APL FY22 Budget Recommendations from Commissions

Library Commission – July 26, 2021

APL FY22 Budget Recommendations from Commissions — original pdf

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AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to Budget Office on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION LINK RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY YES YES ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) COMMISSION ON SENIORS Austin Public Library ‐ RECOMMENDATION 20210326‐04Aii Expanding Access to Online Connectivity for Older Adults LINK Allocate a minimum of $25,000 in the Programming budget of Austin Public Library to develop, implement and promote digital literacy training for older adults that is designed using best practices in older adult learning. YES APL agrees with the recommendation and will designate funding. APL has appropriated $25,000 in digital literacy training for older adults in the Programs and Partnerships Division. 1 of 21AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to Budget Office on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION LINK RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION YES IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) COMMISSION ON SENIORS Austin Public Library Parks and Recreation RECOMMENDATION 20210326‐04Aii Expanding Access to Online Connectivity for Older Adults LINK Allocate a minimum of $25,000 from the budgets of Austin Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Department to continue and expand the targeted distribution of technology (loaned devices, hot spots and training) to older adults to address social isolation and other needs during the pandemic. APL reprogrammed $11,000 in 2020 and worked with PARD to provide digital devices, hotspots and specialized training to older adults who could no longer participate in in‐person programming at PARD and APL sites due to the pandemic. These needs will continue as Austin slowly returns to normal. Further, absent the pandemic there are older adults who are homebound and will benefit from online access to city programs and other services. YES APL and PARD support this initiative to expand the targeted distribution of technology (loaned devices, hot spots and training) to older adults. PARD will need additional resources to fund this recommendation. YES APL’s FY22 budget includes $25,000 in dedicated funding for hotspot equipment and services. PARD will need additional resources to fund this recommendation. 2 of 21AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to LEAD DEPT on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION LINK RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION YES IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) COMMISSION ON SENIORS Austin Public Health Austin Public Library RECOMMENDATION 20210326‐04Aii Expanding Access to Online Connectivity for Older Adults LINK Direct Austin Public Health, Austin Public Library, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Housing and Planning Department and any other appropriate department to immediately begin initiatives to assist eligible clients in enrolling in the federal Lifeline program. Enrollment in Lifeline gives eligible households access to the Emergency Broadband Benefit ‐a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service and a one‐time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if the client contribute $10‐$50 toward the purchase price. YES APL has existing resources including staff to assist older adults in the online enrollment process on the Lifeline website. YES APL has no additional budget request to meet this recommendation. 3 of 21 COMMISSION ON SENIORS Austin Public Library ‐ RECOMMENDATION 20210326‐04Aii Expanding Access to Online Connectivity for Older Adults LINK Direct Austin Public Library to apply for any grants for which it is eligible under the Emergency Connectivity Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and use a portion of the grant to expand digital access to older adults. YES APL agrees with the recommendation and will continue to apply for grants for which it is eligible under the Emergency Connectivity Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and use a portion of the grant to expand digital access to older adults. NO AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to Budget Office on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION LINK RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) YES 4 of 21AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to Budget Office on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION LINK RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) YES COMMISSION ON SENIORS Austin Public Library Economic Development RECOMMENDATION 20210326‐04Aii Expanding Access to Online Connectivity for Older Adults LINK Direct Austin Public Library, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Economic Development Department, and any other appropriate department to apply for grants under any current or forthcoming federal or state program to expand digital access to the underserved in Austin, including older adults. YES APL agrees with the recommendation and will continue to apply for grants to expand digital access to the underserved in Austin, including older adults. APL, PARD, and EDD are also working in coordination with TARA/Digital Inclusion Office to address how to expand digital access to the underserved in Austin, including older adults. NO 5 of 21 COMMISSION ON SENIORS RECOMMENDATION 20210326-04Aii FY 2022 Budget Recommendation and Related