What We Do

Equity Action Team (EAT)

The EAT is a coalition of community members and City of Austin staff focused on advancing racial equity in our communities through partnerships with City departments, non-profits, philanthropic entities and community-based groups. The EAT meetings are dedicated to critical discussions and strategizing on how to best improve the quality of life for most directly impacted communities in Austin. 

The EAT is composed of the individuals who organized and pushed for the creation of the Equity Office back in 2015. Their first goal was helping the Office co-create the Equity Assessment Tool. Now, in monthly meetings the EAT functions as a compass for the Office, ensuring we remain accountable to the community.

Learn more about the Equity Action Team, including upcoming meetings. Or visit the Equity Action Team Dashboard to join the team!

Equity Assessment Tool

The Equity Assessment Tool is a self-assessment completed by departments. The Tool has been used to establish a baseline for the City's impact on equity. It takes departments through a critical examination of their policies, procedures, planning, programs, personnel, and budgeting through a lens of equity. The four sections of the Tool are: Department Culture, Community Engagement, Budget, and Alignment with the Strategic Direction 2023. 

Visit the Equity Action Team Dashboard to learn more about the tool and read departments' responses.

Annual Equity Forum

The Annual Equity Forum is a free event designed to bring Austin-area organizers, community members, and City employees together to share information and resources on racial equity. The heart of the event will include breakout sessions addressing how different organizations normalize, organize, and operationalize equity, and includes a lunch keynote speaker. The intent of the forum is to showcase how and where equity work is being done in and around Austin, and to have conversations about working together on equity related issues and initiatives. 

Joint Inclusion Commissions (JIC) Support & JIC Budget Town Halls

The City's Joint Inclusion Boards and Commissions are hosting town halls to discuss this year's budget! Join our town halls and share your community's needs and interests, influence advocacy priority for all commissions, and help shape fiscal year 2024-2205 budget recommendations. Check the town hall schedule.

Citizenship Clinics

Find more information on the various information sessions to learn how to apply for U.S. Citizenship. Information sessions are held throughout the year to help individuals understand the process and determine eligibility for applying for U.S. citizenship. Check the Citizenship Clinic schedule to find out when our next information sessions will be held.

Equity Grant Programs

The Equity Office offers several grant programs intended to help grassroots and local community organizations access funding. Learn about our current grant programs.