Central Texas Regional Food System Council: Updates and Opportunities Prepared for: ATCFPB By: Dr. Tracy Ayrhart, Vice President of Research + Strategic Partnerships Monday, November 17, 2025 CTFB | Roadmap Roadmap • Context and Council Development • Regional Food System Council • Mission and Vision • High-Level Structure • Timeline • Opportunities Council Development CTFB | Council Development Central Texas Food Bank’s Approach We believe every Central Texan should have immediate and equitable access to nutritious food. This can be done one of two ways: • Providing direct access to nutritious food. • Providing the resources necessary for all Central Texans to access nutritious food on their own. CTFB | Members Council Development Group Members Expansion and Assessment County Food System Business Backbone Organization Central Texas Food Bank Sukanya Romyanon, Director of Food System Planning Bastrop County Bastrop County Cares – Economic Stability Coalition Norma Mercado, Executive Director Supply chain logistics, large-scale retail Amazon Josh Hirschland, Principal Product Manager Funder Episcopal Health Foundation C. J. Hager, VP Grants Bell County Helping Hands Belton - Bell County Hunger Coalition Alicia Jallah, Executive Director Agricultural landscape Texas Farmers Market Laura McDonald, Executive Director Hunger Free Community Coalition development Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty Katie Nye, Director of Hunger Free Community Coalitions Data and Assessment University of Texas at Austin – Dept. of Nutrition Sciences Natalie Poulos, Assistant Professor Government Local government Texas Association of Regional Councils Ginny Lewis Ford, Executive Director Hays County Hays County Health Department Healthy Hays Coalition Matthew Gonzales Director McLennan County Prosper Waco – McLennan County Hunger Free Community Coalition Jeremy Rhodes, Senior Director of Data & Research Travis County Travis County Health and Human Services Leslie Gaines, Family Support Services Division Director Williamson County United Way for Greater Austin – Food at Every Table Initiative Dorothy Light, Community Health Connect Director Community Member Candace Rhodes, Community Representative Subject Matter Expertise (On-Call As Needed) Small-scale retail and distribution Greater Austin Merchants Cooperative Association (GAMA) Shane Walker, COO Additional Staff Support: Tracy Ayrhart, VP of Research + Strategic Partnerships Mia Burger, Research Manager, Central Texas Food Bank CTFB | Council Development Council Development Timeline Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Clarifying Intentions Developing Charter Transitioning to Council Relationship building and establishing shared understanding and expectations Establishing charter/structure for Regional Food System Council Recruit council members and work through remaining charter needs Council Official Launch: …
Investing in Farmland Preservation & Access in Central Texas Austin-Travis Couty Food Policy Board Commissioners Andy Smith, Matt Simon, Marissa Bell Food Access & Resilience Crisis Less than 1% of food consumed in Travis County is produced locally. More demand than supply - Central Texas’ production cannot realistically meet its total demand for food. When prices rise, local food becomes inaccessible for families and small businesses COVID-19 showed our fragile supply chain Local producers were more resilient and quick to respond. Sources: 2022, City of Austin, State of the Food System Report; Central Texas Food Bank, Central TX Food System Dashboard Farmland Access Crisis 2017 Total Acres 2022 Total Acres 5 year loss 2017-2022 Decrease Years until farmland is completed developed Travis 212,782 193,523 19,259 9.10% 50 Williamson 541,344 368,663 172,681 31.90% Hays 254,999 129,788 125,211 49.10% Bastrop 321,934 247,205 74,729 23.20% Caldwell 269,665 229,140 40,525 15.00% 11 5 17 28 Region 1,600,724 1,168,319 432,405 27.00% 13.5 Source: Central Texas Food Bank, Food Systems Dashboard Now is the cheapest and easiest time to break the cycle. Ripple Effects of Losing Farmland: Food System Resilience Less local food production capacity Water & Flooding Increased runoff, reduced aquifer recharge Remaining land becomes more valuable Climate Lost carbon sinks, more emissions from development Biodiversity Habitat loss and ecosystem function decline Local Economy Fewer viable farms, lost green jobs Farmland Preservation Supports Many City Priorities and Goals City Goal Area Alignment / Impact Reference (Plan & Goal #) Food Security Climate Action Preserves agricultural lands and expands regenerative food production, building local food system capacity. Austin-Travis County Food Plan — Goal 1 Protects carbon-rich soils and supports carbon sequestration on working lands. City Strategic Plan — CH3. Austin Climate Equity Plan — Natural Systems Goal 1 (Needs Support). Farmland Protection Advances target to protect 500,000 acres of farmland in 5-county region; currently off track. Austin Climate Equity Plan — Natural Systems Goal 2 (Off-Track) Watershed Protection Regenerative farmland increases infiltration, reduces runoff, and supports aquifer recharge. City Strategic Plan — CH3.2, CH3.3.2; Watershed Protection Master Plan Biodiversity Maintains wildlife habitat and soil biodiversity Resolution 20230126-054 — UN Biodiversity Framework Targets 1 & 3 Emergency Preparedness Strengthens local food supply and reduces reliance on distant supply chains during crises. City Strategic Plan — Resilience goals CH4 Open Spaces / Parks Supports parkland use for community agriculture, nature-based education, and food-based business incubators; aligns with parkland …
REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN COMMISSION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025, 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 Nicole Corona at 512- 974-3146 or nicole.corona@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Saira Khan Conners Ladner Marissa McKinney Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes 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 regular meeting on October 27, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion of analysis on the Design Commission's recommendations and the final approved Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years. Discussion of the draft Urban Design Guidelines regarding the sections: Introduction, Core Principle A: Protect Pedestrians and Bicyclists from the Elements, and Core Principle B: Protect Sidewalk and Bikeway Users from Motor Vehicles. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and action to select Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years to conduct analysis on outcomes. 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 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 …
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 27, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405, located at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas. Chair Salinas called the Design Commission meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair Ramachandra “Rao” Aradhyula David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Conners Ladner – Commissioner Ladner left the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Evgenia “Jenny” Murkes Brendan Wittstruck Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Kevin Howard Saira Khan Marissa McKinney PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on August 25, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of 08/25/2025 were approved on Commissioner Aradhyula’s motion, Vice Chair Meiners’ second, on a 9-0-2 vote. Commissioners Gelles and Ladner abstained. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 2. 3. Staff briefing regarding the Green Infrastructure in the Right of Way. Presented by Michelle Marx, Austin Transportation and Public Works. The presentation was made by Michelle Marx, Austin Transportation and Public Works. Staff briefing on proposed amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development Code), Case C20-2025-010, related to establishing a maximum building height limit within the Central Business District (CBD) zoning district, and amending the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP) and Rainey Street Subdistrict regulations to modify allowable maximum building height when participating in the DDBP. Presented by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Carroll. The presentation was made by Alan Pani, Austin Planning. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. 6. Presentation and discussion regarding Staff’s response to Resolution 20241121-073 related to Bird-Friendly design. Presented by Leslie Lilly, Austin Watershed Protection. The presentation was made by Leslie Lilly, Austin Watershed Protection. Discussion of analysis on the Design Commission's recommendations and the final approved Downtown Density Bonus Program projects from the past ten years. The motion to postpone items 5, 6, and 7 to November 17, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Howard’s motion, Commissioner McKinney’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Ladner was off the dais. Discussion of the draft Urban Design Guidelines regarding the sections: Introduction, Core Principle A: Protect Pedestrians and Bicyclists from the Elements, and Core Principle B: Protect Sidewalk and Bikeway Users from Motor Vehicles. The motion to postpone items 5, 6, and 7 to November 17, 2025, was approved on Commissioner Howard’s motion, Commissioner McKinney’s second, on a 10-0 …
