REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, April 15, 2024, at 6:30 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1407 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Commission 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on March 11, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on transgender and sexual identity protections. 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation for an LGBTQ Community Cultural Center and related community 4. Conduct officer elections for positions of LGBTQ Commission chair and vice chair positions. 5. Discussion and vote on new Joint Inclusion Commission Representatives. issues. 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please get in touch with Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission, please get in touch …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240415‐2 Transgender and Sexual Identity Protections WHEREAS, the City of Austin has been one of the fastest‐growing cities in the United States for over a decade, resulting in rapidly increasing demands on housing, infrastructure, public safety, and other city resources; and WHEREAS, in 2023, the Texas state legislature passed legislation restricting or criminalizing access to gender‐affirming healthcare across Texas, which was subsequently signed by the governor and became law effective September 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, as a home‐rule city, the City has the authority and responsibility to prioritize the use of its limited resources and taxpayer dollars to address the most urgent needs of all residents, including focusing the use of public safety resources on substantive and broad threats to residents’ safety and livelihood; and WHEREAS the City Council recognizes that families and healthcare providers in Austin are living in uncertainty and fear, and many are considering moving away or have already moved to other states to access medical care for their children or to be able to practice medicine freely in accordance with professional and ethical standards; and WHEREAS multiple healthcare providers in Texas have scaled back healthcare services in response to legal challenges, perception of legal risk, harassment, or threats of violence; and WHEREAS gender‐affirming healthcare has been proven to be evidence‐based, medically necessary, and lifesaving by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatricians, the Endocrine Society, the American Psychiatric Association, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, amongst other institutions; and WHEREAS, studies have shown that gender transition, including access to gender‐affirming healthcare, improves the overall well‐being of transgender people and that access to gender‐affirming healthcare for youth is associated with better mental health outcomes and lower risks of suicide; and WHEREAS over 94 percent of LGBTQ+ youth surveyed by the Trevor Project in late 2021 said recent politics have negatively impacted their mental health, and 93 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth surveyed by the Trevor Project in 2022 said they have worried about transgender people being denied access to gender‐affirming medical care due to state or local laws; and WHEREAS, a majority of U.S. adults agree that transgender minors should have access to gender‐ affirming care; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has consistently declared its commitment to furthering transgender equity and supporting its transgender and nonbinary …
RECOMMENDATION 03112023‐2 Funding for Emergency Housing Assistance WHEREAS Aus(cid:415)n con(cid:415)nues to face a housing affordability crisis par(cid:415)cularly impac(cid:415)ng renters that have seen mul(cid:415)ple years of rental increases, and WHEREAS the LGBTQ Quality of Life Study noted that the increased cost of rental housing was the highest‐ranked domain of priority for par(cid:415)cipants in the town hall mee(cid:415)ngs, and WHEREAS, in the referenced Study, 10% of respondents indicated they had been homeless in the last 5 years, 65% of respondents spent 30% or more of their income on housing while 9% spent more than half of their income, and WHEREAS the City of Aus(cid:415)n provided funding for a program en(cid:415)tled “I Belong in Aus(cid:415)n” to provide emergency assistance for renters in danger of losing their housing including short‐term rental assistance as well as moving and storage expenses to lessen the impact of forced reloca(cid:415)on, and WHEREAS “I Belong in Aus(cid:415)n” had over 800 people on the wai(cid:415)ng list when the program began this year, and that wai(cid:415)ng list quickly grew to 4,000 before being capped at that number indica(cid:415)ng the con(cid:415)nuing need for this assistance, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Aus(cid:415)n City Council approve con(cid:415)nued funding in the next fiscal year based on an evalua(cid:415)on of the program’s effec(cid:415)veness in preven(cid:415)ng homelessness for diverse clients to mi(cid:415)gate the affordability crisis and accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabiliza(cid:415)on, economic opportunity, and affordability.
