REGULAR MEETING OF THE LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026 AT 7:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 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 Commissioner Kitty McLeod, Vice Chair (she/they) District 1 Mariana Krueger (she/her) Appointment District 9 KC Shepherd Coyne, Chair (they/he) District 2 Devan Daniel (he/him) District 10 Steven Rivas (he/him) District 3 Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/ella) Mayor Brigitte Bandit (they/she) District 4 Morgan Davis (he/him) Jerry Joe Benson, Secretary (he/him) District 5 Randy Pituk (he/him) Asher Knutson (he/him) District 6 Marlon Johnson (he/him) J. Scott Neal (he/him) District 7 Anna Nguyen (she/her) Garry Brown District 8 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. 2. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting of July 20, 2026. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Special Called Meeting of August 12, 2026. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. Update on progress of the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study. Presentation by Mark Gilbert, Director, Hayat Brown, and Brian Carlson, Principal, McKinney York. Presentation regarding a review of the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study and next steps. Presentation by John Stenzel, AIA, 2026 Chair; and Zachary Henry- Litchliter, AIA, 2026 Chair-Elect, American Institute of Architects Austin LGBTQIA+ Alliance. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation supporting the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study and next steps. 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 through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Ryan Sperling at …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JULY 20, 2026 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a special called meeting on Monday, July 20 at 6:30 PM at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St., Austin, Texas 78701, Boards & Commissions Room 1101. Commissioners in attendance in person: Jerry Joe Benson (Secretary) Garry Brown Marlon Johnson Asher Knutson Mariana Krueger J. Scott Neal Anna Nguyen Randy Pituk Steven Rivas Commissioners in attendance remotely: Brigitte Bandit Devan Daniel Morgan Davis Rocío Fierro-Pérez Secretary Benson called the meeting to order at 6:32PM. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ry Vaz – Crosswalk Removal Hya – Crosswalk Removal Devyn Person – State / Local Laws APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on June 15, 2026. The minutes of the June 15, 2026 special called meeting were approved during the July 20, 2026 regular meeting on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Johnson’s second on a 10-0 vote. Commissioners Bandit, Davis, and Fierro-Pérez were o(cid:431) dais. Chair Coyne and Vice Chair McLeod were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Sta(cid:431) briefing regarding Austin Police communication and engagement with LGBTQ+ communities; gaps and challenges; status of the Community Liaison O(cid:431)icer program; and Austin Police policies, training, and initiatives related to the LGBTQ+ community. Briefing by Chief Lisa Davis, Austin Police. Briefing given by Chief Lisa Davis, Austin Police, Sargent Mike…, President of LGBTQ A(cid:431)inity Group, Austin Police and O(cid:431)icer Jacob Dawson, Community Liaison Group Leader, Austin Police. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Presentation to introduce Queer MMA ATX and provide information on an upcoming Queer Fight Night in Spring 2027. Presentation by Luis Villareal and Marléne M. Feliz Nina, Queer MMA ATX. Presentation given by Luis Villareal and Marléne M. Feliz Nina, Queer MMA ATX. 4. Presentation regarding OutYouth’s programming, history, challenges, and successes. Presentation by Jaryn Holbrook Janeway, Executive Director, OutYouth. Presentation given by Jaryn Holbrook Janeway, Executive Director, OutYouth. The meeting went into recess without objection at 8:56 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:02 p.m. 5. Recognition of Commissioner Rivas’ work on Mayor’s Task Force on Public Spaces and discussion of community celebrations in June. Discussed. 6. Discussion to collect feedback on what to include in the 2025 Annual Report. Discussed. 7. Discussion regarding priorities for the August meeting and a potential community social event before. Discussed. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the LGBTQIA+ …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a special called meeting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Blvd, Shudde Fath Assembly Room. Commissioners in attendance in person: Jerry Joe Benson (Secretary) Devan Daniel Randy Pituk Steven Rivas Commissioners in attendance remotely: KC Coyne (Chair) Kitty McCleod (Vice Chair) Garry Brown Marlon Johnson Secretary Benson called the meeting to order at 5:19 P.M. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Recommendation from the Budget Follow-Up Working Group regarding its budget priorities for the FY2026-27 City of Austin budget. Report provided by Secretary Benson. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to Council regarding FY2026-27 LGBTQ+ Budget Priorities. The meeting went into recess due to a loss of quorum at 5:26 P.M. The meeting called back to order at 5:29 P.M. The recommendation to Council regarding FY2026-27 LGBTQ+ Budget Priorities was approved on Commissioner Brown’s motion, Commissioner Daniel’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Bandit, Davis, Fierro-Perez, Knutson, Krueger, Neal, and Nguyen were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Travis County Sheri(cid:431)’s O(cid:431)ice in September Human Rights Impact Review by Shafina Khaki Phase APD Care O(cid:431)icers Proposal ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned without objection at 5:31 P.M.