MEMORANDUM TO: Site Plan and Building Permit Case Managers FROM: Jerry Rusthoven$ Housing & Planning Department DATE: September 8,2027 RE Density Bonus for 321 W. 6th Street under SP-2019-0516C, Expected address: 321 W. 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78701 This memorandum grants approvalto 321 W. 5th Street (the Project) subject to the stated conditions and requirements as of the date listed above. This memorandum also summarizes the requirements that must be met for the above-mentioned project to be granted the entitlements listed below through the Downtown Density Bonus Program as described in City Code section 25-2-586. The entitlements described below are associated only with the Project as described in the attached documents and site plan No. SP-2019-0516C and cannot be transferred to a different project. lf an applicant proposes a different project on the same site and seeks to use a Density Bonus, the applicant must re-apply for the Downtown Density Bonus Program using the rules in effect at the time of application. The entitlements granted herein do not run with the land. "A Certificate of Occupancy shall not be granted for this Project until atl requirements below are met. This memorandum shall be attached to allsite plan applications and building permit applications and the following note shall be placed in AMANDA and on the cover of all site plan applications and building permit applications: 'ACertificate of Occupancy shall not be granted for this Project untilall requirementsspecifiedinthememo f,EDensity Bonusfor32l W. 6th Street dated September 8, 2021 are met." Staffshallverify that all requirements have been met before issuins a certificate of occupancv by checking with Aaron D. Jenkins of the Zonirg &Urban Design Division, Housing and Planning Department, aaron.ienkins@austintexas.gov or (512) 97 4-t243. Requirements to be fulfilled before a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) may be granted for this project: 1. GreatStreets lmprovements: Complete construction of allGreat Streets improvements along all of the project's public right-of-way frontages consistent with the City of Austin Great Streets Standards and in accordance with the attached executed public restrictive covenant and Gatekeeper requirements of Ordinance No. 2014A522-A77. City of Austin Zoning & Urban Design Staff will inspect construction for compliance prior to granting a CO. Page 1 of 2 2. AEBG requirement: Prior to issuance of a CO, achieve a minimum two-star rating under the AEGB program using the ratings in effect at the time the Project is registered with the Austin Energy Green Building Program. 3. …
Contents - The previous draft of guidelines and core principles can be found at this link Assignments KEY- David Marissa Kevin Brendan Sophia WORKING DRAFT1 Introduction PURPOSE APPLICABILITY These categories determine if a project must comply with a specific design guideline. Private Projects Applies to: ● All projects participating in the Downtown Density Bonus Program (DDBP), and ● All private projects for which the City Council or the Planning Commission requests a review by the Design Commission. The applicability extends to these projects regardless of their participation in a density bonus program. The Design Commission will advise the Planning Commission and City Council based on the values and intent of the Urban Design Guidelines as is applicable or appropriate to the project. . Public Projects Applies to all municipal buildings and associated site development including any components of these projects that include Alternative Equivalent Compliance. The Design Commission reviews all municipal buildings and associated site development projects to ensure they demonstrate compliance with city design and sustainability standards (Council Resolution No. 20071129-046), including those seeking Subchapter E Design Standards Alternative Equivalent Compliance (AEC) (Council Resolution No. 20100923-086). Public Infrastructure Applies to all infrastructure projects commissioned by the City of Austin. (Resolution 20100819-035) All projects requiring a right-of-way vacation are required to be reviewed by the Design Commission (Council Resolution No. 20100805-028). Infrastructure is the constructed physical and biophysical elements, facilities, and systems of the built environment that provide a shared foundation for sustaining the health, safety, and welfare of a community. Infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, the following aspects of WORKING DRAFT2 planning and design: air quality management, communication, energy production and transmission (chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal), public safety (support for policing and fire suppression), transportation and movement, waste management (refuse recycling and disposal; sewage treatment), and water management (storage, conveyance, distribution, purification). SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE In order for a project to be considered in Substantial Compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines, projects must address each core principle by complying with All Tier 1 Design Guidelines applicable to their project type as well as 12 of the Tier 2 Design Guidelines applicable to their project type. PRIORITIES Tier 1 Tier 1 indicates design guidelines that are mandatory. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with all Tier 1 Guidelines applicable to their project type. Tier 2 Tier 2 indicates design guidelines that are optional but highly recommended. Applicants may choose which …