MUSIC COMMISSION BUDGET RECOMMENDATION FY24-25 DRAFT Date: March 4, 2023 Recommendation: Directive to the City Council for the City to invest in Austin's music economy initiatives to sustain, grow, and transform our music industry. Description of Recommendation to Council: The Music Commission, in support of the music community, recommends that the Austin City Council designate a minimum $3.36 Million investment for FY2024 to fuel Austin's music industry growth and support the music community. The commission recommends that the funds be invested in: Fiscal support for the Creative Space Assistance Program – match FY23-34 funding lever. CSAP awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, partial lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases. $1.5 Million/ City General Fund Fiscal support for the Music and Entertainment Division musician performance program. Funding for city-sponsored music events (festivals, street performance program, City Council, and Music Commission performances) showcasing artists from each of the 10 council districts and compensated at the city-approved rate of $200 per performance per musician. $100,000 / City General Fund Fiscal support for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians health insurance programs. Funding for HAAM’s health insurance navigator and insurance premium programs. $500,000 / City General Fund Initiation and fiscal support for a new disaster-related Stormy Weather Fund. Financial compensation for musicians and music workers demonstrating financial loss caused by declared disaster emergencies and resulting power failures. $800,000 per year ongoing, subject to adjust based on the frequency of emergencies / Austin Energy Annual Revenue Rationale The music industry is vital to the economic and cultural life of our city and deserves the same investment as other key growth industries in Austin. 1 of 2 Music and musicians contribute significantly to Austin's economy, including our robust tourism economy. The cost of living in Austin has risen to nearly unsustainable levels. From 2011 to 2021, the median home price in Austin increased from $193,000 to $517,000, and the median rent increased from $815 to $1,387. Many musicians struggle to make a living in Austin due to affordability issues. According to a survey by the Austin Music Census, nearly three-quarters of musicians in Austin reported making less than $18,000 per year from music-related income. Funding activities that provide more paid work to Austin …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, March 11, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Commission 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on February 12, 2023. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and action on identifying speakers, presentations, and setting or confirming agenda 6. Approve a motion to create two new working groups for Communication and Community Outreach. items for Community Townhall Meeting in April. Sponsored by Chair Neal & Vice Chair Aguirre 3. Discussion and possible action on a retreat date and agenda. Sponsored by Chair Neal & Vice Chair Aguirre 4. Approve an updated recommendation on Emergency Rental Assistance. Sponsored by Commissioner Curry & Chair Neal 5. Approve a recommendation to the council on demographic data. Sponsored by Commissioner Wollerson & Chair Neal Sponsored by Chair Neal & Vice Chair Aguirre 7. Approve a recommendation on Austin Music Economy Initiatives. Sponsored by Commissioner Wollerson & Chair Neal 8. Discussion and action to approve budget recommendations to the council. Sponsored by Chair Neal & Vice Chair Aguirre WORKING GROUP UPDATES Members: Curry, Davis, Wollerson the Increasing Community Input Working Group. Members: Neal, …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 2 0 2 4 0 3 1 1 - 7 FOR Budget for Austin's music economy WHEREAS The music industry is vital to the economic and cultural life of our city and deserves the same investment as other key growth industries in Austin. WHEREAS Music and musicians contribute significantly to Austin's economy, including our robust tourism economy. WHEREAS The cost of living in Austin has risen to nearly unsustainable levels. From 2011 to 2021, the median home price in Austin increased from $193,000 to $517,000, and the median rent increased from $815 to $1,387. WHEREAS Many musicians struggle to make a living in Austin due to affordability issues. According to a survey by the Austin Music Census, nearly three-quarters of musicians in Austin reported making less than $18,000 per year from music-related income. WHEREAS Funding activities that provide more paid work to Austin musicians can help protect the city's economic growth. This includes supporting music venues, festivals, and events that hire local musicians, as well as initiatives that provide training and resources for musicians to build their careers and generate more income. WHEREAS By investing in the music industry and supporting musicians in Austin, the city can maintain the vibrancy of its cultural identity and ensure the continued contribution of the music industry to the local economy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to the City Council for the City to invest in Austin's music economy initiatives to sustain, grow, and transform our music industry and that the Austin City Council designate a minimum $3.36 Million investment for FY2024 to fuel Austin's music industry growth and support the music community. The commission recommends that the funds be invested in: • Fiscal support for the Creative Space Assistance Program – match FY23-34 funding lever. CSAP awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, partial lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases. $1.5 Million/ City General Fund • Fiscal support for the Music and Entertainment Division musician performance program. Funding for city- sponsored music events (festivals, street performance program, City Council, and Music Commission performances) showcasing artists from each of the 10 council districts and compensated at the city-approved rate of $200 per performance per musician. …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 03112024-4 Funding for Emergency Housing Assistance WHEREAS Austin continues to face a housing affordability crisis particularly impacting renters that have seen multiple years of rental increases, and WHEREAS the