Cover photograph credits: Naturalization Ceremony in El Paso, TX, by Paul Ratje/AFP/Getty Images, Newsweek, (2019), and Election Day in Austin, Texas, by Eric Gay, Associated Press, (2018). Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX July 2021 Professor Ruth Ellen Wasem, Principal Investigator Aaron Escajeda, Graduate Research Assistant Ana Perez, Graduate Research Assistant Micaela McConnell, Graduate Research Assistant Tania Uruchima, Graduate Research Assistant Final deliverable for Immigrant Affairs and Welcoming Communities contract between the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and the City of Austin 202002650-001/CT 4400 20091501170 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States and is identified as an emerging gateway for immigrants. The single largest source country for immigrants to Austin continues to be Mexico, but immigrants from Asia are increasing in numbers and relative proportion. Immigrants from Africa doubled over the past decade and make up 4 percent of the foreign- born population. In other words, Austin’s foreign-born residents are increasingly diverse. Austin is also among cities that have embraced the “welcoming communities” movement. Welcoming communities seek to have long-time residents and recent immigrants work together to create stronger communities. A growing body of research shows that immigrant incorporation policies yield positive outcomes for native- and foreign-born residents of a city. This report serves to inform the City of Austin as it advances its immigrant incorporation efforts. RESEARCH There is considerable scholarship on the racial and economic segregation of Austin over the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century. Immigrants are arriving to a city that has a deep history of residential segregation, and they are pushing a few of these boundaries. The report is the culmination of several phases of research and analysis. The initial phase draws on the New American Economy (NAE) Cities Index because it provides a baseline to compare the largest 100 US cities based on their immigrant integration scores. The report focuses on a subset of U.S. cities that are similar to Austin on key economic and demographic factors. We further investigate the immigrant incorporation policies of successful peer cities. Another phase of the research is socioeconomic analysis of the foreign-born population in Austin. We utilize the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) Five-Year Estimates to identify census tracts with concentrations of foreign-born residents and to analyze key traits. In asset mapping Austin’s immigrant neighborhoods, we overlay census tracts with selected community assets, attributes, and incidents. KEY …
Contents Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................... 1 Community Partners ............................................................................................................................. 1 Research Team ..................................................................................................................................... 1 City of Austin ......................................................................................................................................... 1 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 3 Key Themes .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Key Recommendations ......................................................................................................................... 4 Study Framework ...................................................................................................................................... 5 Key Themes Across Data Collection Tools ............................................................................................... 6 Introduction................................................................................................................................................ 9 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................. 9 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 9 COVID-19 Pandemic and Racial Unrest ............................................................................................... 9 LGBTQIA+ Population in US, Texas, and Austin ................................................................................ 10 Austin LGBTQIA+ History ................................................................................................................... 11 Research Advisory Board ................................................................................................................... 12 Qwell Foundation Prior Surveys.......................................................................................................... 13 Methodology ........................................................................................................................................ 13 Qualitative Findings ................................................................................................................................. 14 Stakeholder Interviews ........................................................................................................................ 15 Town Halls ........................................................................................................................................... 19 Focus Groups ...................................................................................................................................... 23 Power Analysis .................................................................................................................................... 27 Quantitative Findings .............................................................................................................................. 30 Summation of Comparative Data ........................................................................................................ 30 Demographics ..................................................................................................................................... 