Recommendations on Expanding Access to Online Connectivity for Older Adults Date: Subject: March 26, 2021 FY2022 Budget Recommendation and Related Recommendations on Expanding Access to Online Connectivity and Digital Literacy for Older Adults Varteressian Seconded By: Angel Motioned By: Recommendation The Commission on Seniors recommends the City Council direct the City Manager to take the following actions to expand access to the Internet to underserved people and communities in Austin. This includes older adults for whom access to the Internet means access to healthcare, economic activity, and social interaction for wellbeing. Research has shown that older adults, especially in communities of color and those with lower incomes, often lack access to the Internet, devices, and digital literacy skills. (See Rationale below). These recommendations include actions that can be taken immediately outside the budget process and recommendations for the FY 2022 budget: 1. Allocate a minimum of $25,000 in the Programming budget of Austin Public Library to develop, implement and promote digital literacy training for older adults that is designed using best practices in older adult learning. 2. Allocate a minimum of $25,000 from the budgets of Austin Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Department to continue and expand the targeted distribution of technology (loaned devices, hot spots and training) to older adults to address social isolation and other needs during the pandemic. APL reprogrammed $11,000 in 2020 and worked with PARD to provide digital devices, hotspots and specialized training to older adults who could no longer participate in in- person programming at PARD and APL sites due to the pandemic. These needs will continue as Austin slowly returns to normal. Further, absent the pandemic there are older adults who are homebound and will benefit from online access to city programs and other services. 3. Allocate a minimum of $150,000 from Austin Public Health’s budget for grants to organizations providing connectivity (devices, internet, and training) to older adults in Austin that need access to the Internet. It is estimated that $150,000 could support access, devices, and training 200-250 older adults for one year. Grantees should be required to leverage other available funding from state and federal programs and enroll clients in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (see description below). 4. Direct Austin Public Health, Austin Public Library, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Housing and Planning Department and any other appropriate department to immediately begin 6 of 21initiatives to assist eligible clients in enrolling in the federal Lifeline program. Enrollment in Lifeline gives eligible households access to the Emergency Broadband Benefit -a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if the client contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price. 5. Direct Housing and Planning to require free internet service in affordable housing options supported by the City. The City Council should recommend the Austin Transit Partnership include free internet in rental housing that it finances. 6. Direct Austin Public Library to apply for any grants for which it is eligible under the Emergency Connectivity Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and use a portion of the grant to expand digital access to older adults. 7. Direct Austin Public Library, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Economic Development Department, and any other appropriate department to apply for grants under any current or forthcoming federal or state program to expand digital access to the underserved in Austin, including older adults. Rationale: The COVID-19 pandemic made plain the necessity of Internet connectivity and the gaping disparities that exist. Much attention has been paid to the importance of home-based technology tools and training for education and employment. There is less attention to the digital divide experienced by older adults, particularly those in communities of color and those with low incomes. Older adults are a fast-growing population in Central Texas. Because many lack access to technology and training, they have limited telehealth options and fewer social interactions with friends and family. Many older adults are simply cut off from the necessities of life in 2021. This disparity has been manifested in the well-publicized difficulties older adults are facing in registering for a COVID-19 vaccine. A new report by Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Humana on digital connectivity among older adults found: • Nearly 22 million (42%) of American seniors lack wireline broadband access at home. • Loneliness and disengagement are costing lives: o Over 80% of COVID deaths in the U.S. have been older Americans, and research estimates that about 40% of them were unable to access need online resources because they lacked in-home internet. • Lack of internet is a public health crisis: o Medicaid enrollees are 2.7 times more likely to be offline. o Those with functional impairments are twice as likely to be offline. • Lack of internet is a social justice crisis: 7 of 21 o Older adults with less than a high school degree or an income below $25,000 are ten times more likely than the general population to be offline. o Black and Latino seniors are more than 2.5 and 3.3 times more likely, respectively, to be offline. Despite being a technology hub, recent research done in the Central Texas Area found a glaring digital divide for older adults: In the early days of the