[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6460820,"mediaKeyId","5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9","parentId",5827565,"title","Austin honors Kathy Mitchell with proclamation recognizing long career in policy and advocacy","audioSeconds",508,"startMs",491420,"endMs",1000300,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9&start=491&end=1000","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9/thumbnail_491420.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6460820/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Austin-honors-Kathy-Mitchell-with-proclamation-recognizing-long-career-in-policy-and-advocacy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460820-3833a1fa1278052c70425cd4fe6bd7ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437620&Signature=oPjPcXkIE6JH5YzmLcfKVywLLCsYrKzx0~JBdGF91YpihGz9z~L33BQAkA-peLUDBL88fztdLOq2HGIIxpW3Y7ueaGQjcyihL6xNaKY9IC4SqfjNluIvp~85jWHaG2FWRbnd7TXXCVwG9iL5iMHE2GNV7YA1tayQXG3V1701rB4HHQpuP6h4ZNB0ZfNdVps3pvCcSEmhOoAsyrm2ezyGc0AG6hZ0lgg8lPbMuIBFzGP-3ziSHskBmqKG74EsOat9CT9Zzfr9u9rOYo7Pk1g6wh6~fuwQppPfEFd91HlaK3h1UA3BDvgCPw0dAeLLaVYnD~eI8IcPXmgGHY8fIZRsCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Austin","date","2025-09-25T00:00:00Z","article","Austin city leaders on Sept. 25 presented a proclamation honoring Kathy Mitchell as she announced her retirement, with speakers crediting her decades of policy advocacy on criminal justice, police oversight and equity work in Austin and statewide.

Council member Mike Siegel read a proclamation that noted Mitchell’s longtime work with nonprofit organizations including Consumers Union, Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, Just Liberty and Equity Action. The proclamation described her as a co‑founder and senior advisor at Equity Action and credited her as “a lead author of the Austin Police Oversight Act.”

Chris Harris, a longtime friend who introduced Mitchell at the event, called her work “prolific and relentless,” saying he was “so thankful to have gotten a chance to work with you day in and day out.” Siegel said the proclamation was presented on behalf of Mayor Kirk Watson and the City Council; he read the official text and invited Mitchell to speak.

Mitchell, speaking after the proclamation, reflected on incremental reforms and their real‑world effects. She said, “I’m not dead. I’m just retiring,” and added that she expected to remain active in advocacy through community engagement and volunteer activities.

Speakers credited Mitchell with contributions to reforms including police oversight, corroborating-evidence requirements in drug cases and other criminal justice changes. The ceremony emphasized her role in local ballot and policy campaigns and her ongoing community involvement; no formal council action or vote accompanied the proclamation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Austin - City Council Proclamations","oneSentenceSummary","City Council members and community leaders honored Kathy Mitchell for decades of policy advocacy in criminal justice and civil-rights work, presenting a proclamation and tributes at a Sept. 25 ceremony.","taxTitle","Austin, Travis County, Texas","taxId",2819,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6460825,"Austin proclaims Digital Inclusion Week, honors GTOPS grant recipients",419,3920,423790,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9&start=3&end=423","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9/thumbnail_3920.jpg","/articles/6460825/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Austin-proclaims-Digital-Inclusion-Week-honors-GTOPS-grant-recipients","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460825-154259f5e56d0e5579a2a39aca5697c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437620&Signature=YGHFkMYqEce3nMFHOhy5ERUk~QcVulG0coZsJRa524pT9VQLIFFlHO6~b3taRMdgYq5OSnYcI-fd5U7~nG~6u9RgIDvFtOEWXs3PT4Y~Vt0hz5ct1AVmYSellxSY5okzPvgPkwPhXDmqxqve5gx2cC3LWQP29kKZ18dtNDiBu0qF9PTc6TwGHNt8Kav9gPmNhjcD6ezLeJDEVynjIM25w~20yxyX4AJVeNmA91CiAUT2wtInNF7xu6OGZktFh2hHlUrIp-UypowXjlwxZWYVuvvibpM8v2ovhwWLNjp2LPdMG0s-7s05EMnZK6NdF5wA4pCrA1Lt08SN3oya8btNgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Austin officials on Sept. 25 proclaimed Digital Inclusion Week and recognized recipients of the city’s Grant for Technology Opportunities Program (GTOPS), highlighting efforts to expand Internet access, device availability and digital skills training across the city.