31 Community and Social Connectedness .............................................................................................. 33 Economic Opportunity and Work ........................................................................................................ 37 Educational Opportunity and Access .................................................................................................. 41 Health .................................................................................................................................................. 43 Housing ............................................................................................................................................... 68 Personal Safety ................................................................................................................................... 70 Social and Public Services/Benefits .................................................................................................... 75 Overall Quality of Life .......................................................................................................................... 78 Disparities................................................................................................................................................ 79 Policy Priorities ........................................................................................................................................ 92 Findings Across Foundational Outcomes ............................................................................................... 93 Community and Social Connectedness .............................................................................................. 93 Economic Opportunity ......................................................................................................................... 94 Health .................................................................................................................................................. 94 Housing ............................................................................................................................................... 95 Safety .................................................................................................................................................. 96 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ........................................................................................................... 97 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................. 98 Key Recommendations ....................................................................................................................... 98 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................. 101 About HMA Community Strategies ....................................................................................................... 102 Appendix ................................................................................................................................................... 103 Acknowledgments A. HMA Community Strategies is deeply grateful for the support and participation of countless LGBTQIA+ and allied organizations, groups, businesses, and community members throughout this project. Community Partners Research Team HMA Community Strategies Charles Robbins, MBA – Project Director Iliana Gilman, MA – Project Manager Michelle Parra, PhD Catherine Guerrero, MPH Ryan Maganini Research Advisory Board Alexander Anderson KB Richard Bondi Sha’nyia Baltimore Sam Davis Tabitha Hamilton Lex Keaton Rocky Lane Lais Milburn Philip Schnarrs Alexander Zapata City of Austin City of Austin’s Equity Office Brion Oaks, Chief Equity Officer Kellee Coleman, Business Process Consultant, Sr. Amanda Jasso, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager Rocío Villalobos, Immigrant Affairs Program Manager Joshua Robinson, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator Enakshi Ganguly, Public Information Specialist, Sr. Brandon Kroos, Business Process Specialist LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Ruben Baeza Sandra Chavez Charles Curry Kannou Curette Tarik Daniels Deirdre Doughty Nan Dowling Saul Gonzalez Christina Gorczynski Kathryn Gonzales Terrance Hines Holly Kirby Rebecca Dreke Dr. Victor Martinez Melissa Taylor Brandon Wollerson Tarik Daniels 1 2 Executive Summary This report summarizes the results of the ShoutOut Austin Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE October 27th, 2021 at 3:00 PM City Hall Board and Commissions – Room 1101 301 W 2nd St. Austin, Texas 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Hispanic Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi Alternate: Sharon Vigil Alternate: Johanna Hosking Pulido Early Childhood Council: Raul Alvarez Commission for Women: Flannery Bope Alternate: Rebecca Austen Comission for Seniors: Emily Nicola Alternate: Sally VanSickle Human Rights Commission: Jamarr Brown Alternate: Idona Griffith Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Vincent Cobalis Alternate: Hanna Huang Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Karen Crawford (Vice Chair) Alternate: Krystal Gomez Alternate: Charles Curry LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission: (Chair) Mayor’s Committee for People with Disability: Robin Orlowski African American Resource Advisory Commission: Gregory Smith Alternate: Joey Gidseg Alternate: Serita Fontanesi AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from September 22nd Minutes from August 25th 2. PRESENTATIONS 3. OLD BUSINESS a. FY22-23 Budget Process i. Report from individual Commission representatives on progress made in determining status of FY21-22 recommendations in the FY21-22 Adopted Budget 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion and vote of 2022 meeting schedule b. Report from Immigrant Affairs Commission, “Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX” c. Discussion of the LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Study Report FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Enakshi Ganguly at the Equity Office, at (512) 987 – 1569 or enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Joint Inclusion Committee, please contact Enakshi Ganguly at (512) 987 – 1569 or enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov.
