Friends of Dougherty.org SAVE THE DAC CAMPAIGN WHO ARE WE? All volunteer organization Organized 15 years ago to support the DAC. In touch with DAC supporters; over 500 signatures on petition. ADVOCATES FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE DAC HISTORY OF DAC REPLACEMENT PROJECT SEVERE MAINTENANCE ISSUES ON 80 YR OLD TEMPORARY BUILDING FREQUENT FLOODING-25 YR FLOOD PLAIN 4 HVAC, 16 WINDOW UNITS DISINTEGRATING PLUMBING, FAILING ROOFS, STRUCTURAL & ADA ISSUES ETC. ACTION STEPS TAKEN BY PARD 2010: MWM Design Group completed conditions assessment 2012: Bond Program yielded $3.9 million for DAC. 2015: Architecture Plus completed feasibility study; reviewed alternative locations/bldgs 2017: Studio 8 Architects completed architectural program for new facility 2018: Bond program yielded $25 million for original budget of $28.5million 2019: Community Engagement began and continued for 3 yrs 2019: Council approved redevelopment of DAC at Butler Shores 2021: Council adopted redevelopment scenario but added underground parking garage 2022: Design refined, completed & presented to stakeholders, Parks Board, Design Comm. at a cost of $4.6million 2023: Construction Documents completed 2024: Acting City Manager Juan Garza requested that the project be shelved in favor of a new design that could be completed with remaining $20million eliminating theater and galleries. DAC PROJECT CHALLENGES Council direction expanded project scope COVID 19 resulted in doubling of construction costs Alternative funding did not materialize because funders did not see the project as feasible without a clear City commitment Supply chain challenges December 2022 Council Resolution directing City Mgr to complete the project “as designed” was ignored by a new City Council and acting City Manager. Inflation: $28.5 million project is now a $60 million project in today’s dollars. Project loses $8700/day in escalating construction costs. DAC is at risk of imminent closure as project is stalled. WHAT WE ARE REQUESTING CLEAR COMMITMENT BY COUNCIL TO COMPLETE THE PROJECT AS DESIGNED BY STUDIO 8 SUPPORT AN ALTERNATIVE PARKING SOLUTION INCLUSION ON 2026 BOND HOW YOU CAN HELP 1. Pass our resolution. 2. Sign our petition at FriendsofDougherty.com. 3. Write your Councilmember. THANK YOU! QUESTIONS?
Austin Poet Laureate Program Position Background • Austin Public Library (APL) launched the Austin Poet Laureate program in October 2024 and will name the first Austin Poet Laureate in April 2025. The appointed Austin Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term, 2025 – 2027. • The inaugural Austin Poet Laureate will be an official ambassador of the City’s literary arts, connecting our community through the art of poetry. Poet Laureate Committee Members Poet Laureate committee has combined knowledge of creative writing, public programs and City of Austin: • Sarah Renee Beach, Program Director of Writers’ League of Texas and poet • KB Brookins, Austin author and poet • Maria-Elena Cigarroa, APL Adult Services Librarian • Marianne DeLeon, CEO of Texas Book Festival • Patti Fowler, Chair (former) and APL Interim Assistant Director • Kezia Frayjo, Library Commission • Mike Henry, Austin poet and consultant • Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of City of Austin Economic Development Department • Bret Johnston, Director of the Michener Center for Writers and author • Katherine Lamb, Programs Manager at The Library Foundation • Becka Oliver, Executive Director of Writers’ League of Texas • Leah Oswald, APL Adult Services Librarian • Jacqueline Rangel, The Library Foundation board and creator of Read Write Austin • Allison Steger, Chair (current) and Interim APL Division Manager • Celina Zisman, Austin Arts Commission The goal of the Poet Laureate program is to: Promote poetry, literacy, and the literary arts in the Austin community; Program Goals to the wider community; Build awareness and appreciation of poetry and make it accessible Celebrate poetry and the power of the written and spoken word while honoring the cultural diversity of our community; Advance poetry as a means of understanding and communicating Austin history and culture; Program Goals The goal of the Poet Laureate program is to: Establish an ambassador to advance APL’s mission to discover, learn, and create through poetry; Enable the Poet Laureate to serve as a mentor to poets in the community; and Create a vibrant platform for local poets to engage diverse voices and inspire literacy engagement through creative expression. Review Process A newly appointed Poet Laureate committee will select the Poet Laureate through an open-call process after reviewing all applications. A public call for applications will be launched on October 1, 2024. Applications will be received through November 30, 2024. The …
