; and WHEREAS, housing instability among artists may result in the loss of culturally significant venues, performances, and creative spaces that contribute to neighborhood vitality, tourism, and small business activity; and WHEREAS, Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (AACME), in coordination with housing and community development departments, provides existing infrastructure for arts support and community stabilization efforts; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to increase funding for existing housing stabilization and assistance programs by $200,000, with coordination through AACME and relevant housing departments to ensure effective outreach to artists and creative workers. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that, within the administration of expanded housing stabilization resources, outreach and prioritization strategies be developed to address the documented housing instability faced by LGBTQIA+ artists and creative workers, consistent with equity-focused implementation practices and existing City guidelines. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City coordinate with AACME and community partners to ensure accessible communication, culturally competent outreach, and clear application pathways for artists and creative workers who may not traditionally access housing assistance programs. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee requests reporting on utilization rates, artist participation, and displacement prevention outcomes associated with the expanded funding allocation to inform future cultural and housing policy decisions. Date of Approval: March 25, 2026 Motioned By: Commissioner Parsons Seconded By: Commissioner Benson Vote: 10-0 For: Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Alvizo, Benson, Castaneda, Chang, Laake-Stanfield, Kanawati, Oliva-Martínez, Parsons, Thakkar Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Off the dais: None Absent: Chair Afifi, Commissioners Bullard, McNary, Melendez Attest: _____________________________________________ (Ryan Sperling, Staff Liaison)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: [20260325-042] Community Liaison Officer Program Pilot WHEREAS, the City of Austin has committed to community-centered public safety strategies that prioritize trust-building, accessibility, and culturally competent engagement with historically marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+ residents; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee and other City commissions have received consistent feedback from community members regarding the need for improved communication, responsiveness, and accountability in interactions with law enforcement; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and Austin Police Department have previously endorsed the Community Liaison Officer Expansion and Empowerment framework, which calls for strengthening and formalizing the Community Liaison function as a core community engagement strategy; and WHEREAS, Austin Police Department currently maintains liaison functions, and a pilot model incorporating both civilian coordination and sworn, uniformed officers may strengthen visibility, accessibility, and community trust; and WHEREAS, leadership within APD has indicated that initial implementation can be achieved primarily through internal realignment of existing personnel and currently vacant positions, without requiring a significant increase in overall staffing levels; and WHEREAS, successful implementation depends on assigning experienced and community- connected personnel, prioritizing liaison responsibilities within departmental operations, and establishing clear procedures, training, and data practices to support long-term program effectiveness; and WHEREAS, a phased pilot approach allows the City to evaluate effectiveness, community impact, and operational needs before considering broader expansion or long-term funding commitments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to allocate Phase One pilot funding to support initial implementation of the Community Liaison Officer Program Pilot. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the pilot model include both civilian coordination support and sworn, uniformed APD Community Liaison Officers, utilizing experienced personnel where feasible, with an emphasis on individuals who maintain established relationships with LGBTQIA+ and historically marginalized communities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Austin Police Department establish internal procedures to prioritize liaison responsibilities within assigned duties, ensuring sworn officers participating in the pilot are able to consistently fulfill community engagement, outreach, and responsiveness commitments associated with the role. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Phase One pilot funding support the following limited and targeted activities: • Designation and operational support of sworn LGBTQIA+ Community Liaison Officers utilizing existing APD personnel where feasible • Initial training and professional development related to cultural competency, de-escalation, and community engagement best practices • Development of basic public communication infrastructure, …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: [20260325-043] Entrepreneurial Grants for LGBTQIA+ Businesses WHEREAS, local LGBTQIA+-owned businesses contribute significantly to Austin’s cultural identity, neighborhood character, tourism appeal, and economic vitality; and WHEREAS, small businesses owned by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs may face barriers to accessing capital and business development resources, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty and rising operating costs; and WHEREAS, City initiatives supporting historically underserved entrepreneurs have demonstrated success in fostering business stability, local job creation, and neighborhood economic resilience; and WHEREAS, responsible tools such as no-interest loans, technical assistance, and targeted entrepreneurial support can strengthen small business sustainability while maintaining fiscal prudence; and WHEREAS, continued and expanded support for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs aligns with the City’s commitments to inclusive economic development, small business resilience, and cultural district preservation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council expand and continue entrepreneurial support initiatives within existing City economic development programs to strengthen access to capital and technical assistance for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends allocating $200,000 to enhance no-interest loan capacity and related entrepreneurial assistance within the City’s existing small business support infrastructure. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that program implementation include targeted outreach and culturally competent engagement to ensure equitable access for LGBTQIA+-owned businesses, particularly small, locally owned, and community-serving enterprises that may face barriers to traditional financing. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee requests reporting on participation rates, loan performance, and business stabilization outcomes to evaluate program impact and inform future economic development strategies. Date of Approval: March 25, 2026 Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: 10-0 For: Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Alvizo, Benson, Castaneda, Chang, Laake-Stanfield, Kanawati, Oliva-Martínez, Parsons, Thakkar Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Off the dais: None Absent: Chair Afifi, Commissioners Bullard, McNary, Melendez Attest: _____________________________________________ (Ryan Sperling, Staff Liaison)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: [20260325-044]: LGBTQ Entertainment District WHEREAS, the State of Texas, through directives to enforce roadway safety and pavement marking compliance, has required removal of decorative and message-based roadway art, including rainbow and culturally themed crosswalks, with potential risk to transportation funding for noncompliance; and WHEREAS, the rainbow crosswalk at West 4th Street and Colorado Street has served as a widely recognized marker of Austin’s LGBTQ cultural and entertainment district, signaling safety, belonging, and civic recognition for LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, the removal of highly visible cultural markers in public spaces may negatively affect community cohesion, cultural tourism, and small business activity within established neighborhood corridors; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin operates a Street Banner Program that provides a lawful and compliant framework for district identity markers, including over-street and street-pole banners, consistent with roadway regulations; and WHEREAS, the development of an LGBTQ Entertainment District, supported by culturally identifiable infrastructure, may strengthen economic activity, tourism, and small business vitality within the district; and WHEREAS, exploration of a Micro Public Improvement District (Micro-PID) or similar localized funding and maintenance structure may provide a sustainable mechanism for district identity infrastructure, programming, and long-term stewardship; and WHEREAS, community-centered public art and engagement processes improve representation, legitimacy, and long-term community ownership of civic cultural markers; and WHEREAS, timely execution of a compliant transition strategy is necessary to meet state- mandated deadlines and minimize disruption to community identity, tourism, and district economic activity; and WHEREAS, this effort aligns with the work of the Mayor’s Task Force on transitioning from decorative crosswalks to compliant public-space district markers and identity infrastructure; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to prioritize and establish a one-time LGBTQ Entertainment District Cultural Infrastructure Pilot to replace removed decorative crosswalk markers with compliant district identifiers, including banners, flags, wayfinding elements, and related identity infrastructure, with an initial focus on the West 4th Street corridor. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends allocating $120,000 in one-time funding for design, fabrication, and installation of district identity infrastructure, utilizing the City’s existing Street Banner Program and related standards where feasible. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the pilot include a structured community engagement and local artist process to develop culturally authentic district marker designs reflective of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community and broader …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MINUTES REGUAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Bondi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Delphi Alvizo Richard Bondi Bryce Laake Stanfield Tannya Oliva Martinez Justin Parsons Nirali Thakkar Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jerry Joe Benson Dulce Castaneda Lisa Chang Diane Kanawati PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee Special Called meeting on February 26, 2026. The February 26, 2026 minutes were approved on Commissioner Oliva-Martinez’ motion, Commissioner Parson’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Benson was off the dais. Chair Afifi and Commissioners Bullard, McNary, and Melendez were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion to compile questions from commissioners to ask Austin Police Department staff. Postponed until April without objection. 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible approval of a recommendation to Council regarding priorities & focus areas, safeguards & controls, and community engagement for social services funding. This item was taken up after item 4 without objection. There was a motion by Commissioner Laake-Stanfield, seconded by Commissioner Thakkar, to amend the document to strike “community planning” and insert “Homelessness Services” in the first THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED. The motion was approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Chang abstained. Chair Afifi and Commissioners Bullard, McNary, and Melendez were absent. There was a motion by Commissioner Laake-Stanfield, seconded by Commissioner Parsons to amend the document to strike “Stigma Index, Regional Planning contracts” and insert “Emergency shelter ops, Marshaling Yard, and Rapid Rehousing” in the first THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED. The motion was approved on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner Chang abstained. Chair Afifi and Commissioners Bullard, McNary, and Melendez were absent. the document There was a motion by Commissioner Chang, seconded by Commissioner Kanawati, to amend Job Training, Apprenticeships, and Ready to Work Programs” in the first THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED. The motion was approved on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Alvizo, Castaneda, Kanawati, and Laake Stanfield abstained. Chair Afifi and Commissioners Bullard, McNary, and Melendez were absent. insert “Workforce Development – to There was a motion by Commissioner Laake-Stanfield, seconded by Commissioner Alvizo, to amend …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026 AT 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: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs 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 Primary Representative: Justin Parsons Alternate Representative: Alexandria Anderson Nirali J Thakkar Nayer Sikder Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) VACANT Bryce F Laake-Stanfield Craig McNary Amanda Afifi (Chair) Becky Bullard Teresa Ferguson Diane Kanawati Christopher Wilson Delphi Alvizo Dulce Castaneda Tannya Oliva-Martínez Jerry Joe Benson VACANT KC Coyne Lisa Chang Conor H. Kelly 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 January 28, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff briefing on Social Service Contract funding to inform the Commission’s prioritization efforts. Briefing by Kerri Lang, Director, and Daniel Culotta, Assistant Director, Office of Budget & Organizational Excellence. