Austin Equity and Inclusion
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.
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
1 Week Away! Register Now!
Stop LGBTQIA+ Hate
Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Austin Public Library - Cepeda Branch
Want to transform from a passive witness into a confident upstander?
Join Austin Equity and Inclusion for a free Bystander Intervention Training focused on LGBTQIA+ hate. This session, developed in partnership with Equality Texas, will guide participants through understanding the bystander effect, learning the “5 D’s” of safe intervention, and practicing real-world scenarios across workplace and community settings.
2 Weeks Away! Register now!
ADA Lunch and Learn
Friday, July 31, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Join Austin Equity and Inclusion for a virtual Lunch and Learn in honor of Disability Pride Month!
Hear from the Austin Lighthouse for the Blind and the Capital Area Council of Governments’ Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) as they share services that support independence, employment, and access for people with disabilities and older adults.
We’ll also feature a presentation from Austin Bergstrom International Airport highlighting the accessibility offerings available to travelers with disabilities. Discover how these organizations can connect you or someone you know with the support needed to thrive.
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:
Education
Tuesday, August 11, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Learn how immigration enforcement policies may impact students and families in educational settings. This session will cover students' rights, privacy protections, and available school-based resources.
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
FY26 Equity Mini Grant Program Relaunch
Austin Equity and Inclusion is relaunching our FY26 Equity Mini Grant program. Organizations supporting community-based efforts serving immigrant and refugee communities are eligible to apply.
Updated Application Window
Application window opens: Friday, August 14, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. (CT)
Application window closes: Friday, August 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (CT)
Applications submitted after August 28, 2026 will not be eligible.
Please revisit austintexas.gov/equityminigrants for the updated playbook which will be available on August 7, 2026