Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify the ordinance was approved on first reading, not final reading.

In a move Mayor Victor Gonzales said is “putting history on the books,” the city of Pflugerville approved on first reading the establishment of the Pflugerville Equity Commission on June 23, following an initial introduction of the proposed ordinance June 9. The proposed commission is the culmination of more than a year’s worth of collaborative efforts between city officials and community members.

Per language included in the ordinance, “the City of Pflugerville acknowledges that the history of discrimination in the United States of America continues to affect the privilege and/or lack of opportunity for people in the City."

The ordinance defines equity as the economic, political or social access granted to all residents, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability or other forms of identity.


Per the ordinance, the Pflugerville Equity Commission will comprise seven members who each serve two-year terms. The duties of the commission, documents outline, is to create "focused recommendations specific to Pflugerville related to equity and empowerment issues."

The commission's mission, as written, is to promote equity for all residents and to serve as a reflection of the diversity among Pflugerville's residents. The commission will work toward bolstering equity and diversity initiatives through awareness efforts, programs and activities available to community members.

During council’s public comment session June 23, resident Meme Styles praised the work of council in working toward measures that ensure equity is provided to all of Pflugerville’s residents, taking into consideration and appreciation their identities.

“Today marks a day that progress is measured,” Styles said.


The ordinance will come back to council July 14 for a second and final reading.