Vanessa Fuentes, Austin’s mayor pro tem and representative for District 2, opened the event and said the work of GTOPS grantees matters because “These aren't just nice to haves anymore. They are essentials for staying connected every day through education, work, and health care.” Fuentes read a proclamation declaring Sept. 25, 2025, a day of recognition for Digital Inclusion Week and GTOPS recipients.

The city framed digital inclusion as an economic and equity priority. Anne Eaton, assistant director for the Economic Development Department, said the department supports programs “that boost workforce skills and training” so more Austinites can participate in the local economy. Steven Apodaca, chair of the Technology Commission, presented summary figures for GTOPS and related programs as provided at the event: the GTOPS mini pathway has awarded 27 grants to 14 organizations totaling $270,000; the GTOPS capacity pathway has provided 88 grants to 42 organizations totaling more than $210,000; and a related core grant program since 2001 has awarded 231 grants to 176 organizations with total funding of over $4,000,000. Apodaca said those figures “represent lives changed, opportunities created, and futures transformed.”

Fuentes and others read and presented a city proclamation recognizing the week and calling attention to remaining barriers including affordability, device access and digital literacy. The proclamation stated the city’s commitment to “keep the spotlight on the great need that still exists to find long term solutions to help overcome the physical, financial, and educational barriers” to digital equity.

Council members and commission leadership also read the list of 2025 GTOPS honorees aloud. Organizations named during the ceremony included Art Spark Texas; Austin Children’s Museum; Austin Speech Labs; Building Promise USA; Business and Community Lenders of Texas; Changing Expectations Corps; Compudot; Dress for Success; Foundation Communities; Nonpareil Institute; Texas Folklife Resources; The Arc of the Capital Area; Seva; The Muse: The Museum of Human Achievement; Walking by Faith Prison Ministry; Economic Growth Business Incubator; Austin FreeNet; Universal Technology Movement; Hindu Charities for America; Brave Communities; Diversity, Awareness and Wellness and Action (DAWAH); Latinitas; and Art Curatorial.

The event emphasized the city’s ongoing grant support for community organizations and the role of digital access in workforce development and civic participation. No council vote or formal ordinance accompanied the proclamation; the event consisted of remarks, recognition and the reading of the proclamation.","Austin Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes and city officials marked Digital Inclusion Week with a proclamation and recognized organizations receiving 2025 GTOPS grants, outlining program totals and the city’s commitment to digital equity.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6460806,"Austin proclaims Hispanic Heritage Month; leaders emphasize culture, economic contribution and civic unity",271,2476470,2747870,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9&start=2476&end=2747","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9/thumbnail_2476470.jpg","/articles/6460806/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Austin-proclaims-Hispanic-Heritage-Month-leaders-emphasize-culture-economic-contribution-and-civic-unity","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460806-1f18b96d3d61c1e47815480969d9beb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437620&Signature=DqWInsED7CEH2X1QqRyn0OisSlyvb9ZkZCmc-jKbGhR0E9ZDhscvHgWfHBDapVQR6db~YoV8xai-o~7yD~Oo0Yr-Lp9Hy17vUT5hQHKNzJkRXktRYETwnJ-Hx~6q92F00oFg74u1yTX-F7528Uq4cwHyF-sWWYWGA-D2Za8cNS723oJVLeY7yv8YxY6JZMNBsGjVBx00Q5Y1PZrggvsMgNxE2YHkiD6MqyH~Gsehzfs2tgLk9n2AqIi9aarSpNLRMmFRAY74HP12SAyghpzQlEv7lE4kj~zM6Ardv3UB9KNYLiOdaOBiuSjYRpVIJj5jb5NkhcEDS2iDanE3TDRZxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Austin City Council on Sept. 25 read a proclamation designating Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month and hosted remarks from Latino community leaders emphasizing cultural contributions, economic impact and civic solidarity.

