Maximizing Impact Evaluating Austin’s Hotel Occupancy Tax- Funded Programs TABLE OF CONTENTS Who We Are Purpose of the Evaluation Methodology Quantitative Findings Qualitative Findings Theory of Change Wrap Up W E A R E A B L A C K W O M A N - L E D Research & Data Activism Organization that transforms the stories of impacted communities into data that drives real change. Founded in 2015 by Jameila "Meme" Styles, Measure was created in response to the disconnect between the performance measures tracked by police and the day-to-day experience of her community. Measure grew out of a desire to bolster the Black community’s lived experiences with the power of data. W H Y W E E X I S T Lived Experience is Powerful Data that remains underutilized in the fight to eliminate social disparities in Black, Brown and Indigenous communities. Systemic racism and a lack of equitable data tools prevent these communities from effectively leveraging their own stories and data to drive change. This creates an environment where critical voices are oppressed, and solutions lack the foundation of lived experience. THE EVALUATION TEAM At Measure, we are proud to be an organization that works hard to showcase excellence in the advocacy, research and tech industry. We are proud to present our team of leaders, which includes a wide range of professionals with unique experiences and perspectives. MEME STYLES Founder & President PAULETTE BLANC Co-founder & Chief of Research LACOLE FOOTS Measure Evaluator DR. TIFFANY RICKS Measure Evaluator HANNA CHUN Measure Evaluator PURPOSE Evaluate the broader impact of Austin's Hotel Occupancy Tax-funded cultural programs through comprehensive assessment Combine community input with quantitative analysis to measure program effectiveness in addressing inequities and supporting underrepresented communities Generate actionable insights to optimize program investments and enhance cultural vitality across Austin METHODOLOGY How did we conduct our evaluation? QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS Conducted analysis of three HOT-funded programs in 2023, examining representation across race, gender, LGBTQIA status, and age categories Compared program applicants and awardees to the city’s population to spot any under- or overrepresentation. Created visual data comparisons tracking program outcomes by technical assistance utilization and council district distribution, highlighting key demographic patterns METHODOLOGY QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS Focus Groups: Conducted focus groups with individuals who have firsthand experiences of city-funded programs to gather detailed, qualitative feedback. Equity-Focused Research Tool: Used the Measure Equity Focus Group (EFG) Tool, a participatory research method co-designed …
• Project: St. John Site Redevelopment Project • Artist(s): TBD • Phase: Project RFQ Approval • Sponsoring Department: Financial Services Department • Project Budget: $250,000 • Council District: District 4 • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #5 DATE:1/13/2025 CALL TO ARTISTS Public Art Opportunity City of Austin (Texas): Art in Public Places St. John Site Redevelopment Deadline for Submissions – 5:00PM CST: March 14, 2025 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department (EDD) seeks to commission one artist or artist team to create a site-specific installation or artwork that highlights the history of the St. John neighborhood as prioritized by the Council-adopted St. John Community Vision (Resolution No. 20200729-0117). This opportunity is within the improved park space for the St. John Site located at 800 E. St. Johns Avenue, Austin, Texas 78752. BACKGROUND The St. John Site is roughly 19 acres of city-owned land located in Council District 4 at the northeast corner of the intersection of St. Johns Avenue and N IH 35. With a rich history as a Freedmen’s community dating back to the 1890s, the St. John Site has been a pivotal location for Central Texas’ African American community to date. PROJECT OVERVIEW As Austin works to acknowledge the grim events of the past, this in-depth effort to strengthen and provide a well- planned and community-focused addition to the St. John neighborhood is key. One artist or artist team will be selected to create an integrated installation or artwork to be placed within the redesigned and expanded St. John Park that welcomes, informs and excites the local community and visitors alike. The attached map (Exhibit A) highlights the proposed park improvements and potential locations for art opportunities within it. Final location of art installation or artwork to be determined with the developer, but the opportunity will be focused within the improved park space. The selected artist will design, fabricate, and implement one installation or artwork that pays homage to the past and links the site improvements and park space to the community today and tomorrow. BUDGET $250,000 One commission will be awarded for this project. The project budget is inclusive of design, fabrication, installation, engineering, permitting fees, travel, shipping expenses, insurance, and other project-related costs. ELIGIBILITY This opportunity is limited to teams of artists based in the State of …
