LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission - March 17, 2025
LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Quality of Life Advisory Commission
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 …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, March 17, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. Austin City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 310 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701 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 Ryan Sperling, Office of the City Clerk, at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. Jerry Joe Benson (Vice Chair) District 5 KB Brookins CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Kitty McLeod Katie Coyne VACANT Brigitte Bandit VACANT J. Scott Neal (Chair) Garry Brown CALL TO ORDER District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 6 District 7 District 8 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL 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 AGENDA 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 March 3rd, 2025. Page 1 of 4 2. Recommendations from the Budget Working Group on budget recommendations for the City of Austin 25-26 WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS Fiscal Year. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion regarding the survey status and results from the March 3rd LGBTQ+ Cultural Center Town Hall. 4. Discussion regarding potential future recommendations on the scope of the LGBTQ+ Cultural Center project based on related discussion at the March 3rd LGBTQ+ Cultural Center Town Hall. 5. Discussion on the Commission requesting Austin Police Department presence at commission meetings. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. Approve a recommendation for the City of Austin 2025-26 Fiscal Year on funding for a grant program for local nonprofits that focus on temporary shelters and crisis care for the transgender community in Austin. 7. Approve a recommendation for the City of Austin 2025-26 Fiscal Year on funding for a LGBTQ+ Cultural Center 8. Approve recommendations for the City of Austin 2025-26 Fiscal Year on funding for Austin Public Health focused 9. …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20250317-010): Support for LGBTQIA+ Arts and Culture WHEREAS, Austin is renowned as the live music capital of the world and has long supported cultural initiatives, including music and art, which have built the vibrancy and cultural fiber of our community; and WHEREAS, artists continue to play an integral role in the fabric of the City of Austin, with LGBTQIA+ members having been key supporters and major contributors to the arts community; and WHEREAS, the arts play a crucial role in expressing the diverse experiences and identities within the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, queer artists and cultural events often face financial barriers that limit their ability to showcase their work and reach wider audiences; and WHEREAS, providing financial support and reducing economic obstacles can greatly enhance the visibility and sustainability of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture; and WHEREAS, supporting LGBTQIA+ artists and cultural activities is in Austin's best interest, as it not only ensures the continuation of our city’s vibrant cultural fabric but also contributes to tourism and major events; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate $50,000 to start a program that provides grants to LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural activities, with a focus on funding queer art and waiving rental fees for spaces used to display or perform such works, ensuring continued contribution to Austin’s dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Page 1 of 2 Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) Page 2 of 2
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommenda(cid:415)on Number: 20250317-006: Support for a new grant program for crisis care and temporary housing in the local trans popula(cid:415)on WHEREAS, according the Trevor Project’s 2024 “Survey on the Mental Health of Young LGBTQ+ People” revealed the following data for Texas: ● 60% of LGBTQ+ young people in Texas experienced discrimina(cid:415)on based on their sexual orienta(cid:415)on or gender iden(cid:415)ty in the past year. ● 23% of LGBTQ+ young people in Texas were physically threatened or harmed based on their sexual orienta(cid:415)on or gender iden(cid:415)ty in the past year WHEREAS, the 2022 “US Trans Survey” found that 30 percent of respondents experienced homelessness during their life(cid:415)me. WHEREAS, according to data from the Na(cid:415)onal Center for Transgender Equality, one in five transgender people will face discrimina(cid:415)on when seeking housing, and one in ten will be evicted because of their gender iden(cid:415)ty. WHEREAS, according to data from The National Alliance to End Homelessness, 63% of transgender people and 80% of nonbinary people experiencing homelessness were unsheltered. WHEREAS the Texas legislature has introduced 104 an(cid:415)-trans bills in the 2025 legisla(cid:415)ve session, the most of any state in the country. WHEREAS, The Williams Ins(cid:415)tute at the University of California Los Angeles School of Law, using data collected by the Department of Jus(cid:415)ce's Na(cid:415)onal Crime Vic(cid:415)miza(cid:415)on Survey in 2022 and 2023, found that transgender people experienced violent a(cid:425)acks at a rate of 94 per 1,000 people compared to just 21 per 1,000 non-LGBT people. WHEREAS, The LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission has received input from the community confirming the need for trans focused housing and crisis care assistance in the Aus(cid:415)n area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to the Aus(cid:415)n City Council to: Establish a new grant program dedicated to providing financial assistance to local LGBTQ+ non- profits which are primarily focused on providing temporary housing and crisis care to the local trans popula(cid:415)on. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to the Aus(cid:415)n City Council to: Allocate this newly established grant program with $200,000-$300,000 in funding from the upcoming 2025 FY budget, or from remaining funds in prior years budgets AND priori(cid:415)ze this funding over non-essen(cid:415)al budget items. BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to the Aus(cid:415)n City Council to: Direct the City Manager to engage in commission in the process …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20250317-007: Allocation of Seed Money for LGBTQ Cultural and Community Center WHEREAS, he City of Austin has previously invested in feasibility studies to explore the development of an LGBTQ cultural and community center as per RECOMMENDATION 20240708-06; WHEREAS, the creation of such a center is critical to supporting the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in Austin, providing a space for cultural expression, education, and community services; and WHEREAS, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, along with the Task Force and the city’s Real Estate Office, are actively engaged in the planning and development of this center; and WHEREAS, continuous funding is essential to maintain momentum and ensure the success of these efforts, building upon the groundwork laid by prior studies and planning phases; WHEREAS, an adequately funded initiative is essential for the realization of the cultural and community center, which aims to enhance the quality of life for LGBTQIA+ residents and contribute to the cultural richness of Austin; and WHEREAS, the allocated funds will be used for engaging expert consultants, project planners, and informants, ensuring comprehensive planning and execution, as well as covering administrative and operational expenses directly associated with the Task Force's efforts and the strategic development of the Community Center; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate $50,000 as seed money to support the ongoing efforts to build an LGBTQ cultural and community center. This funding will assist in covering the costs of consultants, informants, project planners, and other expenses related to the planning and development efforts of the Task Force and Community Center. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Page 1 of 2 Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) Page 2 of 2
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20250317-008: Funding for Austin Public Health focused on LGBTQ+ Healthcare Issues Recommendation: Expansion of M-Pox and Vaccination Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin has recognized the importance of integrated Hepatitis and Flu vaccination programs within LGBTQIA+ outreach initiatives, demonstrating a proactive approach to public health; and WHEREAS, Austin’s health departments and community health centers, including KIND Clinic and Vivant Health, have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, the ongoing threat posed by M-Pox and the necessity for widespread vaccinations highlight the need for enhanced public health initiatives; and WHEREAS, there is a demonstrated need for increased funding to ensure that these essential vaccination services are accessible and available to all residents, particularly those in vulnerable communities; and WHEREAS, an increase in funding would directly support the expansion of these vital health services, thereby safeguarding the well-being of the community; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQI Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve an increase of $50,000 in funding to Austin health departments to specifically enhance M-Pox and other vaccination programs targeting at-risk populations. Recommendation: Subsidization of PrEP Access Programs Page 1 of 3 WHEREAS, the discontinuation of federal funding for PrEP programs has created a gap in preventative healthcare services critical to reducing the spread of HIV among at-risk populations; and WHEREAS, PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a proven method for preventing the transmission of HIV, and access to this medication is essential for the health and well-being of communities vulnerable to the epidemic; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a responsibility to support public health initiatives that provide comprehensive healthcare solutions to its residents, especially those most at risk; and WHEREAS, providing grants to subsidize PrEP access will ensure that preventative services remain accessible to all, regardless of economic barriers; and WHEREAS, a targeted allocation of funds would directly support the health departments and community health centers across Austin in continuing to offer these vital services; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve the provision of $100,000 in grants to subsidize PrEP access at facilities throughout Austin, ensuring continued protection and healthcare support to populations at high risk of HIV infection. Recommendation: Expansion of Targeted Mental Health Services for the LGBTQIA+ Community …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20250317-009): Establishment of Entrepreneurial Grants for LGBTQIA+ Businesses WHEREAS, local LGBTQIA+ businesses contribute significantly to the cultural richness and economic vitality of Austin; and WHEREAS, similar initiatives for minority business owners have demonstrated success in fostering entrepreneurial spirit and business growth within underserved communities; and WHEREAS, no-interest loans can provide essential financial support to emerging LGBTQIA+ businesses, enabling them to thrive without the burden of debt accumulation; and WHEREAS, supporting LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs aligns with the city's commitment to diversity and economic inclusion; and WHEREAS, establishing a dedicated grant program for LGBTQIA+ business owners would address specific challenges faced by this group and promote a more inclusive business environment; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council create and fund an entrepreneurial grant program for local LGBTQIA+ businesses, allocating $180,000 to offer no-interest loans. This funding will support the establishment and growth of these businesses, ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) Page 1 of 1
