REGULAR MEETING OF THE LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M. AUSTIN PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1407 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Commissioner Appointment Kitty McLeod, Vice Chair (she/they) District 1 Commissioner Mariana Krueger (she/her) KC Coyne, Chair (they/them) Steven Rivas (he/him) Brigitte Bandit (they/she) Jerry Joe Benson (he/him) Asher Knutson (he/him) J. Scott Neal (he/him) Garry Brown District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 Appointment District 9 District 10 VACANT Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/ella) Mayor Morgan Davis (he/him) VACANT VACANT VACANT Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder 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 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Special Called meeting on January 26, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation providing an update on American Gateways’ successes and requesting prioritization of immigration funds in next year’s budget. Presentation by Edna Yang, Co-Executive Director, American Gateways. Update and discussion regarding Austin’s LGBTQ+ healthcare funding needs. Presentation by Juan Benitez, Chief Advancement Officer, Texas Health Action. Update on the progress of the LGBTQ+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study Task Force. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. 6. 7. Update from the Community Safety Working Group regarding their work around city preparedness and response to federal immigration enforcement, public safety concerns and APD presence downtown, initial and ongoing feedback to APD for cadet training, and planning for a future commission visit focused on trauma-informed public safety engagement. Update from the Budget Working group sharing a high-level overview of their current budget priorities, key proposals under development, and the timeline for submissions to City Council. Update from the New Commissioner Working Group regarding its progress on recruitment for the final vacant stakeholder commissioner seat. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. 9. 10. Nominate …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a special called meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the City of Austin Permitting & Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas, Room 1401/1402. Commissioners in attendance in person: KC Coyne (Chair) Kitty McLeod (Vice Chair) Brigitta Bandit Garry Brown Morgan Davis Steve Rivas Commissioners in attendance remotely: Jerry Joe Benson Mariana Krueger J. Scott Neal Chair Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:33 P.M. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission special called meeting on December 8, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Davis’ motion, Commissioner Brown’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Fierro-Pérez and Knutson were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Discussion regarding the commission’s goals over the next year, activity and expectations for working groups, and attendance needs related to quorum. Discussion was held. Discussion regarding the City’s response to the commission’s recommendation to televise LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission meetings. Discussion was held. Update on the progress of a historical marker on 4th and Colorado street. Update by Commissioner Brown. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 5. Report from the Stakeholder Commissioner Nomination Working Group regarding its proposed nominations for vacant stakeholder commissioner seats. Update by Commissioner Brown. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Nominate stakeholder commissioners to fill the vacant stakeholder seats on the commission. The motion to nominate Marlon Johnson and Randal Pituk as stakeholder commissioners on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission was approved on Commissioner Brown’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Fierro-Pérez and Knutson were absent. The meeting went into recess for 10 minutes without objection at 8:52 P.M. The meeting was called back to order at 9:02 P.M. Conduct o(cid:431)icer elections for Secretary. The motion to approve Commissioner Jerry Joe Benson as Secretary of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission was approved on Commissioner Brown’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Fierro-Pérez and Knutson were absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. 9. Update from Budget Working Group regarding its FY 2026-27 budget proposals. Update by Commissioner Benson. Update from Community Safety Working Group regarding the planned schedule of presenters at commission meetings. Update by Commissioner Benson 10. Update from the Trans Resource …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commision Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): Entrepreneurial Grants for LGBTQIA+ Businesses WHEREAS, local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses contribute significantly to the cultural identity, neighborhood character, and economic vitality of the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, small businesses owned by LGBTQIA+ individuals often face disproportionate barriers to accessing capital, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty and rising operating costs; and WHEREAS, similar City initiatives supporting minority and underserved business owners have demonstrated success in fostering entrepreneurship, business stability, and local job creation; and WHEREAS, no-interest loan and grant programs provide effective, responsible tools for supporting emerging and existing LGBTQIA+ businesses without creating unsustainable debt burdens; and WHEREAS, continued and expanded support for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs aligns with the City of Austin’s commitments to inclusive economic development, small business resilience, and cultural preservation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council expand and continue the City’s entrepreneurial support program for local LGBTQIA+ businesses. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends allocating $200,000 to support no-interest loans and entrepreneurial assistance for LGBTQIA+ owned businesses, building upon prior program models and leveraging existing City economic development infrastructure. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission encourages the City to prioritize outreach to small, locally owned, and community-serving LGBTQIA+ businesses that may face barriers to traditional financing. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Page 1 of 2 Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) Page 2 of 2 BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commision Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): Expansion of MPox, STI, and Vaccination Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin has recognized the importance of integrated vaccination and prevention programs, including Hepatitis and Flu outreach, as essential components of LGBTQIA+ public health efforts; and WHEREAS, Austin health departments and community health centers serving LGBTQIA+ residents, including community-based clinics and nonprofit providers, have demonstrated strong capacity and effectiveness in delivering culturally competent vaccination and prevention services; and WHEREAS, MPox continues to present an ongoing public health concern, particularly for LGBTQIA+ communities, and requires sustained vaccination, education, and outreach efforts rather than one-time emergency responses; and WHEREAS, recent reductions in federal and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health funding have placed increased pressure on local governments to maintain continuity of vaccination, STI, and HIV prevention programs; and WHEREAS, expanded local funding would support not only MPox vaccination efforts, but …
HIV & STI Testing and Treatment Trends 2024 Review and 2025 Mid-Year Insights Table of Contents 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Kind Clinic: Pursuing Health Justice Expertise in Serving LGBTQIA+ and Priority Populations HIV & STI Care Trends in Central Texas: 2024 Breakdown of STI Diagnoses Mid-Year 2025: Signals, Shifts, and Steps Forward Breakdown of STI Diagnoses Sustainability & Demand for Services Looking Ahead: Responding to Emerging Trends 2 Kind Clinic: Pursuing Health Justice in Texas Kind Clinic, a program of Texas Health Action, provides safe, supportive, and sex-positive healthcare with expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ communities and people impacted by HIV. Services include PrEP and PEP, gender-affirming care, HIV and Hepatitis C treatment, STI testing and treatment, and intersex care. Beyond its clinics, the Community Health Program offers free walk-in HIV and STI testing and treatment as well as mobile and field-based testing events. All Community Health Program services are provided at no cost, expanding access to care for communities across Central Texas. 3 Expertise in Serving Priority Populations Texas Health Action provides STI testing and treatment to all individuals, while maintaining specialized expertise in serving LGBTQIA+ communities and other populations disproportionately impacted by HIV. These priority populations are defined by the Texas Department of State Health Services and Austin Public Health based on epidemiological data showing higher rates of HIV and STI transmission. They include Black, Latinx, and White men who have sex with men; transgender men and women; non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals; and Black and Latina women who have sex with men. While these groups face elevated risks, Texas Health Action ensures that every patient—regardless of their background or risk profile—receives the same high- quality, affirming, and stigma-free care. This approach not only addresses the unique health needs of priority populations but also promotes equitable access to sexual healthcare for the entire community. This data is reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services and local public health authorities. While publicly available data is often delayed by two to three years, Texas Health Action is releasing the following report to provide the community with timely, up-to-date information. 4 HIV & STI Care Trends in Central Texas Calendar Year 2024 In 2024, Kind Clinic’s HIV and STI testing and treatment services continued to play a critical role in protecting the health of Central Texas communities, particularly among populations at elevated risk. Our year-end data …
Kind Clinic’s Walk-In Testing Space Funding Needs Juan Benitez Chief Advancement Officer Pursuing Health Justice in Texas Services include PrEP and PEP, gender-affirming care, HIV and Hepatitis C treatment, STI testing and treatment, and intersex care. Beyond the clinics, the Community Health Program offers free walk-in HIV and STI testing and treatment as well as mobile and field-based testing events. All Community Health Program services are provided at no cost, expanding access to care for communities across Central Texas. 2 HIV & STI Trends in Central Texas Calendar Year 2024 6,782 – Total STI testing patient visits at Kind Clinic’s Walk-In Testing 1,185 STI & HIV Reactive Visits Total patient visits that resulted in a diagnosis for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or hepatitis c Approximately 1 IN 6 patient visits tested reactive for an STI in Central Texas. 