Item 8: Draft Budget Recommendation Proposals — original pdf

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BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commision Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): Entrepreneurial Grants for LGBTQIA+ Businesses WHEREAS, local LGBTQIA+ owned businesses contribute significantly to the cultural identity, neighborhood character, and economic vitality of the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, small businesses owned by LGBTQIA+ individuals often face disproportionate barriers to accessing capital, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty and rising operating costs; and WHEREAS, similar City initiatives supporting minority and underserved business owners have demonstrated success in fostering entrepreneurship, business stability, and local job creation; and WHEREAS, no-interest loan and grant programs provide effective, responsible tools for supporting emerging and existing LGBTQIA+ businesses without creating unsustainable debt burdens; and WHEREAS, continued and expanded support for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs aligns with the City of Austin’s commitments to inclusive economic development, small business resilience, and cultural preservation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council expand and continue the City’s entrepreneurial support program for local LGBTQIA+ businesses. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends allocating $200,000 to support no-interest loans and entrepreneurial assistance for LGBTQIA+ owned businesses, building upon prior program models and leveraging existing City economic development infrastructure. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission encourages the City to prioritize outreach to small, locally owned, and community-serving LGBTQIA+ businesses that may face barriers to traditional financing. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Page 1 of 2 Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) Page 2 of 2 BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commision Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): Expansion of MPox, STI, and Vaccination Programs WHEREAS, the City of Austin has recognized the importance of integrated vaccination and prevention programs, including Hepatitis and Flu outreach, as essential components of LGBTQIA+ public health efforts; and WHEREAS, Austin health departments and community health centers serving LGBTQIA+ residents, including community-based clinics and nonprofit providers, have demonstrated strong capacity and effectiveness in delivering culturally competent vaccination and prevention services; and WHEREAS, MPox continues to present an ongoing public health concern, particularly for LGBTQIA+ communities, and requires sustained vaccination, education, and outreach efforts rather than one-time emergency responses; and WHEREAS, recent reductions in federal and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) public health funding have placed increased pressure on local governments to maintain continuity of vaccination, STI, and HIV prevention programs; and WHEREAS, expanded local funding would support not only MPox vaccination efforts, but also broader STI and HIV prevention services that are critical to reducing long-term public health costs and preventing outbreaks; and WHEREAS, ensuring access to timely, accurate, and culturally competent preventive healthcare improves community health outcomes and reduces strain on emergency and acute care systems; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council approve an increase of $80,000 in funding to Austin health departments to expand MPox vaccination, STI prevention, and HIV prevention programs targeting at-risk and underserved populations. Page 1 of 2 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the expanded funding should support outreach, education, vaccination access, and prevention services delivered through trusted community-based providers and public health partners serving the LGBTQIA+ community. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) Page 2 of 2 BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): City Support and In-Kind Services for Austin Pride WHEREAS, Pride celebrations are a cornerstone of LGBTQIA+ visibility, community cohesion, and civic participation, and represent a significant cultural and economic event for the City of Austin; and WHEREAS, Austin Pride has a long history of organizing inclusive, accessible Pride programming that attracts residents, visitors, and local businesses, contributing to tourism and local economic activity; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has historically supported Pride celebrations through in-kind services, including use of City-owned spaces, coordination with public safety and transportation departments, and event planning support, rather than through direct cash appropriations; and WHEREAS, continued access to City facilities, parks, meeting spaces, and planning resources at no cost or reduced cost is critical to the sustainability, safety, and accessibility of Austin Pride events; and WHEREAS, aligning Austin Pride celebrations with national Pride Month in June would strengthen opportunities for national partnerships, fundraising, sponsorships, and coordinated public awareness efforts, while positioning Austin alongside peer cities across the country; and WHEREAS, strategic City support can serve as an incentive to encourage alignment with national Pride timing while respecting the independence and leadership of Austin Pride organizers; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to continue and prioritize City support for Austin Pride through in-kind services, rather than direct cash funding. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such in-kind support should include, where feasible: ● Access to City-owned venues, parks, and event spaces at no cost or reduced cost ● Event planning and coordination support from relevant City departments ● Public safety, transportation, and accessibility coordination consistent with past City practice ● Access to City meeting and planning spaces to support Pride organizers throughout the planning cycle BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission encourages the City Manager to work collaboratively with Austin Pride organizers to incentivize the scheduling of Pride celebrations during June, aligning with national Pride Month, through prioritized access to City services, facilities, and planning support. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission recognizes Austin Pride as a major cultural and economic event for the City and affirms the City’s ongoing role as a supportive partner in ensuring Pride events remain safe, accessible, and sustainable. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation Number: (2026XX-XXX): Funding for Community Liaison Officer Expansion and Empowerment WHEREAS, the City of Austin has committed to community-centered public safety strategies that prioritize trust-building, accessibility, and culturally competent engagement with historically marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+ residents; and WHEREAS, the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission, the Joint Inclusion Committee, and other City commissions have received consistent feedback from community members regarding the need for improved communication, responsiveness, and accountability in interactions with law enforcement; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin and APD has previously endorsed the Community Liaison Officer Expansion and Empowerment framework, which calls for strengthening and formalizing the Community Liaison Office within Austin Police Department as a core community engagement function; and WHEREAS, leadership within APD has indicated that initial implementation of an expanded community liaison model can be achieved primarily through internal realignment of existing personnel and currently vacant positions, without requiring a significant increase to the Department’s overall staffing levels; and WHEREAS, modest startup funding is nevertheless necessary to ensure that the pilot program is launched intentionally, transparently, and effectively, with appropriate training, public communication, and coordination with City commissions; and WHEREAS, a phased pilot approach allows the City to evaluate effectiveness, community impact, and operational needs before considering broader expansion or long-term funding commitments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to allocate Phase One pilot funding to support initial implementation of the Community Liaison Officer Expansion and Empowerment framework. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Phase One pilot funding should support the following limited and targeted activities: ● Designation and support of an LGBTQIA+ community liaison role, utilizing existing APD personnel where feasible. ● Initial training and professional development related to cultural competency, de- escalation, and community-specific best practices. ● Development of basic public communication infrastructure, including clear contact information and accessible outreach materials. ● Structured engagement with the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission and the Joint Inclusion Committee to establish reporting and feedback processes during the pilot period. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends an initial one-time pilot funding allocation of $80,000 to $120,000, intended to cover training, communications, limited administrative support, and other startup costs necessary to launch the program without expanding APD’s overall staffing budget. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission requests a brief evaluation of the pilot’s outcomes and resource needs following the initial implementation period, to inform any future recommendations regarding expansion or long-term funding. BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): Housing Assistance Grants for LGBTQIA+ and Queer Artists WHEREAS, Austin’s artists and creative workers play a vital role in the City’s cultural identity, economic vitality, and national reputation as a center for live performance and creative expression; and WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ and queer artists, including drag performers, contribute significantly to Austin’s arts ecosystem while often facing heightened economic precarity, housing instability, and displacement pressures; and WHEREAS, rising housing costs continue to disproportionately impact artists and cultural workers, threatening the long-term sustainability of Austin’s creative communities; and WHEREAS, housing instability among artists can lead to the loss of culturally significant venues, performances, and community spaces that contribute to neighborhood vitality and tourism; and WHEREAS, queer artistic expression constitute legitimate and historically significant art forms that contribute meaningfully to Austin’s cultural landscape; and WHEREAS, targeted housing assistance programs have been shown to be effective tools for preventing displacement and stabilizing vulnerable creative communities without replacing or duplicating existing social services; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council establish a Housing Assistance Grant Program for LGBTQIA+ and Queer Artists. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program should provide housing stabilization grants to LGBTQIA+ artists to assist with housing-related costs and reduce displacement risk. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends allocating $200,000 to support this program, administered in coordination with existing City arts, cultural, and housing initiatives to ensure efficient implementation and equitable access. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): Implementation of Gender-Neutral Bathroom Incentive Program WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 8 (2025), also known as the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, which restricts use of restrooms and similar facilities in public buildings and schools to those matching a person’s sex assigned at birth, and went into effect on December 4, 2025; this law subjects publicly operated facilities to significant fines for noncompliance and creates confusion and hardship for transgender and gender-diverse residents; WHEREAS, gender-neutral restrooms (single-occupancy or multi-stall facilities not designated by sex) are widely recognized as best practice for safety, dignity, and inclusion of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people, while also serving parents with children, people with disabilities, and other community members; WHEREAS, private businesses, nonprofits, and community institutions throughout Austin have already begun installing gender-neutral restrooms and have demonstrated community support and demand for such facilities; WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a vested interest in protecting civil rights, promoting public health and safety, and supporting local economic and cultural vitality in the context of restrictive state law; WHEREAS, no-interest loan programs have been used by the City to spur voluntary accessibility and environmental improvements and can reduce financial barriers for small businesses and organizations undertaking infrastructure upgrades; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to develop and implement a Gender-Neutral Bathroom Incentive Program with the following elements: Establish a no-interest loan program to assist eligible private businesses, nonprofits, and community spaces in remodeling existing restrooms to gender-neutral facilities, including conversion of multi-occupancy restrooms or installation of single-occupancy all-gender restrooms, consistent with best practices in universal design. Outline clear eligibility criteria and a streamlined application process that prioritizes smaller enterprises and community-serving venues that may face capital access constraints. Allocate an initial funding commitment ($500,000) for this program and identify potential funding sources such as bonds, public-private partnerships, community development funds, or external grants to minimize burden on the City’s general fund. Establish reasonable timelines and reporting measures for implementation and community outreach, including partnerships with local business associations and advocacy groups to promote participation and share best practices. Require periodic reporting to the LGBTQ+ Commission and City Council on program uptake, geographic distribution of improvements, and community feedback. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission encourages the City Council to adopt a similar timeline and commitment for gender-neutral restroom upgrades in City-owned facilities, balancing compliance with state law with the City’s values of inclusion and equity. Date of Approval: __________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: ____________________________ BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): LGBTQ Cultural District Infrastructure Pilot, District Banners, and Community Send-Off Event WHEREAS, the State of Texas, through directives to enforce roadway safety and pavement marking compliance, has required removal of decorative and message-based roadway art, including some rainbow and culturally themed crosswalks, with potential risk to transportation funding for noncompliance; WHEREAS, the rainbow crosswalk at West 4th Street and Colorado Street has served as a widely recognized marker of Austin’s LGBTQ cultural district, signaling safety, belonging, and civic recognition for LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, the removal of highly visible cultural markers in public spaces can harm community trust and cohesion, and can negatively affect cultural tourism and small business corridors that rely on neighborhood identity and foot traffic; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin already operates a Street Banner Program that allows civic and cultural banners, including over-the-street and street pole banners, and provides an existing legal and operational framework for district markers that comply with roadway rules; WHEREAS, replacing removed decorative crosswalks with street pole banners, flags, wayfinding, and other above-ground district identifiers is a practical, lawful, and visible method to preserve cultural district identity while complying with state requirements; and WHEREAS, community-centered public art processes, including calls for local artists and public engagement on design, improve legitimacy, representation, and long-term community ownership of civic cultural markers; and WHEREAS, the City has an opportunity to respectfully retire the crosswalk art through a community event that acknowledges the loss and celebrates community resilience, while launching a transition to new district markers; and WHEREAS, this work aligns with the ongoing efforts of the Mayor’s Task Force on the transition from decorative crosswalks to compliant public-space markers and district identity infrastructure; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to establish a one-time LGBTQ Cultural District Infrastructure Pilot to replace removed decorative crosswalk markers with compliant district identifiers, including banners, flags, and wayfinding elements, with an initial focus on the LGBTQ cultural district in the West 4th Street corridor. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends allocating $120,000 in one- time funding for the pilot to support design, fabrication, and installation of street pole banners, flags, and related district markers, using the City’s existing Street Banner Program infrastructure and standards where feasible. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the pilot should include a public engagement and local artist process to develop banner and district marker designs that are authentic to the LGBTQ community and reflective of Austin’s cultural identity, including a structured call for artists and community review. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends the City provide services in kind to support implementation, including interdepartmental coordination for permitting, traffic control planning as needed, communications support, and access to City meeting space to support planning and community engagement. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends the City coordinate and support a community send-off event at the time of crosswalk retirement or removal, such as a commemorative gathering or ceremonial event, to respectfully recognize the crosswalk’s community significance and to mark the transition to new district identity infrastructure. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission requests reporting to City Council and relevant commissions on pilot implementation, community participation, costs, and recommended next steps for expansion to additional cultural districts and corridors in future budget cycles. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign) BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission Recommendation Number: (202601XX-XXX): LGBTQ Legal Navigation and Community Safety Micro-Grant Pilot WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ residents in Texas increasingly face confusion and risk due to rapidly changing state policies and administrative requirements related to identity documents, public accommodations, and civil rights protections; and WHEREAS, timely access to accurate know-your-rights education and basic legal navigation support can prevent avoidable crises that escalate into housing instability, employment disruption, and disconnection from essential services; and WHEREAS, community members and stakeholders have identified a need for practical support such as assistance with name and gender marker changes, tenant and workplace rights guidance, and connections to trusted nonprofit service providers; and WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors continue to report concerns about harassment and safety in public spaces, particularly during major community events and nightlife hours; and WHEREAS, non-police safety strategies, including de-escalation training, bystander intervention, and coordinated safe-walk partnerships, can reduce harm and improve community confidence without expanding enforcement; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s Equity Office and Human Rights Office are well positioned to lead and administer community-based programs focused on civil rights, equity, education, and harm prevention; and WHEREAS, small pilot micro-grant programs are an effective tool for assessing community demand, identifying trusted partners, and evaluating outcomes before establishing longer-term program commitments; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council direct the City Manager to establish a pilot LGBTQ Legal Navigation and Community Safety Micro-Grant Program. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends the Equity Office and the Human Rights Office serve as lead partners and sponsors for the development, administration, and oversight of this pilot program, in coordination with relevant City departments as needed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that eligible uses of pilot funding may include: ● Know-your-rights workshops and educational materials ● Legal navigation assistance and referrals, including help with name and gender marker changes ● Tenant and employment rights guidance and resource navigation ● De-escalation and bystander intervention training ● Safe-walk partnerships and community-based safety coordination during major events and peak nightlife hours BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends an initial allocation of $40,000 to $50,000 to support this pilot micro-grant program, with the intent of funding small, targeted awards to trusted nonprofit and community-based partners. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program should be expressly focused on education, navigation, training, and harm prevention. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission requests a brief evaluation following the pilot period, including participation levels, types of services delivered, and partner feedback, to assess community interest and inform any future recommendations. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: Attest: ___________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)