Place-Based Enhancement Program Economic Development Department May 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Chapter 380 Revision Economic incentive programs use tax reimbursements, grants, and other financial programs to encourage desired community This often includes new jobs or new real estate and capital outcomes investment Guided by state code (Chapter 380) and City policies and priorities In Austin, these include strong community benefit requirements: Hiring harder to employ individuals Living wages 1 Childcare support Local art and music Green building Transit access C I T Y O F A U S T I N Chapter 380 Revision: State Local Code LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE TITLE 12. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SUBTITLE A. MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 380. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING TO MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Sec. 380.001. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS. (a) The governing body of a municipality may establish and provide for the administration of one or more programs, including programs for making loans and grants of public money and providing personnel and services of the municipality, to promote state or local economic development and to stimulate business and commercial activity in the municipality. 1 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Program Background In 2018 EDD Staff utilized feedback from an extensive engagement process in development of the current Program Guidelines • Community conversations included 8 Sessions, held in each Council District • Sessions’ attendance ranged from 7 to 90, with 160 unique attendees, providing 260 points of input, generating 2,500 comments • "Affordability" was a top concern for Creative Sector and Small Business participants Current Chapter 380 Policy and Program adopted by City Council At that time, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 20180830- 058 authorizing the City Manager to develop a Location Enhancement Program C I T Y O F A U S T I N Program Background Location Enhancement Program core focus from Ordinance No. 20180830-058 on developing an affordable real estate program: Commercial affordability for tenants of commercial space with … particular focus on small, local, heritage businesses, non-profits, cooperatives, and the creative sector Financial challenges faced by owners of commercial spaces by providing access to capital/financing to deliver community benefits, such as affordable and public spaces, creative spaces, new goods and services, and to preserve neighborhood identity Specific market needs, such as the delivery of goods, services and transportation solutions to underinvested areas that yield …
• AIPP Project: Palmer Events Center • Artist(s): Recommended Artist: Amy Landesberg; Alternate: Shan Shan Sheng • Phase: Selection Process Recommendation VOTE • Sponsoring Department: Austin Convention Center • Project Budget: $622,640 • Council District: 5 • Project Manager: Ryan Runcie ARTS COMMIS S ION ME E TING DATE : MO NDAY, MAY 20, 2024 Recommended Artist: Amy Landesberg Palmer Events Center "The artist has a unique take on use/reuse of materials and their relevance to the space's function, as well as an informed integration of technology with nature. For example the airport car rental installation using tail lights (left side, an excellent detail) to create a Swarm to reflect both nature and the nature of car use is brilliant. Visually her work is stunning both up close and at a distance. Her use of color with form is likely to create a pleasing balance with the architecture of the Palmer." "Amy's survey of submitted artwork showcased a timeless elegance mixed with contemporary edge that was both beautiful and impactful. Her repurposing of found material sends a visual environmental friendly message without being overbearing. Additionally I found that her use of more abstract design offers a versatility that would be perfect for the Palmer's multiple events." "Amy Landsberg is the correct choice that I chose originally as my recommendation for Palmer Events Center Artist. Their choice of patterns and colors drew me in as a spectator and found that their artistry would be engaging for the section of Palmers that it will be featured in. I look forward to seeing the final design that will be installed." Recommended Artist: Amy Landesberg Palmer Events Center "The artist has a unique take on use/reuse of materials and their relevance to the space's function, as well as an informed integration of technology with nature. For example the airport car rental installation using tail lights (left side, an excellent detail) to create a Swarm to reflect both nature and the nature of car use is brilliant. Visually her work is stunning both up close and at a distance. Her use of color with form is likely to create a pleasing balance with the architecture of the Palmer." "Amy's survey of submitted artwork showcased a timeless elegance mixed with contemporary edge that was both beautiful and impactful. Her repurposing of found material sends a visual environmental friendly message without being overbearing. Additionally I found that …