Council member José Velázquez led the proclamation, saying the Latino community “has had an undeniable impact on our city, our country, and our world.” He cited demographic and economic figures included in the proclamation text, noting that Latinos comprise about 33% of Austin’s population and highlighted national economic contributions attributed to Latino communities.

JR Gonzalez of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce urged pride and unity, saying, “I've been Hispanic all my life and prepared,” and called on community leaders to speak up against discriminatory rhetoric. Paul Saldaña, a native Austinite and speaker at the event, cited economic figures in support of Latino entrepreneurship and spending power in Central Texas.

The proclamation text also names local Latino organizations such as LULAC, ABLA, DMACC and the Austin Raza Roundtable and expresses opposition to xenophobic political rhetoric and discriminatory immigration enforcement practices at the federal level. Council members and community leaders encouraged celebration of culture throughout the month and sustained advocacy for civil rights and economic opportunity.

The presentation was ceremonial; no council vote or new policy was adopted during the event.","City Council proclaimed Sept. 15–Oct. 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Austin. Officials and community leaders celebrated Latino contributions to culture, business and civic life while cautioning against xenophobic rhetoric at the national level.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6460810,"Austin proclaims October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month; advocates urge coordinated services",496,1916060,2412970,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9&start=1916&end=2412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9/thumbnail_1916060.jpg","/articles/6460810/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Austin-proclaims-October-2025-Domestic-Violence-Awareness-Month-advocates-urge-coordinated-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460810-fa6ebcf76ac057ea941b292bb44db45f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437620&Signature=ajghWPezppQhnu8MHLzoyP0qdUbQH3Im954-SLPes~u0Z1lJtDEVo27ZSd7uOibfrNA9OEr6GpQefr3U3cFcISjGDt8EeNJNk1sK7OgUMTn2wyvIjAcx8N1uoV~EZI8Z05CiK6prRmkafsw4j7geu1hEfBN8WTlreAoKlBHSXly24rWaULn-HuvubOWIIJly1CVenornN~NtdpsX4FJRdzrhX03M49YHsgvd-GIg6GIE-1Ypwfz9~MzRQHA4ALnfDDN-KrBU-L5C~H-spSCvwSQInb3OncNJicxfBclARkMyh5-zeWUp5BsgGIZdcyFMuqGMksby~U4ZvlhfsCuv7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Austin City Council on Sept. 25 proclaimed October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and heard from service providers about the need for trauma‑informed, coordinated responses to support survivors.

Council member José Velázquez read a proclamation noting the wide-ranging impacts of intimate‑partner violence and the intersections with housing instability, employment barriers and behavioral health. Velázquez said the city urges the community to “embrace the many cultural ways we can heal from violence and oppression, hold space for survivors, and center those most marginalized in all of our efforts to end domestic violence.”

Shelley Ryan, who identified herself as a survivor and two‑decades‑long system practitioner, said “Domestic violence isn't just a safety issue. It's an everything issue,” describing how survivors often must navigate multiple agencies and appointments—sometimes as many as 20—while trying to maintain safety and stability for their families. Ryan and Velázquez emphasized programs in Travis County such as the Domestic Violence High Risk Team and community services including Safe Alliance and peer‑support and restorative programs.