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE October 27th, 2021 at 3:00 PM City Hall Board and Commissions – Room 1101 301 W 2nd St. Austin, Texas 78701 Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 3:05 pm MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: 1. Amanda Afifi 2. Raul Alvarez 3. Rebecca Austen 4. Emily De Maria 5. Vincent Cobalis 6. Karen Crawford 7. Charles Curry 8. Robin Orlowski 9. Gregory Smith CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Alvarez moved to approve the August minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Smith. Minutes for August 25th 2021 was approved unanimously. Commissioner Smith moved to approve the September minutes. Seconded by Commissioner De Maria. Minutes for September 22nd 2021 was approved unanimously. 2. PRESENTATIONS 3. OLD BUSINESS a. FY22-23 Budget Process i. Report from individual Commission representatives on progress made in determining status of FY21-22 recommendations in the FY21-22 Adopted Budget Members reported back what information they could get from departments on items funded in the FY2021-22. Chair and Vice Chair will contact Budget Office 4. NEW BUSINESS and the Equity Office about scheduling a post-budget briefing as well as the budget process for FY2022-23 that they can then communicate with the rest of the JIC. Discussion of how to have budget forums, and areas of general concern, including: Language access Digital access Community engagement Health care, including pandemic response and mental health Affordability including homelessness Resiliency Public Safety Immigrant Legal Services a. Discussion and vote of 2022 meeting schedule Fourth Wednesday of every month with the exception of November and December which will be combined to meet on December 7th 2022 with the same time of 3 to 5 pm. Motion to approve by Commissioner Cobalis and seconded by Commissioner De Maria. Approved unanimously. b. Report from Immigrant Affairs Commission, “Advancing Immigrant Incorporation in Austin, TX” If JIC wants, Dr. Wasem can attend a JIC meeting in-person and present the report. The complete report is available online: repositories.lib.utexas.edu/handle/2152/86821 c. Discussion of the LGBTQ+ Quality of Life Study Report The study was delivered to Council. The LGBT Commission is working on creating workgroups and develop metrics on how to measure outcomes in the community as well as goals and how they are being accomplished. LGBT Commissioner Chair and Vice Chair can present the report at any Commissions’ meetings. Ena will send over the press release on the report that highlights key findings. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE September 22nd, 2021 at 3:00 PM City Hall Board and Commissions – Room 1101 301 W 2nd St. Austin, Texas 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Hispanic Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi Alternate: Sharon Vigil Alternate: Johanna Hosking Pulido Early Childhood Council: Raul Alvarez Commission for Women: Flannery Bope Alternate: Rebecca Austen Comission for Seniors: Janee Briesemeister Alternate: Sally VanSickle Human Rights Commission: Jamarr Brown Alternate: Idona Griffith Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Vincent Cobalis Alternate: Hanna Huang Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Karen Crawford (Vice Chair) Alternate: Krystal Gomez Alternate: Charles Curry LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission: Sandra Chavez (Chair) Mayor’s Committee for People with Disability: Robin Orlowski African American Resource Advisory Commission: Gregory Smith Alternate: Joey Gidseg Alternate: Marissa Jones AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from August 25th 2. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation by Bryce Bencivengo a. Discussion and updates on the 2021 – 2022 FY budget process from the City of b. Discussion of next year’s budget process, including recommendations based on 3. OLD BUSINESS Austin last year’s experience 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion of future Committee meetings and the requirement to meet in-person b. Discussion of 2021 Annual Review Report, including goals and possible work plan for the coming year FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Enakshi Ganguly at the Equity Office, at (512) 987 – 1569 or enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Joint Inclusion Committee, please contact Enakshi Ganguly at (512) 987 – 1569 or enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov.
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE September 22nd, 2021 at 3:00 PM City Hall Board and Commissions – Room 1101 301 W 2nd St. #1120 Austin, Texas 78701 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Hispanic Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi Alternate: Sharon Vigil Alternate: Johanna Hosking Pulido Early Childhood Council: Raul Alvarez Commission for Women: Flannery Bope Alternate: Rebecca Austen Comission for Seniors: Janee Briesemeister Alternate: Sally VanSickle Human Rights Commission: Jamarr Brown Alternate: Idona Griffith BOARD MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: 1. Amanda Afifi 2. Vincent Cobalis 3. Raul Alvarez 4. Karen Crawford 5. Rebecca Austen 6. Charles Curry 7. Emily de Maria 8. Robin Orlowski Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Vincent Cobalis Alternate: Hanna Huang Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Karen Crawford (Vice Chair) Alternate: Krystal Gomez Alternate: Charles Curry LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission: Sandra Chavez (Chair) Mayor’s Committee for People with Disability: Robin Orlowski African American Resource Advisory Commission: Gregory Smith Alternate: Joey Gidseg Alternate: Marissa Jones 9. Gregory Smith MINUTES CALL TO ORDER 3:05pm meeting called to order by Chair CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from August 25th 2. PRESENTATIONS 3. OLD BUSINESS Austin Presentation from EOC by Bryce Bencivengo about the Winter Storm Response. a. Discussion and updates on the 2021 – 2022 FY budget process from the City of The overall impression was that the FY21-22 budget process was not successful in meeting the needs outlined in the recommendations made by JIC Commissions. Commissioners will follow up with the departments on their commission’s budget requests and report back on what was funded or not funded at our next meeting b. Discussion of next year’s budget process, including recommendations based on last year’s experience The committee decided to be more proactive this year, and start our discussions early. Commissioners will return to their commission to discuss some of the top budget priorities, then report them back to the staff liaison by December 1 to have a discussion about budget priorities at our December meeting. The committee identified digital as well as language access issues; community engagement barriers; health care (including issues surfaced in the pandemic response as well as mental health) affordability - notably in housing as well as for the unhoused; public safety; immigrant legal services as issues that in the past have been priority concerns in several commissions 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion of future Committee meetings and the requirement to meet in-person b. Discussion …
Versión en español a continuación. Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting August 25th 2021 Joint Inclusion Committee to be held August 25th 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (August 24th by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the August 25th, 2021 Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Enakshi Ganguly at (512) 987 – 1569 or enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, 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). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Enakshi Ganguly at enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting 25 el Agosto 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (24 el Agosto antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunion del Joint Inclusion Committee el 25 el Agosto 2021, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta, Enakshi Ganguly, al (512) 987 – 1569 o enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2020 to 6/30/2021 __________Joint Inclusion Committee __________ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: To advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity and inclusion, and, To 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. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. Related to COVID-19 response: Presentation from the Central Health Pandemic Equity Council with review and comment on proposed report Related to FY2021-2022 budget recommendations Recommendation 20210428-2B related to expanding digital access to online connectivity and digital literacy was approved with a motion by Commissioner Curry and a second from Commissioner Briesemeister Recommendation 20210428-2B related to funding immigrant legal services was approved with a motion by Commissioner Briesemeister and a second from Commissioner Cobalis Recommendation 20210428-2B related to continuation of cultural arts funding through various funding streams was approved with a motion by Commissioner Cobalis and a second from Commissioner Curry Annual Review and Work Plan 2020-2021 Page 2 Recommendation 20210428-2B related to language access was approved with a motion from Commissioner Cobalis and second from Commissioner Orlowski Recommendation 20210623-3b1a related to an employment liaison to specialize in expanding inclusive job opportunities for people with disabilities was approved with a motion by Commissioner Orlowski and a second by Commissioner Crawford Recommendation 20210623-3b1b related to providing additional slots for children with intellectual disabilities as well as additional locations and for adults with with intellectual disabilities in recreational programs was approved with a motion by Commissioner Orlowski and a second by Commissioner Afifi Recommendation 20210623-3b1c related to a disability community liaison in the Austin Police Department was approved with a motion by Commission Orlowski and a second by Commissioner Alvarez Recommendation 20210623-3b1d related to restroom improvements for people with disabilities was approved with a motion by Commissioner Orlowski and a second by Commissioner Briesemeister Recommendation 20210623-3b1erelated to additional audible crosswalk beacons at high pedestrian traffic intersections was made by Commissioner Orlowski and seconded by Commissioner Briesemeister Recommendation 20210623-4c related to adapting Austin Police Department identification …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE August 25th, 2021 at 3:00 pm VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Hispanic Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi Alternate: Sharon Vigil Alternate: Johanna Hosking Pulido Early Childhood Council: Raul Alvarez Commission for Women: Flannery Bope Alternate: Rebecca Austen Comission for Seniors: Janee Briesemeister Alternate: Sally VanSickle Human Rights Commission: Jamarr Brown Alternate: Idona Griffith Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Vincent Cobalis Alternate: Hanna Huang Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Karen Crawford (Vice Chair) Alternate: Krystal Gomez Alternate: Charles Curry LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission: Sandra Chavez (Chair) Mayor’s Committee for People with Disability: Robin Orlowski African American Resource Advisory Commission: Gregory Smith Alternate: Joey Gidseg Alternate: Marissa Jones MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from June 23rd Commissioner Orlowski motions to approve the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Austen. Approved unanimously. Commissioner Smith abstains. 