BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Downtown Commission Recommendation Number: 20220420-2(d) Convention Center Expansion Working Group Whereas: Convention & trade show attendance has not recovered to pre-"great recession" 2008/2009 levels and national convention center attendance was generally declining in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas: Austin has never met its hotel room night goals (332K) listed in the consulting reports advocating for the 2002 convention center expansion. The 2018 number was 246K. Whereas: Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund revenue, which pays for prior and future convention center expansions, declined significantly during COVID-19 and has yet to stabilize - let alone return to pre- COVID levels. Whereas: Austin is currently paying for multiple Convention Center-related bonds, including the 2002 expansion (maturing in 2029), and the Austin Convention Center Enterprises Hilton Hotel bond – which is in jeopardy of defaulting while any convention expansion construction occurs. Whereas: Austin convention center expansion plans were conceived with pre-COVID-19 assumptions, not taking into account the increasing shift to hybrid gatherings. Whereas: A research team led by UT academics published findings in Nature Sustainability (Dec. 2021) concluding that the recent shift to hybrid conventions produced both environmental and inclusivity benefits as physical attendance dropped. Whereas: Total Central Business District room demand from 2018 was 2.8M, and total Convention Center room nights were 246,235, which indicates that even pre-COVID the Convention Center accounted for fewer than 9% of total Central Business District rooms. Whereas: In past years pre Covid 19, the Austin Convention Center drove a small part of the tourism economy, accounting for approximately 2% of the tourists who come to Austin. Whereas: The completion of the Fairmont which is connected to the Austin Convention Center added nearly 140,000 square feet of meeting room space, effectively expanding the convention center at no cost to taxpayers to accommodate larger events while increasing competition for smaller events, and the Marriott Downtown offers over 60,000square feet of meeting space, and is located across the street from the Convention Center with similar benefits and costs to the convention center. Whereas: San Antonio, Dallas and Houston all presently have larger convention facilities. In an already competitive market and with Austin's convention center attendance suffering from the pandemic, Austin will likely find it increasingly challenging to compete in an eroding market with ever-increasing supply and shrinking demand. Whereas: Dallas has recently announced a multi-billion-dollar convention expansion where they project their attendance to more than …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION DRAFT MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2022 The Downtown Commission convened in a meeting on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Downtown Commissioners in Attendance: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Amy Mok, Commissioner Downtown Commissioners Not in Attendance: Preston Reine, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner City Staff in Attendance: Susana Carbajal, Christine Maguire, and Mona Sanchez, Economic Development Department Heidi Tse, Public Works Department Elizabeth Brummett and Cara Bertron, Housing and Planning Department Jason Redfern, Joseph Al-hajeri and Mary Vo, Austin Transportation Department Ben Heimsath, Commissioner Jen Weaver, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizens were signed up to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 16, 2022, MEETING MINUTES The February 16, 2022, Downtown Commission meeting minutes were adopted. 2. NEW BUSINESS - Discussion and Possible Action a. Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) Phase 2 Improvement Project The Commission received a presentation by Heidi Tse, Public Works Department. No action was taken. b. Equity-Based Historic Preservation Plan The Commission received a presentation by Elizabeth Brummett, Housing and Planning Department. No action was taken. c. Downtown Mobility: Scooter Activity - 1 - The Commission received a presentation by Jason Redfern, Joseph Al-hajeri and Mary Vo, Austin Transportation Department. The Commission passed Downtown Commission Recommendation 22020420-2(c) on a vote of 8-0. d. Convention Center Expansion: Downtown Commission Working Group The Commission passed Downtown Commission Recommendation 20220420-2(d) on a vote of 6-1; Commissioner Joel Sher voting no. e. Election of Downtown Commission Officers Commissioner Meisenbach motioned to reinstate Chair August Harris and Vice Chair Christopher Lehman with Commissioner Gomez second on a vote of 8-0. 3. OLD BUSINESS Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: a. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design b. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Commission No Updates Historic Preservation Commission. No updates c. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Commissioner Weatherby reported that the UTC had a report on the Red River realignment, d. Update from Commissioner Amy …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION FEBRUARY 16, 2022, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission, Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register please email mona.sanchez@austintexas.gov or call (512) 974-7864. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Chris Kanipe, Commissioner Jen Weaver, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner kYmberly Keeton, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Christopher Limon, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner AGENDA CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes of the January 19, 2022 Meeting Minutes Discussion and Possible Action (5 minutes) a. Convention Center Expansion: Downtown Commission Working Group 2. New Business – Discussion Recommendation 3. Old Business – a. Staff Updates b. Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: i. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission ii. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission iii. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission iv. Update from Commissioner kYmberly Keeton on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission v. Update from Commissioner Christopher Limon on recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission vi. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board vii. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission 4. Potential Future Agenda Items Adjournment The Commission may discuss and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentations The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable …
AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION: PROMISES AND PERFORMANCE HEYWOOD SANDERS UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO C.H. JOHNSON CONSULTING, INC. Experts In Convention , Sport and Real Estate Consulting the obstacles to future growth in Austin's Convention Center business have continued to mount. Table 2-1 summarizes the major reasons for lost business. The reasons are distributed by the number of room nights lost. Table 2-1 Reasons for Lost Business Primary Reason Facility dates unavailable Inadequate meeting space Lack of large hotel Room rates Political Large room block not available Location No response from hotels Meeting canceled Other reasons Room Nights Lost % of Total 69,820 31,045 28,155 25,133 11,874 11, 130 11,002 9,625 9,175 33,488 29% 13% 12% 10% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 14% Source :Austin Convention and Visitor's Bureau Meeting planners reported the lack of available facility dates more than any other reason for not using the Convention Center. The lack of available dates stems from the size of the facility, which prevents the occurrence of simultaneous events. Lack of adequate meeting space was the second most frequently cited problem. The availability of hotel rooms at reasonable rates is also important. Hotel-related factors (four categories in total) account for over 31 percent of the lost business . Additional hotel supply and greater cooperation from tl1e existing hotel community are essential if the city is to realize its meeting market potential. The current convention center is too small to accommodate Austin's pot ential demand . Center management is now facing severe problems in its attempts to retain a number of annual repeating events . Many national rotating events that previously came to Austin and liked the community cannot return because they are now too large for the facility . Many state events have also outgrown the facility. The chart below shows potential scenarios for exhibit-hall occupancy under three potential growth rates (2, 4, and 6 percent) . Exhibit-hall occupancy is the number of days an exhibition hall is rented (including move-in and move- OUt days) divided by the number of days in the year. The following chart h 'b ' t hall occupancy and potential future occupancy under a displays recent ex 1 1 - range of growth rates. I nnn R;innP. StriltP.nV• Austin r.nnv11ntinn r.,mtDr C.ortil\t'l ? _ 0!'!1"o ,:; C.H. JOHNSON CONSULTING, INC. Experts In Convention , Sport and Real Estate Consulting the obstacles to future growth in …
THE STATE OF THE CONVENTION INDUSTRY PRE-COVID Heywood Sanders University of Texas at San Antonio February 16, 2022 IN THE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE CONVENTION MARKET PRE- PANDEMIC, DISCOUNTS, INCENTIVES, AND FREE RENT DEALS HAD BECOME THE NORM 4 CONVENTION SALES Visit Phoenix’s Convention Sales Department represents the two distinct meeting products in Greater Phoenix: (1) the downtown Phoenix market, anchored by the Phoenix Convention Center, and (2) the hotel and resort market. The department comprises two sales teams: The Citywide Sales Team books groups at the convention center, while the Hotel/Resort Sales Team books groups at area hotels and resorts. 