Art in Public Places City of Austin Cultural Arts Division 5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Suite 400 Austin, TX 78741 512.974.7700 / aipp@austintexas.gov PROCESS SUMMARY Project Summary Palmer Events Center: Interior Installation The Palmer Events Center is undertaking a phased approach to add improvements through out the building starting with the restroom facilities. The City of Austin has grown rapidly into a top-ten preferred convention destination since opening the Austin Convention Center (ACC) in 1992 and expanding it in 2002. However, the existing Convention Center has insufficient space to accommodate the growth in event demand at the Center, while the facility itself creates a barrier between east and west, with no ground level interaction for the local community and visitors. Therefore, the ACC has begun the process of an expansion to its existing facility, to provide a larger, more efficient facility on a smaller footprint that will be a more active and community-friendly event space in the heart of Downtown Austin. The new Convention Center will nearly double the available rentable space at the Center and position us to compete for the next tier of convention business and build the convention center of tomorrow! Project Background • Expansion of the Austin Convention Center, in conjunction with ongoing initiatives including Waterloo Greenway, the Palm District, and Project Connect, will transform the southeast corner of downtown into a community-centric destination • The completed expansion project is estimated to generate an additional $285 million in yearly economic impact within the local community, provide nearly $13 million in additional annual tax revenue to the City, and support over 1,600 additional jobs. • The expansion will greatly expand the available rental space of the existing convention center, allowing the center to remain competitive in the convention center marketplace • Expansion is the result of nearly a decade of study, with all overwhelmingly supportive of an expansion of the Center. • On Aug. 8, 2019, the Austin City Council approved an increase in the municipal HOT rate of a further 2% for a Convention Center expansion, bringing the total City HOT rate to 11%. • The new Convention Center will be built using Hotel Occupancy Tax and the Convention Center’s revenues, with no reliance on property tax Public Art Goals & Priorities The artwork is intended to provide an aesthetic enhancement for an interior wall spanning the length of a narrow walkway of approximately 90 linear …
CALL TO ARTISTS Palmer Events Center: Interior Installation - Public Art Opportunity City of Austin (National): Art in Public Places (AIPP) Deadline for Submissions – 5:00PM CST: October 31, 2023 REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) seeks to commission a professional visual artist or artist-led team to design and fabricate a site-specific artwork that enhances the interior second story space of the Palmer Event Center located at 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, Texas 78704. https://www.palmereventscenter.com/ BACKGROUND The Palmer Events Center is nestled near Butler Park with amazing views of the downtown Austin skyline. Over 125,000 square feet of the multi-purpose venue spans is utilized for hosting national conventions, sporting events, theatrical performances and more. The Palmer Events Center (PEC) actually dates back to 1940 when the City of Austin purchased an airplane hangar on the south shores of Town Lake. The hangar was then converted into an all- purpose City Coliseum that opened to the public in 1949. A new structure was voted on as a part of the 1998 bond election which resulted in the highly used after events center today. The Palmer Events Center is a part of the Austin’s Convention Center Department. It is a state-of-the-art energy efficient facility powered by 100 percent renewable energy from Austin Energy’s Green Choice Program. As Austin continues to receive the nick-name “Silicon Hills”, the Events Center increasingly attracts tech conventions. PROJECT OVERVIEW The artwork is intended to provide an aesthetic enhancement for an interior wall spanning the length of a narrow walkway of approximately 90 linear feet and extending upward about 20 feet. The wall is located on the 2nd level of the open lobby space running parallel to functional decorative railing that together create a walkway to the Events Center offices. The artist or artist-led team selected for this project will be expected to coordinate with staff during the implementation of the project so as to minimally impact operations. This project is an opportunity for an artist to create a tactile, visually engaging artwork on the 2nd level of the main entrance lobby space of the Palmer Event Center. The artwork should consider the surrounding natural context of the space and earthy interior finishes. The final artwork could use technology to inform, illuminate, provide humor or narrative while visually engaging visitors and other users of the Palmer Event Center. APPROXIMATE BUDGET: $400,000 …
