Donna L Osborne

The strategic plan for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission outlines its direction from 2027 to 2031. It aims to serve Texans and the state by preserving, protecting, and providing access to information, delivering services that enrich lives, and fulfilling statutory requirements. The plan focuses on six key goals: Education, Open Government, Historic Preservation, Economic Opportunity, Civic and Community Engagement, and Excellent and Effective Services. It also addresses critical initiatives such as information technology modernization, standing up a new archival and records storage facility, preparing for the Texas Bicentennial, and ensuring a robust staffing infrastructure to meet the needs of its constituents.

This strategic plan for the Texas State Archives outlines its commitment to documenting and preserving Texas government history, supporting government effectiveness, and providing Texans with ready access to authentic primary source information. The plan focuses on five core goals: safeguarding and preserving informational and historical assets, providing Texans with access to essential records, engaging customers, engaging partners, and attracting and retaining talent.

The meeting included discussions on rule-making activities, such as self-service transaction machines, medical diagnostic equipment, EV charging stations, and rail vehicle accessibility guidelines. There were reports on technical assistance, training, information communication technology, and artificial intelligence. The Architecture Barriers Act enforcement program was discussed, including the number of complaints received and closed. Collaborations with federal agencies like GSA, Department of Justice, and Health and Human Services were highlighted. Public affairs activities and the board's involvement in White House events were also mentioned.

The meeting included discussions on various rulemaking updates, including medical diagnostic equipment, EV charging stations, self-service transaction machines, and rail vehicle accessibility guidelines. The board also covered technical assistance and training programs, focusing on the built environment and Section 508, along with the expansion of their YouTube channel for training archives. Updates were provided on inter-agency consensus regarding electronic digital document accessibility and the board's involvement in guidance related to Section 508 implementation across the federal government. The board is partnering with non-federal entities to educate on the impacts of AI on the disability community and will hold public hearings on this topic. Architectural Barriers Act enforcement statistics were shared, and public affairs activities, including participation in White House events and international engagements, were highlighted.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including promoting the agency's work in underserved communities, outreach to federal agencies and tribal communities, and improving communications. Discussion focused on the DEIA executive order, increasing awareness of physical access to federal spaces, and modernizing internal infrastructure. Public awareness efforts, webinars, and training programs were highlighted, along with ABA enforcement activities. The upcoming rule-making activities, particularly concerning public rights of way, were emphasized, as well as the need to improve services for underserved and tribal communities and to raise the profile of the Access Board as accessibility experts. The retirement of the general counsel, Gretchen Jacobs, was announced, with recognition of her significant contributions.