LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240708-06 Feasibility Study for an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center WHEREAS, the 2021 LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study estimated that 5.9% of the Austin metro population identifies as LGBT, WHEREAS, the LGBTQIA+ community in Austin significantly contributes to the cultural, social, and economic vitality of the city, WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ individuals often face unique challenges and disparities in areas such as healthcare, housing, and employment, WHEREAS, creating dedicated spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community can enhance visibility, foster a sense of belonging, and provide essential services, WHEREAS, similar cultural centers in other cities have successfully provided safe havens, community resources, and cultural enrichment for LGBTQIA+ populations, WHEREAS, community feedback has consistently highlighted the need for a central, accessible location for LGBTQIA+ events, support services, and advocacy, WHEREAS, the establishment of an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center aligns with the City of Austin’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature has and continues to target members of the LGBTQIA+ community, increasing the need for a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals to assemble and access resources, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Austin City Council establish a task force to determine the feasibility of building an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City Manager is directed to include all relevant community stakeholders in the Cultural Center task force, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: community organizations, local businesses, healthcare providers, and representatives from the LGBTQIA+ community. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the task force should consider and identify opportunities for funding, including but not limited to federal grants and public-private partnerships. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City Manager shall report back to the City Council and the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission with the task force’s findings January 2024. Page 1 of 2 VOTE Date of Approval: Record of the Vote: Present: Attest: Page 2 of 2
APH IMMUNIZATIONS UNIT: MPOX EPIDEMIOLOGY Our case patients are overwhelmingly male (98.1%), mostly white (63%), and the median age is 33 years old. Exposure is almost always via sexual contact. Hispanic : 39.9%, non-Hispanic : 49.4% unknown ethnicity :10.7% Most identify as Gay (MSM) 2 LOW RATES ARE GOOD BUT MAKE EDUCATION MORE CHALLENGING - many people had the sense that it was over and nothing to worry about - We try to utilize what we know from Epi data to focus education/outreach BARRIERS TO VACCINATION We rolled out our mpox survey to gauge hesitation and views on mpox vaccination. Anecdotally, we have heard the following : - many people are not educated on what mpox is even though they may be at risk. - Some are unsure whether they are at risk; PCP’s not suggesting it - hard to get through to appointment lines. - low rates are making people worry less - unsure about vaccine effectiveness, despite education 4 EDUCATION/OUTREACH - updated our APH website about mpox -I quality check the vaccine locator on CDC -Collaborated more closely with our HIV targeted testing team - outreach at Package, Sir Rat, Austin Eagle - table at Ashwell clinic peer support group - host pop up vaccination clinics at Vivent Health who no longer offer the vaccine. -mpox education is offered at all of our tabling events around Austin 5 MEDICAL PROVIDER EDUCATION - Hosted 2 TCMS provider Townhalls -Nurse-centered townhall is upcoming -Educating urgent care practices around Austin LGBTQIA+ FOCUSED ONLINE SPACES Ongoing public campaign in the following dating sites: 7 FILLING GAPS - Built rapport with Vivent Health to host pop-up vaccination clinics for mpox -Collaborate with our targeted testing team to focus vaccination and education on unhoused population at Walgreens/Little Walnut Creek Library - Hosted a pop-up vaccination clinic at RBJ Sexual Health Clinic - Upcoming: Collaborating with Medical Reserve Corps to host a larger scale vaccination event at Montopolis Rec Center. - Continue Gift Card Incentives 8 An Example of an Instagram story post FINAL TAKEAWAYS We want to maximize our limited resources • We have been meeting CDC deliverables and creating strong rapport and connection both within APH and externally. • We would love feedback on any spaces that we should work to be in. • Would love to be connected by you if possible! 9 THANK YOU Isabel Cantu, Mpox/Flu Program Coordinator 512-972-5426 isabel.cantu@austintexas.gov …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, July 8, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING MINUTES 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. Appointment Commissioner Gary Brown District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson VACANT Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen Minutes Appointment District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims VACANT Yuri G Barragán Brigitte Bandit Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER Chair Scott called to order at 7:08 PM ROLL CALL: Absent: • Dereca Sims • Melissa Taylor • Brandon Wollerson Page 1 of 4 • Charles Curry • Gary Brown Present: Jerome Benson (Jerry Joe) • Yuri G Barragán • Brigitte Bandit • • David Garza • John Scott Neal • Mariana Krueger • Morgan Davis • Alexander Andersen PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER Motioned by Commissioner Neal and seconded by Commissioner Anderson, it passed unanimously by roll call vote and Commissioner Garza abstaining. 