L A U R A E S P A R Z A E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R W H AT I S A 3 ? - A non-profit Local Arts Agency devoted to sustaining Austin’s arts ecosystem. - Raising funds for artists, musicians, performers and arts contractors who make art accessible to the people of Austin for free - A catalyst for community change in collaboration with partners who are committed to the value of the arts and work to sustain its arts ecosystem. WHAT IS A LOCAL ARTS AGENCY? • The nation’s 4,500 Local Arts Agencies (LAAs) promote, support, and develop the arts at the local level ensuring a vital presence for the arts throughout America’s communities. LAAs are diverse in their makeup—they have many different names and embrace a spectrum of artistic disciplines. But each LAA, in its own way, works to sustain the health and vitality of the arts and artists locally, while also striving to make the arts accessible to all members of a community. • The Cultural Arts Division is a Local Arts Agency but cities can have more than one thus diversifying the funding pool. • A Business Council for the Arts is another piece of civic infrastructure that Austin is lacking. WHY SUPPORT THE ARTS? • Arts strengthen the economy. In Texas, $59.3 billion industry supporting 383,066 jobs. • Arts drive revenue to local businesses at an average of $38.46 per person. • Arts unify communities: 72% of Americans said it provided a shared experience • Arts are tourism drivers with 70% agreeing “the arts improve the image of my community.” • Arts strengthen mental health, wellbeing and improves healthcare in hospitals. • The arts provide a sense of connection to family, loved ones and the community leading to greater civic engagement. WHO IS A3? PA S T • The Texas Fine Arts Association started in 1911 at the Elisabet Ney Museum. • In 1950 it fundraised for Laguna Gloria Museum with an Arts and Crafts Festival. • In 1956 they renamed their festival FIESTA. • In 1989 the organization became Art Alliance Austin and produced Art City Austin until 2019. • Dormant in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. P R E S E N T • Board Chair Eric Hiduke, Attorney-at-Law • David Goujon, Architect • Jade Walker, Curator • …
ARTS COMMISSION Zilker Point Presentation November 18, 2024 SCULPTURE LOCATION Selection Panel Alexandria Anderson, Chief Operating Officer, Raaisin in the Sun Tim Horan, Zilker Point Owner, LLC Joe Llamas, Zilker Point Owner, LLC Paloma Mayorga, artist, independent curator Sara Vanderbeek, artist, consultant; Founder, Executive Director and Curator, DORF Aaron Vollmer, Architect, Runa Workshop China Whitby, Art Program Manager, University Health Jessica Bell’s proposal for W.A.B.O. W.A.B.O. fabrication photos W.A.B.O. installation photos Title: W.A.B.O. Artist: Jessica Bell Year: 2024 Medium: Powder-coated steel & acrylic Dims: 15 x 8 x 8 feet Title: W.A.B.O. Artist: Jessica Bell Year: 2024 Medium: Powder-coated steel & acrylic Dims: 15 x 8 x 8 feet @saravanderbeek www.saravanderbeek.com @dorfworld www.dorfworld.org
HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX UPDATE NOVEMBER 18, 2024 C I TY O F A U S T I N E C O N OM I C D E VE L O P M E N T 1 Hotel Occupancy Tax – October 2024 o Total HOT Collections October 2024 = $25,578,156 o 15% of FY25 Approved Budget of $169,901,585 o Cultural Arts Fund October 2024 = $2,437,899 HOT Cultural Arts Fund - FY25 Approved Budget for FY25: $16,217,879 FY25 HOT Cultural Arts Fund to date: $2,437,899 HOT Collections (FY22-FY24) $15.65M $15.57M $12.87M Questions
