Austin Equity and Inclusion

A sun-drenched, panoramic view of a group of people huddling together in support and friendship.

Our Mission

The mission of Austin Equity and Inclusion (AEI) is to transform systems to increase access, remove barriers to opportunity, address discrimination, and foster a community where all identities are respected.

AEI ensures full compliance with applicable state and federal mandates, including local city ordinances, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. AEI also oversees racial equity work, immigrant affairs, veterans, fair housing, equal employment, fair chance hiring, ADA-title II, Title VI, public accommodations, the CROWN Act and tenant's right to organize.

Learn about our 3 divisions:

 

Civil Rights Division     Equity Division     Human Rights Division

 

A white woman with straight brown hair holds a sign saying Austin Welcomes You in Chinese and is smiling. Next to her is a man of color smiling wearing glasses and a UT orange shirt holding a sign that says Austin Welcomes You in Spanish.

Join us for the 2nd Annual City of Austin

Welcoming Week: September 10-19, 2026

The City of Austin is recognizing Welcoming Week by bringing neighbors, organizations, and communities together to honor the many backgrounds, cultures, and experiences that make Austin stronger. Everyone belongs. Everyone is welcome. Join in creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where all of Austinites can connect, build relationships, and feel a sense of belonging.

 

Learn more

 

Welcoming Week 2026 Kickoff

Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Austin Central Library, Demonstration Area, 710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701

Join the City of Austin as we kick off Welcoming Week 2026 with a morning centered on community, belonging, and connection.

Inspired by this year’s theme, Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect, the kickoff will feature welcoming remarks, a City proclamation, an art gallery, cultural performances, opportunities to connect with community organizations, and resources that reflect and honor Austin’s diverse communities.

 

Join the Kickoff event

Multiracial group of young people smile wide at the camera and embrace each other

Stop Hate! Bystander Intervention Trainings

Stop Jewish Hate!

Join Austin Equity and Inclusion’s We All Belong – Austin Against Hate initiative and our partners for Bystander Intervention Trainings designed to equip residents with practical tools to recognize, disrupt, and safely respond to identity‑based harassment


Next Session:

Stop Jewish Hate!

September 3, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center | 600 River St, Austin, TX 78701

Want to transform from a passive witness into a confident upstander?

Join Austin Equity and Inclusion for a Bystander Intervention Training. Led by ADL and Shalom-Austin, learn how to build practical skills that help you recognize and respond to harmful behavior safely. This training will focus on stopping Jewish hate and harassment.

Register at bit.ly/StopHate2026

Register for a Training
Large American flag on a flagpole waving in the winder under sunny blue skies and fluffy white clouds

Apply for U.S. Citizenship

2026 Citizenship Clinic and Information Sessions

Austin Equity and Inclusion, in partnership with American Gateways, is hosting four information sessions and a Citizenship Clinic in August and September, 2026. 

Step 1 - Attend an Information Session: 

Come to an information session to learn the requirements to apply for U.S. Citizenship, get your questions answered by immigration attorneys, and get checklists of documents and information needed to prepare for the Citizenship Clinic. 

  • Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Ruiz Branch Library
  • Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Little Walnut Creek Branch Library
  • Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center
  • Tuesday, September 1, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Windsor Park Branch Library
Step 2 - Attend the Citizenship Clinic: Saturday, September 12, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | Asian American Resource Center

After attending an information session and confirming you are eligible to apply for U.S. Citizenship, attend the Citizenship Clinic.

  • The first 50 people will get FREE one-on-one assistance completing the N-400 application for naturalization.
  • Bring documents and information you will need to complete the N-400 application.
Learn more
Mother and child embracing.

Immigration Policy Updates Webinars

Know Your Rights

Join Austin Equity and Inclusion for free virtual Know Your Rights webinars happening until the month of November. Learn about your rights and recent updates on various topics related to immigration policy.  

Next Session:

Refugees' Rights

Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.

Understand how recent changes in immigration policy and enforcement may affect refugees and humanitarian populations.

Webinar Passcode: KYR2026

Spanish interpretation will be provided for all sessions.  
To request other languages, including ASL, or other accommodations please contact us at least 5 days in advance at aei@austintexas.gov or call 512-974-3251

Join the Webinar