pandemic, the Social Inclusion Task Force, led and organized by the Aging Services Council, came together to explore ways to bridge the digital divide for older adults. The task force includes representatives from nonprofit organizations AGE of Central Texas, Area Agency on Aging, Austin Free-Net, Austin Pathways, AustinUP, Community Tech Network, Drive a Senior ATX, Drive a Senior Central Texas, Drive a Senior Northwest, Faith in Action Georgetown, Family Eldercare, Meals on Wheels Central Texas, Senior Access, Senior Helpers Central Texas, Senior Planet (OATS - Older Adult Technology Services), South Asians' International Volunteer Association (SAIVA) and The University of Texas at Austin School of Information and School of Nursing. The Task Force conducted a survey under the guidance of Dr. Bo Xie, a professor at The University of Texas Austin, School of Information and School of Nursing. Staff members of several participating nonprofits identified, recruited, and surveyed participants via telephone. Survey data were collected between May and September 2020 from 654 older adults (most were 65+) in Central Texas. Overall, this survey found that: • Older adults of Central Texas want mobile technology. • Older adults of Central Texas want internet access at home. • Older adults of Central Texas are beginner or intermediate level technology users and want someone to train them on how to use a device at home. • Older adults of Central Texas are interested in a free tech training program provided via telephone. In addition to the quantitative data, the call for greater connectivity in Austin was one of the top recommendations made by members of the public at each of the three city-wide Budget Engagement Forums sponsored by the Joint Inclusion Committee. Concerns cited by the community included: • need for wifi, devices, training • the need to address the different needs for seniors, kids in schools, adults working from home, people with disabilities or who are homebound, people who need access to healthcare (e.g. telehealth) access to workforce development and job postings • 8 of 21 Vote For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Angel, Bordie, Hauser, Lugo, Nicola, Temperley, Van Sickle, Spain Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Cagle, Kareithi, Garcia-Pittman, Jackson Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair 9 of 21AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Austin Public Library ‐ Untold Stories of the LatinX Experience in Austin Increase the budget by $100,000 for the LatinX Community Archivist to hire or train LatinX community to preserve history. Funding for LatinX/Hispanic art history be recorded auditory and preserved in the form of storytelling. YES We are currently providing some funding for the Latinix Community Archivist activities. Additional funding is needed to meet the demand of capturing the history of the LatinX/Hispanic community. NO FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to Budget Office on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) NO 10 of 21AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to LEAD DEPT on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Financial Services Austin Public Library Digital Inclusion Allocate more budget to make more library parking spot hot spots. YES YES APL currently has Wi‐Fi in all library buildings and will keep Wi‐Fi on after‐hours so community members can access the internet in our parking lots if it’s accessible. APL will work towards improving outdoor connectivity to provide dependable strong Wi‐Fi in all library parking lots. YES APL has no additional budget request to meet this recommendation. 11 of 21AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to LEAD DEPT on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Financial Services Austin Public Library Digital Inclusion Allocate or acquire more hotspots/computers for those in need. YES YES APL has some funding for laptops and hotspots, but not enough funds to meet the need. YES APL has no additional budget request to meet this recommendation. APL will continue to use existing budget and apply for more grant opportunities to continue outreach through laptop loan agreements with partner organizations, as well as maintaining our expanded hotspots for borrowing. 12 of 21AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to Budget Office on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) NO HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION Financial Services Austin Public Library Digital Inclusion Provide budget ($150K) to redo an assessment on the city’s current digital divide/digital infrastructure. YES APL is in support of working on an assessment on the city’s current digital divide/digital infrastructure. NO 13 of 21Problem: What is the problem you identify? Historically and currently, Art has been a tool for expressing liberation for the LatinX community. The Austin history center has limited capacity to help preserve the LatinX experience in Austin. Current Funding: Unknown and capacity is only set to one staff member How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? Many untold stories of the LatinX experience in Austin. Limited capacity in preserving oral stories about the LatinX culture. Considering all of the information you have or have not collected above, how do we solve for this problem? Increase the budget by $100,000 for the LatinX Community Archivist to hire or train LatinX community to preserve history. Funding for LatinX/Hispanic art history be recorded auditory and preserved in the form of storytelling. 