BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-015): Emergency Housing Assistance WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, Austin continues to face a housing affordability crisis particularly impacting renters that have seen multiple years of rental increases; and WHEREAS, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Study noted that the increased cost of rental housing was the highest-ranked domain of priority for participants in the town hall meetings; and WHEREAS, in the referenced Study, 10% of respondents indicated they had been homeless in the last 5 years, 65% of respondents spent 30% or more of their income on housing while 9% spent more than half of their income; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin provided funding for a program entitled “I Belong in Austin” to provide emergency assistance for renters in danger of losing their housing including short-term rental assistance as well as moving and storage expenses to lessen the impact of forced relocation; and WHEREAS, “I Belong in Austin” had over 800 people on the waiting list when the program began this year, and that waiting list quickly grew to 4,000 before being capped at that number indicating the continuing need for this assistance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve continued funding in the next fiscal year based on an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness in preventing homelessness for diverse clients to mitigate the affordability crisis and accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabilization, economic opportunity, and affordability; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the Austin City Council directs $300K annual funding for culturally appropriate free or low-cost LGBTQIA+ affirming mental healthcare, and/or peer support services. Additionally, we recommend the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission be included in drafting the scope of work for the request for proposal process. Date of Approval: March 27, 2024 Record of the vote: 8-0, Commissioners Vargas and Gordon (ECC), Commissioners Davis and Aslam (Human Rights) absent Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice- Chair
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-016): Equity Office Data Analyst WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, Data Equity for all of the communities represented by the JIC is a pressing issue that affects and informs the services we receive or do not. It is defined by the JIC as 1) inclusion and incorporation of community expertise and research expertise to 2) ensure equity in all stages and aspects of data and research, including: ● design and development ● collection, compilation, processing, ● analysis, dissemination, and preservation; and WHEREAS, the JIC has received various staff and program presentations since its creation and one of the leading trends we see is that there is very little data collection that speaks to the nuances of how or if the diverse communities represented by the JIC is served; and WHEREAS, a Data Analyst Associate FTE position is recommended to be added to the Equity Office to complement the work they are doing with a data analyst associate that can assist in helping the Equity Office stay up to date on national data equity trends, assist with data analysis that can provide deeper insight into systematic issues and trends in available City data, and/or consult with other departments on data equity models and trends. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate the amount of $95,000 is recommended to cover 1 Data Analyst Associate FTE. Date of Approval: March 27, 2024 Record of the vote: 8-0, Commissioners Vargas and Gordon (ECC), Commissioners Davis and Aslam (Human Rights) absent Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice- Chair
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-017): Austin Public Health Immigrant Legal Services WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, the JIC strongly recommends continued funding for the Austin Public Health (APH) Immigrant Legal Services program in the FY 2024-25 budget. This program plays a critical role in supporting the well-being of Austin's immigrant population; and WHEREAS, APH Immigrant Legal Services currently has 2 contracts in place for American Gateways and 1 contract in place for Catholic Charities, all of which are set to expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The recent closure of Refugee Services of Texas has further reduced options for legal immigration assistance available in the community for refugees, many of whom are from Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Currently, we are aware that American Gateways does not have sufficient resources to serve those needing immigrant legal services and has a waitlist. We strongly recommend continued funding for the APH Immigrant Legal Services program at a level that allows it to meet the growing needs of Austin's immigrant population; and WHEREAS, contractors for this program provide critical legal assistance to immigrants in Austin. The program helps immigrants navigate the complex legal system, with a focus on areas like citizenship, deportation defense, and access to public benefits. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funding of $700,000 is recommended to continue services currently being provided along with a suggested $150,000 increase to better meet community legal needs from the closure of nonprofits serving refugees in our community. Date of Approval: March 27, 2024 Record of the vote: 7-0, Commissioner Ortega Abstaining and Commissioners Vargas and Gordon (ECC), Commissioners Davis and Aslam (Human Rights) absent Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice- Chair
. BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20240327-018): We All Belong Austin Against Hate Campaign WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin (“City”) serves as an advisory body that advocates for and inspires the City Council (“Council”) and City Manager on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion to promote close cooperation between Council, City Management, City boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city; and WHEREAS, July 2023, the City launched an anti-hate education and outreach initiative called “We All Belong” to streamline access to tools to report hate crimes and incidents, making it easier for community members to keep Austin safe. This was during a disturbing upward trend that has continued in hate crimes in the city that were anti-Semitic, racist, and homophobic and was as directed by council in a 2021 resolution; and WHEREAS, in February of this year, a stabbing attack in West Campus of a group of South Asians was classified as a hate crime after the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a wide alert about the context around the crime and held a press release at City Hall following it. Prior to that, news reports did not mention the use of racial slurs and targeting of the victim, who is Palestinian American; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee sees the continued need for the We All Belong Austin against the hate campaign and wants to see it continue its reach to along with staying current and updated with current news communities targeted disproportionately for their race, ethnicity, or religion. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate $350,000 in funding is recommended to sustain the program and campaign. Date of Approval: March 27, 2024 Record of the vote: 8-0, Commissioners Vargas and Gordon (ECC), Commissioners Davis and Aslam (Human Rights) absent . Attest: _____________________________________________ Vice-Chair
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20240327-19 Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability Date: March 27, 2024 Subject: FY25 Budget Recommendations Recommendation Motioned By: Commissioner Afifi Seconded By: Commissioner Sin Affordability is an issue that continues to come up year after year, and it was the most common issue expressed by residents at all three Quality of Life Townhalls. People continue to see increases in rent and housing costs. The family stabilization program offers more flexible access to housing support, accords more choice and dignity, reduces discrimination, and offers more efficient and cost-effective housing. The current pilot shows funds are primarily helping Latino/a/x and Black families in the Eastern crescent. Gentrification has pushed families out of the areas they have been living in, some for generations. These permanent funds help keep people in their communities. Additionally, the program is also helping families whose communication is in a language other than English. Spanish was the second most common language requested on enrollment forms. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Establish the Family Stabilization Grants as a permanent City of Austin program ● Expand funding to $3 million Rationale According to findings from a recent brief from the Urban Institute titled Guaranteed Income as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability, unrestricted cash investment addresses gaps and deficits in policies designed to address America’s housing affordability crisis. The brief reported, “Insights from a research review and policymaker interviews suggest that strategically applied cash relief could accomplish the following: 1. Offer renters facing one-time or intermittent housing shocks more flexible access to housing support. 2. Accord more choice and dignity to any renter in need of housing support. 3. Reduce exposure to voucher discrimination and offer more housing choices to marginalized populations. 4. Provide increased housing access to excluded workers. 5. Offer more efficient and cost-effective housing help to those in urgent need now.” According to UpTogether’s Central Texas 12-Month Pilot of the Strength-Based Approach: Final Report, “Between July 2021 and March 2022 members decreased their reliance on government subsidies. Fewer members applied for subsidies, vouchers, or other similar housing assistance (from 27% to 19%). The percentage of members receiving any type of government housing assistance was cut by half (16% to 8%).” Cash is an efficient and equitable form of housing assistance. UpTogether uncovered on a previous report that only 16% of members were receiving housing assistance. Some of the highlighted …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION 20240327-20 Supporting Early Childhood Education and Development Funding Date: March 27, 2024 Subject: FY24 Budget Recommendations Recommendation Motioned By: Commissioner Afifi Seconded By: Commissioner Bondi Early childhood educators, caregivers and parents of young children deserve livable wages and affordable childcare: the two are not mutually exclusive. Local governments are crucial to investing/highlighting early childhood educators especially when state and federal governments are not. Childcare is a public good, it is economic infrastructure. Description of Recommendation to Council ● $1.5 M Austin Public Health multi-year allocation to Early Childhood Education and Development funding: ○ $500,000 Early childhood education and development scholarships ■ Directly dispersed to childcare centers & registered licensed to support parents with high needs ○ $500,000 Pilot early childhood mini-grants providing emergency financial relief for home-based licensed providers