Cultural Arts Funding Update Economic Development Department November 18, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Agenda 1. Contracts & Payments 2. Grant Funded Activities C I T Y O F A U S T I N Contracts & Payments Contracts & Payments (As of 11/18/24) FY23 Elevate FY23 Nexus (Fall/Winter) FY24 Nexus (Spring/ Summer) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 1) FY23-24 Thrive (Year 2) Arts Ed Relief Total Contracts Signed & Processed Contracts Test payments issued & verified Payment 1 Issued Payment 2 Issued Payment 3 Issued 199 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 199 (100%) 190 (95%) 106 (53%) 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 47 (92%) n/a 51 51 (100%) 51 (100%) 50 (98%) 4 (8%) n/a 36 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) 36 (100%) n/a See year 1 N/A N/A 35 (97%) 1 (3%) n/a 19 19 (100%) 19 (100%) 19 (100%) 18 (95%) n/a Total Dist. to date Total Allocation $5,811,750 (93%) $6,250,000 $253,000 (99%) $255,000 $227,000 (89%) $255,000 $3,901,500 (100%) $3,353,500 (86%) $470,000 (99%) $3,901,500 $3,901,500 $475,000 *Each grant has a different reporting deadline. Final Payments are issued upon successful close out of Final Report. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Grant Funded Activities FY23-FY24 Thrive Grantee Activities Las Calaveras de Republic Square • November 2 – 24 • Mexic-Arte Museum – Republic Square (Dist 9) The Austin Powwow • November 23 • Great Promise for American Indians – Travis County Expo Center (Dist 9) Imagine Art Studio • Through December 31 • Imagine Art – Imagine Art Studio (Dist 3) Café, Cultura, y Amistad • Every Saturday • Puerto Rican Cultural Center – Puerto Rican Cultural Center (Dist 3) C I T Y O F A U S T I N FY23 Elevate Grantee Activities I Scream Social • November 22 • Host Publications – Alienated Majesty Books (Dist 10) Hecha de Oro • November 22 – 24 • Oro Dance Company – Trinity Street Playhouse (Dist 1) Root Beerthoven Featuring Invoke • November 22 – 24 • Beerthoven – Westview on Lake Austin Neighborhood backyard concert (MSA) Latinfest From Flores Market • December 14 – 15 • Flores Market – Canopy (Dist 1) Lux! – A Celebration of Light • December 14 – 15 • SoCo Women’s Chorus – First Austin(Dist 3) C I T Y O F A U S T …
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL TO COMPLETE THE DOUGHERTY ARTS CENTER REPLACEMENT PROJECT Draft for commission consideration WHEREAS, the Dougherty Arts Center has been a cornerstone of Austin’s cultural landscape for over 45 years as well as an economic driver for Austin’s creative economy, WHEREAS, the Dougherty Arts Center advertises programs to tourists and provides evergreen programming to all who enter during the Dougherty’s open hours, WHEREAS, the Dougherty Arts Center provides invaluable programs through its arts school, theater and gallery spaces, enhancing Austin’s image as an attractive destination for local families, out of town visitors and relocating workers, WHEREAS, the existing building is undeniably unsafe due to the presence of asbestos and other infrastructure issues making the need for a new building both urgent and non-negotiable, WHEREAS, the replacement project was initiated with a two-year community engagement process which enjoyed enthusiastic participation from artists, PARD staff, non-profit organizations and neighbors at a cost of $1million, WHEREAS, City Council passed Resolution 20221208-068 directed the City Manager to complete the Dougherty Arts Center without a reduction in size or scope WHEREAS, Austin Parks and Recreation Director provided a presentation to a work session of City Council on March 19, 2024 suggesting that the project begin again with a new community engagement and a new design after $4.6 million was spent on the design of the new building which fully addressed the concerns and needs of the Dougherty’s constituents, WHEREAS, Studio 8 completed construction documents after 10 years of planning, design and engagement and is ready to amend the design to eliminate the costly underground parking garage, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF AUSTIN ARTS COMMISSION: that City Council formally commit to completing the Dougherty Arts Center without a reduction in size and scope as stated in Council Resolution 20221208-068 with a complete arts center made up of theaters, galleries and art schools as designed by Studio 8, and that the necessary funds required to complete the Dougherty be included in the 2026 bond.