•Project: Longhorn Dam Bridge •Artist: Reginald Adams •Phase: Final Design •Project Budget: $190,000 •Council District: District 3 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens •Sponsoring Department: Transportation & Public Works Arts Commission Date: 01/27/2025 Longhorn Dam Bridge Project Background The Transportation and Public Works Department has partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department and Capital Delivery Services to develop a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Lady Bird Lake near the Longhorn Dam. Through community engagement, a "wishbone" shaped bridge was chosen to connect the Ann and Roy Butler Trail at Longhorn Shores, Canterbury and the Holly Peninsula in Town Lake Metropolitan Park. The bridge will provide an alternate option to the sidewalk on Pleasant Valley Road and fill a gap on the Butler Trail. This project began construction in early July 2024 and is anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2026. Community feedback requested AIPP artwork be installed in the new Pleasant Valley Underpass that connects the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Country Club Creek Trail, and Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metropolitan Park. Final Design Presentation by Reginald C. Adams Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge Longhorn Dam Bridge Mosaic Mural Community Engagement Report Introduction The community engagement process for the “Absolute Equality: Unity Bridge” mural project aims to actively involve local residents in the design and concept development. Through workshops and feedback sessions, we gather diverse perspectives to ensure the mural reflects the community’s collective identity and values. Community Engagement Activities 1. Community Engagement Session 1 (July 17, 2024): • Location: Rudy Mendez Recreation Center. • Activities: Introduced the project and gathered initial ideas through brainstorming sessions and surveys. • Outcomes: Collected 19 responses emphasizing themes of equality, diversity, and community unity. 2. Community Engagement Session 2 (October 8, 2024): • Location: Rudy Mendez Recreation Center. • Activities: Presented refined design concepts based on community feedback. • Outcomes: Valuable feedback on cultural representation and historical elements informed the final design iterations. 3. Fabrication Workshops (March 2025 - August 2025): • Activities: Engaged community members in hands-on mosaic fabrication sessions to promote skill development and ownership of the project. • Outcomes: Strengthened community ties and deepened investment in the mural. 4. Installation Activations (December 2025): • Activities: professional artist team commence installation of artwork. • Outcomes: Completion of the final work. Artist’s Statement The “Absolute Equality:Unity Bridge” mosaic mural is designed to celebrate the overarching ideals of equality, unity, and community …
•Project: Beverly Sheffield Pool •Artist: Sun McColgin •Phase: Final Design •Sponsoring Department: Parks & Recreation •Project Budget: $100,000 •Council District: District 7 •Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens Arts Commission Date: 01/27/2025 Beverly Sheffield Pool Project Background On July 28, 1956, the Northwest Pool and Bathhouse opened to the public. The pool was the first 50-meter regulation Olympic-sized pool in Austin, which allowed the city to qualify for national swimming meets. The Northwest Park Bathhouse was a modern-design circular bathhouse with open-air dressing rooms. The building is eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The name of the park and pool was later changed to honor former Parks and Recreation Director Beverly S. Sheffield. Updating the facility started with community engagement in 2022, culminating in an updated plan to ensure this site will continue to be a gem of the community and complement the future vision of Northwest District Park. “Shimmer” Final Design proposal for Sheffield Pool and Park By Sun McColgin November, 2024 ARTWORK DETAILS ● 16 – identical 8’ tall “tentacles” ● steel ● Painted ○ cobalt blue ○ powder blue ● 3’ tall hexagonal concrete base ● 4 tile sections tile ○ *handmade porcelain and limestone “Shimmer” tiles feature the sentiments, memories and ideas of the Sheffield Pool community – Great Horned Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, Monk Parakeet, Heron, Dogs, Dragonflies Aquatic life, Swimmers, and Swingsets (to name a few) Examples of Ryah’s handmade porcelain tiles depicting native Texas wildlife x X marks proposed sculpture site SCULPTURE SITE “Shimmer” in situ "Shimmer" preliminary design for Northwest Sheffield Pool In creating a design for artwork for the Sheffield Pool, I took cues from the neighborhood and community. I incorporated their many ideas and suggestions while staying true to my own artistic ideals. The themes of bright colors (especially blues), animals and community were extremely common during the input process. The sculpture I am proposing, "Shimmer," consists of 16 identical, ten foot tall, painted steel shapes that reference waves of water, tentacles, and aquatic plants that shimmer in the current. These steel pieces are alternately spaced forward and backward in a perfect circle and mounted on a circular, two foot tall, concrete base. This alternating spacing gives the illusion of the waves creating two different organic shapes, like a lotus flower simultaneously opening and closing.The sculpture makes use of space and light to evoke a sense of …