LGBTQ Quality of Life Study noted that the increased cost of rental housing was the highest- ranked domain of priority for participants in the town hall meetings, and WHEREAS, in the referenced Study, 10% of respondents indicated they had been homeless in the last 5 years, 65% of respondents spent 30% or more of their income on housing while 9% spent more than half of their income, and WHEREAS the City of Austin provided funding for a program entitled “I Belong in Austin” to provide emergency assistance for renters in danger of losing their housing including short-term rental assistance as well as moving and storage expenses to lessen the impact of forced relocation, and WHEREAS “I Belong in Austin” had over 800 people on the waiting list when the program began this year, and that waiting list quickly grew to 4,000 before being capped at that number indicating the continuing need for this assistance, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve continued funding in the next fiscal year based on an evaluation of the program’s effectiveness in preventing homelessness for diverse clients to mitigate the affordability crisis and accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabilization, economic opportunity, and affordability. Date of Approval: 3/11/2024 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a 12-1 vote. VOTE Present: Jerome Benson (Jerry Joe) John Scott Neal ● Christian Aguirre ● ● ● Gary Brown ● Brandon Wollerson ● Charles Curry • Mariana Krueger (virtual) • Yuri G Barragán (virtual) ● Alexander Andersen • Melissa Taylor Page 1 of 2 • Morgan Davis (virtual) • David Garza Attest: Alyssa Parra, Staff Liaison Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240311-5 COLLECTION OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY DATA WHEREAS Accurate data collection of marginalized communities provides the City of Austin with the information needed to adequately support and serve each community. Because there is no national collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data, the City of Austin must begin collecting that data from City employees and community members accessing City services. WHEREAS the City of Austin conducted an LGBTQ+ Quality of Life survey, with a report given on October 11, 2021, providing several recommendations on how to improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community in Austin, TX; and, WHEREAS, a key recommendation from the Quality of Life survey is to “enhance sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection efforts”; and, WHEREAS, even before the QOL survey, on February 11, 2019, the LGBTQ QOL Commission passed a recommendation that supported the full inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection within the City of Austin; and, WHEREAS, on October 21, 2021, Austin City Council formally condemned non- consensual and medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children and directed the City Manager to explore methods to implement a public education campaign to provide accurate, affirming information to the doctors and parents of intersex children about these children’s health, to counter misinformation that can be presented as medical advice, therefore providing an important reason to collect data regarding the intersex population in the city as well (SOGI+); and, WHEREAS, in March 2016, the Health Resources Services Administration(HRSA) added SO/GI data as required elements to be reported yearly in the Uniform Data System (UDS), beginning in Calendar Year 2016. The Program Assistance Letter (PAL 2016-2) states that “sexual orientation and gender identity (SO/GI) can play a significant role in determining health outcomes,” and that “gaining a better understanding of populations served by health Page 1 of 3 centers, including sexual orientation and gender identity, promotes culturally competent care delivery, and contributes to reducing health disparities overall.”; and, WHEREAS, in February 2020, the Central Health Equity Policy Council adopted a policy initiative to move to expand SOGI data gathering as part of a push to adopt HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index, which is the national LGBTQ benchmarking tool that evaluates healthcare facilities' policies and practices related to the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors, and employees; and, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, February 12, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Commission 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512‐974‐2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three‐minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on January 8, 2023. PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION 2. FY 24‐29 Consolidated Plan Community Needs Assessment Presentation & Discussion Presented by: Chris Duran, Senior Research Analyst, Housing Department, Julie Smith, Community Engagement Specialist, Housing Department, Jamey May, Housing & Community Development Officer, Housing Department, Susan Watkins, Housing Division Manager, Housing Department, Leslie Boyd, Acting Public Health Program Manager II, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and possible action to approve budget recommendations to the council. 4. Approve a recommendation to the council on demographic data. 5. Approve a recommendation to the council on Emergency Housing Assistance. 6. Approve a recommendation to the council for a Budget for LGBTQIA+ Affirming Mental Healthcare. 7. Discussion and possible action on Trans Protections Recommendation to the council. 8. Approve a recommendation to the council on vacant commissioner positions. 9. Approve a motion to adjust the start time of the April 15 Commission meeting to start at 6:30 PM. 10. Approve a motion to …
