Alanna Graves Librarian III: Summer Experience Coordinator alanna.graves@austintexas.gov | 512-974-7311 Program features a summer learning challenge, prizes, and over 350 free events from June 7th - August 10th 2025 Summer Reading & Badge Challenge THIS SUMMER, WE CHALLENGE YOU TO READ, LEARN, AND EARN FREE PRIZES READ COMPLETE EARN 600 Minutes Learning Badges Free Prizes Learning badges are scaled for each age group: babies & toddlers, kids & tweens, teens, and adults HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE Online Paper Logs Available at APL Locations or PDF download at library.austintexas.gov/summer FREE PRIZES! FREE PRIZES! FREE PRIZES! QUESTIONS? OVER 350 SUMMER EVENTS Animal Visits Dance & Fitness Workshops Musical & Theatre Performances STEM & Coding Workshops Arts & Crafts Environmental Workshops Storytime s Trivia Nights library.austintexas.gov/events ...and more! Special thanks to our partners & presenters! T E R R E N C E T A P S
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the URBAN RENEWAL BOARD May 19, 2025, INTRODUCTORY GATHERING 5:00 pm, REGULAR MEETING 6:00 pm 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 Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Byron Davis Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins INTRODUCTORY GATHERING AGENDA Conduct meet and greet with a possible quorum of the Board (No action or official business) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, or who signed up prior to the meeting being called to order if speaking in person, will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1 of 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on April 21, 2025 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 (Sean Garretson and Garrett Scharton, Pleasant Hill Collaborative; Lex Miller, Rally Austin) DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discussion and consideration for approval of a proposed non-binding Underwriter Letter of Intent received from J.P. Morgan for potential issuance of future bonds to support the mission of the Urban Renewal Board. 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 …
DRAFT MINUTES URBAN RENEWAL BOARD April 21, 2025, 6:00 P.M. STREET JONES BUILDING, ROOM 400A 1000 EAST 11TH ST, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78702 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Manuel Escobar, Chair Darrell W, Pierce, Vice Chair Amit Motwani Byron Davis Jacqueline Watson Kobla Tetey Tam Hawkins Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Manuel Escobar, Commissioners Byron Davis, Kobla Tetey, and Amit Motwani, and Vice Chair Darrell W. Pierce attended remotely. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Vice Chair Pierce attended remotely. Board Members Absent/off the dais at call to order: Commissioner Watson and Commissioner Tam Hawkins were absent. CALL TO ORDER Chair Escobar, called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. with five members present. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers who registered to speak no later than noon the day before the meeting, if speaking virtually, or who signed up prior to the meeting being called to order if speaking in person, will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Eric Standridge addressed the board regarding the URB meeting recordings' inaudibility and meeting location. Sean Garretson addressed the board on item three. 1 of 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Urban Renewal Board’s (URB’s) regular-called meeting on March 24, 2025 On Commissioner Tetey’s motion, seconded by Commissioner Motwani’s, the minutes from March 24, 2025, were approved with a vote of 5-0-0. DISCUSSION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion related to the Urban Renewal Plan amendment process (Hunter Maples, Housing Department) Hunter Maples from the City of Austin Housing Department provided the update. Discussion related to updates on future development of Blocks 16 & 18 from Rally Austin and Pleasant Hill Collaborative, including project status and anticipated timeline (Lex Miller, Rally Austin, Jen Boss, Hayat Brown, Sean Garretson and Garrett Scharton, Pleasant Hill Collaborative) Anne Gatling Haynes, Rally Austin, gave the update. Sean Garretson, Pleasant Hill Collaborative, addressed the board. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS EXECUTIVE SESSION Chair Escobar recessed the regular meeting and called the Executive Session to order at 6:34 p.m. 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 …