Artist: Rehab El Sadek Title of Artwork: 1938+ AIPP Project Manager: Lindsay Hutchens 1 Artist Narrative My goal for 1938+ is to create a durable, low-maintenance work of art that honors the history of the site and the mission of the first responders that serve Downtown Austin past, present, and future. The building that currently houses AFD Station #1 and ATC-EMS Station #6 was constructed in 1938 at 501 E. 5th Street. It was built to replace the original Central Fire Station #1 built in 1885 at 114 W. Colorado Street. Throughout the years, the station’s architecture has drawn national attention in fire department trade magazines for its modern, art deco style—one of the few examples of the Moderne/Streamline Moderne style in Austin. Until recently, it also served as the Austin Fire Museum with relics dating back to the mid-1800’s. The building structure is currently being renovated and modernized. I have asked for several interior elements to be salvaged from the construction for the purpose of creating art. Given the important history of the site, my design proposes a wall-mounted sculpture in the lobby of the station fabricated primarily from the salvaged items, many of which date back to the original construction. An artwork in conversation with its surroundings and the echoes of the past. In my personal practice, I frequently create site-specific installations and sculptures using everyday objects. I see 1938+ as an extension of this practice and a tribute to our shared history. Project goals The goal of this AFD/ATC-EMS project is to design artwork that: Integrates with the site; or the interior or exterior architecture of the station. Reflects the mission "to create safer communities through prevention, preparedness, and effective emergency response." Relevance to AFD/ATC-EMS's role in how the station serves the community. To be physically and conceptually accessible to nearby residents, visitors, and station staff. Is easily maintained and vandal resistant; and contributes to the depth/breadth of the City of Austin's public art collection. 2 Ride-alongs and Engagement I began my engagement by learning about the AFD and ATC-EMS first responders who work at the station—their practice, routines, and relationship to the community. I accomplished this through 12 hours of ride-alongs and spending additional time at the station. Through this experience, I gained insight into the downtown community the station serve —many of whom are homeless. In observing how EMS staff in particular interact with at-risk …
PROCESS SUMMARY CITY OF AUSTIN ART IN PUBLIC PLACES Austin Convention Center Expansion Architecturally-Integrated Public Art Opportunity PROJECT SUMMARY The City of Austin Art in Public Places (AIPP) program of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department, seeks to commission 10 permanent architecturally-integrated public artworks for the Austin Convention Center (ACC) Expansion project. The artwork created for this opportunity will reflect the culture, the creativity, the vibe and the experience of Austin; convey the mission of the ACC to promote Austin as a premier destination in Austin; integrate seamlessly into the site, facility, building, finishes and/or infrastructure; and employ sustainable materials and processes in the creation of the artwork. Austin Convention Center Expansion Project After years of studies and planning, the City of Austin is redeveloping and expanding the existing Convention Center, to deliver a larger, more efficient facility on a smaller footprint that will be a more active event space in the heart of Downtown Austin. The expansion and redevelopment target is to nearly double the amount of rentable space. This will allow the Convention Center to remain competitive in the marketplace, while also delivering a community-friendly event space that will transform the southeast quadrant of downtown. Early in the design process, the Austin Convention Center Expansion Project Design Team identified the AIPP 2% appropriation as an opportunity to install public art as architectural finishes. This provides artists with the opportunity to create large-scale, highly visible art installations while saving money for the construction budget by replacing costly architectural finishes (possibly carpeting, flooring, wall treatments, lighting, etc.) with public art projects paid for out of the AIPP appropriation. Selection Process – Architecturally Integrated Artwork Opportunity Due to the accelerated schedule required by the sponsor project and the resulting need to get artists in place as soon as possible, a Limited Entry selection process was approved by the AIPP Panel (June 2024) and the Arts Commission (July 2024) to be used to select artists for this opportunity. Limited Entry Competition is one of the allowed selection processes defined in the AIPP Ordinance Guidelines. • If the use of the AIPP Ordinance Guideline’s Limited Entry Competition selection tool was not approved, the infrastructure-integrated opportunities for AIPP artists to embed public art into the building would evaporate, along with the education and experience opportunity for emerging artists to work collaboratively with technical experts. The architects would need to move ahead and take …