Project: Highland Park AIPP Project • Artist(s): Samara Barks Phase: Final Design Sponsoring Department: PARD Project Budget: 57,100 Council District: 4 Project Manager: Bryana Iglesias • • • • • • AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #6 DATE: 1.13.25 Highland Neighborhood Park & Reznicek Fields Art in Public Places Project FINAL-DESIGN REVIEW Samara Barks COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT I wanted to connect the origins of the park space with the community that surrounds and interacts with it today. To begin, I spoke with Mr. Edward Reznicek, himself, to delve into the history of the park, what it's original purpose was and how he became the namesake. In 1970 University Hills Optimist Club was in search of land to develop for youth sports. Later that year, after petitioning the Austin city council, the UHO, along with parents, friends and local community, gathered funds, broke ground and set off to construct the fields. For the past 50 years, the UHO has facilitated youth baseball, kickball, football and soccer. Mr. Reznicek, a retired architect, who helped spearhead the park project, had the space aptly named after him by the UHO members, parents and community involved. “At it's peak UHO operations hosted over 1000 youth yearly and has provided millions of hours of manpower to accomplish these efforts.” -Edward Reznicek 2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT RESULTS I took the history of the park, dictated to me by Mr. Reznicek, and created a mural showing the reason behind the park's creation. From the collected community stories, I created a shadow box that focuses on the diversity of the current residents and some of the important and fun facts about the Highland neighborhood and history. The whole piece is created to be an interactive gathering place for all that use the park. It's situated right across from the playground to foster interaction among neighbors. The seating area provides shade as well as place for neighbors to sit and view the art around the whole structure. The entire piece is accented with smaller murals of flora and fauna from central Texas. 3 DESIGN I feel I've created a piece that is visually appealing as well as interactive and functional. Currently, the park doesn't have much seating or shade. My piece offers both. Here is my concept for an art piece that offers a space to rest, take in the new additions at the park, as well as tell some of the …
• Project: South Lamar Corridor Project • Artist(s): Wanda Montemayor • Phase: Final Design Review • Sponsoring Department: Transportation and Public Works Department • Project Budget: $116,000 • Council District: District 5 & 9 (Artwork will reside in District 9) • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #9 DATE:1/13/20 25 SOUTH LAMAR CORRIDOR AIPP FINAL REVIEW Artist: Wanda Montemayor Budget: $116,000 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REVIEW May, 2022 Two virtual meetings were held. Dec, 2022 A meeting specifically for local residents and businesses. Guests were prompted with these guiding questions: • What are some things that represent South Lamar to you? • What are your favorite stories or historical landmarks? • Are you interested in volunteering with tile making or with the mosaic? A large portion of Wanda Montemayor’s community engagement happens during fabrication. She plans to invite community members of all demographics to use specified clay molds, scribe messages into wet clay, and learn about her communally creative practice. Sept, 2023 Family Day at Umlauf Sculpture Garden Wanda created approximately 100 ceramic flowers with about 100 community members and families during a workshop held at the Umlauf. The flowers will be utilized in the final installation and serve as inspiration for the to-scale 18" x 18" maquette. Nov, 2023 Fabrication of maquette frames Community members joined at the Community Arts studio to design and fabricate ceramic maquette frames. Respected ceramic artist Lisa Orr joined to help guide the designs. The maquette will highlight the differences between the framed stories and the hill country-inspired landscape in the background. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REVIEW Nov, 2023 Open House at Community Arts studio Community members joined at the Community Arts studio where people shared their South Austin stories while making tiles that will be integrated into the project. Dec, 2023 Austin Mosaic Guild community outreach / engagement Regional mosaic artists will engage with local area artists to create tiles and hear stories and history about South Austin. At our discretion, we may conduct additional tile-making workshops in the community at future dates. ARTWORK NARRATIVE The mural moves like the rapid expansion of the downtown Aus7n area toward the South through the turn of the century. Exploring the last century in South Aus7n to the present day, we find a wealth of musical history from musicians to shops to venues. But before that, South Lamar was an important commerce route for moving goods, caCle, …
