REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, March 3rd, at 6:45 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 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. Speakers may also register to speak in-person using this Registration Form. To register to speak remotely, contact Ryan Sperling, Office of the City Clerk, at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Kitty McLeod Katie Coyne VACANT Brigitte Bandit VACANT J. Scott Neal (Chair) Garry Brown District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 6 District 7 District 8 Appointment Commissioner Mariana Krueger Appointment District 9 Brandon Wollerson District 10 Rocío Fierro-Pérez Mayor Alexander Andersen Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Morgan Davis Taylor Treviño Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) District 5 KB Brookins 6:30 PM – Performance & Special Guests Drag performance by Brigitte Bandit Words from Councilmember José Velasquez 6:45 PM - LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Convenes CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Page 1 of 4 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's regular meeting on February 10, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS WORKING GROUP UPDATES STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Amend the annual schedule to change Commission meetings from the second Monday of every month to the third Monday of every month. 3. Update on the history of the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center project. Presentation by the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Town Hall Working Group. 4. Briefing regarding the state of the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study as described in Resolution 20240814-022. Briefing by Christine Maguire, Redevelopment Division Manager, Financial Services Department. 5. Receive input from members of the public on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center’s potential vision and 6. Receive input from members of the public on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center’s potential amenities, services, and programming, and explain methods of collecting feedback. 7. …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 10, 2025 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas, 78752, Room #1401/1402. Commissioners in attendance in person: J. Scott Neal (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) Alexander Andersen Brigitte Bandit KB Brookins Garry Brown Katie Coyne Morgan Davis Mariana Krueger Kitty McLeod Taylor Treviño Brandon Wollerson Commissioners in attendance remotely: Rocío Fierro-Pérez Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s regular meeting on January 13, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Wollerson’s second, on a 13-0 vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Presentation regarding CommUnityCare’s new IDEALhealth program. Presentation by Dr. Crystal Walker, Associate Director of Sexual health program, CommUnityCare. The presentation was made by Dr. Crystal Walker, Associate Director of the Sexual Health program, CommUnityCare. Page 1 of 4 3. Presentation regarding federal and state policies impacting the LGBTQIA+ community and advice on how the community can engage with legislators. Presentation by Rachel Gonzales, Senior Regional Organizing Lead, Human Rights Campaign. Withdrawn without objection. 4. Presentation regarding the status of immigrant communities in Austin. Presentation by Roberto Lopez, Beyond Borders Senior Advocacy manager, Texas Civil Rights Project. The presentation was made by Roberto Lopez, Beyond Borders Senior Advocacy Manager, Texas Civil Rights Project. 5. Discussion on potential budget recommendations relating to the LGBTQIA+ community in Austin. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve the formation of a working group to review budget recommendations by the Joint Inclusion Committee and propose potential budget recommendations to the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission. The motion to form a working group to review budget recommendations by the Joint Inclusion Committee and propose potential budget recommendations to the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission was approved on Chair Neal’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second, on a 13-0 vote. The members include Commissioners Brown, Benson, McLeod, Neal, and Wollerson. 7. Approve a motion to amend the annual schedule to move the March 10 regular meeting to March 3rd. The annual schedule was amended to move the March 10 regular meeting to March 3 on Commissioner Brown’s motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second, on a …
LGBTQ+ Cultural Center Overview Where we are at and how it began LGBTQ+ Awareness To provide an inclusive, safe, and affirming environment that celebrates diversity, promotes understanding, and advocates for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community. Cultural Center Community Support Safe, inclusive space for community engagement, health resources, and cultural expression Deliver services and resources to enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being Educate Celebrate Provide programs and workshops to raise awareness and understanding of LGBTQIA+ issues. Create spaces for cultural expression, community building, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ identities and histories Community Needs Services Healthcare HIV/AIDS Resources Mental Health Transition Care Amenities Community Rooms Health and Wellness Space Food Pantry and Clothes Closet Accessible Support Youth and Family Support Legal Resources Community Resources Intergenerational Space Culture Performing Arts Space Library and Archives Events and Programming Community Hub Friendly Experiences Feasibility Study What is it? Role of the Task Force To evaluate and secure the funding, location, and financial plans necessary for establishing the Community Center, ensuring the project's feasibility and sustainability Forming of the Task Force The Commission will collaborate with the community to identify and nominate leaders, based on established selection criteria, with additional vetting by the city Responsibilities of the Task Force Conduct the Feasibility Study to evaluate funding, location, and financial planning for the Community Center What is the Feasibility Study A detailed analysis aimed at determining the viability of the Community Center project, focusing on its funding, location, and overall financial sustainability What happens after the Feasibility Study has finished its work Present the study's findings to both the City Manager's office and the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission, which will then forward their recommendations to the City Council for action LGBTQ+ Awareness LGBTQ+ Awareness Community Engagement ● We value ongoing feedback from the community throughout this process. ● Attend our meetings or directly engage with commissioners or city council to share your ideas and concerns. LGBTQ+ Awareness
