The Austin City Council will be voting on adopting the Honorary Council Member Program during its next regular meeting.

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 and council hope the position will not only allow for a better understanding of the city government among multicultural communities, but also “better bring their perspectives to the decision making table, increase the likelihood they may choose to serve on a board or commission and even run for elective office,” according to the AHRC’s Strategic Welcoming Plan.

The council will also be voting to approve the results of the Aug. 14 primary election results during the meeting.

The council will continue discussing the 2019 budget during the work session following the meeting. Discussion began on Aug. 6 during the previous work session; the tax levy, operational budgets, capital budgets and staffing changes were discussed.

Further council review of the budget is needed before the council can vote on the passage of a proposed budget and tax levy on Sept. 17.

Public Works Director Steven Lang will also discuss wastewater treatment plant tower antenna modifications and options for repairing the roof of the hangar at the Austin Municipal Airport.

The council’s next regular meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20, in the Council Chambers, located in the basement of City Hall. The work session will be held immediately following the meeting in the conference room across the hall from the Council Chambers.

For a complete agenda, visit www.ci.austin.mn.us/city-council.