AUS ARTS. Update Agenda Item #11 Arts Commission Meeting January 27, 2025 Art In Public Places Austin Bergstrom International Airport AUS Tunnel & Tunnel Interfaces Artist Selection Panel Recommendation Sponsoring Department: Aviation Project Budgets: Tunnel $5.8M Interfaces (x2) $2.4M each Council District: District 2 Project Manager: Alex Irrera 1 AUS Tunnel & Tunnel Interfaces PROJECT BACKGROUND Commissioning bodies* sponsored a limited invitation for artists/artist-led teams to submit qualifications for r design, fabrication, and installation consideration for large to medium- scale interdisciplinary, mixed or multimedia artworks within AUS's Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP). Opportunities were identified as Phase I of the AUS Arts Sites and Opportunities Plan 1. Subgrade Tunnel connecting the exiting Barbara Jordan Terminal (BJT) and future Concourse B 2. Concourse B-Tunnel Interfaces 3. BJT Tunnel Interface *The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department (EDD) and Austin- Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) 2 AUS Tunnel & Tunnel Interfaces ARTWORK GOALS 1. Celebrate the ages and spirit of Austin while provoking the sentimentality of world travel. 2. Achieve poetic, visual story-telling through immersive effects like sculptural and digital scenography with sound design. 3. Create a feeling of ease despite being in the middle of an airport. 4. Create artwork and related components that are easily maintained and vandal resistant. Integrate permanent artwork with an expected life span of at least 20 years. 5. 3 AUS Tunnel & Tunnel Interfaces SOLICITATION PROCESS Limited Entry Competition – Sollicitation by invitation to Artists, or Artist-led design teams to submit proposals for specified, site, project or special performances. All invited artists shall be paid an honorarium to prepare and present project proposals. Evaluation Criteria • Technical skills and aesthetic appeal of past work • Relevant and applicable experience • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability to deliver completed projects on time and within budget 4 AUS Tunnel & Tunnel Interfaces SELECTION MEMBERS Voting Brian J. Carter, Executive Director, 4Culture, Seattle WA Justine Ludwig, Executive Director, Creative Time, NYC Ingrid Spencer, Executive Director, American Institute of Architects. Austin, TX Coka Trevino, Founder & Director, The Projectos, Austin and Mexico City J. Gibran Villalobos, Founding Member, Auxiliary Board National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, IL Jennifer Williams, Airport Development Officer, AUS Engineer Robert Mercado, Airport Project Manager, AUS Architect Non-Voting Advisory Andrew Danziger, Art in …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250127-3 January 27, 2025 Local Standards of Care Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council to approve the renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the City Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Recreation Programs. Vote Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the City Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Recreation Programs was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Becker, Reed and Taylor absent. For: Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Lane Becker, Holly Reed, Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250127-4 January 27, 2025 2024 Annual Concessions Report Date: Subject: Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends Austin City Council approve the Parks and Recreation Board 2024 Annual Concession Report. Vote Seconded By: Nicole Merritt The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council approve the Parks and Recreation Board 2024 Annual Concession Report was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Board Member Merritt’s second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Becker, Reed and Taylor absent. Pedro Villalobos, Kathryn Flowers, Stephanie Bazan, Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme. For: Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Lane Becker, Holly Reed, Kim Taylor. Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