Josef Kristofoletti & Matthew Mazzotta Monday, October 14, 2019 Oct 14, 2019 Letter of Interest Artists: Josef Kristofoletti and Matthew Mazzotta Dear AUS Terminal Expansion Phase II Public Art Committee: Please consider our collaborative application for this call, from art team leader Josef Kristofoletti and artist Matthew Mazzotta. The artists are very excited to apply for this call, as this will be their first collaboration. They have known each other since 1999 when they were both students at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and have remained close collegues since leaving school. Both artists have worked together informally and often brainstorm together and ideate for each others practices. Both Josef and Matthew have worked internationally on large scale public art projects. Collectively they work spans the globe, with work throughout the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Both their individual projects have received international awards and recognition. Their global experience and background makes this team a good fit for a public project at the Austin International Airport. The artists have already both had an initial site visit to the ABIA to study the new expansion project. Josef has been an Austin resident for the past ten years and Matthew has been traveling to the city for just as long. Matthew Mazzotta is also included in the Austin national prequalified list for AIPP. We believe the artist team’s aesthetic and experience would match the airport project goals. This artist collaboration feels uniquely qualified to undertake a project at the AUS Terminal, as their work focuses on creating site-specific spaces which serve as a point of attraction for diverse groups of people to come together and commingle - a trait they believe is of essence in designing for large scale public buildings such as airports with an active user group always in transit. This artist team is eager to explore these ideas at the Austin Airport and look forward to presenting a design proposal to the Airport Public Art Committee. Image List for Josef Kristofoletti & Matthew Mazzotta This mural was created on a 5,800 sq. ft. wall on a building that houses the control center for the ATLAS detector at CERN, a nuclear research facility outside of Geneva, Switzerland. CERN is a collaboration of 68 nations working together to better understand how matter and the universe originated. I was asked to design and paint a visual icon for …
Art in Public Places | Cultural Arts Division Economic Development Department | City of Austin 201 E. 2nd Street | Austin, TX 78701 512.974.7700 | aipp@austintexas.gov www.austincreates.com Process Summary Project: Terminal Expansion Phase II, Project B Art in Public Places Project Terminal/Apron Expansion and Improvements Phase II A, B and C Art in Public Places Project at Austin- Bergstrom International Airport. The selected artists for Terminal Expansion Phase II, AIPP Project B are Josef Kristofoletti and Matthew Mazzotta. Pre-Qualified Artist Pool SELECTION PANEL Leslie Moody Castro, Independent Curator, Austin, TX • • Fernando Andrade, Artist, San Antonio, TX • Alex Rubio, Artist, San Antonio, TX • • Phillip Townsend, Fellow in African American Art at The Blanton, Austin, TX Julia Hendrickson, Associate Curator, The Contemporary, Austin, TX PROJECT TEAM Julie Harris, Program Manager; Properties Group, Aviation Dept., City of Austin • Gabriel Gomez, Contract Specialist; Properties Group, Aviation Dept., City of Austin • Terra Goolsby, Artist, District 2 • • Cory Hurless, Curator; Program Manager I, Aviation Dept. City of Austin • Burton Jones, Architect; Public Works Project Manager, City of Austin • Rohini Kumarage, Aviation Project Manager, City of Austin • Chris McCray, Designer, AIPP Panel Chair and Project Liaison • Janet Zweig, Artist, Terminal Expansion AIPP Project Phase I PROJECT SUMMARY The City of Austin Art in Public Places (AIPP) program of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department, seeks to commission three professional visual artists (or artist teams) to design, fabricate, and install artwork for the second stage of the Terminal Expansion Project at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Applicants must have been selected as a participant in the 2018-2020 Pre-Qualified Artist Pool. The Terminal/Apron Expansion and Improvements Phase II B opportunity will have a LaunchPAD program component. The LaunchPAD Program provides a professional development opportunity for a local artist to gain technical and administrative expertise needed to compete within the field of public art while providing services benefitting a public art project. The program expands AIPP’s ability to attract new and emerging public artists to participate in the City of Austin’s public art program and provide opportunities for local artists to gain more expertise in public art. LaunchPAD also aids in the growth of the City of Austin public artist talent pool, creating a more solid foundation for Austin public artists as they apply for public art projects locally, nationally and internationally. PROJECT GOALS Art in …
