. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Asian American Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number [YYYYMMDD-XXX] : Recommendation to allocate $2 million to Communities In Schools of Central Texas for comprehensive integrated student support services and trauma-informed mental health services, early campus-based interventions WHEREAS, the City of Austin is committed to ensuring that race or language barrier no longer predicts a person's quality of life outcomes; and the 2025 Austin Travis County Community Health Assessment identifies increasing access to mental healthcare as a critical goal WHEREAS, there is a continued need for increased investment to support the growing mental health challenges faced by students in Austin area schools; WHEREAS, the Asian American Quality of Life Initiative identifies mental health services and successful educational outcomes as primary pillars for community success; and WHEREAS, students in the Austin area continue to face significant barriers to, including lack of access to culturally competent intensive mental health services; and WHEREAS, House Bill 6 (89th) seeks to increase access to mental health services in public schools while also placing new implications for student discipline in the classroom, focused on proactive approaches to addressing student needs; and WHEREAS, other recent legislative changes have placed new considerations on services offered to students through school systems when providing mental health services and supports; and WHEREAS, Communities In Schools of Central Texas provides critical "safety net" services through multiple programs, including their campus-based Integrated Student Supports, Care Coordination and wraparound services, and intensive mental health & wellness services for students; and WHEREAS, evidence-based services such as intensive mental health counseling provided by clinicians and social workers ensure students' unmet mental health needs are addressed through direct service to students and their families, with a family-centered, trauma-informed approach to connect students and their families to community resources; and WHEREAS, these mental health services have shown decreases in clinical scales of depression and/or anxiety for student symptoms and improved scores in post-test evaluation assessments; and WHEREAS, Results from a recently released Harvard-Cornell Study from Opportunity Insights and EdRedesign Lab showed that three years of involvement in Communities In Schools of Central Texas leads to significantly higher income earnings over a student’s lifetime, increased yearly tax contributions, less reliance on public assistance and significantly reduced involvement or . prevention of involvement in the criminal justice system and increased economic mobility leading to an increased tax base and stronger workforce. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE URBAN RENEWAL BOARD MONDAY MAY 18, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. STREET JONES BUILDING, ROOM 400A 1000 EAST 11TH ST, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702 Some members of the Urban Renewal Board may be participating by videoconference and a quorum will be present at the location identified above. 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 Hunter Maples, (512) 974- 3120 or hunter.maples@austintexas.gov. The Urban Renewal Board reserves the right to go into closed session to discuss any of the items on this agenda as permitted by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Harrison Brown Amit Motwani Jacqueline Watson Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Byron Davis Kobla Tetey AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up no later than noon the day before 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 Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on April 20, 2026. 1 of 2 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Pleasant Hill Collaborative and Rally Austin, including project status and anticipated timeline (Pleasant Hill Collaborative). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discuss, consider and approve ratification of letter agreement confirming the update to the Critical Dates Memorandum to reflect an administrative extension of the Negotiation Period A-2 until June 15, 2026, under the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with Developer Group. EXECUTIVE SESSION 4. 5. Discuss legal matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Private consultation with legal counsel - Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code). Discuss real estate matters related to the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of an interest in Blocks 16 and 18 located on East 11th Street in Austin (Real Property - Section 551.072 of the Texas Government Code). FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City …
URBAN RENEWAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES Monday April 20, 2026 URBAN RENEWAL BOARD MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026 The Urban Renewal Board convened in a Regular meeting on Monday, APRIL 20, 2026, at 1000 E 11th St in Austin, Texas. Chair Escobar called the Urban Renewal Board Meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Chair Manuel Escobar, Vice Chair Darrell W. Pierce, and Commissioners Harrison Brown, Byron Davis & Kobla Tetey. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: No members attended remotely. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on March 23, 2026. On Commissioner Watson’s motion, Commissioner Davis’s second, the March 23, 2026, minutes were approved on a 5-0 vote. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Pleasant Hill Collaborative and Rally Austin, including project status and anticipated timeline (Pleasant Hill Collaborative) Discussed. 1 URBAN RENEWAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES Monday April 20, 2026 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discuss, consider and approve “SOUL on East 11th” as the project name of the Blocks 16 & 18 development. On Commissioner Watson’s motion, Commissioner Davis’s second, SOUL on East 11th was approved as the project name on a 6-0 vote. 4. Discussion and ratification of new member appointments to the Stakeholder Working Group for the future development of Blocks 16 & 18. On Commissioner Watson’s motion, Commissioner Brown second, the ratification of new member appointments to the Stakeholder Working Group was approved on a 6-0 vote. 5. Discuss, consider and approve ratification of letter agreement confirming the update to the Critical Dates Memorandum to reflect an administrative extension of the Negotiation Period A-2 until May 9, 2026, under the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement with Developer Group. On Commissioner Tetey’s motion, Commissioner Davis’s second, the ratification of letter agreement confirming the update to the Critical Dates Memorandum was approved on a 6- 0 vote. Chair Escobar adjourned the meeting at 6:47 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the April 20, 2026 meeting on Commissioner [Name]’s motion, Commissioner [Name]’s second on a [vote count] vote. 2 URBAN RENEWAL BOARD MEETING MINUTES Monday April 20, 2026 3
REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026, AT 6 P.M. ST. JOHN BRANCH LIBRARY 7500 BLESSING AVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Commission may be participating via video conference. 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, contact Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Sara Gore Melissah Hasdorff Sheila Mehta Holly Sabiston Edward Selig, Vice Chair Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Elizabeth Hansen Andrea Herrera Moreno Lorrie Ann Mitchel AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five 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 Library Commission regular meeting on April 27, 2026. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 2. Update from Working Group regarding Austin as a Book Safe Harbor. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. 4. 5. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Reconsideration Process by Christina Nelson, Branch Services Division Manager, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on Summer at Austin Public Library and Kids Block Party, by Alanna Graves, Librarian III, Austin Public Library. Staff briefing on May 2026 Austin Public Library Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Laura Polio at Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov.
Library Commission Meeting Minutes April 27, 2026 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, April 27, 2026 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Pleasant Hill Branch Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Melissah Hasdorff Elizabeth Hansen Lorrie Mitchel Edward Selig Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Pamela Carlile Andrea Herrera Moreno Holly Sabiston Commissioners Absent: Sara Gore Dr. Suchitra Gururaj PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Library Commission Meeting Minutes April 27, 2026 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on March 23, 2026. The minutes were approved on a motion by Commissioner Mitchel, seconded by Commissioner Hasdorff. The motion passed on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Gore and Gururaj absent. DISCUSSION 2. Presentation by Authors Against Book Bans and The Library Foundation regarding Austin becoming a Book Safe Harbor. Presentation by Liz Garton Scanion, Children’s Author and leadership member of Authors Against Book Bans, and Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation. Presentation by Liz Garton Scanion, Children’s Author and leadership member of Authors Against Book Bans. Chair Infante Huerta established a working group consisting of Vice Chair Mehta and Commissioners Hasdorff, Selig, and Mitchel. The purpose of the working group is to gather additional information regarding the feasibility and implications of Austin becoming a Book Safe Harbor, with the potential for bringing forward a future recommendation. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEM 3. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair. Commissioner Selig was elected as Commission Vice Chair on Commissioner Carlile’s motion, Commissioners Harsdorf and Mitchel’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Gore and Gururaj absent. Chair Infante Huerta was elected as Commission Chair on Commissioner Hasdorff’ s motion, Vice Chair Selig’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Gore and Gururaj absent. STAFF BRIEFING 4. Staff briefing on the April APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Library Commission Meeting Minutes April 27, 2026 Reconsideration Process Summer Programing Texans for the Right to Read /Texas Library Association ADJOURNMENT Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m. without objection.