17.47% Positivity rate for individuals testing for STIs through Kind Clinic Community Health & Walk-In Testing Program. 2024 Calendar Year: Breakdown of STI Diagnoses Treatment Without Delay Timely treatment is a cornerstone of Kind Clinic’s Community Program. For patients who test positive for HIV or an STI, receiving care quickly not only improves individual health outcomes but also plays a critical role in reducing community transmission. Many patients begin treatment on the same day as their test, whether through scheduled appointments, prescriptions sent directly to the pharmacy, medication pick-ups, or empiric treatment provided immediately based on symptoms and risk factors. For those we cannot treat on-site, our team works to ensure they are linked to appropriate care in the community. This rapid, coordinated approach reflects our commitment to making treatment as accessible, immediate, and barrier-free as possible. Percent Breakdown of STI Diagnoses: Reactive Visits Calendar Year 2024 64% (614) 56%, (536) 15% (148) 2.4% (23) 0.3% (3) TREATMENT 94% of patients received treatment at Kind Clinic. 40% of patients received treatment at time of testing. Sustainability & Demand for Services Ongoing $800,000 funding gap to support walk-in testing services in Austin. Changes in federal funding streams, combined with ongoing state-level challenges, threaten to weaken the safety net for communities most impacted. Closing this funding gap would: • Maintain and grow treatment access so all patients who test positive continue to receive immediate, no-cost care, sustaining our same-day treatment model. • Increase outreach to high-risk and underserved communities where positivity rates are highest, ensuring equitable access to testing and treatment. • Sustain a …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026, AT 6:30 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1401/1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Commissioner Appointment Kitty McLeod, Vice Chair (she/they) District 1 Commissioner Mariana Krueger (she/her) KC Coyne, Chair (they/them) Steven Rivas (he/him) Brigitte Bandit (they/she) Jerry Joe Benson (he/him) Asher Knutson (he/him) J. Scott Neal (he/him) Garry Brown District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 Appointment District 9 District 10 VACANT Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/ella) Mayor Morgan Davis (he/him) VACANT VACANT VACANT Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder 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 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission special called meeting on December 8, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Discussion regarding the commission’s goals over the next year, activity and expectations for working groups, and attendance needs related to quorum. Discussion regarding the City’s response to the commission’s recommendation to televise LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission meetings. Update on the progress of a historical marker on 4th and Colorado street. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 5. Report from the Stakeholder Commissioner Nomination Working Group regarding its proposed nominations for vacant stakeholder commissioner seats. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Nominate stakeholder commissioners to fill the vacant stakeholder seats on the commission. Conduct officer elections for Secretary. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. 9. 10. Update from Budget Working Group regarding its FY 2026-27 budget proposals. Update from Community Safety Working Group regarding the planned schedule of presenters at commission meetings. Update from the Trans Resource Guide Working Group regarding the current inventory of resource guides and content revision. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a special called meeting on Monday, December 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St., Austin, Texas 78701, Boards & Commissions Room 1101. Commissioners in attendance in person: Kitty McLeod (Vice Chair) Jerry Joe Benson Garry Brown Morgan Davis Mariana Krueger J. Scott Neal Steve Rivas Commissioners in attendance remotely: Asher Knutson Brigitte Bandit Vice Chair McLeod called the meeting to order at 6:36 P.M. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Jess Robertson – SB8 IFC APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on October 15, 2025. This item was taken up after Item 2 without objection. The minutes of the October 15, 2025 meeting were approved with the below amendment on Commissioner Scott’s motion, Commissioner Brown’s second on a 9-0 vote. Chair Coyne and Commissioners Fierro-Pérez and Treviño were absent. The amendment was to add “Commissioner Neal abstained because he was unable to review recommendation language prior to the vote” to Item 5. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Update on the progress of the LGBTQ+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study Task Force. Presentation by Mark Gilbert, Director, Hayat Brown. The presentation was made by Mark Gilbert, Director, Hayat Brown. Discussion regarding the implications of SB8 on City Facilities. Discussion was held. Discussion regarding the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling on drag shows. Discussion was held. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the Community Safety Working Group regarding planning for the February Community Safety Town Hall and a recap of the group’s recent meeting with the Chief of Police regarding the Community Liaison O(cid:431)icer Program and next steps. Update by Commissioner Benson. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve the 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission. There was a motion by Commissioner Brown to change the February meeting date to February 23rd. The motion was withdrawn. The 2026 Annual Meeting Schedule of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission was approved with the below amendments on Vice Chair McLeod’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on a 9-0 vote. Chair Coyne and Commissioners Fierro-Pérez and Treviño were absent. The amendments were to strike February 16th and insert February 9th, strike March 16th and insert March 9th, and strike December 2st and insert …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commision Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): Entrepreneurial Grants for LGBTQIA+ Businesses WHEREAS, local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses contribute significantly to the cultural identity, neighborhood character, and economic vitality of the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, small businesses owned by LGBTQIA+ individuals often face disproportionate barriers to accessing capital, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty and rising operating costs; and WHEREAS, similar City initiatives supporting minority and underserved business owners have demonstrated success in fostering entrepreneurship, business stability, and local job creation; and WHEREAS, no-interest loan and grant programs provide effective, responsible tools for supporting emerging and existing LGBTQIA+ businesses without creating unsustainable debt burdens; and WHEREAS, continued and expanded support for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs aligns with the City of Austin’s commitments to inclusive economic development, small business resilience, and cultural preservation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council expand and continue the City’s entrepreneurial support program for local LGBTQIA+ businesses. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends allocating $200,000 to support no-interest loans and entrepreneurial assistance for LGBTQIA+ owned businesses, building upon prior program models and leveraging existing City economic development infrastructure. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission encourages the City to prioritize outreach to small, locally owned, and community-serving LGBTQIA+ businesses that may face barriers to traditional financing. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Page 1 of 2 Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) Page 2 of 2 BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commision Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): Expansion of MPox, STI, and Vaccination Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin has recognized the importance of integrated vaccination and prevention programs, including Hepatitis and Flu outreach, as essential components of LGBTQIA+ public health efforts; and WHEREAS, Austin health departments and community health centers serving LGBTQIA+ residents, including community-based clinics and nonprofit providers, have demonstrated strong capacity and effectiveness in delivering culturally competent vaccination and prevention services; and WHEREAS, MPox continues to present an ongoing public health concern, particularly for LGBTQIA+ communities, and requires sustained vaccination, education, and outreach efforts rather than one-time emergency responses; and WHEREAS, recent reductions in federal and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health funding have placed increased pressure on local governments to maintain continuity of vaccination, STI, and HIV prevention programs; and WHEREAS, expanded local funding would support not only MPox vaccination efforts, but …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026, AT 6:30 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1407 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS 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 at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Commissioner Appointment Kitty McLeod, Vice Chair (she/they) District 1 Commissioner Mariana Krueger (she/her) KC Coyne, Chair (they/them) Steven Rivas (he/him) Brigitte Bandit (they/she) Jerry Joe Benson (he/him) Asher Knutson (he/him) J. Scott Neal (he/him) Garry Brown District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 Appointment District 9 District 10 VACANT Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/ella) Mayor Morgan Davis (he/him) VACANT VACANT VACANT Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder 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 LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission special called meeting on December 8, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Discussion regarding the commission’s goals over the next year, activity and expectations for working groups, and attendance needs related to quorum. Discussion regarding the City’s response to the commission’s recommendation to televise LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission meetings. Update on the progress of a historical marker on 4th and Colorado street. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 5. Report from the Stakeholder Commissioner Nomination Working Group regarding its proposed nominations for vacant stakeholder commissioner seats. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. Nominate stakeholder commissioners to fill the vacant stakeholder seats on the commission. Conduct officer elections for Secretary. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. 9. Update from Budget Working Group regarding its FY 2026-27 Budget proposals. Update from Community Safety Working Group regarding the planned schedule of presenters at commission meetings. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route …