• Project: Corridor Segment B: Mary Moore Searight • Artist(s): Calder Kamin • Phase: Final Design Review • Sponsoring Department: CPO • Project Budget: $63,000 • Council District: 5 & 2 • Project Manager: Bryana Iglesias AIPP PANEL MEETING AGENDA ITEM #7 DATE:11/4/2024 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 Corridor Construction Program Slaughter Lane Art in Public Places Projects (2) Project Summary The Art in Public Places program seeks to commission works of art of redeeming quality that advance public understanding of visual art and enhance the aesthetic quality of public places through the selection of two (2) artists or artist teams who can innovatively and thoughtfully respond to the design within the context of the Slaughter Lane Construction project. Project Background Slaughter Lane serves as one of the City’s major horizontal throughways and is the southernmost roadway included in the Corridor Construction Program. Similar to its paralleled neighbor William Cannon Drive, Slaughter Lane has seen an explosive amount of development over the years. While some segments of Slaughter Lane have retained its rural roots, much of the roadway now hosts sprawling residential neighborhoods and bustling shopping centers. Historical Context This roadway is named after the nearby Slaughter Creek, which gets its namesake from pioneer Stephen F. Slaughter. One of the earliest white settlers in what is now Travis County, Mr. Slaughter had received a large grant of land in the south Austin area in 1835. Over the years, the land that contains Slaughter Lane has transformed with major residential and commercial development. But not too long ago, Slaughter Lane was still known to Austinites as a quieter part of town that felt more secluded from urban life than it does today. Native Austinite and Corridor Program Project Manager for Slaughter Lane Greg Weems recalls life along Slaughter in the 1980s, when he was in grade school: “Back then it was pretty common for a lot of kids to ride their bikes [along Slaughter Lane], so we grouped up and rode together. The biggest concern we had was crossing the train tracks—but there is an overpass there now…” Culture and Arts of Corridor Similar to William Cannon Drive, Slaughter Lane is regarded by many as a utilitarian roadway that lacks an obvious arts and culture scene. As growth along this corridor …
Lys Santamaria ***** “Entre Agua y Estrellas” (Within Water & Stars) Lithomosaic floor mural at the Joan Means Khabele Bathouse at Barton Springs AIPP Final Report, 2024 ________________________________________________________________________________ (1) Community Engagement Plan To maximize outreach, the artist actively connected with the community through various channels. The artist spent time on-site, talking with many visitors virtually and in person, gathering ideas and inspiration. Additionally, the artist organized a meeting with the Barton Springs Conservancy and other stakeholders to gather ideas and information. Time was also spent with two Indigenous elders who shared their insights, stories, and wisdom about Barton Springs. Future gatherings with community members are planned to contribute to the artwork. The Community Engagement Plan consisted of the following in person events: ● Fifteen in-person interviews with community members and site visitors at Barton Springs Pool - 7 visits total ● Virtual meeting with Barton Springs stakeholders including the Barton Springs Conservancy ● The artist attended a ceremony to honor Joan Means Khabele on Saturday, April 9, 2022. ● A visit to the Salamander conservation area at the Austin Nature Center with Scientist and salamander specialist, Nathan Bendik, from the Watershed Protection Department ● A tour of the Austin Nature and Science Center and an in-person meeting with Exhibits ● An in-person meeting at Barton Springs with Gary Perez, former custodian of the Native Coordinator, Julia Beros. American Church National Trust ● An in-person meeting with Daniel Llanes, Performer, Artist, Activist, Teacher & Healer ● Austin Polar Bear Plunge at Barton Springs - January 1, 2023 Additionally, an online survey was shared and received great feedback from our community. To gather responses to the survey, the artist strategically distributed flyers across diverse locations in Austin, ensuring widespread accessibility and participation. These locations included: ● Zilker Botanical Gardens ● The Zilker Nature Center ● Barton Springs Pool ● Austin Nature Center ● McBeth Recreation Center ● Twin Oaks Recreation Center ● South Austin Recreation Center ● Dougherty Art Center ● Umlauf Sculpture Garden ● Austin Central Library Survey Questions: ● Tell me about your favorite memory at Barton Springs. ● If you could choose one word to describe Barton Springs, what would that be and why? ● How would you describe Barton Springs to someone who had never been there before? ● What aspects of the park and/or pool do you find most enjoyable? ● Zip code (optional) Survey results: ● …
