Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes June 13, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, June 13, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting on Friday, June 13, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Kelly called the Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Conor Kelly, Chair Gabriel Arellano Audrea Diaz Elizabeth Slade Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Elisabeth Meyer, Vice Chair DeLawnia Comer-HaGans Mickey Fetonte Lynn Murphy Kristen Vassallo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Joseph Tsai – CONVO Access Raelene Gomes – Austin Lighthouse Melinda Crockom - Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular called meeting on May 9, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of May 9, 2025, were approved with an amendment to strike Commissioner Vassallo’s name and insert Commissioner Arellano’s name on items 1 and 5 on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Vassallo’s second on an 7-0 vote. 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes June 13, 2025 Vice Chair Meyer abstained. Commissioner Comer-Hagans was off the dais. Commissioners Chang and Franks were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. 5. Discussion of funding for the therapeutic recreation program in the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. The presentation was provided by Ivette Gonzalez, mother/advocate of Antonio Hueyopa, District 2 resident and by Sara Carlson, Recreation Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department, and Evan Kessler, Recreation Program Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative regarding the latest meeting. Update provided by Chair Kelly. Update regarding the most recent meeting of the Austin Transit Partnership Community Advisory Committee. Update provided by Vice Chair Meyer. Discussion regarding the identification of additional priorities in 2025 for the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities. Discussion was held. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 6. Update from the Candidate Qualities Priority Working Group regarding the review and approval of candidate equality practices within the City of Austin hiring department. Update provided by Commissioner Arellano. WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDATIONS 7. Recommendation from the Candidate Qualities Priority Working Group regarding the review and approval of candidate equality practices within the City of Austin hiring department. Item discussed with item 8. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. Approve a Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Recommendation Number: (20270711-XXX): Austin Disability Festival 2025 & 2026 WHEREAS, October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it is within the scope of this advisory body to promote disability awareness and inclusion within the City of Austin, and the committee intends to host a small fundraising event at Austin City Hall in October 2025; and WHEREAS, the committee, in collaboration with several other community stakeholders, are planning to host the Austin Disability Festival (“AWEbility Festival”) in October 2026, and continuing annually, to promote accessibility, showcase diverse disability communities, honor local inclusion leaders, and foster American Sign Language (ASL) practice as a unifying element; and WHEREAS, the committee seeks to ensure that these events are successful and represent the perspectives of the residents of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to provide suggestions to ensure the events reflect the diversity and priorities of constituents and other stakeholders, to allocate funds as appropriate to cover festival costs, and to share council members’ personal or professional experiences with disability inclusion or community engagement to inspire festival programming and messaging. Date of Approval: _____________________________ Record of the vote: (Unanimous on a 7-0 vote, 4-3 vote with names of those voting no listed) Attest: _____________________________________________ (Staff or board member can sign)
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250706-XXX Date: July 6, 2025 Subject: Recommendation to Implement CONVO Access at City Facilities Motioned By: Gabriel Arellano Seconded By: _____________ Recommendation The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities recommends the implementation of CONVO Access—an on-demand ASL interpreting service via QR code—at various public facilities to improve communication equity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents. Description of Recommendation to Council ● Implement CONVO Access signage and QR codes at high-traffic city-owned locations. ● Ensure CONVO Access is available at: ● City Hall ● Police Stations ● Fire Stations ● City Public Museums ● City Public Libraries ● Promote awareness, training, and maintenance for ongoing accessibility. Rationale: This technology allows Deaf residents and visitors to connect instantly to certified ASL interpreters via smartphone, enhancing safety, independence, and access to public services. The system aligns with the City’s ADA responsibilities and equity goals, and can be implemented at a low cost with high impact. Vote For: ___ Against: ___ Abstain: ___ Absent: ___ Attest: ___________________________ Draft