1. Motion by Commissioner Benson, Seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on June 10, 2024, passed unanimously by roll call vote. 2. Briefing on the LGPOA Conference from Sergeant Michael Wilmore-Crumrine from the Austin 3. Briefing on Monkey Pox from Isbel Cantu, Mpox/Flu Program Coordinator from Austin Public APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS Police Department. Health. DISCUSSION ITEMS working group. 4. Updates from the Community and Communication working group and the chair selection for the Commissioner Anderson is chair of the working group. Working group to present update at next meeting in August. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approve a recommendation from the New Commissioner Working group for a nomination to Page 2 of 4 the commission. Tabled until next month, the …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, June 10, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512‐974‐2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán Brigitte Bandit Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson VACANT Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three‐minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on May 15, 2024. MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion of equity‐based preservation plan. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion regarding upcoming community events related to the Commission's mission and goals. 4. Approve a recommendation to Council to conduct a feasibility study for an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center. 5. Approve a recommendation to Council for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity data collection. 6. Approve a Vice Chair for the LGBTQ QoL Commission. 7. Approve a commissioner interview with KUT. 8. Approve a budget recommendation working group. 9. Approve a Cultural Center working group. 10. Approve a Community Outreach Working Group. 11. Approve a special called meeting date for October. 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least two days (48 hours) before …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, June 10, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA ADDENDUM 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson VACANT Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA ADDENDUM District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Commissioner Dereca Sims VACANT Yuri G Barragán Brigitte Bandit Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair DISCUSSION ITEMS 12. Discussion on rescheduling Austin's PRIDE Month and its associated events and planning from August to June. 13. Discussion of the commission's next area of focus and shot and long-term goals Page 1 of 4 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please get in touch with Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission, please get in touch with Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. Page 2 of 4
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, June 10, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING MINUTES 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. Appointment Commissioner Gary Brown District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson VACANT Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen Minutes Appointment District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims VACANT Yuri G Barragán Brigitte Bandit Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER Chair Scott called to order at 7:08 PM ROLL CALL: Absent: • Dereca Sims • Yuri G Barragán • Melissa Taylor Page 1 of 4 Present: John Scott Neal Jerome Benson (Jerry Joe) • Brigitte Bandit • • David Garza • • Gary Brown • Mariana Krueger • Brandon Wollerson • Charles Curry • Morgan Davis (virtual) • Alexander Andersen (virtual) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER Motioned by Commissioner Brown and seconded by Commissioner Curry, it passed unanimously without opposition and Commissioner Garza abstaining. APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Motion by Commissioner Wollerson, Seconded by Commissioner Garza, to approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on May 15, 2024, passed unanimously by roll call vote. 2. Discussion regarding upcoming community events related to the Commission's mission and goals. Motion by Neal, Seconded by Kruger, to add Commissioner Bandit to the Community and Communication working group, passed without objection. Community and Communication working group to return to our next meeting with a chair selection. 3. Discussion of equity-based preservation plan. 4. Approve a recommendation to the Council to conduct a feasibility study for an LGBTQIA+ Cultural DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Center. Tabled until next month. Page 2 of 4 5. Approve a recommendation to the Council for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity …
LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Community Interest Announcement Pride Month Proclamation at Austin City Hall June 5, 2024 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM A quorum of Commission members may be present. No action will be taken, and no Commission business will occur.