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Discussion on City budget announcements and activities. Discussion following up on January questions for the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Discussion to compile questions from commissioners to ask Austin Police Department staff. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Report from the Texas Legislative Working Group regarding legislation affecting the Joint Inclusion Committee and its member commissions, and suggested follow-up advocacy. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Approve a recommendation regarding a moratorium on human services funding reductions pending an inclusive, equity-based program review. Approve a recommendation regarding PARD accessibility and cultural inclusion …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 28, 2026 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in Austin, TX. Chair Afifi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 6:13 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Bryce Laake-Stanfield Craig McNary Justin Parsons Tannya Oliva-Martínez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Diane Kanawati Diana Melendez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Dr. Aaron Alarcon – Cuts to Social Services Hector Ordaz – Budget, Arts/Culture APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on December 3. 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Laake-Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner McNary was off the dais. Commissioners Thakkar and Sikder were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 28, 2026 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation providing an update on American Gateways’ successes and requesting prioritization of immigration funds in next year’s budget. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. The presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways Discussion regarding feedback on the January 21st Budget Town Hall. Discussed. Discussion regarding the timeline of the City’s budget process and impacts to commission recommendations. Discussed. Discussion regarding the changes in the structure of Austin Equity & Inclusion over the last year. Discussed. Discussion regarding Austin Police Department and protest response. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. Approve changes to working group membership. Without objection, Craig McNary was added to the APD Office of the Community Liaison Working Group and Emergency Preparedness Working Group. Approve amendments to the JIC 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule. Discussion was held. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. 10. Report from the Budget Follow-up Working Group regarding City response and implementation of commission recommendations. Withdrawn without objection. Update from the FY2026-27 Budget Working Group regarding collaboration on home commission budget recommendation drafts and topics. Withdrawn without objection. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Final report from Texas Legislative Session Working Group – Afifi Formation of a new Texas Legislative Session Working Group - Oliva-Martínez Discussion regarding questions to ask APD – Laake-Stanfield ADJOURNMENT Chair Afifi adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m. without objection. 2
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20260226-011: Elisabet Ney Museum Accessible Restroom Facility WHEREAS, the Elisabet Ney Museum is undergoing restoration and improvements; WHEREAS, the Museum lacks an accessible restroom as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act; WHEREAS, plans have been created for an accessible restroom to be constructed as part of the restoration and improvements, in partnership with the Friends of Elisabet Ney Museum, although funding and support for the addition is still being sought; and WHEREAS, the Committee has decided to recommend to the Austin City Council that it support the construction of an ADA accessible restroom to allow all visitors to fully enjoy the Museum. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds towards constructing the ADA accessible restroom at the Ney Museum. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20260226-012: Budget Recommendation to the City Council regarding Awebility Festival WHEREAS, Commissioner Gabriel Arellano of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities will coordinate a festival celebrating individuals with disabilities and raising awareness, the Awebility Festival; WHEREAS, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities sponsors this festival with its support; WHEREAS, this festival was coordinated successfully in fall 2025 with limited resources, but desires the City of Austin’s financial support to expand its impact; and WHEREAS, the Awebility Festival will have an outsized impact relative to the cost of support and will help build a stronger community around people with disabilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds towards the Awebility Festival for 2026. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260226-013: Budget Recommendation to the City Council regarding Therapeutic Recreation Program WHEREAS, the City of Austin sponsors the Therapeutic Recreation Program through the Parks and Recreation Department providing activity-based interventions to improve the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social functioning of individuals with disabilities; WHEREAS, the Therapeutic Recreation Program is held at parks around the city, often serving under resourced members of the community; WHEREAS, constituents have raised concerns about wait list times and limited locations of the program, which creates barriers to participation for those that need it most; and WHEREAS, additional funding could expand locations and improve services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate additional funds to the Therapeutic Recreation Program with the goal of expanding the locations of services and reducing wait list times. