. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20260226-011: Elisabet Ney Museum Accessible Restroom Facility WHEREAS, the Elisabet Ney Museum is undergoing restoration and improvements; WHEREAS, the Museum lacks an accessible restroom as described in the Americans with Disabilities Act; WHEREAS, plans have been created for an accessible restroom to be constructed as part of the restoration and improvements, in partnership with the Friends of Elisabet Ney Museum, although funding and support for the addition is still being sought; and WHEREAS, the Committee has decided to recommend to the Austin City Council that it support the construction of an ADA accessible restroom to allow all visitors to fully enjoy the Museum. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds towards constructing the ADA accessible restroom at the Ney Museum. Date of Approval: February 22, 2026 Motioned By: Commissioner Thakkar Seconded By: Commissioner Benson Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Benson, Chang, Oliva-Martínez, Parsons, and Thakkar Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Commissioners Alvizo, Bullard, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, McNary, Melendez, and Wilson Attest: _____________________________________________ (Ryan Sperling, Staff Liaison)
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number 20260226-012: Budget Recommendation to the City Council regarding Awebility Festival WHEREAS, Commissioner Gabriel Arellano of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities will coordinate a festival celebrating individuals with disabilities and raising awareness, the Awebility Festival; WHEREAS, the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities sponsors this festival with its support; WHEREAS, this festival was coordinated successfully in fall 2025 with limited resources, but desires the City of Austin’s financial support to expand its impact; and WHEREAS, the Awebility Festival will have an outsized impact relative to the cost of support and will help build a stronger community around people with disabilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate funds, provide services in kind, and waive any associated fees towards the Awebility Festival for 2026. Date of Approval: February 22, 2026 Motioned By: Chang Seconded By: Thakkar Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Benson, Chang, Oliva-Martínez, Parsons, and Thakkar Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Commissioners Alvizo, Bullard, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, McNary, Melendez, and Wilson Attest: ____________________________________________ (Ryan Sperling, Staff Liaison)
. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Joint Inclusion Committee Recommendation Number: 20260226-013: Budget Recommendation to the City Council regarding Therapeutic Recreation Program WHEREAS, the City of Austin sponsors the Therapeutic Recreation Program through the Parks and Recreation Department providing activity-based interventions to improve the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social functioning of individuals with disabilities; WHEREAS, the Therapeutic Recreation Program is held at parks around the city, often serving under resourced members of the community; WHEREAS, constituents have raised concerns about wait list times and limited locations of the program, which creates barriers to participation for those that need it most; and WHEREAS, additional funding could expand locations and improve services. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee encourages the Austin City Council to allocate additional funds to the Therapeutic Recreation Program with the goal of expanding the locations of services and reducing wait list times. Date of Approval: February 22, 2026 Motioned By: Commissioner Chang Seconded By: Chair Afifi Vote: 7-0 For: Chair Afifi, Vice Chair Bondi, Commissioners Benson, Chang, Oliva-Martínez, Parsons, and Thakkar Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Commissioners Alvizo, Bullard, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, McNary, Melendez, and Wilson Attest: _____________________________________________ (Ryan Sperling, Staff Liaison)
Social Services Framework Joint Inclusion Committee - February 26, 2026 Kerri Lang - Director, Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence Daniel Culotta - Assistant Director, Austin Budget & Organizational Excellence Agenda ▪ Context and Drivers ▪ Approach ▪ Input and Feedback ▪ Next Steps and Timelines ▪ Q&A and Discussion 2 Context & Drivers Background ▪ Drivers: ▪ The FY27 planned budget included $16.8M reductions across social services contract portfolio to balance ▪ Rather than making across-the-board cuts, ABOE is taking a data-driven approach to understand what we fund, how it aligns with community needs, and where efficiencies may exist ▪ What We’re Asking of the JIC: ▪ Help us understand which service areas are most critical to the communities you represent ▪ Inform the City’s prioritization process within the social services portfolio ▪ Provide feedback on our engagement strategy 4 Definitions • Social Services: Social services are coordinated programs and supports that help individuals and families meet essential needs and navigate social and economic challenges. These can include services related to education, healthcare access, workforce development, housing assistance, and income supports, and are intended to reduce disparities and promote stability and quality of life. A social service grant provides services to City residents or clients, rather than services to the City organization itself. • Social Services Contract: Pays someone to do something