LGBTQ+ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MAY 13, 2024 Austin History Center (C05767, PICA 24201, PICA 29995); Chen Chen Wu; City of Austin Why This Matters Changing city POP. Changing preservation field Existing preservation plan adopted Pixels, City of Austin, Austin History Center (PICA 36924), City of San Antonio Community-Based Process 12 months 1,100 working group hours Input from 300+ people Icons from the Noun Project: Community by Gan Khoon Lay, focus group by mikicon, committee by Adrien Coquet Community-Based Process “Being part of the working group was a great experience mainly because the members had diverse backgrounds, but the same goal. It was a rare learning experience.” Michelle Benavides Ursula A. Carter Linda Y. Jackson Brenda Malik Emily Payne Gilbert Rivera 1 Brita Wallace* 1 Justin Bragiel 2 Mary Jo Galindo* Meghan King* Alyson McGee 1 Rocio Peña-Martinez* JuanRaymon Rubio 2 Bob Ward 1 Noel Bridges 1 Jerry Garcia 1 Jolene Kiolbassa 1 Debra Murphy 2 Misael Ramos* Maria Solis* 1 Caroline Wright 1 *Drafting Committee member 1 Phase 1 only 2 Phase 2 only Julia Brookins* Ben Goudy 2 Kevin Koch Robin Orlowski 2 Mary Reed* 1 Erin Waelder 1 Amalia Carmona 2 Hanna Huang* 1 Kelechi Madubuko Leslie Ornelas 1 Lori Renteria 1 Equity-Based Preservation Plan REVIEWING THE DRAFT Neal Douglass, Oct. 1949, ND-49-346-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library. Plan Vision Historic preservation in Austin actively engages communities in protecting and sharing important places and stories. Preservation uses the past to create a shared sense of belonging and to shape an equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and economically vital future for all. Joe’s Bakery, anonymous, Amy Moreland/ Austin’s Atlas Draft Plan Goals 1. Tell Austin’s full history 9. Proactively identify important places 2. Recognize cultural heritage 10. Follow good designation practices 3. Preserve archaeological resources 11. Support stewardship of community 4. Stabilize communities assets 5. Support environmental sustainability 12. Be strategic with review 6. Engage communities equitably 13. Protect historic resources 7. Support people doing the work 14. Implement the plan collaboratively 8. Engage new partners What We Preserve Parade and mural unveiling (The Austin Chronicle), San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation Think broadly. • Recognize Austin’s rich and complex history through active listening, inclusive research, and interpretation • Better recognize and protect legacy businesses, murals, and archaeological resources • Use preservation tools to support community stabilization and environmental sustainability Who Preserves Invite and support. • Help people …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, May 13, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401/1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512‐974‐2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson VACANT Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three‐minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on April 15, 2024. APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS Office of Sustainability. DISCUSSION ITEMS DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT 2. Equity‐Based Preservation Plan briefing, presented by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 3. Austin/Travis County Food Plan briefing, presented by Sergio Torres‐Peralta, Food & Resilience Coordinator, 4. Discussion regarding feedback from last month’s community forum. 5. Discussion regarding upcoming community events related to the Commission's mission and goals. 6. Discussion regarding the Lesbian Gay Police Officer’s Association (LGPOA) conference in 2025. 7. Approve membership and chair for the following working groups: Communication, Community Outreach, Budget, New Commissioner, Housing, Cultural Center, and Demographic Data. 8. Discussion and approval of a recommendation from the New Commissioner Working Group regarding recommendations for applicants for the vacant commissioner positions. 9. Discussion and approval of a recommendation related to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, May 13, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING MINUTES 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. Appointment Commissioner Gary Brown District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson VACANT Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen Minutes Appointment District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER Chair Scott called to order at 7:08 PM ROLL CALL: Absent: • Dereca Sims • Christian Aguirre • Mariana Krueger Page 1 of 4 • Charles Curry Jerome Benson (Jerry Joe) (virtual) John Scott Neal Present: • • Yuri G Barragán (virtual) • • Gary Brown • Brandon Wollerson • Alexander Andersen • David Garza • Melissa Taylor (virtual) • Morgan Davis PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES STAFF BRIEFINGS Office of Sustainability. DISCUSSION ITEMS MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER Motioned by Commissioner Neal and seconded by Commissioner Brown, it passed unanimously by roll call vote with Commissioner Taylor off the dais and Commissioner Garza Abstaining. 