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260226-007: Moratorium on Human Services Funding Reductions Pending an Inclusive, Equity-based Program Review WHEREAS, the City has publicly described Imagine Austin—first adopted by Council in 2012—as a 30- year plan that maps out a vision of Austin as “a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all”1; and WHEREAS, the Planning Department’s current Imagine Austin update briefing materials describe Imagine Austin as the City’s comprehensive plan and “a guide for long-term growth, development, and land use decisions,”2 and note the plan was initially adopted in 2012 as a 30-year plan; and WHEREAS, the City’s Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Update memorandum states that Imagine Austin “guides City decision-making when setting goals and policies.”3 reinforcing its relevance to City budget and service decisions; and WHEREAS, the Citywide Strategic Plan identifies “Strategic Anchors” that guide City decision- making, including Equity and Sustainability & Resiliency, and defines equity as ensuring “every member of the community has a fair opportunity to live a long, healthy, and meaningful life”4; and WHEREAS, the same Citywide Strategic Plan defines sustainability as balancing three goal areas—“(1) prosperity and jobs, (2) conservation and the environment, and (3) community health, equity, and cultural vitality”,5 directly linking sustainability to community health and equity outcomes supported by human services; and WHEREAS, the Citywide Strategic Plan includes Proactive Prevention as a Strategic Anchor and states that prevention includes “addressing social determinants of health outcomes, rather than only treating 1 City Embarks on Community-Wide Effort to Update Imagine Austin | AustinTexas.gov 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=424906&utm 3 Ibid. 4 FY25_Proposed_Bgt_Citywide_Strategic_Plan.pdf, pp. 2–3 5 FY25_Proposed_Bgt_Citywide_Strategic_Plan.pdf, p. 3 Page 1 of 3 the disease”,6 underscoring the importance of services that prevent crises and reduce long-term costs; and WHEREAS, the City’s age-friendly work is an established City priority, including implementation functions housed within Austin Public Health and updates to the Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan (as described in the City Auditor’s report on City Services for Older Adults)7; and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health has adopted goals to “prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all,” including promoting healthy behaviors across life stages and preventing and controlling chronic disease and risk factors, goals that are advanced by effective community-based human services (Austin Public …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260226-008: PARD Accessibility and Cultural Inclusion Across Demographics - Budget Neutral WHEREAS, the Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study states that it gathered a "statistically generalizable representation of historically marginalized voices, identified for purposeful sampling.”1 including Asian American and Asian immigrant older adults; Black or African American older adults; LGBTQIA+ older adults; older adults with disabilities; and older adults living at or below 60% of Austin’s Median Family Income; and WHEREAS, the study further found that "LGBTQIA+ populations report the highest isolation scores across all demographic categories.”2 demonstrating disparities affecting access to recreation and participation; and WHEREAS, the study reports that “lower-income groups earning $10,000–$49,999 show consistently elevated isolation,”3 highlighting the importance of accessible and culturally relevant programming; and WHEREAS, focus group findings reported that older adults experience "access barriers (e.g. language, disability, technology) that prevent relationship-building and community participation,”4 demonstrating the importance of accessibility and inclusion; and WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan establishes the City’s vision of Austin as "a beacon of sustainability, social equity and economic opportunity.”5 providing policy support for equitable access; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Parks and Recreation Department Long Range Plan as an amendment to Imagine Austin, establishing the official blueprint guiding parks and recreation planning6; and 1 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, p.5 2 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, p.123 3 Ibid. 4 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, p.43 5 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, June 15, 2012, p. 198 6 Our Parks, Our Future Long Range Plan | AustinTexas.gov 7 Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan Amendment, September 2025 Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, Age-Friendly Austin planning materials identify social participation and accessible public spaces as essential components supporting healthy aging and equitable inclusion7. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS: 1. Budget-Neutral Accessibility Improvements. The Parks and Recreation Department incorporate accessibility improvements into existing programs through operational adjustments that reduce barriers affecting lower-income older adults, LGBTQIA+ older adults, older adults with disabilities, and culturally diverse populations without requiring additional appropriations. 2. Budget-Neutral Cultural Inclusion Improvements. PARD strengthen cultural inclusion through partnerships, inclusive practices, and outreach within existing operational structures. 3. Alignment With Adopted City Plans. These actions shall align with Imagine Austin, the PARD Long Range Plan, and the Age-Friendly Austin framework. 