Discussion on community needs and spending priorities for the FY 24-29 Consolidated Plan for federal grants. Agenda Where Does Our Funding Come From? Planning and Reporting for Federal Funding How We Make Decisions Fair Housing What We've Heard From the Community Programs and Activities Overview Group and Community Input How do we fund our programs? HUD Annual Entitlement Grants Housing Trust Fund Approved City Bonds City Operating Budget Project Connect Anti-Displacement Funds CARES Act The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocates entitlement funding to municipalities and state governments. The City of Austin applies for what in recent years has been approximately $14 million in annual grant entitlements across four grants for affordable housing, community development, economic development, and public services. Each year, we plan and evaluate the programs funded by the HUD grants. 4 Planning and Reporting for Federal Grants U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Consolidated Plan (5-Year) Allocates federal resources to housing and community development Action Plan (1-Year) Summarizes actions, activities and federal/non- federal resources in the Consolidated Plan Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) (1-Year) End-of-year report on progress toward consolidated plan 6 Consolidated Plan Funding Sources Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Goal: Provide decent housing and a suitable living environment; expand economic opportunities for low-income people Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Goal: Benefit low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families by providing supportive services and housing Consolidated Plan (5-Year) HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Goal: create affordable housing for low- income households Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Goal: Assist people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness 7 How are funding decisions made? We are here Community Participation: Community Needs Assessment Available Use of Funding Sources Consolidated Plan Housing Needs & Market Analysis Other Planning Efforts Austin Strategic Housing Blueprint Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice 8 Fair Housing Issues, Experiences • 2019 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) • Potential upcoming "Equity Plan" related to fair housing • Seeking input and surveying on fair housing issues, experiences (details on future slide) 9 What we’ve heard from the Community I need immediate help I need a more accessible process Feedback themes I want the opportunity to build wealth and long-term stability I need help maintaining stability I need immediate help Housing Needs Finding housing Rental Assistance Mortgage assistance Emergency …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 2 0 2 3 0 2 1 2 ‐ 7 FOR TRANSGENDER PROTECTIONS BE IT RESOLVED, Except to the extent required by law, it is the policy of the City that no City personnel, funds, or resources shall be used to investigate, criminally prosecute, impose administrative penalties on, or terminate or limit the eligibility for City funding, such as grants or contracts, an individual or organization for providing to or assisting a transgender or nonbinary individual with healthcare or for receiving or seeking such care. It is also the policy of the City to protect the welfare and safety of those who identify or are perceived as LGBTQ and those who provide services and support to such individuals through the vigorous enforcement of hate crimes, anti‐discrimination laws, and other forms of support. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED If any law or regulation of the State of Texas imposes criminal punishment, civil liability, administrative penalties, or professional sanctions on an individual or organization for providing to or assisting a transgender or nonbinary individual with healthcare or for receiving or seeking such care, City personnel shall make enforcement of said law or regulation their lowest priority. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED Except to the extent required by law, City personnel shall not enforce laws of other jurisdictions that impose criminal punishment, civil liability, administrative penalties, or professional sanctions, on an individual or organization for providing to or assisting a transgender or a nonbinary individual with healthcare or seeking or receiving such care and shall decline any request to stop, arrest, detain, continue to detain, or transfer into the custody of any other law enforcement, individuals based on such conduct being criminalized, penalized, or sanctionable in said jurisdiction. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Except to the extent required by law, City personnel shall not respond to any request for information from another jurisdiction if the request is related to that jurisdiction's laws, rules, or regulations imposing criminal punishment, civil liability, administrative penalties, or professional sanctions or the investigation thereof, on an individual or organization for providing to or assisting a transgender or nonbinary individual with healthcare or seeking or receiving such care. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED Except to the extent required by law, City personnel shall not enforce or facilitate the collection of any judgment of another jurisdiction to the extent the judgment arises out of a cause of …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 2 0 2 3 0 2 1 2 ‐ X X FOR Budget for Increased Emergency Housing Assistance (I BELONG IN AUSTIN PROGRAM) WHEREAS the City of Austin continues to face a housing affordability crisis particularly impacting renters that have seen multiple years of rental increases, and WHEREAS the LGBTQ Quality of Life Study noted that the increased cost of rental housing was the highest‐ranked domain of priority for participants in the town hall meetings, and WHEREAS, in the referenced Study, 10% of respondents indicated they had been homeless in the last 5 years, 65% of respondents spent 30% or more of their income on housing while 9% spent more than 50% before the record increases of the last three years, and WHEREAS, the City has approved funding over $7 million for a program entitled "I Belong In Austin" to provide emergency assistance for renters in danger of losing their housing including short‐term rental assistance as well as moving and storage expenses to lessen the impact of forced relocation, and WHEREAS the "I Belong in Austin" had over 800 people on the waiting list when the Program began and is likely to exhaust funding before the end of this fiscal year, indicating the continuing need for this assistance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve funding of $8 million for the "I Belong in Austin" Program to mitigate the affordability crisis and to accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabilization, economic opportunity, and affordability. Page 1 of 2 Record of the Vote: Adopted without objection on a X‐X vote. VOTE Date of Approval: Present: Attest: Ryn Gonzales, Chair Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 2 0 2 3 0 2 1 2 ‐ 6 FOR Budget for LGBTQIA+ AFFIRMING MENTAL HEALTHCARE WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study identified that the Austin‐Round Rock‐Georgetown metropolitan area had the 3rd largest percentage of LGBTQIA+ people in the United States, with about 5.0% or 90,000 people identifying as LGBTQIA+; and WHEREAS the City of Austin currently has an estimated 475‐person waitlist for LGBTQIA+‐focused mental health services; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study found that respondents are at high risk for serious mental health issues, including 42% for depression and 12% for suicidal ideation; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents reported having to put off getting health‐related services in the past 12 months because of the cost of dental care (29%), mental health care (21%), medical care (18%), and gender‐affirming care (9%) among the top services avoided due to cost; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents were asked about how they rate their overall mental health since the pandemic, more than half (52%) of the 1,882 respondents rated their mental health as fair, poor, or very poor, a sizeable increase in mental health concerns; and WHEREAS nearly half (45%) of respondents in the Austin‐based QWELL Community Foundation’s 2021 survey rated their mental health as poor or fair; and WHEREAS according to the 2022 Austin Public Health Community Health Assessment, there exists significant mental health needs including stigma and limited access to mental health care. Among Travis County residents, the suicide rate was 12.2 deaths per 100,000 population and highest among males (18.5 deaths per 100,000 population) and White residents (17.1 deaths per 100,000 population) in 2016‐ 2020. In 2020, a higher percentage of females (33.0%) compared to males (20.9%) reported poor mental health, and the prevalence of poor mental health days has increased by 7 overall for both genders. In the same year, a higher percentage of Hispanic/Latino adults (31.5%) reported poor mental health compared to White (26.3%) and Black/African American (22.9%) adults. In 2020, the highest proportion of adults experiencing poor mental health was seen among adults aged 18‐29 (32.6%) and 30‐44 years of age (34.3%); and WHEREAS, of the seven million dollars of mental health funding in FY24 social service contracts, only $161,673 (2%) provides …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, February 12, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING MINUTES Some members of the Commission 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER Appointment Commissioner Gary Brown District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen Minutes Appointment District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Vice Chair Aguirre called to order at 7:05 PM ROLL CALL: Absent: • Marti Bier • Mariana Krueger Page 1 of 4 Present: Jerome Benson John Scott Neal (virtual) ● Dereca Sims (virtual) ● Christian Aguirre ● Yuri G Barragán (virtual) ● ● David Garza ● ● Gary Brown ● Brandon Wollerson ● Charles Curry • Melissa Taylor (virtual) ● Morgan Davis ● Alexander Andersen PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No public communication MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER Motioned by Commissioner Aguirre and seconded by Commissioner Curry, passed unanimously by roll call vote with Commissioner Garza abstaining. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Motion by Commissioner Wollerson, seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on January 8, 2023. Passed unanimously. PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION 2. FY 24-29 Consolidated Plan Community Needs Assessment Presentation & Discussion Presented by: Chris Duran, Senior Research Analyst, Housing Department, Julie Smith, Community Engagement Specialist, Housing Department, Jamey May, Housing & Community Development Officer, Housing Department, Susan Watkins, Housing Division Manager, Housing Department, Leslie Boyd, Acting Public Health Program Manager II, Austin Public Health. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion on Trans Protections Recommendation to the council. 