Underwriter Letter of Intent May 13, 2025 The Urban Renewal Agency of Austin, TX (“URA” or the “Issuer”) is aware of the “Municipal Advisor Rule” of the Securities and Exchange Commission (effective July 1, 2014) and the underwriter exclusion from the definition of “municipal advisor” for a firm serving as an underwriter for a particular issuance of municipal securities. URA hereby designates J.P. Morgan as an underwriter for certain bonds to finance workforce housing in Austin, Texas expected to be issued in 2025 or 2026 in one or more series to be designated prior to issuance (the “Bonds”). URA expects that J.P. Morgan will provide advice on the structure, timing, terms, and other matters concerning the Bonds. It is the intent of URA that J.P. Morgan serve as an underwriter for the bonds described above, subject to satisfying applicable procurement laws or policies, formal approval by the issuer chosen by URA, finalizing the structure of the bonds and executing a bond purchase agreement. While URA presently engages J.P. Morgan as the underwriter for the bonds, this engagement letter is preliminary, nonbinding and may be terminated at any time by URA, without penalty or liability for any costs incurred by the underwriter, or J.P. Morgan. Furthermore, this engagement letter does not restrict the URA from entering into the proposed municipal securities transaction with any other underwriters or selecting an underwriting syndicate that does not include J.P. Morgan. ________________ _ By: Jeffrey Gertz, Executive Director J.P. Morgan Securities LLC 10 S. Dearborn, Floor 7 Chicago, IL 60603 By: ____________________________ Its: ____________________________ City of Austin, TX Urban Renewal Agency 1 Disclosures Pursuant to MSRB Rule G-17 I. Disclosures Concerning the Underwriter’s Role: (i) MSRB Rule G-17 requires an underwriter to deal fairly at all times with both municipal issuers and investors. (ii) An underwriter’s primary role is to purchase the Bonds with a view to distribution in an arm’s- length commercial transaction with the Issuer. An underwriter has financial and other interests that differ from those of the Issuer. (iii) Unlike a municipal advisor, an underwriter does not have a fiduciary duty to the Issuer under the federal securities laws and is, therefore, not required by federal law to act in the best interests of the Issuer without regard to its own financial or other interests. (iv) An underwriter has a duty to purchase the Bonds from the Issuer at a fair and …
REGULAR MEETING of the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Monday, May 19, 2025 6:00 p.m. Austin City Hall, Room 1101 301 W. 2nd St AUSTIN, TEXAS Some members of the Human Rights Commission may be participating by 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 Ryan Sperling at ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov or 512-974-3568 CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Kolby Duhon, Chair (He/They) Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam (He/Him) Jeffrey Clemmons Harriett Kirsh Pozen Maryam Khawar Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Danielle Bryant Morgan Davis (He/Him) Mariana Krueger (She/Her) Tannya Oliva Martínez 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 Human Rights Commission regular meeting on April 28, 2025. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Discussion and possible action to approve proposed language for a historical marker on 4th street. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please contact Ryan Sperling, Office or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. the City Clerk 974-3568 (512) of at For more information on the Human Rights Commission, please contact Ryan Sperling at (512) 974-3568 or ryan.sperling@austintexas.gov
Historical Marker Proposed Language This historical marker commemorates the contributions, struggles, and successes of Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community, whose historically denigrated members spanned all genders, races, classes, abilities, creeds, generations, and origins. LGBTQIA+ individuals lost their jobs, social standing, and lives for not conforming with societal norms. Outside of the isolation of private homes, downtown bars and nightclubs offered secret, safe havens for LGBTQIA+ people to gather, recover, and be accepted amongst their peers. Social justice movements in the 1960s advanced the struggles for justice, acceptance, and equality. Civil rights efforts for women and racial minorities gave rise to a national gay and lesbian rights movement and the Austin community was quick to join. A local chapter of the Gay Liberation Front was founded in 1970, with the first National Gay Liberation Conference hosted here in 1971. A vibrant culture emerged with the help of restaurants, bars, retail shops, bookstores, theaters, churches, and a wide variety of professionals and service providers. In the 1980s, a nightlife scene developed in this section of downtown, known as the “old warehouse” district around 4th Street and Colorado. Clubs with drag shows, entertainment, and dancing provided social support by offering safe places to gather and build community. Throughout the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, the clubs offered occasions for sex education, counseling, and fundraising – and solace. In the 21st century, as the movement evolved to recognize all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Two- Spirit, Genderfluid, and other segments of the community, these blocks of bars and coffee shops became integrated with the rest of downtown – much like the assimilation of queer representation into mainstream culture. From 2000-2020, financial pressures brought on by market forces in a rapidly changing Austin challenged the business models which supported the historical LGBTQIA+ businesses in the area. Some of these establishments failed to survive when the COVID- 19 pandemic hit hardest in 2020. Despite these challenges and changes, this 4th street block and the buildings on it continue to represent Austin’s LGBTQIA+ community’s historical and future perseverance and identity.