4. Budget-Neutral Implementation. Implementation shall …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260226-009: Improving Job and Volunteer Access for Older Adults Across Demographics – Budget Neutral WHEREAS, the City of Austin has stated that the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan—adopted by City Council in 2012—guides City decision-making when setting goals and policies1; and WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin vision states that Austin is “a beacon of sustainability, social equity and economic opportunity… where community needs and values are recognized… and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all”2; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Office of the City Auditor reports that cities prioritize being inclusive for people as they age because “older people are a valuable resource for their families and communities”3; and WHEREAS, the City Auditor found that the City “does not have clear outreach about programs and services for older adults.”4 and that as a result “older adults may not be able to find what they need.”5 indicating improvement opportunities through clearer, more consistent outreach and navigation of existing services; and WHEREAS, the City Auditor found that the City provides services to older adults across multiple departments, and that the Age-Friendly Program Coordinator works across departments and “with over 30 community organizations”6 supporting older adults—demonstrating an existing coordination and partner infrastructure the City can leverage; and WHEREAS, the Quality of Life Study “gathered an ambitious and statistically generalizable representation of historically marginalized voices, identified for purposeful sampling by the collaborative study planning process and partners, including: Asian American and Asian immigrant older adults, Black or African American older adults, LGBTQIA+ older adults, Latino or Hispanic older adults, Older adults 1 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=430726 2 https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Imagine_Austin/IA_InfographicConnections.pdf 3 City_Services_for_Older_Adults_October_2022.pdf 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. Page 1 of 3 with disabilities, Older adults living at or below 60% of Austin's Median Family Income, Older adults living in all ten City Council districts, and Older adults living alone”7; and WHEREAS, the Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study found that “19% of older adults report wanting to work but are unable to find a job”8, further that this “group, is disproportionately represented among lower-income residents, highlighting the intersection of economic need and barriers to employment,” 9and identified barriers including ageism, functional limitations, and transportation challenges10; and WHEREAS, the Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study found that 17% of older adults experienced discrimination in places they visit regularly and 13% do not feel safe in their neighborhoods11, …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260226-007: Moratorium on Human Services Funding Reductions Pending an Inclusive, Equity-based Program Review WHEREAS, the City has publicly described Imagine Austin—first adopted by Council in 2012—as a 30- year plan that maps out a vision of Austin as “a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its citizens; and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all”1; and WHEREAS, the Planning Department’s current Imagine Austin update briefing materials describe Imagine Austin as the City’s comprehensive plan and “a guide for long-term growth, development, and land use decisions,”2 and note the plan was initially adopted in 2012 as a 30-year plan; and WHEREAS, the City’s Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan Update memorandum states that Imagine Austin “guides City decision-making when setting goals and policies.”3 reinforcing its relevance to City budget and service decisions; and WHEREAS, the Citywide Strategic Plan identifies “Strategic Anchors” that guide City decision- making, including Equity and Sustainability & Resiliency, and defines equity as ensuring “every member of the community has a fair opportunity to live a long, healthy, and meaningful life”4; and WHEREAS, the same Citywide Strategic Plan defines sustainability as balancing three goal areas—“(1) prosperity and jobs, (2) conservation and the environment, and (3) community health, equity, and cultural vitality”,5 directly linking sustainability to community health and equity outcomes supported by human services; and WHEREAS, the Citywide Strategic Plan includes Proactive Prevention as a Strategic Anchor and states that prevention includes “addressing social determinants of health outcomes, rather than only treating 1 City Embarks on Community-Wide Effort to Update Imagine Austin | AustinTexas.gov 2 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=424906&utm 3 Ibid. 4 FY25_Proposed_Bgt_Citywide_Strategic_Plan.pdf, pp. 2–3 5 FY25_Proposed_Bgt_Citywide_Strategic_Plan.pdf, p. 3 Page 1 of 4 the disease”,6 underscoring the importance of services that prevent crises and reduce long-term costs; and WHEREAS, the City’s age-friendly work is an established City priority, including implementation functions housed within Austin Public Health and updates to the Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan (as described in the City Auditor’s report on City Services for Older Adults)7; and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health has adopted goals to “prevent disease, promote health, and protect the well-being of all,” including promoting healthy behaviors across life stages and preventing and controlling chronic disease and risk factors, goals that are advanced by effective community-based human services (Austin Public …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260226-008: PARD Accessibility and Cultural Inclusion Across Demographics - Budget Neutral WHEREAS, the Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study states that it gathered a "statistically generalizable representation of historically marginalized voices, identified for purposeful sampling.”1 including Asian American and Asian immigrant older adults; Black or African American older adults; LGBTQIA+ older adults; older adults with disabilities; and older adults living at or below 60% of Austin’s Median Family Income; and WHEREAS, the study further found that "LGBTQIA+ populations report the highest isolation scores across all demographic categories.”2 demonstrating disparities affecting access to recreation and participation; and WHEREAS, the study reports that “lower-income groups earning $10,000–$49,999 show consistently elevated isolation,”3 highlighting the importance of accessible and culturally relevant programming; and WHEREAS, focus group findings reported that older adults experience "access barriers (e.g. language, disability, technology) that prevent relationship-building and community participation,”4 demonstrating the importance of accessibility and inclusion; and WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan establishes the City’s vision of Austin as "a beacon of sustainability, social equity and economic opportunity.”5 providing policy support for equitable access; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the Parks and Recreation Department Long Range Plan as an amendment to Imagine Austin, establishing the official blueprint guiding parks and recreation planning6; and 1 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, p.5 2 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, p.123 3 Ibid. 4 Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study, November 2025, p.43 5 Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, June 15, 2012, p. 198 6 Our Parks, Our Future Long Range Plan | AustinTexas.gov 7 Age-Friendly Austin Action Plan Amendment, September 2025 Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, Age-Friendly Austin planning materials identify social participation and accessible public spaces as essential components supporting healthy aging and equitable inclusion7. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS TO COUNCIL: 1. Budget-Neutral Accessibility Improvements. The Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with ACME incorporate accessibility improvements into existing programs through operational adjustments that reduce barriers affecting lower- income older adults, LGBTQIA+ older adults, older adults with disabilities, and culturally diverse populations without requiring additional appropriations. 2. Budget-Neutral Cultural Inclusion Improvements. PARD in conjunction with ACME strengthen cultural inclusion through partnerships, inclusive practices, and outreach within existing operational structures. 3. Alignment With Adopted City Plans. These actions shall align with Imagine Austin, the PARD and ACME …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260226-009: Improving Job and Volunteer Access for Older Adults Across Demographics – Budget Neutral WHEREAS, the City of Austin has stated that the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan—adopted by City Council in 2012—guides City decision-making when setting goals and policies1; and WHEREAS, the Imagine Austin vision states that Austin is “a beacon of sustainability, social equity and economic opportunity… where community needs and values are recognized… and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all”2; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Office of the City Auditor reports that cities prioritize being inclusive for people as they age because “older people are a valuable resource for their families and communities”3; and WHEREAS, the City Auditor found that the City “does not have clear outreach about programs and services for older adults.”4 and that as a result “older adults may not be able to find what they need.”5 indicating improvement opportunities through clearer, more consistent outreach and navigation of existing services; and WHEREAS, the City Auditor found that the City provides services to older adults across multiple departments, and that the Age-Friendly Program Coordinator works across departments and “with over 30 community organizations”6 supporting older adults—demonstrating an existing coordination and partner infrastructure the City can leverage; and WHEREAS, the Quality of Life Study “gathered an ambitious and statistically generalizable representation of historically marginalized voices, identified for purposeful sampling by the collaborative study planning process and partners, including: Asian American and Asian immigrant older adults, Black or African American older adults, LGBTQIA+ older adults, Latino or Hispanic older adults, Older adults 1 https://services.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=430726 2 https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Imagine_Austin/IA_InfographicConnections.pdf 3 City_Services_for_Older_Adults_October_2022.pdf 4 Ibid. 5 Ibid. 6 Ibid. Page 1 of 4 with disabilities, Older adults living at or below 60% of Austin's Median Family Income, Older adults living in all ten City Council districts, and Older adults living alone”7; and WHEREAS, the Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study found that “19% of older adults report wanting to work but are unable to find a job”8, further that this “group, is disproportionately represented among lower-income residents, highlighting the intersection of economic need and barriers to employment,” 9and identified barriers including ageism, functional limitations, and transportation challenges10; and WHEREAS, the Austin Older Adult Quality of Life Study found that 17% of older adults experienced discrimination in places they visit regularly and 13% do not feel safe in their neighborhoods11, …
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20260226-011: Elisabet Ney Museum Accessible Restroom Facility WHEREAS, the Elisabet Ney Museum is undergoing restoration and improvements; WHEREAS, the Museum lacks an accessible restroom as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act; WHEREAS, plans have been created for an accessible restroom to be constructed as part of the restoration and improvements, in partnership with the Friends of Elisabet Ney Museum, although funding and support for the addition is still being sought; and WHEREAS, the Committee has decided to recommend to the Austin City Council that it support the construction of an ADA accessible restroom to allow all visitors to fully enjoy the Museum. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds towards constructing the ADA accessible restroom at the Ney Museum. Date of Approval: February 22, 2026 Motioned By: Commissioner Thakkar Seconded By: Commissioner Benson Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Benson, Chang, Oliva-Martínez, Parsons, and Thakkar Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Commissioners Alvizo, Bullard, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, McNary, Melendez, and Wilson Attest: _____________________________________________ (Ryan Sperling, Staff Liaison)
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20260226-012: Budget Recommendation to the City Council regarding Awebility Festival WHEREAS, Commissioner Gabriel Arellano of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities will coordinate a festival celebrating individuals with disabilities and raising awareness, the Awebility Festival; WHEREAS, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities sponsors this festival with its support; WHEREAS, this festival was coordinated successfully in fall 2025 with limited resources, but desires the City of Austin’s financial support to expand its impact; and WHEREAS, the Awebility Festival will have an outsized impact relative to the cost of support and will help build a stronger community around people with disabilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds, provide services in kind, and waive any associated fees towards the Awebility Festival for 2026. Date of Approval: February 22, 2026 Motioned By: Chang Seconded By: Thakkar Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Benson, Chang, Oliva-Martínez, Parsons, and Thakkar Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Commissioners Alvizo, Bullard, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, McNary, Melendez, and Wilson Attest: ____________________________________________ (Ryan Sperling, Staff Liaison)