Introduction to OPO October 7, 2024 | 7:00 p.m. Three Goals of OPO • Transforming Accountability • Enhancing Transparency • Building Partnerships Three Divisions of OPO Communications & Community Engagement Complaints & Monitoring Investigations Policy & Research How to Contact OPO A Complaint or Thank You may be submitted online, by phone, fax, mail, or email. Our office hours are: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Website: ATXPoliceOversight.org 512-974-9090 TTY: 711 512-974-6306 PO Box 1088 Austin, TX 78767 policeoversight@austintexas.gov 1520 Rutherford Ln, Building 1 Austin, TX 78754 You may always choose to remain You may always choose to remain anonymous anonymous when contacting OPO when contacting OPO Save the Date! OPO Open House Saturday, July 19, 2025 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Austin Central Library – Special Events Center 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. Learn more by contacting us! opo.outreach@austintexas.gov atxpoliceoversight.org
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities ____________________________________ (Official Name of Board or Commission) The Board/Commission mission statement (per the City Code) is: The committee is established to encourage, assist, and enable persons with disabilities to participate in the social and economic life of the City, achieve maximum personal independence, become gainfully employed, and use and enjoy fully all public and private facilities available within the community. 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. a. b. Serve as an advisory body to the city council and city manager regarding problems affecting the persons with disabilities in the Austin area. i. Made budget recommendations to City Council to fund disability- related celebrations and devote resources to keep micromobility devices out of walkways. ii. Recommended adoption of the Equity-Based Housing Plan after the program team incorporated accessibility requests from the Committee. Serve in an advisory and consultive capacity to the Human Resources Department and the city council to ensure effective compliance and enforcement of Chapter 5-6 (Discrimination Against A Person With A Disability); i. Met with the ADA Program office and Office of Civil Rights to discuss partnering with the Committee. Annual Review and Work Plan 2024/2025 Page 2 ii. Developed a training for city employees on Chapter 5-6. The Committee is presently working with the City on refining the content. iii. Met with many city departments to discuss their efforts and made recommendations. The Committee met with the APD, Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Aviation Department, the Communication and Public Information Office, the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Housing Department, the ADA program office, and the Office of Civil Rights among others. iv. Commissioner Gabriel Arellano participated in an interview panel for the Civil Rights Officer as a member of the community. c. Recommend to the mayor, council members, and the city manager measures aimed at improving the ability of various city departments and contractors at providing service and employment opportunities for disabled persons; i. Our recommendations were primarily at the department level. We made informal recommendations to the departments above during their meetings with the Committee. ii. The Committee formed a working group to develop knowledge competencies around …
Introducing Convo Access to The City of Austin Real-time, user-led access for Austin’s Deaf community Meet Convo Convo is a Deaf-owned access partner, helping cities make real-time inclusion effortless — for every resident, every moment. We empower Deaf communities with intuitive, on-demand sign language interpreting in 10 languages across 5 countries — all led by Deaf leadership. With over 18 million conversations facilitated, Convo is trusted by 400+ agencies, transit systems, libraries, and public offices globally. We work with cities to expand access, reduce interpreting costs, and strengthen public trust — while supporting full ADA compliance. The Problem Many Deaf residents still face barriers when trying to connect with city services. From City Hall counters to transit hubs and libraries, access often depends on: ● Pre-booking an interpreter days in advance ● Minimum-hour charges for short interactions ● Staff who are unsure how to help in the moment These delays don’t just frustrate residents — they create real access gaps, increased costs, and missed opportunities for connection. Access shouldn’t be delayed. It should start when someone’s ready. Our products Convo Access for customers Convo Access puts instant communication in the hands of your Deaf residents — no sign-up, no app download, no waiting. By scanning a QR code with their own device, they connect directly to a live interpreter — in seconds. No hardware. No setup. No scheduling. You can place Convo Access anywhere residents ask questions — at city counters, libraries, bus terminals, police stations, and more. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Customer scans QR code on their device Requests an interpreter Starts a conversation Our services Employees Guide to Convo Access We make it just as easy for your staff. Every Convo Access deployment includes clear, visual guides that help employees: ● ● ● Understand how the QR code works Know what to say and do when someone scans Build confidence supporting Deaf users in real time Orientation takes minutes — and helps your team provide better, faster service with less effort. Convo Access Convo Access puts control where it belongs — in the hands of Deaf residents. They connect in real time, when they choose, wherever they are — with no wait, no setup, and no gatekeepers. This isn’t just easier. It’s a shift in how cities deliver access. Benefits to City of Austin Convo Access helps the City of Austin become more inclusive, more efficient, …