14 of 21Story: What did you hear from the community? COVID has raised awareness around the already existing digital inclusion issue. It has also exasperated the need for more resources. The existing Digital Inclusion department has recycled continuous practices that have proven to be ineffective for the Latino community. ● City website experiences language access and accessibility issues. ● City continues to develop and implement systems that are difficult for people with limited digital literacy skills to utilize applications: i.e. APH appointment for vaccine and testing ● There was a limitation of computers/hotspots available. ○ Failed to quickly adapt to utilizing buses or library parking lots as a place to utilize the internet in the interim ● Still a large gap in where individuals can receive access to free internet now during COVID ● Lack of outreach to marginalized communities outside of existing partnerships Low income apartment complexes have aged industrial apartments where they are able to only receive services from one vendor and/or are unable to receive a reliable signal to the internet. Problem: What is the problem you identify? Austin is growing as a large tech city and the city is unable to tap into corporate relationships for the benefit of the local community. Corporate relationships could assist with digital inclusion issues and assistance to access devices. Continued issue with the development of city websites and processes that are difficult for people with limited english speaking proficiency and people that are visually impared/hearing impaired to access websites. Lack of subtitles in a lot of the city videos. Lack of alt text utilized in images distributed by department & the city. Lack of information on where to access free internet. More training for Spanish speaking parents on how to use the internet are needed. More K-12 STEM programs needed. Current Funding: Digital Inclusion Department How does the problem show up in your community? Who is most impacted by the problem? People of color are mostly impacted. The city is becoming a smart tech city, yet there are several people in the community who have issues accessing the internet and have digital literacy issues. Considering all of the information you have or have not collected above, how do we solve for this problem? 15 of 21● Support Latinitas and add partners with new organizations on distributing the information out ● about city resources available. Increase community engagement practices into the Spanish community. Increase community engagement budget and language access, accommodations budget. ● Allocate dollars to low barrier mini grants and create an application for vendors to supply an RFP on an outreach campaign or education services to assist with digital inclusion in partnership with the Equity Office. ● For continued budget, partner with different departments i.e. Equity Office on ensuring transparency and more of an opportunity on selected vendors. ● Department to increase strategic partner portfolio. There is an overreliance on existing ● Allocate more budget to make more library parking spot hot spots. ● Allocate or acquire more hotspots/computers for those in need. ● Provide budget ($150K) to redo an assessment on the city’s current digital divide/digital relationships. infrastructure. 16 of 21AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to LEAD DEPT on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY NO ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Financial Services Austin Public Library Recommendation Number 20210419‐001a: City of Austin Fiscal Year 2021‐22 Budget Recommendation ‐‐ Economic Opportunity, Culture, & Affordability Address the need for digital access for seniors and low income neighborhoods, including public libraires, senior centers, wifi hotspots. YES APL has dedicated funding for laptops and hotspots, but not enough funds to meet the need. YES APL has no additional budget request to meet this recommendation. APL will continue to use existing budget and apply for more grant opportunities to continue digital access outreach for seniors and low income neighborhoods. 17 of 21 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number 20210419-001a: City of Austin Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget Recommendation WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin (“Commission”) advocates on behalf of human rights for all people in the City of Austin (“City”); and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Strategic Direction 2023, including the strategic outcomes of Economic Opportunity and Affordability; Mobility; Safety; Health and Environment; Culture and Lifelong Learning; and Government That Works for All; and WHEREAS, the Joint Inclusion Committee hosted virtual Budget Engagement Community Forums on February 9, 2021, February 11, 20201, and March 3, 2021 to receive feedback from the community on budget priorities, and to help ensure and inclusive and transparent budget process that incorporates resident and stakeholder feedback to ensure community priorities are being met; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends the City Council to give careful consideration to the following Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget Proposals: Public Safety I. An open process and community input in selection of the next APD Police Chief . II. Guidance from the community/quality of life commissions on the selection process instead of waiting for community input after final candidates have been selected. III. Divert Funds from APD to other social service agencies and non-police crisis