Materials Reconsideration Process Materials Reconsideration Process Austin Public Library | Library Commission Meeting | May 18, 2026 Current Climate Nationally Current Climate Nationally • ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracked 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, the second highest ever documented by ALA. The highest ever documented was 4,240 in 2023. • Of the unique titles challenged in 2025, 1,671 (39%) represent the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and people of color. Current Climate Nationally Current Climate Nationally • While school libraries faced the most attempts to censor voluntary reading material, public libraries continued to experience more overall censorship attempts than all other location types. (Note: This data includes challenges to displays, programs, and other resources.) 2025 Texas Legislative Bills 2025 Texas Legislative Bills Bill Effective Date Library Impact Summary SB 13 09/01/2025 School libraries 30-day public posting and board approval needed for new titles to collection SB 412 09/01/25 School & Public libraries Attempts to raise the threat of criminal prosecution for librarians and staff that HB 900 n/a School libraries October 2025: United States District Judge Alan De. Albright (US Western District) issued a permanent injunction against enforcement of the sections of the laws related to vendor ratings. APL's Current Climate APL's Current Climate Fall of 2022 – Present 5 requests for REMOVAL from collection 4 RETAINED & 1 RELEVEL 3 requests for RELEVEL from one section to another (ie. Youth to Adult) 1 RETAIN, 1 PENDING, 1 N/A • • APL's Current Collection APL's Current Collection Circulation Numbers New Print Acquisitions FY2025 (10/01/24-09/30/25) • Adult Print –1,447,368 • Youth Print – 2,273,923 • Total Print – 3,721,291 • Adult Digital – 3,676,939 • Youth Digital – 323,011 • Total Digital – 3,999,950 Reconsideration Request Procedures Reconsideration Request Procedures • A customer with an active Austin Public Library account in good standing can submit up to four request for reconsideration forms per month of any material(s) owned by the Austin Public Library. • We welcome input from the community and any titles in the collection may be reviewed once every two years. • Decisions made through the request for reconsideration process will be upheld for two years from the date of the response to the citizen. • The Request for Reconsideration form is available on SharePoint and will need to be filled out by the customer requesting the reconsideration and returned to a branch location or mailed. …
Highlights & Updates Report Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries May 2026 Public Services Highlights AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights Highlights Austin is a Poem Austin is a Poem was held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Austin Central Library as part of the library’s centennial celebrations. Hosted by inaugural Austin Poet Laureate Zell Miller III, the free event brought together community members for an evening of poetry, hip-hop, movement, and storytelling. Performers such as Ebony Stewart, DJ Notion, Eddie Vega, Siobhan Cook, and BLAKCHYL filled the Special Event Center with vibrant, creative energy. The gathering marked a major in- person celebration of Austin’s literary and artistic culture, honoring 100 years of the Austin Public Library’s presence in the city. “ ...hitched to everything... “ The exhibition “…hitched to everything…” by Sherry Tseng Hill at the Central Library from April 9 to July 5, 2026, and showcases her exploration of the delicate, interconnected systems within the natural world. Through translucent mulberry paper and intricate hand stitching, she highlights small but essential organisms such as fungi, insects, and decaying leaves, that sustain ecosystems despite often being overlooked. During the Art Tour and Workshop on May 10, 2026, visitors can learn how her layered materials reflect the complex balances of soil, water, air, and the unseen spaces around us. The exhibit invites audiences to reflect on these hidden contributors and the urgency of protecting the environment they support. 3 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights Centennial Planning Updates The Austin Public Library’s Centennial celebration spans February through December 2026 and is organized in three trimesters: Roaring ’20s programming in the spring, Summer Learning and themed programs in the summer, and system‑wide celebrations in the fall. Major events include Party at Central on October 17 and branch celebrations on December 16, with festivities concluding December 23. Throughout the year, History Harvests are collecting community photos, documents, and memories for inclusion in the AHC Centennial exhibit, which opens June 2026 and will feature mini‑exhibits or banners at every branch. A community‑driven Centennial art installation for the Central Library grounds is underway through a partnership with Design Austin, Gensler, and ALTXYOU, with fabrication occurring May through September and installation planned for October or November. Partnership efforts continue to expand Centennial visibility, including collaborations with Austin Beerworks, Desnudo Coffee, and the Austin English Tea Company, all featured in the APL Gift Shop. A …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026 AT 6:30 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM 1101 301 W 2ND ST. AUSTIN, TEXAS 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, contact Ryan Sperling at 512-974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS : Commissioner Appointment Commissioner Kitty McLeod, Vice Chair (she/they) District 1 Mariana Krueger (she/her) Appointment District 9 KC Shepherd Coyne, Chair (they/he) District 2 Devan Daniel (he/him) District 10 Steven Rivas (he/him) District 3 Rocío Fierro-Pérez (she/her/ella) Mayor Brigitte Bandit (they/she) District 4 Morgan Davis (he/him) Jerry Joe Benson, Secretary (he/him) District 5 Randy Pituk (he/him) Asher Knutson (he/him) District 6 Marlon Johnson (he/him) J. Scott Neal (he/him) District 7 Anna Nguyen (she/her) Garry Brown District 8 Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder Stakeholder AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on April 20, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing regarding Austin Fire Department’s training and resources for LGBTQIA+ residents, internal support for equity, and challenges and priorities currently being faced. Presentation by Tom Vocke, Chief of Staff, Austin Fire Department. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Update regarding the progress on the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study. Update by Mark Gilbert, Director, Hayat Brown. Update regarding the progress of the Mayor’s Public Spaces Task Force. Update by Commissioner Rivas. Discussion to provide an update finalizing and installing a historical marker on the intersection of 4th St. and Colorado St. Update by Commissioner Brown. Discussion regarding the development of the 2026 General Obligation Bond Program. Discussion to review a new view-only folder for commission resources, community engagement, and what the commission has accomplished over the last year and goals for the next year for inclusion in the annual internal review. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 8. 9. 10. Approve the formation of a Working Group to communicate …
LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2026 The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM at Austin City Hall, 301 W 2nd St., Austin, Texas 78701, Boards & Commissions Room 1101. Commissioners in attendance in person: KC Coyne (Chair) Kitty McLeod (Vice Chair) Jerry Joe Benson (Secretary) Devan Daniel Asher Knutson J. Scott Neal Anna Nguyen Randy Pituk Steven Rivas Commissioners in attendance remotely: Garry Brown Morgan Davis Mariana Krueger Rocio Fierro-Pérez Chair Coyne called the meeting to order at 6:32 P.M. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission regular meeting on March 9, 2026. The minutes of the March 9, 2026 meeting were approved on Secretary Benson’s motion, Vice Chair McLeod’s second on an 11-0 vote. Commissioner Nguyen abstained. Commissioner Brown was o(cid:431) the dais. Commissioners Bandit and Johnson were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Sta(cid:431) briefing regarding Austin Emergency Medical Services’ (EMS) trainings for first responders and community members around LGBTQ+ issues, as well as a general update on EMS activities and developments. Briefing by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Sta(cid:431), Austin- Travis County EMS. Briefing provided by Wesley Hopkins, Chief of Sta(cid:431), Austin-Travis County EMS. Sta(cid:431) briefing regarding an update on the Levers of Economic Mobility Index. Presentation by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity & Inclusion. The presentation was made by Gary Aaron, Business Process Consultant Sr., and Shivani Datar, Business Process Specialist, Austin Equity & Inclusion. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Presentation regarding Long Covid awareness and its impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. Presentation by Katie Drackert, Clear the Air ATX. The presentation was made by Katie Drackert, Clear the Air ATX. Discussion regarding ways to prioritize intergenerational dialogue and connections among the LGBTQIA+ community. The meeting went into recess at 8:36 p.m. The meeting was called back into order at 8:45 p.m. Discussion was held. Presentation by Queerbomb 2026 organizers and discussion regarding planning, logistics, permitting, and funding for Queerbomb 2026. Presentation by Roadkill, Queerbomb 2026. Item 6 was taken up before Item 5 without objection. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 7. 8. Update from the Community Safety Working Group regarding engagement with EMS, Austin Fire Department, and law enforcement, along with key priorities and next steps. Update …
LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Feasibility Study May 2026 Commission Update: Preliminary Findings Executive Summary Background DRAFT- Pending Task Force Review and Edits 1 For nearly a decade, community advocates and the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission have worked to make an LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center a reality in Austin—one of the largest cities in the United States without a dedicated space of this kind. In August 2024, Austin City Council passed Resolution 20240814-022 directing the City Manager to launch a feasibility study to identify potential sites, funding strategies, and a development timeline for the center. To help shape this work, the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Commission recommended the creation of a 12-member Task Force to provide guidance, community input, and strategic direction throughout the study process. As part of the FY2025 budget process, the City of Austin appropriated $180,000 to support the feasibility study and subsequently selected the Hayat Brown Team to lead this effort in partnership with the LGBTQIA+ Cultural Center Task Force. Executive Summary Process DRAFT- Pending Task Force Review and Edits 2 The Hayat Brown Team embarked on a 12-month, Task Force-driven effort to refine facility needs and identify a path to project feasibility. Together, they reviewed benchmark facilities and case studies to understand commonalities, trends, and key features of similar cultural centers. They used these insights to inform a recommended space program, site evaluation criteria, and to define ownership, acquisition, and funding options. Background Data Gathering and Benchmarking Needs Assessment and Space Programming Site Evaluation Criteria Site Evaluations Ownership and Management Structures Development and Acquisition Structures Funding Options Recommendations Executive Summary Space Program DRAFT- Pending Task Force Review and Edits 3 The Task Force recommended a space program for the future Center consisting of a core program and subordinate program components separated into priority B, C, and D spaces. The Core Program highlights the essential features and functions of the future Cultural Center. It focuses on large, flexible spaces including a multi-purpose room and lobby, with administrative and building support services, requiring a minimum of approximately 4,000-7,500 net usable square feet. Executive Summary Space Program DRAFT- Pending Task Force Review and Edits 4 The B, C, and D priority spaces include other desirable spaces to be included as space and budgets permit. Priority B Spaces Highly desirable Priority C&D Spaces Nice to have, lower priority • Drop-in/lounge space • Additional meeting rooms • Administrative offices • Kitchen/café • …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design 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 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 Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Marissa McKinney, Chair Kevin Howard, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Saira Khan CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Conners Ladner Josue Meiners Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five 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 Design Commission special-called meeting on May 4th, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Barton Springs Road Bridge. Presented by Eric Bailey, Austin Capital Delivery Services. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Carroll. Staff briefing regarding the inclusion of West Campus into the Downtown area. Presented by Shanisha Johnson, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Fiesta Gardens, located at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Clayton Korte and Travis Greig of Clayton Korte. Discussion and action to appoint a member of the Design Commission to serve as the Commission’s representative on the Downtown Commission. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Vice Chair Meiners. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS City Code requires at least two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ silence indicates approval for staff to include on the next agenda. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications …
DESIGN COMMISSION MINUTES SPECIAL CALLED MEETING Monday May 4, 2026 The Design Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on Monday May 4, 2026, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Marissa McKinney called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Marissa McKinney (Chair) Kevin Howard (Vice Chair) Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula (arrived 6:05) David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes (arrived 6:09) Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission Regular Meeting on April 27th, 2026. The minutes from the Design Commission regular meeting on April 27th, 2026, were approved on Vice Chair Kevin Howard’s motion, Jon Salinas’ second on a vote of 6-0. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action on recommendations regarding the proposed Downtown Density Bonus Phase I Urban Design Standards. Motion to recommend that the Design Commission forward the alternative draft, as amended, to the Planning Commission. Sponsors Howard and Wittstruck. Vote 8-0. 1 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Working group update from a representative from the urban design guideline working group that will update the design commission about ongoing coordination with the planning commission regarding the downtown density bonus standards document and process. Sponsors: Howard and Gelles. ADJOURNMENT Chair Marissa McKinney adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m. without objection. 2
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design 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 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 Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Marissa McKinney, Chair Kevin Howard, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Saira Khan CALL TO ORDER AGENDA REVISED Conners Ladner Josue Meiners Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five 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 Design Commission special-called meeting on May 4th, 2026. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Barton Springs Road Bridge. Presented by Eric Bailey, Austin Capital Delivery Services. Sponsors: Commissioner Salinas and Commissioner Carroll. Staff briefing regarding the inclusion of West Campus into the Downtown area. Presented by Shanisha Johnson, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Commissioner Salinas and Chair Meiners. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Discussion and possible action on recommendations regarding the future of the Design Commission and their role in the development review process. Sponsors: Commissioner Murkes and Vice Chair Howard. Discussion and action to recommend to City Council whether the project Fiesta Gardens, located at 2101 Jesse E. Segovia St., complies with the City Design and Sustainability Standards. Presented by Clayton Korte and Travis Greig of Clayton Korte. Discussion and action to appoint a member of the Design Commission to serve as the Commission’s representative on the Downtown Commission. Sponsors: Commissioner Salinas and Chair Meiners. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS City Code requires at least two board members sponsor an item to be included on an agenda. This section of the agenda provides members an opportunity to request items for future agendas. Staff should assume that if there is no objection from other members expressed at the meeting, the members’ …
Central City District Plan Austin Planning | Design Commission | May 18, 2026 Agenda 01 02 03 04 05 Central City District Introduction Plan Overview Advisory Groups Project Timeline Progress to Date 2 The Central City District Plan Area Downtown Austin Plan area, South Central Waterfront area, and the University of Texas area Lamar Boulevard to the west Proposed UNO Update boundary to the north I-35 to the east Proposed South Central Waterfront regulating boundary to the south 3 About the Central City District Plan The 2011 Downtown Austin Plan is being updated as the Central City District Plan, including the University of Texas area and the South Central Waterfront. The Plan will create a 10-year blueprint for future growth and investments with a unified vision for improving land use, mobility, public spaces, and economic and cultural vibrancy in our urban core. It will align with existing citywide strategic plans and policies and seeks to build consensus for effective implementation. Community-informed vision and goals Place Type mapping to inform future development patterns Public realm and multimodal improvements Program, policy, project, and partnership recommendations Implementation action items Map: AECOM Data: City of Austin 4 Interagency Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) COA Departments Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment Austin Housing Austin Capital Delivery Services Austin Parks & Recreation Austin Climate Action and Resilience Austin Planning Austin Communications and Engagement Austin Police Austin Development Services Austin Police Oversight Austin Economic Development Austin Public Library Austin Emergency Services Austin Resource Recovery Austin Energy Austin Small & Minority Business Resources Austin Equity and Inclusion Austin Project Connect Austin Facilities Management Austin Transportation and Public Works Austin Financial Services Austin Water Austin Fire Austin Watershed Protection Austin Government Relations Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations Meets once monthly via Teams Review draft deliverables using subject matter expertise Will remain in contact on annual basis to inform implementation tracking Partner Agencies Austin Community College Austin Transit Partnership CapMetro Central Health Rally Austin Texas Department of Transportation Travis County University of Texas 5 Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) Member Organizations Accessible Housing Austin (aha!) Endeavors Safe Streets Austin ADAPT of Texas allgo AURA ATX Greater South River City Combined Neighborhood Plan Contact Team Shoal Creek Conservancy Judge’s Hill Neighborhood Association South Congress Merchant's Association La Pena Texas School for the Deaf Austin Chamber of Commerce Mexic Arte The Contemporary Austin Housing Coalition Movability …
