Austin is committed to becoming the most livable city for all identities by fostering a culture of inclusivity and systemic change. This commitment is reflected in the City’s efforts to improve the quality of life for all Austinites.
Austin Equity and Inclusion (AEI) has 3 division within its office: Human Rights Division, Equity Division and Civil Rights division.
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Our Mission
The mission of the Office of Equity and Inclusion 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 accommodation, CROWN Act and tenants’ right to organize.
Civil Rights
We champion fairness, respect and a shared commitment to justice by:
- Upholding anti-discrimination laws across critical areas like employment, housing, fair chance hiring, public accommodations, and tenants’ rights to organize.
- Collaborating through community engagement to build lasting partnerships that drive meaningful change.
- Educating the public to foster awareness, understanding, and action against discrimination.
Every step is grounded in dignity, respect, and a shared commitment to justice.
Human Rights
We advance the rights and freedoms of all Austinites by:
- Promoting dignity, safety, and belonging for every resident.
- Ensuring all people—regardless of background or identity—are free from discrimination and able to fully participate in public life.
- Expanding access to services, promoting inclusion, and removing systemic barriers to opportunity.
- Connecting residents to their rights, essential resources, and tools to navigate complex systems.
- Leading the “We All Belong” campaign to strengthen civic engagement and foster a shared sense of belonging.
Equity
We promote racial equity across the City of Austin through:
- Consulting with all City departments on projects to build capacity and leadership
- Offer workshops, training, and resources to build awareness and skills around equity, bias, and inclusion
- Examine quality of life outcomes for Austinites and collaborate with City staff, community members and organizations, and boards and commissions to examine data and address gaps in outcomes across diverse communities in Austin
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