Resolution Proposal: Protecting and Sustaining Local Public Health Infrastructure and Equity in Austin Submitted to: City of Austin City Council Date: XX-XX-XXXX Submitted by: Joint Inclusion Committee WHEREAS, public health is defined as “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical health and efficiency through organized community efforts,” and serves as the foundation for community resilience and equitable well-being; and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health (APH) provides vital population-level services that protect over 1.35 million residents, including immunization clinics, HIV and STD testing and treatment, refugee health screenings, violence prevention programming, substance misuse support, and neighborhood centers offering basic needs assistance; and WHEREAS, core public health infrastructure funding in the amount of $9,500,000 is currently at risk due to unstable federal funding streams and national-level proposals to reduce or eliminate key public health support; and WHEREAS, the federal political climate—marked by increasing hostility toward racial equity efforts and public health institutions—has created uncertainty for municipalities dependent on federal dollars, putting local public health outcomes in jeopardy; and WHEREAS, local data show clear racial disparities in public health outcomes in Austin, including: • Black and Hispanic children are 5 to 7 times more likely to live in poverty than their White counterparts, increasing vulnerability to chronic illness, food insecurity, and poor educational outcomes; • East Austin residents face significantly higher rates of environmental hazards and urban heat exposure, contributing to cardiovascular and respiratory disease; • Communities of color experience higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma, which are exacerbated by inequities in access to care and healthy environments; and WHEREAS, prevention-focused public health investments yield high returns, with studies showing that for every $1 invested in public health, $14 are saved in downstream health care costs and productivity losses; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s stated values—Equity, Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, and Engagement—demand proactive investment in services that reduce health disparities and strengthen community resilience; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: 1 The Joint Inclusion Committee strongly recommends the City of Austin fully protect the $9,500,000 currently allocated to Core Public Health Infrastructure. 2 The Committee urges the City to establish a dedicated $6 million public health reserve fund to ensure continuity of essential services in the event of further federal disinvestment or emergency needs. 3 The City should commit to prioritizing funding for public health programs that directly address racial and socioeconomic health disparities, with transparent …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Recommendation Number: (20250711-011): Austin Disability Festival 2025 & 2026 WHEREAS, October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it is within the scope of this advisory body to promote disability awareness and inclusion within the City of Austin, and the committee intends to host a small fundraising event at Austin City Hall in October 2025; and WHEREAS, the committee, in collaboration with several other community stakeholders, are planning to host the Austin Disability Festival (“AWEbility Festival”) in October 2026, and continuing annually, to promote accessibility, showcase diverse disability communities, honor local inclusion leaders, and foster American Sign Language (ASL) practice as a unifying element; and WHEREAS, the committee seeks to ensure that these events are successful and represent the perspectives of the residents of Austin. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities encourages the Austin City Council to provide suggestions to ensure the events reflect the diversity and priorities of constituents and other stakeholders, to allocate funds as appropriate to cover festival costs, and to share council members’ personal or professional experiences with disability inclusion or community engagement to inspire festival programming and messaging. Date of Approval: 7/11/2025 Record of the vote: 6-0 Motioned by: Commissioner Arellano Seconded by: Commissioner Chang For: Chair Kelly, Commissioners Arellano, Chang, Comer-HaGans, Murphy, and Slade Against: None Absent: Vice Chair Meyer, Commissioners Diaz, Franks, Fetonte, and Vassallo Attest: Christi Vitela (Staff or board member can sign)
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES RECOMMENDATION 20250711-012 Date: July 11, 2025 Subject: Recommendation to Implement CONVO Access at City Facilities Motioned By: Commissioner Arellano Seconded By: Chair Kelly Recommendation The Mayor’s Committee the for People with Disabilities implementation of CONVO Access—an on-demand ASL interpreting service via QR code—at various public facilities to improve communication equity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents. recommends exploring Description of Recommendation to Council ● Implement CONVO Access signage and QR codes at high-traffic city-owned locations. ● Ensure CONVO Access is available at: ● City Hall ● Police Stations ● Fire Stations ● City Public Museums ● City Public Libraries ● Promote awareness, training, and maintenance for ongoing accessibility. Rationale: This technology allows Deaf residents and visitors to connect instantly to certified ASL interpreters via smartphone, enhancing safety, independence, and access to public services. The system aligns with the City’s ADA responsibilities and equity goals, and can be implemented at a low cost with high impact. Vote 6-0 For: Chair Kelly, Commissioners Arellano, Chang, Comer-HaGans, Murphy, and Slade Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Vice Chair Meyer, Commissioners Diaz, Fetonte, Franks, and Vassallo Attest:Christi Vitela
