BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20250326-011: Family Stabilization Program as a Mechanism for Promoting Housing Stability WHEREAS, affordability continues to be one of the most common issues expressed by residents. 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; and WHEREAS, at the Community Voices & Choices: Joint Inclusion Committee FY26 Budget Input Sessions, several residents expressed support again for the ongoing funding of this program; and WHEREAS, according to findings from the Urban Institute’s report titled Evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, it can be very difficult for cities like Austin to meet their residents’ needs through subsidized house programs, as federal housing programs have limited reach and limited funding; and WHEREAS, even Austin residents that are lucky enough to receive federal housing assistance continue to struggle with housing issues, and about 40% of households nationally that receive a voucher never successfully lease a unit; and WHEREAS, in Austin, most voucher holders were only able to move to less desirable housing on the outskirts of the city, which may cause additional burdens like poor transportation options, limited access to healthy foods, limited access to medical care, and employment and caregiving challenges. WHEREAS, ot her forms of housing assistance provide specific housing units; however, this comes with its own problems. Residents have limited options, if any. Buildings are only required to keep their rents affordable for a certain period of time, and then they can increase rent, these units are set up to be affordable based on the area median income (AMI), and they do not provide the deep affordability that residents need; and WHEREAS, according to the report, Austin’s local affordable housing inventory lists six times the number of units with rents set to be affordable at 80 percent of AMI as units with rents set to be affordable at 30 percent of AMI, Additionally, these units offer set rental prices, and the person is still responsible for paying the full rent even if they experience job insecurity; and WHEREAS, according to findings from the Urban Institute’s report titled Evaluation of the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, participants reported spending, on average, more than 50% of their pilot cash to cover housing costs, and the average share participants spent on housing was more than twice as much spending in any other …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250326-012): Quality of Life Studies for Commissions WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee is currently made up of eleven commissions each representing a specific demographic; and WHEREAS, each of the member commissions of the Joint Inclusion Committee is tasked with representing their specific demographic and information, such as is contained in a thorough Quality of Life Study is vital to such representation; and WHEREAS, results from Quality of Life studies can have significant impact on the work of Joint Inclusion Committee member commissions, as it may take months or years to implement the issues that surface from these studies; and WHEREAS, the African American Resource Advisory Commission had a quality of life study that was completed 2006; and WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission had a quality of life study that was completed 2013; and WHEREAS, the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission had a quality of life study that was completed 2015; and WHEREAS, the Commission on Immigrant Affairs has not had a quality of life study; and WHEREAS, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, and Queer Quality of Life Advisory Commission and the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities each had a quality of life study that was completed 2021; and WHEREAS, there was a recent study completed at the state level on Veterans Affairs that was completed in 2024; and WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission had funds approved for a quality of life study, initially expected to be spent in 2022 or 2023, but ended up not having the study; and Page 1 of 2 WHEREAS, the Early Childhood Council, the Commission for Women, and the Commission on Aging all have quality of life studies in progress; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to fund Quality of Life studies for the Commission on Immigrant Affairs, the African American Resource Advisory Commission, the Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission, the Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission, at an approximate cost of $800K each in the upcoming budget cycle. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to fund a quality of life study for the Commission on Veterans Affairs, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Transgender, and Queer Quality of Life Advisory Commission, the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities, in …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250326-013): Expansion of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Outreach WHEREAS, there is increased awareness and anxiety about the potential risk of wildfires in Austin1 2; and WHEREAS, according to FEMA National Risk Index3, the natural hazard risk for Travis County is relatively high4; and WHEREAS, four years after the deadly blackout in the Austin area due downed power lines and the power grids’ reliability remains in question5 and outages continue6 7; and WHEREAS, while power outages impact the entire population, studies confirm that children, non-English speakers, racial/ethnic minorities, and older adults are at greater risk during power outages than the general population8; and WHEREAS, most Austinites are not aware of the potential risks of different