1. Motion by Commissioner Wollerson, Seconded by Commissioner Garza, to approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on April 15, 2024, passed unanimously by roll call vote. 2. Equity-Based Preservation Plan briefing, presented by Cara Bertron, Program Manager II, Planning Department. 3. Austin/Travis County Food Plan briefing, presented by Sergio Torres-Peralta, Food & Resilience Coordinator, 4. Discussion regarding feedback from last month’s community forum. Motion From Neal, Seconded by Brown, To create a Cultural center working group, to include Commissioners, Wollerson, Anderson, Davis, Barragain, Benson, and staff liaison Alyssa Parra, with Commissioner Benson as Chair to develop a recommendation for the council to do a feasibility study for an …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, April 15, 2024, at 6:30 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1407 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING AGENDA 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Appointment Commissioner Appointment District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Garry Brown Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen AGENDA District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder The first ten speakers signed up before the meeting is called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Page 1 of 4 MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on March 11, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and approval of a recommendation on transgender and sexual identity protections. 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation for an LGBTQ Community Cultural Center and related community 4. Conduct officer elections for positions of LGBTQ Commission chair and vice chair positions. 5. Discussion and vote on new Joint Inclusion Commission Representatives. issues. 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. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least two days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please get in touch with Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512-974-2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission, please get in touch …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240415‐2 Transgender and Sexual Identity Protections WHEREAS, the City of Austin has been one of the fastest‐growing cities in the United States for over a decade, resulting in rapidly increasing demands on housing, infrastructure, public safety, and other city resources; and WHEREAS, in 2023, the Texas state legislature passed legislation restricting or criminalizing access to gender‐affirming healthcare across Texas, which was subsequently signed by the governor and became law effective September 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, as a home‐rule city, the City has the authority and responsibility to prioritize the use of its limited resources and taxpayer dollars to address the most urgent needs of all residents, including focusing the use of public safety resources on substantive and broad threats to residents’ safety and livelihood; and WHEREAS the City Council recognizes that families and healthcare providers in Austin are living in uncertainty and fear, and many are considering moving away or have already moved to other states to access medical care for their children or to be able to practice medicine freely in accordance with professional and ethical standards; and WHEREAS multiple healthcare providers in Texas have scaled back healthcare services in response to legal challenges, perception of legal risk, harassment, or threats of violence; and WHEREAS gender‐affirming healthcare has been proven to be evidence‐based, medically necessary, and lifesaving by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatricians, the Endocrine Society, the American Psychiatric Association, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, amongst other institutions; and WHEREAS, studies have shown that gender transition, including access to gender‐affirming healthcare, improves the overall well‐being of transgender people and that access to gender‐affirming healthcare for youth is associated with better mental health outcomes and lower risks of suicide; and WHEREAS over 94 percent of LGBTQ+ youth surveyed by the Trevor Project in late 2021 said recent politics have negatively impacted their mental health, and 93 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth surveyed by the Trevor Project in 2022 said they have worried about transgender people being denied