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Recommendation Number: 20250711-002: A recommendation to City Council regarding protecting and sustaining local public health infrastructure and equity at APH in Austin. WHEREAS, public health is defined as “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical health and efficiency through organized community efforts,” and serves as the foundation for community resilience and equitable well-being; and WHEREAS, Austin Public Health (APH) provides vital population-level services that protect over 1.35 million residents, including immunization clinics, HIV and STD testing and treatment, refugee health screenings, violence prevention programming, substance misuse support, and neighborhood centers offering basic needs assistance; and WHEREAS, core public health infrastructure funding in the amount of $9,500,000 is currently at risk due to unstable federal funding streams and national-level proposals to reduce or eliminate key public health support; and WHEREAS, the federal political climate—marked by increasing hostility toward racial equity efforts and public health institutions—has created uncertainty for municipalities dependent on federal dollars, putting local public health outcomes in jeopardy; and WHEREAS, local data show clear racial disparities in public health outcomes in Austin, including Black and Hispanic children are 5 to 7 times more likely to live in poverty than their White counterparts, increasing vulnerability to chronic illness, food insecurity, and poor educational outcomes; East Austin residents face significantly higher rates of environmental hazards and urban; communities of color experience higher rates of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma, which are exacerbated by inequities in access to care and healthy environments; and WHEREAS, prevention-focused public health investments yield high returns, with studies showing that for every $1 invested in public health, $14 are saved in downstream health care costs and productivity losses; and WHEREAS, the City of Austin’s stated values—Equity, Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, and Engagement— demand proactive investment in services that reduce health disparities and strengthen community resilience; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee strongly recommends the City of Austin fully protect the $9,500,000 currently allocated to Core Public Health Infrastructure. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Joint Inclusion Committee urges the City to establish a dedicated $6 million public health reserve fund to ensure continuity of essential services in the event of further federal disinvestment or emergency needs and City should commit to prioritizing funding for public health programs that directly address racial and socioeconomic health disparities, with transparent reporting and equitable community engagement built …
JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2025 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2025 The Joint Inclusion Committee convened in a special called meeting on July 11, 2025, in the Boards and Commissions Room at City Hall located at 301 W 2ND St. in Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Bondi called the Joint Inclusion Committee meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Vice Chair Bondi Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Chair Afifi, Commissioners Commissioner’s Benson, Chang, Clemmons, Laake-Stanfield, Melendez, Navarro, and Ortega. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no general communication speakers. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Recap and discussion of the presentation made by Austin Public Health (APH) to the Equity Action Team (EAT) meeting on June 25, 2025, on the structure, funding mechanisms, and equity implications of APH. Commissioner Laake-Stanfield provided a review of the presentation made by APH to the EAT meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Approve a recommendation to City Council regarding protecting and sustaining local public health infrastructure and equity at APH in Austin and discuss public and council engagement strategy. The motion to approve the recommendation to City Council regarding protecting and sustaining local public health infrastructure and equity at APH was approved on Commissioner Ortega’s motion, Commissioner Laake-Stanfield’s second on a 9-0 vote. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Commissioner Chang requested a future item and presentation from Austin Public Health and Cap Metro to discuss funding for transportation. JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY, JULY 11, 2025 Vice Chair Bondi adjourned the meeting at 4:32 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the July 23, 2025 meeting on Commissioner Chang’s motion, Commissioner Sikder’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Laake-Stanfield and Navarro were absent.
Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes July 11, 2025 MAYOR’S COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Friday, July 11, 2025 The Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities convened in a regular meeting on Friday, July 11, 2025, at City Hall, 301 W 2nd St. Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Chair Kelly called the Mayor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Meeting to order at 5:36 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Conor Kelly, Chair Gabriel Arellano Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Lisa Chang DeLawnia Comer-HaGans Lynn Murphy Elizabeth Slade PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Zenobia Joseph – Public transportation systems in Austin Morgan Clift – Great Strides ABA APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities regular called meeting on June 13, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of June 13, 2025 were approved on Chair Kelly’s motion, Commissioner Chang’s second on an 6-0 vote. Vice Chair Meyer and Commissioners Diaz, Fetonte, Franks, and Vassallo were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding upcoming events from the Office of Police Oversight. Briefing provided by Cooper Thompson, Community Engagement Specialist, and Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Office of Police Oversight. 1 Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Minutes July 11, 2025 Briefing provided by Cooper Thompson, Community Engagement Specialist, and Sara Peralta, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager, Office of Police Oversight. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Presentation regarding instant ASL Access by Joseph Tsai, CONVO. Presentation regarding instant ASL access from Convo Access provided by Joseph Tsai. Update from the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) representative on the work of the committee from the June 2025 meeting. Update provided by Commissioner Chang. Discussion of disability access at Blues on the Green. Discussed. Update regarding the most recent meeting of the Austin Transit Partnership Community Advisory Committee. Postponed to the next regular meeting with no objection. Discussion regarding the Texas Department of Transportation Civil Rights Division’s 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Withdrawn. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 8. Update from the October 2025 Disability Event Working Group on their most recent meetings and accomplishments. Update provided by Commissioner Arellano. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. 10. Formation of a working group regarding the expansion of therapeutic recreation program access and the creation of budget recommendations for therapeutic recreation programs within the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. This item was postponed on Chair Kelly’s …
PUBLIC NOTICE OF A MEETING TAKE NOTICE OF A BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN TO BE HELD AT 1124 S IH 35, Join Zoom Meeting https://bit.ly/43Hh0Cp Meeting ID: 889 0331 8599; Passcode: 189097 Austin, TX (512.477.4488) Thursday, July 10, 2025 12:00 PM CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL CERTIFICATION OF QUORUM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION Employee of the year 2024/2025; Employee of the 1st Qtr. 2025/2026 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION (NOTE: THERE WILL BE A THREE-MINUTE TIME LIMITATION) CITYWIDE ADVISORY BOARD UPDATE CONSENT AGENDA Items on the Consent Agenda may be removed at the request of any Commissioner and considered at another appropriate time on this agenda. Placement on the Consent Agenda does not limit the possibility of any presentation, discussion, or action at this meeting. Under no circumstances does the Consent Agenda alter any requirements under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, Texas Open Meetings Act. CONSENT ITEMS 1. Presentation, Discussion, and Possible Action regarding the Approval of the Board Minutes Summary for the Board Meeting held on May 29, 2025 ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, Discussion, and Possible Action regarding Resolution No. 02907: Approval to Renew In-Schools Case Management and Property-Based Tutoring Services Contract 3. Presentation, Discussion, and Possible Action on Resolution No. 02908 by the Board of Commissioners the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (the “Authority”) to take the following actions with regard to Ovetta Rosedale (the “Development”) in Austin, Texas: (i) acquire the site of the Development; (ii) lease the development site to the owner of the Development; and (iii) such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this Resolution 4. Presentation, Discussion, and Possible Action on Resolution No. 02909 by the Board of Commissioners the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (the “Authority”) to take the following actions with regard to Vargas Apartments Phase I (the “Development”) in Austin, Texas: (A) amend and restate the condominium lease covering the site of the Development; and (B) such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this Resolution EXECUTIVE SESSION If there is an Executive Session, the Board will return to Open Session for discussion, consideration and possible action of matters discussed in Executive Session. OPEN SESSION REPORTS The Board will receive program updates from the President/CEO and other senior staff. ADJOURNMENT "Pursuant to 30.06, Penal Code, (trespass by holder of license with a concealed handgun), …