Arts Commission Recommendation Date: Subject: Improved Collection of HOT and Sustainability Fees from Short-Term Rentals Recommendation: The Arts Commission recommends that City Council direct the City Manager and City staff implement mechanisms to: 1. Improve and streamline STR licensure and compliance in order to increase HOT collection. Specifically, we recommend implementation of a tiered licensing system that clearly differentiates between nonresident whole-home operators and resident operators. This has a particular impact on the cultural community as artists and musicians increasingly seek to supplement their incomes by renting their primary residence (or ADU) as STRs. Both the Covid 19 pandemic and rising cost of living in Austin have put exceptional stress on cultural producers. Affordable STR licensing for resident-operators can help alleviate some of this burden, while also increasing compliance overall. 2. Require that City’s portion of Hotel Occupancy Taxes be collected automatically by STR platforms from the hosts, then remitted to the City. In addition to increasing compliance through an improved licensing process, HOT collection should occur at booking by requiring the platforms to include municipal HOT along with the State HOT. 3. Develop – in partnership with STR platforms – an “opt-out” cultural sustainability fee for each STR booking in the City of Austin, the proceeds from which would be used to establish a Cultural Sustainability Fund managed by a City partner for the support and preservation of music and cultural arts in Austin. Description of Recommendation and Rationale The Live Music Fund, Cultural Arts grants, and Heritage grants are funded through Hotel Occupancy Taxes. However, there are a large number of unlicensed STRs operating in Austin and, regardless of licensing, the City does not currently have a consistent mechanism for collecting municipal (HOT) from operators, leading to an estimated loss of $3M annually to music and cultural funding. In addition to alleviating the issues related to compliance, safety, and quality of life (see Tourism Commission Recommendations), the City can better support the Austin arts and music community by closing the STR HOT funding gap and leverage the STR model for additional cultural funding from visitors, through a voluntary, “opt-out fee” for each rental reservation (The “cultural sustainability fee”) Rationale: ● Music, cultural arts, and preservation in Austin are supported through the collection of hotel occupancy taxes from lodgings including short term rentals ● Currently unlicensed STRs do not remit HOT to the city. ● In February of 2024, …
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY APRIL 22, 2024 The Human Rights Commission convened in a regular meeting on April 22, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas. Chair Duhon called the Human Rights Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Kolby Duhon, Chair Danielle Bryant Jeffrey Clemmons Morgan Davis Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Gabriella Zeidan, Vice Chair Meebs Aslam Mariana Krueger Srini Raghavan Michael Stevenson Alicia Weigel Commissioners Absent: Harriet Kirsh Pozen PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1 Approve the minutes of the Human Rights Commission meeting on March 25, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of March 25, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Davis’ Motion, Commissioner Clemmons’ second on an 8-0 vote. Vice Chair Zeidan and Commissioner Weigel were off the dais. Commissioner Kirsh Pozen was absent. 2. 4. Welcome the new Commissioners and allow introductions. Commissioner Bryant introduced herself. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Approve a recommendation related to transgender and sexual identity protections. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Commissioner Clemmons and seconded by Vice Chair Zeidan. An amendment to change the title of the recommendation to read “Transgender, Sexual Identity, and Gender Identity Protections” was made by Commissioner Krueger, seconded by Commissioner Bryant, and approved without objection. An amendment to revise where the recommendation reads “transgender and nonbinary” to read “transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive,” excluding the references in the first and third Whereas clauses of the second page, was made by Chair Duhon, seconded by Commissioner Krueger, and approved without objection. The recommendation was approved as amended on Commissioner Clemmons’ motion, Vice Chair Zeidan’s second on a 9-1 vote. Commissioner Raghavan voted nay. Commissioner Kirsh Pozen was absent. Conduct officer elections for the Chair and Vice Chair for the term ending in April 2025 Commissioner Davis nominated Commissioner Duhon for the role of Chair with a second from Commissioner Zeidan. The motion to elect Commissioner Duhon as Chair was approved on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Kirsh Pozen was absent. Commissioner Krueger nominated Commissioner Zeidan for the role of Vice Chair with a second from Commissioner Clemmons. The motion to elect Commissioner Zeidan as Vice Chair was approved on a 10-0 vote. Commissioner Kirsh Pozen was absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A future recommendation related to Austin Police Department vacancies was requested by Commissioner Aslam and Chair Duhon. A future recommendation related …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommenda;on