Appendices Appendices Appendix 1 Detailed Case Studies Appendix 2 Site Evaluation Detail Appendix 3 Supplemental Site Considerations Appendix 4 Space Program Development Appendix 5 Site Evaluation Criteria Detail 98 123 126 132 143 97 98 Appendix 1 Detailed Case Studies Pride Center at Equality Park, Wilton Manors, FL Founded in 1993, the Pride Center at Equality Park has grown into one of South Florida’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ organizations. The Center offers a welcoming home where individuals, families, and allies can build community and find support. Its holistic approach blends social connection with critical services, including the nation’s first affordable supportive housing for LGBTQ+ seniors. Programs such as the acclaimed Active Aging initiative and Coffee & Conversation gatherings make the Center a model of inclusion, resilience, and celebration. Governance 501(c)(3) nonprofit Major Donors Alan Schubert (founder) Graves LGBT Cultural Fund AIDS Healthcare Foundation Construction Type Renovation Site Control Own Bldg. Constructed/Center Open 2009 (reno) Acquisition Cost Renovation Cost $4.75M $1M Campus Size 5.5 acres Facility Area 30,000sf Employees 40 Key Services 1. Health Initiatives 2. Support Groups 3. Advocacy and education 4. Active Aging Program 5. Supportive Housing Revenue 3% 13% 84% $2.7M Contributions & Grants Program Services Investment Income Other Revenue Expenses 46% 54% Salaries & Compensation Other Expenses $2.8M LGBT Community Center, New York, NY In the heart of the West Village, the LGBT Community Center has served New Yorkers since 1983, when it was founded during the height of the AIDS crisis. The Center is both a cultural anchor and a provider of essential health, wellness, and advocacy services. Its programs span generations, from youth drop-in and leadership initiatives to HIV counseling through Center CARE. With cultural events, support groups, and community outreach, the Center endures as a beacon of empowerment and solidarity. Governance 501(c)(3) nonprofit Major Donors Michael Kors Lance Le Pere Peter Speliopoulos Key Services 1. Mental Health Support 2. Youth Programs 3. Advocacy 4. Cultural Events Revenue 3% 9% 86% Contributions & Grants Program Services Investment Income Other Revenue $16.1M Construction Type Renovation Expenses Site Control Own Bldg. Constructed/Center Open 1983 (built) Acquisition Cost Renovation Cost $1.5M $9.2M Campus Size N/A Facility Area 27,000sf Employees 100+ 33% 67% Salaries & Compensation Other Expenses $18.6M LGBT Center of Raleigh, Raleigh, NC Since originally opening in 2010, the LGBT Center of Raleigh has become a vital hub for connection, education, and advocacy across the inclusive Triangle. The …
LGBTQIA CULTURAL CENTERLGBTQIA CULTURAL CENTERCost Estimate UpdatesMYA PROJECT #: 2519FEASIBILITY STUDYMcKinney York Architects06,18,2026 ADJACENT BUILDING ADJACENT BUILDING STORAGE 150 FT2 STORAGE 150 FT2 EXISTING RESTROOM TO BE RENOVATED TO COMPLY W/ CODE EXISTING RESTROOM OFFICE 2 200 FT2 OFFICE 2 200 FT2 LARGE MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM 1,270 FT2 COULD ACCOMMODATE HEALTHCARE OUTREACH AREA LARGE MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM 1,270 FT2 COULD ACCOMMODATE HEALTHCARE OUTREACH AREA OFFICE 1 125 FT2 PRIVATE ACCESS ENTRY I T O L G N K R A P E C I F F O PRIVATE ACCESS ENTRY I T O L G N K R A P E C I F F O ELEVATOR 80 FT2 ELEVATOR 80 FT2 EXISTING STAIRS EXISTING EXISTING RESTROOM STAIRS TO BE RENOVATED TO COMPLY W/ CODE EXISTING RESTROOM OFFICE 1 125 FT2 EXISTING MECH EXISTING MECH CIRCULATION PUBLIC CORRIDOR 1 230 FT2 BREAK ROOM 150 FT2 EXISTING RESTROOM COPY/PRINT WORK ROOM 60 FT2 EXISTING RESTROOM COPY/PRINT WORK ROOM 60 FT2 LOBBY 445 FT2 COULD ACCOMMODATE LIBRARY LOBBY 445 FT2 COULD ACCOMMODATE LIBRARY DROP-IN SPACE/ LOUNGE 260 FT2 ADDITIONAL DROP-IN SPACE/ LOUNGE OFFICE 260 FT2 132 FT2 T E E R T S E P U L A D A U G ADDITIONAL OFFICE 150 FT2 ADDITIONAL OFFICE 132 FT2 C I L B U P S S E C C A Y R T N E C I L B U P S S E C C A Y R T N E PRIVATE DRIVEWAY PRIVATE DRIVEWAY AREA TABULATION CORE SPACES Planned 500 FT2 150 FT2 150 FT2 - 150 FT2 600 FT2 1,200 FT2 Space Type Lobby Lounge/Seating Area Office 1 Office 2 Copy/Print Work Room Break Room Medium Multi-Purpose Room Large Multi-Purpose Room (Includes Healthcare Outreach) Restrooms Storage Circulation Elevator ETR 150 FT2 - - Total: 2,900 FT2 PRIORITY B SPACES 800 FT2 300 FT2 150 FT2 ea. 1,250 FT2 4,150 FT2 Total: GRAND TOTAL: Kitchen/Cafe & Food Pantry T Drop-In Space / Lounge E E Additional Office R T S Actual 445 FT2 125 FT2 200 FT2 60 FT2 150 FT2 850 FT2 2,995 FT2 ETR 275 FT2 720 FT2 80 FT2 5,900 FT2 775 FT2 260 FT2 132 FT2 1,167 FT2 7,067 FT2 E P U L A D A U G LGBTQIA Center - Construction Cost Estimates PRELIMINARY OPINION OF PROBABLE COST* Guadalupe Fire Station Construction Cost Estimate *Preliminary Opinion of Probable Cost* SQ FT 5,900 1,167 Core …