types of natural disasters in their geographic area, such as wildfires, flood, ground water contamination, and wind damage, etc.; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management already has an extensive plan involving City, County, and Police, Fire, and Sherrif departments9; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to expand the groups included in the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Team to include the following: 1 As wildfire anxiety grows, Austin plans to designate half the city as at risk of fire damage - Austin MonitorAustin Monitor 2 First Warning: Extreme wildfire risk on Tuesday | KXAN Austin 3 National Risk Index | FEMA.gov 4 Community Report - Travis County, Texas | National Risk Index 5 Four years after deadly blackout, doubts remain over reliability of Texas’ power grid : NPR 6 Power outages slam Central Texas due to high winds 7 Ice storm, wild weather reveals vulnerability of Austin's power grid - CSMonitor.com 8 Understanding the social impacts of power outages in North America: a systematic review - IOPscience 9 basic_plan_update_10-24.pdf Page 1 of 2 • • Inclusion of a broad spectrum of grass roots community organizations in the notification and reporting of incidents as they are best positioned to reach out to their respective demographics, Inclusion employers in the notifications of emergencies and additional of as many people are likely to be in touch with their employers during these events. Contacting employers could be coordinated with the Secretary of State who has records of organizations doing business in the area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee 202503026-014: Extend the deadline f or the Joint Inclusion Co mmittee to submit their budget recommendations to April 30 of each budget cycle WHEREAS, budget recommendations timeline calls by March 31 of each year; and the current budget process for all Boards and Commissions to finalize their WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion recommendations integrating and groups; Committee from 11 Commissions represented is one such Commission (JIC) charged with giving voice to and on it that touch underrepresented WHEREAS, December, January, many of the Boards and Commissions and February of each year; and have ongoing discussions during of budget priorities WHEREAS, to complete staff work; and those discussions are essential elements in gathering community input and allowing City Staff WHEREAS, boards it is problematic and commissions to request that the JIC be required to gather and integrate eleven different at the same the eleven commissions their input. are consolidating NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint recommendations JIC to submit their budget the deadline Committee for the year. to April 30 of each budget recommends be extended Inclusion Date of Approval: March 26, 2025 Record of the vote: 9-0 , Motion Commissioner Ortega Abstaining Commissioner Sin , Second Commissioner Chang, Attest: Commissioner Bondi, Vice Chair
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250326-015): Increase Funding for Homeless Strategy Office WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographer has provided information that the aging population in Austin is the fastest growing segment of our city, currently representing 10.8% of our population1; and WHEREAS, in 2024 over 27.6% of our unhomed population in Austin was 50 years of age or older2; and WHEREAS, homelessness decreases a person’s life expectancy and unhouse people over 50 tend to present as much older medically and have a greater need for social services than other unhomed populations3; and WHEREAS, while Austin leads the nation in new affordable housing construction4, in order to address the dynamic and multifaceted natures of poverty, homelessness, and housing instability as well as to accelerate access to concrete supports, dismantle systemic inequities, and mitigate barriers to healthy living, individuals and families, especially older adults and their caregivers with low incomes need access to safe, stable, and affordable housing bolstered by wraparound supportive services5; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to approve additional funds and explore all available means to provide additional social services funding for the Homeless Strategy Office to allow them to better serve homeless people over 50 years of age in Austin. Date of Approval: _________________________ Record of the vote: 10-0, Motion Commissioner Afifi, Second Commissioner Davis 1 “Age of Change, Austin’s Transforming Demographics 2010-2010”, City of Austin Planning Department, Published September 2023 and Updated August 2024. 2 “State of the HRS, A Report on the State of the Homelessness Response System in Austin/Travis County,” ECHO, August 2024, p. 11. 3 “State of the HRS, A Report on the State of the Homelessness Response System in Austin/Travis County,” ECHO, August 2024, p. 11. 4 https://www.kut.org/housing/2025-02-18/austin-tx-affordable-housing-construction-study 5 https://acf.gov/ocs/programs/ahssd March 26, 2025 Attest: _____________________________________________ Commissioner Bondi, Vice Chair