Austin Parks and Recreation Presentation Alternative Park Funding Preliminary Analysis May 19, 2025 Alyssa Tharrett, RA, NCARB, Project Management Supervisor Lauren Gaetano, Project Assistant Liana Kallivoka, PhD, PE, LEED Fellow, Assistant Director OUR CONSULTANTS Trust for Public Land (TPL) • Sam Savin, Associate Director • National nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors • Conservation Finance program that serves as a trusted advisor to design, pass, and implement ballot and legislative measures to fund parks PFM Group Consulting (PFM) • Danielle Scott Parker, Director • Public Finance consultants that support local government leaders and staff in analysis of budget, finances, and operations • Existing City consultant for Financial Services Department • Specialize in consulting for alternative funding to achieve a public benefit COUNCIL RESOLUTION Resolution No. 20241121-072 Directs the City Manager to assemble a team from key City departments (PARD, Financial Services, Law, and others) with assistance of external consultants to explore additional funding sources for parks management, land acquisition, amenities, facilities, and maintenance. Timeline Resolution Launched Progress Report to Council November 21 2024 March 31 2025 Report to Council w/ Recommendation May 31 2025 Previous Studies Project Phases Phase 1: Benchmarking of comparable Park and Recreation Departments Phase 2: Revenue, economic benefit, and landscape analysis Phase 3: Recommendations • PARD internal study in 2019 • Former Parks Board Vice Chair Rich DePalma presented research on Park Districts to the Parks Board Financial Committee in 2021 • Parks Board drafted Recommendation Number: 20211130-B4: Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Use Recommendations in November 2021 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Survey open from March 11 to April 11 Shared via website, with City Council Offices, through partnership newsletters, flyers posted at recreation centers, tabling at programming events, neighborhood newsletters … Full Survey Results 3,559 VIEWS 682 PARTICPANTS 17,303 RESPONSES 821 COMMENTS Two Small Group Discussions, April 22 and 24 15 total attendees https://publicinput.com/Report/ekt551dmm5i Survey Results: Do you support more funding for Austin parks, pools, and facilities? 3% 6% Yes No Unsure 91% Should Austin Parks and Recreation get more money? Are parks a good investment? https://publicinput.com/Report/ekt551dmm5i Economic Benefits of Parks Enhanced Property Values Boosts Tourism Reduces Healthcare Costs Property values can decrease for every foot further from parkland it’s located. Town Lake Metro Park and Zilker Metro Park are two of the Top 10 Most Visited Locations in Austin. Residents who use parks and trails for physical activity save …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, April 28, 2025 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 301 W. 2nd St., Boards & Commissions Room, in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon (Chair) Gabrielle Zeidan (Vice Chair) Muneeb “Meebs” Aslam Danielle Bryant Jeffrey Clemmons Maryam Khawar Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Morgan Davis Harriett Kirsh Pozen Alicia Weigel PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Mela Sarajane Dailey – Grant Funding APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on February 24, 2025. The minutes were approved without objection on Chair Duhon’s motion on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Weigel was off the dais. Commissioners Krueger and Oliva Martínez were absent. 2. Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission regular meeting on March 24, 2025. The minutes were approved without objection on Chair Duhon’s motion on an 8-0 vote. Commissioner Weigel was off the dais. Commissioners Krueger and Oliva Martínez were absent. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 3. Discussion of the 2025 Texas Legislative Session with regards to bills related to human rights. Discussion was held. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Approve a recommendation on the FY2025-26 Budget for Supporting Supplies to Enhance Immigrant Student Protections and Rights. The recommendation was amended to strike “and” before “materials”, insert “and grants” after “materials”, strike “$500,000” and insert “$250,000” in all instances, insert “not exclusive to ISDs” after Austin ISD, strike $150,000, strike $120,000, strike $100,000, strike $80,000, strike $50,000, insert “Grants and” before “coordination”, insert “Grant funding to total $150,000” after “Organizations”, and insert “grants” after “outreach” on Commissioner Bryant’s motion, Commissioner Aslam’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Oliva Martínez were absent. The recommendation was approved as amended on Vice Chair Zeidan’s motion, Commissioner Aslam’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger and Oliva Martínez were absent. 5. Approve a recommendation on the FY2025-26 Budget for Improving the Accuracy and Effectiveness of the Austin Point-In-Time (PIT) Count. The recommendation was amended to insert “WHEREAS, a more accurate PIT count can lead to additional federal funding due to a better understanding of where the city sits regarding homelessness”, strike $750,000 and insert $450,000 in all instances, strike $250,000, strike $200,000, strike $150,000, and strike $150,000 on Commissioner Bryant’s motion, Commissioner Aslam’s second on a 9-0 vote. Commissioners Krueger …