Burnet Road Corridor Level Up Design Works LLC “The Crowned Violet” AIPP Project The Crowned Violet Mockups An homage to the evolving generational dynamic within the Brentwood, Allandale and Crestview neighborhoods. The curved silhouette is a visual representation of an audio wave, the frequencies of the many stories told by community members kind enough to offer us their time and insight. Many of these stories conveyed a similar theme, how much their neighborhood has changed. The two halves of the sculpture, on each front-facing facade, emulate this change, that of the older and newer generations that call and have called these neighborhoods home. We are proposing this piece be 15 feet high by 5.7 feet wide. The sculpture would be built out of steel, adorned with glass, stone and porcelain tile. View of artwork facing north Side & Overhead Mockups Kinetic top that rotates with the wind sitting on a Type E Four Bolt flange bearing. Purple accent lighting powered through converter and thin solar panel Height 15’ Side View Width 5.7’ View of artwork facing south Overhead View (Old Top Design) Final Dimensions Orb Section 3’ Body Section 12’ Height 15’ Height 15’ Side View Width 5.7’ Overhead View (Old Top Design) Paint & Tile Combinations The color selection for our tinted clear coat and mosaic fields are inspired by the palette of the Violet Crown itself. We intend for the piece to celebrate and honor the wondrous sunset providing mutual colorful cover for all residents of Brentwood, Crestview and Allandale. Paint & Tile Combinations For the mosaic portion, we will use a combination of 1” x 1” squares of glass, porcelain and locally sourced stone. Through our four distinct color fields, we will emulate the imagery of a Central Texas sunset. Llanite Texas Plume Agate Texas Petrified Wood Modwall Porcelain Cavallini Glass Tile Club Glass Engineering & Foundation Notes Tsen Engineering Comments: “A cantilever system will be necessary to stabilize the artwork from wind load ” ARIAS contracted by Level Up Design Works LLC to provide geotechnical recommendations for structures not included in original boring report to COA Foundation proposed by Tsen Engineering Proposed Internal support cross-section to be confirmed by Tsen Engineering Structural Designs 15+ year old kinetic sculpture at The Domain by artist teaching Courtney Bee Peterson Burnet Triangle - Artwork Location Materials & Construction ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Metal: Stainless Steel …
Cultural Arts Funding Update Economic Development Department November 18, 2024 C I T Y O F A U S T I N Appeals Process • Approved at the June 29, 2022 Arts Commission meeting. • Eligible for Appeal: 1. Review Panelist or Staff Error 2. Conflict of interest • Link must be shown NOTE: "Even if an appeal is found to have merit, it may not change your score enough to reach funding. Successful appeals will only result in a funding award if the appeal raises your score to at least the minimum that received finding in the program." C I T Y O F A U S T I N Not Appealable • Subjective opinions • Assigned scores • Award amount • Issues of eligibility, guidelines, or policy NOTE: Dissatisfaction with the denial of an award or with the amount of the award is an insufficient reason for appeal. C I T Y O F A U S T I N Appeals Requests Appeal Form due by October 4, 2024 Arts Commission Appeals Working Group formed October 21, 2024 Recommendations voted on by Arts Commission Staff Review (October 7- 18, 2024) Appeals Working Group Meet & Makes Recommendations (November 14, 2024) • • 22 appeals submitted 4 Appeals eligible to move forward C I T Y O F A U S T I N Appeals Recommendations 4 eligible 3 appeals upheld 2 appeals resulted in high enough scores to receive funding • Candyce Rusk dba FATHOM ~ Of Women and Water • Groundwork Music Project C I T Y O F A U S T I N Scoring and Funding Considerations Higher score from Funding Considerations • Changing specific appealed • At a level commensurate with rubric item other similar grants • Dropping that Panelist’s scores • At a special level based on City priorities • At a reduced level based upon the current status of the activity • At an adjusted level based on funds available C I T Y O F A U S T I N Candyce Rusk dba FATHOM Groundwork Music Project Appeal Award Amounts • Score changed from 75.5 to 83.67 • Minimum Elevate for Individuals/Creative Businesses score to receive funding was 81 • Similar scoring Elevate for Individuals/Creative Businesses applicants (81 to 87.3) received a $15,000 award C I T Y O F A U S T I N • This was the …
LIBRARY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20241118-004 Date: 11/18/2024 Subject: Increase the spending total allowed by Austin Public Library on the existing City of Austin wireless contract. Motion By: Commissioner Davis Seconded By: vice Chair Mehta Recommendation Grant additional authority to increase the spending total allowed by Austin Public Library on the existing City of Austin wireless contract. Description of Recommendation to Council The Austin Library Commission recommends that Austin City Council supports the request for council approval from Austin Public Library and grants additional authority to increase the spending total allowed on the existing City of Austin wireless contract. Rationale: The Austin Library Commission strongly recommends that the Austin City Council approve the request from Austin Public Library (APL) to increase the spending total on the existing wireless contract. This approval would allow APL to order 500 brand-new 5G Wi-Fi hotspots and gain access to an online management portal, enhancing the Library’s ability to serve the community’s digital needs. These new devices would replace the current hotspots, which are reaching the end of their useful life and are no longer able to meet the high demand from Austin residents. APL would cover the monthly service fees for these devices through its existing budget. The demand for Wi-Fi hotspots is