on behalf of the City that we would otherwise have to do; contracts are more rigorous and subject to procurement policy / contract law (Example: funding to a vendor to operate a City-owned homeless shelter) • Social Services Grant: Value-add with nonprofits, but not mandatory or obligated. Shorter terms, less formal authorization (Example: funding to a not-for-profit to provide workforce development programs directly to the community) 5 City of Austin’s Social Services Landscape Contracts and Grants Service Category Lead Department FY26 Budget Service Description Homelessness Services Homeless Strategy and Ops $34.9M Child & Youth Public Health / Econ Dev. $9.2M Basic Needs Public Health Crisis Response and Rehab Community Court and Public Health Behavioral Health Public Health Health Equity Public Health Workforce Development Economic Development Violence Prevention Public Health HIV Services Public Health Community Planning Public Health $5.8M $10.5M $4.3M $3.5M $2.7M $2.4M $580K $359K TOTAL $74.2M Emergency Shelter Ops, Marshaling Yard, Rapid Rehousing After-school (Prime Time), Early Childhood, Youth Development Food Access, Utility & Rent Assistance, Survivor Support Community Court Diversion, Homeless Case Management Mental Health and …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a special called meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Bondi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Richard Bondi Justin Parsons Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Amanda Afifi Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Tannya Oliva-Martínez Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on January 28, 2026. The January 28, 2026 minutes were approved on Commissioner Chang’s motion, Commissioner Thakkar’s second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Alvizo, Bullard, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, McNary, Melendez, and Wilson were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Staff briefing on Social Service Contract funding to inform the Commission’s prioritization efforts. Briefing by Kerri Lang, Director, and Daniel Culotta, Assistant Director, Office of Budget & Organizational Excellence. Briefing by Kerri Lang, Director, and Daniel Culotta, Assistant Director, Office of Budget & Organizational Excellence. 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026 DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Discussion on City budget announcements and activities. Discussion was held. Director Lang answered questions. Discussion following up on January questions for the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Discussion was held. Discussion to compile questions from commissioners to ask Austin Police Department staff. This item was postponed to the March meeting without objection on Vice Chair Bondi’s motion. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 6. Report from the Texas Legislative Working Group regarding legislation affecting the Joint Inclusion Committee and its member commissions, and suggested follow-up advocacy. Report by Chair Afifi. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Approve a recommendation regarding a moratorium on human services funding reductions pending an inclusive, equity-based program review. The recommendation regarding a moratorium on human services funding reductions pending an inclusive, equity-based program review was approved on Commissioner Parson’s motion, Commissioner Oliva-Martínez’ second on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Alvizo, Bullard, Kanawati, Laake-Stanfield, McNary, Melendez, and Wilson were absent. 8. Approve a recommendation regarding PARD accessibility and cultural inclusion across demographics. The recommendation regarding PARD accessibility and cultural inclusion across demographics was approved on Commissioner Thakkar’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ second on a 7-0 vote. There was a motion by Commissioner Thakkar, seconded by Commissioner Parson’s, to make the below amendments: • • Insert …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Joint Inclusion Committee may be participating by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, contact Ryan Sperling, 512-974-3568, ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Early Childhood Council Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Primary Representative: Justin Parsons Alternate Representative: Alexandria Anderson Nirali J Thakkar Nayer Sikder Diana Melendez Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) VACANT Bryce F Laake-Stanfield Craig McNary Amanda Afifi (Chair) Becky Bullard Teresa Ferguson Diane Kanawati Christopher Wilson Andrea McIllwain Dulce Castaneda Tannya Oliva-Martínez Jerry Joe Benson VACANT KC Coyne Lisa Chang Conor H. Kelly AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on December 3. 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation providing an update on American Gateways’ successes and requesting prioritization of immigration funds in next year’s budget. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Discussion regarding feedback on the January 21st Budget Town Hall. Discussion regarding the timeline of the City’s budget process and impacts to commission recommendations. Discussion regarding the changes in the structure of Austin Equity & Inclusion over the last year. Discussion regarding Austin Police Department and protest response. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. Approve changes to working group membership. Approve amendments to the JIC 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. 