The Austin City Council voted in favor of the Honorary Council Member Program during its regular meeting on Monday evening.

The position was proposed by the Austin Human Rights Commission in its strategic welcoming plan as a means to “empower multicultural leadership” by giving them exposure to how the city government works as part of the Journey for Growth project. The AHRC made the recommendation after finding that a small number of leaders are relied upon for virtually everything within newcomer communities and that some communities are discouraged when they don’t see anyone who looks like them in city or county leadership positions.

“The AHRC has been working proactively with the Mayor and (City Administrator) Craig (Clark) to recruit people who could be interested,” said AHRC chairman Jason Baskin. “I fully expect that we will have strong people to fill the role.”

Under the program, an applicant will be appointed to a three-month term after a recommendation by the mayor and approval by the council. Eligible applicants must be at least 21 years of age and a resident of Austin 30 or more days prior to the appointment.

The appointed individual would receive all correspondence directed to the council (except that which is deemed “privileged”) and would participate in discussions at council meetings.

Under a revised edition of the program, the individual would be seated at one of the tables in front of the dais, where city department heads currently sit, with an official name plate. The individual will be given the opportunity to speak at the end of each meeting and will give a 5-10 minute final report presentation at the end of his/her term to discuss what was learned, what was best liked and how the experience will be used to serve the community.

The position, however, does not allow for the ability to make motions or vote, nor will the appointed individual receive any financial compensation.

After the vote, Councilwoman Janet Anderson stated she hopes the program will be implemented no later than October; however, an implementation date has not been announced.