§ 2-1-130 DESIGN COMMISSION. (A) The Design Commission membership should include a diverse group of persons having expertise in urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, civic art, real property development, construction, and economic development. (B) The commission shall provide advisory recommendations to the city council as requested by the city council to assist in developing public policy and to promote excellence in the design and development of the urban environment. (C) The commission shall: (1) offer policy recommendations regarding specific issues of urban design; (2) participate in developing design guidelines; (3) unless otherwise directed by the city council, for projects that require the approval of the Planning Commission or the Zoning and Platting Commission: (a) review a project only after a formal request by the project sponsor or applicant; and (b) complete the review before the respective Planning or Zoning and Platting Commission takes final action; (4) provide citizen education and outreach regarding quality urban design; (5) provide a venue for citizen input on the design and development of the urban environment; (6) maintain liaison relationships with city staff and other boards and commissions; and (7) perform other activities as directed by the city council. (D) The commission may appoint one or more of its members to serve as liaison to a project-specific community advisory group addressing urban design and planning issues at the formal request of the project sponsor. Source: Ord. 20071129-011; Ord. No. 20171214-043, Pt. 1, 12-25-17. (Supp. No. 173) Page 1 of 1
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021 – 6:00 PM VIA VIDEOCONFERENCING COMMISSION MEMBERS: x x x x x x Terri Myers, Chair Ben Heimsath, Vice Chair Witt Featherston Mathew Jacob Kevin Koch Kelly Little x ab x x x Trey McWhorter Alex Papavasiliou Blake Tollett Beth Valenzuela Caroline Wright CALL TO ORDER: 6:01 PM AGENDA CITIZEN COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first ten (10) speakers who register to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 25, 2021 – Offered for consent approval MOTION: Approve the minutes, per passage of the consent agenda, on a motion by Commissioner Koch. Commissioner Valenzuela seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. 2. PRESENTATIONS, DISCUSSION, AND POSSIBLE ACTION A. B. Presentation on the Translating Community History project. http://www.austintexas.gov/page/current-projects Presentation by Cara Bertron, Housing & Planning Department. Presentation on recently completed historic resource surveys: Historic Resources Survey for Old Austin Neighborhood Association (2020) Historic Building Survey Report for North Central Austin: West Campus, North University, Heritage, Bryker Woods, and North Hyde Park (2021) http://www.austintexas.gov/page/historic-survey Presentation by Andrew Rice, Housing & Planning Department. 1 C. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to seek a recommendation to City Council for the Parks and Recreation Department’s preferred design scenario for the Dougherty Arts Center Replacement Project. Presentation by Kevin Johnson, Parks & Recreation Department, and Jonathan Pearson, Studio8 Architects. MOTION: Recommend endorsement of either Option 1A or Option 1B on the basis of preservation of the historic PARD Headquarters building on a motion by Vice Chair Heimsath. Commissioner Little seconded the motion. Vote: 10-0. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Discussion and Possible Action on Applications for Historic Zoning, Discussion and Action on Applications for Historic District Zoning, and Requests to Consider Initiation of Historic Zoning Cases A.1. No cases. B. Discussion and Possible Action on Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness B.1. C14H-2009-0021 – 2406 Harris Blvd. – Discussion Jackson-Novy Kelly-Hoey House Council District 9 Proposal: Construct a swimming pool and terrace, landscape modifications; remove an attic vent opening on the front of the house Applicant: Tina Contros City Staff: Elizabeth Brummett, Historic Preservation Office, 512-974-1264 Committee Feedback: Provide evidence of historic nature of proposed changes and consider another location for the proposed pool; concerns regarding the appropriateness of a pool in the front yard. Staff Recommendation: Approve the …
A. PROJECT INFORMATION PROJECT NAME PROJECT T YP E Infrastructure Private project PROJECT LOCATIO N/ ADDR ESS PROJECT LOCATIO N/ ADDR ESS City building & site Other Density Bonus A PPLICANT PROPE RT Y O WN ER A PPLICANT MAILI NG A DDRESS PROPE RT Y O WN ER MAI LING AD DR ESS A PPLICANT TELEP HONE N UM BE R PROPE RT Y O WN ER TEL EPHONE NUMBER PROJECT START DATE PROJECT CO MPL E TION DATE A PPLICANT’S ARCHI TE CT A PPL IC ANT’S ENGI NEER Page 8 Design Commission - Project Review Application 1. Indi cate if propo se d Pro jec t is re q u ir e d by City Ordinance to be reviewed by the Design Commiss ion . 2. D escribe the r ec omm end atio n t h at yo u a re requesting from the Desig n Com mission. 3. Current De sig n P hase o f Pro jec t ( D e s ign C o mmission prefers to see pro jec ts right aft er ap proved conceptual, sc he m atic, d esign d ev e lo pm e nt ) . 4. Is thi s Proje ct su bjec t to Site Pl an an d /o r Zonin g application ap provals? Will it b e p rese nt e d to Plann ing Commission and/o r City Co uncil? I f s o , wh en? 5. D o es t his P roj ect c om ply with L an d D ev e l opment Code Subchapter E? List specific ally an y Alternative E quiva lent Comp lianc e r equ est if any. Ple ase refer to website for Alternate Equivalent Com plia nce ( AEC) requirements. Page 9 Design Commission - Project Review Application B. PROJECT BACKGROUND 6. Prov ide proj ec t b ackgro u nd inc lu d ing go als , scope, building/planning type, and sc hedule. Broadly addre ss e ach of the “Shar ed Value s fo r Ur ban A re as ” t hat are listed on Page 6 o f the Ur ban Design Guidelines . 7. Has this proje ct c ondu cted co m mu n it y/ s t ak eholder out reach? If so, please provide do c ume ntation to d emonstrate …
A R C H I T E C T U R A L A N D H I S TO R I C P R E S E R VAT I O N S E R V I C E S F O R F I E S TA GA R D E N S C O M P L E X R E H A B I L I TAT I O N D E S I G N C O M M I S S I O N | P R E L I M I N A R Y - N O T F O R C O N S T R U C T I O N | M AY 1 8 , 2 0 2 6 | 1 O F 3 1 2101 JESSE E. SEGOVIA ST. | AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702FIESTA GARDENS P R OJ E C T G OA L S T h e F i e s t a G a r d e n s R e h a b i l i t a t i o n fo c u s e s o n p r e s e r v i n g a n d r e s t o r i n g c h a r a c t e r - d e f i n i n g a r c h i t e c t u r a l fe a t u r e s o f t h e h i s t o r i c s t r u c t u r e s w h i l e r e h a b i l i t a t i n g t h e s t r u c t u r e s a n d s i t e t o m e e t c u r r e n t c o d e s a n d e n h a n c e u s e . T h e p r o j e c t s c o p e w a s c o n c e i v e d b y t h e A u s t i n P a r k s a n d R e c r e …
A R C H I T E C T U R A L A N D H I S TO R I C P R E S E R VAT I O N S E R V I C E S F O R F I E S TA GA R D E N S C O M P L E X R E H A B I L I TAT I O N S U P P O R T I N G I N F O R M AT I O N D E S I G N C O M M I S S I O N | P R E L I M I N A R Y - N O T F O R C O N S T R U C T I O N | M AY 1 8 , 2 0 2 6 | 1 O F 2 0 2101 JESSE E. SEGOVIA ST. | AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702FIESTA GARDENS S T A K E H O L D E R I N P U T D E S I G N C O M M I S S I O N | P R E L I M I N A R Y - N O T F O R C O N S T R U C T I O N | M AY 1 8 , 2 0 2 6 | 2 O F 2 0 2101 JESSE E. SEGOVIA ST. | AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702FIESTA GARDENS V I S I O N P L A N I N T R O D U C T I O N • 2 0 1 2 : C i t y o f A u s t i n h i r e d t e a m t o p r e p a r e Pa r k I m p r o v e m e n t M a s t e r P l a n • I n c l u d e s 9 . 3 a c r e s o f n e w l y d e d i c a t e d p a r k l a n d a t H o l l y S t r e e t Po w e r P l a n …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026, 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, ROOM 1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Design 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 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 Chad Sharrard at 512- 974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Marissa McKinney, Chair Kevin Howard, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Saira Khan Conners Ladner Josue Meiners Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Jon Salinas Brendan Wittstruck AGENDA ADDENDUM DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 7. Discussion and possible action on a letter from Design Commission to City Council regarding the Density Bonus Standards. Sponsors: Chair McKinney and Vice Chair Howard. ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Chad Sharrard at Austin Planning at 512-974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Design Commission, please contact Chad Sharrard at 512-974-8033 or chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov.