significant, with a current waitlist of 234 people for just 29 available devices. Originally, APL had a larger pool of hotspots, but many have been lost, damaged, or are no longer functioning. By increasing the number of available devices, APL will be better positioned to meet the needs of underserved communities, providing equitable access to digital resources for those who may otherwise have limited or no internet access. Their goal is to add at least 300 new devices into circulation by January 2025, if not sooner, and assign additional devices to library branches for outreach services that help serve the community more broadly. This initiative supports Austin's broader digital equity goals, which were recently recognized by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) when the City of Austin was named a 2023 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer. Austin earned this designation for its ongoing efforts to close the digital divide and provide residents with affordable internet access, devices, and digital literacy programs. The City’s commitment to digital inclusion is evident in its support of various programs, such as the Technology Opportunities Program, the Community PC Program, and digital literacy training initiatives through partners like Austin Free-Net. …
N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 2 4 C O M M U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T L a u r a T a d e n a C o m m u n i t y E n g a g e m e n t L i b r a r i a n THE POWER OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT B u i l d t r u s t a n d r e l a t i o n s h i p s F o s t e r s i n c l u s i o n a n d a m p l i f i e s v o i c e s R e f l e c t s c o m m u n i t y n e e d s D r i v e s i n n o v a t i o n a n d r e l e v a n c e I m p r o v e s a c c e s s a n d s t r e n g t h e n s o u t c o m e s STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT A P L M I S S I O N & V I S I O N M i s s i o n : I n s p i r e a l l t o d i s c o v e r , l e a r n , a n d c r e a t e . V i s i o n : B e a m o d e l o f e q u i t y , d i v e r s i t y , a c c e s s , a n d i n c l u s i o n . P U R P O S E A N D G O A L A s s e s s a n d e n h a n c e h o w e f f e c t i v e l y A P L e n g a g e s w i t h …
1 Director’s Report November 2024 TABLE OF CONTENTS Highlights ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….1 Facilities Update ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Capital Projects Update …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 Gallery ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4 APL Data & Numbers ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5 Programs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….6 Cardholders & Visitors …………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………….7 Circulation………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………..8 Check Outs & Conference Rooms……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9 Platforms & Tech ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……..10 Volunteers.………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………….………………….11 Budget & Expenditures .………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….11 HIGHLIGHTS APL Hosts Netherlands & Dutch Caribbean APL hosted an International Study Visit for 24 library professionals from the Netherlands and Dutch Caribbean. The four-day event featured collaborative roundtables, in-depth discussions with APL's Executive Leadership Team, and presentations on community engagement, school partnerships, and outreach strategies led by Jennifer Peters, Laura Tadena, Jenny Stirrat, and Melissa Sanchez. The group visited library locations, including the Central Library, St. John Branch, Windsor Park Branch, Terrazas Branch, Austin History Center, and African American Cultural and Heritage Facility. The group also had the opportunity to tour Austin City Hall and view the People's Gallery. The event concluded with a reflection session, which helped to foster cross-cultural insight and innovative approaches to library services. Nature Smart Libraries New Project! Pollinator Garden at Ruiz and Cepeda Branch Libraries Austin Public Library is in the planning and design stage of installing pollinator gardens at both Ruiz and Cepeda. The gardens will serve as a resource for educating the community about the importance of pollinators and connecting people with nature APL and Roots and Wings! APL is participating in the Roots and Wings Festival and is offering a variety of programs that highlight nature, creativity, and environmental stewardship. One highlight is the Urban Forest Explorers Nature Play Kit, which was made possible by a Roots and Wings grant. The kits will circulate with PARD’s Loose Parts Kit and will also be available in the youth areas of Cepeda, Ruiz, and Twin Oak Branch Libraries throughout the festival. APL Branch and Librarian Spotlight - Kayla De La Portilla @ Terrazas Branch Terrazas recently completed its renovation and the children's area now includes elements of nature play in the space. Kayla De La Portilla, Youth Librarian, has helped transform the area by introducing engaging, hands-on activities that connect children with the natural world. African American Cultural and Heritage Facility (AACHF) The AACHF recently played host to the City of Austin's Equity Office for their "Equity 101" workshop, a pivotal event aimed at fostering, understanding