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260226-013: Budget Recommendation to the City Council regarding Therapeutic Recreation Program WHEREAS, the City of Austin sponsors the Therapeutic Recreation Program through the Parks and Recreation Department providing activity-based interventions to improve the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social functioning of individuals with disabilities; WHEREAS, the Therapeutic Recreation Program is held at parks around the city, often serving under resourced members of the community; WHEREAS, constituents have raised concerns about wait list times and limited locations of the program, which creates barriers to participation for those that need it most; and WHEREAS, additional funding could expand locations and improve services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate additional funds to the Therapeutic Recreation Program with the goal of expanding the locations of services and reducing wait list times. Date of Approval: February 22, 2026 Motioned By: Commissioner Chang Seconded By: Chair Afifi Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Benson, Chang, Oliva-Martínez, Parsons, and Thakkar Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Commissioners Alvizo, Bullard, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, McNary, Melendez, and Wilson Attest: _____________________________________________ (Ryan Sperling, Staff Liaison)
Social Services Framework Joint Inclusion Committee - February 26, 2026 Kerri Lang - Director, Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence Daniel Culotta - Assistant Director, Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence Agenda ▪ Context and Drivers ▪ Approach ▪ Input and Feedback ▪ Next Steps and Timelines ▪ Q&A and Discussion 2 Context & Drivers Background ▪ Drivers: ▪ The FY27 planned budget included $16.8M reductions across social services contract portfolio to balance ▪ Rather than making across-the-board cuts, ABOE is taking a data-driven approach to understand what we fund, how it aligns with community needs, and where efficiencies may exist ▪ What We’re Asking of the JIC: ▪ Help us understand which service areas are most critical to the communities you represent ▪ Inform the City’s prioritization process within the social services portfolio ▪ Provide feedback on our engagement strategy 4 Definitions • Social Services: Social services are coordinated programs and supports that help individuals and families meet essential needs and navigate social and economic challenges. These can include services related to education, healthcare access, workforce development, housing assistance, and income supports, and are intended to reduce disparities and promote stability and quality of life. A social service grant provides services to City residents or clients, rather than services to the City organization itself. • Social Services Contract: Pays someone to do something on behalf of the City that we would otherwise have to do; contracts are more rigorous and subject to procurement policy / contract law (Example: funding to a vendor to operate a City-owned homeless shelter) • Social Services Grant: Value-add with nonprofits, but not mandatory or obligated. Shorter terms, less formal authorization (Example: funding to a not-for-profit to provide workforce development programs directly to the community) 5 City of Austin’s Social Services Landscape Contracts and Grants Service Category Lead Department FY26 Budget Service Description Homelessness Services Homeless Strategy and Ops $34.9M Child & Youth Public Health / Econ Dev. $9.2M Basic Needs Public Health Crisis Response and Rehab Community Court and Public Health Behavioral Health Public Health Health Equity Public Health Workforce Development Economic Development Violence Prevention Public Health HIV Services Public Health Community Planning Public Health $5.8M $10.5M $4.3M $3.5M $2.7M $2.4M $580K $359K TOTAL $74.2M Emergency Shelter Ops, Marshaling Yard, Rapid Rehousing After-school (Prime Time), Early Childhood, Youth Development Food Access, Utility & Rent Assistance, Survivor Support Community Court Diversion, Homeless Case Management Mental Health and …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a special called meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Bondi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Bondi Justin Parsons Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amanda Afifi Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Tannya Oliva-Martínez Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on January 28, 2026. The January 28, 2026 minutes were approved on Commissioner Chang’s motion, Commissioner Thakkar’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Alvizo, Bullard, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, McNary, Melendez, and Wilson were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff briefing on Social Service Contract funding to inform the Commission’s prioritization efforts. Briefing by Kerri Lang, Director, and Daniel Culotta, Assistant Director, Office of Budget & Organizational Excellence. Briefing by Kerri Lang, Director, and Daniel Culotta, Assistant Director, Office of Budget & Organizational Excellence. 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026 DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Discussion on City budget announcements and activities. Discussion was held. Director Lang answered questions. Discussion following up on January questions for the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Discussion was held. Discussion to compile questions from commissioners to ask Austin Police Department staff. This item was postponed to the March meeting without objection on Vice Chair Bondi’s motion. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Report from the Texas Legislative Working Group regarding legislation affecting the Joint Inclusion Committee and its member commissions, and suggested follow-up advocacy. Report by Chair Afifi. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation regarding a moratorium on human services funding reductions pending an inclusive, equity-based program review. The recommendation regarding a moratorium on human services funding reductions pending an inclusive, equity-based program review was approved on Commissioner Parson’s motion, Commissioner Oliva-Martínez’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Alvizo, Bullard, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, McNary, Melendez, and Wilson were absent. 