Design Commission – Barton Springs Rd. Bridge Update May 18, 2026 Eric Bailey, P.E. – Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services Barton Springs Road Bridge 100years old built in 1926 1946 Bridge Expansion 20,000 Vehicles per day Key Entrance to Zilker Park and for Major City Events FUNDING SOURCE: • Preliminary Design: 2012, 2018 and 2020 Bonds • Design: 2020 Bond • Construction: FHWA/City 2 Project Development Process - PRELIMINARY PHASE 2015 - 2023 - DESIGN PHASE 2024 - 2027 - CONSTRUCTION PHASE 2027 - 2029 PUBLIC MEETING April 2023 RESPOND TO COMMENTS Summer 2023 REFINE REPORT Fall 2023 COUNCIL ACTION December 2023 60% DESIGN + NEPA PUBLIC MEETINGS + BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS FINAL DESIGN AND PERMITTING BID AND AWARD + COUNCIL ACTION CONSTRUCTION WE ARE HERE Current Condition Spalling Concrete in Bridge Structure Concrete Cores Delamination of Beams Curb And Railing Do Not Meet Current ADA Standards Load Restricted As Of November 2023 – Heavy Vehicles Moving Eastbound Must Use Outer Lanes 4 Analysis Structural and Mobility Analysis: • • • • External Structure - Spalling Concrete • ADA compliance – Pedestrian Circulation Internal Structure – Deteriorating Steel Geotechnical Data –Replacement Design • Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility – no improvement to existing condition Cost/Benefit Analysis – extended life vs. cost Historical Analysis: • Coordinated with US Army Corps (USACE) and Texas Historic Commission (THC) • The bridge is a contributing feature to the Zilker Park National Register of Historic Places District (1997) • The Texas Historic Commission has approved potentially fully replacing the bridge. As the process continues, the final design will be reviewed and approved by USACE and THC. • Additional analysis is underway as a part of the NEPA process 5 Project Options 6 Bridge Rehabilitation Bridge Structure Rehabilitation 1 Remove Existing Bridge Deck and Spandrel Columns 2 Remaining Portion of Existing Structure 3 New Components: Exterior Pairs of Arch Ribs, Spandrel Columns, Deck, and Abutment Extensions Less than half of the original structure will remain Remaining structure will require refacing with new material surfaces View of old arches will be mostly blocked by new structure 7 City Council Actions 1 Direction from Council in 2020 Bond Resolution (20200812-011): 2 Previous Council Action/Hearings: 11/30/23 – Council conducts a public hearing to recommend the bridge replacement alternative 12/12/23 – Council work session on the recommended option 12/14/23 – Council conducts a public hearing and directs Staff to …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Recommendation: Design Commission Description of Recommendation to Council: Date of Approval: 5/4/2026 The Design Commission recommends to City Council that the Downtown Density Bonus Program Urban Design Standards be adopted as recommended by the Planning Commission. Recommendation Number: 20260518-007: Urban Design Working Group Alternative Draft for the Urban Design Standards DRAFT ● The Urban Design Standards recommended by the Planning Commission were developed by the Design Commission to promote quality urban design that ensures safety, comfort, and vitality within the downtown public realm. These standards were directly informed by the Urban Design Guidelines update process. Commission and City Council in issues of urban design and should be engaged as a primary stakeholder in future phases of the Downtown Density Bonus program update and Citywide Density Bonus program updates to support the development of appropriate gatekeeper urban design standards. Urban Design Standards; the Commission believes it is essential to maintain the stronger mandatory and enhanced standards and frontage designations as recommended by the Planning Commission. ● The Design Commission does not support Staff’s recommended draft of the ● The Design Commission serves a critical function advising the Planning Rationale: The proposed amendments to the Downtown Density Bonus Program before City Council would eliminate both administrative design review and the public-facing Design Commission review for DDB projects, changes that significantly alter the role and function of the Design Commission and the Urban Design Guidelines. This process has historically helped secure meaningful public benefits and improve the quality of Austin’s Downtown. The removal of this process risks leaving the City of Austin without leverage to require that downtown projects contribute meaningfully to the urban fabric of downtown. The Commission supports continued growth and increased housing production downtown. We also recognize the evolving legal constraints surrounding discretionary development review and the value of a more predictable entitlement process. For this reason, we support the Urban Design Standards as recommended by the Planning Commission. The Urban Design Standards proposed by staff were a rushed and insufficient replacement for the previous design review process. In contrast, the standards recommended by the Planning Commission were developed by the Design Commission through a substantial multi-year effort to update the Urban Design Guidelines. These standards were shaped through extensive engagement with stakeholders, practitioners, and staff, and calibrated against real projects, professional practice, and national best practices for drafting objective design standards. Recognizing the relative inflexibility of …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION May 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM Austin City Hall, Council Chambers, Room 1001. 301 West 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701 Some members of the ARTS 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 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 Jesús Varela at Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME), at jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Muna Hussaini - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Kirtana Banskota, Bailey Pownall, Faiza Kracheni, Sharron B Anderson, Nagavalli Medicharla 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 Arts Commission Regular Meeting on April 20, 2026 DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the May 4th Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach 3. Explore a Special Called joint meeting with the Music Commission STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Staff briefing on Creative Reset Part 2 with Candice Cooper, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, ACME. 5. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 6. Staff briefing regarding update on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor. 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on the ACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, ACME. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. 9. Staff briefing regarding an update on ACME Museums and Cultural Facilities by Marjorie Flanagan, Division Manager or Michelle Rojas, Acting Division Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 10. Discussion and possible action to approve possible collaboration with Coalition for Austin’s Arts & Spanish-Language Theatre for the expansion of the Latino Artist Access Program. 11. Establish a working group with the Arts Commission, the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB-MACC) Advisory Board, …
