Public Health Commission outlines five priority goals for 2026, including food‑plan collaboration and expanded data partnerships

The Austin-Travis County Public Health Commission discussed and agreed to pursue five priority goals for 2026 aimed at strengthening local public-health work and coordinating with existing boards and institutions.

Chair and commissioners framed the goals as collaborative and strategic: (1) partner with the Austin Food Plan Advisory Board to avoid duplication and focus on public-health aspects of food insecurity and imminent gaps such as summer food programs; (2) establish and deepen data partnerships with the University of Texas and other academic partners to ground recommendations in evidence; (3) address refugee‑community health equity and access; (4) boost public-health education and awareness so commissioners and community members better understand public health roles; and (5) analyze economic impacts of recent funding cuts on public-health services.

Commissioners volunteered leads for each priority, suggested timelines and logic models, and asked staff (Danny) to distribute written objectives and action items. The vice chair offered to coordinate university research partnerships and a commissioner volunteered to work with UT Dell Medical School’s food-as-medicine initiatives. The Commission asked staff to prepare a one‑page newsletter for commissioners with timely operational updates and agreed to revisit detailed work plans (with July milestones) as groups socialize objectives and enlist external partners.