access to gender‐affirming medical care due to state or local laws; and WHEREAS, a majority of U.S. adults agree that transgender minors should have access to gender‐ affirming care; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has consistently declared its commitment to furthering transgender equity and supporting its transgender and nonbinary …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240415-2 Transgender and Gender Expansive and Sexual Identity Protections WHEREAS, the City of Austin has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States for over a decade, resulting in rapidly increasing demands on housing, infrastructure, public safety, and other city resources; and WHEREAS, in 2023, the Texas state legislature passed legislation restricting or criminalizing access to gender-affirming healthcare across Texas, which was subsequently signed by the governor and became law effective September 1, 2023; and WHEREAS, as a home-rule city, the City has the authority and responsibility to prioritize the use of its limited resources and taxpayer dollars to address the most urgent needs of all residents, including focusing the use of public safety resources on substantive and broad threats to residents’ safety and livelihood; and WHEREAS the City Council recognizes that families and healthcare providers in Austin are living in uncertainty and fear, and many are considering moving away or have already moved to other states to access medical care for their children or to be able to practice medicine freely in accordance with professional and ethical standards; and WHEREAS multiple healthcare providers in Texas have scaled back healthcare services in response to legal challenges, perception of legal risk, harassment, or threats of violence; and WHEREAS gender-affirming healthcare has been proven to be evidence-based, medically necessary, and lifesaving by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatricians, the Endocrine Society, the American Psychiatric Association, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, amongst other institutions; and WHEREAS, studies have shown that gender transition, including access to gender-affirming healthcare, improves the overall well-being of transgender and Gender Expansive people and that access to gender- affirming healthcare for youth is associated with better mental health outcomes and lower risks of suicide; and WHEREAS over 94 percent of LGBTQ+ youth surveyed by the Trevor Project in late 2021 said recent politics have negatively impacted their mental health, and 93 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth surveyed by the Trevor Project in 2022 said they have worried about transgender and gender expansive people being denied access to gender-affirming medical care due to state or local laws; and WHEREAS, a majority of U.S. adults agree that transgender and gender-expansive minors should have access to gender-affirming care; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin has consistently declared its …
REGULAR MEETING of the LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION Monday, April 15, 2024 at 6:30 P.M. City of Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room 1401 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., Austin, Texas 78752 MEETING MINUTES 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 Alyssa Parra, the Commission’s staff liaison, at 512‐974‐2934 or Alyssa.Parra@AustinTexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Appointment Commissioner Gary Brown District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Mariana Krueger Brandon Wollerson Marti Bier Charles Curry Dr. Melissa Taylor Morgan Davis Alexander Andersen Minutes Appointment District 8 District 9 District 10 Mayor Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Commissioner Dereca Sims Christian Aguirre Yuri G Barragán VACANT Jerome Benson David Garza J. Scott Neal, Chair CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL: Absent: Marti Bier Dereca Sims Chair Scott called to order at 6:41 PM Page 1 of 4 Present: Jerome Benson (Jerry Joe) John Scott Neal ● Christian Aguirre ● ● ● Gary Brown ● Brandon Wollerson ● Charles Curry Mariana Krueger (virtual) Yuri G Barragán ● Alexander Andersen Morgan Davis David Garza Melissa Taylor (virtual) PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Doug Greco‐ Cultural Center World Famous Bob‐ Cultural center Katie‐ Cultural Center Clayton Gibson‐ Cultural Center Gabby‐ Cultural Center Chloe‐ Transgender healthcare ordinance‐ Cultural center Skyer‐ Transgender healthcare ordinance Jessica Cohen‐ Transgender healthcare ordinance Lorén‐ Transgender healthcare ordinance Shane Walley‐ Transgender healthcare ordinance Ricardo‐ Cultural Center MOTION TO SUSPEND ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER Motioned by Commissioner Anderson and seconded by Commissioner Brown, it passed unanimously by roll call vote with Commissioner Garza off the dais. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Motion by Commissioner Neal, Seconded by Commissioner Davis, to approve the minutes of the Commission’s Regular Meeting on March 11, 2024, passed unanimously by Commissioner Garza off the dais. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Motion to approve the recommendation by Commissioner Neal, seconded by Commissioner Jerry Joes, Passed by roll call vote with all in favor except Commissioner Garza Abstaining. Page 2 of 4 3. Discussion and approval of a recommendation for …