Austin Parks and Recreation Department Nature Play Program Cities Connecting Children to Nature Initiative Presented by Christine Chute Canul, Partnership Manager, Park Planning Division Lindsey Machamer, Project Management Supervisor, Park Development Division Melody Alcazar, Cities Connecting Children to Nature Manager, Park Planning Division Nature Play in Parks & Recreation Dept. Nature Play in Parks & Recreation Dept. Nature Play Vision: building a world where all children can explore nature through play Connections to City Priorities: • Heat Resiliency Playbook (OCAR) • Climate Equity Plan (OCAR) • • • Green Building Program (Austin Energy) Sustainability & Resilience Program (PARD) Long Range Plan (PARD) Nature Play | Timeline 2016 June 224 2018 Cities Connecting Children to Nature Austin is formed Nature Play becomes priority strategy 2019 Debut loose parts lending kit library 2021 2022 2024 1st large installation at Walnut Creek Metro Park Nature Play Guidelines created Established nature play materials yard at Trevino Metro Park Site Examples LARGE: Walnut Creek Metro Park • • Grant + CIP funded • Partner activated Pilot features, perm. signage MEDIUM: Kendra Page Neighborhood Park • • • Community initiated, signage APF grant funded PARD activated SMALL: Ron Rigsby Pocket Park ▪ ▪ ▪ Community initiated PARD funded Community activation Materials Procurement • Pilot Project: Old Lampasas Dam modernization • Materials received: 277 trees, 972 cubic yards of boulders • Other donations: Austin Airport Million Air Terminal expansion, TxDOT I-35 expansion along Lady Bird Lake Training + Staff Development Staff, Partner, Agency, and Contractor Training • Bi-annual nature play design, installation, and maintenance training • Annual chainsaw skills and safety training Staff Collaboration: Facility Construction + Community PARKnerships + Playgrounds Partners + Stewardship Partner support • Install and maintain nature play on partner-managed park sites • Support with training costs • Support concept planning with community-requested nature play spaces Community Requests • Commonly requested amenity via Community Activated Park Project proposals & Vision Planning Current Status • Total nature play installs on parkland to-date: 23 • Installations planned for rest of calendar year 2025: 8 • Nature Play Materials Yard: over 15 partners served, including AISD and early childhood centers • Loose parts lending kits: over 4,000 community members served Questions Melody Alcazar, Cities Connecting Children to Nature Manager, Park Planning melody.alcazar@austintexas.gov
AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR’S UPDATE May 19, 2025 Welcome to AUSTIN PARKS & RECREATION VISION The Parks and Recreation Department will be an innovative leader in parks and recreation experiences. MISSION Inspire Austin to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. Ensure Parkland Offers Relief from Urban Life Park Planning and Development Upcoming Project Completions • Colony Park Pool Ribbon Cutting: May 24, 10AM • Givens Pool Ribbon Cutting: May 30, 10AM • Parque Zaragoza Bathhouse Anticipated Completion: June 20 • Little Walnut Creek Greenbelt Improvements Target Completion: Early June • Scenic Brook Pocket Park Target Completion: Early June Park Planning and Development New Shade Structure Installations • Kennemer Pool Shade Complete May 2025 • Dove Springs Pool Shade Complete May 2025 • Givens Pool Shade Complete May 2025 • Agave Playground Shade Structure Complete March 2025 • Metz Playground Replacement Complete June 2025 Natural Resources Program Internal Circulator and Parking at Zilker Zilker Loop • Free internal circulator managed by the Nature and Science Center Weekends and holidays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 15 to 20-minute intervals from May 24 through September 1 Parking validation at Stratford Gravel Lot for 2 hours available through the Park ATX APP Parking at Polo Field • Available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays through September 1 at 50% capacity (weather permitting) Parking capacity will be reduced to 30%, once parking at the Joan Means Khabele Bathhouse reopens • Exploring how to maintain parking capacity at 50% during special events Recreation Services Summer Staff Training Annual summer camp preparation training has arrived, covering a wide variety of safety topics, updates to handbooks, youth development, and CPR/First Aid and Basic Water Safety courses. Totally Cool Totally Art Show The end of year showcase and celebration held at the Dougherty Arts Center on May 12th featuring amazing artwork created by teens throughout the year. Adaptive Field Day May 2nd at Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center brought together 250 youth and adults from Austin ISD for a variety of inclusive games, activities and talent show! APD Cadet Disability Awareness Hands on activities at the Adaptive Field Day provided 70 APD cadets the opportunity to engage with youth and adults with disabilities. The cadets also attended a training session led by the TR - Modifications & Support team. Community Recreation VARSITY GENERATION South Austin Senior …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250519-003 Date: May 19, 2025 Subject: Lakeshore PUD Amendment Motioned By: Pedro Villalobos Seconded By: Kathryn Flowers Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council that the Lakeshore PUD Amendment Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. Vote: The motion to recommend to Austin City Council that the Lakeshore PUD Amendment Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication was approved on Board Member Villalobos’ motion, Vice Chair Flowers’ second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Taylor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Luai Abou-Emara, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department.