Austin LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study Final Report June 2026 Acknowledgements Thank you to LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Task Force members for dedicating your time to support this initiative. 1 Task Force Members Awais Azhar Juan Benitez David Colligan Laura Esparza Mallory Hart Travis Holler Micah King Kelle’ Martin Mia Diya-Bernhard Lesley Varghese Brandon Wallerson Syd Young Support Shafina Khaki, City of Austin, Executive Liaison Christine Maguire, City of Austin Kit Johnson, City of Austin KC Coyne, LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission Ryan Sperling, City of Austin, Staff Liaison Hayat Brown Team Mark Gilbert, Hayat Brown Brian Carlson, McKinney York Architects Laura Caicedo, Hayat Brown Sarah Esserlieu Khalil, Hayat Brown 2 Table of Contents Executive Summary Background Data Gathering and Benchmarking Needs Assessment and Space Program Site Evaluation Criteria Site Evaluations Ownership and Management Structures Development and Acquisition Structures Funding Options Recommendations Appendices 3 13 22 38 50 53 67 72 81 89 96 Executive Summary 4 Executive Summary Background For nearly a decade, community advocates and the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission have worked to make an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center a reality in Austin—one of the largest cities in the United States without a dedicated space of this kind. In August 2024, Austin City Council passed Resolution 20240814-022 directing the City Manager to launch a feasibility study to identify potential sites, funding strategies, and a development timeline for the center. To help shape this work, the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommended the creation of a 12-member Task Force to provide guidance, community input, and strategic direction throughout the study process. As part of the FY2025 budget process, the City of Austin appropriated $180,000 to support the feasibility study and subsequently selected the Hayat Brown Team to lead this effort in partnership with the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Task Force. Executive Summary Process The Hayat Brown Team embarked on a 12-month, Task Force-driven effort to refine facility needs and identify a path to project feasibility. Together, stakeholders reviewed benchmark facilities and case studies to understand commonalities, trends, and key features of similar cultural centers. They used these insights to inform a recommended space program, site evaluation criteria, and to define ownership, acquisition, and funding options. 5 Background Data Gathering and Benchmarking Needs Assessment and Space Programming Site Evaluation Criteria Site …
LGBTQIA+ QUALITY OF LIFE COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Recommendation to Designate the Guadalupe Fire Station as the Future Site of the Austin LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center and Advance a Funded Implementation Plan WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable community in which LGBTQIA+ residents have access to safe, welcoming, accessible, and affirming spaces, services, cultural programming, and opportunities for community connection; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study identified the establishment of a dedicated LGBTQIA+ community and cultural center as one of its principal recommendations and found a continuing need for safe spaces, community resources, advocacy, social connection, and cultural enrichment for Austin’s diverse LGBTQIA+ population; and WHEREAS, for nearly a decade, the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission, community advocates, nonprofit organizations, cultural leaders, service providers, and residents have worked to advance the creation of Austin’s first permanent and dedicated LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center; and WHEREAS, public town halls, surveys, constituent input, community leaders, the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Task Force, and the Quality of Life Study have consistently identified the need for a centrally located and transit-accessible center offering flexible gathering spaces, cultural and artistic programming, health and wellness outreach, community services, educational opportunities, non-bar social activities, and intergenerational programming; and WHEREAS, on August 14, 2024, the Austin City Council adopted Resolution No. 20240814-022 directing the City Manager to conduct a feasibility study addressing potential sites, funding strategies, and a development timeline for an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center; and WHEREAS, the City subsequently appropriated funding for the feasibility study and established a LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Task Force to provide community guidance, review potential sites, develop site-selection criteria, prioritize facility and program needs, and evaluate ownership, management, funding, and implementation options; and WHEREAS, the resulting Austin LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study represents approximately 12 months of research, benchmarking, architectural analysis, community input, Task Force deliberation, site evaluation, and collaboration among the City of Austin, the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission, the Task Force, community stakeholders, Hayat Brown, and McKinney York Architects; and WHEREAS, after considering the feasibility study, the work and recommendations of the Task Force, the Quality of Life Study, public engagement, surveys, community and constituent input, and the continuing work of the Cultural Center Working Group, the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission has determined that the Guadalupe Fire Station provides the best available path forward for establishing Austin’s first permanent LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center; and …