Arts Commission Briefing: The Creative Reset Phase 2 Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment | May 18, 2026 ACME Facilities The Creative Reset Phase 2 ACME Facilities African American Cultural & Heritage Facility + Dedrick Hamilton House Asian American Resource Center Connelly-Yerwood “Pink” House Beverly S Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater Dougherty Arts Center Elisabet Ney Museum Emma S Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural & Genealogy Center Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex Montopolis Negro School O. Henry Museum Old Bakery & Emporium Susanna Dickinson Museum UMLAUF Sculpture Garden & Museum 3 The Creative Reset Phase 2 Launched in October 2025 The Creative Reset Phase 2 Community-Centered Approach Reviewed Historical Data (2020-2025) Incorporated facility data received as part of Phase 1 Conducted Community Feedback Survey, Focus Groups, Open Houses, 1:1 and Jeffersonian Style Dinner. Research & Benchmarking Created Staff Vision Plans Performed Internal Assessments Streamline, Efficiency & Consistency Conducted Benchmarking 5 What We Heard: Top 8 Priorities Key Priorities for Austin’s Arts, Cultural & Museum Facilities Protect & Strengthen Community Assets Reduce Access Barriers Align Staffing Capacity with Demand Invest in Facilities Focus on Proven Programming Priorities Strengthen Communication & Community Engagement Balance Affordability & Sustainability Advance Systemwide Coordination 6 Virtual Focus Group Tuesday, May 19 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: https://zoom.us/j/98797374446 Wednesday, May 20 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: https://zoom.us/j/99201223652 Wednesday, May 20 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: https://zoom.us/j/93156310967 Take the survey: https://www.austintexas.gov/arts-culture/creative-reset Email us: acme@austintexas.gov 7 The Creative Reset Phase 2 Timeline October 2025 Kick-Off October- December 2025 • Conducted Outreach & Engagement • Collected Community Feedback January 2026 • Performed Internal Assessments • Analyzed Feedback February-March 2026 • Finalized Preliminary Data • Share with AACME Staff and City Leadership April-June 2026 July 2026 • Publish data • Gather Feedback at Boards, Commissions & Community Groups • Incorporate Feedback • Finalize Executive Report August 2026 • Publish Final Report 8 Next Steps The Creative Reset Phase 2 Next Steps Publish updated data on Public Input Host additional community engagement opportunities Analyze findings and develop recommendations Final report published in August 2026 Modified Timelines: Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex Montopolis Negro School …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | May 18, 2026 Hotel Occupancy Tax – April 2026 H/MOT Penalties & Interest Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax Total Revenue Approved Budget $511,252 $166,777,013 $167,288,265 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $15,968,425 April $59,170 $37,613,046 $37,672,216 $3,598,544 Year-to-date $619,760 $118,296,373 $118,916,133 $11,357,339 • Total HOT Collections April 2026 = $37,672,216 • 71% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund April 2026 = $3,598,544 2 HOT Short-term Rentals (STR) $10.6 million collected so far in 2026 3 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • SXSW • Rodeo Austin • MotoGP Grand Prix • Foodieland Food Festival AUS Passenger Totals: 1,972,346 (March 2026) 4 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 Progress Approved Budget $15,968,425 CAF Actuals $11,357,337 5 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – Quarterly Comparison $15.65 M $15.57 M $15.34 M $12.9 M 6 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – COVID Comparison 7 Questions? 8
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | May 18, 2026 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 5/13/26) FY24 Elevate FY25 Nexus FY25-26 Thrive (Year 1) FY25-26 Thrive (Year 2) Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 229 229 (100%) 229 (100%) 229 (100%) 226 (99%) 205 (90%) 102 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 102 (100%) 54 (53%) n/a 35 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 33 (94%) 27 (77%) See year 1 35 (100%) 35 (100%) 9 (26%) N/A N/A Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $9,137,500 (99%) $9,265,000 $486,000 (95 %) $510,000 $3,610,000 (94%) $886,500 (23%) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 FY24 Final Report Status (as of 5/13/26) 24 of 229 Elevate Final Reports Incomplete (10%) • Deadline: January 31, 2026 • 8 not submitted • 1 extension • 11 need revisions • 1 returning unused funds • 2 leadership changes in Submittable • 1 deceased 5 Grant Funded Activities Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) The Gourds May 19-20 Austin Theatre Alliance (District 9) – Paramount Theatre The REALLY BIG (and really small) Drink Show May 20-23 Sage Studio & Gallery (District 9) – Sage Studio & Gallery I Scream Social May 22 Host Publications (District 7) – Alienated Majesty Books 8 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) Timeless Comfort, Modern Witness May 22 Conspirare (District 1) – Bates Recital Hall Austin Bat Cave's Puppet Storytime and Book Faire May 23 Austin Bat Cave (District 4) – Festival Beach Food Forest Sunday Sessions May 24 Sunday Sessions ATX (MSA) – Waterloo Park Moody Ampitheatre 9 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities (VisitAustin) SACRED BALANCE: The Dance of Shiva and Shakti May 31 Austin Dance India (District 10) – Austin Hindu Temple Community Hall Inversion presents String Theory featuring Invoke May 22 Inversion Ensemble Inc (District 10) – dadaLab 15th Celebrando Salsa & Heritage Festival June 7 Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance (District 3) – Puerto Rican Cultural Center 10 Questions? 11
Art in Public Places Staff Briefings Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Arts Commission | May 18, 2026 AIPP Exhibition Open Calls austintexas.gov/AIPP People’s Gallery at City Hall 301 W. 2nd St. Austin, TX 78701 Exhibition will run October 2026 – May 2028 Changing Exhibits at AUS airport 3600 Presidential Blvd, Austin, TX 78719 12 galleries Exhibition will run January 2027 – December 2027 No submission fees. Applications close May 31 June 14, 2026 acme@austintexas.gov AIPP Coordinators – Jieun Beth Kim & Brittany Heinchon 2 AIPP-AUS Tunnel Community engagement by artist Saya Woolfalk Panel Discussion Saturday, May 30, 2026 11:00am – 12:30pm Women And Their Work 1311 E. Cesar Chavez St Austin TX 78702 Workshop series Asian American Resource Center bit.ly/AARCEventbrite AIPP Coordinator – Alex Irrera 3 Parque Zaragoza Bathhouse (left panel) Brown Birds & (right panel) Grackle by artist Samson Barboza Bathhouse ribbon cutting and Artwork celebration Wednesday, June 10, 2026 10:00am 2611 Webberville Rd. Austin, TX 78702 AIPP Coordinator – Ryan Runcie 4 AIPP Resolution No. 20250306-029 5 AIPP Resolution No. 20250306-029 Next Steps & Timeline • Align Ordinance and Guidelines (May-June) o Include feedback from City partners and AIPP Panel o CMO, LAW, and Budget review • Ordinance Approvals o Economic Opportunities Committee o Art in Public Places Panel o Arts Commission o City Council Meeting o AIPP Guidelines Approvals July 31 August 3 August 17 August 27 September 6
Draft: Art Commission Letter to City Council [Date] Mayor Kirk Watson and Members of the Austin City Council City of Austin Austin, Texas Dear Mayor Watson and Council Members, On behalf of the City of Austin’s Arts Commission, we respectfully submit this letter in support of a recommended FY2027 budget increase of $515,000 for the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP) at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (ESB- MACC). LAAP has played an important role in expanding access to ESB-MACC facilities for Latino and Spanish-language performing artists. The program supports artists through space access, technical assistance, professional development opportunities, and connections to broader City cultural resources. As demand for performance-based programming continues to grow, the Arts Commission recognizes the opportunity to strengthen LAAP’s capacity to deliver more consistent, sustainable, and equitable outcomes for participating artists. • The recommended funding increase would support: • Additional dedicated technical capacity to support rehearsals and performances without overextending existing sta(cid:431) • Essential lighting and sound infrastructure upgrades to the Auditorium and Black Box spaces • Centralized marketing and audience development support for LAAP programming • A modest expansion of the LAAP program budget to serve additional artists and groups These investments would allow ESB-MACC to build on existing strengths and further align LAAP with an incubator-style model that supports artist development, production readiness, and long-term sustainability—particularly for Spanish-language performing arts. As the City’s designated body for arts and cultural policy and funding recommendations, the Arts Commission views this investment as a strategic opportunity to advance cultural equity, strengthen Austin’s creative ecosystem, and support the continued growth of Latino performing arts in our community. This recommendation is also aligned with broader e(cid:431)orts to ensure that City-supported cultural programs are adequately resourced to meet community demand. We respectfully recommend that City Council consider this funding as part of the FY2027 budget process. Thank you for your continued support of arts, culture, and the diverse communities served by ESB-MACC. Sincerely, Chair City of Austin’s Arts Commission On behalf of the City of Austin Arts Commission