Project Case Number Project Location In Date Bonus Request (FAR) Bonus Request (Height in ft Bonused Sq. Ft. Status of Project Design Commission (Working Group Date) Date Reviewed by Design Commission Design Commission Outcome DDBP Case Tracking Aspen Heights Apartments (now Rise) SP-2013-0434C 805 Nueces Street (516 W. 8th Street) 11/1/2013 8 5th & West SP-2013-0454C 501 W. 5th Street 1/31/2014 19.7 7th & Congress (Element & Aloft Hotels) SP-2014-0068C 619 & 621 Congress Ave. (109 E. 7th Street) 5/15/2014 21.2 5th & Brazos SP-2014-0406C 501 Brazos 10/3/2014 19.7 Third and Shoal SP-2015-0346C 607 W. 3rd 4/4/2016 10.2 Waterloo Park Tower SP-2016-0106C 1201 Red River 1/25/2017 405 Colorado SP-2016-0260C 405 Colorado 7/21/2016 Marriott at Cesar Chavez SP-2016-0300C 304 E. Cesar Chavez 10/6/2016 48 East Ave Apts SP-2016-0391C 48 East Avenue 8/9/2016 15 13 15 15 1400 Lavaca (now SXSW Center) SP-2016-0452C 1400 Lavaca 10/3/2016 4.11 Town Lake Lofts SP-2017-0107C 16 N I-35 Service Dr 7/22/2016 15 700 11th St SP-2017-0166C 700 11th St 9/7/2017 10.43 6th + Guadalupe SP-2017-0301C.F1 600 Guadalupe Street 5/24/2018 Block 71 (UT System Property) SP-2017-0311C 200 W. 6th St 10/26/2017 25 25 300 Colorado SP-2018-0096C 300 Colorado Street 5/22/2018 15.71 91 Red River SP-2018-0111C 91-93 Red River Street 7/5/2018 13.12 200 430 328 420 391 371 363 381 342 171 352 344 838 555 455 326 86,840 Approved with Memo 194,854 Approved with Memo 11/25/2013 2/24/2014 Recommendation of Compliance with additional recommendations (see letter) Recommendation of Non-Compliance with list of means for compliance (see letter) 145,977 Approved with Memo 5/27/2014 Recommendation of Compliance 408,999 Approved with Memo 10/27/2014 Recommendation of Compliance 77,720 Approved with Memo 4/25/2016 Recommendation of Compliance 133,140 Approved with Memo 3/27/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 85,634 Approved with Memo 1/9/2017 4/24/2017 & 5/22/2017 Recommendation of Non-Compliance 243,677 Approved with Memo 05/22/2017 & 6/05/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 125,055 Approved with Memo 1/23/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 66,600 Approved with Memo 11/28/2016 Recommendation of Compliance 109,214 Approved with Memo 12/19/2016 Recommendation of Compliance 85,702 Approved with Memo 10/23/2017 Motion for Recommendation of Compliance failed for lack of votes 565,109 Approved with Memo 8/27/2018 Recommendation of Compliance 1,296,080 Approved with Memo 11/27/2017 Recommendation of Compliance 191,424 Approved with Memo 6/25/2018 Recommendation of Compliance 164,768 Approved with Memo 9/24/2018 Recommendation of Compliance City of Austin - Planning Zoning Department - Urban Design Division - December 2018 The Travis Ph.1 SP-2018-0159C 80 Red River Street 2/22/2019 The Travis Ph.2 SP-2018-0159C …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the TOURISM COMMISSION BOARD MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AT 2:30 P.M. CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS ROOM 1001 300 W. 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Tourism 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, contact Felicia Burleson, (512) 978-1325 or felicia.burleson@austintexas.gov CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Daniel Ronan, Chair, D9 Greg Chanon, D2 Francisco “Cisco” Gamez, D1 Stefani Mathis, D8 Dani Pruitt, D3 District 4 (vacant) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Ed Bailey, Vice Chair, D5 Bishop Chappell, D6 Cristina Masters, D10 Anna Panossian, Mayoral Dan Webb, D7 AGENDA 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 October 8, 2025 STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. Staff briefing from Staff Liaison, Felicia Burleson, regarding commission board recent vacancy filled and status, deadlines, resources, and updates. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. 4. Presentation by Visit Austin regarding an update on Austin Tourism Industry, including the Austin Convention Center and the Tourism Public Improvement District. Presentation by Tom Noonan, President & CEO. Presentation by Rally Austin regarding the work of the city-sponsored non-profit organization to maintain cultural spaces across Austin to the benefit of Austin tourism. Presentation by David Colligan, Chief Operating Officer. Discussion regarding the Tourism Commission Board vacancies. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. 6. 7. Discussion and possible action to modify the road map for 2026 Tourism Commission Meetings. Approve a recommendation to Council for the Council to continue Austin Convention Center construction project. Approve a recommendation to Council to approve the Rally Austin bond proposals for the 2026 bond election. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 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 compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access …
Tourism Commission Road Map Worksheet January 2026 – December 2026 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. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. January 14, 2026 - ___________________________________ February 11, 2026 -__________________________________ March 11, 2026 -___________________________________ April 8, 2026 -_____________________________________ May 13, 2026 -_____________________________________ June 10, 2026 -____________________________________ July 8, 2026 -_____________________________________ August 12, 2026 -___________________________________ September 9, 2026 -_________________________________ October 14, 2026 -__________________________________ November 11, 2026 -_________________________________ December 9, 2026 -_________________________________