10. Report from the Budget Follow-up Working Group regarding City response and implementation of commission recommendations. Update from the FY2026-27 Budget Working Group regarding collaboration on home commission …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2025 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. in Austin, Texas. Chair Afifi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Justin Parsons Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang Bryce Laake-Stanfield Diana Melendez Nirali Thakkar PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on October 22, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Thakkar’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner Melendez was off the dais. Commissioners Dorantes, Kanawati, Navarro, McIllwain, Benson, and Coyne were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding the development of a report to understand and address disparities in community conditions across neighborhoods. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., Austin Equity and Inclusion 1 The presentation was made by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity & Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Update on the results of Get to Know Your Commissioners events. Update by Chair Afifi. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Approve bylaw amendments to add a Secretary officer role. The motion to approve a bylaw amendment to add a Secretary officer role was approved on Commissioner Laake-Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ second on a 6-1 vote. Commissioner Chang voted nay. Commissioners Dorantes, Kanawati, Navarro, McIllwain, Benson, and Coyne were absent. Approve changes to working group membership. Without objection, Chair Bondi stepped off the Digital Access Working Group, Future Commission Working Group, and Texas Legislative Working Group; Commissioner Chang joined the Digital Access Working Group and Independent Equity Office and Human Rights Office Working Group; Commissioner Parsons joined the Future Commission Working Group; and Commissioner Laake-Stanfield joined the Emergency Preparedness Working Group. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the FY2026-27 Budget Recommendations Working Group regarding its most recent working group meeting and progress on the working group goals. Update by Vice Chair Bondi. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Create working group to encourage collaboration between recommendations between home commissions. –Vice Chair Bondi Create new working group for collaboration between mayor’s committee, commission on aging, and commission on veterans’ affairs. –Commissioner Laake Stanfield. Discussion on the changes of the structure of the Equity Office over the last year. –Commissioner Chang. ADJOURNMENT Chair Afifi adjourned …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 28, 2026 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a regular meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in Austin, TX. Chair Afifi called the Joint Inclusion Meeting to order at 6:13 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Amanda Afifi (Chair) Richard Bondi (Vice Chair) Bryce Laake-Stanfield Craig McNary Justin Parsons Tannya Oliva-Martínez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Jerry Joe Benson Lisa Chang Diane Kanawati Diana Melendez PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Dr. Aaron Alarcon – Cuts to Social Services Hector Ordaz – Budget, Arts/Culture APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Joint Inclusion Committee regular meeting on December 3. 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Laake-Stanfield’s motion, Commissioner Parsons’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioner McNary was off the dais. Commissioners Thakkar and Sikder were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, January 28, 2026 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Presentation providing an update on American Gateways’ successes and requesting prioritization of immigration funds in next year’s budget. Presentation by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. The presentation was made by Rebecca Lightsey, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways Discussion regarding feedback on the January 21st Budget Town Hall. Discussed. Discussion regarding the timeline of the City’s budget process and impacts to commission recommendations. Discussed. Discussion regarding the changes in the structure of Austin Equity & Inclusion over the last year. Discussed. Discussion regarding Austin Police Department and protest response. Discussed. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. 8. Approve changes to working group membership. Without objection, Craig McNary was added to the APD Office of the Community Liaison Working Group and Emergency Preparedness Working Group. Approve amendments to the JIC 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule. Discussion was held. No action was taken. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 9. 10. Report from the Budget Follow-up Working Group regarding City response and implementation of commission recommendations. Withdrawn without objection. Update from the FY2026-27 Budget Working Group regarding collaboration on home commission budget recommendation drafts and topics. Withdrawn without objection. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Final report from Texas Legislative Session Working Group – Afifi Formation of a new Texas Legislative Session Working Group - Oliva-Martínez Discussion regarding questions to ask APD – Laake-Stanfield ADJOURNMENT Chair Afifi adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m. without objection. 2 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, …