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION 20250519-004 Date: May 19, 2025 Subject: 500 South Congress PUD Application Motioned By: Jennifer Franklin Seconded By: Luai Abou-Emara Recommendation The Parks and Recreation Board recommends to Austin City Council that the 500 S Congress PUD Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication. Vote: The motion to recommend to Austin City Council that the 500 S Congress PUD Development application is superior with respect to parkland dedication was approved on Board Member Franklin’s motion, Board Member Abou-Emara’s second on a 9-0 vote. Board Members Orme and Talor absent. For: Stephanie Bazan, Kathryn Flowers, Luai Abou-Emara, Lane Becker, Ted Eubanks, Jennifer Franklin, Nicole Merritt, Diane Kearns-Osterweil, Pedro Villalobos. Against: None. Abstain: None. Absent: Shelby Orme, Kim Taylor Attest: Tim Dombeck, Board and Council Liaison, Parks and Recreation Department. 1 of 1
Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy Arts Commission Meeting May 19, 2025 Economic and Cultural District Framework Policy • Resolution No. 20240926-014 • Purpose: Provides community and policy makers guidance to identify, organize, and resource Economic and Cultural Districts in the context of the City of Austin, while continuing their commitment to recognizing and cultivating unique cultural and economic value for the public benefit of our communities. • Focuses on cultural preservation, local economy, and community identity C I T Y O F A U S T I N Existing Economic and Cultural Districts Existing Districts African American Cultural Heritage District 5th Street Mexican American Heritage Corridor Red River Cultural District East 12th Street District East Cesar Chavez District North Lamar International District South Congress District Aldrich Street at Mueller South First Street District 2nd Street District Seaholm District Southshore Cultural District* C I T Y O F A U S T I N Role of Boards and Commissions • Review new Cultural District proposals • Evaluate alignment with City goals and cultural asset presence • Make recommendations to Council via B&C process • Support ongoing district performance and equity monitoring C I T Y O F A U S T I N Economic and Cultural District Considerations • Cultural Identity: Does the district reflect a meaningful cultural or historical story? • Organizational Capacity: Is there a managing entity in place? • Community Support: Do residents, artists, and businesses support this? • Cultural Asset Map: Are key spaces and traditions clearly documented? • Alignment with Citywide Plans: Imagine Austin, Cultural Tourism Plan, Thriving in Place • Resiliency: Does the district demonstrate long-term strategies for cultural preservation, economic adaptability, and climate responsiveness? C I T Y O F A U S T I N Questions? C I T Y O F A U S T I N
Presentation to the Austin Arts Commission Presented by: The Museum of Human Achievement / Zac Traeger Date: 5/19/25 Additional Attachments: Full Proposal, Letter of Endorsement from Govalle Principal Welcome to Govalle East Austin neighborhood with deep creative history Anchored by MoHA, Bike Texas, Canopy, 979 Springdale, Govalle Elementary Major hub for EAST and First Saturdays Vision: A thriving, inclusive district where art, education, green space, and community converge. Five-Year Headline: In 2029, the Govalle Cultural District will continue to be known as a neighborhood where creativity and community thrive—preserving the past, shaping the future, and making space for all to belong. Stakeholder Engagement 3 public meetings, 35 participants 12 in-person interviews, 9 calls Live editing via Google Docs Petition with 87 signatures and volunteer offers SWOT analysis 60 | Individual Artist, Organizer, or Community Member 22 | Small Business 21 | Creative Business 15 | Property Owner 11 | Non-profit Cultural Organization Core Values Grouped into key themes: Youth and intergenerational programming Public art, walkability, and cultural storytelling Affordable space and artist retention Artist economic stability and event activation Community-led planning and green infrastructure Organizational Capacity Fiscal sponsor: The Museum of Human Achievement 13 years of service to East Austin Supports 22 artists + 22 organizations No-fee fiscal sponsorship model via Open Collective $2.2M in grants secured for local creatives (2023–24) Programs, Tools, & Partners City and external support we’re engaging: Identity District Agreement, CAMP updates, planning assistance Creative District Overlay + TCA designation Future advocacy and state/federal grant alignment Collaborations with AISD, private foundations, and local orgs Timeline Overview 2025–26: Pilot youth programs, affordability work, walkability 2027–28: Infrastructure improvements, storytelling, events 2029–30: District legacy, tenure tools, cultural preservation Summary Ready with a plan and community support Aligns with City affordability, and arts goals Unlocks additional public/private funding Builds a replicable model for neighborhood-based district Next Steps Share with City staff and other departments contacts Stay involved as implementation begins Thanks! Questions?