Number: (20240520-01): Condemning the Impact of Senate Bill 17 on Higher Educa:on and Advoca:ng for Inclusive Educa:onal Prac:ces WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Aus;n acknowledges the cri;cal role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) ini;a;ves in fostering a welcoming and suppor;ve environment for all students and staff members at public universi;es; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill 17 (SB 17), which mandates the closure of DEI offices and prohibits DEI programs and trainings at Texas public universi;es, has had a profound nega;ve impact on the University of Texas at Aus;n (UT Aus;n) and other public ins;tu;ons within the city; and WHEREAS, the closure of DEI offices has resulted in the dissolu;on of programs such as the Mul;cultural Engagement Center, the Gender and Sexuality Center, and Monarch, which provided essen;al support to marginalized student groups and undocumented students; and WHEREAS, UT Aus;n and other universi;es have been forced to lay off dozens of staff members, many of whom were previously dedicated to DEI-related work, thereby reducing the support available to students from diverse backgrounds; and WHEREAS, the implementa;on of SB 17 has led to significant disrup;ons in the academic and social experiences of students, causing a sense of loss and aliena;on, as expressed by students at public protests; and WHEREAS, the Commission recognizes the detrimental impact of SB 17 on the mental and emo;onal wellbeing of students and staff members, as well as on the academic reputa;on and compe;;veness of UT Aus;n and other public universi;es; and WHEREAS, Governor Greg AbboZ has announced plans to implement further compliance measures to ensure the complete ban on DEI prac;ces, which threatens to exacerbate the nega;ve effects on higher educa;on within the city; and WHEREAS, the Commission believes that educa;onal ins;tu;ons serve as key anchors for the wellbeing and progress of the city and that aZacks on higher educa;on undermine the social and economic fabric of Aus;n; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The Commission strongly condemns the adverse effects of Senate Bill 17 on the wellbeing of students and staff members at UT Aus;n and other public universi;es within the city. The Commission calls upon the administra;on of UT Aus;n and other affected ins;tu;ons to seek all possible avenues to mi;gate the nega;ve impacts of SB 17 on their campuses, including …
PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD RECOMMENDATION YYYYMMDD-XXX May 20, 2024 Seconded By: Reed Park Water Quality Improvement Project Date: Subject: Motioned By: Whereas the land for Reed Neighborhood Park was donated to the City of Austin in 1954 by Roberta Reed Crenshaw, an Austin Parks icon; Whereas Reed Park is the only child friendly and publicly accessible park within 1/2 mile walking distance of approximately 4000 residents;1 Whereas Reed Park is one of only three neighborhood parks with an open play field in an area with over 11,000 residents, including many young children2 Whereas the Watershed Protection Dept.’s current plans are to treat stormwater runoff from 127 acres of upstream land by turning Reed Park’s ball field into a biofiltration pond and reducing its size to 1/3 of its current area;3 Whereas the Watershed Protection Dept.’s current plans will require a permanent change in use of public parkland through Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code4 Whereas a similar storm water treatment pond at Austin’s Battle Bend Park has resulted in loss of public parkland and ball field play area; Whereas as the majority of respondents to a public engagement survey were opposed to Watershed Protection Dept.’s current plan for Reed Park5 Whereas over 750 people have signed a petition in opposition to Watershed Protection Dept.’s current proposed plan for Reed Park; 6 Whereas Watershed Protection Dept. Staff have indicated they are willing to seek alternative plans to accomplish the needed water treatment for the Taylor Slough Watershed; 1 https://austin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c976b69e7840435c84f6461c1201edae 2 https://data.census.gov/ 3 https://www.austintexas.gov/department/reed-park-water-quality-improvement-project 4https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PW/htm/PW.26.htm#:~:text=PARKS%20AND%20WILDLIFE%20CODE% 20CHAPTER,PUBLIC%20PARKS%20AND%20RECREATIONAL%20LANDS&text=(2)%20the%20program%2 0or%20project,from%20the%20use%20or%20taking. 5 https://publicinput.com/Report/1osdwdgcnd4 6 https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-proposed-watershed-plan-at-reed-park 1 of 2 Therefore, the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board recommends: (1) Austin City Council direct the Watershed Protection Department and Parks and Recreation Dept. to seek alternative solutions to the current proposed plan for the Reed Park Water Quality Improvement Project that do not require Chapter 26 change of use for this public parkland and; (2) Austin City Council direct WPD and PARD to work with citizens and stakeholders to find a solution that does not alter or diminish the current area or use of the Reed Park open ball field. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 of 2