DESIGN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025 The Design Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 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 6:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Jon Salinas, Chair Josue Meiners, Vice Chair David Carroll Nkiru Gelles Kevin Howard Ben Luckens Marissa McKinney Brita Wallace Brendan Wittstruck Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Conners Ladner PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Design Commission regular meeting on December 9, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of 12/09/2024 were approved on Vice Chair Meiners’ motion, Commissioner Wallace’s second on a 9-0-1 vote. Commissioner Gelles abstained. One vacancy on the dais. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1. 1 Staff briefing regarding the process and implementation of the Downtown Density Bonus Program, including the Design Commission and Staff review process for compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. Presented by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Howard. The presentation was made by Jorge Rousselin, Planning Department. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and action to support the Downtown Density Bonus Program applicant preparedness for their required presentation to the Design Commission. Sponsors: Chair Salinas and Commissioner Howard. The motion to recommend modifications to the Design Commission Project Review Application in the “Exhibits to Present” section to expound on exhibits and the “Project Review Process: Density Bonus Projects” to potentially provide applicants more time between meeting with the Planning and Urban Design Working Group and the presentation to Design Commission was approved with the following friendly amendments on Commissioner McKinney’s motion, Commissioner Gelles’ second on a 9-1 vote. Commissioner Wallace voted nay. One vacancy on the dais. The friendly amendment from Commissioner Gelles was to expound on “Exhibits to Present #6 Elevations and 3D views” to include all building and alley elevations with 3D views prioritizing street level pedestrian experience. This was accepted by the maker of the motion, Commissioner McKinney, and Commissioner Gelles, who seconded the motion. The friendly amendment from Commissioner Howard was to recommend intentional language in the “Project Review Process: Density Bonus Projects” section to advise applicants on the level of design development preparedness at the Planning and Urban Design Working Group stage and the Design Commission stage. This was accepted by the maker of the motion, Commissioner …
DESIGN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20250127-003 January 27, 2025 Modifications to Design Commission Project Review Application Date: Subject: Motioned By: Recommendation Recommendation that staff provides modifications to the “exhibits to present” section of the project review application to better expound on these exhibits and the project review process timeline to potentially allow or to advise applicants for more time to between the working group recommendations and presenting at the commission With the following friendly amendments Seconded By: Commissioner Gelles Commissioner McKinney That exterior elevations should include all street elevations, including alley 3D views to include both street level and birds-eye view, with priority of street level views that express the pedestrian experience Include intent language regarding the level of development of the design with an emphasis on less preparedness is preferred for the working group vs the presentation at the design commission Rationale: Due to the various size of buildings presented to the commission, we feel the language in the required documentation should be modified to allow the applicant to focus their efforts on areas of the development that express their compliance with the Urban Design Guidelines. This is not a request to provide more documentation than what is required, but rather provide more information to the applicant of what we, as a commission, typically focus our efforts on. Also, language to emphasize to the applicant that presentation to the working group is expected to be schematic and not fully developed to allow for discussion and modification prior to presenting to the full design commission. Vote For: 9-1 Chair Salinas, Vice Chair Meiners, Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Gelles, Commissioner Howard, Commissioner Ladner, Commissioner Luckens, Commissioner McKinney, Commissioner Wittstruck Against: Commissioner Wallace Abstain: Absent: Vacancy: District 6 Attest: Jon Salinas, AIA – Chair, Design Commission 1 of 1
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 27, 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD REGULAR MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 27, 2025 The PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD convened in a REGULAR meeting on January 27, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas Chair Villalobos called the PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD Meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Pedro Villalobos. Board Members in Attendance Remotely: Cathleen Eady, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Shelby Orme. Board Members Absent: Lane Becker, Holly Reed, Kim Taylor. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Liz Barhydt - Austin Rowing Club Mary Fero - Concerns over urban wildfire and crime issues Chris Flores - 2024 Draft Concession Report Phillip Thomas - 2024 Draft Concession Report APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of November 25, 2024. The motion to approve the minutes of the Parks and Recreation Board regular meeting of November 25, 2024 was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Becker, Reed and Taylor absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, discussion and approve letters of support for Parks and Recreation and City Staff who led the development and assisted with the premiere of a short documentary focused on the historic Haskell House. Ellen Colfax, Project Manager and HPT Program Manager, Parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation, accompanied by Cynthia Jeffries, and Sarah Marhsall. The motion to letters of support for Parks and Recreation and City Staff who led the development and assisted with the premiere of a short documentary focused on the historic Haskell House was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on an 7- 0 vote with one vacancy. Board Members Becker, Reed and Taylor absent. 1 PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 27, 2025 3. Presentation, discussion and approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the City Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Recreation Programs. Christa McCarthy, Centralized Programs Division Manager, parks and Recreation Department gave a presentation. The motion to approve a recommendation to Austin City Council to approve the renewal of the Local Standards of Care for the City Parks and Recreation Department's Youth Recreation Programs was approved on Chair Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on an 7-0 vote with one vacancy. Board …
REGULAR MEETING of the ARTS COMMISSION January 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 The ARTS COMMISSION convened in a REGULAR meeting on 27,January 2024 at Austin Energy, Mueller Assembly Rm 1111a (115). 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723 Commissioner Zisman called the ARTS COMMISSION Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Celina Zisman, Heidi Schmalbach, Acia Gray, Amy Mok, Faiza Kracheni, Gina Houston, Felipe Garza Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Monica Maldonado Board Members Absent: Nagavalli Medicharla, Keyheira Keys CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Celina Zisman - Chair, Heidi Schmalbach - Vice Chair, Keyheira Keys, Monica Maldonado, Felipe Garza, Gina Houston, Acia Gray, Faiza Kracheni, Amy Mok, Nagavalli Medicharla AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL “Touch the Art” program APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Natalie Earhart from Almost Real Things spoke on their open call to their 3rd annual 1. Approve the minutes of the Arts Commission Regular Meeting on December 16, 2025. The minutes from the meeting of December 16, 2024 were approved on Commissioner Gray’s motion, Commissioner Mok’s second on a 7-0 vote with Commissioner’s Medicharla, Keys, and Medicharla absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion of Chair’s Report on Happy New Year by Chair Zisman An update was given by Commissioner Zisman 3. Report of the Art in Public Places Liaison concerning actions taking during the January 14th meeting of the Art in Public Places Panel by Commissioner Maldonado An update was given by Commissioner Maldonado 4. Update on actions taken at the January 15th Downtown Commission meeting by Commissioner Mok An update was given by Commissioner Mok 5. Presentation by Zac Traeger from Museum of Human Achievement on MOHA ~ state of the arts (process, grants, etc) A presentation was given by Zac Traeger from Museum of Human Achievement STAFF BRIEFINGS 6. Staff briefing regarding the upcoming State Legislative Session by Carrie Roger, Intergovernmental Relations Officer The presentation was made by Rick Ramirez, Interim Deputy IGRO Officer 7. Staff briefing regarding an update on the Hotel Occupancy Tax by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor The presentation was made by Matthew Schmidt, Acting Cultural Funding Manager 8. Staff briefing on the Cultural Arts Funding Programs by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor The presentation was made by Jesús Pantel, Cultural Funding Supervisor DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 9. Discussion & Possible Action on update on MEASURE report by Meme …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 301 W. 2nd St., Boards & Commissions Room, in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon (He/They), Chair Jeffrey Clemmons Harriett Kirsh Pozen Tannya Oliva Martinez Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Danielle Bryant Mariana Krueger Srini Raghavan Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission Special Called meeting on December 16, 2024. The minutes were approved on Commissioner Clemmons’ motion, Commissioner Krueger’s second on an 8-0 vote. Commissioners Weigel and Bryant were off the dais. Commissioner Davis was absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. Discussion on potential subject matter for a future presentation to the commission from Austin Police Department. 1 Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve the formation of a working group to further support educational initiatives directed towards the community in the City of Austin. The motion to approve the formation of a working group to further support educational initiatives directed towards the community in the City of Austin was approved on Commissioner Krueger’s motion, Commissioner Bryant’s second, on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Davis was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Chair Duhon adjourned the meeting at 6:38 p.m. without objection. The minutes were approved at the February 24, 2025 meeting without objection on Chair Duhon’s motion on a 7-0 vote. Commissioners Bryant, Krueger, Oliva Martinez, and Weigel were off the dais. 2