KEEP AUSTIN OURS! 2026 City of Austin Bond Proposal THINK BIG & COLLABORATIVE Rally Austin is the first multi-purpose local government corporation, requested by the community and created by the Austin City Council in October 2020 Community driven, Equity focused Designed to be agile, mission-driven, collaborative and flexible Bring new financial tools and resources to the table and generate consistent revenues Professional approach to community investment and project delivery 2 MISSION Facilitating equitable development for economic growth while preserving Austin's unique culture. VISION A culturally resilient and economically integrated Austin where diverse communities thrive without risk of displacement. Leading investments in our community, as a community Rally will focus its efforts to unite and drive progress across three critical areas of development in Central Texas: ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE COMPLETE COMMUNITIES CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT 3 OUR COMMUNITY AT WORK Board of Directors Collaboration of community leaders and nominating bodies who represent local organizations and asset holders. WHO WE ARE 4 ACTIVE COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS Real estate projects valued at approximately $160M, securing an estimated 293,000 square feet of affordable space: 180,000 SF Affordable housing 86,000 SF Cultural spaces 14,000 SF Commercial spaces 13,000 SF Outdoor and shared spaces Collective economic impact projected between $320 to $400M, also providing community benefits: Job creation and tax revenues Property value increases Tourism and cultural preservation Soul and vitality OUR RALLY FOR COMPLETE COMMUNITIES OUR RALLY FOR ARTS, MUSIC & CULTURE OUR RALLY FOR CATALYTIC DEVELOPMENT Mixed-use development Seven real estate Rally moves large-scale, for Blocks 16 & 18 on development projects multi-million-dollar East 11th Street in the valued at $37.5M with an development and African American estimated $75M-$94M infrastructure projects Cultural Heritage District, return on investment. and serves as a flexible building thriving small This area of focus has bridge between public, businesses, cultural led to the successful private, and community anchors and affordable negotiation of a new 20- interests to unlock housing. With a current year lease for historic diverse funding sources project value estimated music venue The Hole in and deliver value and at $128M, and an the Wall and several benefits for all partners. estimated impact of other arts and culture $256-320M. venues. 5 RALLY AUSTIN PROPOSED 2026 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT BOND Overview of Process Problem Statement Proposed Solutions Rally’s Approach Invest in Our Identity: Keep …
RECOMMENDATION FOR CONTINUATION OF AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER CONSTRUCTION City of Austin Tourism Commission Recommendation Number: 20251112-007 This recommendation from the Tourism Commission identifies the need to continue the construction of the Austin Convention Center which will help support Austin’s thriving tourism economy and long-standing cultural and tourism destinations in Austin. WHEREAS, City of Austin is recognized for its vibrant tourism and cultural arts scene and a diverse and creative community, with a decades-long history as the cultural and counter-cultural capital of Texas which enjoys the competing mantras of “'Keep Austin Weird” and the “Live Music Capital of the World”; WHEREAS, on June 25, 2018, Austin City Council adopted ORDINANCE NO. 20180614-067, establishing the Tourism Commission “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” and to “advise the city council on … matters relating to the allocation, investment, and budgets for the hotel occupancy tax revenue”; WHEREAS Texas Tax Code Chapter 351, Section 351.101 (a) states that “Revenue from the municipal hotel occupancy tax may be used only to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry”; WHEREAS, the redevelopment of the Austin Convention Center is a critical investment with longstanding public review designed to modernize Austin's infrastructure and secure its competitive position in the global meetings marketplace; 2 WHEREAS, the successful completion of this project is paramount to growing and supporting the 140,000 jobs sustained by our local tourism and hospitality sector, ensuring job security and economic stability for countless Austin residents; WHEREAS, the new, expanded facility will allow Austin to attract larger-scale conventions and multiple concurrent events that we are currently unable to accommodate, driving an estimated $15 billion economic impact on our community over the next 20 years; WHEREAS, this project is funded exclusively by visitor-paid Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and Convention Center revenues, ensuring Austin residents' property taxes are not utilized; and the growth of the Convention Center business remains a critically viable path to significantly increasing the total HOT collections; WHEREAS, these collections, in turn, provide the vital and maximum legal allocation of funding for Austin’s Cultural Arts, Historic Preservation, and Live Music Funds; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Austin Tourism Commission strongly supports and urges the City Council to affirm its commitment to the project's timely continuation, recognizing that pausing or delaying construction would immediately …
