The Austin City Council convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing community support systems and addressing violence prevention. The meeting featured a presentation by Council Member Velasquez, who introduced three key agenda items designed to strengthen services for families and survivors of violence, improve housing stability, and bolster the Office of Violence Prevention.

The first item, labeled as Number 78, proposed a formal collaboration between the city and Travis County to establish a Family Justice Center (FJC). This center aims to provide survivors with easier access to trauma-informed services by consolidating various support services under one roof. Council Member Velasquez expressed gratitude to County Attorney Delia Garza for her commitment to this initiative, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning to ensure the FJC's long-term success.

The second item, Number 82, focused on enhancing the city's home repair program. This resolution seeks to expand the program's reach to better serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income households, particularly renters who make up a significant portion of District 3. The goal is to identify gaps in current services and explore new partnerships to maintain housing stability and affordability.

The final item, Number 83, aimed to strengthen the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP). Council Member Velasquez highlighted the OVP's past successes, including firearm surrender protocols and community violence intervention programs. The resolution seeks to build on these efforts by gathering insights from individuals with lived experiences and proven strategies to create a comprehensive plan for violence prevention.

Following Council Member Velasquez's presentation, Mayor Pro Tem Fuentes acknowledged the importance of these initiatives and recognized the passing of former Council Member Jackie Goodman, honoring her legacy as a dedicated advocate for underserved communities. Fuentes also commended the collaborative efforts between the city and Travis County, noting the ongoing partnerships that have led to multiple initiatives aimed at improving community welfare.

The meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing pressing social issues and fostering collaboration with county leaders to enhance the quality of life for Austin residents. The proposed resolutions will be further discussed and voted on in upcoming sessions, with the aim of implementing these critical support systems effectively.