2. PRESENTATIONS a) Presentations from Economic Development Department a. David Grey, Disaster Relief b. Kim Carson & Melissa Alvarado, Hotel Occupancy & Creative Space Assistance Program b) Presentation from Carol Johnson from Civil Rights Office 3. OLD BUSINESS a) Discussion and possible action on Compassion 2020 Compassion Contract 1. Moved by Commissioner Alvarez and seconded by Commissioner. Commissioner Smith abstains. Vote passes. b) Discussion on how JIC is explained to people with disabilities c) Discussion on 2021 – 2022 FY budget updates from the City of Austin 1. Budget Information Sheet (Item #44 on City of Austin website) 4. NEW BUSINESS a) Discussion of future Committee meetings and the requirement to meet in-person b) Discussion of 2021 Annual Review Report FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 5:34 pm. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Enakshi Ganguly at the Equity Office, at (512) 987 – 1569 or enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Joint Inclusion …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE August 25th, 2021 at 3:00 pm VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Hispanic Quality of Life Advisory Commission: Amanda Afifi Alternate: Sharon Vigil Alternate: Johanna Hosking Pulido Early Childhood Council: Raul Alvarez Commission for Women: Flannery Bope Alternate: Rebecca Austen Comission for Seniors: Janee Briesemeister Alternate: Sally VanSickle Human Rights Commission: Jamarr Brown Alternate: Idona Griffith Asian American Quality of Life Commission: Vincent Cobalis Alternate: Hanna Huang Commission on Immigrant Affairs: Karen Crawford (Vice Chair) Alternate: Krystal Gomez Alternate: Charles Curry LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission: Sandra Chavez (Chair) Mayor’s Committee for People with Disability: Robin Orlowski African American Resource Advisory Commission: Gregory Smith Alternate: Joey Gidseg Alternate: Marissa Jones MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 3:05 pm CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from June 23rd Commissioner Orlowski motions to approve the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Austen. Approved unanimously. Commissioner Smith abstains. 2. PRESENTATIONS a) Presentations from Economic Development Department a. David Grey, Disaster Relief b. Kim Carson & Melissa Alvarado, Hotel Occupancy & Creative Space Assistance Program b) Presentation from Carol Johnson from Civil Rights Office 3. OLD BUSINESS a) Discussion and possible action on Compassion 2020 Compassion Contract 1. Moved by Commissioner Alvarez and seconded by Commissioner. Commissioner Smith abstains. Vote passes. b) Discussion on how JIC is explained to people with disabilities c) Discussion on 2021 – 2022 FY budget updates from the City of Austin 1. Budget Information Sheet (Item #44 on City of Austin website) 4. NEW BUSINESS a) Discussion of future Committee meetings and the requirement to meet in-person b) Discussion of 2021 Annual Review Report FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 5:34 pm. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Enakshi Ganguly at the Equity Office, at (512) 987 – 1569 or enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Joint Inclusion …
Versión en español a continuación. Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting July 28th 2021 Joint Inclusion Committee to be held July 28th 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (July 27th by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the July 28th, 2021 Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Enakshi Ganguly at (512) 987 – 1569 or enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, 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). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Enakshi Ganguly at enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting 28 el Julio 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (27 el Julio antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunion del Joint Inclusion Committee el 28 de Julio 2021, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta, Enakshi Ganguly, al (512) 987 – 1569 o enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de correo electrónico (opcional) y …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20210512‐3biii: Spending Framework Addendums in Response to ResilientATX Resolution WHEREAS, the City of Austin has included access to high quality affordable early care and education as key strategies in the adopted Strategic Direction 2023 for achieving economic affordability and mobility goals (Strategy 10 and 11); and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Early Childhood Council has already supported a number of recommendations to the City Council which are all dedicated to ensuring adequate funding in order for the city to promote high quality affordable early care and education and achieve its economic affordability and mobility goals; WHEREAS, Del Valle ISD is part of the City of Austin and is identified as a child care desert, having only one Texas Rising Star-certified child care center with a 4-star rating within the district’s boundaries; and WHEREAS, Del Valle ISD is planning to address the dearth of high quality affordable early care solutions by providing additional high quality Pre-K options for families through subsidized and unsubsidized care; WHEREAS, an estimated 188 children within the Del Valle ISD could benefit from the district’s new Pre-K options, but would need additional financial assistance because their families would not qualify for free public Pre-K nor could they afford completely unsubsidized tuition; WHEREAS, Austin has a unique opportunity to build a more equitable and resilient system by investing in key infrastructure and new opportunities that address identified gaps and strengthen existing programs; and WHEREAS, investments in early care and education have a strong return on investment for both the current and future workforce; and investments in the early care and education infrastructure in Austin will yield positive long-term benefits for Austin through better outcomes in health, education, economic productivity, and reduced crime; and