and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers; Center Based Care ○ Earmark $250,000 to fund a future contract with a qualified nonprofit, selected through a competitive bidding process, to provide health insurance support and ACA website navigation assistance, specifically for the early childhood workforce. Support specific to Early Childhood providers can include, but is not limited to: ■ Education on required documentation ■ Ability to schedule appointments with Early Childhood providers when they are available ○ $250,000 to establish a no-cost lending library & EC resource center for child care providers and families (toys, curriculum, technology, etc) available at APH Neighborhood Centers and APL branch libraries. ● Recommend updating the eligibility focus to include home-based childcare providers (licensed and FFN). Rationale The cost of childcare is one of the biggest expenses families face. It is a daunting task to find affordable, high quality childcare. According to UT News, “The average cost for infant care in Texas is $777 per month, or $9,324 per year — nearly 14% of the state’s median household income of $67,321 and more expensive than a year of in-state tuition at a four-year public college.” Every child in Austin should be able to access high quality childcare without causing financial strain on the family. Childcare providers may encounter financial burdens that make it difficult for them to provide services on a consistent basis. Unexpected issues can derail childcare services. It can take time to navigate insurance claims while continuing to try and run a business. There are times the home-based childcare center may have to close as a result of the issues/damage. Emergency …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING AGENDA FEBRUARY 28th, 2024 REGULAR MEETING of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH, 2024, at 3:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 MEETING AGENDA This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, and some members of the Commission may be participating in a 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 at the beginning of the meeting. Remote speakers must register in advance (February 27th by 12pm-Noon CST). To speak or attend remotely, residents must contact the Equity Office’s Community Services Program Coordinator, Alejandra Mireles, no later than 12pm-noon (CST) on Tuesday, February 27th, email alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. To register to speak remotely, the required registration information includes 1) the speaker’s name, 2) the item number(s) they wish to speak on, 3) whether they are for/against/neutral, email address, and 4) the telephone number the speaker will be using to participate (it must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). telephone 974-8045 and/or Please 2024. (512) call at CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Primary Representative: Alternate Representative: Serita Fontanesi Antonio Ross Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice- Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs Melissa Ortega Leonor Vargas Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission Morgan Davis Rebecca Austen Teresa Ferguson Jose Caceres Eliza Gordon Ivana Neri Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Charles Curry Melissa Taylor Jennifer Powell Lira Ramirez 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING AGENDA MEETING AGENDA FEBRUARY 28th, 2024 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. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on January 24th, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Staff Briefing from Austin Transit Partnership on latest developments regarding Austin Light Rail. (Presenters: Lisa Storer, Program Manager, Sustainability and Design, Alvin Livingstone, SVP …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-004 RESOLUTION ON COMBATING ANTISEMITISM, ISLAMOPHOBIA, AND ANTI-ARAB SENTIMENTS IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND CALLS FOR A CEASEFIRE Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Human Rights Commission’s Recommendation 20231106_001 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and Calls for a Ceasefire. Motioned by: Commissioner Seconded by: Commissioner WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments are on the rise within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; WHEREAS, it is our duty as the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin to address and combat discrimination, prejudice, and hate in all its forms; WHEREAS, we recognize the importance of creating a community where every resident can live free from fear and discrimination; WHEREAS, we express profound sorrow and condemnation for the tragic loss of Israeli civilians in the attack on October 7th by Hamas, and we vehemently denounce the indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel, which has resulted in collective punishment upon the civilian population of Gaza; WHEREAS, we find it deeply troubling that a dehumanization narrative is being used to rationalize criminal acts of war within this ongoing conflict; WHEREAS, it is the solemn responsibility of the Austin City Council to uphold human rights principles and universal values; 1 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin firmly condemns all acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments within our city; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the City of Austin through all applicable agencies to: Vigorously combat acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by implementing programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and awareness. Provide support to victims of hate crimes related