8. Approve a recommendation regarding PARD accessibility and cultural inclusion across demographics. The recommendation regarding PARD accessibility and cultural inclusion across demographics was approved on Commissioner Thakkar’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ second on a 7-0 vote. There was a motion by Commissioner Thakkar, seconded by Commissioner Parson’s, to make the below amendments: • • Insert …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025, 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: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs 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 Primary Representative: Justin Parsons Alternate Representative: Alexandria Anderson Nirali J Thakkar Nayer Sikder Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) VACANT Bryce F Laake-Stanfield Craig McNary Amanda Afifi (Chair) Becky Bullard Teresa Ferguson Diane Kanawati Christopher Wilson Andrea McIllwain Dulce Castaneda Tannya Oliva-Martínez Jerry Joe Benson VACANT KC Coyne Lisa Chang Conor H. Kelly 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 December 3. 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation providing an update on American Gateways’ successes and requesting prioritization of immigration funds in next year’s budget. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Discussion regarding feedback on the January 21st Budget Town Hall. Discussion regarding the timeline of the City’s budget process and impacts to commission recommendations. Discussion regarding the changes in the structure of Austin Equity & Inclusion over the last year. Discussion regarding Austin Police Department and protest response. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. Approve changes to working group membership. Approve amendments to the JIC 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. 10. Report from the Budget Follow-up Working Group regarding City response and implementation of commission recommendations. Update from the FY2026-27 Budget Working Group regarding collaboration on home commission …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Justin Parsons Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang Bryce Laake-Stanfield Diana Melendez Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on October 22, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Thakkar’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Melendez was off the dais. Commissioners Dorantes, Kanawati, Navarro, McIllwain, Benson, and Coyne were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding the development of a report to understand and address disparities in community conditions across neighborhoods. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion 1 The presentation was made by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity & Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the results of Get to Know Your Commissioners events. Update by Chair Afifi. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Approve bylaw amendments to add a Secretary officer role. The motion to approve a bylaw amendment to add a Secretary officer role was approved on Commissioner Laake-Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ second on a 6-1 vote. Commissioner Chang voted nay. Commissioners Dorantes, Kanawati, Navarro, McIllwain, Benson, and Coyne were absent. Approve changes to working group membership. Without objection, Chair Bondi stepped off the Digital Access Working Group, Future Commission Working Group, and Texas Legislative Working Group; Commissioner Chang joined the Digital Access Working Group and Independent Equity Office and Human Rights Office Working Group; Commissioner Parsons joined the Future Commission Working Group; and Commissioner Laake-Stanfield joined the Emergency Preparedness Working Group. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the FY2026-27 Budget Recommendations Working Group regarding its most recent working group meeting and progress on the working group goals. Update by Vice Chair Bondi. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Create working group to encourage collaboration between recommendations between home commissions. –Vice Chair Bondi Create new working group for collaboration between mayor’s committee, commission on aging, and commission on veterans’ affairs. –Commissioner Laake Stanfield. Discussion on the changes of the structure of the Equity Office over the last year. –Commissioner Chang. ADJOURNMENT Chair Afifi adjourned …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 28, 2026 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in Austin, TX. Chair Afifi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 6:13 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Bryce Laake-Stanfield Craig McNary Justin Parsons Tannya Oliva-Martínez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Diane Kanawati Diana Melendez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Dr. Aaron Alarcon – Cuts to Social Services Hector Ordaz – Budget, Arts/Culture APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on December 3. 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Laake-Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner McNary was off the dais. Commissioners Thakkar and Sikder were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 28, 2026 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation providing an update on American Gateways’ successes and requesting prioritization of immigration funds in next year’s budget. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. The presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways Discussion regarding feedback on the January 21st Budget Town Hall. Discussed. Discussion regarding the timeline of the City’s budget process and impacts to commission recommendations. Discussed. Discussion regarding the changes in the structure of Austin Equity & Inclusion over the last year. Discussed. Discussion regarding Austin Police Department and protest response. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. Approve changes to working group membership. Without objection, Craig McNary was added to the APD Office of the Community Liaison Working Group and Emergency Preparedness Working Group. Approve amendments to the JIC 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule. Discussion was held. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. 10. Report from the Budget Follow-up Working Group regarding City response and implementation of commission recommendations. Withdrawn without objection. Update from the FY2026-27 Budget Working Group regarding collaboration on home commission budget recommendation drafts and topics. Withdrawn without objection. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Final report from Texas Legislative Session Working Group – Afifi Formation of a new Texas Legislative Session Working Group - Oliva-Martínez Discussion regarding questions to ask APD – Laake-Stanfield ADJOURNMENT Chair Afifi adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m. without objection. 2 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, …