WHEREAS, federal money coming through the State for child care through Texas Workforce Commission will address immediate stabilization but cannot be used to strengthen and scale the infrastructure that has potential to impact generations Austin families; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Early Childhood Council recommends that the City of Austin incorporate and adopt the addendum entitled “Expand access to dual-language full-day Pre-K for 4 year-olds” as part of the original recommendations submitted to the City of Austin by the Early Childhood Council entitled “Recommendations for Transforming the ATX Early Childhood System”, which were submitted by the Austin/Travis County Success By 6 Coalition in the spending framework for COVID-19 …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Early Childhood Council 20210512‐3biii: Recommendation about Family Connects in Response to ResilientATX Resolution WHEREAS, Families with young children in Austin/Travis County experienced hardships before the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and the pandemic has greatly exacerbated this problem; and WHEREAS, One goal in the Imagining Austin Plan is to “ensure that our youngest children are healthy, happy, and ready for school success by ensuring they have access to education, health care, and other necessary resources and services;” and WHEREAS, Pediatric health care has seen a 24% decline in the last year over a typical year, including sick and well-child visits for infants and toddlers; and WHEREAS, The mental health of parents and children has declined -- one study found that 27% of parents reported a decline in their mental health and 14% saw an increase in behavior problems from their children; and WHEREAS, Immunization rates for measles, mumps, and rubella have dropped by 50%; and WHEREAS, The rate of hospitalization for child abuse cases increased while overall emergency visits for child abuse dropped, suggesting that many child abuse cases went untreated and unreported; and WHEREAS, An average of 45% of Austin/Travis County families faced food insecurity, prompting Dell Medical School to urge physicians to increase screening for social determinants of health factors; and WHEREAS, Only 5% of newborns born in Austin/Travis County received the support of a nurse home visit by Family Connects in 2020; and WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic has surfaced many issues of health inequities, and newborns and their families in Texas are at even higher risk for poor health outcomes that disproportionally affect families of color; and WHEREAS, Black women are 2.3 times more likely to die from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes – Black Mamas ATX reports that this relates to the mental health effects of unrecognized bias in communication or care of Black women, in the identification and intervention of postpartum depression, and the context of the social determinants of health; and WHEREAS, 27% of Black women in Texas have not seen a doctor in the past year; and WHEREAS, Increases in food insecurity in Austin/Travis County were most significant among Hispanic and Spanish-speaking families, especially due to job loss; and WHEREAS, As of April 12, 2021, 32% of White Texans have been vaccinated for COVID-19, while only 19% of Black Texans and 21% of Hispanic Texans have been vaccinated; and WHEREAS, This decline …
Compassion Compact Edits July 9, 2021 Version Be respectful even when disagreeing. Listen to understand. Act with good intentions. Disagree without being disagreeable. Critique the idea not the person. Support ideas with evidence andlived experiences or evidence. Invite wonder. Be open to those who question. Respect differences in communication and processing styles.
Versión en español a continuación. Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting June 23rd 2021 Joint Inclusion Committee to be held June 23rd 2021 with Social Distancing Modifications Public comment will be allowed via telephone; no in-person input will be allowed. All speakers must register in advance (June 22nd by noon). All public comment will occur at the beginning of the meeting. To speak remotely at the June 23rd, 2021 Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting, members of the public must: •Call or email the board liaison Enakshi Ganguly at (512) 987 – 1569 or enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The following information is required: speaker name, 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). •Once a request to speak has been made to the board liaison, the information to call on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. •Speakers must call in at least 15 minutes prior to meeting start time in order to speak, late callers will not be accepted and will not be able to speak. •Speakers will be placed in a queue until their time to speak. •Handouts or other information may be emailed to Enakshi Ganguly at enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov by noon the day before the scheduled meeting. This information will be provided to Board and Commission members in advance of the meeting. •If the meeting is broadcast live, it may be viewed here: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Reunión del Joint Inclusion Committee Meeting FECHA de la reunion 23 de Junio 2021 La junta se llevará con modificaciones de distanciamiento social Se permitirán comentarios públicos por teléfono; no se permitirá ninguna entrada en persona. Todos los oradores deben registrarse con anticipación (22 de Junio antes del mediodía). Todos los comentarios públicos se producirán al comienzo de la reunión. Para hablar de forma remota en la reunion del Joint Inclusion Committee el 23 de Junio 2021, los miembros del público deben: • Llame o envíe un correo electrónico al enlace de la junta, Enakshi Ganguly, al (512) 987 – 1569 o enakshi.ganguly@austintexas.gov a más tardar al mediodía (el día antes de la reunión). Se requiere la siguiente información: nombre del orador, número (s) de artículo sobre el que desean hablar, si están a favor / en contra / neutral, dirección de …
