Council considers local quality of life for Hispanics
Council considers local quality of life for Hispanics
Written by Christi Covington Thursday, 08 May 2008
Initiative to research education, small business development for fast-growing demographic
The greatest percentage of students in Austin comes from the Hispanic community, but this same population group also has the greatest dropout rate.
Those were some of the statistics repeatedly stated at the Austin City Council meeting May 8, as leaders from organizations ranging from the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to the Capital Area United Way gave their support for a Hispanic and Latino quality of life initiative. Council Member Mike Martinez sponsored the resolution with co-sponsorship by council members Lee Leffingwell and Sheryl Cole. It passed unanimously, directing City Manager Marc Ott to look at the next city budget for opportunities to leverage community discussions, studies and strategies, and then report to the council with economic development recommendations.
“It is not going to be easy,” Martinez said. “It is not going to be quick, but it is important.”
Although funding is not yet designated, a similar initiative for the African-American community that began in 2005 cost around $730,000, Martinez said. He expects a similar financial impact.
The study looking at the Hispanic and Latino demographic might include research on employment, economic growth, safety, education, small business development and immigration issues. Cathy Vasquez-Revilla, publisher of La Prensa, said that particularly in East Austin, Hispanic residents and business owners are not prepared for the influx of new housing and commercial development that is increasing property values.
“We are just not ready to compete,” she said. “I fear that we will be the casualties of new growth and not share in the rewards.” She asked that the study particularly look at minority-owned small businesses that are native to the area and “in danger of extinction.”
Council member candidate Jennifer Gale questioned the passage of the resolution because it did not specify cost. She also said that the council was spending money as “pay offs” for Hispanic organizations, such as the League of United Latin American Citizens, while destroying the existing community of East Austin.
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