Speakers called for service coordination, survivor‑centered safety planning and culturally responsive supports, and highlighted local initiatives such as the Family Justice Center model and Travis County’s high‑risk team. The event was ceremonial; no legislative or budgetary action was taken at the proclamation presentation.","The City of Austin proclaimed October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Speakers described the intersection of domestic violence with housing, employment and health systems and emphasized survivor‑centered coordination.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6460815,"Austin proclaims Suicide Prevention Month; young advocates and state groups press for expanded services",682,1052800,1735620,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9&start=1052&end=1735","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5827565-b17511e3f53763b331a3c94516cb22f9/thumbnail_1052800.jpg","/articles/6460815/Austin/Travis-County/Texas/Austin-proclaims-Suicide-Prevention-Month-young-advocates-and-state-groups-press-for-expanded-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6460815-4d985601ddb5f2960d8add26083483d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437620&Signature=JqoIEW6jL7UkA0RlCEazv-qRYpMAeGVuyzKN-0noYZh~xA5QRYTc74hm~R4LjemfYOOkCDi3Jay~jkfZZE35fv1YfJi1u4G7kVOo1-em71QzwCc~FsyIkl0pPDzDSW7AxSUDb0aGKQnavC4eKaj1a9h9cspxGMIeRL4lX7kH6fImGAGV8yvILvHZoCFcSA~IFwN4-X30iL5j1mFKZ3aAUXXG2q-UKW~Re8~ou1JhUTETVFN~a1zK~a1Q7ZHFQt-sMnu5q0ZUOHO3IotBNjhJxePjqU5oMu3rZa0psL2sKDuFjgphgavkKxCsNDJpLzZsil2BRI1FAOR7h98mqpSgxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Austin City Council on Sept. 25 proclaimed September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month and heard testimony from young advocates and statewide organizations about gaps in mental‑health services and efforts to prevent suicide.

Council member Crystal Lane, representing District 6, said suicide is complex and urged work to “increase access to and deliver quality mental health care, substance use support and suicide prevention” as part of the city and county strategy. Lane cited the 2024 national strategy for suicide prevention and a joint City of Austin and Travis County suicide prevention strategy referenced in the city’s community health improvement plan.

Ayan Molodina, a 16‑year‑old high‑school student and vice chair of Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT), described personal experiences with obsessive‑compulsive disorder and depression and recounted hospitalizations after suicide attempts. Molodina said schools and communities must do a better job of supporting youth and described cultural stigma that can limit help‑seeking. “This National Suicide Prevention Month, we must all recommit ourselves to understanding the value of other people's lives, and helping when asked,” Molodina said.

Carson Domi, a board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Central Texas and executive director of the Coalition for Student Well‑Being, described AFSP investments and recent advocacy: “The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is proud to partner with the city and the state in addressing this complex challenge by investing $35,000,000 into suicide prevention research this fiscal year alone,” he said, and noted AFSP‑backed legislation that created a $28,000,000 student loan repayment and tuition assistance program for mental‑health professionals.

Greg Hanche, executive director of NAMI Texas, urged sustained state investment in the 988 lifeline, community crisis alternatives such as respite centers and mobile crisis outreach teams, and expansion of peer specialist programs to reduce ER and jail utilization for people in crisis. Hanche said local mental health authorities like Integral Care need resources to shorten waits for services.

The council presented a proclamation recognizing the scale of suicide as a public‑health issue, citing national statistics included in the proclamation text. The event was ceremonial; speakers called for continued coordination among city, county and statewide partners to expand crisis services, workforce supports and prevention outreach.","Councilmembers proclaimed September 2025 as Suicide Prevention Month. Young advocates and representatives from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and NAMI Texas urged investment in crisis services, workforce supports and community outreach.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Austin honors Kathy Mitchell with proclamation recognizing long career in policy and advocacy

Austin proclaims Digital Inclusion Week, honors GTOPS grant recipients

Austin proclaims Hispanic Heritage Month; leaders emphasize culture, economic contribution and civic unity

Austin proclaims October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month; advocates urge coordinated services

Austin proclaims Suicide Prevention Month; young advocates and state groups press for expanded services