AUSTIN (February 11, 2013)—The Austin City Council votes this week on a proposal to create a veterans-affairs commission to help ex-military personnel better deal with life out of the service.

The city council is scheduled to vote Thursday to create the commission.

The project would include volunteers.

Details on costs weren't immediately outlined.

The Austin American-Statesman reported that panel members would help track issues facing the area's estimated 40,000 veterans and be city government advocates for vets.

Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, who's a retired Navy pilot, backs the proposal.

The city in 2007 created a veterans ombudsman office.

In 2008 Austin received the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, an honor is for organizations that do an outstanding job supporting their National Guard and Army Reserve employees.