LAAP FY2027 Budget Request — Summary of Proposed Investments Purpose This one-page summary provides additional detail on the proposed $515,000 FY2027 budget increase for the Latino Artist Access Program (LAAP), based on cost ranges and role classifications provided by City sta(cid:431). The proposed investments build on existing MACC operations to strengthen consistency, capacity, and sustainability for performance- based programming. 1. Dedicated Technical Support (Ongoing) — $87,000 To adequately support rehearsals, performances, and participant needs without overextending existing sta(cid:431), this proposal assumes the addition of one dedicated full- time position. • Proposed role: IT Support Specialist (City job classification) • Function: o Support rehearsals and live performances o Coordinate lighting and sound setup o Troubleshoot technical issues o Orient artists to MACC systems and spaces • Annual cost: ~$87,000 (ongoing) This investment supports production readiness while reducing strain on current MACC sta(cid:431). 2. Lighting and Sound Infrastructure Upgrades (One-Time) — ~$300,000 Performance-based programs consistently encounter baseline lighting limitations in the Auditorium. • As part of the originally proposed MACC Phase 2 project, full upgrades to the Auditorium and Black Box lighting and sound systems were estimated in 2022 at approximately $300,000. • Scope includes: o Transition to fully integrated, state-of-the-art LED lighting o o Reduced maintenance and long-term operational burden Improved programmability and reliability This investment addresses recurring production constraints and supports scalable, professional-quality programming. 3. Centralized Marketing & Audience Development Support (Ongoing) — $78,000 This proposal includes dedicated capacity for more intentional, centralized promotion and audience development for LAAP programming. • Proposed role: Culture and Arts Education Specialist 1 of 2 • Function: o Coordinate promotion across MACC platforms o Support audience development strategies o Provide marketing templates and guidance to artists o Prioritize Spanish-language outreach • Annual cost: ~$78,000 (ongoing) This role would complement existing marketing sta(cid:431) and reduce reliance on artists to self- promote without institutional support. 4. LAAP Program Budget Expansion (Ongoing) — $50,000 • Current annual LAAP program budget: ~$90,000 • Current capacity: Approximately 11–15 artists/groups per year, depending on discipline Typical cohort mix supported by the current budget: • 2–3 theater groups • 3 dance artists/groups • 3 musicians • 3 multidisciplinary artists • Proposed increase: $50,000 • Resulting capacity: Approximately 20 artists/groups per year This modest expansion allows LAAP to serve more artists while aligning program scale with the proposed sta(cid:431)ing and infrastructure investments. Total Proposed FY2027 Budget Increase • Ongoing investments: o Technical …
Armadillo Water Tank Final Design Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | May 4th, 2026 Armadillo Water Tank Project Phase Final design Artist(s) Name Bill Tavis Art Commission $225k Funding Type Sponsor Funded Sponsor Dept Austin Water Council District 2 Map – where project is located within Austin 910 Armadillo Road, Austin, TX 78745 Project Overview The City of Austin purchased the parkland that is now Armadillo Park in 1986 and through the support and advocacy of the surrounding neighborhood and community, the park was completed in 2014. Armadillo Park provides a natural outlet for recreation and community building. Near the park is a storage tank owned by Austin Water, the City’s water and wastewater utility, that is no longer in service and provides an opportunity to display public art that reflects Austin's identity and the history and importance of the Armadillo neighborhood. In 2023, Austin City Council passed Resolution No. 20230816-015 directing Austin Water to explore the feasibility of placing a mural on the Armadillo Park water storage tank. Austin Water has evaluated its water storage tank and agrees that it provides an opportunity to display public art for the community and its customers. 3 Project Goals A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public understanding of visual art and enhances the aesthetic quality of public places in relation to Armadillo Park and its community Conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach for all ages that integrates with the site and reflects the corresponding feelings around the surrounding natural environment Celebrates the historical fabric of South Austin, including the legacy of the Armadillo World Headquarters and the vibrant spirit of music, art, and creativity that defined the area and helped shape Austin's cultural identity Is permanent with an expected life span of at least 20 years Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment 4 Armadillo Water Tank – Scope of Work Scope of Work: • Engage with community to understand the context and vision of the mural • Carefully plan and design the mural to incorporate community engagement • Paint and seal the mural on the water tank Eligibility: Experience creating 2-dimensional permanent artwork in materials suitable for exterior environments Austin-based visual artists who reside in the seven counties bounding the Austin metro area (Travis, Hays, Williamson, Bastrop, Caldwell, Burnet, and …
Airport Blvd Corridor NWSE project Final Design Artist Liza Fishbone Item #6 Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment Art in Public Places | 4.30.2025 Airport Blvd Corridor NWSE – C5 section Project Phase Designing (Final) Artist(s) Name Liza Fishbone Art Commission 200,000 (C5 Section = $120,000) Funding Type CIP project Sponsor Dept TPW Council District 3 Project locations (address) 2 Project Overview Project Overview: • Located at Shady Lane and Bolm Road within newly created triangular greenspace • Artwork integrates large-scale sculptural form with public seating elements inspired by monk parakeet nesting behavior Project Goals: • • Support Corridor Construction Program mobility and pedestrian improvements • Create a landmark gateway element along Airport Boulevard • Provide functional seating and gathering space requested through community engagement • Deliver a work of redeeming quality that enhances public space and corridor identity 3 AIPP C5: Artwork at the intersection of Airport Blvd, Shady Ln, & Bolm, Rd. Creator | Sneaky Planet Studios World Building • Fantasy Murals • Immersive Art • Imaginary Friends www.lizafishbone.com @lizafishbone Responses to survey question C5: SE INSPIRATION Interesting places to sit Concept: Oversized Monk Parakeet Sculpture & Seating Inspired by the desire for a place to sit, pause and commune, these will be designed to be both artistic and functional. Monk parakeets are one of the only parakeets to build communal nests with “apartments.” Other animals (birds, squirrels) will occasionally take up residence alongside the parakeets, cohabitating in harmony. Mockups C5: SE Locations Monk Parakeet Sculpture placed in sunken green for people to commune (blue dashed oval indicates location) Shady Ln Bolm Rd Locations Shady LnBolm Rd C5: SE MOCKUPS "Monk Parakeets SE" (name tbd) is a singular oversized monk parakeet sculpture placed in the pocket park where Shady, Bolm and Airport intersect. The sculptures will incorporate seating elements, allowing visitors to rest under the shade of the parakeets’ wings. Shadows cast by the wings will shift throughout the day, creating a dynamic interplay of light and space Mockups FABRICATION, INSTALLATION: ART SEEN ALLIANCE www.artseenalliance.com | info@artseenalliance.com Lead Fabricator: Van Zinsmeyer | van@artseenalliance.com| (512) 718-5088 3D Modeler/Designer: Ian McKinney | ian@artseenalliance.com CHAIRS: CONCRETTI www.concretti.com | info@concrettidesigns.com | (702) 444-7711 PAINTING & FINISHING: (artist) LIZA FISHBONE | SNEAKY PLANET STUDIOS ENGINEERING: R.L.W.A. Engineers Renate' Woods | rwoods@rlwaengineers.com MATERIALS AND FABRICATION NEXT PAGE MATERIAL OUTLINE The body of the parakeet sculpture will be primarily welded from hot rolled steel. The posts …
