Technology Commission forms Digital Equity working group and approves clerk questionnaire response

The City of Austin Technology Commission voted Aug. 13 to create a working group focused on planning a community listening session for digital equity and adopted its drafted response to the clerk’s annual board-evaluation questionnaire.

Vice Chair Karina Aldrete moved to form a “Digital Equity Listening Session” working group, and Commissioner Frak seconded the motion; Chair Steven Apodaca called the voice vote and the motion carried with no recorded opposition. Commissioners discussed naming, scope and the working group’s planned deliverable (the February 7 listening session proposed to be co-led with District 2 and District 3 offices). Staff clarified that a working group should have an intended deliverable and periodic agenda refreshes when it reports back.

Later in the meeting the commission reviewed a clerk-supplied questionnaire that asks whether the commission’s actions complied with City Council directives and bylaws, how many recommendations were approved (the commission reported six during the July 2024–June 2025 period), whether there is overlap with other commissions (the commission answered no and noted complementary work with the Economic Prosperity Commission), and whether bylaws need updates (the commission reported bylaws were updated in February 2025).

Commissioners unanimously voted to adopt the draft response to the clerk’s questionnaire. Chair Apodaca said staff (Dan and Jesse) will submit the finalized response to the clerk’s office and that additional recommendations could be added later via amendment if needed.

The commission also approved the July 9 minutes by voice vote and discussed next steps for GTOPS FY2026 action-plan materials to be circulated by staff before that future meeting.