LGBTQIA + Community Center Resolution 20240814-022: Commission Meeting & Town Hall Presentation March 3, 2025 Christine Maguire | Redevelopment Division Manager Agenda I. Resolution 20240814-022 II. Background III. City Facility Assessment IV. Other Similar Efforts V. Cost order of Magnitude VI. Potential Next Steps 03/03/2025 2 Resolution 20240814-022 Conduct a feasibility study to determine potential properties that can host an LGBTQIA+ community center, considering accessibility, location, and capacity to meet community need Establish task force with the LGBTQ Quality of Life (QOL) Advisory Commission o Identify opportunities for funding, including federal grants and public- private partnerships, to support the development and sustainability of the LGBTQIA+ Community Center o Should include all relevant community stakeholders Report to Council & LGBTQ QOL Advisory Commission with findings and recommendations by February 14, 2025 o Including potential sites, funding strategies, and a timeline for development 03/03/2025 3 Conduct a Feasibility Study Conduct a feasibility study to determine potential properties that can host an LGBTQIA+ community center, considering accessibility, location, and capacity to meet community needs • The LGBTQ QOL Advisory Commission is best positioned to provide a clear understanding of community needs, desired amenities/uses, and accessibility barriers. • The LGBTQIA + Quality of Life Study (2021) states that at least one community center is needed • Since 2023, the Commission has received testimony from key stakeholder groups that have discussed different development concepts work of the Resolution task force. • Establishing a record of Commission recommendations on a community center would advance the The Commission will receive the findings of the Working Group and provide recommendations to City Council based on the work of the task force and Commission. 03/03/2025 4 LGTBQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Working Group Actions of LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission to date: • Town Hall meeting in April 2024 • Passed Recommendation 2020708-06 to City Council for the creation of a cultural center task force to study the feasibility including funding and report back by January 2025. • City Council passed Resolution 20240814-022 based on the Commission Recommendation. • Established Working Group (August 12, 2024) whose members have helped convene a larger task force • 2nd Town Hall meeting this evening 3/3/2025 03/03/2025 5 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study: Center Recommendation Investing in an LGBTQIA+ cultural center and cultural district that is inclusive of all community sectors (specifically LGBT older adults, people of color, …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 3, 2025 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on March 3, 2025 at 6:45 PM at the City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas, 78752, Room #1405. Commissioners in attendance in person: J. Scott Neal (Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) Brigitte Bandit KB Brookin Garry Brown Katie Coyne Morgan Davis Rocío Fierro-Pérez Mariana Krueger Kitty McLeod Taylor Treviño Brandon Wollerson Chair Neal called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Anna Nguyen: LGBTQIA+ Community Center Devin Alejandro-Wilder: Equitable Cultural Arts Funding Dani Ward: Homelessness + Low Income/Agendas APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission’s regular meeting on February 10, 2025. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Brown’s motion, Commissioner Davis’ second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Amend the annual schedule to change Commission meetings from the second Monday of every month to the third Monday of every month. The annual schedule was amended on Chair Neal’s motion, Commissioner Coyne’s second on a 12-0 vote. Commissioner Andersen was absent. Page 1 of 4 WORKING GROUP UPDATES 3. Update on the history of the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center project. Presentation by the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Town Hall Working Group. Update by Vice Chair Benson and Commissioners Krueger and Davis. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Briefing regarding the state of the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study as described in Resolution 20240814-022. Briefing by Christine Maguire, Redevelopment Division Manager, Financial Services Department. The presentation was made by Christine Maguire, Redevelopment Division Manager, Financial Services Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 5. Receive input from members of the public on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center’s potential vision and mission. Discussion was held. 6. Receive input from members of the public on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center’s potential amenities, services, and programming, and explain methods of collecting feedback. Discussion was held. 7. Receive input from members of the public regarding, besides a potential LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center, measures the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission could recommend to the City Council designed to enhance the health, safety, economic opportunity and affordability, mobility, cultural and learning opportunities, and government access and accountability for the LGBTQIA+ community. Discussion was held. 8. Discussion regarding distributing a resource packet for transgender and gender-expansive Austin residents. Update …