to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by ensuring that resources and assistance are readily available. Collaborate with community organizations to promote understanding, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue among different religious and ethnic communities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the City of Austin shall facilitate public awareness campaigns to educate our residents about the harmful effects of antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Arab, and Anti-Palestine Sentiments and encourage reporting of such incidents. BE IT FURTHER …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission’s 20240116-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Motioned by: Commissioner RECOMMENDATION: Seconded by: Commissioner In response to the ongoing Gaza Crisis and subsequent rise in hate-related incidents, the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that City Council directs City staff to execute a coordinated public awareness campaign combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab sentiment; for the Austin Police Department to develop a comprehensive coordinated response to victims of violence stemming from rhetoric of the Gaza Crisis; and calls on City Council to express support for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity, racial equity, and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, the attack on October 7th by Hamas has led to the tragic loss of Israeli civilians and the subsequent indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel has led to the continued loss of civilian lives in Gaza; WHEREAS, rhetoric as a result of the global conflict has led to incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments rising within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; WHEREAS, it is our duty as theJoint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin to address and combat discrimination, prejudice, and hate against Americans, immigrants, and refugees in all its forms in order to foster a community where every resident can live free from fear and discrimination; WHEREAS that the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin firmly condemns all acts of 1 antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments within our city; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin City Council is called upon to direct City staff in executing a coordinated public awareness campaign that combats acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by implementing programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and awareness; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Austin Police Department coordinate with relevant community organizations and direct service agencies to develop a comprehensive coordinated response of enhanced and culturally appropriate victim’s services for those who experienced violence related to the rhetoric …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-006 Transparent Hiring in Executive Leadership Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Asian American Quality-of-Life Recommendation 20240220-007 Transparent Hiring in Executive Leadership Motioned by: Commissioner Seconded by: Commissioner RECOMMENDATION: The Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that City Council members continue to direct the City Manager to cultivate a transparent and coordinated process of hiring executive leadership positions within the City of Austin, including the roles of the City Manager and Directors. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to upholding good governance principles, including transparency and public accountability; and WHEREAS, recent instances of five leadership positions, transitioning from interim to permanent without public notification and feedback, based on the City’s organizational chart released in September 2023 and January 2024, have raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the hiring process; and WHEREAS, additional questions remain regarding the efficacy of the grouping of strategic offices such as Equity, Sustainability, Civil Rights, Innovation, Small Minority Business Resources and Resilience, most which operate with interim or acting leadership and three under one acting director; and WHEREAS, Interim City Manager Jesús Garza, in a memo dated January 30, 2024, addressed these concerns by acknowledging ongoing communication with Council Members and outlining his plans for key personnel hires within the next 90 days; and WHEREAS, while the City Manager has discretion over hiring and organizational structure, the many appointed and newly created executive leadership positions since late 2022 has caused significant community and negative news concern; and WHEREAS, a transparent and inclusive hiring process fosters public trust, attracts qualified 1 candidates from diverse backgrounds, and ensures a deliberate selection of the best individual for the job; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: 1. Strongly urges City Council to direct the City Manager to properly and meaningfully reinforce the authority of the Strategic Offices of Equity, Sustainability, Civil Rights, Innovation, Small Minority Business Resources and Resilience as equals alongside other City Departments with Director information listed in the City’s organizational chart; 2. Advises the City Council to adopt a policy requiring the City Manager to prioritize public listing and a competitive application process for executive leadership positions, including positions only open to internal hires; 3. Recommends that City Council considers requiring new City Manager leadership provide them with more frequent or regularly scheduled executive staffing and leadership updates including discussion …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-004 RESOLUTION ON COMBATING ANTISEMITISM, ISLAMOPHOBIA, AND ANTI-ARAB SENTIMENTS IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN AND CALLS FOR A CEASEFIRE Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Human Rights Commission’s Recommendation 20231106_001 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and Calls for a Ceasefire. Motioned by: Commissioner Melissa Ortega Seconded by: Commissioner Morgan Davis WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments are on the rise within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; WHEREAS, the City of Austin created the Joint Inclusion Committee in City Ordinance No. 20200827-013 so that it 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 agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion of the city; WHEREAS, it is our duty as the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin to address and combat discrimination, prejudice, and hate in all its forms; WHEREAS, we recognize the importance of creating a community where every resident can live free from fear and discrimination; WHEREAS, we express profound sorrow and condemnation for the tragic loss of Israeli civilians in the attack on October 7th by Hamas, and we vehemently denounce the indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel, which has resulted in collective punishment upon the civilian population of Gaza; WHEREAS, we find it deeply troubling that a dehumanization narrative is being used to rationalize criminal acts of war within this ongoing conflict; WHEREAS, it is the solemn responsibility of the Austin City Council to uphold human rights principles and universal values; 1 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin firmly condemns all acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments within our city; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that the City of Austin through all applicable agencies to: Vigorously combat acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by implementing programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and awareness. Provide support to victims of hate crimes related to antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by ensuring that resources and assistance are readily …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission’s 20240116-005 Resolution on Combating Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab Sentiments in the City of Austin and promoting a peaceful resolution for all. Motioned by: Commissioner Julie Glasser Seconded by: Commissioner Melissa Ortega RECOMMENDATION: In response to the ongoing Gaza Crisis and subsequent rise in hate-related incidents, the Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that City Council directs City staff to execute a coordinated public awareness campaign combating antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Anti-Arab sentiment and for the Austin Police Department to develop a comprehensive coordinated response to victims of violence stemming from rhetoric of the Gaza Crisis. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity, racial equity, and upholds the principles of equality and human rights; WHEREAS, the attack on October 7th by Hamas has led to the tragic loss of Israeli civilians and the subsequent indiscriminate retaliation by the State of Israel has led to the continued loss of civilian lives in Gaza; WHEREAS, rhetoric as a result of the global conflict has led to incidents of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments rising within our city, posing a significant threat to the well-being and safety of our diverse communities; WHEREAS, it is our duty as the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin to address and combat discrimination, prejudice, and hate against Americans, immigrants, and refugees in all its forms in order to foster a community where every resident can live free from fear and discrimination; WHEREAS, that the Joint Inclusion Committee of the City of Austin firmly condemns all acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments within our city; 1 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Austin City Council is called upon to direct City staff in executing a coordinated public awareness campaign that combats acts of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab sentiments by implementing programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, education, and awareness; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Austin Police Department coordinate with relevant community organizations and direct service agencies to develop a comprehensive coordinated response of enhanced and culturally appropriate victim’s services for those who experienced violence related to the rhetoric from the conflict; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) RECOMMENDATION 20240228-006 Transparent Hiring in Executive Leadership Date: February 28th, 2024 Subject: Joint Endorsement of the Asian American Quality-of-Life Recommendation 20240220-007 Transparent Hiring in Executive Leadership Motioned by: Commissioner Serita Fontanesi Seconded by: Commissioner Morgan Davis RECOMMENDATION: The Joint Inclusion Committee recommends that City Council members continue to direct the City Manager to cultivate a transparent and coordinated process of hiring executive leadership positions within the City of Austin, including the roles of the City Manager and Directors. DESCRIPTION OF RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to upholding good governance principles, including transparency and public accountability; and WHEREAS, recent instances of five leadership positions, transitioning from interim to permanent without public notification and