RECOMMENDATION FOR ENDORSEMENT OF RALLY AUSTIN BOND PROJECTS City of Austin Tourism Commission Recommendation Number: 20251112-008 These recommendations from the Tourism Commission identify the need to support Rally Austin’s forthcoming bond proposal to support Austin’s thriving tourism economy and long-standing cultural and tourism destinations in Austin facing increased real estate and economic pressure to continue operations as drivers for HOT tax generation. WHEREAS, City of Austin is recognized for its vibrant cultural arts scene and a diverse and creative community, with a decades-long history as the cultural and counter-cultural capital of Texas which enjoys the competing mantras of “'Keep Austin Weird” and the “Live Music Capital of the World”; WHEREAS, on June 25, 2018, Austin City Council adopted ORDINANCE NO. 20180614-067, establishing the Tourism Commission “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” and to “advise the city council on … matters relating to the allocation, investment, and budgets for the hotel occupancy tax revenue”; WHEREAS, Texas Tax Code Chapter 351, Section 351.101 (a) states that “Revenue from the municipal hotel occupancy tax may be used only to promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry”; WHEREAS, Austin’s cultural, creative, and music sectors are foundational to the city’s identity and economy, contributing over $1.8 billion in annual economic -- including tourism -- activity and supporting thousands of local tourism jobs; WHEREAS, the loss of affordable creative, cultural, and commercial spaces poses a critical threat to Austin’s local music venues, legacy businesses, and community-centered organizations emblematic of Austin’s tourism appeal; WHEREAS, Rally Austin, the City’s first multi-purpose local government corporation, was created by Austin City Council in 2020 to facilitate equitable, community-driven development and deliver projects that generate public benefit – including attracting tourism – while leveraging public, private, and philanthropic resources; WHEREAS, the Keep Austin Ours 2026 Bond Proposal presented by Rally Austin outlines comprehensive strategies for securing cultural, residential and commercial affordability supporting the broader tourism ecosystem, including property acquisition, long-term lease stabilization, capital improvement programs, and expansion of the Austin Cultural Trust; WHEREAS, Rally Austin’s model reduces long-term fiscal risk and administrative burden to the City by independently managing complex real estate and development projects while advancing Council priorities for equity, sustainability, cultural preservation, and increased tourism; and WHEREAS, supporting community-based economic development through the 2026 Bond Program aligns with …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION November 17, 2025, 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 jesus.varela@austintexas.gov or at 512-974-2444. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Gina Houston - Chair, Acia Gray - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Heidi Schmalbach, Muna Hussaini, Celina Zisman, 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 October 20, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Update on actions taken at the November 3rd Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Schmalbach 3. Update on actions taken at the October 15th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Houston 4. Update on the TEMPO 2025-26 Artist Selection by Mandi Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, The Trail Conservancy and Rebecca Rende, Art in Public Places Coordinator Senior. STAFF BRIEFINGS 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 AACME Funding Programs by Laura Odegaard, Acting Division Manager, AACME. 8. Staff briefing regarding an update on Art in Public Places by Jaime Castillo, Art in Public Places Manager. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Approve the Final Design for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Atrium Infill / Terminal Expansion Phase II B Art in Public Places Project – Matthew Mazzotta and Josef Kristofoletti 10. Approve Art Call for the Northeast Service Center Garage Façade Art in Public Places Project. WORKING GROUP UPDATES 11. Update from joint Arts/Music Commission Working Group on Urban Core Issues with Commissioners Schmalbach, and …