RECOMMENDATION 03112023‐2 Funding for Emergency Housing Assistance WHEREAS Aus(cid:415)n con(cid:415)nues to face a housing affordability crisis par(cid:415)cularly impac(cid:415)ng renters that have seen mul(cid:415)ple years of rental increases, and WHEREAS the LGBTQ Quality of Life Study noted that the increased cost of rental housing was the highest‐ranked domain of priority for par(cid:415)cipants in the town hall mee(cid:415)ngs, and WHEREAS, in the referenced Study, 10% of respondents indicated they had been homeless in the last 5 years, 65% of respondents spent 30% or more of their income on housing while 9% spent more than half of their income, and WHEREAS the City of Aus(cid:415)n provided funding for a program en(cid:415)tled “I Belong in Aus(cid:415)n” to provide emergency assistance for renters in danger of losing their housing including short‐term rental assistance as well as moving and storage expenses to lessen the impact of forced reloca(cid:415)on, and WHEREAS “I Belong in Aus(cid:415)n” had over 800 people on the wai(cid:415)ng list when the program began this year, and that wai(cid:415)ng list quickly grew to 4,000 before being capped at that number indica(cid:415)ng the con(cid:415)nuing need for this assistance, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ Quality of Life Commission recommends that the Aus(cid:415)n City Council approve con(cid:415)nued funding in the next fiscal year based on an evalua(cid:415)on of the program’s effec(cid:415)veness in preven(cid:415)ng homelessness for diverse clients to mi(cid:415)gate the affordability crisis and accomplish strategic goals related to housing stabiliza(cid:415)on, economic opportunity, and affordability.
MUSIC COMMISSION BUDGET RECOMMENDATION FY24-25 DRAFT Date: March 4, 2023 Recommendation: Directive to the City Council for the City to invest in Austin's music economy initiatives to sustain, grow, and transform our music industry. Description of Recommendation to Council: The Music Commission, in support of the music community, recommends that the Austin City Council designate a minimum $3.36 Million investment for FY2024 to fuel Austin's music industry growth and support the music community. The commission recommends that the funds be invested in: Fiscal support for the Creative Space Assistance Program – match FY23-34 funding lever. CSAP awards between $5,000 and $50,000 to commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Grant funds may be used for revenue-generating space improvements, partial lease payments, and gap financing for creative space purchases. $1.5 Million/ City General Fund Fiscal support for the Music and Entertainment Division musician performance program. Funding for city-sponsored music events (festivals, street performance program, City Council, and Music Commission performances) showcasing artists from each of the 10 council districts and compensated at the city-approved rate of $200 per performance per musician. $100,000 / City General Fund Fiscal support for the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians health insurance programs. Funding for HAAM’s health insurance navigator and insurance premium programs. $500,000 / City General Fund Initiation and fiscal support for a new disaster-related Stormy Weather Fund. Financial compensation for musicians and music workers demonstrating financial loss caused by declared disaster emergencies and resulting power failures. $800,000 per year ongoing, subject to adjust based on the frequency of emergencies / Austin Energy Annual Revenue Rationale The music industry is vital to the economic and cultural life of our city and deserves the same investment as other key growth industries in Austin. 1 of 2 Music and musicians contribute significantly to Austin's economy, including our robust tourism economy. The cost of living in Austin has risen to nearly unsustainable levels. From 2011 to 2021, the median home price in Austin increased from $193,000 to $517,000, and the median rent increased from $815 to $1,387. Many musicians struggle to make a living in Austin due to affordability issues. According to a survey by the Austin Music Census, nearly three-quarters of musicians in Austin reported making less than $18,000 per year from music-related income. Funding activities that provide more paid work to Austin …