Hotel Occupancy Tax Update Arts Commission Meeting May 19, 2025 Hotel Occupancy Tax – April 2025 Approved Budget Amended Budget April w/ Encumb Year-to-date w/Encumb Year-End Estimate Total Revenue $169,901,585 $169,901,585 $34,223,840 $109,665,04 $169,901,585 Transfer to Cultural Arts Fund $16,217,879 $16,217,879 $2,858,334 $10,029,439 $16,217,879 • Total HOT Collections April 2025 = $34,223,840 • 64% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 • Cultural Arts Fund April 2025 = $2,858,334 C I TY O F A U S T I N Hotel Occupancy Tax Collections – Significant Contributing Events • NASCAR Cup Series – March 1 - 2 • SXSW – March 7 – 15 • Rodeo Austin – March 14 – 29 • Spring Break – March 17 – 21 • University of Texas/Intercollegiate Athletic Events • NCAA Women's Basketball First and Second Rounds – March 22 - 24 • Texas Relays - March 26 - 29 AUS Passenger Totals: 1,851,308 C I TY O F A U S T I N HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 C I TY O F A U S T I N Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $10,029,439 HOT Collections (FY22 – FY25) C I TY O F A U S T I N Questions? C I TY O F A U S T I N
•Project: Ross Road Substandard Streets project •Artist: TBC •Phase: Artist Selection Recommendation •Sponsoring Department: Capital Delivery Services •Project Budget: $330,000 •Council District: District 2 •Project Manager: Frederico Geib AIPP Panel Meeting Date: 05/05/2025 •Project: Johnny Morris Substandard Streets project •Artist: TBC •Phase: Artist Selection Recommendation •Sponsoring Department: Capital Delivery Services •Project Budget: $190,000 •Council District: District 1 •Project Manager: Frederico Geib AIPP Panel Meeting Date: 05/05/2025 Substandard Streets AIPP projects • Project Background Substandard streets are publicly owned • roadways within the City of Austin’s jurisdiction that do not meet current City of Austin requirements because they have pavement widths that are less than 24 feet and typically lack some curb and gutter, drainage, bicycle accommodations, and sidewalk infrastructure. This project includes a review of existing • conditions, such as traffic counts, crash data, and pinch points, as well as a review of constraints, such as right-of-way and utilities, and coordination with the City’s adopted transportation plans and policies. AIPP in the area Johnny Morris Rd. Ross Rd. Substandard Streets Budget: Ross Road $330,000 - Sponsor Department – Capital Delivery Services Johnny Morris Road $190,000 Selection Criteria • Technical quality and aesthetic appeal of past work • Dedicated and consistent artistic practice • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability and enthusiasm to engage the community in which the artwork will be installed • Experience with public art projects of a relatively similar size and scope Artwork Goals • A work of art of redeeming quality that advances public understanding of visual art and enhances the aesthetic quality of public places • Conceptualizes a strong overall artwork design approach that integrates with the site and surrounding built and natural environments Is easily maintained and vandal resistant in an exterior environment Is permanent with an expected life span of at least 20 years • • Substandard Streets Application Results 27 applications were received AIPP Staff determined 18 applications were eligible Selection Panel Voting Panelists Courtney Arte Jimenez – Austin Artist and Ross area Resident https://latino.si.edu/exhibitions/healing-uvalde/ Lesley Chantal – Austin Artist https://www.chantallesley.com/ Liza Fishbone – Austin Artist https://www.lizafishbone.com/ Selection Panel Non-voting Advisors Jaime Castillo– AIPP Program Manager Rebecca Rende – AIPP Sr Project Coordinator Micheal Singleton – Sponsor Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Shivani Kesar – Sponsor Project Manager, Capital Delivery Services Selection Results …