TEMPO on the TRAIL “Conversation Stones” by Diego Miro-Rivera The Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, enhance, and connect the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail for the benefit of all. ARTS + CULTURE PLAN ● Enrich the community experience through art that complements the natural surroundings and preserves the Tril’s distinctive character. ● Commission work that surprises, challenges, and delights Trail users, artists, participants, and viewers; work that pushes the boundaries of creativity and understanding of place. ● Embrace the connection of the Trail to the world around it – community, city, watershed, ecosystem, and art. ● Connect artists to the Trail and its resources while connecting the Trail to communities and tourists/visitors. Permanent Artwork Performative Art Temporary Exhibitions Creative Activations TEMPO ON THE TRAIL 2025-2026 May 2025: AIPP Panel Project Briefing June 2025: City Council – Contract Approval July 2025: AIPP Panel Briefing (Artist Call) 113 32 Call for Artists: August 11 – September 8 Open House: August 19 (virtual) | August 21 (in-person) Artist Selection: October 20 TEMPO ON THE TRAIL 2025-2026 QUALIFCATIONS: • Austin-area resident (Williamson, Travis, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Burnet, or Blanco Counties) • Emerging artist – not currently under contract with the City of Austin • No more than 1 previous TEMPO exhibition 113 32 EVALUATION CRITERIA: • Creativity and Artist Merit • Contextual Relevance • Community Impact “Meet Me In The Park” Johnny Walker “Sun Poem” Ani Bradberry TEMPO ON THE TRAIL 2025-2026 113 32 9 3 Applicants Finalists Reviewed by Panel 113 32 Artists Selected Alternates NEXT STEPS: Oct. 22, 2025: Artist Notification Nov. 17, 2025: Final Designs Due Dec. 2025: Technical Advisory Group Review / Final Design Approvals Jan. 2026: Fabrication Feb. 2026: Installation “Really Small Museum: The Eco” Juliet Whitsett TEMPO ON THE TRAIL 2025-2026 Jasna Boudard - Sculpture at Seaholm Park (new location) Megan Echols | enFOLD Collective - Sculpture at Pfluger Circle (new location) Jamal Hussain - New Media at Odom Pavilion (new location) Victoria Marquez - Mural under Lamar Bridge Vy Ngo - Sculpture at Auditorium Shores Priscilla Lustig & Steef Crombach - Sculpture at Lakeshore Seth Prestwood - Mural under Drake Bridge J.C. King - Sculpture at Holly Shores Overlook Thomas Lemanski - Sculpture at Holly Fishing Pier (new location) Priscilla Lustig & Steef Crombach - Sculpture at Lakeshore Jasna Boudard Sculpture Seaholm Intake Facility Megan Echols (enFOLD Collective) Pfluger Circle Jamal Hussain Odom Pavilion Juan …
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | November 17, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – October 2025 Approved Budget Amended Budget H/MOT Penalties & Interest $511,252 $511,252 Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax $166,777,013 $166,777,013 Total Revenue $167,288,265 $167,288,265 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $15,968,425 $15,968,425 October w/ Encumb $39,883 $27,915, 677 $27,955,560 $2,669,756 Year-to-date w/Encumb $39,883 $27,915,677 $27,955,560 $2,669,756 • Total HOT Collections October 2025 = $27,915,677 • 17% of FY26 Approved Budget of $167,288,265 • Cultural Arts Fund October 2025 = $2,669,756 2 Hotel Occupancy Collections – Significant Contributing Events • Zilker Relays – September 5 • Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival – September 7 • Fall Pecan Street Festival – September 13-14 • Austin Museum Day – September 21 • Fantastic Fest – September 18-25 • HAAM Benefit Day – September 23 AUS Passenger Totals: 1,729,398 (September 2025) 3 HOT Cultural Arts Fund – FY26 4 Questions? 5
Cultural Arts Funding Update Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment | November 17, 2025 Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities 2 Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (as of 11/10/25) FY24 Elevate FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) 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 230 230 (100%) 230 (100%) 230 (100%) 222 (97%) 81 (35%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 50 (98%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $8,537,000 (92%) $9,265,000 $245,000 (96%) $255,000 35 34 (97%) 34 (97%) 34 (97%) 32 (91%) 1 (3%) $3,318,500 (86%) See year 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A (N/A) $3,850,000 $3,850,000 4 Grant Funded Activities FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Community Mosaic Workshop November 20 The Mosaic Workshop (District 1) – The Mosaic Workshop Country Western Memories November 20 Small Wonders Entertainment (District 5) – South Austin Senior Activity Center Caesar + Antony + Cleopatra November 20 – 22 Walking Shadow Shakespeare Project (District 4) – Dadalab A Doctor’s Visit November 20 – 22 Broad Theatre (District 3) – Hyde Park Theatre 6 FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities Brazil Soundscapes #4 November 21 Cultura Brasil Austin (District 6) – Cultura Brasil Austin Campfire Stories and Free Book Fair November 22 Austin Bat Cave (District 4) – Pease Park Sepideh Live in Austin November 22 Austin Iranian Professionals Association (District 10) – Central Library Special Events Center 7 FY 24-25 Cultural Funding Grantee Activities The Austin Powwow November 22 Great Promise for American Indians (District 9) – Travis County Expo Center World by Rana November 22 Studio 22 Productions (District 7) – The Belmont Keepsakes: An Anthology Publication Celebration November 23 After Violence Project (District 9) – Alienated Majesty Books 8 Questions? 9