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250326-016): Funds for Senior Transportation Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin Demographer has provided information that the aging population in Austin is the fastest growing segment of our city, currently representing 10.8% of our population1; and WHEREAS, according to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center, as the nation’s aging population continues to rise – with 1 in every 5 Americans expected to be 65+ by 2020 – the provision of safe and accessible transportation options remains a top concern of older adults, caregivers and the communities where they live2; and WHEREAS, older adults and those with a disability who cannot secure rides to social events can feel isolated from their communities, which puts them at risk for depression and cognitive decline3; and WHEREAS, according to City of Austin transportation data in 2022, less than 50% of our population has access to innovative public transit service or is within one quarter mile of regular fixed route transit4, lack of access is even more difficult for older adults and people with disabilities as they often need door to door services; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to fund $250,000 in Austin Public Health’s Social Services grant funds annually specifically for older adult transportation programs, to insure our older adults and those with disabilities have access to medical appointments, food and necessities as well as social interaction to prevent isolation. 1 “Age of Change, Austin’s Transforming Demographics 2010-2010”, City of Austin Planning Department, Published September 2023 and Updated August 2024. 2 https://www.nadtc.org/about/transportation-aging-disability/unique-issues-related-to-older-adults-and- transportation/ 3 “How Access to Affordable Transportation Leads to Better Health Outcomes for Older Adults”, National Council on Aging, June 17, 2024. 4 https://data.austintexas.gov/Transportation-and-Mobility/M-C-3_Percentage-of-population-that-has-access-to- /p3t8-4eip Page 1 of 2 Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: 10-0, Motion Commissioner Sin, Second Commissioner Chang Attest: _____________________________________________ Commissioner Bondi, Vice Chair Page 2 of 2 March 26, 2025
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20250326-018: Home Delivered Meals for Older Adults WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2023/2024 the City of Austin removed funding for home delivered meals from the Safety Net Funding; and WHEREAS, prior to that, the City of Austin had consistently funded home delivered meals for older adults and people with disabilities since the 1970’s; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population represents 10.8% of the total population1 and the median age of Austin’s older adults is 72.7 years2; and WHEREAS, greater than 30% of Austin’s older adult population include groups that are historically underserved: • Asian older adults represent 7.4% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Black older adults represent 8.6% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Hispanic older adults represent 20.5% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults, • Non-Hispanic or White older adults represent 60.8% of 105,467 Austin’s older adults3; and WHEREAS, of Austin’s older adults, 27.6% are individuals living with a disability and 9.5% are living below poverty.4 WHEREAS, despite Austin’s increase in the older adult population, increasing at a growth rate of 64.7% between 2010 and 2020 (from 55,695 in 2010, or 7.0% of population to 91,733 in 2020, or 9.5% of the population)5 City funding of older adult programs is less than of other cities of comparable size; and 1 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates and 2020 decennial census. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates 5 https://demographics-austin.hub.arcgis.com/apps/a4e31fc68d37449b8e3c044e249699bc/explore WHEREAS, people who are unable to prepare their own meals or are enduring economic hardships, home delivered meals are an upstream solution, helping them to stay in their homes, living with dignity and independence. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committeeencourages the Austin City Council to fund home delivered meals in the amount of $700,000. Date of Approval: ________________________ Record of Vote: 9-0 (Commissioner Bondi Abstained) Motion Commissioner Benson, Second Commissioner McIllwain Attest: _____________________________________ Commissioner Bondi, Vice Chair March 26, 2025
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: (20250326-019): Native American & Indigenous Community Commission WHEREAS, out of the sixty-seven City of Austin Boards and Commissions, none are focused on representing the needs of Native Americans and Indigenous communities1; and WHEREAS, all the City of Austin land was originally populated by local tribes, particularly the Coahuiltecan peoples and later the Chickasaw, Cherokee, Comanche, Delaware, Lipan Apache and Tonkawa with the acknowledgement that many tribes, known and unknown have resided and migrated on these lands and region over time; and WHEREAS, the local group, Great Promise for Native Americans has identified local members of the Native American & Indigenous Community interested in serving on such a commission; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to create a Native American & Indigenous Community Commission, comprised of eleven members for the purpose of advising and consulting with City Council on all matters that impact the Native American and Indigenous community, including preserving culture, economic development, education, and health & wellness. The commission shall evaluate and recommend programs, policies, and practices that create a positive impact; determine the needs of Native Americans and the Indigenous community in Austin and advise Council regarding these needs; and promote the contributions of Native Americans and the Indigenous community to the cultural, economic, and historical value of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging requests the Austin City Council to direct that commissioners are representatives from any of these groups, as well as federally and state recognized tribal members: • Great Promise for American Indians, • Central Texas Cherokee Township, • Chickasaw Community Council of Central Texas, • Native American HEART, and • Native American and Indigenous Collective. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee requests that the Austin City Council allows the commission to review its membership and community participation after the first 1 Boards and Commissions | AustinTexas.gov two years of operation and determine if additional representation from the Native American and Indigenous community groups is required. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: 10-0, Motion Commissioner McIllwain, Second Commissioner Chanag Attest: _____________________________________________ Commissioner Bondi, Vice Chair March 25, 2025