4. Approve a recommendation to the council on Emergency Housing Assistance. Motion by Commissioner Wollerson, Seconded by Commissioner Davis, Passed via roll call vote, …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 2 0 2 4 0 2 1 2 - 4 FOR Budget for Increased Emergency Housing Assistance (I BELONG IN AUSTIN PROGRAM) WHEREAS the City of Austin continues to face a housing affordability crisis particularly impacting renters that have seen multiple years of rental increases, and WHEREAS the LGBTQ Quality of Life Study noted that the increased cost of rental housing was the highest-ranked domain of priority for participants in the town hall meetings, and WHEREAS, in the referenced Study, 10% of respondents indicated they had been homeless in the last 5 years, 65% of respondents spent 30% or more of their income on housing while 9% spent more than 50% before the record increases of the last three years, and WHEREAS, the City has approved funding over $7 million for a program entitled "I Belong In Austin" to provide emergency assistance for renters in danger of losing their housing including short-term rental assistance as well as moving and storage expenses to lessen the impact of forced relocation, and WHEREAS the "I Belong in Austin" had over 800 people on the waiting list when the Program began and is likely to exhaust funding before the end of this fiscal year, indicating the continuing need for this assistance. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve funding of $8 million for the "I Belong in Austin" Program to mitigate the affordability crisis and to accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabilization, economic opportunity, and affordability. Page 1 of 2 Record of the Vote: Adopted on an 11-1 Vote, Commissioner Garza voted no Present: VOTE Date of Approval: 2/12/2024 Jerome Benson John Scott Neal (virtual) ● Dereca Sims (virtual) ● Christian Aguirre ● Yuri G Barragán (virtual) ● ● David Garza ● ● Gary Brown ● Brandon Wollerson ● Charles Curry • Melissa Taylor (virtual) ● Morgan Davis ● Alexander Andersen Attest: Alyssa Parra, staff Liaison Page 2 of 2
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 2 0 2 4 0 2 1 2 - 5 FOR Budget for LGBTQIA+ AFFIRMING MENTAL HEALTHCARE WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study identified that the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown metropolitan area had the 3rd largest percentage of LGBTQIA+ people in the United States, with about 5.0% or 90,000 people identifying as LGBTQIA+; and WHEREAS the City of Austin currently has an estimated 475-person waitlist for LGBTQIA+-focused mental health services; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study found that respondents are at high risk for serious mental health issues, including 42% for depression and 12% for suicidal ideation; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents reported having to put off getting health-related services in the past 12 months because of the cost of dental care (29%), mental health care (21%), medical care (18%), and gender-affirming care (9%) among the top services avoided due to cost; and WHEREAS the City of Austin’s 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study respondents were asked about how they rate their overall mental health since the pandemic, more than half (52%) of the 1,882 respondents rated their mental health as fair, poor, or very poor, a sizeable increase in mental health concerns; and WHEREAS nearly half (45%) of respondents in the Austin-based QWELL Community Foundation’s 2021 survey rated their mental health as poor or fair; and WHEREAS according to the 2022 Austin Public Health Community Health Assessment, there exists significant mental health needs including stigma and limited access to mental health care. Among Travis County residents, the suicide rate was 12.2 deaths per 100,000 population and highest among males (18.5 deaths per 100,000 population) and White residents (17.1 deaths per 100,000 population) in 2016- 2020. In 2020, a higher percentage of females (33.0%) compared to males (20.9%) reported poor mental health, and the prevalence of poor mental health days has increased by 7 overall for both genders. In the same year, a higher percentage of Hispanic/Latino adults (31.5%) reported poor mental health compared to White (26.3%) and Black/African American (22.9%) adults. In 2020, the highest proportion of adults experiencing poor mental health was seen among adults aged 18-29 (32.6%) and 30-44 years of age (34.3%); and WHEREAS, of the seven million dollars of mental health funding in FY24 social service contracts, only $161,673 (2%) provides …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, January 8, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA Some members of the Commission 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512‐974‐2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT VACANT David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 VACANT Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis VACANT AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three‐minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on December 12, 2023. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve budget recommendations. 3. Approve a recommendation to the council on vacant commissioner positions. 4. Approve the commission's direction and strategic priorities for the next year. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 5. Update from the budget working group. Members: Curry, Davis, Wollerson 6. Update from the New Commissioner & Increasing Community Input Working Group. Members: Neal, Garza, Aguirre, Sims, and Bier 7. Update from Housing Working Group. Members: Curry, Davis, Aguirre, Griffin, Hawkins, Church 8. Update from the Cultural Center Working Group. Members: Wollerson, Davis, Barragán 9. Update from the Demographic Data Working Group. Members: Curry, Aguirre 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least two days (48 hours) before …