feedback, based on the City’s organizational chart released in September 2023 and January 2024, have raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the hiring process; and WHEREAS, additional questions remain regarding the efficacy of the grouping of strategic offices such as Equity, Sustainability, Civil Rights, Innovation, Small Minority Business Resources and Resilience, most which operate with interim or acting leadership and three under one acting director; and WHEREAS, Interim City Manager Jesús Garza, in a memo dated January 30, 2024, addressed these concerns by acknowledging ongoing communication with Council Members and outlining his plans for key personnel hires within the next 90 days; and WHEREAS, while the City Manager has discretion over hiring and organizational structure, the many appointed and newly created executive leadership positions since late 2022 has caused significant community and negative news concern; and 1 WHEREAS, a transparent and inclusive hiring process fosters public trust, attracts qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, and ensures a deliberate selection of the best individual for the job; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: 1. Strongly urges City Council to direct the City Manager to properly and meaningfully reinforce the authority of the Strategic Offices of Equity, Sustainability, Civil Rights, Innovation, Small Minority Business Resources and Resilience as equals alongside other City Departments with Director information listed in the City’s organizational chart; 2. Advises the City Council to adopt a policy requiring the City Manager to prioritize public listing and a competitive application process for executive leadership positions, including positions only open to internal hires; 3. Recommends that City Council considers requiring new City Manager leadership provide them with more frequent or regularly scheduled executive staffing and …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 28th, 2024 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE convened a REGULAR meeting on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28th, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. CST in the CITY OF AUSTIN at the Boards and Commission Rooms #1101 in City Hall (301 W. 2nd 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 (Co-Chair) Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Serita Fontanesi Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission: Sonny Sin Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission for Women: Julie Glasser Early Childhood Council: Eliza Gordon Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission: Melissa Taylor Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell Staff in Attendance: Alejandra Mireles, Community Services Program Coordinator, Equity Office 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. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on January 24th, 2024. 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 28th, 2024 The minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER MORGAN DAVIS’s motion, COMMISSIONER MELISSA TAYLOR’s second on a 10-0 vote. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff Briefing from Austin Transit Partnership on latest developments regarding Austin Light Rail. (Presenters: Lisa Storer, Program Manager, Sustainability and Design, Alvin Livingstone, SVP Engineering, and Yannis Banks, Public Involvement Manager) See back up for presentation. Staff in attendance to share advances of Austin’s Light Rail Project. Staff shares that the project is continuing, and work is being done in three areas – design, needing to meet National Environmental Protection Act, and receiving funding from the Federal Transit Authority. Staff share that a virtual open house will be available for voluntary feedback. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI asks a follow up question: will the south section/option 2 will include a pedestrian access; answer, yes at the station and in the changes around 22-29th street from 22nd-27 there would be buses and bike lanes running through the center, while car vehicles would be rerouted. COMMISSIONER SONNY SIN thanks staff for presentation, asks a follow up question: is safety is being considered around the elevated platform on the south of …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING AGENDA JANUARY 24, 2024 REGULAR MEETING of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. CST CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISISONS RM #1101 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 MEETING AGENDA This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, and some members of the Commission may be participating in a video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or via telephone. Remote speakers must register in advance (January 23rd by 12pm-Noon CST). All public comments will occur at the beginning of the meeting and public speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. To speak or attend remotely, residents must contact the Equity Office’s Community Services Program Coordinator, Alejandra Mireles, no later than 12pm-noon (CST) on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024. Please telephone call at (512) 974- 8045 and/or email alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. The information required is the speaker’s name, the item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address, and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Primary Representative: Alternate Representative: Serita Fontanesi Antonio Ross Hanna Huang Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice- Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs Melissa Ortega Leonor Vargas Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission Morgan Davis Rebecca Austen Teresa Ferguson Jose Caceres Eliza Gordon Ivana Neri Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Charles Curry Melissa Taylor Jennifer Powell Lira Ramirez 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING AGENDA MEETING AGENDA JANUARY 24, 2024 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 COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on DECEMBER 6TH 2023. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion and follow up on City Executive Leadership vacancies and hirings. A discussion of a proposed housing workshop for quality of life Commissions and their Housing Workgroups, facilitated and presented by the City's Housing Department, to provide Commissions and Commission Housing Workgroups information on housing …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING MINUTES 01.24.2024 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE convened a REGULAR meeting on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24th, 2024 at 3:00 P.M. CST in the CITY OF AUSTIN at the Boards and Commission Rooms #1101 in City Hall (301 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701). Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Co-Chair) LGBTQ Quality of life Commission: Charles Curry Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Nayer Sikder and Hanna Huang Commission for Women: Rebecca Austen Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Early Childhood Council: Leonor Vargas Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Lira Ramirez and Jennifer Powell Commissioners Absent: African American Resource Advisory Commission: Serita Fontanesi & Antonio Ross Staff in Attendance: Equity Office, Community Services Program Coordinator – Alejandra Mireles PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on DECEMBER 6TH 2023. The DECEMBER 6th, 2023 meeting minutes were approved on COMMISSIONER CHARLES CURRY’s motion, COMMISSIONER MORGAN DAVIS’ second, on a 1 3. JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) MEETING MINUTES 01.24.2024 8-0 vote (Absent: Commissioner Serita Fontanesi and Antonio Ross; off the dais: Commissioner Leonor Vargas) DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion and follow up on City Executive Leadership vacancies and hirings. COMMISSIONER AMANDA AFIFI shares that a small panel met with the deputy city manager position and the panel recommended two of the three candidates. No update on that position since then. COMMISSIONER HANNA HUANG shares that the airport has hired internally – AARCC member is moving to a manager position. Some appointments may be happening; and the chronicle reported that there is an executive session with the interim city manager next week and then we may hear more after. COMMISSIONER RICHARD BONDI reminds the Commission that this discussion item stems from the possibility of having action on this and what are people thinking about possible action moving forward. A discussion of a proposed housing workshop for quality of life Commissions and their Housing Workgroups, facilitated and presented by the City's Housing Department, to provide Commissions and Commission Housing Workgroups information on housing programs and respond to questions. COMMISSIONER CHARLES CURRY gives the Commission background information from …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING AGENDA December 6th, 2023 REGULAR MEETING of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6th, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. CST CITY OF AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PDC) ROOMS 1401 & 1402 (6310 WILHEMINA DRIVE; AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752) 301 W. 2ND STREET, AUSTIN, TX 78701 MEETING AGENDA This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, and some members of the Commission may be participating in a video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or via telephone. Remote speakers must register in advance (December 5th by 12pm-Noon CST). All public comments will occur at the beginning of the meeting and public speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. To speak or attend remotely, residents must contact the Equity Office’s Community Services Program Coordinator, Alejandra Mireles, no later than 12pm-noon (CST) on Tuesday, December 5th, 2023. Please telephone call at (512) 974- 8045 and/or email alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. The information required is the speaker’s name, the item number(s) they wish to speak on, whether they are for/against/neutral, email address, and telephone number (must be the same number that will be used to call into the meeting). CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Primary Representative: Alternate Representative: Serita Fontanesi Antonio Ross Hanna Huang Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice- Chair) Commission on Immigrant Affairs Melissa Ortega Leonor Vargas Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission Morgan Davis Rebecca Austen Teresa Ferguson VACANT Eliza Gordon Ivana Neri Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Charles Curry Melissa Taylor JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING AGENDA December 6th, 2023 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Jennifer Powell Lira Ramirez MEETING 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 COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on SEPTEMBER 27th, 2023. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEM 3. Jessica King, Director of Chief Communications, Communication and Public Information Office. Opportunity for funds for organizations who host events aligned with the city’s “We all belong” campaign. Discussion on the last …