M E M O R A N D U M Parks and Recreation Board Members Janae Spence, P.E., Assistant Director Watershed Protection Department May 20, 2024 To: From: Date: Subject: Proposed Reed Park Water Quality Control The Watershed Protection Department would like to express our commitment to continuing to work with the Reed Park community to produce the best possible final design for a water quality control in Reed Park. Taylor Slough, the creek that runs through the park, has some of the worst water quality in Austin due to high nutrients and E. coli bacteria. It is one of four creeks in Austin classified as impaired by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality. Poor water quality can contribute to problems downstream like toxic algae that can make spaces unsafe for swimming and other recreation. Swimming in water with high E. coli can also lead to sickness (such as vomiting and diarrhea). This project, in conjunction with other strategies, is meant to reduce pollution in the creek by cleaning stormwater runoff and offsetting the impact of continued urbanization on our streams. In addition to improving water quality, the project intends to maintain recreational use, replace an old wastewater line that runs through the park, stabilize stream erosion, and improve wildlife habitat. We are aware of community concerns with the last proposed concept. The project completed Preliminary Engineering Phase but will not move into design until the latest community input has been incorporated. Since our last meeting with Friends of Reed Park, we have been working on alternatives to address concerns. We are also developing an updated engagement plan to include additional community education and communication about the goals of the project and its final components, as well as a collaborative process for further integrating the community’s priorities into our project plans. We hope to have this updated engagement plan by the end of this month. Community engagement activities for this project to date have included the following: • Informational mailer with invitation to public meeting (mailed to a little over 1000 residents) • Hosted a public meeting on May 11, 2023 Page 1 of 2 • Hosted a walking tour of the proposed project area in the Reed Park • Held meetings with Friends of Reed Park on the following dates o 5/1/23 o 3/28/24 • Conducted a community survey between May and June 2023 (151 respondents) We understand concerns …
COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: 20240520-002: Condemning the Impact of Senate Bill 17 on Higher Education and Advocating for Inclusive Educational Practices WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission of the City of Austin acknowledges the critical role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all students and staff members at public universities; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill 17 (SB 17), which mandates the closure of DEI offices and prohibits DEI programs and trainings at Texas public universities, has had a profound negative impact on the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and other public institutions within the city; and WHEREAS, the closure of DEI offices has resulted in the dissolution of programs such as the Multicultural Engagement Center, the Gender and Sexuality Center, and Monarch, which provided essential support to marginalized student groups and undocumented students; and WHEREAS, UT Austin and other universities have been forced to lay off dozens of staff members, many of whom were previously dedicated to DEI-related work, thereby reducing the support available to students from diverse backgrounds; and WHEREAS, the implementation of SB 17 has led to significant disruptions in the academic and social experiences of students, causing a sense of loss and alienation, as expressed by students at public protests; and WHEREAS, the Commission recognizes the detrimental impact of SB 17 on the mental and emotional wellbeing of students and staff members, as well as on the academic reputation and competitiveness of UT Austin and other public universities; and WHEREAS, Governor Greg Abbott has announced plans to implement further compliance measures to ensure the complete ban on DEI practices, which threatens to exacerbate the negative effects on higher education within the city; and 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. WHEREAS, the Commission believes that educational institutions serve as key anchors for the wellbeing and progress of the city and that attacks on higher education undermine the social and economic fabric of Austin; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: The Commission strongly condemns the adverse effects of Senate Bill 17 on the wellbeing of students and staff members at UT Austin and other public universities within the city. The Commission calls upon the administration of UT Austin and other affected institutions to seek all possible avenues to mitigate the negative impacts of SB 17 on their campuses, …