and promoting inclusivity within the community. This workshop provided participants with foundational knowledge on equity principles, highlighting the importance of addressing …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES 28 OCTOBER 2024 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the John Gillum Branch Library, in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair, Sheila Mehta, Vice- Chair, Melissah Hasdorff, Andrea Herrera Moreno Commission Members in Attendance Remotely: Magen Davis, Mark Smith Commission Members Absent: Steve DeRosa, Kezia Frayjo, Christina Masters PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León spoke to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the September 23, 2024, special called meeting. The minutes from the special called meeting of September 23, 2024, were approved with amendments on a motion by Commissioner Davis, seconded by Vice Chair Mehta, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners DeRosa, Frayjo, and Masters absent. The amendments were as follows: 1. Corrections to the spelling of “African” in the first sentence of the minutes. Library Commission Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 2. Correction of Commissioner Herrera Moreno’s name in the Approval of Minutes and Discussion and Action Items sections’ 3. Capitalization of the word “Commission” in the Public Comment and Staff Briefing Sections 4. Addition of the statement, “Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding approval of minutes concerns” in the Approval of Minutes section. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding approval of minutes concerns. STAFF BRIEFINGS Librarian III. 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Summer 2024 Programming by Alanna Graves, The presentation was made by Alanna Graves, Librarian III. 3. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Bond Progress Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. The presentation was made by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. 4. Staff briefing on the October Director’s Report covering public programming highlights, and APL facilities updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The presentation was made by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 5. Approval of the 2025 Library Commission Meeting Schedule The motion to approve the 2025 Library Commission Meeting Schedule was approved on Commissioner Smith’s motion, Commissioner Herrera Moreno’s second, on a 6-0 vote. Commissioner DeRosa, Frayjo, and Masters absent. WORKING GROUP UPDATE 6. Update from the Strategic Advocacy Working Group. The update was given by Commissioner Herrera Moreno. Carlos León provided public …
A Food Plan for Austin-Travis County ATCFPB November 2024 Austin/Travis County Food Planning Process Planning Team Coordinating and Project Managing the Planning Process ● ● ● ● ● ● City of Austin staff Travis County staff Consultant Team Equity Consultants Austin Travis Food Policy Board Executive Leadership Team Issue Area Groups Goal and Strategy Development Community Food Ambassadors Community Connections Community Advisory Committee ( CAC ) Advisory body overseeing the planning process Public Engagement General Public and Community Input The Public Engagement Phases We are here IFC from Austin City Council ● Develop an asset map of available resources and current food ● Create a roadmap with actionable steps for the City to prioritize and ● Identify ongoing funding and partnership opportunities to implement system conditions lead Plan strategies ● Continue to engage and support community-based organizations, school districts and higher education entities, small and large businesses, faith communities, grassroots initiatives, and individual community members to collaboratively achieve all goals within the Plan ● Identify and clearly define leadership roles and responsibilities for implementation of the various strategies within the Plan, including defining metrics and measurements of success, to return to Council with an update by March 2025, and to thereafter provide biannual updates on the implementation of the Plan ● Identify and prioritize the strategies within the Plan that address racial inequities and have a large impact on displacement, food access and insecurity, food workers, emergency food preparedness and response, and agricultural land ● Identify funding in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget for investment in and implementation of the Plan and to identify strategy priorities to be included as part of the next bond package ● Before the end of the Plan’s initial five-year time frame, the City Manager is directed to work with the Austin Travis County Food Policy Board and Plan partners to assess the state of the Plan and provide a recommendation to update the Plan accordingly Insert IFC Gant Chart Strategy 9.1 Launch an inclusive, community-based food collaborative or network that brings together businesses, community-based organizations, educational institutions, government, funders, and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the Austin/Travis County Food Plan, prioritizing community involvement on a regular basis Approach ● City and County staff are exploring a funding opportunity for an implementation coalition ● Staff are scoping and negotiating specifics and hope to have more detail before the end of the year ● …