REGULAR MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD July 9, 2025, at 2:30 pm City Hall Chambers Room 1001 301 W. Second St Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the Tourism Commission Board 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 via 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 by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Felicia Burleson, (512) 978-1325 or felicia.burleson@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Daniel Ronan, Chair, D9 District 1 (vacant) District 3 (vacant) Bishop Chappell, D6 Stefani Mathis, D8 Anna Panossian, Mayoral Ed Bailey, Vice Chair, D5 Greg Chanon, D2 District 4 (vacant) Dan Webb, D7 Cristina Masters, D10 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Tourism Commission Board Regular Meeting on June 11, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing from Staff Liaison, Felicia Burleson, regarding commission board recent vacancy, deadlines, resources, and updates. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. Presentation by Justus Zimmerman, CEO and Executive Director of the Austin Symphony, regarding the economic impact of the organization on Tourism and the hotel occupancy tax. Presentation by Micah Andress, President of Austin Pride, regarding the economic impact of the organization on Tourism and the hotel occupancy tax. Presentation by Nicole Klepadlo, Executive Director of the Red River Cultural District, regarding the economic impact of the organization on Tourism and the hotel occupancy tax. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 6. 7. 8. Review and approval of the Annual Internal Review Report. Discussion and possible action to set road map for 2025 Tourism Commission Meetings. Discussion about Tourism Commission Board vacancies. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 9. 10. Update from the AISD Facilities Working Group on new agenda reports regarding the main focus of the working group and efforts for recommendations. Update from the Short-Term Rental Working Group on any new reports regarding the STR’s new focus and efforts for recommendations. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to …
WORKING DOCUMENT: Tourism Commission Road Map August 2025 – December 2025 Agenda Topics, Potential Speakers & Community Presenters Note: All meetings take place on Wednesdays from 2:30pm-4:30pm in City Council Chambers (unless modified by venue availability) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. August 2025 – No Meeting September 10, 2025 – Museums & Tourism October 8, 2025 – Historic Preservation & Tourism November 12, 2025 – Tourism Snapshot – Where we are and where we’re going December 10, 2025 – Tourism Commission Work Session
Annual Internal Review 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 Austin Tourism Commission The Austin Tourism Commission mission statement is: "to provide expertise and recommendations to the city council concerning hotel occupancy tax revenue collected by the city and issues related to and that promote tourism" In the past year, the Austin Tourism Commission, has sought to establish stability as a concerted voice for tourism in the city by inviting and elevating various speakers to provide insights into the interworking’s of: a. HOT tax funding, including the City of Austin and the State of Texas; b. The Tourism Public Improvement District in addressing the needs of tourism in Austin; c. Arts and culture funds as allocated through HOT tax funding, and the efficacy of these program funds; d. The efficiency and recommendations for improvement of short-term rental (STR) regulation in Austin to aid in increasing HOT tax revenue collection, including a recommendation to City Council with a series of suggestions to improve existing enforcement of unregulated short-term rentals in Austin – this year, the Commission continued its partnership with the Mayor’s office and Council leading to significant changes in STR rental regulation; e. Strategies to promote historic preservation and heritage in Austin to the benefit of tourism in Austin, also reflected by the Commission’s endorsement of the Equity-Based Preservation Plan; f. Strategies to promote cultural heritage districts in Austin, including that of the Red River Cultural District for which the Commission passed a recommendation to fully fund the District; g. Strategies to promote cultural venues, such as the Doherty Arts Center Project for the betterment of the local tourism economy, including a recommendation to Council to continue with funding the Doherty Arts Center Project; h. Strategies to promote library and cultural institutions for tourism, such as the Austin History Center and the Umlauf Museum and Sculpture Garden through presentations from various cultural institutions; i. Strategies to promote clean air in Austin bars and tourism venues through presentations from the Austin Public Health Department and the American Heart Association regarding the dangers of vaping in addition to smoking; j. Strategies to track and promote tourism more broadly in Austin, including outlook presentations from Visit Austin and the Tourism Director of the Office of the Governor of Texas; k. The Austin Convention Center Department on the Austin Convention Center Project; l. Strategies to connect infrastructure projects for the betterment of tourism outcomes, including Austin Bergstrom International …