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Joint Inclusion Committee 20250326-020:Fami ly Stabilization and Equity Office WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 32% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 94% of the children in households with low income under age 6 are children of color; and WHEREAS, decades of research world because weight, or with chronic school; and born into poverty illnesses, children prove that disadvantages and children begin the moment children of color are disproportionately than their peers to be ready for, or successful come into the at low born early, at and are less likely WHEREAS, work; and Up Together has had proven social and economic outcomes from their recent City of Austin WHEREAS, most families supported by the Up Together project are families ; and with young children WHEREAS, the Equity Office has managed and supported ongoing investment with UpTogether. NOW, THEREFORE, Austin make the $1.3 million path to expandin g the investment to $3 million annually. BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee that the City of recommends investment in the Family Stabilization Grant permanent and create a clear BE IT FURTHER sustain inves that the Joint Inclusion Committee tment in the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Equity encourages Division RESOLVED the Austin as a vital City of Austin function. City Council to Date of Approval: March 26, 2025 Record of the vote: 10-0, Motion Commissioner Ortega, Second Commissioner Benson Attest: - Commissioner Bondi, Vice Chair
BOARD/COMMIISSION RECOMMENDATION JointI lnclusion Committee 20250326-022 Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Childcare Providers WHEREAS, in the City of Austin, 32% of children under age 6 live in households with low income; and WHEREAS, 94% of the children in households and with low income under age 6 are children of color; decades of research prove that disadvantages begin the moment children come into the children born into poverty illnesses, at low born early, at and are less likely than their peers to be ready for, or successful and children of color are disprop ortionately or with chronic WHEREAS, world because weight, school; and WHEREAS, state, systems and programs have expired many of the federal, economic in 2025; and or are expiring and local recovery funds invested in early childhood Child Care Scholarship programs through Workforce Solutions at this time, and as of December 2024, the estimated Capital Area are at capacity, amount of time a family no WHEREAS, new funding applying outreached is available for a scholarship for enrollment at that time will likely is 24 months; and remain on a waitlist before they could expect to be WHEREAS, or trusted neighbors and Neighbor) who provide home-based care typically childcare aunts, for three or fewer unrelated grandparents, and FFN (Family, involves Friend, children; close friends, Family, WHEREAS, culturally and linguistically parents community; relevant to entrust their child's and Friend, and Neighbor {FFN) early education, care is often chosen and the personal for its flexibility, affordability, connection it provides-allowing learning and care to someone they already know and trust within their WHEREAS, of FFN service there are legal issues providers; and to be resolved regarding direct financial support to the broad spectrum WHEREAS, the Early Childhood and GO! Austin/iVAMOS! Austin investment in the Childcare sector; and Council has had input from the community's (GAVA), all calling for significantly increased By 6 Coalition Success local government {SX6) WHEREAS, GAVA has requested $350,000 for programs to provide providers and $200,000 a mobile lending to help develop a pipeline of FFN service library for home-based family childcare providers . NOW, THEREFORE, Austin direct other BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Ilnclusi and the Economic Development Austin Public Health on Committee Department recommends the City of to work with GAVA and during input sources community Family, Friends, • Resolves • Finalizes allow, and Neighbor support that: potential around providing budget any new FFN-related financial items that …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via videoconference Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Division) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Becky Bullard Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Jennifer Powell Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Lisa Chang 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s REGULAR MEETING on JANUARY 22, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on the Budget Recommendation Writing Process for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissions. Discussion on member Commissions FY26 Budget Recommendation’s topics and progress. Discussion on maintaining quorum in the Joint Inclusion Committee’s member Commissioners through the FY2025-26 Budget Recommendation writing period by using the City’s holdover period. Discussion on updates from the Commission on Aging on the Age Friendly Action Plan as it relates to …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE (JIC) convened a regular meeting on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST in the BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ROOM #1101 (301 W. Second Street, Austin, Texas 78701) Chair AMANDA AFIFI called the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commission on Aging: Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) African American Resource Advisory Commission: Elaina Fowler Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Nayer Sikder Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Melissa Ortega Commission on Veterans Affairs: Curtis Wyman Commission for Women: Diana Melendez Early Childhood Council: Andrea McIllwain Hispanic Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Human Rights Commission: Morgan Davis LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Commission: Jerry Joe Benson Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: Jennifer Powell & Lisa Chang PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Sarah Lass, Immigrant Hall of Honor National Museum shares a video to introduce the nonprofit. Scott Johnson, requesting funds for utility assistance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1 1. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Approve the minutes of the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on DECEMBER 18, 2024. The minutes for the JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s DECEMBER 18TH, 2024 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING were approved at the JANUARY 22nd 2025 REGULAR MEETING on COMMISSIONER JERRY JOE BENSON’s motion, COMMISSIONER ELAINA FOWLER’s second, on a 9-0 vote (Off the dais: Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner Morgan Davis). Briefing from David Gray, Officer of the Homeless Strategy Office and Mandy DeMayo, Department Director of Housing and Planning updates on their offices and departments fiscal year 2024-2025 budget as they relate to City programs and services for housing and residents experiencing homelessness. Mandy DeMayo shares the source of funds from the City’s FY25 Budget equal $96.3M. She also shares that Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)’s Site-Based PSH comes from Capital, Wrap Around Services, and Rental Subsidy. Currently there are 480 …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via videoconference Public comment will be allowed in person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Division) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Becky Bullard Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Jennifer Powell Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Lisa Chang 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Approve changing the name of the Investigating the involvement of Indigenous People and/or Native Americans to afford the group a voice Workgroup, to the Native American and Indigenous Community partnership workgroup, with the purpose of co-developing a Native American and Indigenous Community Commission. 2
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION WHEREAS, the latest City of Austin Demographer data shows Austin residents as 1.5% Asian/Asian American, 7% Black/African American, 11% Hispanic/Latino/o/x, are 51% white; and WHEREAS, the City’s Advancing Immigrant Corporation reports 20%% of residents are foreign born; and WHEREAS, the latest City of Austin Demographer data shows indicated 22% of respondents identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community; and Recommendation Number: (20250226-09): Sustained Funding Undoing Racism Workshop Through Equity Division 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, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest-growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and Joint Inclusion Committee D R A F T WHEREAS, in the last twelve months, the City of Austin has seen an increase in discrimination, targeting and persecution of multiple ethnicities; and WHEREAS, the Equity Division mission is “To provide leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for Austinites and achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the nation for ALL;” and WHEREAS, the Equity Divsion advances its mission by hosting Undoing Racism in collaboration with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. WHEREAS, The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond’s vision is to work with communities so that residents can be “girded with a clear sense of their own power, sustaining a quality of life that is far beyond survival. We envision them nurturing their cultures, preserving their history, and cultivating their economies. We envision these communities being in harmony with one another and with other WHEREAS, while not an all-inclusive list, all of the demographics specified above are at risk for discrimination and being targeted, generally the older adults in those populations are the most vulnerable; and segments of the global community.” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to act to maintain and approve funding for the Equity Division’s renewed 5-year contract with The People’s Institute …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Aging Recommendation Number: 20250212012: Older Adult Focus at City Job Fairs WHEREAS, the City of Austin will hold the 14th Annual City of Austin Career Expo on April 2, 2025, designed to facilitate employer hiring needs and the employment needs of job seekers1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin regularly holds additional job fair(s) throughout the year2; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin regularly holds one 50+ Community Job Fair per year that includes employers that primarily specialize in providing jobs and resources for individuals who are over the age of 503 and are marketed to older adults who choose to or need to continue working past traditional retirement age; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population represents 10.8% of the total population4; and WHEREAS, older adults job seekers frequently face ageism5,6 and 78% of people between the ages of 40 and 65 said they had seen age discrimination in the workplace7; and WHEREAS, older adult job seekers re-entering the workforce may be out of touch with the latest technology; and WHEREAS, AARP is one of numerous sources advising unique approaches for older adults seeking employment8,9 ;and other NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to direct the City to add one or two speakers to each job fair that would cover informational topics, such as how to: • • navigate new technology involved in résumé submittal, and • maintain self-confidence during the job search. repurpose a long career to pursue new interests, 1 City of Austin Career Expo | AustinTexas.gov 2 City of Austin Fair Chance Hiring Job Fair on July 25 | AustinTexas.gov 3 City of Austin 50+ Community Job Fair on September 25 | AustinTexas.gov 4 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates and 2020 decennial census. 5 15 Frustrating Reasons Why People Over 50 Struggle to Find Jobs - Housely 6 https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2024/04/16/how-to-find-a-job-if-you-are-55-or-older/ 7 The 5 Secrets for Getting Hired After 50 8 The 5 Secrets for Getting Hired After 50 9 How To Find A Job If You Are 55 Or Older The Commission on Aging can research local professionals to assist with speaker placement if needed. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Unanimous on a 9-0 vote. Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) February 12, 2025Richard Bondi, Chair
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Commission on Veterans Affairs Recommendation Number: 2025xxxx-xxx WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to be a national leader in supporting its veteran and military community by providing comprehensive services and addressing critical issues such as housing, employment, mental health, and community reintegration; WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs has accumulated information concerning the needs of veterans in the Austin community through testimony from community members, veteran service organizations, non-profit groups, and city employees as well as the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment indicating that current support and access to Veteran services in Austin is insufficient; WHEREAS, the City Council passed Resolution No. 20240814-021 directing the City Manager to develop a Veterans Affairs Action Plan to address recommendations for staffing, budget, organizational structure, and resources necessary for the effective provision of services; WHEREAS, the Interim Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion reported to the Mayor and City Council in January 2025 that she reviewed and concurs with the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment that barriers exist in the City of Austin to ensuring local veterans have access to services and support; WHEREAS, the City Council has previously recognized the great need for Veteran support services and adopted Resolution No. 20211209-057 directing the City Manager to explore the establishment of a Veterans and Military Affairs Office, identifying costs, possible funding sources, and steps associated with establishing this office; WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs passed Recommendations No. 20200115-B003 and No. 20240320-006 encouraging consolidation of all veteran and military-related initiatives, programs, and personnel dispersed throughout the City of Austin government into a single office to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery; and WHEREAS, establishing an Office of Military and Veterans Affairs reporting to the City Manager, as is found in most large cities in Texas, will strengthen the City’s commitment to addressing the needs of Veterans in our community and supporting the Veterans and currently serving National Guard and Reserve members working in the City of Austin government. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Veterans Affairs recommends the creation of an Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. The Commission recommends the following: 1. The Office should report to the City Manager. Employees will engage with Federal, State, and County government officials and across the City of Austin government. 2. The Office should seek to maximize Federal and State funding available for Veteran programs to support City activities. 3. …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE Recommendation Number: 20250226-07 WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin 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; WHEREAS, the City of Austin seeks to be a national leader in supporting its veteran and military community by providing comprehensive services and addressing critical issues such as housing, employment, mental health, and community reintegration; WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs has accumulated information concerning the needs of veterans in the Austin community through testimony from community members, veteran service organizations, non-profit groups, and city employees as well as the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment indicating that current support and access to Veteran services in Austin is insufficient; WHEREAS, the City Council passed Resolution No. 20240814-021 directing the City Manager to develop a Veterans Affairs Action Plan to address recommendations for staffing, budget, organizational structure, and resources