Item 13: Draft Recommendation — original pdf

Backup

. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20260309-013: Gender Neutral Restroom Accessibility Initiative WHEREAS, the State of Texas has enacted Senate Bill 8 (2025), establishing restrictions on restroom use in certain public facilities and requiring local governments to maintain compliance; and WHEREAS, single-occupancy and all-gender restroom models are widely recognized as effective approaches to improving safety, accessibility, and privacy for a broad range of users, including families, people with disabilities, and gender-diverse individuals; and WHEREAS, many small businesses, nonprofits, and community-serving institutions in Austin have expressed interest in transitioning to all-gender or single-user restroom models but face financial and infrastructure barriers; and WHEREAS, improving restroom accessibility and flexibility can support public health, customer access, workforce inclusion, and small business resilience; and WHEREAS, the City has previously utilized no-interest loan and incentive models to support voluntary accessibility and facility improvements among small and locally owned businesses; 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 Restroom Accessibility and Small Business Support Initiative to assist private businesses, nonprofits, and community institutions in transitioning to inclusive and flexible restroom models. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the initiative include a no-interest loan or incentive mechanism to support eligible restroom upgrades, including conversion to single-occupancy, all-gender, or universal design restroom configurations, consistent with applicable building and accessibility standards. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that program design include clear eligibility criteria and a streamlined process that prioritizes small businesses, nonprofits, and community-serving venues that may face capital access constraints. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission recommends an initial funding commitment of $200,000 and encourages exploration of diverse funding sources, including partnerships, community development resources, and external funding opportunities, to minimize impact on the City’s general fund. . BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that implementation include outreach, technical guidance, and best- practice resources to support participating organizations in designing compliant and accessible restroom facilities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program include reasonable timelines and periodic reporting on participation, geographic distribution, and accessibility outcomes to inform future infrastructure and accessibility policy. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Commission encourages continued evaluation of gender- neutral and single-occupancy restroom models within City-owned facilities, consistent with legal compliance and accessibility best practices. Seconded By: Date of Approval: Motioned By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: _____________________________________________ Ryan Sperling, LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Staff Liaison