Funding Programs Update Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment | November 17, 2025 Re-Alignment in AACME ▪ Still Evolving! Transparency is key. ▪ Community response ▪ Unified Funding Goals ▪ Improved User Experience ▪ Optimization by Programmatic focus ▪ Grants ▪ HOT-funded City-wide cultural contracts ▪ Special funds Division Manager: Funding Nexus Cultural Arts Grants Elevate Thrive Musician / Promoter Live Music Venue Capital Projects Heritage Events ARPA Arts for All Live Music Fund Grants Heritage Preservation Grants Creative Space Assistance Program Special Projects UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts Austin Sister Cities International 2 Funding Programs: Guidelines ▪ Clearer definitions ▪ Clearer criteria ▪ Simplified processes ▪ More accessible resources across all programs ▪ Learn More: austintexas.gov/acme/grants-funding English Guidelines Spanish Guidelines 3 Funding Programs: Application Timeline 1. Intake Form 3. Application Form Must be completed by Lead Applicant Applications close at 6:59 p.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025 May only be completed once per applicant entity No paper or emailed applications will be accepted FS complete intake form for their organization's application ONLY • Sponsored Projects must complete intake form independent of their FS Select all grant programs you wish to apply All Eligibility Forms due by 6:59 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025 Must complete an Eligibility Form for Each Program they wish to apply Allow for up to 4-business days to receive access to application 2. Eligibility Form 4 Funding Programs: Overview Austin Live Music Fund • $5,000 - $70,000 • Music Industry (musicians, independent promoters, venues) Creative Space Assistance Program • $60,000 • Commercial creative spaces Elevate • Up to $30,000 - $80,000 • Arts organizations, individual artists, creative businesses Heritage Preservation Grant • $50,000 - $250,000 • Preservation projects and activities AACME is providing grant funding for activities that enrich the public, broaden tourism, and contribute to the cultural fabric of Austin. 5 Austin Live Music Fund Program Description: Encourages, promotes, improves, and showcases Austin’s diverse music industry. Award Amounts Applicant Award Amount Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $20,000 with 24-month Grant Agreement term Professional Musician & Independent Promoter $5,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement term Live Music Venue with at least a $60,000 operating budget $60,000 with 12-month Grant Agreement term Evaluation and Review: ▪ Multiple-Choice responses autoscored ▪ Evidence reviewed by third-party administrators 6 Creative Space Assistance Program Program Description: Supports commercial creative spaces facing displacement or new leases at higher and unaffordable rates. Eligible Applicants ▪ …
• Project: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Atrium Infill / Terminal Expansion Phase II – B • Artist(s): Josef Kristofoletti & Matthew Mazzotta • Phase: Final Design • Sponsoring Department: Austin Aviation • Project Budget: $1,000,000 • Council District: 2 • Project Manager: Alex Irrera ARTS COMMIS SION ME ETING AGE NDA ITEM DATE: NOVE MBE R 17, 2025 Aviation | Terminal Expansion Phase II - A, B, & C O R I G I N A L P R O J E C T S U M M A R Y - Terminal Expansion Project – 9 gate expansion of Barbara Jordan Terminal - 175,000 sq. feet, increasing number of gates to 34 - Grows airport capacity to 15 million passengers, increase of 36% - $570,000 total for Three Opportunities ($260,000 / $155,000 / $155,000) - Invitation-only Request for Qualifications to 2018-20 Pre-Qualified Local Artist Pool D E S I G N D E V E L O P M E N T T I M E L I N E o Fall 2022 – Artist Community Engagement & Concept Design Review o Spring 2023 – Final Design Review o Spring-Summer 2024 – Project Restart and Budget Increase Approval o Fall 2024 – Artist Community Engagement o Spring 2025 – Concept Design Review o Fall 2025 – Final Design Review o 2026 – Project Installation and Close-out THE NATURE OF SOUND An Artwork by Josef Kristofoletti and Matthew Mazzotta Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Final Design August 2025 "A birdsong can even, for a moment, make the whole world into a sky within us, because we feel that the bird does not distinguish between its heart and the world's" - Rainer Maria Rilke Artwork engineering/dimensions/views 10/16/25 10/16/25 ) y t i r a c l r o f d e g r a n e ( l i g n w a r d g n i r e e n g n e i ) y t i r a c l r o f d e g r a n e ( l i g n w a r d g n i r e e n g n e i m a e b - I , t r o p e r g n i r e e n g n e i Artwork narrative THE NATURE OF SOUND is an iconic new artwork designed specifically for the …