To: Austin Arts Commission From: Art in Public Places (AIPP) Panel Ordinance Working Group Re: Recommendation Regarding Proposed Updates to the Art in Public Places Ordinance The AIPP Panel recommends that the Arts Commission reaffirm its unanimous April vote and decline to advance the proposed updates to the Art in Public Places (AIPP) Ordinance at this time. Our review of the proposed changes has occurred alongside ongoing requests for clarification regarding how the 2% for art requirement has been historically calculated across City capital projects. Those requests remain unresolved. While supplemental materials were shared on May 8, 2026, they were limited in scope and did not provide the level of clarity or completeness necessary to evaluate either past compliance or the impact of the proposed revisions. Based on the information provided to date, the panel has identified significant discrepancies and cannot verify consistent adherence to the 2002 ordinance. Advancing amendments under these conditions risks formalizing practices that may be inconsistent with the ordinance’s original intent. Below is the panel’s rationale for recommending against adoption at this time: 1. Incomplete and Unreconciled Financial Documentation City staff acknowledged that historical calculation materials do not fully reconcile and that discrepancies have been flagged but not resolved. The panel has not received comprehensive, project-level data demonstrating how AIPP allocations have been calculated over time. Materials provided to date include only a limited number of recent examples and do not include a clear, side-by-side comparison of: the calculation method as defined in the 2002 ordinance, • • how it has been applied in practice, and • how it would change under the proposed revisions. Without this information, the panel cannot assess compliance or the fiscal impact of the proposed changes. 2. Need for an Independent Audit The panel continues to request an independent audit of AIPP funding. Preliminary materials suggest a meaningful gap between expected and actual allocations. Establishing a verified baseline is essential before modifying the ordinance. Proceeding without this step risks codifying discrepancies rather than correcting them. 3. Early Integration of Public Art Is Required and Undermined by Current Practice The 2002 ordinance requires that AIPP be incorporated as early as possible in project planning. Best practices in capital development similarly recognize public art as most effective when integrated at the outset. Delayed or inconsistent inclusion diminishes the quality, relevance, and public value of the work, and undermines the ordinance’s stated intent. 4. …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Arts Commission Recommendation Number: 20260518-14: Recommendation to Decline Proposed Updates to the Art in Public Places Ordinance Date of Approval: May 18, 2026 Recommendation Given the unresolved discrepancies in funding calculations, the absence of complete and verifiable financial data, and the risk that the proposed changes would weaken the program’s funding structure, the Arts Commission recommends that the City Council decline to support the proposed ordinance amendments at this time. We further recommend that the City: • Complete a transparent, independent audit of historical AIPP calculations • Provide full documentation demonstrating compliance with the existing ordinance • Reaffirm AIPP as a required and early-integrated component of capital project planning Only after these steps are completed should substantive revisions to the ordinance be considered. Rationale 1. Incomplete and Unreconciled Financial Documentation City staff acknowledged that historical calculation materials do not fully reconcile and that discrepancies have been flagged but not resolved. The panel has not received comprehensive, project-level data demonstrating how AIPP allocations have been calculated over time. Materials provided to date include only a limited number of recent examples and do not include a clear, side-by-side comparison of: the calculation method as defined in the 2002 ordinance, • • how it has been applied in practice, and • how it would change under the proposed revisions. Without this information, the panel cannot assess compliance or the fiscal impact of the proposed changes. 2. Need for an Independent Audit The panel continues to request an independent audit of AIPP funding. Preliminary materials suggest a meaningful gap between expected and actual allocations. Establishing a verified baseline is essential before modifying the ordinance. Proceeding without this step risks codifying discrepancies rather than correcting them. 3. Early Integration of Public Art Is Required and Undermined by Current Practice The 2002 ordinance requires that AIPP be incorporated as early as possible in project planning. Best practices in capital development similarly recognize public art as most effective when integrated at the outset. Delayed or inconsistent inclusion diminishes the quality, relevance, and public value of the work, and undermines the ordinance’s stated intent. 1 of 2 4. Public Art Is a Core Capital Cost, Not a Discretionary Add-On Public art is not an optional enhancement layered onto a project after core costs are established. The 2002 ordinance defines AIPP as an integral component of capital project delivery. Like architecture, engineering, and environmental mitigation, it …
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | May 18, 2026 Awardee Status (as of 5/18/26) Program Total Awardees Pre-Agreement Not Submitted Pre-Agreements Submitted- Need Revisions Pre- Agreements Approved (Contracting Phase w/ TLC) Payment Phase ALMF Elevate CSAP HPG TOTAL 396 277 22 22 717 4 10 2 0 16 5 58 1 12 76 96 80 19 10 205 291 128 0 0 420 2 Funding Disbursement Status (as of 5/18/26) Program Total Awardees Total Funds # of Awardees Paid % of Awardees Paid $ of funds disbursed % of funds disbursed ALMF Elevate CSAP HPG 396 277 22 22 $7,045,000 $12,616,773 $1,320,000 $3,000,274 292 128 0 0 74% $2,795,000.00 46% $2,735,615.50 0% 0% $0 $0 40% 22% 0% 0% TOTAL 717 $23,982,047 420 59% $5,530,615.15 23% 3 Survey Results ▪ 360-degree perspective ▪ Panelist Reviewer Experience (68 responses) ▪ Application Experience Survey (152 responses) ▪ Commissioner Perspectives Survey (6 responses) ▪ The goal was to understand: ▪ Was the application design accessible/ clear? ▪ Did support systems and communications meet community needs? ▪ Was scoring/ panel processes consistent and understandable? ▪ What improvements should be prioritized ahead of the July 7th launch? ▪ Overall: The content of the programs is strong, but the experience of navigating them needs clearer structure, better tools, and more intentional support. 4 Major Themes – Applicant Experience Streamline and Simplify the Three- Step Process Improve Email Communication (Clarity, Consistency, Tone) Improve Deadline Communication Reduce Documentation Burden and Repetitive Requirements Clarify Eligibility Rules Improve Instructions for Attachments, Budget Tables, and Technical Fields Expand Support Options and Increase Availability Address Language Access Gaps Improve Marketing and Awareness Make Application Questions More Relevant, Less Redundant Improve Tech Reliability Provide Transparency About Review Process Responses came from: 78 ALMF, 57 Elevate, 22 CSAP, 18 HPG Applicants 5 Major Themes – Commissioner Perspective Provide Clearer Eligibility Guidance Upfront Simplify or Better Explain the Three- Step Process Strengthen Reviewer Training Improve Deadline & Timeline Clarity Increase Marketing & Public Awareness Expand & Better Advertise Assistance Resources Improve Technical Reliability & Reduce Upload Difficulties Increase Transparency of Scoring Clarify the Role of the Third-Party Administrator Improve System Accessibility & Language Access Responses came from: 5 Music Commissioners, 1 Arts Commissioner 6 Major Themes – Panelists Better Training More Consistent, Clearer, Centralized Communication Improve Submittable User Experience Reduce/ Right-Size Workload Panel Day lacked purpose Adjust Structure of Applications Strengthen Bias …