IV. V. intervention programs. Explore the possibility of establishing a fund that Peace Officers must pay into for insurance to cover the costs of abuse of force complaints and law suits. Establish a bonus incentive program for officers that maintain a professional record clear of abuse of force allegations. Please see: a. Budget forum meeting February 9, 2021 at https://www.speakupaustin.org/budget-2022 18 of 21HRC 20210419-001a: FY 2021-22 Budget Recommendation Health and Environment I. II. Community approach for health care navigation and support: Resources exist for specific communities, but coverage is not consistent across all constituencies. The City of Austin should provide coordination/oversight to ensure resources are equitable and address gaps. III. Outreach and Navigation: Digital Access: Includes wifi, devices, and training. Need to address different needs for seniors, kids in school, adults working from home, people with disabilities and/or who are homebound, people who need access to healthcare (e.g. telehealth), access to workforce development/job postings, etc. Targeted interventions specific to each community are needed. The City should include these recommendations in their digital inclusion strategic plan (TARA “Telecommunications & Regulatory Affairs”). Funding should be provided for programs to enroll inmates released into the community in health care coverage insurance plans. IV. V. Please see: I. II. Budget Forum meeting February 11, 2021 at https://www.speakupaustin.org/budget-2022 Economic Opportunity, Culture, & Affordability Public Utilities: Citizens of Austin should not be financially responsible for power and water they did not have; set aside financial resources from the Mayor’s strike fund to cover these costs. Increased prices for utilities and price gouging to pay for the damage to the City’s infrastructure caused by the February 2020 Winter Storm: The City must financial support people who received bills with increased costs because the cost of repair to the infrastructure is being passed on to them. III. Allow citizens of Austin to pay the costs of any increased utility bills caused by the storm in installments without penalty so that they economic impact is minimized. IV. A hub for research and dispatch: Use funds to establish a natural disaster emergency plan to include a dispatch for resources (food, water, etc.) as well as an official intake and communication hub. Explore the possibility of a local tech company developing this at no cost to the city. The City should implement stable and affordable housing and transit, especially for large low income families not just single small units. Funding for legal assistance for immigrants. V. VI. VII. Operational funding for nonprofits. 2 19 of 21HRC 20210419-001a: FY 2021-22 Budget Recommendation VIII. Additional funding for EDD, communications and outreach. IX. Increase economic opportunities, access to capital, small business support, and transit in East Austin. X. Address the need for digital access for seniors and low income neighborhoods, including XI. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. public libraires, senior centers, wifi hotspots. Provide ADA compliant access for people with disabilities (transportation/accessible and affordable housing). Provide funding for repairs and more funding for rental assistance to prevent homelessness. Explore the creation of worker owned cooperatives. Provide funding for training to transition to new employment in careers with sustainable living wages to provide economic stability. Provide funding for multigeneration programs and workplaces e.g. pathways to career and education for parents in low-income families, internship opportunities for seniors. XVI. More funding and support for existing cultural districts and community centers across all districts (Six Square Black Cultural District, LGBTQIA+ resources, Latino Cultural District, and Representation of Asian Arts and Culture). XVII. District 3 specific support for LGBTQIA+ professionals and nonprofits XVIII. Provide RISE funding beyond the pandemic; add additional funding equivalent to the 25 million dollar rental assistance program. Increase support for interpreters, translation, multi-lingual emergency response including Asian languages. Inclusion centering on intersectionality across constituencies. Provide funding to pathways to education and careers for people without documentation Provide and set aside emergency funds for natural and other catastrophies that impact the City of Austin. XIX. XX. XXI. XXII. XXIII. Approve funds to repay community organization, nonprofits, ngo’s and individuals that expended financial capital during the freeze of February 2021 in order to assist the community. Extend the eviction moratorium and provide funding for rental assistance to those in need. XXIV. XXV. Allocate operational funding and resources for small businesses and non-profits, particular those that helped during the storm—help the grow and expand with guidance. XXVI. Use funding to establish equity districts: Public/Private Partnerships where tech companies are asked to contribute funds to equity efforts in the city. Please see: Budget Forum meeting March 3, 2021 at https://speakupaustin.org-2022 3 20 of 2121 of 21AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY LIBRARY COMMISSION FY22 ‐ Budget Engagement ‐ Boards and Commissions submitted to Budget Office on Thursday, 5/27/21 COMMISSION LEAD DEPT SUPPORT DEPT RESOLUTION TITLE RESOLUTION SUMMARY DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPPORT THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE EXISTING RESOURCES FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION? (YES/NO) DEPARTMENT SUMMARY RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION IS THIS RECOMMENDATION ADDRESSED IN YOUR DEPARTMENT’S FY22 BUDGET? (YES/NO) IF YES, PLEASE PROVIDE A BRIEF SUMMARY ATTACHMENTS (OPTIONAL) NO LIBRARY COMMISSION Austin Public Library LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20210426‐5b: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY22 Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY22 YES APL has unmet needs in personnel, as referenced in the Library Commission’s recommendation, for an additional five FTE Security positions ($286,911 including salary and fringe). A written justification has been provided to the Budget Office for these positions as an unmet need, which includes an off‐set to outsourced contractual security services to reduce the overall budget increase impact if approved (offset of ‐ $96,997 for total increase of $189,914). NO LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20210426-5b: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY22 Seconded By: Chair Dabbert Date: April 26, 2021 Subject: Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY22 Motioned By: Commissioner Hanna Recommendation Support for Austin Public Library Proposed Budget for FY22 Description of Recommendation to Council Requesting that the Austin City Council approve the proposed Austin Public Library budget of $60,190,266 for FY2022, an increase of 2.25% or $1,321,890 from FY21, including an increase to the materials budget by 3.5% or $206,368. Rationale: “Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy—where information is free and equally available to everyone. People tend to take that for granted, and they don’t realize what is at stake when that is put at risk.” ― Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress During an unprecedented year, including COVID-19 pandemic related shutdowns and a city-wide weeklong freeze, APL continued to serve the citizens of Austin by providing online access to digital materials and by providing access to conventional format books and materials by providing curbside service at 11 of its 20 branches. APL also continues to provide innovative programming. In the past year, April 2020 – March 2021, APL hosted 1325 virtual programs with 37,430 attendees. 2020’s APL Virtual Summer Reading Program saw a 39% increase in APL Summer Reading site views with nearly 10,000 individual views between June – August. Recently, in an effort to address the ongoing digital divide, the APL coordinated a widespread device loan program in partnership with community organizations and area school districts. Through individual donations, funding from commissions and boards, the CARES Act and operational funds, APL loaned laptops and hotspots to the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), Foundation Communities, South Asian’s International Volunteer Association of Austin (SAIVA), and City Departments to support families, individuals, and especially older adults who are isolated and lack access to online information and resources. This effort was driven by a clear need observed in the community, further amplified by COVID-19. In addition, APL staff recently made 209 calls to customers over the age of 65 who haven’t visited the library since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. APL wanted to let customers 1 of 2 know that the library is open for curbside and answer questions about connecting to the virtual collection. APL also continues to provide staff development training to support the ability of all employees to provide a welcoming, equitable, and safe environment for customers using curbside and remote services. APL’s Organizational Development Office is linking staff with online training opportunities. Examples include: Coping with Change, Leading a Resilient Team, COVID: How to Deal with Problem Behaviors Related to COVID-19, Equal Access for Every Ability; Rethinking Summer Learning to Reverse the COVID-19 Slide; Connecting Communities with Teleservices. The APL proposed budget includes an additional 5 FTE Security positions. These additional positions are considered vital for the safety of library patrons and for safeguarding the taxpayers’ investment in library facilities. The proposed budget includes a 3.5% increase in the budget for materials, including digital materials, subscriptions and databases. These increases are necessary to keep up with inflation, the increasing cost of materials, and Austin’s population growth. APL Director Roosevelt Weeks, who was recently elected to the executive board of The Texas Library Association as Representative-at-Large for Public Libraries, recognizes that libraries face many challenges, including “navigating in a post COVID-19 environment, racial and social unrest, and changing perception of libraries.” He notes that the “library can play an important role in making sure all voices are heard and programs/services are provided in an equitable fashion. We can do this when we work together as one.” The challenges faced by the City of Austin in the coming years mirror the challenges faced by the library. With 12 branches slated for reopening to the public for limited capacity in-person Express Services beginning on Monday, May 10, APL will continue to be a vital community partner in the City’s effort to support its citizens in this challenging time. Vote For: Chair Dabbert, Vice Chair Self, Commissioners Aguilar, Dwyer, Hanna, Infante, Rosenthal, and Trieu none Against: Abstain: Absent: Commissioner Ramos Attest: 2 of 2