REGULAR MEETING of the BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1405 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive, Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the Building and Standards Commission may be participating via videoconference. The meeting may also be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Melanie Alley at 512-974-2679 or melanie.alley@austintexas.gov. AGENDA The Building and Standards Commission (“Commission”) may go into a closed session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel or for other reasons permitted by law as specifically listed on this agenda. Further, if necessary, the Commission may go into a closed session as permitted by law regarding any item on this agenda. Building and Standards Commission Members Kurt Lockhart Raisch Tomlanovich Christopher H. Sokol Stephen Truesdell, Fire Marshal (Ex Officio) Edward Selig Timothy Stostad, Chair Blaine Campbell, Vice-Chair Luis Osta Lugo Michael Francis 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. 1. Approve the minutes of the Building and Standards Commission special called meeting on APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 7, 2024. PUBLIC HEARINGS New Case(s) The Commission will hear the following cases concerning alleged violations of the City’s Property Maintenance Code and may issue an order to vacate, relocate occupants, repair, demolish, or secure the premises; and may assess civil penalties: Page 1 2. Case Number: CL 2024-090872 Property address: 1202 E 51st Street, aka Ridgetop Apartments / Owner: 51st Center LLC Staff presenter: Courtney Britt Staff recommendation: Repair commercial multi-family structure 3. Case Number: CL 2024-137293 Property address: 2301 Coronado Street / Owner: 2301 Webberville LLC Staff presenter: Willis Adams Staff recommendation: Adopt proposed agreed order for repair of residential structure 4. Case Number: CL 2024-136124 Property address: 3413 Southill Circle / Owner: James Allen Shrewsbury Staff presenter: Belinda Nobles Staff recommendation: Repair residential structure. 5. Case Number: CL 2024-139363 Property address: 709 …
Regular Meeting of the Joint Inclusion Committee (JIC) Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. CST Boards and Commission Room #1101, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX 78701 and some members may be attending via videoconference 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 Alejandra Mireles (Equity and Inclusion Program Coordinator, Equity Office) at (512) 974-8045 or alejandra.mireles@austintexas.gov. CURRENT JIC MEMBER COMMISSIONS & REPRESENTATIVES: Member Commission: African American Resource Advisory Commission Asian American Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Commission for Women Primary Representative: Elaina Fowler Alternate Representative: VACANT Sonny Sin Nayer Sikder Julie Glasser Richard Bondi (Vice-Chair) Teresa Ferguson Miriam Dorantes Melissa Ortega Diana Melendez Commission on Aging Commission on Immigrant Affairs Commission on Veterans Affairs Philip Reichert Alice Navarro Early Childhood Council Amanda Afifi (Chair) Hispanic/Latino Quality-of-Life Resource Advisory Commission Human Rights Commission LGBTQ+ Quality-of-Life Advisory Commission Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Morgan Davis Jerry Joe Benson Jennifer Powell Curtis Wyman Andrea McIllwain Daniela Silva Muneeb "Meebs" Aslam Katie Coyne Lisa Chang 1 PURPOSE OF THE JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE: City Code § 2-1-204 mandates The Committee shall: 1) advise the council on issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion; and 2) promote close cooperation between the council, City management, City boards, commissions, committees, and taskforces, and individuals, institutions, and agencies to increase and sustain equity, diversity, and inclusion in the city. AGENDA CALL TO ORDER: PUBLIC COMMUNICATION 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 JOINT INCLUSION COMMITTEE’s SPECIAL CALLED MEETING on DECEMBER 18, 2024. Briefing from David Gray, Officer of the Homeless Strategy Office and Mandy DeMayo, Department Director of Housing and Planning updates on their offices and departments fiscal year 2024-2025 budget as they are relate to City programs and services for housing and residents experiencing homelessness. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Discussion on the shared website listing FY26 budget recommendations for the Joint Inclusion Committee’s Member Commissions’ Budget Workgroups. …