14 bookings representing 64,000 delegates and 106,000 room nights. PROGRAM OF WORK RECAP Client Events The Visit Phoenix sales teams hosted, co-hosted or sponsored seven client events in fiscal year 2013-14, exposing more than 1,200 meeting professionals to the city’s meetings- and-convention product. PERFORMANCE SUMMARY Sales Promotions Citywide Sales In fiscal year 2013-14, the Citywide Sales Team booked 232,163 delegates, a 2.3 percent increase over last year’s performance. The sales team also produced 326 leads, which is 11 percent more than a year ago. These 326 prospective groups represent more than 1 million future delegates. Hotel/Resort Sales The Hotel/Resort Sales Team booked 330,797 definite room nights in fiscal year 2013-14, an 11 percent increase over the previous year. The sales team also produced 1,495 leads, representing 1.1 million future delegates. This lead production is a 4 percent increase over last year. Combined, Visit Phoenix’s sales teams booked 436,000 meeting and convention attendees who will consume 621,000 hotel room nights and spend an estimated $540 million. “See It to Believe It” This continuation of the Citywide Sales Team’s fly-in promotion gave potential clients the chance to tour the Phoenix Convention Center, area hotels and off-site venues. To date, this promotion netted 76 in-house meetings and 25 citywide conventions. “Freenix” This citywide booking promotion— created in conjunction with the Phoenix Convention Center and downtown hotel partners—offered complimentary convention center rental and free WiFi (at both hotels and the convention center) for clients with citywide conventions slated from 2015 to 2019. This promotion netted Event Experient E4 American Express INTERaction Infusion Nurses Society CEO Forum CESSE (Council of Engineering Scientific Societies Executives) Phoenix Convention Center/Citywide Buyers Education Trip AMC Institute Resort Buyers Education Trip Total Clients Hosted 173 800 120 24 80 17 12 1,226 Kayla Stidger MEETING SPACE Organization for Human Brain Mapping …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION DRAFT MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022 The Downtown Commission convened in a meeting on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner Downtown Commissioners in Attendance: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Jennifer Weaver, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner Downtown Commissioners Not in Attendance: Chris Kanipe, Commissioner; Amy Mock, Commissioner; Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner; Preston Reine, Commissioner; Christopher Limon, Commissioner City Staff in Attendance: Susana Carbajal, Christine Maguire, and Matthew Schmidt, Economic Development Department CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizens were signed up to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 19, 2022, MEETING MINUTES The January 19, 2022, Downtown Commission meeting minutes were adopted. 2. NEW BUSINESS - Discussion and Possible Action a. Convention Center Expansion: Downtown Commission Working Group Recommendation: Presentation by Heywood Sanders, University of Texas San Antonio The Commission received presentations by Heywood Sanders, University of Texas San Antonio. No action was taken. 3. OLD BUSINESS a. Staff Updates – Christine Maguire provided updates to the Commission regarding Texas Open Meetings Act requirements, Board Communications, and upcoming budget recommendation deadlines. b. Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: i. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission - 1 - Commissioner reported that the Design Commission discussed the Mexican American Cultural Center Phase 2, Waterloo Greenway Creek Delta, Rainey Street Trailhead, Urban Design Guidelines, and work on Great Streets. c. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Preservation Commission. Commissioner Heimsath reported that the Commission continues to discuss preservation standards, and approval of public art located at the Scarborough Building. d. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Commissioner Weatherby updated the Commission on the UTC work on the Strategic Mobility Plan. e. Update from Commissioner Amy Mock on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts f. Update from Commission Christopher Limon on recent activities and actions taken by the g. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Commission. Commissioner Mock absent; …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION JANUARY 19, 2022, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission, Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Chris Kanipe, Commissioner Jen Weaver, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner kYmberly Keeton, Commissioner CALL TO ORDER David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Christopher Limon, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner AGENDA CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes of the October 20, 2021 Meeting Minutes Discussion and Possible Action (5 minutes) 2. New Business – Discussion and Possible Action a. Safer Sixth Street Initiative: Presentation by Brian Block, Development i. Creation of a Downtown Commission Safer Sixth Street Working Group b. Rainey Street Trailhead (SPC-2021-0286C): Presentation by Heidi Anderson, Services Department Trail Foundation c. Historic Resources Survey for Old Austin Neighborhood Association: Presentation by Andrew Rice and Elizabeth Brummett, Housing and Planning Department 3. Old Business – a. Staff Updates b. Convention Center Expansion Working Group c. Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: i. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission ii. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission iii. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission iv. Update from Commissioner kYmberly Keeton on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission v. Update from Commissioner Christopher Limon on recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission vi. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board vii. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission 4. Potential Future Agenda Items Adjournment The Commission may discuss and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentations The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications …
TO: Mayor and Council Members FROM: Joseph Chacon, Austin Police Department Chief Denise Lucas, Development Services Director DATE: December 27, 2021 SUBJECT: Safer 6th Street Initiative (Resolution No. 20210729-175) The purpose of this memo is to provide a response on action items related to the Safer 6th Street resolution. Background Council Resolution No. 20210729-175 established City Council support for implementing a more comprehensive strategy toward 6th Street that maximizes its assets, embraces new opportunities, and ensures a safer environment for all, and established that the strategy needs to be multi-faceted and build on previous stakeholder processes and consultant reports. The resolution outlined actions to be taken, and for staff to report to Council on the results. Below is the response on each action item. Response to Action Items • Action #1: Create an interdepartmental team led by the Entertainment Services Group and with representation from – at a minimum – the Austin Police Department, Austin Transportation Department, Austin Energy, Austin Fire Department, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services, Austin Code, and the Historic Preservation Office. Response: The interdepartmental team was created, held their kick-off meeting on August 16, 2021, and continued to meet to carry out the action items in the resolution. • Action #2: Use temporary lighting and upgrade existing lighting if necessary to provide dramatically brighter spaces along the 6th Street corridor. Response: The interdepartmental team identified locations that need additional lighting as well as priority areas for lighting. For context, 6th Street has decorative light poles, and the north-south side streets and alleys have traditional street light poles. The decorative poles on 6th Street had previously been upgraded to LED and optimized. The locations identified by the team for additional lighting are the north-south side streets and alleys. Austin Energy crews went through the 6th Street District to assess and perform maintenance on the existing traditional street lighting poles. Within the district crews replaced all of the old style high pressure sodium fixtures with LED. In all, AE replaced 64 heads of which approximately 10% were not working. Next Steps: • Conduct a lighting study to assess if there are gaps in the street light network in the district. Requests for new street light poles to fill any identified gaps will require funding and need to be added to Austin Energy’s priority list for installs. • Street light poles in the alleys are limited. There is very little …
REGULAR MEETING DOWNTOWN COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2022 MEETING MINUTES The Downtown Commission convened in a meeting on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Jen Weaver, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner Downtown Commissioners in Attendance: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner Downtown Commissioners Not in Attendance: Chris Kanipe, Commissioner, Preston Reine Commissioner, Josh Lickteig, Commissioner, Christopher Limon, Commissioner, kYmberly Keeton, Commissioner City Staff in Attendance: Mona Sanchez and Christine Maguire, Economic Development Department Brian Block, Development Services Department Andrew Rice and Elizabeth Brummett, Housing and Planning Department CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizens were signed up to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 20, 2021, MEETING MINUTES The October 20, 2021, Downtown Commission meeting minutes were adopted. 2. NEW BUSINESS - Discussion and Possible Action a. Safer Sixth Street Initiative: Presentation by Brian Block, Development Services Department i. Creation of a Downtown Commission Safer Sixth Street Working Group Chair Harris motioned to create the Downtown Commission Safer Sixth Street Initiative Working Group with Commissioner Lavigne’s second on a vote of 8-0. b. Rainey Street Trailhead (SPC-2021-0286C): Presentation by Heidi Anderson, Trail Foundation Commissioner Meisenbach motioned to support Community Engagement Concept 2 of the Rainey Street Trailhead with Commissioner Sher’s second on a vote of 8-0. c. Historic Resources Survey for Old Austin Neighborhood Association: Presentation by Andrew Rice and Elizabeth Brummett, Housing and Planning Department The Commission received a presentation from Andrew Rice and Elizabeth Brummett, Housing and Planning Department. No action was taken. - 1 - 2. OLD BUSINESS b. Convention Center Expansion Working Group Commissioner Templeton and Commissioner Lavigne provide an update of the work being done with Professor Sanders from UT San Antonio. Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members a. Update from Commissioner Jen Weaver on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission. Commissioner reported that the Design Commission discussed the 80 Rainey Street Tower, and their work on the Great Streets Program. b. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Preservation Commission. Commissioner Heimsath reported that the Commission passed the old west Austin warehouse …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 The Downtown Commission convened in a meeting on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 301 W. 2nd Street in hybrid meeting format. Downtown Commissioners in Attendance: August Harris, Chair David Gomez, Commissioner Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Chris Kanipe, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner Downtown Commissioners Not in Attendance: Melissa Henao-Robledo Commissioner, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner Christopher Limon, kYmberly Keeton, Commissioner, Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner City Staff in Attendance: Mona Sanchez and Christine Maguire, Economic Development Department CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No citizens were signed up to speak. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2021, MEETING MINUTES The September 15, 2021, Downtown Commission meeting minutes were adopted. 2. NEW BUSINESS - Discussion and Possible Action a. Cypress and Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy: Presentation by Nina Rinaldi, Shoal Creek Conservancy Item withdrawn. (DSC) No action was taken. b. Safer Sixth Street Initiative: Presentation by Brian Block, Development Services Department c. Discussion and possible action on the 2022 Downtown Commission Meeting Schedule. - 1 - Commissioner Joel Sher motioned to approve the 2022 Downtown Commission meeting schedule with Commissioner Meisenbach’s second on a 7-0. 3. OLD BUSINESS Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members a. Update from Commissioner Melissa Henao-Robledo on recent activities and actions taken by b. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the the Design Commission. Commissioner Henao-Robledo absent; no updates. Historic Preservation Commission. Commissioner Heimsath absent; no updates. c. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission (UTC) Commissioner Weatherby report that the UTC had discussed the changes in taxi service. d. Update from Commissioner kYmberly Keeton on recent activities and actions taken by the e. Update from Commission Christopher Limon on recent activities and actions taken by the f. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission. Commissioner Keeton absent; no updates. Music Commission. Commissioner Limon absent; no updates. Parks & Recreation Board Commissioner Taylor absent; no updates. Public Safety Commission. No updates. g. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION DECEMBER 15, 2021, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Chris Kanipe, Commissioner Melissa Henao-Robledo, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Christopher Limon, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner kYmberly Keeton, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes of the October 20, 2021 Meeting Minutes Discussion and Possible Action (5 minutes) 2. New Business – Discussion and Possible Action a. Safer Sixth Street Initiative: Presentation by Brian Block, Development Services Department 3. Old Business – a. Convention Center Expansion Working Group b. Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non-voting members: i. Update from Commissioner Melissa Henao-Robledo on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission ii. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission iii. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission iv. Update from Commissioner kYmberly Keeton on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission v. Update from Commissioner Christopher Limon on recent activities and actions taken by the Music Commission vi. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board vii. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission 4. Potential Future Agenda Items Adjournment The Commission may discuss and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentations The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Mona Sanchez at the Economic Development Department, at (512) 974-7864, for …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION OCTOBER 20, 2021, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Boards and Commission Room 1101 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Chris Kanipe, Commissioner Melissa Henao-Robledo, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Christopher Limon, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner kYmberly Keeton, Commissioner David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes of the September 15, 2021 Meeting Minutes Discussion and Possible Action (5 minutes) 2. New Business – Discussion and Possible Action a. Cypress and Shoal Creek Public Space Strategy: Presentation by Nina Rinaldi, Shoal Creek Conservancy b. Safer Sixth Street Initiative: Presentation by Brian Block, Development Services Department c. Discussion and possible action on the 2022 Downtown Commission Meeting Schedule voting members: d. Update from Working Groups i. Downtown Austin Plan Working Group ii. Austin Convention Center Expansion Working Group 3. Old Business – Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non- a. Update from Commissioner Melissa Henao-Robledo on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission b. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission c. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission d. Update from Commissioner kYmberly Keeton on recent activities and actions e. Update from Commissioner Christopher Limon on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission taken by the Music Commission f. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board g. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission 4. Potential Future Agenda Items The Commission may discuss and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentations Adjournment The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters …
RESOLUTION NO. 20210729-175 WHEREAS, Sixth Street, once referred to as Pecan Street, was a center of Downtown commerce and offered an array of services and businesses; and WHEREAS, Sixth Street is defined as the area that begins at the intersection of IH-35 and Fifth Street; north along IH-35 to the intersection of Seventh Street (East); west along Seventh Street (East) to Congress Avenue; south along Congress Avenue to Fifth Street (East); east along Fifth Street (East) to IH-35, the place ofbeginning; and WHEREAS, bars and nighttime music venues currently dominate the uses on historic Sixth Street; and crowds and much activity; and WHEREAS, especially on weekend evenings, Sixth Street generates large WHEREAS, the area is known to attract and encourage certain at-risk practices, such as excessive binge drinking, which has contributed to the perception of an unsafe and volatile environment; and WHEREAS, while the wide swathe of empty space created by weekend street closures provides opportunities for pedestrians to walk without interacting with vehicles, it also provides ample space and opportunity for less positive activity, including fighting and alcohol-fueled violence; and WHEREAS, Austin Police Department regularly takes possession of illegal guns among individuals present along Sixth Street on weekend evenings; and Page 1 of 7 WHEREAS, in recent months, Sixth Street has been the site of multiple fatal shootings, including a mass shooting on June 12,2021, that left one ilidividual dead and others seriously wounded; and WHEREAS, in the last decade, several studies conducted by non-city entities have recommended changes that could make Sixth Street safer for all who live, work, and recreate there, though these reports were apparently never shared with the full City Council; and WHEREAS, in 2009, the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI) facilitated a process with more than 60 stakeholders from the Downtown faith community, hotels, area colleges and universities, South by Southwest, the real estate industry, and including city staff from the Austin Police Department, Emergency Medical Services, Planning, Solid Waste Services, and other departments; and WHEREAS, the resulting report, "Managing the Nighttime Economy, " recommended specific short- and long-term strategies for improving perceptions of safety, creating "visible systems of order," and achieving other goals essential to maintaining and enhancing a thriving Downtown historic district; and WHEREAS, while City Council or staff have initiated and implemented several action items, such as the installation of public restrooms and a Downtown wayfinding system, other major recommendations related to …
DOWNTOWN COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 15, 2021, TIME: 5:30 p.m. Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001 301 W 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Downtown Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: August Harris, Chair Christopher Lehman, Vice Chair Megan Meisenbach, Commissioner Chris Kanipe, Commissioner Melissa Henao-Robledo, Commissioner Mike Lavigne, Commissioner Preston Reine Commissioner Josh Lickteig, Commissioner Laura Templeton, Commissioner Joel Sher, Commissioner Christopher Limon, Commissioner Ben Heimsath, Commissioner kYmberly Keeton, Commissioner Kelan Robinson, Commissioner David Gomez, Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez, Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby, Commissioner Kimberly Taylor, Commissioner AGENDA CALL TO ORDER CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approval of Minutes of the August 18, 2021 Meeting Minutes Discussion and Possible Action (5 minutes) 2. New Business – Discussion and Possible Action a. Downtown Density Affordable Housing Program: Presentation by Sam Tedford, Housing and Planning Department b. Briefing on the Convention Center Redevelopment and Expansion Project: Presentation by Trisha Tatro and Katy Zamesnik, Austin Convention Center Department (ACCD) c. Discussion and possible action on the creation of a Convention Center Expansion Working Group voting members: 3. Old Business – Items from representatives of collaborating commissions including non- a. Update from Commissioner Melissa Henao-Robledo on recent activities and actions taken by the Design Commission b. Update from Commissioner Ben Heimsath on recent activities and actions taken by the Historic Landmark Commission c. Update from Commissioner Cynthia Weatherby on recent activities and actions taken by the Urban Transportation Commission d. Update from Commissioner kYmberly Keeton on recent activities and actions e. Update from Commissioner Christopher Limon on recent activities and actions taken by the Arts Commission taken by the Music Commission f. Update from Commissioner Kimberly Taylor on recent activities and actions taken by the Parks & Recreation Board g. Update from Commissioner Nelly Paulina Ramirez on recent activities and actions taken by the Public Safety Commission 4. Potential Future Agenda Items The Commission may discuss and identify future agenda items, topics, or presentations Adjournment The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If …