necessary for the effective provision of services; WHEREAS, the Interim Director, Office of Equity and Inclusion reported to the Mayor and City Council in January 2025 that she reviewed and concurs with the 2024 Texas Veterans Needs Assessment that barriers exist in the City of Austin to ensuring local veterans have access to services and support; WHEREAS, the City Council has previously recognized the great need for Veteran support services and adopted Resolution No. 20211209-057 directing the City Manager to explore the establishment of a Veterans and Military Affairs Office, identifying costs, possible funding sources, and steps associated with establishing this office; WHEREAS, the Commission on Veterans Affairs passed Recommendations No. 20200115-B003 and No. 20240320-006 encouraging consolidation of all veteran and military-related initiatives, programs, and personnel dispersed throughout the City of Austin government into a single office to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery; and WHEREAS, establishing an Office of Military and Veterans Affairs reporting to the City Manager, as is found in most large cities in Texas, will strengthen the City’s commitment to addressing the needs of Veterans in our community and supporting the Veterans and currently serving National Guard and Reserve members working in the City of Austin government. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE Recommendation Number: 20250226-008: Older Adult Focus at City Job Fairs WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee (“JIC”) of the City of Austin 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; WHEREAS, the City of Austin will hold the 14th Annual City of Austin Career Expo on April 2, 2025, designed to facilitate employer hiring needs and the employment needs of job seekers1; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin regularly holds additional job fair(s) throughout the year2; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin regularly holds one 50+ Community Job Fair per year that includes employers that primarily specialize in providing jobs and resources for individuals who are over the age of 503 and are marketed to older adults who choose to or need to continue working past traditional retirement age; and WHEREAS, Austin’s older adult population represents 10.8% of the total population4; and WHEREAS, older adults job seekers frequently face ageism5,6 and 78% of people between the ages of 40 and 65 said they had seen age discrimination in the workplace7; and WHEREAS, older adult job seekers re-entering the workforce may be out of touch with the latest technology; and WHEREAS, AARP is one of numerous sources advising unique approaches for older adults seeking employment8,9 ;and other NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commission on Aging encourages the Austin City Council to direct the City to add one or two speakers to each job fair that would cover informational topics, such as how to: repurpose a long career to pursue new interests, navigate new technology involved in résumé submittal, and • • • maintain self-confidence during the job search. The Commission on Aging can research local professionals to assist with speaker placement if needed. 1 City of Austin Career Expo | AustinTexas.gov 2 City of Austin Fair Chance Hiring Job Fair on July 25 | AustinTexas.gov 3 City of Austin 50+ Community Job Fair on September 25 | AustinTexas.gov 4 U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates and 2020 decennial census. 5 15 Frustrating Reasons Why People Over 50 Struggle to Find Jobs - Housely 6 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE Recommendation Number: (20250226-09): Sustained Funding Undoing Racism Workshop Through Equity Division 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, persons aged 65 and older represent the fastest-growing age group in Austin, expanding from 55,695 (7.0% of 2010 population) to 91,733 (9.5% of 2020 population), and growing at a rate of 64.7%; and WHEREAS, the latest City of Austin Demographer data shows Austin residents as 1.5% Asian/Asian American, 7% Black/African American, 11% Hispanic/Latino/o/x, are 51% white; and WHEREAS, the City’s Advancing Immigrant Corporation reports 20%% of residents are foreign born; and WHEREAS, the latest City of Austin Demographer data shows indicated 22% of respondents identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, while not an all-inclusive list, all of the demographics specified above are at risk for discrimination and being targeted, generally the older adults in those populations are the most vulnerable; and WHEREAS, in the last twelve months, the City of Austin has seen an increase in discrimination, targeting and persecution of multiple ethnicities; and WHEREAS, the Equity Division mission is “To provide leadership, guidance, and insight on equity to improve the quality of life for Austinites and achieve the vision of making Austin the most livable city in the nation for ALL;” and WHEREAS, the Equity Divsion advances its mission by hosting Undoing Racism in collaboration with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond. WHEREAS, The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond’s vision is to work with communities so that residents can be “girded with a clear sense of their own power, sustaining a quality of life that is far beyond survival. We envision them nurturing their cultures, preserving their history, and cultivating their economies. We envision these communities being in harmony with one another and with other segments of the global community.” NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to act to maintain and approve funding for the Equity Division’s renewed 5-year contract with The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond as …