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission RecommendaAon Number: 20250317-006: Support for a New Grant Program for Crisis Care and Temporary Housing in the Local Trans PopulaAon Mo$oned by: Chair Neal WHEREAS, according the Trevor Project’s 2024 “Survey on the Mental Health of Young LGBTQ+ People” revealed the following data for Texas: Seconded by: Commissioner Krueger ● 60% of LGBTQ+ young people in Texas experienced discrimina$on based on their sexual orienta$on or gender iden$ty in the past year. ● 23% of LGBTQ+ young people in Texas were physically threatened or harmed based on their sexual orienta$on or gender iden$ty in the past year WHEREAS, the 2022 “US Trans Survey” found that 30 percent of respondents experienced homelessness during their life$me. WHEREAS, according to data from the Na$onal Center for Transgender Equality, one in five transgender people will face discrimina$on when seeking housing, and one in ten will be evicted because of their gender iden$ty. WHEREAS, according to data from The National Alliance to End Homelessness, 63% of transgender people and 80% of nonbinary people experiencing homelessness were unsheltered. WHEREAS the Texas legislature has introduced 104 an$-trans bills in the 2025 legisla$ve session, the most of any state in the country. WHEREAS, The Williams Ins$tute at the University of California Los Angeles School of Law, using data collected by the Department of Jus$ce's Na$onal Crime Vic$miza$on Survey in 2022 and 2023, found that transgender people experienced violent afacks at a rate of 94 per 1,000 people compared to just 21 per 1,000 non-LGBT people. WHEREAS, The LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission has received input from the community confirming the need for trans-focused housing and crisis care assistance in the Aus$n area. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to the Aus$n City Council to: Establish a new grant program dedicated to providing financial assistance to local organiza$ons historically serving LGBTQIA+ individuals who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused, with priority to transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to the Aus$n City Council: Any exis$ng or new FY2026 funding for affordable housing programs at the City priori$zes deeply affordable housing, below 30% MFI, with a focus on ensuring LGBTQIA+ community members are aware of these types of housing resources. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends to the Aus$n City …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20250317-007: Allocation of Seed Money for LGBTQ Cultural and Community Center Motioned by: Commissioner Brown Seconded by: Commissioner Davis WHEREAS, the City of Austin has previously invested in feasibility studies to explore the development of an LGBTQ cultural and community center as per RECOMMENDATION 20240708-06; WHEREAS, the creation of such a center is critical to supporting the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in Austin, providing a space for cultural expression, education, and community services; and WHEREAS, the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission, along with the Task Force and the city’s Real Estate Office, are actively engaged in the planning and development of this center; and WHEREAS, continuous funding is essential to maintain momentum and ensure the success of these efforts, building upon the groundwork laid by prior studies and planning phases; WHEREAS, an adequately funded initiative is essential for the realization of the cultural and community center, which aims to enhance the quality of life for LGBTQIA+ residents and contribute to the cultural richness of Austin; and WHEREAS, the allocated funds will be used for engaging expert consultants, project planners, and informants, ensuring comprehensive planning and execution, as well as covering administrative and operational expenses directly associated with the Task Force's efforts and the strategic development of the Community Center; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that any FY 2025 funding for the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center feasibility study ($180,000) remaining at the end of FY2025 be rolled over to the FY2026 Budget. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate an additional $50,000 as funding to continue Page 1 of 2 community engagement efforts around the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center and begin updates to the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. Date of Approval: March 17, 2025 Record of the vote: Approved on a 10-0 vote. For: Chair Neal, Commissioners Andersen, Bandit, Brown, Coyne, Davis, Fierro-Pérez, Krueger, McLeod, Treviño Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Vice Chair Benson, Commissioners Brookins, Wollerson Attest: _____________________________________________ (LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Staff Liaison) Page 2 of 2