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Human Rights Commission Recommendation Number: 20240520-003 Defending Free Speech and Peaceful Protest: A Call to Protect Student Rights WHEREAS, the Human Rights commission believes that free speech and peaceful protests are essential tools and rights in the struggle for a better world and the fight for justice and equality. We are deeply concerned about the recent use of multiple law enforcement agencies to suppress student protests at the University of Texas at Austin. The reports of heavy-handed tactics by law enforcement agencies are supported by videos and eyewitness accounts. The evidence depicts scenes of students being manhandled, pepper-sprayed, and arrested for exercising their constitutional right to assemble and voice their grievances. WHEREAS, student protests have played an important role in our nation's history, advancing civil rights and opposing immoral wars. We believe the right to peaceful protest and free speech are fundamental pillars of a free society, and that it is crucial to defend these rights against all who seek to suppress them. From the pivotal lunch counter sit-ins that challenged segregation to the mass mobilizations against the Vietnam War, student activism has long been a driving force for positive change, holding institutions accountable and giving voice to the marginalized. WHEREAS, the use of law enforcement agencies to silence dissenting voices is an affront to these principles, representing a concerning escalation of tactics that undermines the very fabric of our democratic freedoms, we cannot stand idly by, as overzealous law enforcement curtails the rights of our city's youth. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission recommends to the Austin City Council to engage the University of Texas administration to immediately cease the use of police force to suppress student protests, and to work with student activists to find peaceful and constructive solutions to the issues that are being raised, protecting freedom of speech while ensuring safety for all. Open dialogue, facilitated by independent mediators, if necessary, must replace confrontation. AND FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission recommends to the Austin City Council to engage to make a call for Council to assess APD’s mutual aid agreements with other public safety agencies and provide direc�on to the city manager to ensure that APD officers refrain from any ac�vi�es that suppress legal speech or protests. AND FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Human Rights Commission calls on the Austin City Council to investigate the recent use of force …
ARTS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240520-11 Date: 5/20/2024 Subject: Improved Collection of HOT and Sustainability Fees from Short-Term Rentals Motioned By: Commissioner Heidi Schmalbach Recommendation: The Arts Commission recommends that City Council direct the City Manager and City staff implement mechanisms to: Seconded By: Michael Vernusky 1. Improve and streamline STR licensure and compliance in order to increase HOT collection. Specifically, we recommend implementation of a tiered licensing system that clearly differentiates between nonresident whole-home operators and resident operators. This has a particular impact on the cultural community as artists and musicians increasingly seek to supplement their incomes by renting their primary residence (or ADU) as STRs. Both the Covid 19 pandemic and rising cost of living in Austin have put exceptional stress on cultural producers. Affordable STR licensing for resident-operators can help alleviate some of this burden, while also increasing compliance overall. 2. Require that City’s portion of Hotel Occupancy Taxes be collected automatically by STR platforms from the hosts, then remitted to the City. In addition to increasing compliance through an improved licensing process, HOT collection should occur at booking by requiring the platforms to include municipal HOT along with the State HOT. 3. Develop – in partnership with STR platforms – an “opt-out” cultural sustainability fee for each STR booking in the City of Austin, the proceeds from which would be used to establish a Cultural Sustainability Fund managed by a City partner for the support and preservation of music and cultural arts in Austin. Description of Recommendation and Rationale The Live Music Fund, Cultural Arts grants, and Heritage grants are funded through Hotel Occupancy Taxes. However, there are a large number of unlicensed STRs operating in Austin and, regardless of licensing, the City does not currently have a consistent mechanism for collecting municipal (HOT) from operators, leading to an estimated loss of $3M annually to music and cultural funding. In addition to alleviating the issues related to compliance, safety, and quality of life (see Tourism Commission Recommendations), the City can better support the Austin arts and music community by closing the STR HOT funding gap and leverage the STR model for additional cultural funding from visitors, through a voluntary, “opt-out fee” for each rental reservation (The “cultural sustainability fee”) Rationale: ● Music, cultural arts, and preservation in Austin are supported through the collection of hotel occupancy taxes from lodgings including short term rentals ● Currently unlicensed STRs do …
