STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance and Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: January 27, 2021
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
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An ordinance amending Chapter 2, “Administration” of the Dallas City Code by adding a new Article XXIX, “Veteran Affairs Commission” to: (1) provide the creation of the veteran affairs commission; (2) provide the terms, membership requirements, meeting requirements, and functions of the veteran affairs commission; (3) provide a saving clause; (4) provide a severability clause; and (5) provide an effective date - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
The purpose of the Veteran Affairs Commission is to act as an advisory body to the City Manager and the City Council by evaluating and recommending programs, policies, and practices designed to alleviate veterans’ difficulties in meeting basic needs, obtaining housing, employment, and comprehensive mental health assistance; acting as a central clearinghouse for information relating to the status of veterans in the Dallas community; accumulating information about the needs of veterans in the Dallas community, including available services, and making recommendations to the City Council regarding these needs; recommending ways to educate the community and promote awareness among the public and private sector of veterans’ full potential and of the importance of veterans’ contributions to the development of the community; and identifying and reviewing the entire range of services available to veterans.
The Veterans Affairs Commission will advise the City Council on City-related issues and provide a forum for voicing the concerns of and meeting the needs of the City’s veteran’s community.
All members shall be appointed for an initial term to expire on September 30, 2021. Thereafter, nominations shall begin in August 2021 and each subsequent odd-numbered year, and members appointed shall serve a two-year term beginning on October 1.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Workforce, Education, and Equity Committee was briefed on the draft ordinance on December 14, 2020.
On January 11, 2021, the Workforce, Education, and Equity Committee approved the draft ordinance for recommendation to the City Council.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.