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20250317-008: Funding for Austin Public Health focused on LGBTQ+ Healthcare Issues Motioned by: Commissioner Brown Seconded by: Commissioner Fierro-Pérez Recommendation: Expansion of M-Pox and Vaccination Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin has recognized the importance of integrated Hepatitis and Flu vaccination programs within LGBTQIA+ outreach initiatives, demonstrating a proactive approach to public health; and WHEREAS, Austin’s health departments and community health centers, including KIND Clinic and Vivant Health, have demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the health needs of the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, the ongoing threat posed by M-Pox and the necessity for widespread vaccinations highlight the need for enhanced public health initiatives; and WHEREAS, there is a demonstrated need for increased funding to ensure that these essential vaccination services are accessible and available to all residents, particularly those in vulnerable communities; and WHEREAS, an increase in funding would directly support the expansion of these vital health services, thereby safeguarding the well-being of the community; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve an increase of $50,000 in funding to Austin health departments to specifically enhance M-Pox and other vaccination programs targeting at-risk populations. Recommendation: Subsidization of PrEP Access Programs Page 1 of 3 WHEREAS, the discontinuation of federal funding for PrEP programs has created a gap in preventative healthcare services critical to reducing the spread of HIV among at-risk populations; and WHEREAS, PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a proven method for preventing the transmission of HIV, and access to this medication is essential for the health and well-being of communities vulnerable to the epidemic; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a responsibility to support public health initiatives that provide comprehensive healthcare solutions to its residents, especially those most at risk; and WHEREAS, providing grants to subsidize PrEP access will ensure that preventative services remain accessible to all, regardless of economic barriers; and WHEREAS, a targeted allocation of funds would directly support the health departments and community health centers across Austin in continuing to offer these vital services; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve the provision of $100,000 in grants to subsidize PrEP access at facilities throughout Austin, ensuring continued protection and healthcare support to populations at high risk of HIV infection. Recommendation: …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20250317-009): Establishment of Entrepreneurial Zero-Interest Loans for LGBTQIA+ Businesses Motioned by: Commissioner Fierro-Pérez Seconded by: Chair Neal WHEREAS, local LGBTQIA+ businesses contribute significantly to the cultural richness and economic vitality of Austin; and WHEREAS, similar initiatives for minority business owners have demonstrated success in fostering entrepreneurial spirit and business growth within underserved communities; and WHEREAS, no-interest loans can provide essential financial support to emerging LGBTQIA+ businesses, enabling them to thrive without the burden of debt accumulation; and WHEREAS, supporting LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs aligns with the city's commitment to diversity and economic inclusion; and WHEREAS, establishing a dedicated zero-interest loan program for LGBTQIA+ business owners would address specific challenges faced by this group and promote a more inclusive business environment; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council create and fund an entrepreneurial zero-interest loan program for local LGBTQIA+ businesses, allocating $180,000 to offer no-interest loans with priority given to business owners with intersectional LGBTQIA+ experiences, especially BIPOC owners. This funding will support the establishment and growth of these businesses, ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed. Date of Approval: March 17, 2025 Record of the vote: Approved on a 10-0 vote. Page 1 of 2 For: Chair Neal, Commissioners Andersen, Bandit, Brown, Coyne, Davis, Fierro-Pérez, Krueger, McLeod, Treviño Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Vice Chair Benson, Commissioners Brookins and Wollerson Attest: _____________________________________________ (LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Staff Liaison) Page 2 of 2
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: (20250317-010): Support for LGBTQIA+ Arts and Culture Motioned by: Commissioner Fierro-Pérez Seconded by: Commissioner McLeod WHEREAS, Austin is renowned as the live music capital of the world and has long supported cultural initiatives, including music and art, which have built the vibrancy and cultural fiber of our community; and WHEREAS, artists continue to play an integral role in the fabric of the City of Austin, with LGBTQIA+ members having been key supporters and major contributors to the arts community; and WHEREAS, the arts play a crucial role in expressing the diverse experiences and identities within the LGBTQIA+ community; and WHEREAS, queer artists and cultural events often face financial barriers that limit their ability to showcase their work and reach wider audiences; and WHEREAS, providing financial support and reducing economic obstacles can greatly enhance the visibility and sustainability of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture; and WHEREAS, supporting LGBTQIA+ artists and cultural activities is in Austin's best interest, as it not only ensures the continuation of our city’s vibrant cultural fabric but also contributes to tourism and major events; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council allocate $50,000 to start a program that provides grants to LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural activities with priority given to highlighting intersectional LGBTQIA+ experiences, especially BIPOC art & culture, with a focus on funding queer art and waiving rental fees for spaces used to display or perform such works, ensuring continued contribution to Austin’s dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. Date of Approval: March 17, 2025 Page 1 of 2 Record of the vote: Approved on a 10-0 vote For: Chair Neal, Commissioners Andersen, Bandit, Brown, Coyne, Davis, Fierro-Pérez, Krueger, McLeod, Treviño Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Vice Chair Benson, Commissioners Brookins, Wollerson Attest: _________________________________________ (LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Staff Liaison) Page 2 of 2
