Austin’s exciting culture of different ethnicities, diverse ideologies and vibrant communities is a major contributor to Austin’s unique and attractive way of life. The City of Austin is committed to making Austin a place where its high quality of life is available to and accessible for all of its citizens – and the Hispanic Quality of Life Initiative is an important part of that effort.

There are currently more than 460,000 Hispanics living in the greater Austin area, representing the largest minority group. Our Hispanic population is rapidly growing and has increased 35 percent since 2000.

In 2005, the City of Austin launched the African American Quality of Life Initiative, identifying areas for improvement and resulting in a number of significant recommendations. Great interest was expressed in a similar process for the Hispanic and Latino community. On May 8, 2008, City Council approved Resolution No. 20080508-050 directing a Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Initiative be implemented.

The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Initiative is a multi-phased process and includes demographic research, trend and data analysis; community engagement and understanding through public forums; community input using print and online surveys; and oversight team review culminating in a final recommendations report. The intent is to be as inclusive as possible. Bi-lingual communication and translation services will be available.

Process

The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Initiative begins with four community forums held across Austin in North, East, South and Central locations during early spring. These forums will focus on four areas or designated themes: Education, Economic/Business Development, Healthcare and Cultural Arts/History/Enrichment.

Forums will include small group or break-out sessions and large group discussions. Surveys will be made available to collect input and establish priorities.

An Assessment and Recommendations Report based on the outcomes of all four community forums and public survey results will be drafted and presented to City Council. Next, a Community Oversight Team will review the Report and hold at least one additional community forum for further input. A revised report will then be presented to City Council. Lastly, City staff will analyze the Consultant’s and Community Oversight Team’s reports, create a Final Recommendations Report and Action Plan to present to Council by the end of the year.

The City of Austin has contracted with consulting firms, Adelante Solutions Inc. and Estilo Communications to assist in the process. In addition, the City is partnering with several local nonprofit organizations, associations and businesses as part of an extensive outreach effort, including the Austin Independent School District and the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Next Phase

The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Initiative is currently in the next phase of the planning process. On April 22, 2010, City Council passed Resolution No. 20100422-037 appointing seven community members to the Community Oversight Team. Their work will include reviewing the consultant Adelante Solutions, Inc.'s Report on Community Forum Findings & Recommendations, holding additional forums as needed, developing new or modified recommendations, and working in conjunction with the City Staff Core Team on preparing a final report and action plan for Council consideration.

Members of the Community Oversight Team include: Suzana Almanza, Johnny Limon, Lupe Morin, Sylvia Orozco, Teresa Perez-Wiseley, Rose Reyes, and Geronimo Rodriguez.